Douluo Continent: Building a Divine Kingdom Starting from the Spirit Hall

After carefully analyzing the situation for Poseidon, Tian Hao did not believe that the Heavenly Dou Royal Family could do anything to the Heavenly Water Academy.

After all, the current Soul Master Universities all belong to them, and the alliance they've formed is made up of their own people. If Tianshui Academy is really targeted, they can all step in together to resolve the situation.

"Are you sure you want to choose the Star Luo Empire?"

Tian Hao asked one last question seriously: if Poseidon is now certain, he will immediately go to find the Grand Duke of the Underworld who came this time, and take the opportunity to bring out that scheme.

There was no other choice.

With a helpless expression, Poseidon knew she wouldn't choose the Heavenly Dou Empire, leaving only one option.

"I'm going to talk to that Grand Duke of the Underworld."

Tian Hao got up and walked outside. This matter was not difficult for him, and it would be mutually beneficial to cooperate with the Star Luo Empire. He believed that his father-in-law would not refuse.

Poseidon remained silent, watching the brat leave the room.

She shouldn't get involved in this matter herself, nor is she good at handling that kind of thing; it's most appropriate to let that kid take charge.

"If you have a child with him, it will definitely be a prodigy."

The Sea God's divine sense suddenly urged him to get married again. He was now so worried about the inheritance of his original body that he could hardly stand ordinary geniuses. Even those with the same performance as his original body back then were beneath his notice. It had to be a true genius.

For a Soul Master to become a prodigy, they either need exceptional talent or exceptional comprehension.

There's no way to improve one's comprehension, but talent can be manipulated.

A Soul Master's talent is mainly reflected in the grade of their Martial Soul. Poseidon inherited the Sea God Martial Soul bestowed upon her by her original body. It is a true divinely bestowed Martial Soul, and her innate Soul Power can reach level 20. She is undoubtedly a top-tier Martial Soul.

Although that kid's Sea-Stabilizing Divine Spear is only a top-tier martial soul, in some aspects it is no worse than a divinely bestowed martial soul, and may even be more powerful.

If the two combine their powers, regardless of whose martial soul they inherit, they could become prodigies. If they expend some of the original power left behind by their original bodies to catalyze the process, there is a high chance that their bloodlines will fuse and mutate, forming an even more powerful martial soul. At that time, they might even achieve a level 30 innate soul power, which would definitely make them prodigies.

Most importantly, Poseidon's children can inherit the divine position of the original body, so that the island of Poseidon can continue to be passed down. It's a win-win situation!

I believe the original being would also be very happy to have their descendants inherit the divine position.

Poseidon's face instantly went blank, and she was speechless, unsure of what to say. She felt utterly terrible inside.

No matter how strong you are, you'll feel timid when faced with pressure from your elders to get married, and you can't say anything except stay silent.

Seeing that he still couldn't persuade Poseidon, the Sea God felt quite helpless. He couldn't force her on this matter and could only wait for her to figure it out herself.

Fortunately, a year in this plane is only a day in the God Realm, so the original body doesn't need to worry about the time difference.

Leaving aside what happened here, Tian Hao went straight to the suite where the Star Luo Empire representative was staying.

"Ding dong!"

Tian Hao rang the doorbell and stood outside the door, making sure he could see himself through the peephole.

Not long after, the door was opened, and it was Zhu Zhuyun who opened it.

To avoid Zhu Zhuyun discovering any flaws, the clone lived with the Xuanhu team, so Zhu Zhuyun shared a suite with his father.

The Spirit Hall arranged the most luxurious hotels for the two empires' teams, with each suite having several rooms, enough to accommodate many people.

Moreover, people can better discuss things when they get together.

"I have something to discuss with the Grand Duke of the Underworld on behalf of Poseidon Island."

Seeing the doubt on Zhu Zhuyun's face, Tian Hao revealed the identity and power he represented on this trip.

"Please come in!"

Upon hearing the words "Seagod Island," Zhu Zhuyun's expression immediately turned serious, and she stepped aside to let Tian Hao in.

After Tian Hao entered, Zhu Zhuyun glanced outside and then closed the door.

Just then, the Grand Duke of Youming and the others were sitting on the living room sofa, seemingly discussing something.

"Greetings, Your Excellency. I have come here representing Seagod Island to request a spot in your country's Soul Master Competition. I intend to participate in the competition the year after next. Would you be so kind as to grant me this opportunity?"

Tian Hao got straight to the point, leaving the Underworld Duke and the others stunned.

They had overheard what the man said at the door, and were just wondering what his purpose was, but it turned out to be something like this.

What is the relationship between Tianshui Academy and your Seagod Island?

After a moment of silence, the Grand Duke of the Underworld asked.

As a high-ranking official of the Star Luo Empire, he had heard of Seagod Island, and that it was a transcendent force no weaker than the Spirit Hall, and even that gods existed there.

However, Poseidon Island is rather exclusive, so it's difficult to obtain more information.

He was surprised that the High Priest of Seagod Island came to watch the finals, but upon reflection, if Seagod Island was also participating in the Soul Master Competition, then it made sense that the High Priest would come in person.

However, this person was originally representing Tianshui Academy, but now represents Poseidon Island, making it difficult for him to determine the other party's stance.

"Poseidon Island and Tianshui Academy have only a cooperative and exchange relationship; they are not subordinate to each other and are independent of each other."

For some reason, our Seagod Island has some conflicts with the Heavenly Dou Empire, which is why we chose the Star Luo Empire this time.

"Our Poseidon Island only wants one spot in the competition and will not interfere in your country's internal affairs. Furthermore, we will open trade with your country in the future. Would Your Excellency be so kind as to grant us this favor?"

"This is simple. After the finals, our guild will give you your academy's badge and all kinds of certificates."

After a moment's thought, the Duke of the Underworld decisively accepted the request.

This is a win-win situation. If the academy team from Seagod Island wins the championship and is promoted to a Soul Master University in the future, their Star Luo Empire will also gain a share of glory, at least on the surface, they will have another Soul Master University.

Not to mention that this also represents Poseidon Island. Even if Poseidon Island remains neutral, this title alone is enough for it to do a lot.

Moreover, they don't need to give anything in return; all they need is a formal academy status and the opportunity to start trade with Poseidon Island. What reason is there not to agree?

"Thank you, Your Excellency. The High Priest is waiting for me to return and report, so I cannot stay any longer. Farewell!"

After expressing his gratitude, Tian Hao prepared to take his leave, but was stopped by the Grand Duke of Youming.

"Wait a moment, there is something I would like to discuss with you, young friend."

While gesturing for Tian Hao to stop, the Grand Duke of Youming signaled for the others to leave first.

The group understood and got up to open the door and go out to wait quietly in the corridor. Only Tian Hao, Grand Duke Youming Zhu Zhuyun, and the others remained in the room.

"I can see that you are a person of true character, so I will not beat around the bush. As the Soul Master Competition has developed to this point, the champion's position has been linked to the advancement of the Soul Master University."

Judging from the current situation, apart from the prodigy from the Spirit Hall Academy team who hasn't yet made a move, the championship should be decided between Xiao You and my son-in-law, Wang Zhou.

"If—and I mean if—you two both reach the final and are evenly matched, then it would be best to have a draw. My guild, representing the Star Luo Empire, will join forces with the Heaven Dou Empire to ensure that this Soul Master Competition produces two champions."

Having said that, the Duke of the Underworld fell silent, quietly awaiting the young man's response.

Zhu Zhuyun was also keeping a close eye on things. This idea was something she came up with and suggested to her father, not only for the sake of her fiancé, but also for the sake of her family and the empire.

The Star Luo Empire truly cannot afford to lose now. If they lose this Soul Master Competition, the Heaven Dou Empire will have three Soul Master Universities, while the Star Luo Empire will only have one. Moreover, the Sword Sect and the Vajra Dragon Elephant Sect have both become holy lands, with god-level experts presiding over them.

The contrast is too stark, and it is highly likely to trigger another wave of soul master migration, causing a large number of talents to leave for the Heaven Dou Empire.

This is something they absolutely cannot tolerate, so they must win this Soul Master Tournament. If all else fails, they can accept a draw, allowing both sides to win the championship and thus create two new Soul Master Universities.

In this way, the number of Soul Master Universities in the two empires becomes two to three. Although the Star Luo Empire is still at a disadvantage, it is not too obvious. It can slowly catch up in the future.

"Does King Zhou know about this?"

After a moment of silence, Tian Hao asked, his expression serious and earnest.

"It was my idea; it had nothing to do with him, and he was unaware of it."

The Grand Duke of the Underworld smiled, knowing that the young man had agreed; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked that question.

"This matter can only be resolved if the two sides are evenly matched, and I believe he will not hold back."

Leaving behind a single sentence, Tian Hao turned and opened the door to leave, feeling quite calm, because this was all part of his plan.

This method had been quietly imprinted in Zhu Zhuyun's mind before, and as long as the conditions were right, it would pop up like a flash of inspiration, which she would then suggest to her father-in-law.

With the father-in-law taking the lead and the junior teacher and the great-grandfather secretly cooperating, success is guaranteed.

"what happened?"

Back in the room, Tian Hao found the centenarian aunt sitting on the sofa with a blank expression. He asked her about it out of curiosity.

What's wrong with this auntie now?

Has that time come yet?

Will Tang Chen come looking for me?

After a long silence, Poseidon pursed her lips and couldn't help but think of the man she once loved.

She had been able to vaguely sense Tang Chen's power aura earlier, and was certain that he had reached level 100 and become a god, just like her. But since he had already reached level 100 and become a god, why didn't he come to see her and fulfill their original agreement to become a god?

She didn't even conceal her aura when she entered the mainland, which Tang Chen must have sensed, but she still didn't come to see him.

Could it be that Tang Chen has really fallen from grace and is too ashamed to face me?

"There's something I think you should figure out, Xixi: is your feeling for Tang Chen love, or just a simple liking?"

While playing with a strand of his aunt's sea-blue hair again, Tian Hao asked a crucial question.

Is there a difference?

Poseidon was a little bewildered by the question. She herself had only experienced one relationship with Tang Chen, and had persisted for so many years, so she was still quite clueless about relationships.

"Liking is an instinctive impulse, or you could say it's lust at first sight or love at first sight. It's about wanting to possess the other person. But love transcends desire. It's about giving, thinking about the other person, and wanting to give them everything. The deeper the love, the more you want to give, even your own life."

Tian Hao calmly explained, but in the end, he couldn't help but think of Tang Shenwang and that little rabbit.

It is undeniable that Tang Shenwang's personality is somewhat dark and his scheming is too deep. It would be very uncomfortable to be around such a person, and one would instinctively be on guard. However, it must also be admitted that the love between Tang Shenwang and the little rabbit is very profound, and they are both willing to give their lives for each other.

There's nothing wrong with that, it's just too cruel and makes people feel uncomfortable watching it.

Just like the mutual devotion between Biyao and Zhang Xiaofan in "The Legend of Chusen," it was a very deep kind of love that went beyond mere liking.

Poseidon fell silent, pondering her feelings for Tang Chen. After thinking for a long time, she realized with dismay that her feelings for Tang Chen seemed to be only at the level of liking.

At least for now, she can't give up everything for Tang Chen, such as her responsibilities and mission as the High Priest of Seagod Island. Is it because her love isn't pure enough?

"I don't know about Tang Chen, since he's already married and has children, so his views on relationships are definitely different. But as for you, Xixi, I always feel that you're like a young girl just beginning to experience love."

That makes sense, though. People often have a deep impression of their first love, especially stubborn people who can remember it for a lifetime.

Honestly ask yourself, do you just want to see Tang Chen to put an end to your obsession, or do you want to leave with him as promised after seeing him? Or is it possible for him to give up everything and marry into the Seagod Island for you?

Tian Hao's attempt to capitalize on the momentum was, in truth, not exactly a lie.

This centenarian aunt's attitude and thoughts on relationships always reminded him of Guo Xiang from The Return of the Condor Heroes; they were both so persistent that they could remember each other for a lifetime.