Great Li Seven Guards, Mask Soul Tool

"Y-Your Majesty?"

Whenever Xiao Wu accepted that her abilities had become incredibly powerful, some new surprise always appeared.

Back in the Star Dou Great Forest, Lin Qi had still been His Highness. How had he become His Majesty as soon as they got here?

"Rise."

Lin Qi had practically slipped into his new identity in an instant.

After receiving so many rewards, he could handle this much mental adjustment.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Ge Ming rose, he still kept his body slightly bowed.

"Wait, are you a Soul Beast that underwent Humanoid Transformation? Did you infiltrate human society to protect Lin Qi?"

Xiao Wu instinctively assumed Ge Ming was in league with the Battle Saint Ape.

"What nonsense. The Ge Clan has served as ministers of the Great Li Empire for generations. How could we be beasts who underwent Humanoid Transformation?"

"Then why do you call Lin Qi His Majesty?"

"Of course, because His Majesty is the sole remaining bloodline of the Great Li Imperial Family, the rightful Emperor of Great Li."

Why had another Great Li Empire suddenly appeared?

Master, Master, just how many hidden identities do you have?

Lin Qi coughed and said,

"Tell me in detail about the Great Li Dynasty. Also, how many people can I... His Majesty still command?"

"Your subject obeys." Ge Ming replied respectfully.

"The Great Li Empire once ruled the Douluo Continent for over a hundred thousand years. Its power was unmatched throughout history, and its influence unparalleled since."

"The Empire stood at the height of its glory until the earth-shattering calamity fifty thousand years ago. The imperial family was nearly wiped out, fewer than one in ten experts remained, and the Great Li Empire fell apart."

"Fortunately, the heavens took pity on us, allowing Your Majesty's branch of the imperial bloodline to endure. Your Majesty has been blessed by the heavens with extraordinary talent and will surely lead us to forge a new empire no less glorious than the Great Li Empire at its peak."

As Ge Ming spoke, his eyes brimmed with longing and aspiration.

He yearned for the vanished Great Li Empire, desperately wishing to witness the splendor of that prosperous age.

Lin Qi had not felt much, but Ge Ming already looked unable to contain his emotions.

"Your subject has behaved improperly before His Majesty. Please forgive me."

"Your subject has finally beheld Your Majesty's divine countenance with his own eyes. The wish of a lifetime has finally been fulfilled."

Lin Qi waved a hand.

"I pardon you. Continue."

"Yes."

Ge Ming continued,

"When Great Li suddenly collapsed, most of its experts perished as well. Yet seven lineages of loyal men devoted to Great Li have continued their inheritance to this day."

"These seven lineages formed the Great Li Seven Guards: the Blood Guard, Iron Guard, Commerce Guard, Dark Guard, Artifact Guard, Ritual Guard, and Military Guard. Each has its own duty and awaits only Your Majesty's command."

Ge Ming then explained the duties of the Great Li Seven Guards in detail.

The Blood Guard specialized in assassination. It was the sharpest blade.

The Iron Guard specialized in protecting the Great Li Imperial Family. It was the strongest shield.

The Commerce Guard specialized in business. It was Great Li's money bag.

The Dark Guard specialized in gathering intelligence. It was the most pervasive set of ears.

The Artifact Guard specialized in crafting imperial items and Soul Tools. It consisted of the Divine Craftsmen most skilled at creation.

The Ritual Guard specialized in cultivating the bearing and demeanor of Great Li imperial descendants. It upheld the most meticulous rites.

The Military Guard specialized in large-scale warfare. It was the most violent flood.

Lin Qi nodded slightly.

It seemed this emperor of his was not merely a figurehead. He had quite a few loyal, capable, and worthy ministers beneath him.

"Beloved Minister Ge, which of the Seven Guards do you belong to?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, your subject belongs to the Blood Guard."

"The Blood Guard?"

Lin Qi had assumed Ge Ming belonged to the Commerce Guard. After all, the Soul Fighting Arenas spread throughout the Douluo Continent were undoubtedly massive money-making machines.

Ge Ming explained, "Your subject is stationed at the Soul Fighting Arena, but my primary duty is to select talents among the Soul Masters participating in Soul Fights who are suited to join the Blood Guard and Military Guard."

"I see."

It seemed the Great Li Seven Guards were no ragtag outfit, but a powerful force with organization, influence, and wealth.

"Very well. I roughly understand the situation now. I have something for you to do."

Ge Ming immediately swept his sleeve aside and dropped to one knee.

"Whatever Your Majesty commands, your subject will accomplish it with all his strength, without regret even in death."

"Get me a Soul Fight identity. Oh, and get one for her too."

"Yes. Your subject will arrange two highest-grade Soul Dueling Badges immediately."

Ge Ming answered at once.

"Wait. I do not need high-grade badges. I only need the most ordinary Iron Soul Dueling Badges. I will fight my way to the highest grade myself."

Ge Ming did not advise His Majesty against taking risks. Instead, he said excitedly,

"Great Li imperial descendants have always been exceptionally gifted Soul Masters. As the Emperor of Great Li, Your Majesty will surely suppress countless Soul Masters and ascend to the pinnacle."

"Your subject congratulates Your Majesty in advance on overpowering all others and commanding the world with your might."

After speaking, Ge Ming requested leave and withdrew to prepare the items Lin Qi wanted.

Before long, Ge Ming returned.

On the tray he held with both hands, besides two Iron Soul Dueling Badges, were two masks, one gold and one silver.

"Your Majesty, Soul Masters participating in Soul Fights may only fight one match per day. However, with these two badges, you may participate in Soul Fights without restriction."

"Furthermore, other Soul Masters may only fight opponents of the same realm, but with this Soul Dueling Token, Your Majesty may challenge Soul Masters of higher ranks."

Ge Ming truly had tremendous faith in Lin Qi as emperor and was not worried in the slightest that Lin Qi might face mortal danger in a Soul Fight.

But that suited Lin Qi perfectly.

What was the point of only being able to fight once a day? Naturally, no restrictions were better.

Moreover, opponents in the same realm could not place even the slightest pressure on Lin Qi. Fighting them was not very interesting, and he would gain almost nothing from it.

"What are these two masks for?"

Ge Ming said, "These two Mask Soul Tools are important research achievements of the Artifact Guard. Once worn, they can alter one's appearance and physique, completely turning the wearer into another person."

"Oh?"

Lin Qi was intrigued.

The current standard of Soul Tools on the Douluo Continent was rather mediocre. This Mask Soul Tool had definitely surpassed the standards of the present era.

Lin Qi put on the mask and quickly figured out how to use the Soul Tool.

Xiao Wu stared intently at Lin Qi. Once the mask covered his face, it seemed to merge into his body.

Then Lin Qi's form shifted, and he became Master Meng.

"You are utterly hopeless. Rotten Wood cannot be carved. How could there be such a foolish Rabbit in this world?"

"Master Meng" berated Xiao Wu fiercely.

"H-How amazing."

Xiao Wu could not see any difference between the Master Meng before her and the real Master Meng.

In her shock, she did not even pay attention to what Lin Qi had said.

Then Xiao Wu saw Lin Qi's body rapidly shrink as he turned into a... girl.

"Who are you? How dare you impersonate me?"

That was right. This time, Lin Qi had transformed into Xiao Wu.

"Is this real? You really look exactly like me."

Xiao Wu could not help reaching out, wanting to pinch Lin Qi's face and see whether she could peel off the mask.

Thump—

"Ow!"

Xiao Wu's attempt failed.

She received a flick on the forehead, and tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched her aching forehead.

Lin Qi returned to his original appearance and removed the mask.

"Beloved Minister Ge, what level of Soul Master can this mask deceive?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this golden mask was painstakingly crafted by several Divine Craftsmen of the Artifact Guard. There is only one of it. Even a Titled Douluo would be unable to see through it."

"As for the silver mask, it cannot conceal itself from a Titled Douluo's senses."

The effect was that good?

Holding the golden mask, Lin Qi felt that if he wanted to impersonate Xue Qinghe, he would certainly do a better job than Qian Renxue.

"Rabbit, pick up your Soul Dueling Badge and mask, then follow me."