Prelude to War
This Advanced Soul Master Tournament is proof of that. Both empires coincidentally sent their most prestigious princes as representatives. While there was certainly an element of competition and showcasing strength, the deeper reason was that this was Spirit City, and the tournament was hosted by the Spirit Hall.
In their minds, this was the safest and most law-abiding place on the entire continent. Even with undercurrents swirling between the two great empires, no one would dare to openly harm the heir of an empire on the territory of the Spirit Hall.
This trust did not come out of thin air.
For thousands of years, the Spirit Hall has maintained a relatively neutral and impartial stance in mediating conflicts across the continent.
It was the Spirit Hall that awakened the Martial Soul of countless ordinary Soul Master, giving them the opportunity to change their fate.
The Spirit Hall established a subsidy system for Soul Master, which, to a certain extent, maintained the stability of the Soul Master World.
The Spirit Hall has always been at the forefront of fighting against Fallen Soul Master and maintaining order.
They even dared to put the brutal succession competition rules of the Dai Family in the Star Luo Empire right under the nose of the Spirit Hall, and hold the final competition in the highly anticipated Advanced Soul Master Tournament! What kind of trust does it take to entrust this battle for the foundation of the nation to an external force for witnessing and presiding over?
Tang Hao, a sworn enemy of the Spirit Hall, dared to entrust his child Tang San, to the Spirit Hall to awaken his Martial Soul...
This reputation, accumulated over a thousand years by countless generations of Pope and members of the Spirit Hall, is an immeasurable treasure, a soft power far more powerful than any military force.
However, at this moment, Qian Xunji, sitting on the Pope, with an extremely cold and rational mind, unhesitatingly put this thousand-year-old reputation passed down from his ancestors, which was enough to make any power envious, onto the gambling table, and... went all in!
He used this unparalleled reputation as the perfect anesthetic and smokescreen to carry out the "Decapitation Operation." He exploited everyone's trust in the Spirit Hall's rules, luring them into this meticulously laid trap.
The results were astonishingly good.
Not a single bit was wasted.
Qian Xunji looked down at the faces below, which were filled with shock, anger, and finally despair, his golden eyes remaining completely calm.
Reputation? What's that?
In Qian Xunji's view, this was... an extremely worthwhile deal.
Once you take action, exposure is only a matter of time.
Since they're going to be accused of having ulterior motives anyway, why not strike first and solidify their claim?
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This sudden attack caught everyone off guard.
Even the four lower sects who secretly sided with the Spirit Hall were unaware of the inside story. At first, they were panicked and instinctively wanted to retaliate, but they forcibly restrained themselves.
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At the same moment, in Heaven Dou City, thousands of miles away, bloodshed and betrayal were also engulfing the city.
The once luxurious and magnificent palace complex is now a scene of devastation. The towering palaces have been chipped away by the aftershocks of the violent Soul Power, the exquisite reliefs have been reduced to dust, the jade floor tiles have shattered and splintered, and the air is filled with the smell of gunpowder and blood.
Due to the limitations of their inherited Martial Soul, the Heaven Dou Royal Family has indeed struggled to produce its own Titled Douluo throughout history. To address this, they spared no expense and resources, using wealth, power, and beauty to win over and keep three Titled Douluo as royal retainers.
These retainers, who usually live a life of luxury and enjoy the empire's top-tier treatment, have only one duty: to protect Xue Ye at close range in critical moments.
However, when the Spirit Hall's meticulously planned attack came down, this fragile relationship, based purely on self-interest, instantly revealed its vulnerable nature.
The attacking Spirit Hall elders were clearly well-prepared, possessing an absolute advantage in both strength and numbers. In the midst of the fierce battle, a Heaven Dou Empire Elder, attempting to protect Xue Ye, was struck down by two Spirit Hall elders in a single blow and died on the spot!
The other two attendants were horrified upon seeing this. Their relationship with the royal family was purely transactional; they had never imagined paying the ultimate price.
Seeing that the situation was hopeless and the Spirit Hall was too powerful, the two of them almost did not hesitate and immediately decided to retreat.
"Walk!"
One of them let out a low shout, and the two of them simultaneously unleashed their Soul Power, forcefully shaking off their opponent. They then transformed into two streaks of light, breaking through the palace dome without looking back, and instantly disappeared into the horizon. They had completely abandoned the emperor they were supposed to protect with their lives and fled!
The bonds of interest break so decisively in the face of life and death.
Having lost his last shield, and with his health already declining, Xue Ye was utterly powerless against the Spirit Hall's experts. A cold blade flashed, and this emperor, who had ruled the Heaven Dou Empire for decades, died on the spot, filled with shock, rage, and resentment!
The sudden death of Xue Ye was like removing the most crucial pillar supporting the stability of the empire. This country, already rife with undercurrents due to the princes' power struggle, instantly plunged into an unprecedented power vacuum and violent internal strife.
Before his death, Xue Ye did not explicitly appoint a crown prince in order to maintain a balance of power. Originally, the most advantageous eldest prince, Xue Qinghe, was a respected and capable man with the strong support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, making him the popular choice for successor. However, he is currently trapped in Spirit City, his life hanging in the balance, which is tantamount to withdrawing from the competition.
The remaining three princes—the second, third, and fourth princes—each had their own factions, and now they saw it as an excellent opportunity to ascend to the highest throne!
The second prince's maternal family was powerful, the third prince had considerable prestige in the military, and the fourth prince had the support of Prince Xue Xing... The three refused to yield to each other, each claiming to be the rightful heir to the empire.
Almost at the same time that news of Xue Ye's death spread, the three princes and their supporters began attacking each other, mobilizing their forces, and blocking key routes. The Heaven Dou Imperial City and even the entire empire were instantly plunged to the brink of collapse.
The Spirit Hall employed a similar tactic with the duchies and kingdoms within the Heaven Dou Empire; after the king's death, these countries also descended into civil war.
The Spirit Hall's thunderous strike not only shattered the highest authority of the Heaven Dou Empire, but also cleverly ignited all the long-simmering internal conflicts.
The political landscape of the mainland is collapsing and being reshaped at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, the Spirit Hall sits calmly, watching its prey descend into self-destruction through internal division.
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The Star Luo Empire, however, found this move less effective.
Because the Star Luo Empire is a country with a highly militarized administration.
The Star Luo Emperor has extremely strong control over the entire empire. Even some families and sects that do not submit to his rule will go into seclusion and temporarily avoid confrontation, such as the Star Crown Sect.
Even though the titled elders of the Spirit Hall killed many generals and officials.
However, the Star Luo Empire quickly regained control of the situation and sent new officials and generals to take over.
Unless Dai Yutian dies, it's unlikely that anything will go wrong.
However, Dai Yutian was Titled Douluo- level powerhouse with Martial Soul Fusion Skill, the protection of other Titled Douluo, and the support of the Star Luo City guards.
Killing him would be extremely difficult.
Chapter 241 Prelude to War
The Star Luo Empire, its capital city, Star Luo City.
Inside the majestic imperial palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed to drip water. Emperor Dai Yutian of the Star Luo Emperor sat high on his throne. He had just received an urgent intelligence report transmitted through special channels— the Spirit Hall had launched a horrifying attack, targeting the high-ranking officials of various factions, especially the imperial ministers and generals.
Although news of the current situation in Spirit City, especially regarding the two princes, has not yet been received, Dai Yutian, with his political acumen and judgment of the Spirit Hall's ambitions, already understands that his two sons, on whom he placed high hopes— Dai Weisi and Dai Mubai —are probably in grave danger at this moment.
As an emperor known for his iron-fisted and domineering nature, Dai Yutian's face did not reveal much grief or panic. Only his hands, gripping the armrests of the throne with bulging veins, showed the turbulent waves and overwhelming anger surging within him. It was his fury at the actions of the Spirit Hall, as well as his deep concern for the future of the empire.
"Issue my orders!" Dai Yutian's voice, like the clang of metal, shattered the deathly silence in the hall. "Martial law is hereby declared in Star Luo City! All legions are to enter a state of first-level combat readiness. Border fortresses are to be reinforced with heightened vigilance, and supplies are to be centrally allocated..."
Clear and decisive military mobilization orders were swiftly issued, and the entire Star Luo Empire, this massive war machine, began to rumble into motion under his will, preparing to face the impending storm.
At the end, Dai Yutian's voice paused almost imperceptibly, a fleeting, indescribable emotion flashing in his eyes, only to be replaced by the resolute determination of an emperor. He took a deep breath, his voice becoming even more firm, even tinged with coldness:
"Effective immediately, the Second Prince and the Fifth Prince will be officially added to the imperial succession assessment sequence."
Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent, followed by a slight commotion. The subtext was crystal clear—His Majesty the Emperor had tacitly acknowledged the "loss" of Dai Weisi and Dai Mubai, and that to ensure the continuation of the Star Luo Empire's lineage, the cultivation of a new successor must begin immediately!
Everyone knows that the Second Prince and the Fifth Prince's talent and temperament are far inferior to those of Dai Weisi and Dai Mubai. They were originally just supporting characters who were eliminated early in the competition for the throne. But in this critical moment of transition, they can only barely pick out two relatively tall ones from these "dwarfs".
"Your Majesty!" An old minister who had originally supported Dai Weisi couldn't help but step forward, still hoping to offer a glimmer of hope for his favored prince, "The eldest prince is exceptionally talented; perhaps he is blessed with good fortune..."
"Silence!" Dai Yutian interrupted sharply, his gaze sweeping like a cold blade over the old minister and the other people in the hall who were itching to agree. "My mind is made up! Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures! For the future of the Star Luo Empire, this is the necessary and only choice! No one is to object further!"
His voice carried an undeniable authority and a hint of barely perceptible pain.
The continuation of the empire is more important than personal life and death, even more important than the bond between father and son. This is the destiny of the Star Luo Royal Family, and it is also the cruelest decision that Dai Yutian, as emperor, must make. The wheels of the Star Luo Empire must continue to turn forward, even if it means crushing the bones of his own son.
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The shadow of war never hangs over only Soul Master. Although the army of the Douluo Continent is mainly composed of Soul Master, and the Spirit Hall's surprise attack was precisely targeted at the high-ranking officials and elites of various forces, the ensuing chain reaction spread like a plague to every corner of society, especially to the most impoverished commoners.
To replenish their ranks, the empire and various powers began forcibly conscripting low-ranking Soul Master from commoner backgrounds. They might have just wanted a peaceful life, but now they had no choice but to take up arms and head to an unknown battlefield. In order to maintain the enormous war expenditures, heavy taxes piled up like a mountain, and various miscellaneous taxes skyrocketed overnight, making life unbearable for ordinary people who were already struggling to survive.
Once order is broken, darkness will breed. Theft, robbery, vendettas... all kinds of evils spread wildly in the shadowy corners where no strong restraint has been found.
Even more chilling is that some noble families and Soul Master clans seem to have sensed some kind of "opportunity." In the past, they were wary of the rules set by the Spirit Hall and dared not openly use certain forbidden methods to improve their strength. Now that the Spirit Hall has torn off its mask and overturned the table, this wariness has vanished. Some rumors about the mysterious disappearance of commoners have begun to spread quietly in the shadows.
Tang San, who was frantically fleeing towards the Star Dou Great Forest, took in all the changes along the way. Although he didn't know why the Spirit Hall had launched its attack so many years earlier than he remembered from his previous life, he keenly realized that this chaotic world was a crisis for others, but an opportunity for him!
As expected, Bibi Dong, who had previously relentlessly pursued him and enjoyed almost unimpeded access thanks to her status as a deacon of the Spirit Hall, began to run into trouble. Her identity had now become her death warrant, as forces filled with hatred for the Spirit Hall or desperate criminals looking to take advantage of the situation turned their attacks on her, greatly slowing down her pursuit.
On the contrary, Tang San's identity as Fallen Soul Master seemed insignificant at this moment. Some people even ignored his obvious Fallen Soul Master aura when they saw him being chased by the Spirit Hall and took the initiative to approach him, trying to win him over as a "powerful ally" to fight against the Spirit Hall.
After a brief encounter with one of the groups, Tang San hesitated for a moment before ultimately choosing to refuse.
It's not that he doesn't need help, but rather that these people are too low-level.
He had the blueprints for the Tang Sect's unparalleled Hidden Weapon in his mind. Whether it was the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus, the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles, or the Peacock Plume, they all required a massive amount of extremely rare metals and minerals to forge. These mountain bandits or small-scale forces simply could not provide the resources he needed; they were short-sighted and weak.
What fueled his murderous intent even more was that, after witnessing the power of his Hidden Weapon, these people kept glancing at him during their conversations, their greed undisguised.
"Coveting the Tang Sect Secret Arts... this is a death sentence!"
If the situation weren't so critical, and the primary goals weren't to get rid of Bibi Dong and improve his strength, Tang San would have even considered turning these reckless fools into nourishment for his Eight Spider Lances.
The agony of possessing a treasure trove but being unable to access it tormented Tang San. This made him miss the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect of his previous life even more. The school where Ning Rongrong belonged was not only incredibly wealthy, but more importantly, they possessed a unique talent for appraising treasures, enabling them to accurately find and provide him with all the rare materials needed to forge top-tier Hidden Weapon.
"If I could regain the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect..." This thought flashed through his mind, then transformed into a deeper desire and calculation.
Chaotic times are a paradise for adventurers, and a stage for people like him. He needs to find a "partner" of sufficient weight, or... a force that he can control.
Before that, he must improve his strength as soon as possible, complete the Rakshasa God's test, and find a way to acquire resources.
His gaze fell upon the vast and dangerous Star Dou Great Forest in the distance. There lay his prey, and perhaps, other opportunities as well.
Although Xiao Wu is dead, the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python are still alive. Based on his understanding of these two Soul Beast from his previous life, he might be able to persuade them to become his allies...
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Spirit City
Deep underground within the Spirit Hall, the cold and damp cells were already overcrowded.
The once powerful figures and geniuses of various factions are now imprisoned here like ordinary prisoners.
Everyone was forcibly fed pills specially made by Bian Que, and their Soul Power was completely sealed. Apart from their slightly stronger physical qualities due to years of Soul Power tempering, they were no different from ordinary people.
The prison cell where the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was imprisoned was relatively quiet. Ning Fengzhi leaned against the cold stone wall, his face showing undisguised regret and exhaustion. He had ultimately miscalculated one step, or rather, he had placed too much faith in the Spirit Hall's thousand-year-old "reputation."
"Uncle Jian, Uncle Gu," he said in a low voice, filled with deep remorse, "Back then... you shouldn't have cared about me; you should have broken through on your own. It was my carelessness that dragged you into this."
Sword Douluo Chen Xin sat cross-legged to the side, his back ramrod straight even in his imprisonment, just like the Seven Kill Sword in his hand. He slowly shook his head, his voice calm yet sharp, revealing a keen understanding of the situation. "Feng Zhi, it's not like that. I could sense at the time that there were at least two other auras, no weaker than mine, locking onto the battlefield from the shadows. The Spirit Hall... didn't go all out. Even if I had no desire to fight and only wanted to break through with Old Bones, I'm afraid we would have had a hard time succeeding."
His gaze seemed to pierce through the thick stone walls, revealing even more powerful figures hidden in the shadows of the Pope Palace. Putting aside everything else, the sheer speed of Pope Qian Xunji's Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul was something he couldn't easily escape.
Bone Douluo Gu Rong also spoke up in a muffled voice, echoing in the cramped cell. "That old bastard is right. The Spirit Hall planned this all along. This Advanced Soul Master Tournament was a trap from beginning to end! They're willing to tear off their thousand-year-old facade, how could they let us escape so easily? Don't forget, in the Worship Hall, sits the former Pope of the Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu, who was once unparalleled on the continent."
Gu Rong and Qian Daoliu were not from the same era, but Gu Rong had seen and heard of his charisma.