Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

"Since it is His Majesty's decree, Your Highnesses may accompany him to observe."

Zhu Tianlin glanced at the two men and spoke again: "Now that you're here, stay put and obey all orders. If you two ruin the great affairs of the empire, don't blame this duke for being ruthless in military law!"

Davis bowed in agreement, his posture elegant and composed, but his gaze toward Dai Mubai carried a hint of mockery and warning.

Dai Mubai gritted his teeth, his nails digging deep into his palms, forcing himself to lower his head, concealing the humiliation and hatred churning in his eyes, and replied in a low voice, "Yes, Duke Zhu."

……

Tian Dou Royal Academy, Education Committee Meeting Room.

The three education commissioners, Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin, all at the Contra Douluo level, sat at the head of the table with serious expressions.

Below them are the eight members of Team One of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, including Lin Wan.

Captain Yu Tianqing stood at the front, with Ning Zetian and Lin Wan beside him, and the rest of the group behind him.

Looking at the eight people before him, Chief Dream Strategist slowly spoke: "Children, you have probably heard about why I summoned you here today. The Star Luo Empire has sent an envoy to exchange ideas on Soul Masters, and they will arrive in Heaven Dou City soon."

Upon hearing the name Xingluo, the expressions of the other seven people present, except for Lin Wan, changed slightly.

After all, their past experiences of being thoroughly humiliated by the Star Luo Royal Academy are still a shame that the Heaven Dou Royal Academy can hardly wash away.

“In previous years, the exchange matches were always played by a team from each college, and this year is no exception.” Bai Baoshan continued, patting his round belly, but his tone was anything but relaxed.

"The Star Luo Empire values ​​martial prowess, and its Royal Academy students are extremely skilled in combat. Their soul power levels are often higher than those of their peers. In the past, we have suffered more defeats than victories, and it has been difficult for us to even win a single battle."

Zhilin Education Committee member sighed: "This time, the Star Luo delegation is personally led by Zhu Tianlin, the head of the Zhu family. It is of extremely high status and comes with great momentum. The young soul masters accompanying them must be the elite of the elite of the Star Luo Royal Academy. Their strength is probably no weaker than in previous years."

The words of the three education commissioners made Yu Tianqing, Ning Zetian, and the others' expressions become more serious.

They are the best of the younger generation in the Heaven Dou Empire, proud and ambitious, and naturally do not want to be defeated by others.

Meng Shenji's gaze swept over everyone, taking in their reactions. Finally, his gaze fell on Lin Wan, and his tone suddenly became more serious: "However, this time is different from the past! His Majesty has personally ordered that this exchange must be won, not lost! Not only must we win, but we must win spectacularly, to display our national prestige and severely dampen Xingluo's arrogance!"

His Majesty's order? Only victory is permitted, defeat is not an option?

The expressions on Yu Tianqing, Ning Zetian, and the others did not change much, only becoming more solemn, but far from being fearful or under immense pressure.

Who are they? Yu Tianqing, a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and a candidate for successor of one of the three upper clans, has seen many storms. While he certainly needs to respect the orders of the imperial family, it is not enough to make him tremble with fear.

Ning Zetian, the nephew of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's leader, is a core member of the wealthiest sect in the world. From a young age, he has been exposed to the top power struggles on the continent. His Majesty's expectations are pressure, but also motivation, rather than an unbearable burden.

Yan Xin, Huo Lie, and others all come from major soul master families. They are geniuses nurtured by their families and have their own pride and confidence.

Failure? It's just a matter of losing face. I might get a scolding from my family elders when I get back, and then I'll have to work harder on my training.

As for more serious consequences? They don't exist.

Their backgrounds mean that losing a single inter-college competition won't shake their fundamental strength.

No matter how much Emperor Xueye values ​​this, he cannot possibly punish these future pillars of the empire severely, especially since they have powerful sects and families behind them.

Therefore, they valued Emperor Xueye's orders, but were by no means afraid of them.

“I know this is difficult,” Meng Shenji said in a deep voice, “but the Empire has high hopes for you! And we are not without confidence this time!”

As he spoke, he gestured, and Zhilin Education Committee distributed a stack of organized materials to everyone.

"This is the general information we can gather so far about the members of the Star Luo Royal Academy's first team. They most likely brought these seven people with them on this trip," Meng Shenji said.

“Take a closer look.”

Yu Tianqing and the others immediately lowered their heads and began to peruse the documents.

Level 42! Level 41! Two Soul Masters!

The opposing captain has actually broken through the Soul Master barrier, and is at level 42!

However, Yu Tianqing was not discouraged. After all, the other party was a few years older than him. When he reached that age, he believed that he could naturally reach level forty-two as well.

Ning Zetian and the others also looked grim, as the opponent's average strength was clearly far superior to theirs.

"Do you see that? This is the opponent we are about to face." Meng Shenji's voice rang out again, breaking the silence.

"The opposing team is very strong, especially the captain and vice-captain, both of whom have broken through to the Soul Master level." Zhi Lin, the instructor, pointed out the key point: "Based on their strength on paper, we are indeed at a disadvantage."

Upon hearing this, Yu Tianqing involuntarily glanced at Lin Wan beside him, his tone tinged with relief.

"It's just on paper, Zhilin Education Commissioner. Don't forget, we have a monster on our side that can't be fathomed by common sense."

Upon hearing this, Ning Zetian, Yan Xin, and the others all showed similar expressions, their gazes all falling on Lin Wan.

Yes! What are they afraid of? They have Lin Wan! He's also a Soul Master, and he even has a fourth Soul Ring that's been around for ten thousand years!

This kind of existence is meant to break conventions and create miracles.

With Lin Wan at the forefront, the pressure they had to bear was instantly reduced by more than half.

Chapter 100 Gathering Information

In Yu Tianqing's view, what was originally a match that might have required a desperate fight to gain a chance of victory now seemed not so difficult.

They were even somewhat looking forward to seeing what kind of interesting expressions those guys from Xingluo would make when facing Lin Wan, this unconventional opponent.

Meng Shenji took in everyone's reactions, understood the situation, and felt somewhat helpless.

These kids' backgrounds certainly gave them a sense of composure and confidence, but fortunately, Lin Wan's addition also truly inspired their fighting spirit and confidence.

“That’s right!” Meng Shenji affirmed.

"Lin Wan will be the key to our victory this time, and His Majesty also places high hopes on her. Your mission is to fully cooperate with Lin Wan and completely demonstrate the strength of our Heaven Dou Royal Academy! Understand?"

"Understood! Education Commission!" everyone responded in unison.

"Alright, go down and study the tactics carefully, and get the team in sync as soon as possible!" Bai Baoshan waved his hand.

The group bowed and took their leave.

As they left the conference room, Yu Tianqing patted Lin Wan on the shoulder and laughed, "Lin Wan, this time we're counting on you to show your prowess! We'll all be there to support you!"

Ning Zetian smiled and said, "Brother Lin Wan, please feel free to ask how you need my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's amplification power."

Others echoed his sentiments. They may have their own pride, but faced with absolute strength and common interests, they all wisely chose to center their support around Lin Wan.

Looking at her teammates who had suddenly become full of energy and shifted the burden onto her shoulders, Lin Wan could only nod helplessly: "Yeah, I'll do my best."

……

Inside the royal villa where the Xingluo delegation was staying, the atmosphere was far from as calm as it appeared on the surface.

Duke Zhu Tianlin presided over the main hall, holding a routine official meeting with the protocol officer of the Tiandou Empire. His words were polite and impeccable.

However, the real undercurrents are surging in places unseen.

In a secluded side hall of the villa, the eldest prince, Davis, stood elegantly by the window, holding a glass of red wine, gazing at the scenery of the Heavenly Dou Imperial City.

Behind him, a trusted guard was giving a low report.

"Your Highness, we have already made initial contact with several nobles of Tiandou City. They are tight-lipped about the matter of the elixir, but they speak highly of His Majesty Gedo, so it seems that the elixir's efficacy is beyond doubt."

Davis gently swirled his wine glass, his eyes deep: "Goddo, Queen Eva's guest of honor. It seems the only breakthrough lies with Goddo. Continue to investigate, spare no expense. I need to know her preferences, her whereabouts, and what she needs most."

"Yes. Also..."

The guard hesitated for a moment before speaking, "It seems that the Third Prince is also trying to contact shady characters who sell information through some clandestine channels."

Davis's lips curled into a cold smile: "My brother, still so impatient. Let him run into walls. Remember, our target is the pills and the alchemist himself. Don't waste too much energy on him; just keep a close eye on him. If necessary..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "We can create some trouble for him and make him understand that some things are not for him to covet."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, in another side hall of the annex.

Dai Mubai was whispering rapidly with someone who appeared to be a servant of the villa.

After handing over a small bag of gold soul coins, he asked, "Did you find out anything? About that witch Gord, or where can I get that kind of pill?"

The eunuch quickly put away his money pouch, looked around nervously, and spoke very fast: "My lord, I am of low rank and have no access to those important figures. I have only vaguely heard that His Excellency Gedo is mysterious and rarely shows his face. A few days ago, many important figures did attend a private gathering, but no one dares to reveal the details. It seems that this kind of pill is not yet circulating on the black market; I guess it is firmly held by those powerful families."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Dai Mubai's eyes, but more than that, he felt resentful.

He knew things wouldn't be easy, especially after his older brother Davis arrived, which would make his actions even more difficult.

But he had no way out; he had to do everything in his power to seize every possibility.

"Keep an eye out. If there's any news, contact us at the usual place."

……

Tian Dou City, Yue Xuan.

Tang Yuehua was elegantly brewing tea, and Ning Fengzhi was sitting opposite her.

The two representatives of the three upper sects gathered together at this moment, and naturally, the topic of conversation could not avoid the recent focus.

"Brother Fengzhi, what are your sect's views on Her Majesty Geduo and her elixirs?" Tang Yuehua pushed a cup of tea in front of Ning Fengzhi, her voice gentle and melodious.

Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly and picked up his teacup: "The medicine is remarkably effective, truly an extraordinary product. For my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, it may be a new path. I'm sure Lady Yuehua is quite interested as well."

He glanced meaningfully at Tang Yuehua. Although Haotian Sect was secluded, Tang Yuehua ran Yuexuan outside and was well-informed. Moreover, given her own circumstances, she would naturally pay more attention to things that could break the rules.

Tang Yuehua didn't hide anything and sighed softly, "If it can help with martial soul cultivation, Yuehua is naturally willing to give it her all. It's just that Her Majesty Gedo seems to only care about materials and not about personal relationships or money. I have sent people to search for the items on the list, but unfortunately, the results have been poor."

Ning Fengzhi did not believe Tang Yuehua's words. As members of the three upper sects, who did not know the other's background?

“Likewise,” Ning Fengzhi nodded in reply.

"The materials on the list are indeed unusual and strange, many of them probably not commonly seen. It seems that Her Majesty's origins are more mysterious than we imagined, and trading with her will be no easy task."

Tang Yuehua gently shook her folding fan and sighed.

In fact, she did have some of the things that Ge Duo needed, but she did not use them to exchange for them because she had another desire in her heart.

She wanted to see Eva again to ask if there were any special pills that could help her break through the ninth level of soul power.

Ning Fengzhi and Tang Yuehua smiled at each other, both seeing the same solemnity and determination in each other's eyes.

The emergence of elixirs has subtly altered the delicate balance among top powers; whoever can acquire more first will gain the upper hand in the future.

……

The Star Luo Empire, Imperial Capital.

No secrets stay hidden forever. The news that the First Prince Davis and the Third Prince Dai Mubai had secretly accompanied the delegation to Tiandou City, along with the rumor about the miraculous elixir, spread quietly like wild grass in early spring throughout the upper echelons of Xingluo.