Heaven Dou City.
The moment they entered the city, deafening cheers and the booming of cannons filled their ears.
The streets and alleys were decked out with lanterns and decorations. Countless citizens and Soul Masters surged toward the same destination, their faces alight with feverish excitement.
"What is this...?"
Dugu Yan stared at the bustling scene, momentarily stunned. Then she realized:
"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament has opened?"
Dugu Bo clasped his hands behind his back and swept his gaze over the excited crowds, a disdainful sneer curling his lips:
"Judging by the date, it is indeed today.
A bunch of little brats who haven't even been weaned are playing house on a stage. Only these common folk would find it so engrossing."
In the past, Dugu Bo might have paid it some attention, since his own granddaughter was competing.
But now?
Hmph. Yan Yan, with her Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone and beyond-limit Soul Ring Configuration, was already on a completely different level from these so-called "geniuses."
In his eyes, this kind of competition was nothing more than a bunch of weaklings pecking at one another.
"Grandpa, are we heading straight to the palace?"
Dugu Yan asked quietly. Right now, she was more eager to help her grandfather carry out that plan to "have it both ways."
"No rush."
Just then, Yu Nan's lazy voice rang out in their minds:
"That old man Xue Ye won't die anytime soon.
Since we've happened upon this grand event, why not go join in the fun?"
"Join in the fun?"
Dugu Bo looked puzzled.
"Wouldn't it be interesting to see how that 'Crown Prince' puts on a show before all those watching?"
Yu Nan's tone held a hint of amusement:
"Besides, I'd like to see what Tang San looks like now—the one whose mother's Soul Bone we snatched out from under him.
And while we're at it... let Yan Yan meet her 'old flame' and put that lingering attachment to rest for good."
At the words "old flame," a trace of disgust flashed through Dugu Yan's eyes. She snorted:
"You jest, Senior. I cast aside childish romance long ago.
But since you're in the mood, let's go have a look."
"Let's go!
To the Great Soul Arena!"
Dugu Bo waved his hand and swept Dugu Yan away with him, darting straight toward the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena.
Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena, VIP seats.
As an honorary elder of the empire and a Title Douluo, Dugu Bo enjoyed an extremely prestigious status.
He had no need to queue. With Dugu Yan in tow, he strode straight into the VIP box with the best view.
They had barely taken their seats when the opening ceremony below reached its climax.
At the center of the enormous arena, the announcer was introducing the teams in a booming voice.
Seated at the very front of the VIP stands were several important figures.
At the center sat Emperor Xue Ye, his face gaunt and his expression weary.
Beside him sat Ning Fengzhi, looking refined and elegant. Next to him was the "gentle as jade" Crown Prince—Xue Qinghe.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk..."
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes and fixed his gaze on Xue Qinghe, marveling within the Sea of Consciousness:
"If Senior hadn't pointed it out, I'd never have seen through him, even if you beat me to death.
How does he look like a woman?
And how does he look like someone from Spirit Hall?
That royal bearing in every gesture is more convincing than the real thing!"
"You can paint a tiger's skin, but not its bones."
Yu Nan sneered:
"No matter how well she acts, it's still an act.
Look at the way she gazes at Xue Ye. Her eyes are full of 'filial devotion.'
But the impatience and coldness hidden deep within them can't be concealed."
Just then, the announcer below called out:
"Next to enter, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team!"
"And... the Shrek Academy Team!"
As soon as the words rang out, the entire arena fell silent for a second. Then a burst of uproarious laughter erupted.
A team dressed in manure-green uniforms walked out.
The uniforms were hideously ugly, with a green monster printed on the chest and the words "Advertising Space Available" written across the back.
At the front of the team were Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others.
Every one of them was red in the face, wishing they could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
"Pfft..."
Dugu Yan nearly spat out the tea she'd just sipped. Pointing at the "green toads" below, she laughed so hard her whole body shook:
"Grandpa, that's Shrek Academy?
And that's Tang San, the one Yu Tianheng keeps thinking about and considers his rival?
What taste... truly one of a kind!"
Dugu Bo's mouth twitched too, his face full of disdain:
"That old miser Flender will stoop to anything for money.
But..."
His gaze fell on Tang San, turning strange.
That brat still had no idea that the most precious legacy his dead mother left him had already grown on his granddaughter's leg, did he?
If he found out, wouldn't he be so furious he'd spit up three liters of blood on the spot?
"Look, that's Imperial Fighting Team One."
Dugu Yan suddenly stopped laughing and looked toward the other side.
Yu Tianheng wore an extravagant uniform embroidered with gold thread and silver stitching, walking at the head of the team.
His expression was proud, and his gaze searched the stands as if looking for someone in particular.
When he spotted Dugu Bo in the VIP seats, his eyes lit up.
But then he saw Dugu Yan looking down at him.
There wasn't the slightest trace of affection in her eyes.
Only an almost complete... indifference?
Yu Tianheng's heart gave a painful lurch, and his fists clenched of their own accord.
"Yan Yan... just watch. I'll prove that I'm the strongest!
Even without you, I can still lead my team to the championship!"
Feeling Yu Tianheng's "fighting spirit" fixed on her, Dugu Yan gave a bored yawn.
Leaning back in her chair, she drawled lazily:
"How dull.
Grandpa, this competition looks like a bunch of ants fighting.
Especially Yu Tianheng. How did I never realize he was so childish?"
"You've risen higher, so naturally you can see farther."
Dugu Bo smiled indulgently, then lowered his voice:
"Now that we've seen enough, we should get down to business.
That old man Xue Ye looks like he's about to keel over. We need to make sure that 'life-saving favor' is firmly established before he breathes his last.
And while we're at it... meet that 'Crown Prince.'"
"What do you think, Senior?"
Yu Nan's Dragon Soul roiled within the Sea of Consciousness, letting out a low dragon's growl:
"The show's begun.
Once the opening ceremony ends, Xue Qinghe will surely escort Xue Ye back to the palace.
We'll 'happen to run into them' along the way."
The opening ceremony ended.
As the cannons boomed again, the important figures in the VIP seats began to leave one after another.
Xue Qinghe supported Emperor Xue Ye with an air of utmost obedience, moving gently and looking concerned.
From time to time, she quietly asked after his health, the very picture of a devoted son, dutiful in every way.
Ning Fengzhi followed beside them, watching this model of "fatherly love and filial devotion," a note of satisfaction in his eyes.
But just as the imperial procession rumbled away from the Great Soul Arena and entered a quiet avenue leading to the palace—a road they had to take—
a faint, fishy stench spread through the air without warning.
The several horned horses pulling the carriage, each with Soul Beast blood in its veins, suddenly began to whinny uneasily.
They stamped their hooves wildly and refused to take another step, no matter how much the coachman whipped them.
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