"Whoosh~"
Amidst a howling gust of wind, the cloudless sky was torn by the passage of heavily armed Soul Tool regiments. Their terrifying aura of destruction was so intense that countless birds and beasts instinctively veered off their paths to avoid them.
Atop a bionic Soul Tool aircraft—
Xu Cheng stood at the forefront, hands behind his back, overlooking everything below.
To say he felt no sense of achievement would be a lie.
Still a youth, yet surrounded by thousands of truly elite warriors orbiting around him like stars to the moon—though their numbers couldn't compare to vast legions, each one of them possessed enough might to easily defeat thousands of ordinary men.
It had been quite some time since he arrived in this world. Aside from the last battle defending Mingdu, this was his first time personally leading troops into battle.
And now, as the near-undisputed heir to the unstoppable behemoth that was the Sun-Moon Empire, Xu Cheng's control over the military exceeded ninety percent.
If not for his father's benevolent and peaceful demeanor—imagine this: with four great Beast Soul Tool regiments behind him, plus the Holy Spirit Cult on his side, if he were to stand on the high platform and say to Xu Zhen, "Father, please abdicate," wouldn't that be something?
Unfortunately, his old man was no fool. He chose instead to play the loving, warm-hearted father.
Xu Cheng sighed lightly.
It really took the challenge out of things.
As for the Empress and his fourth brother? Utter disappointments. Always playing dirty tricks, weak and childish. They never even piqued his interest.
Beside him, Ye Guyi curiously scanned the scenery flashing rapidly below. The landscape streaking past testified to the aircraft's incredible speed—yet it remained incredibly stable. A clear sign of how advanced the Sun-Moon Empire's Soul Tool technology had become.
She stole a glance at Xu Cheng, standing at the very front of the flying vessel.
So young, yet already commanding the strongest military force on the continent. Within the brutal power struggles of the Douluo hegemon—the Sun-Moon Empire—he had abolished the other legitimate heirs and stood above all.
He was beginning to feel like a true sovereign.
What kind of future would this empire—or even the entire continent—have under his reign?
Curiosity filled the girl's heart. Ever since she had been brought back by Uncle Ye and learned about how the Holy Spirit Cult had changed under Xu Cheng's leadership—even resisting its own cult master Zhongli Wu—she had been utterly intrigued.
Most nobles in this world held deep contempt for commoners. Even the "kind-hearted" princesses and ladies only offered charity from a place of superiority.
Only he...
...seemed to see commoners as actual people.
As the massive Soul Tool regiment crossed the Mingdou Mountains and entered the Star Luo Empire's border, dozens of Soul Masters wearing Star Luo Royal Guard uniforms ascended from the ground.
The leader among them looked tense. He knew all too well that not long ago, it was a Sun-Moon force just like this one that had crushed the White Tiger Douluo's army of 100,000—piercing through the heart of the kingdom, turning the national war into a desperate battle for the capital...
Fortunately, this time, they were not enemies.
"This way, please!"
A man from the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Tool Regiment, dressed in black and red, gave him a disdainful glance and said indifferently.
"…"
The commander of the Star Luo Royal Guard looked furious but bowed his head, not daring to protest.
So this was the contempt of an empire?
He finally understood it today...
And then, he saw the flying Soul Tool surrounded by countless elite guards.
The absurdly young youth within it, his gaze cold and indifferent.
"What's Xu Jiawei playing at?" Xu Cheng asked calmly.
In an instant, countless eyes turned toward the guard commander, the weight of them like Mount Tai on his shoulders—nearly suffocating.
"His Majesty's intention is... to welcome you to the capital of the Star Luo Empire for a short rest. After fulfilling his duty as host... you may..."
Taking a deep breath, he still managed to convey Xu Jiawei's message.
"No need."
Xu Cheng smiled.
"I appreciate Xu Jiawei's kind gesture, but the Sun-Moon Empire didn't come here for tourism. We have business to attend to. Star Luo only needs to make way—don't cause any unnecessary casualties."
Gulp~
The guard felt that Xu Cheng's words were arrogant in the extreme—but as he glanced around at the elite soldiers surrounding him, he had to admit this young man had the right to be arrogant.
He swallowed hard and gave a slight nod. "Understood…"
With a gesture from Xu Cheng, the entire Soul Tool regiment advanced in perfect order, not lingering for even a moment.
The Star Luo commander watched as one elite after another passed him by without even a glance, treating him like air.
Hundreds of mechas, numerous manned flying Soul Tools, and terrain-treading artillery units slowly disappeared into the horizon.
Only then did he snap out of it.
Several figures flew toward him from behind.
"Captain! How'd it go?"
"He… refused," the captain shook his head. "They're just passing through."
"Are they heading to the Heavenly Soul Empire?" another asked.
"Probably," the captain said absentmindedly. "Judging from their direction, it looks that way."
"Well then, the Heavenly Soul Empire's in trouble. If I remember right, the Body Sect, Heavenly Soul, and Douling Empire all joined forces against Mingdu during the siege. I thought the Sun-Moon Empire, though victorious, was too weakened to wage war again so soon—but clearly not…"
"Thank the stars our emperor was wise enough to side with the Sun-Moon Empire early on. Otherwise, this army might've flattened our capital today and then marched straight on to destroy Heavenly Soul."
Hearing their chatter, the captain scowled.
"Watch what you say! 'Sided with'?! We're in an alliance!"
"Captain… let's not kid ourselves. If it was truly an alliance, they wouldn't have shown us this level of disregard. Honestly, if His Majesty hadn't kneeled early…"
Cough cough cough...
The captain's face stiffened.
He wanted to argue—but had no words.
He only sighed deeply.
"Sigh…"
Star Luo… was a kingdom in name only.
Star Luo Empire – Duke's Mansion, Palsac Province
"Damn it! What the hell is Xu Jiawei thinking?!!"
Sarlokai, leader of the old nobility and a fat man with squinted eyes, was fuming.
"Sending the Star Luo princess to the Sun-Moon Empire? Is he trying to sell out the country?!"
Clearly, things had spun completely beyond their expectations.
Xu Jiawei was no longer acting like a horse tightly reined in by them. Ignoring the ministers' objections, he had sent Xu Jiujium to the Sun-Moon Empire!
This signal left the entire continent dumbfounded.
And yet, it was not entirely incomprehensible.
After all, Star Luo had suffered a humiliating defeat. Now seeking peace with Sun-Moon was understandable. But how far they were willing to submit was now the real question.
Was this an alliance?
Or submission?
Regardless, for them—the entrenched old nobility of Star Luo—it spelled trouble. Because it meant Xu Jiawei had turned former enemies into allies.
And the next target…
Sarlokai was no fool. He had always had leverage over Xu Jiawei—after all, an internal power struggle threatened the whole nation, something every faction feared.
But Xu Cheng was different.
That guy was a walking disaster.
If Xu Jiawei really planned to "borrow the knife to kill," then once Xu Cheng arrived—it would mean Sarlokai's death.
Duke Robinel, who held great military power, and Lingwen, sect leader of the Spirit Bird Sect, had both seen this coming.
"I've received word: the princess returned to the capital yesterday and met with Xu Jiawei for an hour. The palace is too secure to know what was said, but according to reports… Xu Jiawei is in a great mood. He's spent several nights in the Empress's quarters."
"…"
Silence fell over the room.
"That madman! He no longer cares about the empire—he just wants to drag us down with him!"
Sarlokai cursed through gritted teeth.
"Heh, what did I say two days ago?" Duke Robinel sneered, looking at the previously carefree Sarlokai and Lingwen, now grim-faced and silent.
"Keep laughing. Why aren't you laughing now?"
"Robinel!"
Sarlokai growled. "Don't think you're safe! That tiger Xu Cheng was brought here by Xu Jiawei! His target isn't just us—it's you too! When he arrives, you won't escape either!"
"Gentlemen, please!"
Lingwen stepped between them to stop the argument.
"We're all in the same boat now. Fighting among ourselves will only help Xu Jiawei succeed. If we fall, the Sun-Moon Empire will seize all of Star Luo—and centuries of legacy will be ruined by our own hands!"
"Then what do we do?" Sarlokai asked urgently, like a drowning man grabbing at driftwood.
"Heh, in my opinion, attack is not an option. Even if the three of us join forces now, facing the Sun-Moon Empire would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—utterly futile. And it's already too late to seek peace with Xu Jiawei. That leaves only one solution."
Ling Wen took a deep breath.
"Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, fleeing is the best option."
"Flee?!!"
The other two were dumbfounded.
"That's right. At this point, our only option is to temporarily avoid the brunt of the attack. Before Xu Jiawei reacts, we can gather our wealth and relocate to the Heavenly Soul Empire or Shrek Academy. Right now, the Star Luo Empire is rotten to the core and on the verge of collapse. If we strike at the foundation and pull the rug out from under him, we might just turn Xu Jiawei's clever plan into a disaster!"
Ling Wen gave a faint smile.
"No way! No way!"
Saluokai shook his head. As a noble, most of his assets were within Star Luo territory. If he left now, he could only gather less than one-fifth of his wealth—unless he sold off his estates, property deeds, or spirit beast industries at a loss. That was something he couldn't accept.
"I don't believe Xu Cheng is that powerful! At worst, we'll go down fighting!" He jumped up in frustration, face flushed with anger.
Robinell also shook his head.
He was in the same situation as Saluokai. As a duke, all his assets, connections, and influence were tied to the Parsak Province—a foundation built over thousands of years by his ancestors. Even their ancestral tombs were there. If he fled elsewhere, and someone desecrated those tombs—what then?
"In my opinion, we should try negotiating with Xu Jiawei. I don't believe he'd willingly give up Star Luo. If he shows some humility, then…"
Ling Wen shook his head.
"Since none of us can convince the others, how about we take a vote? Those in favor of negotiating with Xu Jiawei, raise your hand."
Robinell raised his right hand, though somewhat reluctantly.
"Those in favor of fighting to the end, raise your hand."
Saluokai snorted and raised his hand.
"Then… those in favor of fleeing early, raise your hand." Ling Wen asked and immediately raised his own hand.
"Well, it's clear how things stand. Robinell will go negotiate with Xu Jiawei. Saluokai will fight to the end. And I… I'll go pack my things and prepare to leave."
Robinell: "…"
Saluokai: "…"
"You bastard! Are you even human?!"
"If we die, we die together!"
The two of them grabbed Ling Wen, as if genuinely afraid he would sneak off in the middle of the night.
"Du–Du–Duke! Something terrible has happened!!!"
Just as the three were arguing, an urgent voice rang out from outside the door.
"Who the hell are you calling a eunuch?!!" Robinell roared, but seeing the pale-faced messenger burst through the doors, his expression quickly grew grim.
"Wait… what's going on?"
"A Sun-Moon Empire army suddenly appeared at the border of the province! The garrison collapsed instantly—total rout! And now they've confirmed the location of the Duke's estate… they're headed straight here!"
"What?!!"
The three men were stunned.
"How could this happen so fast…" Robinell's face turned ashen.
Later…
"Nobles in this world really are the most pampered class."
Xu Cheng clasped his hands behind his back, leisurely strolling through the lavish estate. Calling it a "manor" was an understatement—it was practically a palace. The walls were covered in murals, priceless soul bones were on display, and even rare soul beasts had dedicated breeding grounds with professional caretakers.
Meanwhile, several people were kneeling beside him like mourners at a funeral, their faces pale and their heads hung low—a stark contrast to Xu Cheng's relaxed demeanor.
Clearly, this war had ended without suspense… they surrendered.
Even the loudest of the nobles, Saluokai, had bowed his proud head before the overwhelming might of the Sun-Moon army.
"Gu Yi," Xu Cheng said calmly.
"Yes, sir!" Ye Gu Yi was briefly stunned, but quickly responded.
"Take a team and sweep the entire place. Search inside and out—don't leave a single corner unchecked," Xu Cheng instructed.
"…"
Ye Gu Yi accepted the order and left.
Even though many of the elite soldiers present were stronger or more experienced than she was, Xu Cheng had chosen her for the task. The girl was puzzled but had no reason to refuse.
After several rounds of searching, they unearthed many rare treasures, causing Ye Gu Yi to curse the fat cats under her breath. But otherwise, there seemed to be nothing unusual.
"Sir, something's off here."
Suddenly, a Sun-Moon soldier from the soul engineer corps spoke with a grave expression.
Ye Gu Yi immediately approached.
"There's a secret room here!" The soldier knocked on the floor and looked up.
"Open it!" Ye Gu Yi raised an eyebrow.
As the secret room was opened, a rich fragrance wafted out.
Inside was a corridor—deep and seemingly bottomless.
"Let's go check it out," Ye Gu Yi said, her expression turning serious as she took the lead and jumped in.
Outside the main hall…
Xu Cheng yawned.
His gaze swept across the resplendent hall, a slight smile on his lips.
"Ye Gu Yi… if you want to be an angel, to uphold justice, it will take more than just a passionate heart…"
(End of Chapter)