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Putting himself in their shoes, since Chu Chengzhou had dared to assassinate the emperor and crown prince of Star Luo, he must have anticipated the consequences.
In other words, Chu Chengzhou was undoubtedly prepared and ready to face the empire's retaliation.
Of course, the empire's strength still surpassed that of Chu Chengzhou, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Tian Dou Empire combined. Moreover, aside from the Spirit Hall, the Tian Dou territory wasn't within the sphere of influence of other top-tier forces on the continent.
As long as the Spirit Hall didn't intervene, there was no possibility of failure for the empire.
Would the Spirit Hall interfere to stop the empire?
With a monstrous genius like Chu Chengzhou emerging from the Tian Dou Empire, Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Spirit Hall, probably couldn't even sleep at night.
Leaving other matters aside, just the act of eliminating Chu Chengzhou would surely align the Spirit Hall with the empire.
Chu Chengzhou: Yep, you're absolutely right!
"Second Elder, even if Chu Chengzhou's summon beasts are powerful enough to rival Title Douluos, his seven-ring soul power level shouldn't be able to sustain the consumption equivalent to fighting five or six Title Douluos, right?"
Suddenly, Canglong Douluo Cao Lie spoke up.
A Soul Saint rivaling a Title Douluo wasn't impossible.
As far as he knew, the current Great Worship of the Spirit Hall, 'Sky Invincible' Qian Daoliu, had once defeated a newly minted Title Douluo while still at the Soul Saint level.
But taking on five opponents and crossing two major levels—forget about whether he had the strength, just the soul power consumption alone should make it unsustainable unless Chu Chengzhou could summon his beasts without consuming soul power!
Dai Wei nodded and explained, "Marshal Canglong is correct. However, this young man cannot be measured by ordinary standards. While he may not last long, he should be fine for a short period.
Moreover, while the empire seeks revenge for the assassinated emperor and crown prince, everyone here is a pillar of the empire and the very foundation of its existence. To avoid any losses, we've considered our opponents' strength as high as possible."
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately nodded.
This was true. They were all major figures in the empire. Even if they were loyal, who among them wanted to die?
Furthermore, as Dai Wei had said earlier, their existence was the very foundation of the Star Luo Empire. If the thirteen people present in the hall were to perish, the Star Luo Empire would collapse.
Without top-tier experts to anchor the empire, it wouldn't just be the Spirit Hall—it was possible the empire couldn't even defeat the Tian Dou Empire, which they had always considered weak.
At this moment, Dai Tao raised his right arm and said, "For this battle, the empire will spare no effort! I will personally deal with Chu Chengzhou.
Second Elder and Third Elder, you will handle Chen Xin of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Fourth Elder and Fifth Elder, you will deal with Gu Rong."
"Yes!"
Dai Wei and the others accepted the orders.
Then, Dai Tao looked at Dai Li and Cao Lie, saying, "Sixth Elder, Seventh Elder, Eighth Elder, and the five marshals—if the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has more Title Douluos appear, or if Dugu Bo of Tian Dou or the Tian Dou Imperial Guest Corps show up, you are responsible for restraining them.
If they don't appear, then join me in eliminating Chu Chengzhou.
Once successful, immediately withdraw from Tian Dou to avoid being exploited by other forces."
"Yes!"
The eight responded in unison.
"The bodies of the emperor and crown prince must be honored with Chu Chengzhou's head. You may prepare now! Tomorrow evening, gather in the Hall of State Affairs."
After speaking, Dai Tao waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.
Seeing this, the group bowed to Dai Tao and then exited the Hall of State Affairs.
Meanwhile, as Dai Tao and the others were formulating their strategy, Chu Chengzhou had already returned to Tian Dou City.
Back home, after instructing the servants to send a letter to Qian Renxue, Chu Chengzhou began tallying the spoils in his backyard.
Although the number of Star Luo experts he had eliminated could be counted on one hand, the spoils were incredibly rich.
Dai Yutian had been thoughtful, pre-sorting the treasures in the imperial treasury before packing them.
Setting aside the treasures for now, Chu Chengzhou began counting the gold spirit coins.
After checking numerous storage-type soul tools, Chu Chengzhou roughly calculated that Dai Feng's assets, combined with Dai Yutian's private stash and the Star Luo Imperial Treasury, amounted to approximately six billion gold spirit coins, along with over a billion in gold coin cards.
Truly, counting money until his hands cramped!
The gold spirit coins issued by the Star Luo Empire differed slightly from those of the Tian Dou Empire—one bore a white tiger design, the other a swan. Aside from the design, the coins were identical in size, weight, and composition, primarily made of gold, a hard currency. Thus, both empires' gold spirit coins were widely accepted across the continent, but the gold coin cards were different.
To put it simply, gold coin cards were like large-denomination banknotes issued by the two empires. If too many were printed, they would suffer massive devaluation. Hence, the designs of the gold coin cards issued by the two empires were distinct.
Therefore, to prevent wealth from being plundered by enemy nations, Tian Dou-issued gold coin cards couldn't be exchanged for equal gold spirit coins in Star Luo territory, and vice versa.
'I need to cash these in soon; otherwise, if Star Luo collapses, these gold coin cards will become worthless.'
Looking at the thick stack of gold coin cards, Chu Chengzhou thought to himself.
Even excluding these gold coin cards, after this haul, Chu Chengzhou could confidently declare, 'I don't care about money, I'm not interested in it.'
After all, for him, gold spirit coins were merely for living expenses.
And considering living expenses alone, this amount of gold spirit coins could likely last thousands of years.
Next, the 'money-disinterested' Chu Chengzhou turned his attention to the soul bones.
As the emperor of Star Luo, the crown prince, and the Grand Elder, Dai Yutian, Dai Wei, and Dai Feng were all 'valuable' soul masters. Additionally, Dai Feng's wife, a Nether Spirit Cat Soul Saint, also possessed soul bones.
Just these four individuals contributed three inheritance soul bones, a 60,000-year left arm bone, five regular ten-thousand-year soul bones, and eight thousand-year soul bones.
Among them, the most valuable was a 70,000-year head soul bone dropped by Dai Yutian.
Of course, among the four, Dai Feng's wife was just filler—aside from her torso soul bone, her other five soul bone slots were filled, but only with thousand-year soul bones.
Even though head soul bones were relatively precious, a 4,000-year head soul bone was only worth as much as an ordinary ten-thousand-year limb soul bone.
However, the soul bones from these four weren't the main haul—the Star Luo Imperial Treasury contained even more.
After all, this was the accumulated wealth of the Star Luo Royal Family over thousands of years. Aside from those already fused, nearly all the soul bones the family possessed were here.
Fifty-two thousand-year soul bones, twenty-six ten-thousand-year soul bones under 50,000 years, and six ten-thousand-year soul bones over 50,000 years.
Among the six soul bones over 50,000 years, three could be considered the Star Luo Royal Family's inheritance soul bones.
A 60,000-year torso soul bone, an 80,000-year left leg soul bone, and a 90,000-year right leg soul bone.
Hmm, it seemed like a lot, but for a top-tier force with thousands of years of history, it wasn't much—actually, it was quite few.
However, soul bones were treasures that only worked when fused with a soul master's body. The fact that only this many unfused soul bones were in the treasury was understandable.
If all the Star Luo Royal Family's experts were slaughtered, the number of high-year soul bones that could drop would certainly be impressive.
"Hey? Can I complete a full set of inheritance soul bones?"
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou exclaimed in pleasant surprise.
For the top-tier forces on the continent, relatively more precious head and torso soul bones with years exceeding 50,000 could be called inheritance soul bones. Limb soul bones with years over 80,000 also qualified as inheritance soul bones.
The 70,000-year head soul bone and 90,000-year right arm bone dropped by Dai Yutian, the 80,000-year left arm bone dropped by Dai Wei, and the 60,000-year torso soul bone, 80,000-year left leg bone, and 90,000-year right leg bone from the royal treasury could precisely form a complete set of inheritance soul bones.
Of course, this set wasn't a true set but rather pieced-together individual components.
Seemingly reminded of something, Chu Chengzhou quickly opened his attribute panel and took a look.
'Tonight, my Absolute Control technique will upgrade. I wonder if I'll be able to dismantle soul bones without side effects?'
Chu Chengzhou thought to himself.
Soul bones might look like solid bones, but he knew they were actually energy in a solid state—otherwise, they couldn't fuse with a soul master's body.
If the quality of Absolute Control advanced to Gold-Tier and his mastery of power further increased, allowing him to dismantle already-fused soul bones without side effects, he could temporarily fill his empty soul bone slots. Once filled, his strength would undoubtedly see a significant boost.
If he encountered better ones in the future, he could replace them then.
Just then, a servant hurried over.
"Master, the crown prince has arrived."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou was slightly surprised. He had arranged to meet Little Angel tomorrow morning—was she here already?
Without overthinking it, he temporarily set aside inventorying the spoils and headed to the reception hall.
In the reception hall.
After dismissing the maids and erecting a layer of soul power barrier to isolate the area, Chu Chengzhou asked Qian Renxue, "If I'm not mistaken, we agreed on tomorrow, right?"
"At a time like this, could I wait until tomorrow?"
With no one else around, Qian Renxue reverted to her female form, shot him a glare, and replied irritably.
After a pause, Qian Renxue continued, "How did things go in Star Luo?"
"I've already sent Dai Yutian and Dai Weisi to meet Death. Without a doubt, the Star Luo Empire's upper echelons are probably discussing how to eliminate me right now."
Chu Chengzhou didn't elaborate on the spoils.
After Little Angel ascended the throne, there would be plenty of places to spend money. After all, for a vast empire, no matter how much money there was, it would never be enough. With him carrying a large amount of valuable treasures and funds, he could... hmm, make some excessive demands.
Chu Chengzhou: Little Angel, you wouldn't want your empire's finances to be strained, would you?
"That's good! But the Star Luo Empire has many experts—are you sure you can handle them? Should I have Grandfather send two elder envoys?"
"No need—I can escape even if I can't win."
"... Don't get yourself killed."
After a moment of contemplation, Qian Renxue said.
"Can't bear to lose me? Don't worry—I haven't conquered my Little Angel yet, or been conquered by her! How could I part with my life so easily?"
Chu Chengzhou chuckled.
Qian Renxue: "..."
Blushing slightly, Qian Renxue muttered under her breath.
"Alright, enough jokes. The Star Luo Empire's actions shouldn't be delayed—they'll likely arrive in a few days. Make sure nothing goes wrong on your end.
By the way, I have some Star Luo Empire gold coin cards. Have someone help me exchange them before they become unusable."
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou pulled out a thick stack of gold coin cards from his storage-type soul tool and handed them to Qian Renxue.
"This much?"
Taking the stack and glancing at it briefly, Qian Renxue couldn't help but widen her beautiful eyes.
They were all high-denomination gold spirit coins, ranging from five million down to one hundred thousand. With such a thick stack, even if it wasn't in the billions, it had to be seven or eight hundred million, right?
Of course, what shocked Qian Renxue wasn't the gold coin cards themselves but the fact that Chu Chengzhou could produce so many issued by the Star Luo Empire.
Without a doubt, Chu Chengzhou's pockets were currently very deep.
After all, if there were so many gold coin cards, then the amount of gold spirit coins must also be substantial.
Moreover, given Chu Chengzhou's nature of never leaving empty-handed, if he had taken the gold coin cards, then he must have also brought back plenty of treasures like soul bones from Star Luo.
After the subsequent plan succeeded, she would be the new ruler of the Tian Dou Empire. At that time, no matter how much gold spirit coins there were, they would never be enough. Having a wealthy benefactor like Chu Chengzhou, why not ask for some donations?
Thinking this way, Qian Renxue's eyes gleamed as she looked at Chu Chengzhou.
"Want them?"
Pointing at the stack of gold coin cards in her hands, Chu Chengzhou smirked.
"Mm-hmm!"
Qian Renxue nodded.
Seven or eight hundred million, or even a billion gold spirit coins—this exceeded the annual military expenditure of a million elite troops in the Tian Dou Empire. This wasn't a small sum. With Qian Renxue currently lacking funds and needing even more in the future, naturally, she wanted it.
"If you privately call me 'Big Brother' from now on, these gold coin cards are yours!"
Chu Chengzhou declared generously.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue paused, thought for a moment, then put on her mask, reverting to Xue Qinghe's appearance, and said sternly, "Younger Brother, is this how you speak to your older brother?"
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand, "Pretend I didn't say that!"
"No, you did say it!"
Qian Renxue shook her head, then pinched her voice and coquettishly called out, "Good Big Brother~, Good Big Brother~."
If this "Good Big Brother" was called by the peerless beauty Qian Renxue, it would surely make Chu Chengzhou feel ecstatic, like drinking ice-cold soda on a scorching summer day.
But this "Good Big Brother" was called by Xue Qinghe, and the tone was as soft and cute as a little girl's—immediately giving Chu Chengzhou goosebumps.
"Stop, don't call me anymore!"
Chu Chengzhou hastily stopped Qian Renxue, preventing her from continuing.
"What about these gold coin cards...?"
Qian Renxue smirked, waving the thick stack of gold coin cards in her hand.
"Hmhmhm, so you want to freeload?"
Chu Chengzhou was furious. Nauseating me is one thing, but trying to freeload a hundred million from me?
Do you really think being beautiful lets you do whatever you want? You clearly don't know how fearsome I am!
"So did I call as you wanted or not."
Qian Renxue, her face expressionless, stared at Chu Chengzhou.
Seeing Qian Renxue's shameless demeanor, Chu Chengzhou narrowed his eyes.
The next moment, he activated Void Illusion Realm, unleashing an invisible spiritual force into Qian Renxue's consciousness.
Instantly, Qian Renxue's gaze toward Chu Chengzhou changed.
Immediately, Qian Renxue placed the gold coin cards on the table, removed her mask, and revealed her stunning beauty once more.
Gazing at the enchanting Little Angel, Chu Chengzhou lifted her delicate chin and smiled, "Little Angel, let's play a little game. Let's see who can hold their breath the longest~"
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou leaned down and kissed her luscious red lips.
Half a minute later, Chu Chengzhou released the Void Illusion Realm control, and Qian Renxue regained consciousness.
However, Qian Renxue didn't push Chu Chengzhou away immediately, still clumsily responding. After all, with existing affection, the sensation of kissing was simply too wonderful.
After a long while, Qian Renxue finally pushed Chu Chengzhou away, gasping for air.
"How was it, Little Angel? What did you think?"
Licking his lips and savoring the moment, Chu Chengzhou asked.
"You—"
Qian Renxue, her chest trembling and face flushed, pointed at Chu Chengzhou, unsure whether she was embarrassed or angry.
"What do you mean 'you'?
Chu Chengzhou straightened up and stepped closer to Qian Renxue.
"Go die!"
Qian Renxue gritted her teeth and delivered a fierce right hook to Chu Chengzhou's left eye socket.
Bang—
Caught off guard, Chu Chengzhou was knocked back two steps and fell onto the chair behind him.
"Hmph~!"
Snorting coldly, Qian Renxue put her mask back on, reverted to Xue Qinghe's appearance, and walked toward the door.
Facing such a shameless person, she needed some time alone. Otherwise, staying any longer might lead to losing her virtue today.
"Wait—"
Chu Chengzhou called out, stopping Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue paused and turned to look at Chu Chengzhou.
"Consider it a tip from Brother Chu!"
Covering his left eye, Chu Chengzhou pointed at the stack of gold coin cards on the table and declared generously.
The next second, two pairs of holy angel wings appeared behind Qian Renxue. Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black—seven soul rings shimmered. Accompanied by the glow of her first soul ring, a sacred golden fist rapidly enlarged in Chu Chengzhou's vision.
As dusk fell, Chu Chengzhou finished tallying the spoils.
Then, he dug a hole under the floor tiles in his bedroom and buried numerous storage-type soul tools inside.
There was no helping it—the loot was too much. In this era, the Douluo Continent was practically a wasteland of soul tools. There were no ultra-large capacity storage-type soul tools, and single items couldn't hold everything.
Moreover, storage-type soul tools couldn't be nested—one couldn't carry too many conveniently. He could only temporarily hide them at home.
It wasn't as if thieves would come to his house and happen to find them, right?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
Of course, just in case, Chu Chengzhou placed a small piece of blood-sacrificed metal in each storage-type soul tool to act as a tracker.
This way, it was practically foolproof.
Later, sporting a panda eye, Chu Chengzhou went to Yue Xuan.
His left eye, hit by Qian Renxue's basic attack, wasn't badly injured and had already healed. However, his right eye, struck by Angel Assault, was more severely damaged and wouldn't recover as easily.
This proved that being flippant came with a price, especially when dealing with a physically strong Little Angel.
"Huh? What happened to you?"
On the fifth floor of Yue Xuan, Tang Yuehua looked at Chu Chengzhou's slightly bruised and swollen right eye, her expression filled with astonishment.
"Oh~, I tripped outside."
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand, signaling Tang Yuehua not to dwell on this minor detail.
"Pfft—"
Tang Yuehua couldn't help but laugh.
"Very funny?"
Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
"Mm-hmm!"
Tang Yuehua nodded, still laughing.
Soon, Big Sister wouldn't be laughing anymore.
The music, mixed with strange sounds and utterly devoid of rhythm, once again reached the ears of the maids downstairs.
At night, the youth in sage mode lay sleeping, hugging Big Sister.
Suddenly, a surge of immense information flooded into the sleeping youth's mind.
After a long while, Chu Chengzhou woke up after digesting the information.
'Gold-Tier Absolute Control—I wonder if it'll work.'
Awake, Chu Chengzhou thought to himself.
Without hesitation, he sat up on the bed and glanced at his left arm, beginning his experiment.
Currently, he had two soul bones: the Crystal Protection Left Arm Bone and the Element Domination Head Bone.
The head soul bone was risky to tamper with, as it could damage his brain, so Chu Chengzhou chose the left arm soul bone.
At the very least, even if it failed, it wouldn't cause too much harm to his body.
Activating the Absolute Control technique, Chu Chengzhou immediately sensed that his control over his various powers, including soul power, had reached an unprecedented level.
The next second, a faint, blue crystal-like light emanated from his left arm.
Instantly, with his precise control over his soul power, Chu Chengzhou noticed a slight reduction in his internal soul power.
This wasn't the usual consumption from using soul skills or techniques—it was a slight reduction in his maximum soul power level.
Additionally, not only his soul power level but also his physical strength had decreased.
Of course, the decrease was extremely subtle, negligible. Without the golden-grade Absolute Control technique, he wouldn't have been able to detect it.
Gradually, the drop in physical strength and internal soul power became more noticeable. Though he hadn't dropped a level, Chu Chengzhou perceived that his soul power accumulation at the mid-Level 74 had decreased by one-fifth of the required amount for this level.
But at the same time, the previously dim blue crystal light on his left arm had transformed into a glowing blue orb with a crystalline texture.
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