"Star Luo battle report—now that's interesting. Has Xu Jiawei gone completely mad?"
The next morning, Xu Cheng sat in his office chair, leisurely sipping tea while listening to his secretary Nana's report, clicking his tongue in astonishment.
In the central square of the Star Luo Imperial Capital—such a critical location—Dai Yueheng, who had rushed in as backup, activated several rank-nine fixed soul-guided missiles, intending to perish together with Xu Jiawei.
But Star Luo was still Star Luo. Even if caught unprepared, it wasn't a force that some "wet-behind-the-ears brat" could easily crush.
According to reports from their spies, Huang Jinxu, along with two Title Douluos, activated a massive formation—a defensive setup comprised of 108 custom-made soul devices from the Sun and Moon Empire. Originally intended to prevent collateral damage during the Continental Soul Master Tournament, it ended up being used again in this emergency.
The situation was dire. Thousands of soldiers were still inside the square. But upon Xu Jiawei's order, there was no chance to flee. Everyone could only watch helplessly as the terrifying inferno, resembling the end of the world, engulfed the square within the protective shield.
After all, these were three rank-nine fixed soul-guided missiles—each capable of leveling an area of several dozen kilometers. The small square was far too insufficient to contain such destruction.
The 108 defensive soul devices, with Huang Jinxu as the formation's core, only lasted a few minutes. In the end, it came at the cost of four severely wounded Title Douluos (including Xu Jiawei), tens of thousands of civilian casualties, and most of the royal guards consumed by lava. It took half a day before the damage could finally be contained.
"You didn't leave any room for dignity—now comes the backlash."
Xu Cheng shook his head.
This was a catastrophic loss for the Star Luo Empire.
The emperor was severely injured, several elders of the Worship Hall were down, and at least half of their top combat strength was incapacitated for the foreseeable future. The square was in the capital's heart—the resulting economic damage was beyond measure.
And the ones who suffered the most were the people of Star Luo.
Most had been deceived by Xu Jiawei, manipulated by public opinion. Dai Yueheng was hiding among the crowd, and seeing that Xu Jiawei refused to maintain even a shred of honor, he had no burden left in his heart…
"That Dai Yueheng has some guts," Nana said with a soft chuckle. "I saw him during the Continental Soul Master Tournament—he seemed rather ordinary back then. Who would've thought…"
"A shame our positions make us enemies," Xu Cheng murmured as he walked to the tall floor-to-ceiling window, hands clasped behind his back.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"But what I'm really curious about… is where he got those rank-nine fixed soul-guided missiles."
"Now that you've declared martial law and banned the circulation of high-tier soul tools on the black market—even the Sun and Moon Empire maintains a sales registry—no one would dare challenge your authority like this. So the only possibility is someone hid them away," Nana said thoughtfully.
"We'll still need to investigate." Xu Cheng waved his hand.
"But I suspect these were leaked earlier through Mingdu's black market. Could they have been stashed at the White Tiger Duke's estate? Or maybe…"
He grinned. "Well, well, Dai Hao… bushy eyebrows, big eyes—and this is who you are behind closed doors."
"I just feel like Xu Jiawei's grown petty during these few days. As an emperor, to behave like that in public…" Nana scoffed.
"Temperament comes from power. Now that he's lost his influence, we've stepped all over his pride, and the hidden clans are stirring up trouble. His previous grandeur is gone—it's hard to keep a good temper in such circumstances." Xu Cheng smiled.
As he spoke, he wrapped an arm around Nana and pulled her into his embrace with a mischievous grin. "Time for big brother to check if you've been eating well—put on some meat."
"Ugh, we're in the office again~ and I'll have to clean it myself." Nana rolled her eyes.
"Sigh, the prejudice in people's hearts is a mountain… am I really such a vulgar man?" Xu Cheng widened his eyes.
"Are you not?" Nana snorted.
"Hmph… your hands are nice and soft though." Xu Cheng expressionlessly kneaded the fair hands of the beauty in his arms.
"You are vulgar!" Nana huffed and gave his chest a light punch, her face flushing.
"The Evil-Eyed Tyrant—any word on that?" Xu Cheng continued questioning while gently sniffing the beauty's slender neck.
"The Evil-Eyed Tyrant… nothing. According to what you told me, only the two Grand Elders of the Holy Spirit Cult and the leader Zhongli Wu might have the qualifications to contact it directly. As for us… we're probably not even on its radar yet." Nana firmly held back Xu Cheng's wandering hands and answered fluently.
"Trying to bypass Zhongli Wu to get in touch with that one… still quite difficult," Xu Cheng murmured.
After all, the skull he obtained came from a 60,000-year-level descendant of the Tyrant—like a grandson (its youngest son was a 100,000-year soul beast). Under the nourishment of Tianmeng's spiritual power, it had already reached 90,000 years. Breaking through to 100,000 was only a matter of time.
Imagine—my soul bone can cultivate itself. Can you believe that?
"But it's not all a dead end. Based on my research, I suspect the Holy Spirit Cult sacrifices resources to the Evil Forest every year as tribute, maybe as a form of cooperation…" Nana hesitated as she leaned into Xu Cheng's embrace.
"Cooperation, huh." Xu Cheng nodded slightly.
In the original story, the Evil Forest and Evil-Eyed Tyrant Beast weren't elaborated much on—just vague hints, a kind of "plug-in" foreshadowing.
Eventually, it was one of the final bosses.
Because it was tied to the Holy Spirit Cult, it was classified as an evil entity. But the so-called "cooperation" wasn't described in detail.
If they were to fight against Zhongli Wu and his crew someday, they'd likely have to deal with that Tyrant Beast as well.
With a cultivation of about 800,000 years, while it couldn't beat Di Tian, it was still the second most powerful being on the continent—and extremely protective of its kin. That's why Xu Cheng had never ventured into the Evil Forest. He was terrified the beast might sense the soul bone of its grandson inside him… and come stomping over to kill him.
Ye Xishui, Long Xiaoyao, and then toss in the Evil-Eyed Tyrant—if it weren't for Huo Yuhao's massive plot armor, the Three Kingdoms and Shrek had no chance of winning.
Honestly, the wildest part was how Huo and Wang Dong'er powered up thanks to Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui's sacrifice… and then immediately turned around to take out the Holy Spirit Cult.
If Zhongli Wu knew what would happen, he'd probably be cursing from his grave.
Knock knock~
Someone rapped at the door.
Nana quickly got up, straightened her skirt, and opened the door—silently relieved they hadn't done anything too improper just now.
"Xu Cheng, Nana, you're both here…" Wang Qiu'er strode into the office with her long legs, plopped down on the sofa, picked up a teacup and downed it in one gulp, then wiped her lips and beamed. "A'Meng got an ice-type soul tool, and now I want one too! A custom one—unique, beautiful, powerful, and low on soul power consumption…"
"You making a wish list or something?" Xu Cheng's mouth twitched.
"You made one for her—why can't I have one?" Wang Qiu'er shot back, full of righteous indignation.
"I didn't say I wouldn't make one… but those requests…" Xu Cheng scratched his chin.
"And don't you already have the Golden Dragon Spear?"
"Yeah, but I need armor too! Am I not a delicate little girl? What if someone cuts my skin during the tournament—it'd hurt! And I want boots too! I want to be a goddess of war!" Wang Qiu'er said enthusiastically.
Nana watched the scene with great interest.
The cold, untouchable Wang Qiu'er, acting so cutesy and proactive—if her admirers in the Mingde Hall saw this, their hearts would shatter.
Plus… that teacup she drank from? Xu Cheng drank from it earlier.
She knew, and didn't mind at all…
"You, delicate?" Xu Cheng's lips twitched again.
He'd seen her wield the Golden Dragon Spear and dominate in the Sun and Moon Empire's arena. The Golden Dragon was a strength-type—her fighting was downright brutal.
And as a level 60 Soul Emperor, who could even challenge her in the academy tournament?
Still, he couldn't resist her sweet-talking, pestering, and even some subtle blackmail. Eventually, she managed to trade thirty minutes of "massage" for the deal.
Nana tactfully left, locking the door behind her.
Xu Cheng lay face-down on the sofa, looking very content. Wang Qiu'er reached out her soft hands and gently massaged his back.
"Not enough pressure."
Wang Qiu'er: "…"
Her fair hands applied a little more force.
"Still weak," Xu Cheng drawled lazily. "How about stepping on me? Your hands aren't strong enough."
"…Alright." Wang Qiu'er glanced at Xu Cheng's tightly clenched fists and the veins bulging on his neck, bit her lip, and blushed.
This guy had it all planned out.
As a Golden Dragon, even a light squeeze from her could crush metal. Even if she tried to restrain herself, it was more than enough to make someone like Xu Cheng—who didn't exactly have superhuman durability—suffer.
"Mm-hmm, go ahead. I'm ready." Xu Cheng waved a hand.
"Do I… take my shoes off?" Wang Qiu'er hesitated again.
"Of course! What's the point otherwise?" Xu Cheng urged—if she kept the shoes on, how would he… cough… enjoy the feel of her delicate feet?
"Well… okay." Wang Qiu'er slowly removed her shoes and socks, revealing a pair of flawless, jade-like feet. Smooth and elegant, with delicate arches and soft pink toenails untouched by polish—pure natural beauty.
"Slurp~" Xu Cheng audibly swallowed.
Absolutely divine.
Especially when she took off her socks—you could just see a glimpse of her porcelain legs.
"Okay, I'm coming up." Wang Qiu'er stepped onto his back with one foot.
A cool sensation immediately spread across his skin.
She balanced herself, placing both feet on his back.
Though Xu Cheng kept his head down, his face was lit up with barely concealed joy—√ (smirk)
"Do I press harder?" Wang Qiu'er asked, feeling the heat from Xu Cheng's back warming her feet. The odd sensation tingled through her whole body.
Trying to shift focus, she quickly changed the subject.
"Mm-hmm~ give it a bit more force." Xu Cheng replied without turning his head. "Haven't eaten today?"
"…Alright then." Wang Qiu'er hesitated, then bent her knees slightly, tightened her core, and pressed down.
The sofa let out a groan, its wood frame vibrating—and Xu Cheng nearly coughed up blood.
"Are you okay, Cheng-ge?" Wang Qiu'er quickly got off Xu Cheng's back and crouched beside him with concern.
"I'm... I'm fine..." Xu Cheng swallowed the blood rising in his throat. His eyes unintentionally fell on the graceful curve of Wang Qiu'er's arch as she crouched, along with her slightly whitened toes under the pressure. His throat rolled involuntarily.
"Again!"
"O-okay, I'll be more careful this time." Wang Qiu'er stepped onto Xu Cheng's back like a falling leaf.
But this time, there was no familiar sinking sensation or the warm closeness. Instead, it felt like she was barely touching him, like walking on water.
"It's okay, use more force!" Xu Cheng gritted his teeth.
"But…" Wang Qiu'er hesitated.
"Don't worry! Who am I, after all?" Xu Cheng chuckled. "If you don't use full strength, I won't count your time."
"Alright!" Wang Qiu'er was about to say something more, but upon hearing the second part, she immediately shut her mouth.
Then, she began to lower her knees again.
"Mmm, soft touch… I like—wait, no!" Xu Cheng had just been basking in the delight when his expression suddenly turned to horror.
A surge of energy burst from his back, like the sign of an incoming attack.
Wang Qiu'er, still standing on his back, suddenly had a yellow spirit ring rise beneath her feet.
"Power of the Dragon!"
With a soft shout, the girl twisted her waist and leapt into the air.
A terrifying gust swept through the office, and Xu Cheng, eyes wide, turned to look.
"Hyaa!!!"
…
"Holy Spirit Slash!"
Mingdu.
Inside a large training room.
Ye Guyi raised her Holy Sword. Behind her, the silhouette of an angel also lifted its sword. As the girl slashed downward, the angel's image did the same in perfect sync.
"I surrender!"
Another girl, wearing green, and about the same age, cried out in fear.
Buzz!
As her voice rang out, a figure appeared between the two. The radiant, holy sword energy from the angelic phantom was effortlessly blocked by a graceful middle-aged woman with a raised hand.
"Not bad, truly worthy of the Angel Martial Soul." The woman ignored the green-robed girl now collapsed on the ground, and instead walked toward Ye Guyi. With a flirtatious smile, she gently lifted the girl's chin.
"To be able to overpower a level 47 Soul Ancestor while only being level 41... perhaps I should groom you as my successor," she said, full of admiration.
"Hmph, birds of a feather." The girl turned her head aside and scoffed with disdain.
"Heh, feisty, aren't you..." The middle-aged beauty laughed indifferently and even waved off her subordinates who were about to step in. "Since you're so full of spirit, maybe I should cripple you and sell you as a slave in the Sun Moon Empire's auction houses. Or perhaps hand you over to the Holy Spirit Cult—let them decide your fate... how about that?"
"You—you wouldn't dare!" Ye Guyi's voice trembled with panic.
"Hehe, there's nothing I, Shangguan Wei'er, don't dare to do. If you asked around, you'd know just how powerful my Pingfan League is," the woman chuckled, running a long, red-polished fingernail across the girl's cheek with amusement.
"What a pretty face... Even I, Shangguan Wei'er, have never seen such beauty."
Seeing the girl turn her face away and remain silent, she seemed to lose interest. With a wave to her people, she turned and said, "Don't restrict her freedom in the Pingfan League. Give her whatever she wants—resources, men, whatever."
With Ye Guyi's face flushing with both shame and anger, the woman gracefully walked away.
"Strict control of metals now? Is that his doing?" she raised an eyebrow at her subordinate's report.
Mingdu had three major forces.
They were: the Pingfan League, the Xishui League, and the Otto Chamber of Commerce.
These three powers, aside from the military and royal family, were the most formidable in Mingdu.
In the past, the military and royal family, needing extra funds (either for generals or for royal princes' own pockets), allowed these factions to operate. They were like black gloves—tools used to keep the black market running.
But just recently, a certain prince flew into a rage and banned the circulation of high-level soul tools on the black market. The rare metals used to make them were also banned and tightly controlled by the authorities. Even the powerful Xishui League had quieted down.
"Sigh, all thanks to that Fourth Prince. So arrogant—it's no wonder he angered His Highness..." she sighed helplessly.
The Pingfan League had neither the Xishui League's powerful backers nor the Otto Chamber's deep pockets. They had barely survived over the years by slipping through the cracks. If they lost their usefulness—if they could no longer launder money or traffic soul tools—they might just get wiped out…
"Leader, why don't we try to seek backing from Prince Xu Cheng?" a subordinate cautiously suggested.
"Hehe, with someone of his status, why would he bother with us? Besides, I've heard he's the Holy Son of the Holy Spirit Cult—logically, he should be closer to the Xishui League..." Shangguan Wei'er said helplessly.
"You think I don't want to? That's one thick thigh to cling to—but you still need the qualifications to hold on to it."
"Sigh…"
(End of Chapter)