Chapter 28 - Disclosing Identity

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Heaven Dou Empire's imperial capital, Heaven Dou City, at the heart of the northeastern Heaven Dou Empire, was the core of all of Tian Dou's political power, and also one of the two largest cities on the Continent. On Douluo Continent, only Star Lou Empire's imperial capital could match it.

Although the two great Empires' subordinate Kingdoms and Duchies weren't too accepting of control, they were still part of the Empires. With Heaven Dou City at its heart, what Heaven Dou Empire directly controlled were the three neighboring great military districts, with a total force of more than a million, a profound strength.

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---One week later---

Heaven Dou City,

In a room inside a luxurious restaurant, two people could be found together having a meal while having a conversation and just based on their clothing, anyone could tell that they were of great status.

"Your Royal Highness, I want to invite you today to meet someone I found very interesting." Ning Fengzhi said with an excited smile on his as he looked at the person in front of him.

"Oh, someone actually caught the attention of the teacher?" A young man replied while looking at Ning Fenzhi. He was a good-looking man with a straight nose and square mouth together with his pale silver-gold hair and clear teal eyes, wearing white robes which he exuded an aura of extraordinary charisma, giving off a fresh and cool feeling.

"Your Royal Highness, I just knew about him months ago. Well, I have already heard the news that Uncle Jian would probably arrive today that's why I arranged this meeting." Ning Fengzhi said as he was also excited to see Lev in person.

"Really? Then let me see what kind of person the Teacher was interested in." The young man replied with a smile as he started to get interested in the person Ning Fengzhi wanted to introduce to him.

With that, the young man then didn't waste the time as he started asking Ning Fengzhi about the person and the latter ecstatically answered all of it given by the small information he had from investigating Lev.

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Meanwhile, after traveling for a week, Lev and the others have finally arrived on the outskirts of Heaven Dou Empire. Their journey would probably have taken longer if they had traveled on foot and so they were thankful for the free ride.

As they were heading towards the city gate, a man suddenly appeared close to them and reported something to Uncle Jian. The man had told them that instead of coming towards their clan, they just had to head directly towards the restaurant Ning Fengzhi was fond of.

Upon hearing this, Uncle Jian then immediately obeyed as they started heading toward the restaurant. On the other hand, Lev remained silent and just followed without questions while assuring Sia and Zhu Zhuqing that nothing bad would happen.

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Restaurant,

Inside the room in which Ning Fengzhi and the young man were waiting, their conversation suddenly came to a halt after hearing a knock on the door. They looked at each other with a smile before letting the visitor in and when it opened, they then saw Uncle Jian together with a handsome youth.

Ning Fengzhi, upon seeing the young man beside Uncle Jian, immediately recognized him which surprised him a lot as he never would have expected him to change that much in just four months. Without any second, he then let Lev sit while Uncle Jian immediately left as Lev asked him a favor to protect and bring Zhu Zhuqing and Sia to the nearest hotel.

"It's an honor to meet Prince Xue Qinghe and Clan Master Ning Fengzhi." Lev greeted them with a smile. Though he had already had a hunch on what would happen in this meeting, he was still surprised to see that there would be another person with them and a person he least expected at that.

"Y-You're really interesting just like I've thought." Ning Fengzhi said with surprise before calming down. Though they only had a small conflict back then, meeting Lev right now makes him very eager to know him more as the thought that even meeting them, people with great status, he still didn't show any ounce of nervousness and showed a dignified and calm demeanor instead.

"Your name is Lev Hendrix, right? Can I call you Lev then?" Ning Fengzhi suddenly asked.

"It's alright." Lev replied before his eyes started moving abruptly as he found that they were not the only ones around as he could feel many eyes and powerful presence around the place.

"That's good then. Well, let me apologize first for the trouble my clansmen had brought you last time." Ning Fengzhi said as he immediately brought down that topic since he wanted to somehow appease the small misunderstanding.

"It's just a small matter. It wasn't even a thing to call it trouble." Lev replied with a teasing smile as he looked at Ning Fengzhi. He would have already forgotten about it if was not for Ning Fengzhi's reminder.

However, Lev's response made Ning Fengzhi's veins pop a little since he kind of interpreted it in a different manner as it was also one way of saying that his clansmen weren't something that he ever put an eye to. With that, he then just looked at Lev seriously, thinking that he wasn't someone easy to deal with as no matter how he looked at it, he really wasn't showing any fear or even having the courage to put off words like that.

"Let's make this short then. Truth be told, I still have a long way to go. What really is your purpose upon seeing me? I doubt that you just invited me to this place to eat." Lev then directly cut off the chase since he still had something to do as he was actually just using their carriage to move faster.

"W-Well, how about we eat first before talking? You must be tired from a week of travel." Ning Fengzhi proposed since he doesn't want to let go of Lev without reaching something as he have arranged this meeting for a reason.

Hearing Ning Fengzhi, Lev looked at them while thinking something for a second before talking to Sia via telepathy. He wasn't actually afraid of the things that would happen later on as he was more worried about Sia and Zhu Zhuqing's situation.

Following that, the meal was served well and could be described as exquisite as Lev started eating but that was when Ning Fengzhi suddenly asked, "Is Ning Rongrong doing good at the academy?"

"Hmm. She's started becoming a better person, I guess." Lev looked at Ning Fengzhi as he replied. Looking back, Ning Rongrong's attitude really changed for the better during the months that she was living at the academy, and he felt like Zhu Zhuqing had something to do with it, but it didn't really concern him.

Ning Fengzhi smiles after hearing Lev's answer. He then asked once again, "Lev, if you don't mind answering, why were you leaving Suotuo City? As I heard, your academy was invited to join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."

"The Academy won't make us stronger anymore, so I decided to leave." Lev replied truthfully while eating.

Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi looked at Lev meaningfully as if this were the words he was hoping to hear. He knew that he was hiding his true power for some reason and from the information he gathered, Lev's history was very vague, and was safe to tell that it was still unknown making his purpose of hiding so remains a mystery.

"Enough with me. Tell me your purpose already that even the prince was here to meet me." Lev said as he looked Ning Fengzhi seriously. Though he doesn't mind talking to them, he feels like they are trying to take things longer and it makes him bothered.

"Well. We have actually a few questions to ask." Seeing that Lev was a direct person, Ning Fengzhi didn't go around anymore. Though he was really offended by Lev's attitude, he could still keep them in since he didn't want to make a move against the unknown.

"Lev, Clan Master Ning had shared that you're already strong. If I may ask, why bother hiding your strength? You even go to an academy and even lived there for months?" Xue Qinghe then curiously asked after seeing the mood gone haywire. He still hadn't sensed anything special from Lev aside from the fact that he was more handsome than anyone he had seen.

"Hmmm. I have been looking for companions." Lev answered truthfully since it was really his purpose why he chose to attend Shrek Academy. Though it's such a shame that it wasn't perfect, having Zhu Zhuqing was already enough.

"Interesting and it looks like you have achieved your goal. This is the first time I have seen a person like you. You are really amusing." Xue Qinghe replied that someone had told him that he had arrived with two other youths. He has no way of assuring that it was the real reason, but he couldn't ask for more since it might sound a little off.

"Then. Lev, what do you think of the situation of the continent today?" Seconds later, Xue Qinghe then became deadly serious and suddenly asked.

Lev, upon hearing the question, looked at Xue Qinghe and replied uninterestedly, "And why does it matter to me?"

Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi shook a bit as they were surprised by Lev's response as they didn't expect to get answered by a question instead. They couldn't help but look at each other and sigh helplessly since there really was no need for him to answer.

Lev, on the other hand, was laughing inside while looking at their expressions. He thought, 'So, this is how it goes. Heh. I thought this would be a meaningful meeting. Well, maybe there's something I could do to make it one.'

"However, if I may say, the continent right now was very chaotic." Lev still decided to answer as he was planning a different matter upon knowing their intentions. Guessing the reason behind why there were eyes around the place, he felt like this meeting wouldn't just end up normally.

"Mmmm." This time, Ning Fengzhi nodded.

"So, what do you think was the best solution to this problem?" Xue Qinghe then asked again after hearing Lev's response.

Lev smiled and then said remarkably, "That is to have one ruler."

With that, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe then looked at each other and nodded as they completely supported Lev's answer which they then thought of moving towards their real purpose.

"Lev, you said earlier that you decided to leave because the academy can no longer make you stronger. So how about following me? With the help of the empire, I can promise to make you a peerless Douluo in the future." Xue Qinghe then directly asked while looking at Lev with expectation as this was the thing that he and Ning Fengzhi had been talking about earlier.

'This is it.' Lev thought before he looked at Xue Qinghe. He grinned evilly and replied, "And you expect me to believe that? How could I follow someone who was in disguise? If you show your true appearance, then I may think about it."

Neng Fengzhi did not understand what's the meaning behind Lev's words, however, Xue Qinghe, on the other hand, widened his eyes in shock but immediately calmed down however, a trace of uneasiness could still be seen on his face as he asked, "W-What do you mean by that?"

"Heh. I don't know how you fooled the Emperor but your disguise couldn't escape my eyes. How about it? You said you wanted me to follow you but which 'you' are you really referring to?" Lev laughed as he replied.

"Lev, be careful with your words as you're in the presence of Prince Xue Qinghe." Ning Fengzhi couldn't take it anymore and reprimanded Lev.

"You're not Prince Xue Qinghe. Though you have been disguising as him, I can see it clearly, Qian Renxue of the Spirit Hall." Lev ignored Ning Fengzhi as he looked at Xue Qinghe with a smile. As he has already changed the directory of the story, he might as well change it for the better.

Qian Renxue, or was known as Xue Qinghe, did not wait any longer and stepped back from which two unknown men appeared all of a sudden in the room.

Ning Fengzhi, on the other hand, was completely dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events but one thing he was sure about was that Lev's words must have some truth with them upon seeing Prince Xue Qinghe acting weird added by the fact that he didn't recognize the two people who just came in.

"H-How did you know?" Qian Renxue asked while looking at Lev fiercely. She was shocked beyond words that an unknown person like him actually knew her identity despite being in such an identity for many years already.

"Now, we are talking." Lev said as he stood up while observing the two people beside her as they were both Titled Duoluo. Seeing their reactions, he has already surmised that they were Qian Renxue's bodyguards to help her with her mission.

Qian Renxue looked at Lev while gritting her teeth before she magically transformed to her original appearance for which a beautiful woman then appeared before them. She now has snow-white skin, slightly slender phoenix eyes, with a face with somewhat stateliness.

"Y-Your Highness, Y-You!!!" Ning Fengzhi shouted after seeing Prince Xue Qinghe suddenly transform into a woman. This is something out of his expectations but actually seeing it makes him completely raise his guard up.

Lev looked at Qian Renxue with surprise. As he had seen her illustrations back when he was on Earth, Qian Renxue's appearance in the flesh really was mind-blowing. She really was more beautiful than he thought she would be. He then just shakes his head with a faint smile before asking, "Now, do you still want me to come to your side?"

Hearing that, Qian Renxue looked at Lev. She then replied, "Lev, I don't know your story but If you come to the Spirit Hall side, I might spare you today."

"Spare? Are you referring to these two Titled Douluos with you?" Lev said before activating his right and left arm soul bones since he was facing two Titled Douluos right now. He wouldn't take risks and make a little mistake since doing so would put his life at risk.

Qian Renxue looked at Lev while frowning. Seeing the sudden changes in his arms, she felt like something was amiss as she still could not understand why he was still calm in this situation however, it wouldn't be enough to make her retreat.

"If you won't side in the Spirit Hall, I could only end your life today as we can't allow you to grow and bear your fangs towards the Spirit Hall someday." Qian Renxue seriously said. She started to take an interest in Lev and wanted to know more about his secrets and hopes that he would follow her to the Spirit Hall but seeing the current situation, she felt like the persuasion was already off.

With that, Lev asked about Sia and Zhu Zhuqing's situation first before he looked back at Qian Renxue and released his spirit rings, and said, "Then, I want to see how you end my life today."

This time, Qian Renxue and the others were completely shocked while looking at the six spirit rings floating above Lev. Qian Renxue cannot believe that there really was someone younger bearing more strength than her, however, she immediately cut such an idea upon seeing that they were all white.

"Looks like you're pretty ordinary than I thought you would be. You have made your decision. Then meet your end." Qian Renxue said before ordering the two Titled Douluos to attack Lev and finished him once and for all and left the place. Though it was a shame, she could not do anything about it.

Hearing the order, the two Titled Douluos then released their spirits. One of them was Winged Tiger while the other was Four-armed Gorilla beast spirits. As their spirit unleashed its full power, the surroundings started to crumble which completely ceased to exist after they had used a spirit ability.

Ning Fengzhi looked in horror after seeing the attacks of two Titled Douluo. Though he was also a powerful person, his strength greatly focused on support and so his fighting capability wasn't that strong.

***Madoka***

Lev, on the other hand, just smirked as he motioned his hand. Following that, his spirit ring then lightens up as a dragon comes out and creates a lot of fireballs with it. The dragon roared and then moved toward the fireballs which created a barrier big enough to protect them both.

"Dragon God Light Shield."

"Dragon God Dark Shield."

However, Lev wasn't that as he used another ability by swinging his dragon-like arms which created a claw-like shield covering the barrier fortifying its defense.

With that, the two Titled Douluo's attacks hit Lev's barrier however, contrary to anyone's expectation, it didn't even break upon impact and was completely free from any scratches.

Seeing such an outcome, Qian Renxue and the two Titled Douluos were shocked to the core not understanding what just happened as no matter how they looked at it, Lev was only a Spirit Emperor at most, and defending against two of their attacks was completely out of questions.

Ning Fengzhi, on the other hand, was completely surprised and grateful at the same after seeing Lev saving him however, he still didn't have the time to feel relief as the restaurant was destroyed by their attack and killed many innocent people together with it.

The sudden commotion immediately put the whole city in alarm. Uncle Jian, who was protecting Zhu Zhuqing and Sia immediately left and headed toward the direction of the commotion.

"Fengzhi, what happened?" Uncle Jian hurriedly asked Ning Fengzhi beside him after he arrived and his attention then shifted towards the three people which was probably the cause of this commotion.

"Young Miss, the situation is bad. I don't know how this boy blocked our attacks, but one thing is for sure and that is, he was powerful despite being a mere Spirit Emperor with six white spirit rings and together with Chen Xin, our chances of killing him today were close to impossible." The four-armed gorilla spirit master said while the other man also supported as the sudden arrival of Uncle Jian caused them to change their expressions.

Hearing them, Qian Renxue was very angry at this moment. She didn't think that by meeting Lev, her hard work of disguising herself as a Prince would be discovered, and would be forced to abandon her long-term mission and what's worst is that she could not do anything about it. However, her rational mind then came forward from which she immediately regained calm as she looked at the commotion they did thinking that the news might have already been sent to the palace.

"Let's retreat." Qian Renxue decided while gritting her teeth while looking at Lev. They were about to leave the place when suddenly Lev's voice interrupted them.

"You really wanted to retreat just that and decided to abandon your long-term secret mission? Looks like you're pretty ordinary than I thought you would be." Lev amusingly provoked and said the same words Qian Renxue had told him. With this thing, the story will really change considerably but he really doesn't care at all.

Qian Renxue's eyes widened after knowing that Lev did not just uncover her disguise but even knew her secret mission in the Heaven Dou Empire which only made him more dangerous than she thought he would be.

"Young miss, we don't have time. Heaven Dou Empire's army might already be on their way." The Winged Tiger Douluo reprimanded.

Qian Renxue gritted her teeth while looking at Lev however without having any second thoughts, they then immediately retreated.

Lev, on the other hand, just looked at their back fading into the distance. He really wasn't planning to kill anyone as he just wanted to create something completely new from the original story and so he achieved it successfully. With that, he then just smiled and retracted his abilities.

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---Ten minutes later---

Heaven Dou Empire's army arrived and saw several destroyed buildings and pitiful dead bodies on the ground. The leader of the army ordered his troops immediately before heading toward Ning Fengzhi after seeing him.

"Greetings, Clan Master Ning Fengzhi. If I may ask, just what really happened here?" The leader of the army asked. Though he was respectful, knowing about the sudden attack was more important and urgent since it was explicitly ordered by the Emperor himself.

Ning Fengzhi looked at Lev first before looking back at the army leader and replied, "Prince Xue Qinghe we knew was an impostor."

"Outrageous!!" The army leader angrily shouted as he unsheathed the sword on his waist. No matter who it is, accusing a prince was something enough to deserve severe punishment.

Ning Fengzhi was unbothered by the sudden action of the army leader since he kind of understood him. He then sighed and said, "It's better to go to the palace and tell His Majesty in person."

With that. Ning Fengzhi then looked at Lev, saying, "Lev, how about you come with us to the palace."

Lev, however, just waved his hand and started heading towards the hotel where Zhu Zhuqing and Sia were staying as he wasn't in the mood to witness more drama. Though he was fine, he was actually thinking something on his mind.

With that, Ning Fengzhi could only look at Lev's back before going to the palace alone after telling Uncle Jian to immediately bring Ning Rongrong back to the clan as the continent will be in chaos soon.