Douluo: One man returns, Fan Tianyin smashes Tang San to death

"Master Li said it well!"

Another clan leader, Sun Yuanqing of the Sun clan, chimed in, a glint in his eyes. "While our Sun clan may not be as well-established as the Dai or Zhu clans, we are willing to send three Soul Douluos to protect the Crown Prince! How can we miss such an opportunity?"

Dai Haoran's eyes softened slightly when he heard this. He glanced at Li Changfeng and Sun Yuanqing and nodded, "I am very pleased that the two family heads are thoughtful.

The safety of the empire depends on your support."

Xu Tianhua's face froze slightly, his lips moved, but he didn't say anything else. He just whispered, "Your Majesty, it's not that the Xu family is unwilling to contribute, but... I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Dai Haoran waved his hand, his tone calm but with an irrefutable majesty: "Master Xu, I understand your difficulties.

Go back and rest well. I have never doubted Xu's loyalty."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over the other family heads, "Everyone else, go back immediately and arrange for personnel to protect the two princes. Do not slack off."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Several family heads responded in unison, their voices loud and exciting.

Xu Tianhua lowered his head and retreated, a complicated look flashing in his eyes.

After everyone dispersed, only Dai Haoran and a middle-aged man in a dark blue robe were left in the conference room.

This person was none other than Zhu Zhenyue, the head of the Zhu family. He had an elegant face but a deep look in his eyes.

He stood up to say goodbye, but Dai Haoran raised his hand to stop him.

"Zhenyue, stay."

Dai Haoran's voice softened a bit, with a hint of the intimacy between old friends. "Your and my families have been friends for generations. There are some things I will only tell you."

Zhu Zhenyue was slightly startled, then sat down again, clasping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, please speak. The Zhu family will certainly die for you."

Dai Haoran sighed, his eyes heavy, "There are rumors outside that ten Title Douluo were killed. This is... true."

Zhu Zhenyue's pupils shrank slightly. Although he had heard this before, hearing it confirmed by the emperor himself still shocked him. "Your Majesty, Titled Douluo are the top fighters on the continent. How could... who has such ability? Xingluo has never offended any external forces or powerful sects!"

Dai Haoran smiled bitterly and rubbed his brows: "This matter is strange, the murderer is not an ordinary soul master, but a soul instructor.

According to what the Crown Prince saw with his own eyes, this person used a soul guide with extremely powerful killing power to instantly take the lives of ten Title Douluo."

"Soul master?"

Zhu Zhenyue frowned, a trace of suspicion flashing in his eyes, "Although the Sun-Moon Empire is good at soul guides, it is unheard of that a soul guide can kill a Titled Douluo.

Your Majesty, what is this man's background?"

Dai Haoran shook his head: "We still don't know, it's mysterious.

The prince only saw her from a distance and could not see her face clearly."

He paused, looking deeply at Zhu Zhenyue, "Zhenyue, the Spirit Hall has been making moves recently, and I'm worried there's a deeper conspiracy behind this.

Your Zhu family has deep roots in the empire, and I hope you can lend me a helping hand."

Zhu Zhenyue pondered for a moment, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, if we can offer a large sum of money to invite that soul guide to join Xing Luo, the strength of the empire will surely increase greatly.

Even if he is unwilling to serve, he can be asked to stay and guard against any attack from the Spirit Hall."

Dai Haoran heard this, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes, but he shook his head: "This matter is not simple, I have ordered people to investigate secretly.

For now, the Empire needs to proceed with caution.

Your Zhu family has a profound influence, so I humble myself and ask you to contribute more."

Zhu Zhenyue nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Zhu family will do their best!"

The two talked for a long time and discussed many details in detail. It was not until late at night that Zhu Zhenyue said goodbye and left.

This scene was seen by spies from other aristocratic families, and rumors spread that the Zhu and Dai families were on good terms, and that the emperor relied so much on Zhu Zhenyue, which showed how deep the relationship between the two families was.

The rumors about the discord between the Zhu and Dai families were immediately refuted.

...The Zhu family mansion was brightly lit.

Zhu Zhenyue returned to his house and, before he even took off his outer robe, he summoned the housekeeper and asked in a low voice, "How's the investigation going?"

The housekeeper bowed his head and reported: "Master, I have found out that although the major families have agreed on the surface, they have many complaints in private.

Arranging the Title Douluo, I'm afraid it will be difficult to unite the people as there are so many people involved."

Zhu Zhenyue waved his hand to let the butler leave, and paced back and forth in the study alone with a frown on his face.

He recalled the conversation he had with Lu Yu a few days ago, and had a vague idea in his mind.

A moment later, he put on his cloak, quietly left the mansion, and went to an inconspicuous inn in the city.

In an elegant room on the second floor of the inn, Lu Yu was sitting by the window, playing with a jade pendant in his hand with a distant look in his eyes.

Zhu Zhenyue pushed the door open and walked in. Lu Yu looked up and smiled slightly: "Master Zhu, what brings you here so late at night?"

Zhu Zhenyue got straight to the point: "Lu Yu, those ten Titled Douluo... were you the one who killed them?"

Lu Yu put down the jade pendant, his eyes calm: "Yes, it's me."

Zhu Zhenyue took a deep breath and lowered his voice: "How bold! The Dai family has lost ten Titled Douluo, and their strength has been greatly reduced. No wonder His Majesty is so polite to you, Zhu family.

what you up to? "

Lu Yu raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you think I should do, Patriarch Zhu? The Dai family is missing ten Titled Douluo. I'm afraid their strength is not as good as the Zhu family's, right?"

Zhu Zhenyue shook his head and said with a wry smile: "Lu Yu, your idea is too simple.

The Dai family has a deep foundation and calls on the noble families to replenish soul masters, so they will be able to recover quickly.

Rebellion? Almost impossible.

Moreover, Dai Mubai has amazing talent and breaks through very quickly, and Dai's ancestors are even more unfathomable.

Although the Zhu family has some power, it is still far behind the Dai family.

I do not wish for chaos in the empire, nor do I harbor any desire for rebellion."

Lu Yu's eyes flashed, and he said in a deep voice: "Then does the Zhu family master have a way to cancel the engagement between Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai?"

Zhu Zhenyue frowned and pondered for a moment: "It's impossible now.

The Dai family now needs to join forces with the Zhu family. A marriage can strengthen the relationship between the two families and also let other watching families see that we are in harmony.

Dai will not easily agree to cancel the engagement."

Lu Yu sneered: "Dai family suffered heavy losses this time, I am afraid they are in a state of panic.

Master Zhu, this opportunity is rare."

Zhu Zhenyue sighed: "Lu Yu, this matter is not simple.

If the news gets out, there will be friction among the three empires.

If the two empires join forces, a protracted war will ensue, which will be detrimental to no one."

He paused and looked at Lu Yu with complicated eyes, "However, I can turn a blind eye to your matter with Zhu Qing.

But as for Dai's side, you need to deal with it yourself.

Some things are hard to say openly."

Lu Yu nodded, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Thank you, Patriarch Zhu. I understand."

The two talked for a while, and then Zhu Zhenyue stood up to say goodbye. Before leaving, he reminded him, "Lu Yu, be careful in everything.

The situation in the empire is complex, so don't act rashly."

…The next morning, in the inn, Xiao Wu sat across from Lu Yu, holding a cup of tea in her hand. She blinked her big eyes and asked, "Lu Yu, how was your conversation with Patriarch Zhu last night?"

Lu Yu smiled and said in a relaxed tone: "Not bad.

The head of the Zhu family promised us that we can see Zhuqing at any time.

This time, it seems to have had some effect."

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up and she clapped her hands, "That's great! What are you going to do next?"

Lu Yu's eyes were deep, and he said slowly: "Let's go to Zhu's first and see the situation."

In the early morning, the Zhu family mansion was heavily guarded, and the guards at the door had sharp eyes.

Lu Yu walked over with a swagger, not caring at all about the gazes of the spies around him.

His arrival was quickly reported back to the Dai family by the spies who were secretly monitoring him.

Inside the Dai family mansion, Dai Mubai was practicing boxing in the yard, his fists whistling with a bit of fierceness.

After receiving the spy's report, he stopped and a cold look flashed in his eyes: "Lu Yu? Humph, he's not dead yet, and he dares to go to the Zhu family to see Zhu Qing?"

Just as he was about to leave, the door was pushed open and the eldest prince Davis walked in, frowning and asking, "Mu Bai, where are you going in such a hurry?"

Dai Mubai sneered: "Go to Zhu's and catch up with an old friend."

Davis's eyes darkened, and he said in a deep voice: "Mu Bai, the situation in the empire is unstable now, and another strong man fell last night.

As princes, you and I need to interact more with the Zhu family.

The Zhu family head supports us and is also a family friend, so we must not neglect him."

Dai Mubai nodded, a complicated look flashing in his eyes: "Brother is right.

Let’s go to Zhu’s.”

The two brothers looked at each other, and with their own thoughts, they walked out of the Dai mansion and headed towards the Zhu family.

In the Zhu family hall, the carved beams and painted buildings appear particularly solemn under the light. Lifelike dragon patterns are coiled on the gilded pillars, exuding the majestic atmosphere of an ancient family.

The hall was filled with the scent of sandalwood incense. Zhu Zhuqing, wearing a dark green long dress, sat upright on a pear wood carved chair. The hem of her skirt hung down, outlining her graceful figure.

Her eyes were cold, but when she looked at Lu Yu beside her, there was a hint of complicated emotions.

Xiao Wu sat on the other side of Lu Yu, swinging her legs playfully. Her pink skirt swayed slightly with her movements, and her eyes were full of intelligence.

"Zhu Qing, how have you been this year?"

Xiao Wu tilted her head and asked with a smile, her voice as clear as a bell, "I heard from Lu Yu that you are treated like a treasure in the Zhu family, and it is difficult for you to even go out."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing curled up the corners of her lips and revealed a wry smile.

She sighed softly, her fingertips gently tracing the pattern on the chair back, and whispered, "Baby? It's just a canary in a cage.

My father is very strict, and it's really hard for me to be here to see you."

She paused, then turned her gaze to Lu Yu with a hint of resentment. "Come to think of it, Lu Yu, how did you convince my old-fashioned father to let me see you? A year ago, he issued a strict order, not even letting me out of the door, and even sent people to keep an eye on me."

Lu Yu picked up the teacup and took a sip. The fragrance of tea spread on the tip of his tongue. He smiled calmly, but a deep light flashed in his eyes: "Master Zhu just wants to see if I, who has been around in the Slaughter City, am worthy of him letting go.

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Xiao Wu covered her mouth and chuckled, then she moved closer to Zhu Zhuqing and whispered teasingly, "Zhuqing, don't blame Lu Yu. When the Shrek team disbanded, he dragged me to the Slaughter City for training.

This year, my soul power is almost catching up with his!"

As she spoke, she raised her chin proudly, her eyes full of confidence.

Zhu Zhuqing was startled, her eyes swept over Xiao Wu, and she was a little surprised: "Xiao Wu, your soul power... is so strong? On par with Lu Yu?"

There was a hint of disbelief in her tone, but her eyes unconsciously fell back on Lu Yu, revealing a hint of complex emotions, "How on earth did a place like the Slaughter City allow you to improve so quickly?"

Lu Yu put down the teacup and looked at Zhu Zhuqing calmly, his voice low but with a hint of smile: "The cultivation in the City of Slaughter is not a gentle place.

But, Zhuqing, if you are willing, why not go out with us to experience some new life? The world outside is much more interesting than the high walls of the Zhu family compound."

When Zhu Zhuqing heard this, a glimmer of longing flashed in her eyes, but then dimmed again.

She shook her head and said in a low voice: “Lu Yu, you know that father will not agree.

He is even stricter with me now than he was a year ago.

It is a rare opportunity to see you here.”

Xiao Wu curled her lips unwillingly and was about to persuade her again when she heard hurried footsteps outside the hall.

A servant of the Zhu family hurried in and bowed to report: "Miss, Master, the two princes of the Dai family are visiting. They claim to be the Davis brothers and say they have something important to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes.

She said coldly: "Dai family? What are they doing here? I don't want to see them."

The servant looked embarrassed and whispered, "Miss, the head of the family said that the Dai family and the Zhu family have been friends for generations, and since Prince Davis has come to visit us personally, we cannot neglect the etiquette.

The master of the house invites the young lady to go with him to meet him."

Zhu Zhuqing wanted to refuse, but the head of the Zhu family, who was sitting in the main seat, spoke slowly, his voice steady but with unquestionable majesty: "Zhuqing, the Dai family and our Zhu family have been friends for generations. Davis's personal visit this time must be for something important.

You go and meet him, so that outsiders can know our Zhu family’s attitude.”

Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip, but ultimately did not refute, instead looking coldly at the ground.

At this time, Lu Yu smiled lightly, stood up and said: "Master Zhu, since they are brothers from the Dai family, I would like to meet them.

Dai Mubai and I are old acquaintances. I heard that he has now broken through to the Soul Saint level. I am curious about how he did it.

Upon hearing this, the head of the Zhu family's gaze lingered on Lu Yu for a moment, with a hint of deep thought in his eyes.

He naturally knew the grudge between Lu Yu and the Dai family, but precisely because of this, he wanted to take this opportunity to test the Dai family's attitude.

After a moment of hesitation, he nodded and said, "Since young friend Lu Yu has this intention, let's go together."

Xiao Wu tugged at Lu Yu's sleeve and whispered worriedly, "Lu Yu, Dai Mubai is not someone you can easily mess with. He's a Soul Sage now, you..."

Lu Yu patted the back of Xiao Wu's hand, gave her a reassuring look, and whispered, "Don't worry, I know what to do."

Outside the hall, in the spacious courtyard of the Zhu family, Davis and Dai Mubai stood side by side.

Davis was dressed in a golden robe, looking graceful, but with a gloomy look between his brows.

Dai Mubai was dressed in a white suit, with sharp eyes and a hint of hostility.

Behind the two men, several followers of the Dai family bowed their heads respectfully, and the atmosphere was solemn.

When Lu Yu and his group stepped into the courtyard, Davis's eyes immediately locked onto Lu Yu.

His pupils shrank slightly, and a hint of cold murderous intent flashed in his eyes, but he immediately concealed it.

He smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Master Zhu, Sister Zhuqing, it's been a long time. I apologize for my unauthorized visit." (End of Chapter)