Xu Chengzhi first exchanged pleasantries with Duoqing Douluo and Soul Calming Douluo for a moment, then turned his attention to Huo Yuhao.
"I have also heard many stories about His Majesty Huo Yuhao recently."
Xu Chengzhi had a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes were quietly assessing Huo Yuhao. As the Emperor of the Xingluo Federation, he naturally knew the stir this young man had caused in Xingluo City.
Having just arrived in Xingluo City and causing so many waves, should he say it was only to be expected of the Spirit Transmission Tower's heir?
"Your Majesty flatters me."
Huo Yuhao nodded slightly, neither humble nor arrogant. His ice blue eyes showed no emotional fluctuation. "They were only small matters."
Xu Chengzhi smiled meaningfully. "Things that frustrate the Dawn Society are no small matters in Xingluo."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xu Chengzhi continued with the official business.
Afterwards, a series of tedious ceremonies proceeded in an orderly manner, including the presentation of diplomatic credentials, a speech by the Speaker, a speech by the Federation representative, and a speech by Xu Chengzhi. Inside the Xingluo imperial palace, ceremonial music played melodiously. The representatives of both sides completed the diplomatic formal reception in a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
In Xie Xie's words, this ceremony was a waste of life, but it was something that could not be avoided.
Standing in an inconspicuous position in the back row of the delegation, Xie Xie resisted the urge to yawn and secretly elbowed Tang Wulin beside him. "Hey, how much longer do you think these speeches are going to go on? My legs are numb."
Tang Wulin did not look sideways. "Just hold on a little longer. It will be over soon."
"I never realized before that you are even better at enduring this kind of occasion than I am." Xie Xie muttered quietly.
"That is because the banquet is coming up next."
Tang Wulin smiled.
Xie Xie said, "..."
So that was it. That explained it.
Time passed as the two chatted intermittently. The speech segment finally drew to a close. Xu Chengzhi announced the start of the banquet.
But this time, meant for the younger generation, had nothing to do with those led by Duoqing Douluo, Soul Calming Douluo, Huo Yuhao, and Gu Yuena. After making a token appearance at the banquet, they were invited by Xingluo to a confidential meeting deep within the imperial palace, in Xingluo Hall.
Since Xu Chengzhi, as Emperor, needed to stay at the banquet to host, Speaker Dai Tianling personally accompanied the group.
This made many young women, who were interested in Huo Yuhao, even more curious about him, but they dared not approach rashly. They could only watch from afar as that tall blue figure disappeared into the depths of the palace, their eyes full of regret and reverie.
"So he is the next Tower Master of the Spirit Transmission Tower. He is even younger and more handsome than I imagined." A noble lady gently waved her feather fan, her face full of admiration. "Walking alongside Limit Douluos without being overshadowed, instead having his own aura. Truly a promising young man."
"I heard that when he is serious, he can defeat a Red Grade Mecha pilot with a single move. Among his peers, no one in Xingluo is his match." The female companion beside her nodded in agreement, her cheeks slightly flushed. "A few days ago, a single word from him shook half of Xingluo City. That also shows his power and influence. If only..."
"Do not even think about it. That Miss Dai Yun'er put herself into the situation and still could not gain any advantage from him." A young man not far from them, however, was very realistic. "And the young woman beside him is so dazzlingly beautiful. Can any of you compare to her?"
Upon hearing this, the young women involuntarily recalled Gu Yuena's appearance, glimpsed in a fleeting glance. Her silver hair fell like a waterfall. Her eyes were like stars. Her every movement carried an extraordinary and refined temperament.
They indeed could not compare to such a young woman.
But was that something you could say out loud? Did you not know that the truth cannot be spoken?
Not even giving people the chance to fantasize was extremely guilty.
The women looked with displeasure at the young man who had spoken, only to realize he was not a young Xingluo noble they knew, but was wearing a Federation delegation badge.
That mouth belongs to Xie Xie, of course.
For two months, Xie Xie had severely restrained his nature. To avoid causing diplomatic problems between Xingluo and the Douluo Federation, he had been cautious in his words and deeds, rarely speaking unnecessarily to avoid causing major conflicts. But occasionally, there were times like now when he could not help complaining a bit.
With your level, you still want to compete with Sister Na for a man? First, look in the mirror and see how much you weigh.
...
While Xie Xie was provoking everyone and "debating with the young," inside Xingluo Hall.
The heavy gilded doors slowly closed behind everyone, shutting out the noise of the banquet.
Inside Xingluo Hall, the soul tool stars embedded in the dome emitted a soft light, illuminating the entire hall as if they were in a river of stars. Dai Tianling raised his hand to signal the attendants to withdraw. When only the core members remained in the hall, the gentle smile on his face gradually faded.
Dai Tianling solemnly bowed to everyone with the highest standard of Xingluo etiquette.
"On behalf of Xingluo, I thank you all for being willing to travel thousands of miles from the Douluo Continent to help us."
"The Holy Spirit Cult has been raging on our Xingluo territory for these past years. Although we have surrounded and annihilated them many times, we have never been able to completely eradicate them. Instead, we have Suffered Heavy Casualties, and the evil soul masters have become increasingly Arrogant and Aggressive. If the Douluo Federation had not extended a helping hand, I do not know how much longer we would have to wait before we could launch a counterattack."
"Speaker, you are too kind." Duoqing Douluo's tone was flat. "Evil soul masters should be killed by all. We are merely fulfilling our basic duty."
For some reason, upon hearing Duoqing Douluo's answer, a chill ran down Dai Tianling's back.
Fortunately, decades of standing at the pinnacle of power on the continent prevented him from showing it. He only responded with a smile. "Regardless, Xingluo will keep this kindness in mind."
Duoqing Douluo looked at the smile on Dai Tianling's face, suppressed the annoyance in his heart, and asked calmly, "The Xingluo delegation once said that there is information about Qilin Douluo and the whereabouts of the Holy Spirit Cult here. Our delegation came for this reason. I wonder if the Xingluo side has already made plans and preparations to surround and annihilate the Holy Spirit Cult."
"Naturally." Dai Tianling sat upright properly. "The upcoming period will be the time for Xingluo's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. The attention of Xingluo City's residents will turn to this."
"Our side hopes that your side can focus the core of your exchange matches on this, allowing your students to participate. This will thereby attract the attention of the entire Xingluo Continent and distract the attention of the evil soul masters and those resistance army members. Let them mistakenly believe that Xingluo's energy will be focused on this tournament."
"After all, the competition between the younger generations of two countries has always been the best way to stir the emotions of the populace. At that time, Xingluo will secretly mobilize its elite, in conjunction with your side's experts to launch a surprise attack on the Holy Spirit Cult's strongholds."
"A Feint East, Strike West strategy. That is not a bad plan." Duoqing Douluo nodded slightly, then changed his tone. "But suddenly are you sure the Holy Spirit Cult will let down their guard because of this?"
Dai Tianling pressed his lips together, seeming somewhat Difficult to Speak.
Fortunately, a gentle voice came from the side, providing the reason.
"This is shameful to say. The Holy Spirit Cult also pays close attention to the tournament. They seem to be looking for young soul masters with specific aptitudes. Several excellent young soul masters from Xingluo have already gone missing because of this. So we are very certain that once the soul master tournament begins, their attention will be scattered."
An undeniable presence accompanied the voice from outside the hall, causing Duoqing Douluo and the others to frown.
Was this Xingluo's Limit Douluo?
***
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