Xu Zhao: The Elite Tournament? If I Compete, Won't You Lose It? Kong Xuan, Ao Hongchen! Yin Chen, Yin Hong!

Xu Zhao began weighing his options.

The Defense Clan was currently living in seclusion in Longxing City, Star Luo Empire.

It lay in the northern part of the Star Luo Empire, a long way from Linhai City and deep in hostile territory.

If he sent someone to invite them, given Niu Gao's stubborn temper,

and the fact that the Great Ming Empire had just humiliated the Star Luo Imperial Family, the other side would probably tear up the letter without even reading it.

"Looks like I'll have to make the trip myself."

A glint flashed in Xu Zhao's eyes.

As it happened, the Great Ming Empire had only just been established, and the situation had begun to stabilize.

Externally, the Star Luo Empire was wary of acting because of the vast gap in strength.

Its army had gathered at the border, but it didn't dare cross the line.

Internally, after a series of decisive measures and policies benefiting the people, the people of Linhai City and the empire's provinces had become fully devoted to the new regime.

His leaving for a while at this point wouldn't affect the bigger picture.

"Someone."

Xu Zhao spoke calmly.

"Here!"

"Go inform Father. Tell him that I've been cooped up long enough and want to travel incognito, to see the beautiful landscapes of Douluo Continent."

That evening, in Diligence Hall.

"You're going to the northern part of the Star Luo Empire?"

After hearing Xu Zhao's plan, Xu Yu furrowed his brow and said with some concern:

"Zhao'er, our relations with the Star Luo Empire are now beyond repair.

The Star Luo Empire itself isn't something we need to worry about.

But what if Spirit Hall...

As Crown Prince, would it be too dangerous for you to venture alone into enemy territory?"

"Father, there's no need to worry."

Xu Zhao smiled with confidence, radiating a powerful sense of certainty.

"I won't be going alone.

Besides, with my current strength, even if Golden Crocodile himself showed up, I could defeat him with ease.

Unless Qian Daoliu comes in person, no one can stop me from leaving."

"Moreover, the Defense Clan is vital to our construction of the new capital.

Niu Gao is straightforward and hot-tempered, and he deeply hates the Clear Sky Sect. If we handle things properly, it shouldn't be difficult to bring him over to our side."

Xu Zhao's true purpose was to claim an opportunity.

Recruiting the Defense Clan along the way would be a nice bonus.

If Qian Daoliu really did lie in wait for him at the Defense Clan's territory, Xu Zhao could simply run.

Though that was unlikely.

Xu Zhao paused, then casually made up an excuse:

"Besides, Father, recruiting the Defense Clan isn't the only reason for my trip."

"If the Great Ming Empire is to truly rule this continent, military conquest alone won't be enough.

We also need to understand the customs of this land and the complicated web of forces among its factions."

"Traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books.

I still haven't truly experienced all the wonders of Douluo Continent."

Seeing the intelligence and ambition in his son's eyes, Xu Yu fell silent for a moment. Then his brow relaxed, and he laughed aloud:

"Excellent!

You truly are my son, Xu Yu. You've got guts!"

"Since you've made up your mind, I won't stop you."

Xu Yu waved his hand.

"But for your safety, you'll have to take some people from the Elder Hall with you."

"Of course."

Xu Zhao smiled faintly.

He already had someone in mind.

This journey wasn't just about recruiting talent. It would also be the first time the Great Ming Empire's Crown Prince made an official "appearance" on the stage of Douluo Continent.

And since it was an appearance, he needed enough pomp and strength to cow any petty troublemakers.

"The Defense Clan... Niu Gao..."

Xu Zhao looked north, the corner of his mouth curling into a playful smile.

"I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Father, wait."

Just as Xu Yu was about to draft an edict and make arrangements for Xu Zhao's trip, Xu Zhao seemed to remember something and suddenly called out to him.

"What is it? Is there something else?"

Xu Yu paused his writing and looked at his son in confusion.

Xu Zhao walked over to the sand table.

His gaze fell on the spot marking Spirit City.

He said softly:

"Father, although this trip is meant to recruit talent, that will take time.

There's another, more direct and effective way to make the Great Ming Empire's name ring across the continent in a short time,

and force every faction to take us seriously."

"Oh?"

Xu Yu grew interested and leaned forward slightly.

"Let's hear it."

Xu Zhao pointed at Spirit City on the sand table, a confident smile curving his lips.

"The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."

"The promotion matches have just ended, and the various teams are preparing to head to Spirit City for the Grand Finals.

It's the Soul Master World's grand event, held once every five years.

Both Great Empires, Spirit Hall, and all the major sects will have their eyes fixed on it."

At this, Xu Zhao turned around and looked at Xu Yu with a burning gaze.

"Father, if we form a team for the Great Ming Empire and have them crush Spirit Hall's vaunted Golden Generation on the Grand Finals stage, in front of the whole world,

then trample the geniuses of the Two Great Empires and lift the championship trophy..."

"Then the Great Ming Empire's prestige will reach its peak in an instant!

We'll no longer be dismissed as 'a pirate force occupying Linhai City.'

We'll be recognized as a true empire with the foundation to suppress this age and sweep all opposition aside!"

"That would be more convincing than any diplomatic statement."

After hearing Xu Zhao's analysis, Xu Yu's eyes lit up.

He slapped his thigh and exclaimed:

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

"How did I not think of this?

This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Xu Yu rose and paced back and forth across the hall, growing more convinced that the plan would work with every step.

"Spirit Hall has always proclaimed itself the sacred land of Soul Masters. If its Golden Generation loses to us,

Bibi Dong's expression will be priceless!

And this will greatly boost the morale of the people of the Great Ming Empire!"

However, Xu Yu soon hesitated.

"But...

The preliminary and promotion rounds are already over. Isn't it too late for us to get involved now?

Will Spirit Hall even let us compete?"

"Too late?"

Xu Zhao let out a cold laugh, his tone domineering.

"Rules are made by the strong."

"The strength we've already shown before the Two Great Empires and Spirit Hall is the best ticket in.

Besides, given the strength we've displayed, if Spirit Hall doesn't dare let us compete, it'll only prove they're afraid of us!

Word of that would deal an even greater blow to their reputation."

"They won't just agree. To show off their 'magnanimity' and 'confidence,' they'll even send us an invitation themselves."

Xu Yu burst out laughing.

"Excellent!

Since my son is this confident, I'll go along with it!"

"Leave forming the team to me!"

Xu Yu's eyes gleamed as he made his decision on the spot.

"I'll issue the order right away and have a thorough search conducted throughout the army and the territory of Linhai City we've just taken over!"

"Find every young Soul Master under the age of twenty-five with Soul Power at or above level thirty-five!"