As the Angel God's guardian, Qian Daoliu's foremost duty was to protect the Angel lineage and ensure Qian Renxue became a god.
Faced with this sudden turn of events, his instinct was to choose the safest course: "hold our position and do nothing."
"Big Brother, are we really just going to watch?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo was somewhat unwilling to accept it.
"If we let them grow unchecked, they could become a serious threat in the future."
Qian Daoliu fell silent for a moment, his gaze deep and unreadable.
"Of course we can't just stand by."
"Since the Star Luo Empire has extended an invitation, we should at least show some response."
At this, Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes lit up. He immediately stepped forward and cupped his fists.
"Big Brother, since you have your reservations and don't want to take risks lightly, let me go!"
"I've been stuck at Level 98 for many years, and I've long since had few rivals.
That Great Sun King named Xu Yu is also Level 98. I'd like to see what he's really made of!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo's bones crackled all over as a long-suppressed yearning burned in his chest.
"We'll know if he's a horse or a mule once we bring him out for a run!"
Qian Daoliu looked at the old comrade who had followed him for many years. After a long pause, he gave a slight nod.
"Very well."
"Go test their strength, but don't underestimate them. If things turn against you, prioritize your own safety."
"As for me..."
Qian Daoliu closed his eyes again, golden light flowing around him.
"I'll remain in Spirit City to guard against this being a diversion, and to watch out for... other unexpected developments."
With the Spirit Hall leadership's decision made,
a lavish delegation led by Golden Crocodile Douluo himself, accompanied by several Titled Douluos, departed Spirit City in a grand procession, heading toward the Star Luo Empire.
At the same time, the Heaven Dou Empire's delegation also set out, at the behest of Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe.
Three days later, thirty li outside Linhai City.
On the Star Luo Empire's border, banners blotted out the sky, and killing intent soared.
Three fully mobilized Soul Master legions urgently dispatched from the Star Luo Empire joined forces with the Heaven Dou Empire's Royal Knights and Spirit Hall's Judgment Guard, made up entirely of high-ranking Soul Masters.
Together, they formed a terrifying allied force capable of sweeping through any nation on the continent.
However, despite their strength, the atmosphere inside the allied army's command tent was tense and uneasy.
Though Star Luo Emperor Dai Tianfeng was the host, he could only sit in the second seat.
Golden Crocodile Douluo sat in the place of honor, legs spread wide, his eyes half closed, like a sleeping lion.
Beside him stood Demon Subduing Douluo, the Seventh Worship, who had also come from the Worship Hall.
As for the Heaven Dou Empire, though its delegation consisted of only a prince and several Soul Douluo generals,
most of them seemed intent on putting in the bare minimum. Some even appeared to be there just to watch the spectacle.
"Everyone."
Golden Crocodile Douluo slowly opened his eyes, surveying the room as he spoke in a deep, forceful voice.
"Now that all three parties are here, there's no need for further discussion.
Since the Great Sun Prince Mansion dares to defy the order of the entire continent, it must be prepared to face the full fury of our wrath."
"Your Majesty Dai, your army will seal off the perimeter. Don't let a single fly escape."
"As for the assault..."
Golden Crocodile Douluo sneered and looked toward Linhai City.
"Ordinary troops would only be throwing their lives away in a battle of this scale.
I'll lead Spirit Hall's forces in a frontal assault and break through the city!"
Dai Tianfeng was seething inside, but he knew that they had no choice but to rely on Spirit Hall's high-ranking fighters. He immediately cupped his fists.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Second Worship!
If you can rescue my son and Duke Nether, the Star Luo Empire will reward you handsomely!"
At noon, the sun blazed overhead.
The allied army advanced toward Linhai City in a great procession.
However, when the familiar city came into view, everyone slowed their steps without meaning to.
The once-open harbor was now completely packed with Steel Giant Ships.
Their dark cannon muzzles were like countless cold eyes, fixed on the uninvited guests on shore.
On the walls of Linhai City stood two figures side by side, with a Black Base Gold Sun Flag waving behind them.
They were Xu Zhao and the Great Sun King, Xu Yu.
Faced with the dense army of Soul Masters below and the several surging auras of Titled Douluos,
neither of them showed the slightest hint of panic.
Xu Zhao even had the leisure to point at the ranks below and smile at Xu Yu.
"Father, it looks like we're quite important.
The Second Worship of Spirit Hall came in person. I doubt even the Clear Sky Sect got this kind of reception back in the day."
Xu Yu folded his arms, a disdainful smile tugging at his lips as his gaze swept through the crowd and fixed precisely on Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"They're nothing but rabble.
That old crocodile may have some skill.
But if he dares to attack, I don't mind stripping off his crocodile hide to make Yan'er a pair of boots."
Below the city walls,
Golden Crocodile Douluo seemed to sense Xu Yu's blatant, challenging stare, and his brow twitched.
"What an arrogant aura..."
Golden Crocodile Douluo was secretly startled.
Even from this far away, he could clearly feel the terrifying pressure emanating from the figure atop the wall.
It felt like facing a stormy ocean, unfathomable in its depths.
"Level 98... He really is Level 98!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo's last trace of hope vanished.
At the same level, the outcome of a fight to the death would be difficult to predict.
And their opponent also had those strange Steel Warships backing him.
If they rashly committed their entire force and got bogged down, Spirit Hall's losses could be astronomical.
"Big Brother was right. There's something sinister about the Great Sun Prince Mansion. We can't act rashly."
With that in mind, Golden Crocodile Douluo raised a hand, signaling the army to halt.
He turned to Demon Subduing Douluo beside him and said in a low voice:
"Seventh Brother, go test their strength."
"Remember, just challenge them and make them act. Don't get drawn into a fight.
I want to see what else the Great Sun Prince Mansion has up its sleeve besides that Level 98 fellow!"
"Yes, Second Brother!"
Demon Subduing Douluo could barely contain his eagerness for battle.
He gripped the Coiling Dragon Staff as the Soul Rings beneath his feet blazed—
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black!
The aura of a Level 96 Power Attack System Titled Douluo erupted in an instant!
Boom!
Demon Subduing Douluo shot into the sky like lightning, and the Coiling Dragon Staff in his hand swelled in the wind.
It became a hundred-meter-long dark red pillar, pointing toward the city walls as his voice rang out like a bell.
"I am Demon Subduing, Worship of Spirit Hall!"
"Rats on the wall, who dares come out and fight me?!"
His roar carried a tremendous surge of Soul Power, making the walls of Linhai City tremble slightly.
Atop the city wall,
Xu Zhao looked at the arrogant Demon Subduing Douluo in the air and shook her head lightly.
"Level 96?
And he dares come here to issue a challenge?"
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