Zhu Zhuqing remained silent. She knew why Davis was so enraged. The Star Luo Empire revered martial prowess, and the competition within the royal family was especially brutal. As the eldest prince, Davis possessed top-tier talent, strength, and cunning. His goals had always been to crush his peers, lead the Star Luo Empire to victory in this grand tournament, and solidify his position as crown prince. However, first, the emergence of Tang San, who wielded the Clear Sky Hammer, had already made him feel threatened. Now, witnessing Marco's unfathomable, mountain-like strength with his own eyes—these successive "variables" that could jeopardize the smooth execution of his plans—how could they not make him anxious and furious?
"Your Highness, calm down," Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath, lowering her voice further. "Anger won't solve the problem. What we need now is more precise intelligence and a more meticulous plan."
She paused, then asked, "How is the intelligence gathering on that Shrek team Dai Mubai is part of?"
At the mention of Dai Mubai's name, Davis's eyes grew even colder. This was his half-brother, one of the obstacles he must eliminate in the struggle for the throne.
"Hmph, just a stray dog leading a ragtag team of country bumpkin Soul Masters," Davis's tone was full of disdain, but his gaze remained sharp. "However, we shouldn't underestimate them. That Tang San, with his Twin Spirits and the Clear Sky Hammer... although severely injured, his recovery seems quite strong. Their team also has a member from the Star Luo Zhu family (Zhu Zhuqing), and the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School whose Martial Soul has evolved. It's said they performed quite impressively in the Heaven Dou Promotion Tournament, only to..."
A flicker of satisfaction crossed his eyes: "be beaten half to death and utterly humiliated by that Marco Lee. That, at least, is a good thing."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "So, the Shrek team possesses top-tier potential, but currently their core is severely injured, their morale is low, and they have our person inside (referring to Zhu Zhuqing; although she chose Dai Mubai, in Davis and Zhu Zhuqing's view, she remains a variable to be wary of and utilized). In the short term, their threat to us should be less than that of the Heaven Dou First Team and the Spirit Hall team."
"But that Tang San must die. And Dai Mubai too," Davis's voice was icy and piercing, devoid of any emotion. "The grand tournament is a good opportunity. As for that Marco Lee..."
A deep sense of apprehension and killing intent flashed in his eyes. "That one absolutely cannot be allowed to live. His threat is greater than Tang San's. The Spirit Hall also seems to have taken an interest in him. Perhaps... we can borrow their strength."
Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly. "Your Highness means... cooperating with the Spirit Hall? That's like making a pact with a tiger."
"Hmph, it's just mutual exploitation," Davis sneered. "The Spirit Hall wants to eliminate or control that Marco Lee, and so does our Star Luo. At least on this point, we share a common goal. As for what comes after... we'll each rely on our own abilities. The immediate priority is to clear away all obstacles!"
He turned and looked toward the shadowy corner of the private box, speaking in a low voice, "Pass down the order. Have our people intensify their efforts to gather all information on Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team One, especially on Marco Lee! This includes his daily habits, interpersonal relationships, combat preferences, details of his Spirit Abilities... leave no stone unturned! Also, make contact with people from the Spirit Hall. See what their attitude and... plans are regarding this young man."
"Yes," a deep voice responded from the shadows before quietly fading away.
Davis sat back down in his seat, his expression still grim, but the fury in his eyes had gradually been replaced by a cold, calculating glint. He looked out the window at the bustling square below, his gaze seemingly piercing through the crowd to lock onto the black-haired figure meditating with closed eyes in the Heaven Dou section.
"Marco... the continent's number one genius?" he murmured, chewing over the title, a cruel curve forming at the corner of his mouth. "The tallest tree in the forest catches the wind. Let's see how long you, this 'tall tree,' can stand firm amidst the storm of the Grand Finals."
Zhu Zhuqing stood quietly beside him, her gaze also directed into the distance. Thoughts churned within her purple eyes. She thought of her stubborn, aloof younger sister Zhu Zhuqing, of Tang San who possessed the Clear Sky Hammer, and especially of that black-haired youth who was as powerful as a demon god. This tournament was destined not to be peaceful. And she and Davis had to secure the final victory, no matter what means they employed.
"Don't worry, Davis," Zhu Zhuqing's voice sounded again, carrying a note of determination and a hint of soft allure. "The ultimate victory will definitely belong to us. The glory of Star Luo, your imperial throne—no one can take them away."
Davis didn't speak, only tightly grasped Zhu Zhuqing's hand, a cold light flickering in his eyes.
The stage of the Grand Finals held both glory and bloodshed. Undercurrents were already surging fiercely beneath the clinking of glasses and the roar of cheers.
The scene shifted back to the Heaven Dou Empire's encampment, the independent courtyard where Shrek Academy was staying.
The night was deep. The day's clamor and heart-stopping moments had gradually settled, but the members of Shrek had no mind for sleep. The respite brought by their first-round bye had not allowed them to fully relax. The overwhelming strength Marco displayed during the day, along with the iron-blooded, ferocious style of the War Academy, rang like alarm bells in everyone's hearts. They sat gathered in the living room, the atmosphere somewhat heavy.
Tang San sat cross-legged in a corner, his face still pale from his injuries, but his breathing was steadier than before. He was silently circulating his Profound Heaven Skill to regulate his energy. Xiao Wu's disappearance and the successive blows had made him exceptionally silent. Only the icy, obsessive glint deep in his eyes revealed the turmoil within.
Ning Rongrong sat leaning against her father, Ning Fengzhi, speaking softly. The teachers—Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, Flender, Liu Erlong, Zhao Wuji—all had furrowed brows as they discussed in low voices the potential opponents and tactics they might face later.
At that moment, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance, as if having reached a certain resolution. Dai Mubai stood up and walked to the center of the living room. Zhu Zhuqing silently stood by his side.
Their actions drew everyone's attention.
"Mu Bai, Zhu Qing, what is this?" Flender asked, puzzled.
Dai Mubai took a deep breath. In those Evil Eyes of his, the usual wild and unrestrained air was gone, replaced by a heaviness and determination. His gaze swept over each companion present—Tang San, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Ning Rongrong—and their teachers, before he finally spoke in a low voice, "Teacher, Dean, everyone. There's something Zhu Qing and I have been keeping from all of you."
Everyone was stunned, falling silent as they looked at them. "Actually," Dai Mubai's voice carried a hint of dryness, "I am not just an ordinary descendant of a Soul Master family. My surname is Dai. From the Star Luo Empire, the imperial clan, Dai."
"The Star Luo imperial clan?" Ma Hongjun was the first to exclaim in shock, forgetting to chew the snack in his mouth. Oscar also widened his eyes. Ning Rongrong covered her small mouth; as the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she naturally knew what "the Star Luo Dai family" meant. Even Tang San, who had been meditating, slowly opened his eyes and looked at Dai Mubai.
Zhu Zhuqing's cool voice followed, like ice beads falling onto a jade plate: "My surname is Zhu. From the Star Luo Empire, the Zhu family. For generations, we have intermarried with the imperial family. My older sister, Zhu Zhuqing, is the fiancée of Davis, that is, the Star Luo Crown Prince.
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