Spirit City's walls rose tall and imposing, grander even than those of Heaven Dou City.
Qin Yuan was visiting for the first time. As the convoy entered the city, he lifted the carriage curtain to take in the sights along the way.
But the convoy soon ran into trouble.
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy's convoy was the empire's public face and traveled at its head. From inside the carriage, Qin Yuan had a clear view of everything ahead.
As it happened, the Star Luo Empire's convoy arrived at the gate at the same time.
Though the two empires had long maintained a mutually beneficial relationship in academic matters, they had already torn off the mask in every other respect.
That was especially true at the border. If the balance of military strength tipped even slightly, the other side would launch a war without hesitation.
The Soul Master Tournament was a stage for the two empires to showcase their outstanding young Soul Masters.
To yield now would put them a head shorter in bearing and deal a severe blow to their morale!
Duke Lei Zhen led the Heaven Dou Royal Knights precisely to prevent any mishap along the way.
Yet Qin Yuan was highly regarded by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. His standing in the convoy was second only to Lei Zhen's, and when necessary, Lei Zhen even had to consider his opinion.
The two empires' convoys blocked the city gate. Spirit Hall made no move to intervene; its people looked ready to watch the show.
Lei Zhen rode up to the carriage and knocked on its side. "The empire's convoy ran into the same situation at the last tournament. The Star Luo Empire got the better of us and entered the city first."
"His Majesty was quite displeased. If they get the better of us again this year, it'll be hard to answer for it. Mr. Qin, what do you think?"
Qin Yuan nodded, stepped out of the carriage, and walked to the front of the convoy. His gaze swept over the Star Luo Royal Cavalry.
Their formation and equipment alone showed how strong the Star Luo Empire was. Its soldiers were equipped a notch better than Heaven Dou's cavalry.
This was Spirit City's entrance. Fighting to settle the matter was out of the question. Otherwise, with Lei Zhen's temper, why would he have asked for Qin Yuan's opinion?
After a moment, Qin Yuan had an idea. He pressed a hand downward, signaling Lei Zhen to relax.
Then he turned toward the Star Luo Empire's convoy and shouted, "What's this? Is the Star Luo Empire full of rats who only dare to hide their heads and tails?"
Qin Yuan was no supporter of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, but he was not one to accept a loss. Why would he willingly take second place? Besides, the imperial family had given him plenty. When it mattered, he would stand on its side.
The Star Luo Empire's convoy was led by a battle-hardened general. He had clearly faced Lei Zhen on the battlefield before. Neither man thought much of the other, and they looked ready to come to blows.
But when he saw that Qin Yuan was speaking for Heaven Dou, the general ignored Lei Zhen for the moment.
"The Heaven Dou Empire truly has fallen, letting a youngster speak for its convoy." The general was powerfully built and carried a killing aura forged on the battlefield. Even without showing anger, he commanded fear.
Even the seasoned Heaven Dou Royal Knights could not help taking a step back.
Qin Yuan did not yield. He took several steps forward and stopped before the man.
Their eyes met. Each exerted his presence, trying to force the other back.
The Star Luo General's heart sank.
A mere peak Spirit Emperor, yet he has such a commanding presence. Rare indeed! Worse, he sensed a killing intent in Qin Yuan's eyes so immense that even he felt a chill.
Since when did the Heaven Dou Empire have someone like him?
But he would not admit defeat in front of everyone. A cold smile touched his lips. "Youngster, be good and let the Star Luo Empire's convoy enter first, unless you want a beating!"
Qin Yuan folded his arms and scoffed. "What a joke. Since when has my Heaven Dou Empire stood beneath the Star Luo Empire?"
As he spoke, his voice grew lower. A chill drifted through the air from nowhere.
The Star Luo cavalrymen at the front felt their blood run cold. Their horses panicked, neighing one after another as their hooves clattered in disorder.
Under everyone's astonished gaze, Qin Yuan seemed to become an Asura in human form. Just standing there, he exerted tremendous pressure.
The Divine Slaughter's Domain spread silently, enveloping the Star Luo Empire's cavalry.
As its power mounted, the frightened horses scattered in every direction, throwing the entire Star Luo convoy into chaos.
"You're only a Spirit Emperor, yet you possess a domain—and one formed from killing intent. Who are you?" the Star Luo General demanded.
Qin Yuan had no obligation to answer him. He pointed behind the general. "I think you should get your convoy back in order, before your horses run wild through the streets and give someone grounds to accuse you."
Spirit City was sacred ground in the hearts of Soul Masters. Would causing trouble here not make them enemies of the entire Soul Master World?
Even the Star Luo Emperor himself would have to show this place the respect it deserved, let alone a general.
Qin Yuan was right. If the panicked warhorses charged into the city, the consequences would be unthinkable.
When the general raised no objection, Qin Yuan gave a soft laugh, turned, and waved the Heaven Dou Empire's convoy into the city.
As for the Star Luo Empire's convoy, its people had a mess to clean up. They had no time to stop him.
Once inside the city, the Heaven Dou Empire's contestants were lodged in a hotel, while the Heaven Dou Royal Knights were assigned a designated place to camp.
Inside the hotel.
Qin Yuan had a room to himself. As soon as Lei Zhen had settled his soldiers, he came to visit.
He entered carrying two jugs of fine wine, praising Qin Yuan as he came. "That was satisfying! It's been a long time since I've seen the Star Luo Empire suffer a setback like that. Mr. Qin, you're one of the few people I truly admire!"
Lei Zhen made himself at home on the sofa and set down the wine. "Mr. Qin, the army has its rules, so I can't drink. I've kept these two jugs for thirty years. I hope you'll accept them and enjoy them when you need to unwind."
After a few pleasantries, he got to the point.
"People from the Star Luo Empire have always been petty. You made them show their backsides this time, and I doubt they'll let it go. They may try something against you in secret. Be careful."
Qin Yuan shook his head. "They wouldn't dare!"
Bibi Dong needed something from him now. With him in the city, she would certainly give him special attention.
Of course, the people "protecting" him in secret would also be Bibi Dong's eyes and ears, sent to keep watch on him.
Lei Zhen sighed and leaned back against the sofa, anxiety weighing on him. "The schedule is tight. We have only one day to rest. Tomorrow is the opening ceremony, and the matches follow right after. Arrange for the Battle Teams to rest as soon as possible."
"At the last tournament—the first Soul Master Tournament—the empire was poorly prepared. Our best result was only a place in the final six, achieved by the Godwind Academy Team. His Majesty could hardly hold his head up."
"We draw the sovereign's pay, so we must shoulder his worries. I hope you understand my concerns, Mr. Qin. Everyone in the empire longs for an overwhelming victory to steady the people's hearts."
"Of course, His Majesty isn't asking us to fight the Spirit Hall Team to the bitter end. We only need to finish ahead of the Star Luo Empire."
Qin Yuan had already made detailed plans.
He could not control the other Battle Teams, but the Fighting Team's performance had grown much more consistent. As long as they did not draw the Spirit Hall Academy Team in their first match, there should be no serious problem.
After Lei Zhen left, Qin Yuan gathered the members of the Fighting Team.
As a Battle Team guaranteed a place in the finals, they had a bye in the first round of the finals.
Thus, the Fighting Team had no match after tomorrow's opening ceremony.
But the bye was not meant to let them rest. It was their chance to get into top form as quickly as possible for the grueling matches ahead.
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