Chapter 204: The Sixth Trial of the Ice God!

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"Following the agreement made ten thousand years ago, all the citizens of the Tian Hun Empire shall now submit to the Shui Clan."

In the Tian Hun Empire's palace hall, the reigning emperor stood on the jade steps, holding a yellowed ancient parchment, his voice solemn and dignified.

It was an oath made ten thousand years ago.

"Long live His Majesty!"

With the emperor's proclamation, the courtiers in the hall knelt, chanting in unison their support for the emperor.

Although the Tian Dou Empire had long since fractured, the Tian Hun Empire had always upheld this ancient vow.

However, in the Dou Ling Empire, the situation was starkly different.

In the Dou Ling Empire's palace hall, all present officials wore grim expressions. Moments earlier, palace guards had found an ancient agreement from the treasury, a pact from ten thousand years ago.

The pact simply stated that the Tian Dou Empire must submit to the Shui Clan in ten thousand years.

"Hmph, what nonsense! The Tian Dou Empire is long gone. We are now the Dou Ling Empire. Even if the Shui Clan emerges, it has nothing to do with us!"

"The chancellor is right. What right does the Shui Clan have to command us? The Dou Ling Empire will never submit!"

After a brief silence, the officials voiced their vehement opposition to submitting to the Shui Clan.

The Dou Ling Emperor, sitting on his dragon throne, scowled. He had only just learned of the Tian Dou Empire's ancient pact with the Shui Clan.

But what did it matter to him?

As the ruler of the Dou Ling Empire, he had no intention of honoring a vow made by a long-defunct empire.

"I decree that the Dou Ling Empire will never submit to the Shui Clan. From now on, prepare for war."

After a moment of contemplation, the Dou Ling Emperor made his decision, determined to protect his sovereignty at all costs.

"Chancellor, begin contacting other forces immediately. We must prepare to resist the Shui Clan together. I refuse to believe that the Shui Clan can overpower a united front!"

With that, a confident glint appeared in the emperor's eyes.

…

In the skies en route from Xingluo Imperial City to Tian Dou Imperial City, a figure shrouded in a blue aura sped through the air.

It was Shui Wuya.

After leaving Xingluo Imperial City, his first priority was to find Shui Bing'er and inquire about the situation in the Tian Dou Empire.

However, as he traveled, the Ice God's artifact suddenly emerged from his storage space.

[Ice God's Fifth Trial Complete!]

[Reward: First nine forms of the Ice God's Thirteen Forms, 20% increase in Ice God affinity, all spirit rings' ages increased by 5,000 years!]

The sudden notification startled Shui Wuya.

But he quickly realized that the Fifth Trial had lasted over a year, and its completion was timely.

After all, both the population and the prosperity of the Shui Clan had met the trial's requirements.

Soon after receiving his rewards, another notification appeared.

[Ice God's Sixth Trial: Defeat the phantoms of the Ice God's Island's ancestors.]

The brief description filled Shui Wuya with excitement.

This seemed the simplest trial since he began the Ice God's Nine Trials.

Yet, the recorded strength of the Shui Clan's ancestors suggested this would be a perilous challenge!

"Once this matter is resolved, I must explore Ice God's Island!"

Shui Wuya thought to himself. He did not return to the future just yet, as he had more pressing matters to attend to.

…

Tian Dou Imperial City, the palace.

The newly crowned Tian Dou Emperor, Qian Renxue, held a jade slip of intelligence from her spies.

Before her knelt a middle-aged man in servant's attire.

"Are you aware of the consequences for falsifying information?"

Qian Renxue's cold gaze scrutinized the servant after reading the intelligence report.

"I swear on my life, this information is true."

"Following Your Majesty's orders, I infiltrated Prince Xue Xing's residence. Early this morning, I personally witnessed an outsider entering the estate and conspiring with Prince Xue Xing for a long time."

The servant respectfully reiterated the report.

Upon hearing this, a glint of frost appeared in Qian Renxue's eyes.

Having just ascended the throne and with the Tian Dou Empire now surrendered to the Spirit Empire, Prince Xue Xing secretly conspiring with an outsider was certainly no good.

"Relay my command: order Dolphin Douluo to personally visit Prince Xue Xing and invite the guest to the palace. I wish to know who this guest is."

Qian Renxue's voice was icy, her eyes, disguised as a man's, exuded a faint killing intent.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

At this moment, Dolphin Douluo emerged from the shadows, bowed to Qian Renxue, and disappeared.

At Prince Xue Xing's residence.

Shui Bing'er, having completed her task assigned by Shui Wuya, was enjoying tea in a pavilion with Prince Xue Xing accompanying her.

"Miss Shui, this tea is our empire's finest Ice Jade Leaf Tea, harvested only during the coldest days of the year. Its quality is unparalleled."

Prince Xue Xing spoke warmly, introducing the tea to Shui Bing'er as they drank.

"Indeed, this tea is excellent."

Shui Bing'er nodded in agreement. This task had been easier than she anticipated.

Standing behind her were the Deans of Tianshui and Blazing Academies, both Titled Douluo, serving as her strongest support on this mission.

"Since Miss Shui is from the Shui Clan, your family must have many such fine teas. If Miss Shui doesn't mind, I would like to visit the Shui Clan to taste these teas someday."

Prince Xue Xing chuckled, hinting at his curiosity about the mysterious Shui Clan.

"Of course, if there's an opportunity."

Shui Bing'er nodded, recognizing his intentions.

But before she could say more, a powerful Titled Douluo's pressure suddenly descended from the sky.

"Audacious!"

Prince Xue Xing shouted, sensing the pressure above, and immediately ordered his guards to surround the pavilion.

"Prince Xue Xing, no need to be angry. I am here under His Majesty's orders to invite the esteemed guest of your residence to the palace."

A figure in purple armor descended from the sky.

"Dolphin Douluo!"

Prince Xue Xing's face darkened as he recognized the newcomer.

Ignoring Prince Xue Xing, Dolphin Douluo turned to Shui Bing'er.

"This must be the honored guest. The emperor has summoned you. Please come with me."

Thorn Dolphin Douluo's polite words were underscored by a powerful, oppressive aura.

"How dare you! My lady is not someone you can simply summon at will!"

The Dean of the Blazing Academy, standing behind Shui Bing'er, roared, revealing his own Titled Douluo aura.

(End of Chapter)