Douluo: Dragon King's Divine Elegy

Chapter 169 Wu Siduo's Sore Throat, Dai Yun'er's Little Thoughts!
Under the blazing sun, in front of the majestic palace, the red carpet stretched all the way to the end of the convoy's reach.

Two rows of hundreds of soldiers raised their horns and played loud and stirring ceremonial music to welcome guests from thousands of miles away.

Led by Secretary-General Pan Wen, several high-ranking officials of the Federation, and powerful figures such as Xia Zheng Leng, the Douluo Continent delegation officially began this ceremony that attracted worldwide attention on the Star Luo Continent.

For those who are not native to the Star Luo Continent, they have a special feeling for the Douluo Continent. Thousands of years ago, their ancestors were also a part of that continent.

Through the gaps between people, the students of the Spirit Transmission could see Emperor Dai Tianling of Xingluo, dressed in imperial robes and wearing a golden crown, exchanging official documents with Pan Wen.

For people in federal countries, the concept of an emperor is quite rare.

After the exchange of credentials was completed, the national anthem of the Star Kingdom and the national anthem of the Federation were soon played.

The ceremony went smoothly, but as it was about to end, Dai Tianling suddenly announced: "Today is not only a day for the two countries to establish friendship and peace, but also a day for the Empire to reward friends from afar."

The sudden change instantly attracted the attention of thousands of members of the Douluo delegation and tens of millions of Star Luo Empire citizens watching the live broadcast.

While most people were bewildered, Dai Tianling announced loudly, "Just a few days ago, the Douluo Continent delegation officially arrived in the Empire and was on its way to Star Luo City when it was attacked by the Green Skull Evil Soul Master organization."

"The Green Skull organization, still harboring malicious intentions, attempted to attack the visiting delegation, causing a dispute between the two countries."

"For this reason, they even went so far as to deploy hundreds of mechs, including a red god-level mech."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of tens of millions of people in the Star Luo Empire changed drastically.

Just as the Holy Spirit Cult holds a prominent position in Douluo Continent, in Star Luo Continent, the Green Skull is equivalent to the Holy Spirit Cult.

The number of casualties caused by the Green Skull even far exceeds the number of casualties caused by the Holy Spirit Cult in the Sun-Moon Federation.

That's something that can really make a baby cry at night.

Dai Tianling appeared to be in his early thirties, with a handsome and resolute face and a robust physique. Facing the camera, he said with utmost seriousness, "At such a dangerous moment, it was a young man from the Douluo Continent delegation who saved everything. He not only predicted the Green Skull Society's surprise attack but also persuaded the Federation and Empire's powerful figures to prepare for the attack in advance. As a result, the Soul Guidance Train was safe during the attack, with no passengers injured. The Green Skull Society suffered over a hundred deaths and captured over thirty. This is almost the greatest damage we have inflicted on the Green Skull Society in decades."

"Now, please step forward, Nan Liujing, student of the Spirit Transmission Academy. I will personally award you an Imperial Medal!"

After he finished speaking, the ceremony room fell silent.

At the Spirit Transmission Academy, everyone turned their astonished gazes toward Nan Liujing.

Everyone stared wide-eyed, completely unexpected that the person the Star Luo Emperor was going to reward was actually him!
Nan Liujing remained calm and stepped away from the group.

In an instant, countless eyes turned to look.

Nan Liujing was still dressed in a simple black outfit. His handsome face revealed a gentle demeanor, and his tall and upright figure was like a sturdy pine tree, easily capturing people's attention.

Under the watchful eyes of two rows of soldiers blowing horns, Nan Liujing walked steadily to Dai Tianling.

Not far away, the Federation's high-ranking officials all smiled. For a Federation citizen to receive the Imperial Medal, which countless people in other countries dream of, is absolutely unprecedented and will never be repeated.

"Fourth brother, is what Father Emperor said true?"

Dai Yun'er, who was accompanying him on the other side, widened her eyes and couldn't help but ask Dai Yueyan a question via telepathy.

In fact, the reason why the fourth prince was hailed as the best heir to the throne was not only because of his good talent in cultivation, but mainly because the first prince and the second prince both lost the opportunity to become powerful soul masters due to assassination attempts by the Green Skull organization.

Dai Yueyan solemnly said, "It's true. Even when the attack occurred, the Empire's experts didn't have time to react. It was only thanks to the Federation's experts that the attack was stopped, preventing damage to the Soul Guidance Train and casualties."

Dai Yun'er's mouth opened into an "O" shape, and her eyes suddenly widened.

When her gaze fell on Nan Liujing again, her beautiful eyes held a different kind of light.

The Imperial Medal is the highest honor in the empire, and all recipients have made unimaginable contributions to the empire.

They might even be granted the title of Duke.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Dai Tianling smiled and said to Nan Liujing, "Heroes have always emerged from among the young. This time, the Green Skull attack was my mistake. I underestimated the courage of these rebels. I thank you for this."

If any casualties occur within the delegation, the consequences could be far greater than imagined.

Nan Liujing said righteously, “Your Majesty sent a delegation to visit the Federation with the intention of friendship. Similarly, the Federation sent a delegation to your country with the intention of friendship. Peaceful coexistence is the common aspiration of both countries and the pursuit of hundreds of millions of people. I will not allow a sewer rat like Green Skull to run rampant. Therefore, Your Majesty need not thank me; it is my duty.”

Upon hearing this, not only Dai Tianling, but everyone's eyes lit up.

Be nice.

This young man.

That's quite the way to talk!
Are you going to take the civil service exam?
"Good, good, good!" Dai Tianling was overjoyed; these words truly resonated with him.

Soon, a soldier in dress uniform stepped forward, carrying a tray on which was placed an exquisite medal. It was platinum in color, with intricate carvings on the edges and a clearly engraved white tiger in the center.

Dai Tianling took the Imperial Medal from the tray and, under the spotlight of countless cameras, pinned it around Nan Liujing's neck.

In an instant, the clicking sound continued.

The spirited young man's medals gleamed on his chest.

The story of Nan Liujing is not only famous in Douluo Continent, but will also be widely circulated on this equally ancient continent.

...

night.

Inside the Starry Palace, the lights shone brightly, and the sweet aroma of fine wine wafted in the air, accompanied by melodious music, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

The banquet atmosphere was very harmonious, with nobles from the Star Luo Empire and members of the Douluo Continent delegation exchanging pleasantries, creating a peaceful scene.

Dai Tianling, accompanied by the Empress, was also having a long chat with Pan Wen, Xia Zhengleng, and other high-ranking members of the delegation. Judging from the smiles on their faces, they all seemed to have high expectations for this visit and exchange.

The boys at Chuanling Academy were searching for their dance partners, but Tang Wulin was single-mindedly focused on finding delicious food.

"Sido, you've coughed several times today? Is your throat sore?"

On one side of the dining table, Gu Yue and the others surrounded Wu Siduo, ignoring the invitations from a group of male guests to dance together.

Wu Siduo coughed a few times, then quickly drank some white wine to suppress the cough. She shook her head and said, "I probably caught a cold."

Upon hearing this, the women's expressions became somewhat strange.

For a beginner-level Soul King to be able to catch a cold is truly rare, especially since he is a Beast Soul Master, whose physique far surpasses that of a Weapon Soul Master.

Noticing the puzzled looks in her sisters' eyes, Wu Siduo's fair ears felt hot.

The Panlong Staff can not only coil around dragons, but also subdue tigers.

At the same time, swimming technique is much more difficult to learn than she imagined. She choked several times when swimming deep. It seems that she will have to practice diligently if she wants to swim like a fish in water.

"Enemy attack!"

Na'er's eyes suddenly sharpened, locking onto something automatically.

The five faces moved in unison, and there they saw Princess Dai Yun'er of the Star Luo Empire, dressed in a magnificent gown, walking shyly toward Nan Liujing, who was talking with a group of Star Luo nobles.

"Let's wait and see, don't get agitated," Yuan Enhui said in a low voice, noticing Gu Yue and Ye Xinglan's furrowed brows.

The two women snorted coldly. The women beside them were sisters who had been through a lot together, so they could understand them. But Dai Yun'er was a complete enemy.

"Hello."

An elegant and graceful female voice interrupted a nobleman's rapid-fire monologue.

"Your Highness?" The nobleman's face flashed with displeasure at being interrupted, but upon noticing that it was the princess, his expression subtly changed, and he put on a gentle smile.

The other Xingluo nobles who were trying to get to know Nan Liujing also quickly bowed.

Nan Liujing never expected that Dai Yun'er would actually come looking for him.

He noticed out of the corner of his eye that several girls were staring intently at him, and he immediately tensed up, his expression turning serious.

Dai Yun'er spoke softly to the nobles, "May I speak with the distinguished guest?"

"Of course, no problem, please go ahead." The nobles quickly responded and then hurried away.

"Finally, some peace and quiet. Thank you for your help, Your Highness. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now." Nan Liujing prepared to slip away to avoid making certain people jealous.

"Hey." Dai Yun'er was stunned. "Wait a minute."

"Is there anything you need, Your Highness?"

Noticing Dai Tianling's gaze, Nan Liujing had no choice but to stop.

"I'm not a tigress, why are you all so flustered?" Dai Yun'er scoffed inwardly, but said softly, "Could we find a place to talk privately?"

“That’s not appropriate.” Nan Liujing shook his head. “Your Highness is of noble birth. How can I, an outsider, have a private conversation with you alone? It would be troublesome if it caused a misunderstanding.”

I'd love to cause a misunderstanding... Dai Yun'er's lips twitched, and she whispered, "How about we communicate telepathically? Right here."

"Give me some face, okay?" The princess under the bed began to whine as usual.

"Please speak," Nan Liujing said helplessly.

Dai Yun'er smiled and transmitted her voice, "How about we make a deal?"

"A deal?" Nan Liujing asked, puzzled.

Dai Yun'er closed her lips and said, "In our Star Luo royal family, whether it's a prince or a princess, everyone must be engaged at the age of fifteen. But I don't want to be engaged to someone I don't love at all, so I want to ask for your help. I'll pretend to confess my love to you, and you can refuse me on the grounds that you can't stay in Star Luo Continent permanently. Anyway, all you have to do is refuse me, it's not that difficult, is it? After it's done, I will definitely give you a generous reward, as long as it's within my power."

"No way." Nan Liujing refused decisively.

"Why?" Dai Yun'er found it hard to understand; she had practically given away the reward for free.

Nan Liujing calmly said, "I already have a girlfriend. Your Highness, shouldn't you ask someone else for help with this?"

Dai Yun'er noticed the five stunningly beautiful girls staring at her expressionlessly from the food table and couldn't help but ask, "Which one is your girlfriend? I'll just give her a reward too."

Nan Liujing didn't say anything.

Dai Yun'er was taken aback: "Don't tell me they are all like that."

"Not exactly," Nan Liujing said. "Two are, and three are not yet."

Dai Yun'er was dumbfounded: "You have two girlfriends, aren't they jealous?"

"This has nothing to do with Your Highness," Nan Liujing said calmly.

Dai Yun'er tried to argue, but Nan Liujing ignored her completely and turned to leave.

The princess under the bed is a ruthless person who would dare to drug you and do *that* to you. Nan Liujing doesn't want to become the second Huo Yuhao someday.

Although Dai Yun'er's method is much better than Ju Zi's, and she'll definitely get her satisfaction, I'll still pass.

"Hey."

Seeing that Nan Liujing was about to walk away, Dai Yun'er subconsciously stepped forward and took his hand. Without using her voice, she simply spoke out.

The urgent sounds carried throughout the hall, which was not shielded by music.

Pairs of eyes looked over.

Dai Tianling, the Empress, the Star Luo nobles, and members of the Douluo Continent delegation all watched this scene with curiosity.

Outsiders may not know, but many people in the Star Luo Continent are aware that the little princess has turned fifteen and is about to get married.

Dai Yun'er's face stiffened, realizing something was wrong.

Nan Liujing reacted quickly: "Your Highness, as an outsider, I am already overjoyed to receive an honor from His Majesty. I absolutely cannot accept an imperial title. Please understand."

Dai Yun'er realized what Nan Liujing meant and solemnly replied, "Imperial law stipulates that those who receive the Imperial Medal must be granted a title and reward. Even if you are an outsider, you cannot refuse to grant it. Otherwise, what is the meaning of the law?"

How did this child manage to hook up with the princess so quickly...? Seeing this, Xia Zheng immediately said to Dai Tianling, "Your Majesty, what my great-grandson said makes sense. It's already a pleasant surprise to have a medal, but a title is absolutely out of the question."

Only then did the onlookers realize what had happened.

Dai Tianling glanced at Dai Yun'er and said gently to Nan Liujing, "Those who are not citizens of the empire are indeed not eligible for hereditary titles. However, since the law stipulates that medals and titles coexist, we cannot refuse to grant them. How about this: if you, Nan Liujing, can win first place in the individual competition of the Soul Master Tournament, I am willing to open the gates of the national treasury and let you choose two soul bones as a way to offset the title reward. What do you say?"

"Then thank you very much, Your Majesty." Nan Liujing seized the opportunity.

Dai Tianling nodded, giving Dai Yun'er a subtle glare.

Dai Yun'er pouted, knowing that she would definitely be punished after the banquet.

Nighttime, the inner palace.

As the banquet ended, Dai Tianling and the Empress returned to their residence.

"Father, please don't be angry."

Dai Yun'er nestled in the Empress's arms and said weakly.

“You,” Dai Tianling said helplessly, “if it weren’t for Nan Liujing’s quick reaction, you might have caused a lot of trouble.”

Dai Yun'er lowered her head and said sadly, "But my daughter just doesn't want to marry someone she doesn't like. Is that wrong?"

Dai Tianling said in a deep voice, "You are not wrong, but you can only blame yourself for being born into the royal family. If you don't abide by the rules, what will become of you? Furthermore, Long Yue has exceptional talent and is the number one genius in the empire. He will definitely succeed the Holy Dragon Douluo as the guardian of the empire in the future. Once you and he get together, it will also benefit the stability of the royal family. Even if your father loves you and is willing to help you, what about the royal family members?"

Dai Yun'er froze, tears welling in her eyes, and buried herself in her mother's arms without saying a word.

Seeing this, the Empress patted her shoulder and said to the Emperor, "Actually, I do have a solution."

"Oh?" Dai Tianling asked hurriedly, "Tell me about it."

Dai Yun'er also raised her head.

The Empress said softly, "According to Sima Lanxiao, this Nan Liujing once shouted away several ferocious beasts on the sea. He must be hiding a great secret. Moreover, his master is the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo of the Spirit Pagoda, whose strength surpasses Zhang Geyang. The Han Yun Douluo is his blood relative and elder, with a powerful background that far surpasses Long Yue's. In my opinion, Your Majesty, you should do this."

As long as Nan Liujing can defeat Long Yue in the competition, you can announce to the public that Yun'er's marriage is arranged, but do not reveal who the groom is. Afterwards, when the Douluo Continent delegation returns, you can arrange for a group of people from the Monster Academy to follow them back, under the guise of academic exchange. Wouldn't that be enough?

Perhaps some people will mistakenly believe that his marriage partner is Nan Liujing, and with the Imperial Medal as a guarantee, the common people and nobles won't dare to oppose it too much. Once Nan Liujing returns to Douluo Continent, no one will know about this, and therefore it won't affect him.

Dai Tianling and his daughter Dai Yun'er's eyes lit up.

Dai Tianling hesitated: "But... if Nan Liujing really wins, then the title of the number one genius on the continent will belong to Douluo Continent, which will have a significant impact on the empire."

The Empress smiled and said, "Nan Liujing is indeed from Douluo Continent, but he was awarded the Imperial Medal, and what he said this morning perfectly demonstrated his friendly attitude. Moreover, he ruined Green Skull's plan, so he will definitely gain great popularity among the people. Therefore, whether Long Yue wins or he wins, we will not lose out."

“Alright.” Dai Tianling’s eyes narrowed. “If Long Yue wins, Yun’er, you must marry him. But if Nan Liujing wins, then do as your mother said. This is Father Emperor’s bottom line. Are you willing to accept it?”

Dai Yun'er nodded firmly with her beautiful face. "I accept."

(End of this chapter)