Chapter 138: Bibi Dong’s Ambush

Chapter 138: Bibi Dong's Ambush

"Do you know the mission for this journey?"

Bibi Dong's calm voice echoed among the five titled Douluo.

The five glanced at each other, surprised, until Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, who had been with Bibi Dong the longest, stepped forward and said, "Your Holiness, isn't the target that criminal Tang Hao's son, Tang San?"

"Does a mere Tang San require five titled Douluo?"

Bibi Dong sneered. "Tang San, that half-breed born of Tang Hao and a soul beast, is merely a decoy. Your real target is the young master of the Nine Stars Hall, Xiao Yu."

Bibi Dong was not particularly enthusiastic about killing Tang San. After all, if Tang Hao hadn't severely injured Qian Xunji, she wouldn't have had the chance to kill her tormentor herself. In a twisted way, Tang Hao was almost her benefactor.

But for appearances, she needed to put on a front of hostility against Tang Hao before her followers, keeping up the pretense of enmity with him and the Clear Sky Clan.

Similarly, Qian Daoliu, who knew the real culprit behind his son's death, was indifferent to the matter of killing Tang San. He still held respect for his old friend Tang Chen, who was a level-99 limit Douluo, and feared his wrath. Otherwise, in the original story, Tang Hao wouldn't have dared to act so arrogantly at Spirit Hall's gates; he'd have been crushed instantly.

The two figureheads adopted a laissez-faire attitude toward Tang Hao and Tang San, while those unaware of the truth constantly clamored for blood.

Upon hearing Xiao Yu's name, the five titled Douluo's faces all changed. They had seen Salas's report on the advancement matches: Xiao Yu, at nineteen, had reached level 66, with soul rings far beyond the best configurations—a thousand-year second ring, a ten-thousand-year fourth ring, and even a high-quality dragon-type right arm soul bone.

The five were convinced that, given Xiao Yu's displayed talent, he could very well stand at the peak of the soul master world within twenty, perhaps even ten years.

Such a prodigy, if allied with a rival force, indeed warranted Spirit Hall's utmost efforts to eliminate him before he could mature.

But there was a problem: Xiao Yu didn't seem to be their enemy. As elders of Spirit Hall, they knew of Qian Renxue's existence and her alliance with Xiao Yu, as well as Qian Daoliu's warning to Bibi Dong not to provoke the Nine Stars Hall.

Bibi Dong's command was clearly at odds with Qian Daoliu's intentions. The five looked at each other with troubled expressions—they couldn't withstand a single blow from a level-99 limit Douluo.

"Your Holiness!"

Chrysanthemum Douluo finally spoke up, despite his hesitation. "Didn't the Grand Worship say not to interfere with Nine Stars Hall? And especially with their young master—"

A glimmer of jealousy flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. If only Xiao Gang had possessed the same potential as Xiao Yu, she might never have suffered at Qian Xunji's hands or been forced to bear Qian Renxue. "Xiao Yu's talent will undoubtedly lead him to become a limit Douluo in the future. Such a prodigy would never be satisfied under Spirit Hall's rule. She's young and simply blinded by a man's sweet words!"

You're one to talk!

Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been in Spirit Hall for fifty or sixty years, knew all too well about Bibi Dong's history with Yu Xiaogang. At least Xiao Yu, the one Qian Renxue had fallen for, had exceptional talent—was it really surprising that a young girl's heart would be captivated? And who had Bibi Dong chosen to love?

Of course, he kept these thoughts to himself; he wouldn't dare say them aloud.

As one of Bibi Dong's earliest followers, Chrysanthemum Douluo understood her strength well. Though she couldn't yet rival Qian Daoliu, she was more than powerful enough to deal with him and his peers.

Having become a titled Douluo in her thirties, Bibi Dong made Tang Hao's title of youngest titled Douluo seem laughable by comparison.

Bibi Dong seemed to catch onto their hesitation and added, "Relax; in the chaos of battle, soul skills know no allegiance. So long as you don't reveal your intentions, who would know it was intentional? Do you think the Grand Worship would demand your lives over a dead man? I would never allow him to weaken our ranks like that!"

Having already boarded Bibi Dong's proverbial ship, the five could only accept her decision, bowing and taking their leave.

After they left, Bibi Dong also rose from her throne, her gaze icy and sharp as she stared toward Heaven Dou City. Her voice was cold, like the edge of a blade, as she murmured, "A Soul Emperor at nineteen, with a talent rivaling that of the Six-Winged Angel with innate level 20. Is this your reliance? Do you think he'll help you defy me? Dream on!"

Three days later, with the team from Heaven Dou Royal Academy directly advancing to the finals, a total of fifteen teams set out. Originally, there were supposed to be sixteen teams, but Elephant Armor Academy was disqualified for violating the rules. Led by Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and escorted by five hundred Royal Knights, the group made its way grandly toward Spirit City.

In addition to the slightly altered lineup of the academy teams, there was one more unexpected participant: Princess Xue Ke.

After returning, Qian Renxue had fabricated a reason to reject Xue Ye's proposal of marriage between Xiao Yu and Xue Ke. However, as she predicted, Xue Ye was not one to give up easily. He ordered Qian Renxue to take Xue Ke along on the journey to Spirit City.

The journey from Heaven Dou City to Spirit City took about twenty days, and Xue Ye had instructed Qian Renxue to create as many opportunities as possible for Xue Ke and Xiao Yu to spend time alone and nurture a bond.

Xiao Yu's personal life wasn't exactly a secret; he already had two close companions, Ye Lingling and Huo Wu. Xue Ye didn't believe Xiao Yu was the type to resist such temptations and had confidence in his daughter's beauty.

As long as Xiao Yu was willing to marry his daughter, Xue Ye could overlook the presence of Ye Lingling and Huo Wu.

Unfortunately for him, Xiao Yu had no intention of associating with the Heaven Dou royal family, and Qian Renxue would never willingly push Xiao Yu in that direction.

Raised under the doting influence of her father and brother, Xue Ke was no shrewd politician; instead, she had a naïve sweetness that made her easy for Qian Renxue to manipulate.

With Xiao Yu actively avoiding her and Qian Renxue subtly assisting him, Xue Ke could barely manage to catch a glimpse of Xiao Yu, let alone spend any quality time alone with him.

Eventually, Ye Lingling, who had a keen sense of observation, noticed something amiss and privately approached Qian Renxue to inquire.

Since Ye Lingling already knew her true identity, Qian Renxue decided to reveal Xue Ye's plans, sincerely inviting Ye Lingling to join her and Xiao Yu.

Ye Lingling, harboring no affection for the Heaven Dou royal family, readily agreed, forming an alliance with Qian Renxue. With the two of them working together, Xue Ke's chances with Xiao Yu became non-existent.

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