Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

The Star Luo Empire, Star Luo City.

Since the Third Prince Dai Mubai left the imperial city for Soto City, the atmosphere within the Star Luo royal family has eased somewhat.

Chapter 332 Star Luo

Although the tense atmosphere has eased somewhat, the drama of the struggle for the throne has not stopped. It has simply shifted from the kind of fratricidal infighting and almost naked sword fighting of the past to a more respectable undercurrent that tests patience and strategy.

Prince Davis is undoubtedly the one who has made the most steady moves and gained the most initiative in this new game.

A few years is enough time to change many things.

For Davis, his most successful investment in recent years was not winning over a powerful courtier or seizing an important industry, but rather binding two unpolished gems, originally outside the imperial power system but destined to shine brightly in the future, firmly to himself.

The Star Luo Royal Academy, and even the upper echelons of Star Luo City, all know that the First Prince Davis has gained two extremely special friends.

One is Levin, a blond-haired, blue-eyed man with a calm and composed demeanor, yet he displays astonishing talent in Soul Master cultivation.

The other is Pinocchio, who has a quirky personality, sometimes says surprising things, and has a rather unique martial spirit and fighting style.

They were born into commoners, yet they possessed innate full soul power that made countless noble children envious.

Their simple backgrounds are all the more precious because they mean they haven't been branded with any factions and are a blank canvas on which any blueprint can be drawn.

Davis spent several years, with unparalleled patience and just the right amount of sincerity, slowly imbuing this blank canvas with his own unique colors.

He didn't use force to subdue or wealth to overwhelm, but rather used "understanding," "respect," and "a shared blueprint for the future empire" as his paintbrush.

Expensive elixirs, top-tier cultivation resources, unassuming yet crucial guidance, and heartfelt conversations with friends—all these permeate the environment silently, like a gentle rain.

Today, Levin and Pinocchio are the absolute core of the Star Luo Royal Academy team and the most watched young talents around Davis.

To outsiders, their relationship with Davis was a tale of a wise ruler and a virtuous minister, a perfect combination of a future pillar of the empire and its heir.

On this day, the city lights began to illuminate the night.

On the top floor of the most prestigious restaurant in Xingluo City, in the largest private room, the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air with the exotic aroma of top-grade soul beast ingredients and the mellow flavor of aged wine.

Davis changed out of the magnificent robes symbolizing his princely status, donning only a finely crafted, well-tailored dark blue casual suit. He appeared less imposing and more youthful and approachable. Seated in the main seat, a faint smile played on his lips as his gentle gaze swept over the assembled guests.

Beside him sat a beautiful young woman in purple, with a gentle demeanor yet a hint of sharpness; she was his fiancée, Zhu Zhuyue.

She lowered her eyes slightly, occasionally serving food to Davis with elegant and graceful movements, displaying the demeanor of a future princess consort.

Across from Davis, Levin and Pinocchio sat side by side.

Levin remained as calm as ever, his short golden hair meticulously combed, and his emerald eyes, under the warm glow of the restaurant's soul-guided lights, resembled two deep pools, undisturbed.

He sat upright, and his eating movements were neither fast nor slow, carrying an elegance that was ingrained in his bones and completely different from his humble origins.

Only when their eyes met occasionally would he nod slightly, revealing a very faint, polite smile.

In contrast, Pinocchio is much more lively.

He was dressed in a brand-new, close-fitting outfit embroidered with dark patterns. A few strands of his short black hair stood up mischievously. His bright eyes were curiously taking in the luxurious yet elegant furnishings of the private room, especially the "Starry Sky and River Map" on the wall, which was said to be the work of a Soul Douluo-level powerhouse. He was marveling at it.

"This painting is truly magnificent! It's even more impressive than the Tiger Descending the Mountain painting I saw in the academy's Hall of Fame last time!"

Pinocchio downed a glass of refreshing fruit wine, his face flushed slightly, and he became more talkative.

"Your Highness, the chef at Zhaixing Pavilion is absolutely amazing! This plate of Flaming Rhinoceros Tendon is roasted to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, brimming with soul energy. Eating it warms me up from head to toe, and I even feel my soul energy become more active!"

Upon hearing this, Davis laughed heartily, personally picked up the jade pot, and poured Pinocchio a cup of wine: "Eat as much as you like. The head chef of this Star-Picking Pavilion's ancestors used to process soul beast ingredients for the Royal Hunting Team, and he has a lot of experience in how to preserve the energy essence in the flesh and blood of soul beasts to the greatest extent. Ordinary soul masters can't even get through the door."

His words, though casual, highlighted the extraordinary nature of this place. Being able to dine here was itself a symbol of status and prestige.

"Your Highness has gone to great lengths." Levin put down his silver chopsticks and spoke in a steady voice. His gaze swept over the dazzling array of delicacies on the table, but did not linger for long.

“Brother Levin, there’s no need for such formalities.” Davis waved his hand, his smile becoming more sincere.

"Between you and me, why should we concern ourselves with such mundane things?"

Zhu Zhuyue spoke softly, her voice like pearls falling on a jade plate: "The talent and hard work of Levin and Pinocchio are evident to everyone in the academy. Father often mentions at home that you are the key to the empire's future for decades to come, and that we should learn from you."

The father she spoke of was naturally Zhu Tianlin, the head of the Zhu family and a high-ranking official in the Star Luo Empire.

These words, spoken by the eldest daughter of the Zhu family, carried a different weight.

Pinocchio was a little embarrassed by the praise and scratched his head: "Sister Zhuyue, you flatter me. I'm just lucky and quick-witted. I like to find openings when I'm fighting...hehe."

“Pinocchio is too modest,” Davis laughed. “Your combat intuition and unpredictable use of your martial spirit have even impressed several of the academy’s Soul Emperor-level instructors, who say they have never seen anything like it before. And Levin, too,” he looked at Levin, his eyes full of appreciation and respect.

"Steady as a rock, with excellent offense and defense, you have the demeanor of a great general. With the two of you here, I have plenty of confidence in the future All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."

The conversation naturally turned to the upcoming competition.

This is the stage that all young Soul Masters dream of, and also an arena where empires showcase their national strength and sects compete to demonstrate their inner strength.

Levin's gaze shifted slightly, finally revealing a more serious expression: "Your Highness, the tournament is teeming with strong contenders. The Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall are not to be underestimated. In particular, the Heaven Dou Empire seems to have produced quite a few exceptionally talented individuals in recent years."

"Oh? Brother Levin, have you heard something?" Davis leaned forward slightly, showing concern. He knew Levin was a calm and collected person who never spoke recklessly.

Levin paused for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully: "Just some scattered rumors."

Chapter 333 Soto City

Soto City is one of the most prosperous cities in the Barak Kingdom of the Heavenly Dou Empire.

Although not as grand and magnificent as the Heavenly Dou Imperial City, Soto City, as the kingdom's main city, has its own unique hustle and bustle and vitality.

The wide streets were lined with shops and bustling with pedestrians, the air thick with the mixed smells of food, spices and sweat.

At this moment, on the top floor of the best hotel in the city, the members of Team Tiandou are enjoying a rare moment of rest.

More than two months have passed since Rapunzel joined the Tian Dou team.

Over the past two months, this elite team of young soul masters, led by Qin Ming, has embarked on a combat training program that encircles the borders of the Heaven Dou Empire.

They set off from the imperial city, heading north, passing through important cities in several provinces, leaving traces of battle in the grand arenas of each place.

They achieved brilliant results, but were also exhausted.

"Finally, I can take a nice hot shower..."

Yu Feng slumped back in the soft sofa and let out a satisfied sigh.

His signature light blue short hair was wet, clearly indicating he had just finished showering.

Oslo sat opposite him, carefully wiping his short dagger with a velvet cloth. Hearing this, he didn't even look up: "Be content. We've stayed in the best hotels and eaten the best food along the way. If it were an ordinary soul master academy student on a training trip, they'd be lucky to even have a place to shelter from the wind and rain."

"That's all thanks to Her Highness the Princess." Shi Mo smiled憨厚ly, picked up the hot tea on the table and took a sip.

Shi Mo nodded in agreement: "That's right. If it weren't for Her Highness the Princess, how could the academy have given us such a high budget?"

On the other side of the room, by the window.

Snow White sat there quietly, holding a book about the habits of spirit beasts.

The street scenes of Soto outside the window flowed through her clear eyes, but seemed not to truly enter her vision.

Today she wore a simple white training outfit, her long hair tied into a neat ponytail at the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead and delicate profile.

Although she was only twelve years old, her innate noble temperament and composure beyond her years kept her at the core of the team.

Ning Rongrong sat next to Snow White, playing with a small model of a seven-jeweled glass pagoda in her hand.

Today, she specially changed into a new pale yellow dress with delicate gold embroidery on the hem, which made her look radiant and beautiful.

"Sister Xue, why did Teacher Qin insist on bringing us to Soto City?" Ning Rongrong leaned closer to Snow White and asked softly.

"This place isn't some holy land for soul masters, nor is it any particularly famous academy."

Snow White turned a page and calmly replied, "Teacher Qin has his reasons. We should just follow his arrangements."

Her voice was cool and clear, yet it carried a convincing power.

“Speaking of which, where is Rapunzel?” Dugu Yan suddenly asked.

She leaned against another sofa, her long, dark green hair cascading down like a waterfall, her emerald eyes gleaming eerily in the room's light.

Yu Tianheng sat down beside her and looked around when he heard this: "She was just here a moment ago, she probably went back to her room."

Two months ago, when Ge Duo personally brought the blonde girl to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and the three teaching committee members made an exception and allowed her to join the Heaven Dou First Team directly, almost all the team members had doubts.

How did an unknown twelve-year-old girl with only level 35 soul power get parachuted into the empire's most elite team?

But Rapunzel quickly proved everything with her abilities.

The unique ability of the Golden Long-Haired Martial Soul combines healing, control, and defense, demonstrating astonishing value in team battles.

Especially in a fierce battle against the Soul Sect team, Rapunzel's "Light of Mirror Lake" successfully deflected the opposing captain's long-awaited fourth soul skill, giving the team a crucial respite.

After that battle, no one questioned her qualifications anymore.

only……

"She's always alone," Ye Lingling's cool voice rang out.

This Nine-Heart Begonia Soul Master rarely spoke up. She sat in the corner of the room, still holding the thick Soul Beast Compendium in her arms.

“He’s very serious during training and his teamwork is great, but he always spends his time alone during breaks.” Ye Lingling paused.

"It seems like she's not used to interacting with people."

Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow: "It's normal for students trained by Her Majesty Ge Duo to have eccentric personalities. Isn't Her Majesty herself quite mysterious?"

Yu Tianheng gently pressed her hand down: "Yanzi."

Dugu Yan glanced at him, pursed her lips, and didn't continue speaking.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward. Yu Tianheng squeezed her hand, silently conveying reassurance.

Ning Rongrong blinked, her gaze sweeping around the room, and suddenly spoke up: "Speaking of which, where is Teacher Qin Ming? I haven't seen him since earlier."

Yu Feng lazily rolled over, half-closing his eyes: "Teacher Qin said he has to go out for a while and will be back before dinner."

"Is something the matter?" Snow White closed her book, looked up and asked, "Does Teacher Qin know anyone in Soto?"

Yu Tianheng shook his head: "I haven't heard him mention it. But Teacher Qin always does things with discretion, so he shouldn't go far."

Outside the window, the setting sun in Soto was slowly sinking below the horizon, bathing the entire city in a warm golden-red hue. The sounds of the bustling streets drifted faintly through the window, carrying the unique sense of unfamiliarity of a foreign land.

......

At this moment, in the central area of ​​Soto City, near the Soto Grand Arena.