Han Yu glanced at Ning Fengzhi without changing his expression.
The Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire had probably been replaced by Qian Renxue years ago. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had made a terrible move by tying itself to the Heaven Dou Empire.
The sect's eventual destruction was most likely the result of choosing the wrong side this time.
At the thought, a trace of worry crept into Han Yu's eyes.
"Han Yu, speak your mind. You're the Holy Son of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect now." Gu Rong noticed Han Yu's reaction and said with a smile.
"Oh? Han Yu, what is it you want to say? Don't worry—speak freely." Ning Fengzhi beamed and waved his hand.
"This disciple believes that sects shouldn't get too close to empires." Han Yu bowed as he replied.
"That's all right. The Heaven Dou Empire can be trusted."
Ning Fengzhi smiled as he answered, a look of surprise appearing on his face. He hadn't expected Han Yu to have some knowledge of this subject, or to look at the issue from such an unusual angle. Still, he didn't take the advice to heart. The Spirit Hall was powerful and watched the sects that refused to submit to it like a tiger stalking its prey. Their only hope of survival was to unite the strength of many factions and resist together.
Han Yu nodded and returned to his seat.
It wasn't wise to say too much about this. Han Yu had no proof to explain why he was certain the Heaven Dou Empire couldn't be trusted, and dwelling on the matter could only bring trouble upon himself.
But before they set out, he still suggested concealing his identity and traveling as Ning Rongrong's attendant.
Ning Fengzhi and the other two naturally agreed. After all, a tree that towered above the forest was the first to be broken by the wind.
Half a month later.
On a broad road a few miles outside Heaven Dou Imperial City, a luxurious carriage large enough to hold several people rolled slowly toward the city gates.
The three watched Ning Rongrong and Han Yu play and tease each other, and all laughed.
After leaving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they hadn't hurried. They'd taken in the scenery along the way and given Han Yu and Ning Rongrong time to relax, easing the tension that had kept them taut for the past two years.
It was a picture of harmony and reunion.
"Han Yu, after we meet with Emperor Xue Ye in the next few days, we'll go to Sunset Forest and hunt a Soul Beast for you." Ning Fengzhi's eyes filled with anticipation as he spoke slowly.
Ning Fengzhi was usually too busy with sect affairs to get away. He'd often heard stories of Han Yu absorbing Soul Rings beyond his level, but had never witnessed it himself. He planned to take this opportunity to see it with his own eyes.
"Yes, Sect Master." Han Yu nodded with a smile.
That was exactly what he wanted. Ever since he'd read about the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in an ancient medicinal text three years ago, he'd kept it in mind.
Even if Ning Fengzhi hadn't brought it up, Han Yu would have found a way to steer the conversation there.
The carriage suddenly slowed, then came to a complete stop.
Two terrifying auras surged from up ahead, locking directly onto their carriage.
"Who's there? Stop hiding and come out!" Gu Rong glared fiercely and clenched his fist toward the distance.
A streak of dark green light shot out from the shadows.
Gu Rong casually punched at it, and the streak burst into a cloud of poison mist halfway there.
Two figures appeared.
The one on the left was short, fat, and solidly built, with swollen, purplish cheeks. The one on the right wore black armor and was tall and lean. Each had nine Soul Rings beneath their feet, all in the optimal configuration. They were both Titled Douluo.
"Old Bone, go back and protect Fengzhi and the others. I'll handle this," Sword Douluo said quietly.
Gu Rong scanned their surroundings and nodded solemnly. He stepped in front of Han Yu and the others, ready to strike.
Sword Douluo slowly rose into the air, his gaze sharp. The Seven Kill Sword Martial Soul appeared in his hand, and a sword aura too overwhelming to resist burst from his entire body. He swung several times in an instant, every slash striking the same spot and combining into a blade several meters wide that flew toward the two men.
The two Titled Douluo joined forces with perfect coordination and easily blocked the attack.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's two guardian Douluo—what brings you out for a stroll?" one of them asked in a sinister voice, his eyes fixed on Ning Fengzhi and the others behind Gu Rong.
"Leave now, or die." Sword Douluo's voice was cold. His aura continued to rise as the Seven Kill Sword slowly gathered its Soul Skill.
Ning Fengzhi summoned his Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. The seven Soul Rings beneath his feet flashed in succession, and he bolstered Sword Douluo with every Soul Skill.
Fear appeared in the two Titled Douluo's eyes. They pressed close together and immediately unleashed their respective Soul Skills, trying to interrupt Sword Douluo as he gathered power.
"Second Soul Skill: Overload." Han Yu lightly pointed toward the space in front of Sword Douluo.
Sword Douluo glanced back at Han Yu as if he'd realized something, then swung his sword repeatedly at the two charging men. Each strike built on the last, its power stacking higher and higher.
The two Titled Douluo suddenly felt their movements stall. They missed their chance to interrupt him. The short, fat Titled Douluo's body instantly grew larger, spikes sprouting from it, and he took the Soul Skill head-on. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he was hurled away.
The other man stared in shock, hurried after him, and caught him. Then he turned into a streak of light and fled at speed.
Seeing this, Sword Douluo let out a breath of relief and descended from the sky.
"Two Titled Douluo. It must be the Spirit Hall." Ning Fengzhi tightened his grip on his scepter, his brows furrowing as his voice grew firm.
He hadn't expected the Spirit Hall to be so audacious as to ambush them in broad daylight, all to stop the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect from forming an alliance with the Heaven Dou Empire. He refused to give the Spirit Hall what it wanted. He would make this alliance.
The carriage continued on its way.
Outside the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
Han Yu stepped out of the carriage, and a succession of palace halls came into view, stretching upward along the terrain. A hundred-meter-wide avenue was paved with golden-scaled blue bricks. Dozens of stone pillars lined its sides, and Soul Master guards in armor stood everywhere around them.
"Esteemed guests of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, His Majesty has been waiting for you. Please follow me."
Ning Fengzhi and the others followed him into the palace.
There, they met the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye.
The emperor wore a red robe and a golden crown. His hair and beard were white, and his skin had a somewhat sallow hue. He had an exceptionally gentle disposition and chatted animatedly with Ning Fengzhi, showing none of the haughtiness of an emperor.
But Han Yu's attention remained fixed on the young man beside Emperor Xue Ye.
He had an impeccable face, the faintest curve at the corner of his lips, and sat quietly without saying a word. When someone looked his way, he responded with a refined, easygoing smile.
He was the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe—or, rather, Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue was also sizing up Han Yu without drawing attention to herself. Her interest grew keen, and her thumb brushed the ring on her hand.
The people she'd sent out had already reported what happened. With Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo protecting Ning Fengzhi, she hadn't expected to kill him. She'd only wanted to give the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect a warning. She hadn't expected to make a new discovery.
This unremarkable-looking boy could actually interfere with a Titled Douluo, even if only for an instant. But among true powerhouses, a battle could be decided in that very instant.
A prodigiously talented support-type Soul Master like him belonged under her command. He should follow her to become the strongest on the continent and help her ascend to godhood.
Han Yu suddenly felt an ominous premonition. He looked up and saw Qian Renxue smiling and nodding at him. His heart tightened, but he returned her smile all the same.
Ning Rongrong, seated between them, was utterly baffled.