Ma Hongjun Collapsed, Becoming a Eunuch?!

Before his words had even faded, Ma Hongjun suddenly felt a sinister, icy force begin to invade his limbs and bones through the heavily injured area.

It was a sensation a hundred times more painful than Evil Fire burning through his body, as if countless tiny venomous insects were gnawing at his meridians and soul power.

The circulation of his soul power instantly became incomparably sluggish, while waves of needle-like agony stabbed through his dantian.

Myriad Poison Killing Leg.

Not only was this leg technique immensely powerful, but the instant it struck an enemy, it could inject concentrated deadly poison into their body.

This poison was invisible and colorless. It specialized in breaking through protective soul power and corroding meridians. For soul masters like Ma Hongjun, who relied on bloodline power and flames, it was a natural nemesis.

Tang Shuo did not spare another glance for the curled-up, convulsing "fat shrimp" on the ground. He turned and prepared to leave.

Just as he took a step, the crowd in the distance suddenly parted, and a squad of guards clad in Heaven Dou Royal Family standard armor marched straight toward him.

The captain leading them locked his gaze precisely onto Tang Shuo.

Tang Shuo stopped, one brow lifting slightly as a trace of confusion flashed through his mind.

He had only just come out of Sunset Forest and did not seem to have offended any official forces in Heaven Dou City.

Could Ma Hongjun's backing really be so powerful that he could mobilize even the royal guard?

That did not seem likely.

Judging by this squad's bearing and strict discipline, they were clearly not ordinary city garrison troops. They seemed more like the personal guards of some important figure.

While he was considering this, the guards had already arrived before him.

The captain showed no hostility. He merely gave Tang Shuo a slight bow, his tone respectful and steady.

"Young master, my master requests your presence."

Master?

Tang Shuo's confusion deepened.

He was certain that he did not know anyone in Heaven Dou City who could be called a master.

However, since the other party had approached him courteously, he did not mind taking a look and seeing just who was putting on such a mysterious show.

His calm gaze swept over the guards, then flicked toward the luxurious carriage heavily guarded in the distance. He already had a few guesses.

Qian Renxue?

"Lead the way."

The captain stepped aside and made an inviting gesture before taking the lead.

Tang Shuo followed at an unhurried pace.

One before the other, they passed through the crowd and headed toward the carriage quietly parked at the street corner.

The carriage curtains were made from the finest silk, embroidered with intricate yet elegant patterns in gold thread. The carriage itself had been fashioned from precious nanmu wood and gave off a faint fragrance.

A servant respectfully lifted the curtain.

Inside the carriage sat a young man.

He appeared to be in his twenties, with a face like polished jade, sharp brows, bright eyes, and a high, straight nose. His smooth golden hair was neatly tied behind his head, making him appear both noble and capable.

He wore pale golden robes, his temperament as gentle as jade. Every gesture carried the composed grace of one long accustomed to power.

He was the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe.

The instant Tang Shuo saw him, his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly before returning to calm.

Xue Qinghe.

No, she should be called Qian Renxue.

The daughter of Spirit Hall's Pope Bibi Dong, inheritor of the Angel God, lurking within the Heaven Dou Empire with the intention of overthrowing the entire empire.

Tang Shuo's thoughts raced.

He knew that Qian Renxue's disguise was flawless. Other than Spirit Hall's handful of most elite Titled Douluo, almost no one in the world knew her true identity.

For her to appear here and invite him of her own accord, her purpose could not be simple.

Since she does not wish to reveal her identity, I can only play along.

Tang Shuo made his decision at once.

"Tang Shuo pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Qinghe's gaze fell upon Tang Shuo.

Just moments ago, she had been conducting her routine inspection outside the palace when she happened to witness the scene on the street.

From Ma Hongjun's arrogance and tyranny, to the crowd's frightened retreat, to Tang Shuo stepping forward, and finally his clean, decisive—even brutally ruthless—counterattack.

She had seen the entire process clearly.

She had heard of the people from Shrek Academy. Most were exceptionally gifted "monsters," and their conduct was often rather unruly.

Ma Hongjun had openly tried to seize a woman on the street. His behavior was vile and truly disgraced the name of a soul master.

Faced with a Soul Venerable, Tang Shuo had not shown the slightest fear. Instead, he had subdued him with thunderous methods. Both his courage and strength made her see him in a new light.

Such a person was worth recruiting.

"Tang Shuo, is it? There is no need for such formality."

"I saw everything just now. You did very well."

"Not fearing the strong, yet standing up for the weak—such courage is truly rare."

Xue Qinghe nodded gently.

"There are many soul masters in Heaven Dou City, but most are arrogant and prideful because of their talent. Very few are willing to stand up for ordinary people."

"As the empire's heir, what I lack most by my side are young people like you—courageous, principled, and just."

Her words sounded utterly sincere.

Tang Shuo remained calm and cupped his hands.

"Your Highness overpraises me."

"I merely did what any soul master with a conscience should have done."

"Drawing one's blade when encountering injustice, nothing more."

Xue Qinghe heard this.

What a "nothing more."

She shook her head. "Ordinary soul masters do not possess methods like yours."

"Though Ma Hongjun's character is poor, he is still a Soul Venerable from Shrek Academy, and his Evil Fire Martial Soul is quite domineering."

"Yet you subdued him effortlessly in a single move. That strength is far from ordinary."

"With your talent and disposition, your future accomplishments will surely be limitless."

Xue Qinghe's gaze lingered on Tang Shuo for a moment before she continued.

"I have always enjoyed befriending talented people from across the land, especially geniuses with potential like you."

As she spoke, she took a token carved entirely from warm jade out of a hidden compartment beside her.

An ancient-looking "Xue" was carved on the front, while the Heaven Dou Royal Family's emblem was engraved on the back.

"Keep this token. Should anything important arise in the future, or should you encounter any trouble, bring it to the Crown Prince's Residence and find me."

She extended the token toward him.

Tang Shuo did not decline and reached out to accept it.

The instant he took the token, his fingertips accidentally brushed against Xue Qinghe's fingers as she handed it over.

They felt warm, smooth, delicate, even carrying a trace of softness.

That touch absolutely did not belong to a man who trained in martial arts year-round.

Qian Renxue likewise felt a warmth pass from Tang Shuo's hand...

In an instant, an image flashed through both their minds.

The muddy swamp of the Star Dou Great Forest, a deadly soul beast pursuit, and the sight of their bodies pressed intimately together.

Tang Shuo's mind wavered slightly.

The hand holding the token trembled faintly.

Both were people of resolute will.

That momentary distraction lasted no more than a flash.