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Chapter 218 The Star Luo Royal Family's Trepidation
Chapter 218 Return Journey: The Star Luo Royal Family's Trepidation
Dai Youheng and Ling Ya Nana immediately returned to Xingluo City.
They must get back before Shrek launches his attack so that many of their plans can be implemented.
Of course, Dai Youheng did not choose to enter the city with the two. The three of them had already separated in the dense forest outside the city, like water droplets flowing into a river, silently merging into the flow of people in different directions.
He returned to the princess's residence first, but at the gate, he was respectfully informed by the guards that Princess Jiujiu was currently in the palace discussing important state affairs with His Majesty the Emperor.
Dai Youheng's eyes flickered slightly, and without hesitation, he turned and walked towards the palace.
The imperial city was heavily guarded, but no one stopped the son of the Duke of Baihu, whom His Majesty had personally instructed to "see him at any time." The announcements reached deep into the palace, and soon, the heavy palace doors were pushed open by eunuchs.
Inside the magnificent side hall for deliberation, candlelight illuminated the mountain of memorials piled high.
Xu Jiawei was reviewing documents, his brows furrowed in the deep thought of an emperor. Below him, Xu Jiujiu was quietly reciting a document, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, focused and attentive.
However, when that familiar, slender figure appeared at the palace entrance, the long silence abruptly ceased. The document in her hand slipped silently and fluttered to the smooth ground.
All her poise and composure crumbled in that instant. Two years of pent-up longing, like a burst dam, swept away all the princess's restraint.
She even forgot that her brother was right beside her, forgot that she was in the solemn and majestic imperial palace. Her eyes were only fixed on the person she had longed for for so long.
With her skirts billowing, she practically ran through the hall.
"Eternal!"
A cry, filled with endless grievance and joy, struck Dai Youheng's chest heavily. This dignified princess was experiencing the taste of longing for the first time, after all, she had been separated from her beloved for two years.
At least for this moment, Xu Jiujiu's feelings are pure and intense.
Deep within Dai Youheng's soul, in that spiritual haven built of ice and snow, the phantom of the Snow Empress quietly solidified. Her exquisite face was covered in frost that had remained unchanged for millennia, her clear, icy eyes gazing silently at the two embracing figures outside, then she slightly turned her head away. Even the Queen of the Far North could feel jealous.
From his throne, Xu Jiawei witnessed his sister's entire outburst. A complex and unfathomable light flashed across his eyes, a mixture of pity for his sister and, more than anything, a deep scrutiny and calculation.
He put down his imperial brush, coughed softly—a sound that, though not loud, perfectly broke the almost frozen atmosphere of warmth in the hall.
"Cough cough."
Xu Jiujiu suddenly woke up with a start, jerking away from Dai Youheng's embrace like a frightened fawn. Her pretty face flushed crimson, which spread all the way to her fair neck, and she was so shy that she almost dared not look up.
She subconsciously straightened her slightly disheveled clothes and hair, her fingers trembling slightly, but her other hand still unconsciously held onto Dai Youheng's clothes.
Dai Youheng stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Xu Jiawei's gaze passed over his sister and landed on Dai Youheng. His gaze remained gentle, yet it carried the penetrating insight unique to emperors. "Youheng, it's been two years since we last met. It seems you've gained a lot from this trip. Although the seclusion in the mountains is arduous, it can temper one's will. I wonder what level of cultivation you've reached now? I'm quite curious."
Dai Youheng bowed slightly, his posture respectful yet not humble, his tone calm and even, "Your Majesty's concern is appreciated. I am ashamed that I have wasted two years, focusing solely on cultivation without ever forgetting. Fortunately, I have had good luck and made some progress, having broken through to the Soul Saint realm a month ago."
"Soul Saint!"
The two simple words resonated like thunder in the silent hall. Xu Jiawei and Xu Jiujiu were both speechless, their faces filled with disbelief.
Dai Youheng is 19 years old this year, a Soul Saint of around 20! In the ten thousand years since the founding of the Star Luo Empire, apart from the original Shrek Seven Devils, there has never been such an astonishing cultivation speed!
This is beyond the description of genius; it's simply monstrous!
The shock in Xu Jiawei's eyes was quickly suppressed, replaced by a deeper inquiry.
He leaned forward slightly, his tone still calm, yet carrying a stern and imposing air, and said, "Oh? Such incredible speed! You Heng, you always manage to surprise me. May I take a look? Let me see what kind of powerful spirit ring helped you reach such a level."
Dai Youheng knew perfectly well that the configuration of his first martial soul could not be hidden, nor was there any need to. He nodded slightly, "As you command."
.
As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes narrowed slightly. In an instant, a powerful surge of soul energy rippled outwards from him!
Three purple, two black, and two red—seven soul rings appeared one after another.
As the final two spirit rings slowly rose, the air in the entire hall seemed to freeze. The surging power was almost tangible, causing the candlelight inside to flicker and dim!
"Another one—a 100,000-year soul ring!"
Exclamations erupted uncontrollably once again. Xu Jiawei abruptly stood up from his throne; his senses were countless times sharper than his sister's, after all, he was not only an emperor, but also a titled Douluo.
He clearly sensed a real and undeniable threat from the soul power fluctuations at the Soul Saint level!
How could a Soul Saint pose a threat to Dai Youheng, the supreme ruler of the empire and a titled Douluo? Could it be that Dai Youheng, this Soul Saint, already possesses the strength to challenge a titled Douluo?
Unparalleled talent brings unparalleled value, but it also brings unparalleled risk of losing control and deep-seated fear!
Xu Jiawei had never felt such a strong sense of alarm! If this boy was used well, he would be the most powerful weapon of their Star Luo Royal Family, but if he could not be firmly controlled, he might become a major threat to the empire!
Xu Jiawei, though inwardly wary, remained outwardly calm, a smile even more gentle and appreciative than before appearing on his face. He clapped his hands in praise, "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Youheng, you truly are a genius beyond compare, a prodigy unlike any other in history! If you continue like this, the White Tiger Duke's Mansion will surely be yours in the future. I am greatly pleased, and my Star Luo Royal Family will certainly spare no effort to help you reach the pinnacle!"
Dai Youheng cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
He offered a few more words of gentle encouragement, his words earnest and his promises weighty. Then, seemingly with great magnanimity, he stood up, patted Dai Youheng on the shoulder, and said, "It's been a long time since we last met, so I won't take up any more of your time. Jiu Jiu, spend some quality time with Youheng."
He smiled like a brother who was genuinely happy for his sister.
But as he turned to leave, in the brief moment he passed by Xu Jiu Jiu, the smile on his face remained unchanged, but his eyes suddenly became extremely deep, cold, and meaningful.
His gaze, like a silent blade, precisely conveyed his resolve as emperor.
After a long while, he met that gaze and felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He understood his elder brother's determination.
The Star Crown Pact must be signed; there is no turning back!