This Girl Was a Little Strange (Part 1)

"Congratulations. You have earned qualification for this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Your performance this time exceeded my expectations."

As he spoke, Xue Ye glanced at Shui Wuchen before continuing, "As the captain and vice-captain of your team, I have decided to grant the ten of you the rank of viscount, while your teammates will receive the rank of baron. Once you graduate, fiefs will be permanently bestowed upon you."

Upon hearing Xue Ye's words, quite a few people present drew sharp breaths. Even Shui Wuchen was somewhat surprised. Xue Ye's reward was unexpectedly generous.

The hierarchy of noble titles in this world resembled that of the medieval era in his previous life. From lowest to highest, they were baron, viscount, count, marquis, and duke.

Moreover, unlike the smaller kingdoms and duchies, Xue Ye, as emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, would certainly grant titles with fiefs attached.

A viscount's fief was roughly the size of several towns. Tax revenue alone brought in a considerable income each year, and within the fief, the lord possessed complete autonomy. It was practically a nation within a nation; unless there were special circumstances, no one would interfere with the lord.

It was precisely for this reason that the Two Great Empires of Heaven Dou and Star Luo rarely granted noble titles anymore. After all, they did not want several more kingdoms and duchies that obeyed orders only when it suited them.

Yet now, in order to win them over, he had directly offered ten viscountcies and dozens of baronies. It was clear that Xue Ye was a man of resolve.

However, at that moment, Salas suddenly interjected, "Your Majesty, isn't this inappropriate? There has never been a precedent for granting noble titles before, and aren't your rewards a little too generous?"

"It's of no concern!"

Hearing Salas's words, Xue Ye merely smiled calmly. "They are only a few noble titles. They mean nothing to the Heaven Dou Empire.

"Furthermore, I will make a promise here today. If your team can win the final championship, the captain and vice-captain will be promoted by two ranks, while the other team members will be promoted by one rank. The academy you belong to will also receive financial support from the empire!"

At this, Salas's expression turned rather ugly. How could Xue Ye's intentions possibly escape him? This condition was clearly aimed at Shui Wuchen, while also taking the opportunity to win over his younger sister, Shui Bing'er.

The rank of viscount was already extremely high. Two more promotions would make him a marquis, would it not? There were not many such nobles in the entire Heaven Dou Empire. Xue Ye was truly willing to spend.

"Also, if you perform outstandingly in the Promotion Tournament, the empire can help you hunt your next Soul Ring. There will be no restrictions on the type of soul beast!"

Upon hearing Xue Ye's promise, everyone's hearts began to race. Though they all had forces backing them to some extent, how could those forces compare to the Heaven Dou Empire?

No restrictions on the type of soul beast meant that they could choose the soul beasts best suited to them, giving them greater achievements in the future.

However, as good as Xue Ye's promise was, it held little appeal for Shui Wuchen.

The Heaven Dou Empire was indeed powerful, but that power did not lie in its Soul Masters. It lay in its vast population and expansive territory.

When it came to Soul Masters, the Heaven Dou Empire had very, very few Soul Douluo. As for Titled Douluo, it had only one Guest Official—the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.

Shui Wuchen's sixth Soul Ring was already at the fifty-thousand-year level, so his seventh Soul Ring would only require an even higher age. Unless the Heaven Dou Empire mobilized the strength of the entire nation, it could not provide him with a suitable Soul Ring.

As for Shui Bing'er's Soul Rings, he could hunt them for her himself. There was no need for the Heaven Dou Empire's assistance at all.

"The Promotion Tournament will be held in a month. By then, I hope you can make further breakthroughs and bring glory to our Heaven Dou Empire."

After saying that, Xue Ye glanced faintly at Salas before turning and leaving under the escort of a group of high-ranking officials.

Seeing this, Salas's gaze flickered, but he said nothing.

After Xue Ye departed, Shui Wuchen and Shui Bing'er left the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena together.

He could naturally tell that the atmosphere between the Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall was somewhat off. They had even reached the point of open and covert struggle, but he did not care.

This world was a transcendent one, a world where an individual's power could be gathered within a single body. Before absolute personal strength, things like politics were ultimately too fragile to withstand a single blow.

As an organization, Spirit Hall dared to contend with the Heaven Dou Empire, one of the continent's Two Great Empires, because it possessed far more Soul Masters than the Heaven Dou Empire.

Yes, the Heaven Dou Empire, one of the continent's Two Great Empires, controlled fewer Soul Masters than Spirit Hall.

In fact, not to mention the Heaven Dou Empire alone—even if Heaven Dou, Star Luo, and the Upper Three Sects joined forces, they could only barely contend with Spirit Hall.

Spirit Hall's strength was evident from this.

Xue Ye had likely sensed that something was wrong as well, which was why he was so eager to recruit Shui Wuchen and the others.

It was not merely because he lacked powerful Soul Masters, but also because he could not allow Spirit Hall's strength to continue growing.

Late at night, to celebrate Skywater Academy's undefeated run through the Preliminary Round, Shui Wuchen unusually did not cultivate. Instead, he accompanied the women of Skywater Academy to a hotel for a celebration.

After the celebration ended, Shui Bing'er said to Shui Wuchen, "Brother, it's so lively outside. Can you take me for a walk?"

Seeing the hopeful look in Shui Bing'er's eyes, Shui Wuchen did not refuse. He nodded in agreement.

"That's great!"

Hearing Shui Wuchen agree, Shui Bing'er clapped excitedly, then pulled him toward the busiest street in Heaven Dou City.

A short while later, Shui Wuchen and Shui Bing'er arrived at their destination. Looking at the bustling shops on either side, glowing with all kinds of lights, Shui Wuchen was somewhat astonished. He had not expected Heaven Dou City to be so prosperous.

The brilliantly lit scene nearly made Shui Wuchen think he had returned to Blue Star.

When Shui Bing'er saw the sight before her, her eyes immediately lit up. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she quickly took Shui Wuchen's hand and pointed toward a shop. "Brother, let's go take a look over there!"

After that, Shui Wuchen accompanied his younger sister through one shop after another.

At the same time, seeing that Tang San was in low spirits, Xiao Wu brought him to this street to clear his mind.

"Third Brother, don't be unhappy anymore. Look, isn't this little rabbit adorable?"

Xiao Wu linked her arm through Tang San's, holding up a rabbit-shaped sugar figurine as she smiled at him.

Tang San merely nodded silently and replied, "Pretty. Very pretty."

Before long, the two hurried past a stall.

"Hm?"

At that moment, Shui Wuchen, who was waiting in front of the stall for fried potatoes, seemed to sense something. He turned toward Xiao Wu and Tang San.

Looking at Xiao Wu's back, a thoughtful glint appeared in Shui Wuchen's eyes. "That is..."