"Because of this, I'll first meet with the elders from the other empires," Ning Fengzhi said solemnly, his tone imbued with the weight of responsibility.
Yuyuan nodded deeply at Ning Fengzhi's words, understanding the significance.
The Martial Soul Hall's influence loomed large. As the patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yuyuan naturally grasped the gravity of the situation.
"I'll accompany you," Yuyuan declared, his voice steady with resolve. "I haven't spoken to those old men in years. Besides, since we're bound by marriage now, I should offer my support!"
Ning Fengzhi's lips curled slightly into a warm smile as he looked at Yuyuan. A flicker of approval passed between the two patriarchs.
At the side, Ning Rongrong's cheeks burned a deeper shade of red. She couldn't hide her emotions, and the blush lingered like an ember refusing to fade.
Yuyuan chuckled softly and shook his head. He stepped forward, approaching Yu Chen and Yu Xiaogang. Just as he was about to address Yu Chen, his gaze abruptly fixed on the golden figure behind Xiaogang.
A towering, ten-foot-tall Golden Sacred Dragon stood resplendent behind Yu Xiaogang!
"This… Xiaogang, your martial spirit—!" Yuyuan's pupils shrank, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Because of the chaos caused by the Martial Soul Hall earlier, Yuyuan had not noticed the change in Xiaogang's martial spirit until now.
In Yuyuan's memory, Yu Xiaogang had possessed a mutated and feeble spirit—a variant pig beast—doomed to remain beneath rank 30 for life.
Yet now, that weak martial soul had evolved into a mighty Golden Sacred Dragon, and his spirit power had surged to rank 33!
"Father."
"My martial spirit and cultivation... everything I've achieved is thanks to Xiao Chen!"
Xiaogang stepped forward, voice thick with emotion. He cast a grateful glance at Yu Chen, whose presence had altered the trajectory of his destiny.
For so many years, Xiaogang had never dared meet Yuyuan's gaze, haunted by the shame of his defective martial soul. But now, because of Yu Chen, he stood reborn.
The gratitude etched in Xiaogang's face was deep and sincere.
"Good! Excellent!"
"This dragon's aura... it rivals our own Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon bloodline!"
Yuyuan stepped closer, his eyes lingering on the Golden Sacred Dragon. When he turned to Yu Chen, they brimmed with pride and a touch of awe.
Yu Chen's talent and cultivation stunned even a seasoned patriarch like him. This youth—this heir—surpassed all expectations.
The Golden Sacred Dragon bloodline was not merely powerful—it was divine. It eclipsed even the prestigious Ninth Grade Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!
"Bloodline evolution?!"
"Ha! Seems like our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has chosen a truly peerless genius as our future son-in-law!" Ning Fengzhi exclaimed.
Gu Rong and Chen Xin echoed the sentiment silently, their expressions filled with astonishment as they stared at Yu Xiaogang's martial spirit.
With the formalities concluded, Yuyuan and Ning Fengzhi gave their parting words to Yu Chen, Ning Rongrong, and the others, preparing to depart.
"Also, the Martial Soul Hall has started targeting Xiao Chen."
"Little girl, be cautious. Never reveal your identity—or you'll become their next target."
Yuyuan's gaze shifted toward Xiao Wu, standing silently by Yu Chen's side. His voice grew stern.
Without hesitation, he waved his hand, forming a shimmering blue soul power barrier that enveloped Xiao Wu.
Though Xiao Wu had successfully transformed into a human form, she was still a 100,000-year-old soul beast—the Soft Bone Rabbit. If a Titled Douluo were to examine her closely, her true identity would be exposed!
Yuyuan and the others had recognized Xiao Wu immediately.
"This soul power barrier can temporarily shield your identity."
Yuyuan did this not merely out of caution—but because he cared deeply for Yu Chen and had witnessed Xiao Wu's unwavering loyalty to him.
"Th-thank you, Uncle," Xiao Wu said softly. Her voice trembled slightly, not from fear of exposure, but from a deeper worry—being separated from Yu Chen.
A soul beast like her was a priceless treasure. If discovered, even the strongest soul master couldn't guarantee her safety.
"Let us escort you back to the Academy."
With the ordeal concluded, Yuyuan and Ning Fengzhi personally escorted Yu Chen and his companions out of the Star Dou Forest and back to Shrek Academy.
The purpose of this journey had been the acquisition of spirit rings. But after success, they had been ambushed by both the Martial Soul Hall and the Dark Iron Armored Dragon Clan.
Now that both threats were neutralized, their mission was complete.
…
As Yu Chen's group left the Star Dou Forest, the trembling spirit beasts that had hidden away finally stirred, rising to flee as swiftly as possible.
"The monster's finally gone!"
"Three Titled Douluo auras just now... and that youth's aura—it was monstrous!"
Hidden in the foliage, the old duo of Long Gong and Snake Po sighed with relief.
Behind them, the young girl watched Yu Chen's retreating figure. Her eyes sparkled with admiration.
For a soul master her age, Yu Chen's immense talent ignited both awe and respect.
Rustle!
Near the battlefield, not far from where Yu Chen had clashed with his enemies, a massive orangutan—taller than a mountain—watched silently.
Its eyes dimmed with disappointment as it turned and disappeared into the depths of the forest.
It had come to see Xiao Wu... and Yu Chen. But the presence of three Titled Douluo meant it could not reveal itself.
Even as a forest overlord, it knew its limits.
…
Far away from the Star Dou Forest—thousands of miles away in the Kara Empire.
Within the stronghold of the Dark Iron Armored Dragon Clan—
"Patriarch, there's a visitor. He's from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan," a disciple in white reported, bowing before the clan leader, Wanlong.
"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?" Wanlong's eyes narrowed. "Only one?"
"Bring him in."
The rivalry between the two clans had worsened due to Yu Chen's rise. Wanlong had no reason to expect goodwill.
"Yes, Patriarch!"
Moments later, a blue-robed elder stepped inside with a solemn air—Yukun, the Great Elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
"Patriarch Wanlong," Yukun said, clasping his fists respectfully.
"Great Elder Yukun," Wanlong responded, though his tone was cool. "Why come here alone? What's your business?"
Yukun's eyes gleamed with malice.
"I know you've set your sights on Yu Chen."
"That boy ruined my grandson's martial soul—and dragged my lineage into disgrace! For that, I will never forgive him."
"I've come to sever my ties with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan... and join forces with you!"
Wanlong raised a brow. Though intrigued, he remained skeptical.
"And why should I believe the words of a Blue Lightning Clan elder?"
Before Yukun could reply, another disciple rushed in, whispering into Wanlong's ear.
"Sect Master, urgent report—Master Wanjiang and the strike team... failed."
Wanlong's expression darkened.
"We found several bodies... but not Wanjiang's. There's nothing left. Not even bones."
"Yu Chen!"
"Damn you, Yu Chen!!"
Wanlong's fury erupted, his aura surging with murderous energy.
He had placed his faith in Wanjiang's strength. Now, defeat had come again—bitter and complete.
Wanlong turned to Yukun, eyes blazing.
"Fine. I'll accept your offer."
"Join us—and help tear Yu Chen apart limb from limb!"
Yukun bowed deeply, a vengeful fire in his eyes.
Wanlong turned toward the horizon—the direction of the Heaven Dou Empire—his gaze cold, unwavering.
The storm had only just begun.
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