Xu Jiujiu Made Her Move, Vina Was Thunderstruck-The Heaven Soul Emperor's Sugar-Coated Shells? (4k)

"Grandma Manyi, you're saying that Yu Tianjun, an Advanced Bounty Hunter in the Heaven Dou Empire, updated his information, added Ling Luochеn of the Shrek Seven Devils as a joint executor, and posted a commission to purchase the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade?"

On the night the bounty hunter's information changed, another renowned princess received the news in another resplendent imperial palace.

Her long golden hair was neatly tied into a ponytail. Bewilderment filled Xu Jiujiu's face, whose fairness put frost and snow to shame. Her bright azure eyes shone with a faint golden luster. She could not understand why anyone would willingly take the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade.

That vicious blade had a fearsome record. It had belonged to thirty-seven owners, and all thirty-seven had died horrible deaths. After acquiring it by chance, the Star Luo Empire had not dared to use it, tossing it into an auction house to await a sucker.

"Yes. After our staff stationed at the Adventurers' Association in Dragon City learned of this, they sent the information to Star Luo City through the fastest available channel."

Manyi, the Nebula Douluo and a member of the Star Luo Empire's Offering Hall who had protected Xu Jiujiu since childhood, described the messengers' diligence and produced a compiled dossier.

This Titled Douluo looked like an elderly woman of at least eighty. Her hair was entirely white, and her crimson dress set off her snow-white locks brilliantly, though her eyes seemed somewhat gloomy.

"The whereabouts of every generation of the Shrek Seven Devils are a priority for imperial intelligence. Ling Luochеn has the weakest background among the current generation, and her ties to Shrek aren't particularly deep. We've deliberately kept an eye on her, but from the looks of things, the Heavenly Dragon Sect has beaten us to the punch."

Manyi looked helpless. "His Majesty sighed after reading the intelligence and said to leave it to you, Your Highness. After all, the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade is at the Starlight Auction House, and you're its Red-Rank Auctioneer. You have full authority over this matter."

Xu Jiujiu's starry eyes glittered. "What does my imperial brother mean?"

Manyi said, "His Majesty has wanted to get rid of that vicious blade for ages. Now that someone wants it, he'd love to have it delivered immediately. He wouldn't even mind giving it away for free.

"And the Heavenly Dragon Sect is a first-rate secluded sect on the continent, while Ling Luochеn is one of the current Shrek Seven Monsters. Both carry considerable significance. Ideally, we should find out why they want it and do them a favor while the current runs our way."

"Understood. Poach the Heaven Dou Empire's people."

Xu Jiujiu opened the dossier, and her eyebrows involuntarily rose—she was not a shallow person, but the face that greeted her eyes was practically breaking the rules.

Not a single flaw marred that face, so beautiful it bordered on uncanny. A devil-may-care smile played at his lips, while his slanting eyes held a trace of rakish wickedness. Truly, here was a graceful young gentleman, his wit as swift and wondrous as a god's.

If he had not been a core disciple of the Heavenly Dragon Sect, some influential noblewoman might already have taken a fancy to him and kept him as a caged songbird. Then, whenever she was in a good mood...

Pah, pah, pah! Xu Jiujiu, you're an imperial princess. What do you need such a vivid imagination for?

Reminding herself not to let the nobility's decadent lives corrupt her mind, Xu Jiujiu shifted her gaze to the text beneath the photograph.

"Yu Tianjun, male, ten years old. Dragon City's most beautiful boy. Compassionate toward the elderly and weak; frequently sets up relief stations during natural disasters in Dragon City. Widely praised... likes building his family's reputation, just like this princess?"

"Soul power fluctuations at the Soul Elder level. Martial soul unknown. Talent rated superior. Recommended classification: genius on the same level as Dai Huabin, second son of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion... so he's a top-tier genius too."

Having confirmed that Yu Tianjun was not merely a pretty vase, Xu Jiujiu continued reading, murmuring:

"Has not participated in any soul fighting in Dragon City since awakening his martial soul. Generous and forthright in temperament; frequently gathers people for celebrations. Supreme-tier patron of the Dragon City Grand Hotel."

"Became a Bounty Hunter a month ago. Has since provided services to Princess Vina of the Heaven Dou Empire, Mu Xue of the Snow Demon Sect, and Ling Luochеn of Shrek, receiving unanimous approval."

"His current standing was personally advanced by Princess Vina after her return to Heaven Dou City. It is reasonable to infer that he shared exceptional experiences, such as enduring adversity together, with Princess Vina during the commission, or demonstrated extraordinary talent."

"Ling Luochеn's circumstances are similar. She accompanied Yu Tianjun to the Adventurers' Association branch today. The two addressed each other as sister and brother and behaved very intimately. It is reasonable to infer that Ling Luochеn was tempted by his looks, or that Yu Tianjun employed a beauty trap... what on earth is all this?"

After finishing, Xu Jiujiu raised her starry eyes toward Manyi and suddenly realized something.

"My imperial brother sighed because he read that sentence?"

Manyi nodded, her eyes openly helpless. "The inference is absurd, but it's the only one that makes sense. Love arrives when it pleases and listens to no reason. Yu Tianjun's looks are peerless. Ling Luochеn might have fallen for him at first sight."

"We've had information on this generation of the Shrek Seven Monsters for a long time. Ling Luochеn is cold and aloof, and she's at odds with the dean's personal disciple at Shrek."

"She won't even give Yan Shaozhe face. The Heavenly Dragon Sect couldn't possibly make her swallow her pride. No matter how we look at it, it can only be love."

"Wait, is that really something that could happen between them? Ling Luochеn is seven years older than him!"

Xu Jiujiu was dumbstruck, all her childhood courtly upbringing vanishing without a trace. Ling Luochеn, you're a distinguished member of the Shrek Seven Monsters! What sort of genius your own age haven't you seen? And you're dating a little pretty boy?

First his older sister, then his little sweetheart, and finally his precious darling?

Pah! A scheming woman who says one thing and does another. Looks like the Shrek Inner Court held its Sea God's Fate Matchmaking Tournament for nothing!

Manyi said quietly, "Your Highness should know that in the tens of thousands of years of the Douluo Continent's history, love legends are the one thing we've never lacked. Love can cross mountains and seas—what is age beside that?"

Xu Jiujiu fell silent. Love was the underlying code of the Douluo Continent. Many gifted female soul masters were calm and wise before falling in love, even advising their friends not to get caught up in it. But once they fell in love themselves...

Say no more. I'm doing this willingly. If anyone dares stop me, I'll die right in front of you. In short, heaven is vast and earth is vast, but love is greater than both.

Once love's mighty hand descended, Ling Luochеn was destined to fall into the Heavenly Dragon Sect's grasp. That was why Xu Jiawei had sighed.

The Star Luo Empire had racked its brains and drawn up long-term plans to win over this outstanding Inner Court talent, only for a little pretty boy to win her over in a few short days. And he would never have to worry about her leaving.

The Star Luo Emperor, who had spent years striving diligently to govern well, could only declare, I bow to you sneaky bastards: ╮(╯▽╰)╭

"I still don't believe Yu Tianjun could win Ling Luochеn over so quickly. The Heaven Dou Empire must be meddling behind the scenes. Vina might even have a hand in it."

Xu Jiujiu transformed into Sherlock Jiu and fixed her sights on Vina.

Manyi was puzzled. "Aren't you on good terms with Vina? Every time you meet, you call each other sisters."

"How does playing along for appearances count as friendship? That woman looks all soft and fragile, but she's full of schemes."

Xu Jiujiu spoke dismissively. What sisterly affection could there be between princesses of different countries? Even if there was any, it was plastic.

"Then what do you intend to do?"

"Send a formal visiting card, of course. Since the Heavenly Dragon Sect wants the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade, we'll deliver it and probe the situation. Sorry for the trouble, but I'll need you to accompany me."

"I'd really like to see whether Vina has been putting on that fragile act behind everyone's backs. If she has, we can learn a thing or two from her together."

Xu Jiujiu looked north, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly. "The chances may be slim, but if there really is hope, this Princess will spare no expense. After all, the Heavenly Dragon Sect is filled with true dragons."

Soul masters with true dragon martial souls had always been synonymous with genius, with both a high ceiling and a high floor. Taking the whole sect away might cause an international dispute, but poaching one or two should be fine, right?

Manyi answered solemnly, "Accompanying Your Highness is no trouble. Everything is for the empire."

"What? Yu Tianjun added Ling Luochеn to his bounty hunter listing?"

Meanwhile, in the Heaven Dou imperial palace.

After finishing a day of palace life, Princess Vina returned to her chambers. A faint smile curved her lips as she browsed her contacts, wondering whether she should call Yu Tianjun again now to make up for the fun she had not had enough of at noon.

Mo Feiyun brought the latest news about him. Your Highness, guess what?

The Qilin Prodigy just acknowledged a Godsister, and he won't be taking commissions anymore!

Hearing this, Vina felt as though a thunderbolt had struck from a clear sky. Her first thought was that Yu Tianjun had accidentally revealed his strength before Ling Luochеn, and that woman, attracted to strength and beauty, had disregarded their age gap and sunk her claws into the Qilin Prodigy.

That inherently evil Shrek Academy! Taking in so many geniuses from the Heaven Dou Empire wasn't enough? Now it has to steal this princess's rare friend too?

"If he enters Shrek Academy, they'll definitely cultivate him as a core member. From then on, this princess will only be able to deal with him on official business, and the hope of three hundred glorious years for the Heaven Dou Empire will be severed too..."

"No! Absolutely not!"

As though a spring had been planted beneath her backside, Princess Vina shot to her feet and stared straight at Mo Feiyun.

"Master Mo, we're leaving. We're going to Dragon City, right now. I need to ask him exactly what's going on."

"I suspect Ling Luochеn's appearance in Dragon City is a Shrek Academy plot. I said long ago that we couldn't let Yu Tianjun come into contact with people from Shrek Academy, but Father said we could befriend both sides. I think Shrek Academy is using Ling Luochеn to lure him in. How could they stoop to that!"

Mo Feiyun opened his mouth. Wasn't Her Highness overreacting a little? No matter how strong Yu Tianjun was, surely Shrek would not directly sacrifice one of the Shrek Seven Monsters for him? Besides, it had been far too little time...

Still, Her Highness and Yu Tianjun had faced life and death together. A strong reaction was understandable.

But Mo Feiyun did not agree to depart. Looking troubled, he said, "Your Highness, the palace curfew is in effect. We can't go out."

"I'll ask Father for permission!"

Vina immediately broke into a run, setting off like a woman made of Feng.

"Father, Father, I need to go to Dragon City! It'll be too late if I wait..."

Vina sped through the palace gates at the speed of light, a healing-type soul master running with the momentum of a power attack system soul master. Her expression was so urgent that she looked ready to enter the Xuanwu Gate Freestyle Fighting Tournament.

"No. The imperial family has its rules. You're an imperial Princess. Do you not understand even that?"

When father and daughter met, the Heaven Soul Emperor calmly listened to Vina's request and reasons. He did not agree, refusing on the grounds of protocol.

Vina immediately grew anxious, urgency shining in her large, beautiful eyes. "Why? the Five-Element Qilin is no weaker than any beast martial soul in the world today. We must treat him as an equal and sincerely try to win him over. Those were your words to me."

"You are the empire's Princess, with countless eyes watching you. If you specifically ask my permission to leave the palace now, in what capacity will you go to Dragon City? In what capacity will you meet Yu Tianjun?"

At the Heaven Soul Emperor's words, Vina looked puzzled at first, then her expression froze.

Yes, in what capacity would I meet him? As a friend? That would work.

But if an imperial Princess went to Dragon City overnight, how would people interpret the story once word got out? Would they believe the two of us were merely innocent friends?

"Ah..."

Seeing that his daughter understood, the emperor waved for her to sit. "I've been watching events in Dragon City closely. I knew about this before you did. Do you realize that if you'd left the city yourself without coming to me, I would have had people erase your tracks and clean up after you?"

"Now that you've come to me, I can still keep this confidential within the palace, but I cannot let you leave. Otherwise, once word spreads, most people will believe that our Heaven Dou Princess and Yu Tianjun of the Heavenly Dragon Sect have developed a private romance, and that I've tacitly approved it."

"Shrek, the Body Sect, the Three Great Empires, our own nobles, and the soul master sects—there are far too many spies watching me in Heaven Dou City."

"Yu Tianjun himself might very well reach the same conclusion. And you? Do you like him? Have you chosen him for certain?"

Vina lowered her head and remained silent. Do I like Yu Tianjun? I probably do.

I really enjoy spending time with him. But choosing him for certain? I'm not there yet. It's too soon.

"If rumors like this arose about a daughter of another clan, it would be nothing. Yu Tianjun and the Heavenly Dragon Sect are worthy matches for our Heaven Dou noblewomen. I'd welcome it and could even help push the boat along with the current. But you cannot."

The emperor sighed softly and looked at Vina. "You have twin martial souls, and your second martial soul is an excellent body martial soul. I needn't explain what that means. Only the Body Sect can develop your talent. Shrek cannot, and the Heavenly Dragon Sect certainly cannot."

"I've been in contact with the Body Sect these past few years. They are patriotic and willing to serve the country, but if our cooperation rests on a contract alone, that foundation is far too thin."

"The Body Sect straddles righteousness and evil. They worry that I mean to deceive them, while my ministers and I worry about their loyalty. We need an additional bridge of communication."

Vina raised her head with a bitter smile. "And that bridge is me."

"Yes."

Seated high upon his throne, the emperor said, "I've had people assess Long Aotian, the Body Sect Master's disciple. He's a genius on the same level as Yu Tianjun, and a suitable match for you.

"If Yu Tianjun hadn't appeared, I intended to send you to the Body Sect to cultivate in two years, let your feelings develop, and then arrange your engagement to Long Aotian."

Vina spoke softly. "Even setting our friendship aside and looking purely at the benefits, I still don't think he's as good as Yu Tianjun."

"Perhaps. But the Heavenly Dragon Sect is far inferior to the Body Sect. Yu Tianjun's talent needs time to bear fruit. The Body Sect does not. Once our cooperation is established, the empire will no longer have to watch Shrek's expression before acting."

The Heaven Soul Emperor's gaze was calm. "Their talent is roughly equal, but the gap in their backgrounds is enormous. How would you have me choose?"

"To put it crudely, I don't mind my daughter moving between two top-tier geniuses for the empire's sake. That makes protecting your reputation all the more important. So I cannot let you leave tonight."

"Go back. While keeping the nation's interests in mind, I've already given you as much freedom to choose as possible. The final outcome will depend on the choices you make together. If Yu Tianjun won't fight for it, I can only play the villain."

With that, the Heaven Soul Emperor rose and turned his back on his pale-faced daughter. His voice was weary but firm.

"You may resent me, but for the empire's sake, I have no choice. The Sun Moon Empire's soul tool technology advances by the day. Personal feelings are truly insignificant beside the nation's safety."

"If the day truly comes when the empire falls, I will die for my country. And you, the most gifted Princess of the imperial family, must carry its hope and live on."

"Father..."

Vina lifted her tear-filled face, only to see the emperor gently waving his hand.

"Go back. Leave in two days. During that time, I'll arrange a pretext for you to visit Dragon City and smooth over tonight's commotion."

The emperor smiled. "I hope to recruit the Body Sect, but I won't give up on Yu Tianjun lightly either. As the saying goes, better to provoke a white-haired elder than bully a young man."

"If we offend him beyond repair and drive him into Shrek Academy, perhaps a century from now, when he becomes Shrek's new dean and Sea God Pavilion Master, the Heaven Dou Empire will suffer terribly again."

"Once you reach Dragon City, judge the boundaries for yourself. I don't want to hear in Heaven Dou City that our Heaven Dou Empire's princess has been behaving intimately with someone in public. That is the bottom line."

In short, fire sugar-coated shells and employ sophisticated techniques for keeping prospects on the hook.

The Body Sect was certainly powerful, but true dragon martial souls had never been weak either. Who knew whether they might keep raising their lower limit? Rumor had it that the previous Body Sect Master had perished together with Shrek's Sea God Pavilion Master, who possessed the radiant sacred dragon martial soul.