A random herb to fool Yue Guan? Martial Arts Arena, 1v3!

Bibi Dong observed all of this with a calm expression, though inwardly, she began to scrutinize Dugu Ce with newfound interest.

This brat was not only capable in a fight but also knew how to conduct himself.

Golden Crocodile Douluo spoke up at the opportune moment:

"Your Majesty the Pope, the Dragon-Serpent Sect has just been established, and its foundations are not yet stable.

This old man wishes to bring Ce'er to stay in Martial Soul City for a few days to familiarize himself with the environment."

Bibi Dong nodded:

"Granted.

Elder Golden Crocodile, I have already had accommodations arranged for the Dragon-Serpent Sect.

They are located near the Worship Hall, so it will be convenient for you to look after them."

"You are most thoughtful."

Golden Crocodile Douluo cupped his hands in a salute and led Dugu Ce and the others out of the main hall.

Once they were out of the Pope Palace, Dugu Yan let out a long sigh of relief and lowered her voice:

"Ce'er, you scared me to death just now.

Bibi Dong's aura is so overwhelming; my legs went soft."

"That's normal."

Dugu Ce's expression remained unchanged.

"She is a high-level Titled Douluo, after all, and the Pope; it would be strange if her aura weren't imposing."

Bibi Dong's strength was restricted by the Rakshasa God trials, so her exact level was unclear.

But it was certain that she was at least level 97.

Her true Soul Power Level might have already reached 98 or 99.

Dugu Xuan, walking behind them, suddenly spoke up:

"Ce'er, that 'companion flower of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum' you mentioned—is it really in your possession?"

"It is not."

Dugu Ce shook his head.

"But there are indeed several herbs growing near the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well that resemble the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.

While they don't compare to the immortal herb itself, they are more than enough to serve as a favor for Yue Guan."

Dugu Xuan gave a wry smile:

"You brat, playing the empty-handed wolf?"

"Not entirely empty-handed."

Dugu Ce said indifferently.

"Yue Guan's obsession with flowers and plants is etched into his bones. As long as the item is rare enough, he won't care if it's an immortal herb or not.

Building a bridge of goodwill is always better than making another enemy."

Golden Crocodile Douluo walked at the very front, speaking without looking back:

"Ce'er is right. Although Yue Guan has a sharp tongue, he isn't malicious at heart.

If he can be won over, it is better to do so than to offend him."

The four of them passed through the wide streets of Martial Soul City, and the soul masters along the way stepped aside one after another, bowing in salute.

Dugu Yan looked around curiously, unable to help but exclaim:

"Martial Soul City is even more prosperous than Tiandou City.

Even the lowest-level person walking on this street is a Soul Ancestor."

"Martial Soul Hall is the holy land for all soul masters in the world; it would be strange if it weren't prosperous."

Dugu Xuan stroked his beard.

"Yan'er, stop looking around; it's embarrassing."

Dugu Yan stuck out her tongue and restrained herself a little.

Golden Crocodile Douluo led the three of them to an independent courtyard.

The courtyard was not large, but it was exquisitely decorated, with two Soul King-level guards standing at the entrance.

"This is your residence.

This old man resides in the Worship Hall, not far from here; if you need anything, come find me at any time."

Golden Crocodile Douluo pointed to the courtyard gate.

"I will notify you in advance regarding the competition at the Martial Arts Arena in three days."

"Rest well these three days and don't wander around, lest you invite trouble."

Dugu Ce nodded:

"Many thanks, Teacher."

Golden Crocodile Douluo waved his hand and turned to leave.

The three of them walked into the courtyard. Dugu Yan closed the gate, finally relaxing as she plopped down onto a stone stool in the yard:

"I can finally catch my breath. Little Ce, how much confidence do you have for the competition in three days?"

Dugu Ce sat down by the stone table and pondered for a moment:

"Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan are all above level fifty. Hu Liena and Xie Yue possess a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, but in one-on-one combat, they each have their weaknesses."

"What weaknesses?"

Dugu Xuan sat down as well, asking with great interest.

"Yan is fire-attributed, and my Calamity Sacred Dragon is also fire-attributed. Furthermore, the quality of my Martial Soul is higher than his; under attribute suppression, he will lose at least thirty percent of his strength."

Dugu Ce held up two fingers.

"Xie Yue's Martial Soul is the Moon Blade, a power-attack type, but his defense is a shortcoming. My speed is no slower than his; as long as I get close, he won't be able to withstand it."

"What about Hu Liena?"

Dugu Yan pressed.

Dugu Ce was silent for a moment:

"Hu Liena is the most troublesome. Her Martial Soul is the Demon Fox, and she excels in mental attacks and charm. Although my mental power has reached the Douluo level, things like charm cannot be resisted by mental power alone."

Dugu Xuan frowned:

"Then what should we do?"

"We'll see."

Dugu Ce's lips curled slightly.

"The essence of charm is to stir up the desires hidden deep within a person's heart. I have avenged my grudge against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, the Dragon-Serpent Sect has been established, my mother is settled, and both Grandfather and Great-Uncle have broken through to the Title Douluo realm. I have no obsessions in my heart, so her charm will have limited effect on me."

Dugu Yan nodded thoughtfully:

"So when you told Bibi Dong you 'would not lose,' you weren't just bragging?"

"I wasn't."

Dugu Ce stood up and flexed his wrists.

"But it won't be easy either. The Golden Generation didn't earn their reputation for nothing. In three days, I must bring out my true skills."

Dugu Xuan patted his grandson on the shoulder:

"Prepare well. This old man will go for a stroll in the streets and buy some fresh clothes for Yan-yan."

Dugu Yan stood up:

"I'm going too!"

The grandfather and granddaughter left, leaving Dugu Ce alone in the courtyard.

Dugu Ce stood in the yard with his hands behind his back, looking up at the Pope Palace in the center of Martial Soul City, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Bibi Dong... since you are using the Golden Generation to test me, I will take this opportunity to let the entire Martial Soul Hall see whether the Sect Master of the Dragon-Serpent Sect is truly worth your efforts to recruit."

In the distance, the spire of the Pope Palace shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight.

Three days later, the Martial Arts Arena.

Three days later, the Martial Soul Hall Martial Arts Arena.

The massive circular spectator stands were packed with people.

The upper echelons of Martial Soul Hall, the heads of various departments, supporters of the Golden Generation, and even a few of the old monsters from the Worship Hall had arrived, hiding in the shadows of the VIP gallery with their eyes closed in meditation.

Bibi Dong sat in the center of the main viewing platform, with Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei standing behind her.

Golden Crocodile Douluo sat to her right, his expression indifferent.

In the center of the Martial Arts Arena, three young figures stood side by side.

Hu Liena, her long golden hair cascading to her waist, carried a hint of natural allure in the shifting of her eyes.

Xie Yue, his silver hair draped over his shoulders, stood with his arms crossed over his chest, expressionless.

Yan, burly and robust, had short, crimson hair standing on end, with scorching battle intent dancing in his eyes.

"I heard that kid is only twelve?"

Yan spoke in a muffled, resonant voice.

"A twelve-year-old Spirit King—I want to see if that's just talk."

Xie Yue said calmly:

"A disciple of His Excellency Golden Crocodile won't be too weak.

Yan, you go first; don't be careless."

"Careless?"

Yan grinned, clashing his fists together and sending sparks flying.

"I live to crush geniuses."

On the other side of the stands, Dugu Ce emerged from the passageway.

Dressed in a black martial outfit, his stride was steady.

Behind him followed Dugu Xuan and Dugu Yan.

Dugu Yan lowered her voice:

"Ce, there are so many people..."

"The more people, the livelier it is."

Dugu Ce's expression remained unchanged as he walked to the edge of the Martial Arts Arena and leaped onto the high platform.

Bibi Dong stood up, her voice echoing across the entire arena:

"Today's agreement: three matches to decide the victor.

Dugu Ce will fight Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena in succession.

The one who wins two matches shall be the winner.

Do both sides have any objections?"