Autumn in Xilu City carried an air of tension. In the study of the City Lord's Residence, flickering candlelight illuminated two alliance treaties spread across the table—Xue Beng, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, sat before the desk, his silver armor lending his features a steady composure; across from him, Dai Qingyan, Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, wore a black dragon robe, his fingers lightly tapping the table as his gaze rested on the "military mutual assistance" clause. Dai Weisi stood beside him, the aura of a level 92 Titled Douluo concealed but ready to erupt, his wary eyes sweeping the window outside.
"The Spirit Hall Empire has annexed the affiliated city-states of the two great empires for three months already. If we do not unite now, I fear we will be unable to withstand their iron hooves." Xue Beng's voice carried urgency as his fingertip tapped the treaty. "We are willing to deploy one hundred thousand heavily armored cavalry. The Star Luo Empire need only seal off the southern border and cut off the Spirit Hall Empire's food and supply lines. That will create a pincer attack."
Dai Qingyan nodded slightly and was just about to agree when a tremendous crash suddenly rang out from beyond the study—followed by the guards' screams and the thunderous roar of colliding Soul Power! "Not good!" Dai Weisi instantly summoned his White Tiger Spirit. As golden light surged around him, he kicked open the door. In the courtyard stood several familiar figures: Demon Subduing Douluo, holding a Coiled Dragon Staff and surrounded by nine spirit rings; behind him were Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan of the Spirit Hall Empire's Golden Generation. Dozens of black-clad soul masters at the Soul Douluo level had already surrounded the City Lord's Residence.
"Crown Prince