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"This... this, this? What is going on here?!" The shock on Dugu Bo's face was unmistakable. Even Anna, who wasn't particularly skilled at reading people, could see that the old man was utterly flabbergasted.
"Little friend, how have your first three soul rings all turned black? And this orange-gold ninth ring... just where on earth have you been these past three years?"
"We went to Sea God Island," Dai Davis explained, sharing the experiences of their recent years with Dugu Bo. "After completing the Divine Trials, we received rewards from the Sea God."
Dugu Bo listened with a mixture of astonishment and envy. When he learned that the Sea God's power could actually increase the age and quality of soul rings, he felt a sudden urge to set sail for Sea God Island himself to seek the Way. As a Spirit Master, the desire to become stronger was an instinct he couldn't ignore.
His envy reached its peak when he heard that Dai Davis's ninth soul ring was originally a 250,000-year ring and had now grown to a staggering 280,000 years. Upon hearing that million-year soul beasts existed within the vast oceans, he slapped his thigh in excitement, wishing he could witness the sheer power of such legendary creatures for himself.
After finishing the recount of his journey, Dai Davis shifted the topic. "Senior, how has the Star Luo Empire been during my absence? Are my father and mother doing well?"
"They are doing quite well," Dugu Bo replied without hesitation. "In fact, your grandfather's strength has grown significantly over these years. When we last met, he had already reached the peak of Rank 94. By now... I expect he has likely broken through to Rank 95!"
Grandfather is about to reach Rank 95!
Dai Davis's eyes lit up at the news. This was a major development. Once Dai Tianxing reached Rank 95, the Hell White Tiger fusion performed by him and Zhu Lingyun would be powerful enough to threaten a Rank 98 Super Douluo—and would even hold its own against a Peerless Douluo.
By his calculations, the Star Luo Empire now possessed three distinct combat units capable of rivaling or even surpassing a Peerless Douluo. First, there was the elder couple, Dai Tianxing and his wife. Second, there was the trio of Dai Davis, Zhu Zhuyun, and Zhu Zhuqing; their Star Luo Saint Tiger could undoubtedly crush a Peerless Douluo, considering even the Deep Sea Whale Demon King had fallen before them.
Finally, there was Anna. Although she was currently only Rank 86, with the divine Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud and the super-divine Sea God Trident, she could hold her own against a Peerless Douluo for a short duration. In the original legends, Tang San had severely wounded the Rank 99 Bibi Dong when he was only Rank 85; Davis believed Anna was capable of similar feats.
Of course, until Anna fully ascended to godhood, Davis had no intention of revealing her true strength. The Sea God Trident, in particular, needed to remain hidden for as long as possible.
Seeing the joy on Davis's face, Dugu Bo grinned, but his expression soon stiffened as a thought occurred to him. Stroking his beard, he muttered, "However, over the last few days... I imagine your grandfather and father haven't been having the easiest time."
Davis's heart skipped a beat. He stood up abruptly from the ground, his voice urgent. "Oh? Senior, has something happened to the Star Luo Empire?"
Dugu Bo waved his hand dismissively and chuckled. "Sit down, sit down. It's nothing catastrophic. Besides, now that you're back, this matter is even less of a concern."
"Senior, what exactly happened?"
"It doesn't directly involve Star Luo; it's about Spirit Hall," Dugu Bo explained. "Over the past six months, Spirit Hall has been organizing a Grand Spirit Master Competition to select a 'New Seven Great Sects.' They claim it's a selection process, but it's really just a move to expand their influence. It's obvious that these new sects will all be puppets of Spirit Hall. While their individual strength might not compare to the Clear Sky Sect or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, so many sects united under one banner will pose a significant obstacle to the Star Luo Empire."
"..."
Davis's brow furrowed at the news, but the tension soon bled away as a plan began to take shape. The "fishing" strategy he had conceptualized years ago—luring the enemy in to strike their reinforcements—was finally ready for implementation.
With a plan in mind, Davis immediately took action. He clasped his hands in a respectful farewell to Dugu Bo.
"Senior, thank you for informing me. We shall take our leave now." He glanced toward Anna, who was still cultivating near the Well of Ice and Fire. "Senior, I leave Nana in your care."
Dugu Bo smiled. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to the girl."
Davis trusted Dugu Bo implicitly. After urging Anna to focus on her cultivation, he led Zhu Zhuyun and the other two girls away. As they flew back toward the Star Luo Empire, a bold idea took root in his mind. He would not only neutralize Spirit Hall's conspiracy but perhaps even turn their new puppets against them, potentially delivering a heavy blow to Spirit Hall in the process.
After a journey of over half a month, Davis finally returned to Star Luo City and arrived at his private estate.
"Crown Prince, you have finally returned!"
Upon entering, an elderly man over sixty years old hurried toward him. The man bowed deeply, nearly kneeling in his relief. Though his hair was white, his frame was sturdy, and an aura of battle-hardened ruthlessness lingered in his eyes—the mark of a man who had been formidable in his youth.
Davis recognized him instantly: it was his steward and loyal servant, Li Hu.
"Indeed, Uncle Li. It has been a long time. You seem to be doing well."
"Haha, thanks to Your Highness, this old servant has lived very well indeed. I must thank you again for the Grade Nine Purple Ginseng you gifted me. I have already reached the level of a Rank 85 Spirit Douluo! In the past, I never dreamed I could achieve such heights. It is all thanks to your cultivation!"
Li Hu smiled warmly and gestured toward the door. "Crown Prince, and the three Princesses, please, come inside."
"I won't be going in just yet." Davis shook his head and turned to the three women. "You three must be exhausted after such a long journey. Go home, take a hot bath, and get some rest. I need to go see my father."
"Understood."
Leaving the prince's manor, Davis headed toward the Star Luo Imperial Palace. Before long, the familiar silhouette of the palace came into view. The morning court session had already concluded, and Dai Pojun was currently in the main hall reviewing official memorials.
Davis activated his Clear-Sighted Evil Eyes, seeing through his father's cultivation at a glance. Dai Pojun had reached Rank 94, though his aura was slightly unstable, suggesting he had only recently made the breakthrough.
Inside the hall, Dai Pojun sensed someone watching him. Detecting a powerful presence approaching, his brow darkened. Just as he was about to release his martial soul and prepare for combat, the visitor stepped into view. His grimace instantly transformed into a look of joy.
"Davis? You... you're back?"
"Father! I'm home!" Davis approached to perform a formal salute, but Dai Pojun caught his arms, pulling him up.
"Enough of that. We don't need such formalities between father and son." Dai Pojun laughed, clapping Davis on the shoulder. As he appraised his most talented son, his shock grew. "Good lad! Your strength has increased this quickly? Even I can't see through your cultivation level anymore. Don't tell me you're already a Super Douluo? Hahaha!"
(End of Chapter)