Deep within the sleeping quarters of the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
An old eunuch bowed as he reported every detail of the upheaval outside to the man in a nine-dragon golden robe on the imperial throne.
That man was naturally the ruler of the Star Luo Empire, a level eighty-nine Soul Douluo, the Star Luo Emperor.
"Spirit Hall... Dai Tianfeng... rumors and gossip... a challenge..."
The Star Luo Emperor listened, his face as still as an ancient well, merely rubbing the white jade thumb ring on his hand.
Only when the old eunuch had finished did he speak, his voice deep and forceful:
"So be it."
Those few words carried an unquestionable resolve.
"Convey my decree."
"Three days from now, at the princes' duel, all civil and military officials and members of the imperial clan must attend as spectators and bear witness to the empire's succession!"
"Mobilize the Royal Imperial Guard and seal off the Great Soul Arena. No one is to enter or leave without permission. Any who disobey shall be killed without mercy!"
The old eunuch's heart tightened, and he kowtowed. "As Your Majesty commands!"
The Star Luo Emperor rose, walked to the window, and gazed toward the horizon.
"In the end, the Dai Family's succession must be decided by fists."
"Better to settle it sooner. It is time I calmed my heart and made a proper attempt at that final step."
"A level eighty-nine Soul Douluo and a Titled Douluo are separated by but a single step, yet the difference is as great as that between heaven and earth!"
The three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The Great Soul Arena in the center of Star Luo City had been decorated with particular solemnity today.
The empire's most powerful and influential figures had all gathered on the lofty viewing platform.
Civil officials stood in one group and military commanders in another, the distinction clear as the waters of the Jing and Wei, yet they whispered among themselves, lending the atmosphere a strange air.
Clad in heavy armor and carrying long halberds, the Royal Imperial Guard surrounded the entire Soul Fighting Arena like an iron barrel. Amid the gleam of weapons and armor, a killing air surged into the sky.
"His Highness the Second Prince has arrived!"
Following the high-pitched announcement, Dai Mubai strode into the arena with Zhu Zhuqing, accompanied by Prince Cheng, Dai Tianfeng. He was brimming with confidence.
Today he wore a brand-new silver combat outfit that set off his upright figure. His golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his sinister eyes were full of unconcealed pride.
"We welcome Your Highness the Second Prince!"
"Your Highness is mighty and valiant. This time, you will surely restore order to the court!"
Many officials on the viewing platform immediately rose to pay their respects. Those who were close to Prince Cheng's residence in particular wore broad smiles, making no attempt to hide where they stood.
Dai Mubai reveled in being the center of attention. He smiled and waved to the crowd, then led Zhu Zhuqing straight to the center of the viewing platform and bowed to the Star Luo Emperor on the throne.
"Your son Dai Mubai pays his respects to Father Emperor." "Zhu Zhuqing pays her respects to Your Majesty."
The Star Luo Emperor remained expressionless. He merely gave an indifferent "Mm" and raised a hand.
"Go up onto the platform."
"Yes."
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance, then leaped up and landed steadily on the raised platform in the center of the Soul Fighting Arena.
On the other side of the platform, a Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall had been waiting for some time.
As the notary today, he wore a white robe symbolizing impartiality, but his old eyes gleamed with the eagerness of a spectator who never thought the stage high enough.
Time passed bit by bit, and the sun rose higher.
Yet the other end of the platform remained empty.
The discussion below began to grow louder.
"What's going on? Look at the time! Where is the First Prince?"
"Could he be... afraid? I heard His Highness the Second Prince has already broken through level fifty and even obtained a Soul Bone!"
"What? His Highness the Second Prince isn't even eighteen yet, and he's already broken through level fifty?! As far as I know, even the current Saintess of Spirit Hall only became a Soul King at eighteen!"
"Hahaha, don't forget, the First Prince already lost before. Maybe he really has fled on the eve of battle this time!"
"Afraid to fight? That would be the imperial family's greatest scandal! Can he bear the consequences?"
"Hard to say. The First Prince doesn't seem like someone who would do that, does he?"
A faint, barely perceptible sneer had appeared at the corner of Prince Cheng Dai Tianfeng's mouth.
This was exactly the effect he wanted: to destroy Dai Weisi's reputation before everyone.
Standing on the platform and listening to the discussion below, Dai Mubai grew even prouder.
He even thought that Dai Weisi might really be too afraid to come.
Just then.
Thud-
A dull footstep rang clearly through the arena.
All the noise and discussion stopped abruptly.
Everyone turned toward the entrance.
Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun were walking in side by side.
They had no attendants, no ceremonial procession, and even their pace was unhurried.
Dai Weisi wore a dark martial robe embroidered with dark-gold cloud patterns. His black hair was tied behind his head, and his gaze was as calm as a deep pool.
Zhu Zhuyun wore close-fitting black leather armor that outlined her breathtaking curves. Her expression was cold and beautiful as she followed at his side, matching him step for step.
The two simply walked on, yet they seemed to carry an invisible presence that instantly silenced the noisy Soul Fighting Arena.
Ignoring all the gazes around them, they went straight to the throne and bowed.
"Your son Dai Weisi pays his respects to Father Emperor." "Zhu Zhuyun pays her respects to Your Majesty."
"Mm."
A flicker of emotion passed through the Star Luo Emperor's eyes.
Given his level, he could naturally see that in just a few days, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun had actually improved again?
He spoke:
"You two go up as well."
Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun ascended the raised platform, facing Dai Mubai from a distance.
Their eyes met, and sparks seemed to fly through the air.
Seeing Dai Weisi's unruffled manner, Dai Mubai felt a sudden, inexplicable irritation.
What he hated most was this attitude of his elder brother's.
He cleared his throat and decided to strike first, addressing Dai Weisi and the crowd below in a clear voice:
"Elder Brother, you and I are brothers, after all."
He put on an expression of deep anguish.
"I never sought this throne."
"But now, it seems... the people desire it, the officials expect it, and there are even petty villains plotting to collude with outsiders and shake the foundations of the state."
"As a prince, Mubai draws his pay from the ruler. I have no choice but to plan for the empire and for all the people under heaven, to step forward and set things right!"
The speech was high-sounding and delivered with righteous indignation.
Quite a few officials and citizens stirred up by public opinion showed their agreement.
Zhu Zhuqing played along, a hint of resolve appearing on her face, as though they were the righteous side forced to accept the challenge.
Dai Weisi listened quietly, but a mocking smile slowly curved his lips.
[Ding! The host has been detected facing hypocritical moral coercion. God-Level Selection System activated!] [Option one: Follow Dai Mubai's lead and deliver a speech of your own, demonstrating your benevolence and righteousness. Reward: Soul Skill "Talk no Jutsu" (can cause enemies to fall into brief confusion and self-doubt).] [Option two: Say nothing and begin the fight directly, using strength to prove everything. Reward: increase the age of a random Soul Ring by five hundred years!] [Option three: Expose the other party's hypocrisy and suppress them in turn with absolute strength and bearing. Reward: one Thousand-Year Soul Ring Enhancement Card (can designate one Soul Ring under ten thousand years old and increase its age, up to a maximum of 9,999 years!]
I choose three.
Seeing this, Dai Weisi naturally did not hesitate for an instant over such a simple arithmetic problem.
He looked at Dai Mubai, who was still putting on an act, and snorted.
"Finished pretending?"
The expression on Dai Mubai's face stiffened.
"Has someone forgotten that a few years ago, you decided there was no hope and fled to the Heaven Dou Empire to numb yourself?"
"Fine, I've let you finish your act. Now it's time to get down to business."
Dai Weisi flexed his wrists, making them crack.
"You were right about one thing just now. You and I are brothers, after all."
His gaze suddenly sharpened, becoming fiercely aggressive.
"Since we're brothers, why don't we play something simple?"
Dai Mubai froze. "What do you mean?"
Dai Weisi took a step forward, and an overbearing presence surged skyward.
"How about this?"
He held up one finger and wagged it dismissively.
"I'll stand here and take one of your moves head-on, without using any Soul Rings."
"Then,"
Dai Weisi grinned, baring a row of white teeth.
"You'll take one of my moves in the same way."
"I still won't use any Soul Rings. How about it?"