Douluo: The Peerless King of Beast Tamers

Chapter 365 Heading to Douling, Facing Tianyang

After Zhou Sichen successfully absorbed the left leg soul bone of the Thunderous Hell Vine, the thunderous power surrounding his body gradually subsided.

This seclusion not only allowed him to absorb the soul bone, but also allowed him to temper his meridians with the power of thunder, making his soul power flow more and more smoothly.

After tidying his robes, Zhou Sichen pushed open the wooden door of the seclusion room and went to the third floor of the attic.

As soon as they stepped onto the last step, they heard Elder Mu and Elder Yi talking. The two old men were discussing something in hushed tones around a semi-transparent ghostly figure.

The phantom was surrounded by a faint aura of death, yet it maintained a delicate balance under the light power emanating from Elder Yi's fingertips.

“Teacher, Professor Yi,” Zhou Sichen called softly.

When Elder Mu turned around and his gaze fell on him, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "The soul bone absorption went very smoothly. It seems that the thunderous power of the Thunderous Hell Vine is quite compatible with you."

Old Yi also smiled and said, "Si Chen, this child, always manages to surprise people."

Zhou Sichen stepped forward, flipped his palm, and a ball of lightning power appeared in his hand. Fine arcs of electricity flowed across the surface of the lightning ball, but there was no trace of its outward violent aura.

“Teacher, this Thunder Spirit is the result of my refining of the Thunderous Hell Vine over hundreds of years, which has accumulated the power of thunder. It contains the pure essence of thunder and should be of great benefit to Beibei’s Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Martial Soul.”

Looking at the ball of lightning, Elder Mu's smile deepened: "Good child, you've got a kind heart. Bei Bei and Tang Ya will be back soon from their mission to obtain the spirit rings. When they return, you can give it to him personally."

Zhou Sichen nodded in agreement and put Lei Ling into his soul tool.

"Teacher, shall we go to the Douling Empire now?" he asked, looking up.

Old Master Mu nodded: "Good, that little fellow Tianyang has been asking to see you too."

The "little guy" that Elder Mu mentioned was actually the chief retainer of the Douling Empire—Tianyang Douluo.

This level 97 Super Douluo is enough to rank among the top five among the original powerhouses of the Douluo Continent.

Having studied at Shrek Academy in his youth, he has always held a special respect for his alma mater.

Now that Shrek Academy has allied with the Douling Empire, as the strongest in the empire, he not only wants to secure more cooperative benefits for the royal family, but also hopes to have more contact with the young and promising Zhou Sichen.

After all, in the Douluo Continent, the first impression between powerful individuals often determines many things.

Although Emperor Xue Ye did not openly inquire, he already knew about Zhou Sichen's "romantic affairs" in Shrek Academy's inner courtyard.

The close relationship between Princess Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire and Zhou Sichen has spread throughout various countries, and Xueye happens to have several princesses with outstanding appearances.

This emperor was insightful and never deliberately arranged marriages, but he was happy to create opportunities.

What if one of the princesses catches Zhou Sichen's eye?
Moreover, he genuinely wanted to see this legendary prodigy in person.

Let's see if the other party is truly as steady and reliable as rumored, worthy of the Empire's trust.

Elder Mu raised his hand and left an avatar formed from the source of light in the Sea God Pavilion, so that it could accompany Elder Yi to continue to refine his ideas on the research of the undead. He then set off for the Douling Empire with Zhou Sichen.

As they flew through the air, Elder Mu looked at his upright disciple beside him and chuckled, "That little fox, Xueye, is quite the schemer."

Zhou Sichen shrugged helplessly: "Teacher, please don't make fun of me. I just want to cooperate peacefully."

Old Master Mu laughed heartily: "Don't worry, with your teacher here, no one will dare to force you."

The master and apprentice flew at an extremely fast speed and soon arrived at the capital of the Douling Empire.

Outside the city, people were already waiting. Emperor Xue Ye of Douling personally led Tianyang Douluo to stand in front of the city gate, followed by core members of the royal family and several titled Douluo. Such a lineup was the highest level of courtesy in the Douling Empire.

Emperor Xueye looked older than Victor of the Heavenly Soul Empire, with white hair at his temples, yet he stood tall and straight, his natural majesty as a long-time ruler was evident, and the air seemed to freeze wherever his gaze swept over him.

Although Tianyang Douluo beside him was already a level 97 Super Douluo, and was virtually unmatched in the original Three Kingdoms, he restrained all his aura in front of Elder Mu at this moment, and when he bowed, his posture was as respectful as a student in front of a teacher.

"Elder Mu, you've come from afar, you must be tired from your journey." Xueye spoke first, her tone carrying just the right amount of warmth.

Old Mu smiled and waved his hand: "Your Majesty Xueye is too kind. With young people like Sichen supporting us, we old folks are just out for a stroll."

Tianyang Douluo quickly echoed, "Elder Mu is right. Just like young Ling Luochen, who trained the Imperial Guards to be as fierce as tigers descending from the mountain in just over a year in the Imperial Army, her ability is truly admirable."

Xueye nodded and said, "General Ge Hong often says that Luo Chen is not only exceptionally talented, but also calm and experienced in his actions. Elder Mu's judgment is indeed insightful."

Upon hearing this, Elder Mu turned to Zhou Sichen and pointed, "This was all arranged by Sichen. In fact, allowing Shrek disciples to interfere in your country's military affairs seems like we've overstepped our bounds."

Zhou Sichen bowed at the opportune moment: "Your Majesty Xueye, please forgive me. The situation is urgent, so I had to resort to this measure."

Xueye quickly waved his hand: "Lord Zhou, there's no need for such formalities. The new military system brought by Ling Luochen has greatly increased the combat power of the Imperial Army. I am grateful enough, how could I mind? Speaking of which, I should thank Shrek Academy for providing the Empire with such talent."

"Moreover, all of these will be handed over to Master Zhou in the future, so the current development can be considered a transition."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Zhou Sichen, scrutinizing the young man closely.

With a tall and straight figure, handsome face, clear and calm eyes, and a natural and controlled aura, he showed neither the arrogance of someone who has achieved early success nor the slightest timidity. He truly lived up to his reputation as a "chosen one of heaven".

Tianyang Douluo also looked at Zhou Sichen, his eyes full of admiration.

He was a prominent figure at Shrek Academy in his youth, so he naturally understands how difficult it is for the academy to cultivate such a disciple.

In particular, Zhou Sichen's composure beyond his years reminded him of Old Mu in his youth, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness to him.

"Elder Mu, Tower Master Zhou, a small banquet has been prepared in the city. Shall we eat and talk?" Xueye gestured to the side, inviting him.

Zhou Sichen nodded: "Your Majesty, please."

A group of people escorted Elder Mu and Zhou Sichen into the capital. The streets were already cleared, and the people watched from afar, marveling at the sight of the empire's supreme ruler traveling with several legendary powerhouses.
The imperial palace of the Ling Empire was magnificent, with vermilion palace walls stretching for miles and glazed tiles gleaming in the sunlight. The white jade railings in the square in front of the palace were carved with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns, showcasing the grandeur of the royal family everywhere.

The banquet was held in the largest banquet hall in the palace. The hall was brightly lit, with twelve golden pillars with coiled dragons supporting the dome, and many magnificent murals hanging on the walls.

Xueye invited Zhou Sichen to sit at the head of the table, while she and Elder Mu sat on either side of each other. Tianyang Douluo and the core members of the royal family took their seats in turn.

No one found this scene inappropriate, as everyone present was an insider and well aware of the current situation.

Even the other two great empires and the Body Sect are giving their all to support Zhou Sichen. The unification of the three great empires is now just a matter of Zhou Sichen's mind.

On the surface, Xue Ye is still the Great Emperor of Dou Ling, but in reality, the emperors of the three great empires have already figured it out.

Therefore, there is naturally no psychological burden.

After several rounds of drinks, the banquet lasted for two hours. During the banquet, everyone chatted and laughed, seemingly chatting idly, but in fact, they were probing and finalizing the details of the cooperation.

Zhou Sichen handled the situation appropriately, protecting his own interests while also giving face to the Douling royal family. Even Xue Ye nodded in approval, his respect for the young man deepening.

After the banquet, Xueye asked Tianyang Douluo to accompany Elder Mu to rest in the Imperial Garden, while she led Zhou Sichen to the side hall.

"Lord Zhou, I've heard that you have a close relationship with Princess Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire?" Xueye asked casually.

Zhou Sichen said frankly, "Princess Jiujiu is now a student at Shrek Academy and also my friend."

Xueye laughed heartily: "It's a good thing for young people to have more friends. My second daughter, Xueyao, is about the same age as Princess Jiujiu. She's lively and cheerful. How about she shows you around the capital sometime?"

Zhou Sichen hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, but this trip is too rushed, and I'm afraid I won't have time to bother Your Highness."

His tone was gentle, but his attitude clearly indicated his refusal. Xue Ye didn't press the matter, and smiled as he changed the subject: "Alright, business is more important. Tomorrow I'll have Tianyang Douluo accompany you to the Empire's resource depot. Just let me know if you need anything."

Zhou Sichen quickly thanked him, "Thank you."

Reaching the entrance of the side hall, Xueye stopped and looked at Zhou Sichen with a solemn expression: "Lord Zhou, the Sun Moon Empire is ambitious. I am old, and the future of this empire still needs your support."

Zhou Sichen met his gaze and said firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, as long as the royal family upholds the alliance, I will not betray you."

Looking at the clarity and determination in the young man's eyes, Xueye's last doubts vanished, and she nodded: "Good, a fine 'I will never betray you'."

At this moment, in the Imperial Garden, Elder Mu was chatting with Tianyang Douluo.

Tianyang Douluo looked at Elder Mu and exclaimed, "Elder Mu, a talent like the Tower Master is truly a once-in-a-century find."

Old Mu stroked his beard, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Si Chen is calm and steady. With him around, we old men can rest easy."

Tianyang Douluo laughed and said, "With your words, I am relieved. I also received kindness from Shrek Academy when I was young. If war breaks out one day, I am willing to charge into battle for Lord Zhou."

Old Mu patted him on the shoulder: "Si Chen will remember what you said."

They're all old foxes, so there's no need to say more. Tianyang Douluo still respects Elder Mu very much.

And Mr. Mu will also give opportunities to young people.

Tianyang Douluo will probably only reach level 97 in his lifetime, but he still has descendants.

The second day was a family dinner, with only Zhou Sichen, Elder Mu, Xue Ye, and Tianyang Douluo present.

The toasts and laughter at the banquet eventually came to an end. When Emperor Xueye jokingly suggested that a member of the royal family accompany Zhou Sichen on a tour of the capital, Zhou Sichen once again politely declined, citing "military affairs as the priority."

Seeing this, Xueye didn't press the matter. He hadn't had high expectations to begin with, and it was already a pleasant surprise that this prodigy owed him a favor.

After several rounds of drinks, Tianyang Douluo suddenly put down his wine cup and looked intently at Zhou Sichen: "Tower Master Zhou, I have heard that you are so young yet your soul power is already unfathomable. I wonder if you would be willing to spar with me?"

The moment these words were spoken, the hall fell silent.

A hint of anticipation flashed in Emperor Xueye's eyes, while Elder Mu smiled faintly as he held his teacup: "It's just a friendly exchange; let's stop here when we've reached our goal."

Zhou Sichen put down his jade chopsticks, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips, and met Tianyang Douluo's gaze with calm eyes: "If senior commands, this junior will naturally comply."

His tone was calm, as if he were facing not a level 97 Super Douluo, but a Soul Master of the same level.

This composed demeanor earned Emperor Xueye's silent approval; such composure alone was enough to overwhelm countless others.

The training ground is located in the martial arts arena on the west side of the palace. It is paved with dozens of massive stones weighing tens of thousands of kilograms each, and the ground is engraved with defensive soul guidance array patterns, which are enough to withstand collisions from Title Douluo-level opponents.

Emperor Xueye and Elder Mu sat side by side in the center of the viewing platform, flanked by members of the Douling Empire's royal family and high-ranking military officials, each with a different expression on their face.

Curiosity, anticipation, and even a touch of skepticism.

"Your Majesty, Zhou Sichen is only at level 80 in soul power. Can he really fight against Tianyang?" an old minister with white hair on the left asked in a low voice.

Xueye didn't turn around, her gaze fixed on the training ground: "Let's wait and see."

As they were talking, an ice-blue figure strode onto the viewing platform. It was none other than Ling Luochen, the current marshal of the Douling Empire.

She was still wearing her silver armor, with some dust on her shoulder armor, clearly indicating that she had just arrived from the military camp.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Elder Mu." Ling Luochen bowed respectfully, his gaze involuntarily falling on the figure in the center of the training ground, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

A year ago, when she was ordered to come to the Douling Empire to reorganize military affairs, Zhou Sichen privately advised her on the principle of "combining strength and gentleness".

Her ability to quickly take control of a large army is not only due to her own strength, but also inseparable from the guidance she received.

She never imagined that Si Chen would now have the strength to face a level 97 Super Douluo.

Compared to Zhou Sichen, her abilities are clearly far inferior.

In the center of the training ground, Zhou Sichen and Tianyang Douluo stood facing each other.

Today, Tianyang Douluo wore a crimson-gold robe, embroidered with a rising sun pattern in gold thread. As his soul power flowed with each breath, the rising sun on the robe seemed to come alive, with a faint golden light flowing through it.

Although he was 150 years old, he looked like a man in his forties, with only a few strands of silver hair at his temples showing the marks of time. His eyes were bright and piercing, staring at Zhou Sichen like a hawk locking onto its prey.

“Lord Zhou, I will not hold back when I make a move, but I will control my strength and stop when I have made my point,” Tianyang Douluo said in a deep voice, as a faint golden soul power began to rise around him.

The aura of the level 97 Super Douluo was as deep as the ocean, so powerful that even the soul guidance array patterns at the edge of the training ground shimmered. The generals on the viewing platform with slightly weaker cultivation levels couldn't help but hold their breath.

Zhou Sichen nodded slightly, and a brilliant golden light suddenly emanated from his right hand. The Book of Contracts unfolded out of thin air, and the pages rang out with a faint golden sound as they turned.

Immediately afterwards, seven blood-red soul rings rose from beneath his feet, like seven blood moons encircling his body.

A collective gasp suddenly erupted from the viewing platform.

"Those are... seven 100,000-year soul rings?!"

"Impossible! How could level 80 soul power support seven 100,000-year soul rings?!"

"The Book of Contracts Martial Soul is indeed strange; it can actually break through the limits of Soul Rings!"

The composure on Tianyang Douluo's face froze instantly, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

He had heard of the extraordinary nature of Zhou Sichen's Contract Book Martial Soul, but he never expected it to be this exaggerated.

The oppressive aura emanating from the seven blood-red 100,000-year soul rings even made this level 97 Super Douluo feel his heart tremble!

"So this is the Book of Contracts Martial Soul..." Tianyang Douluo took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, and slowly raised his hands: "Today, I will experience the Tower Master's high skills!"

Before he finished speaking, nine spirit rings rose from beneath his feet: two yellow, two purple, and five black—the standard optimal spirit ring configuration.

Although it paled in comparison to Zhou Sichen's seven 100,000-year soul rings, it had the advantage of being more numerous, and the overwhelming momentum of its level 97 soul power surged toward the other side like a tide.

Tianyang Douluo is level 97, but his Soul Ring configuration is only the best configuration of two yellow, two purple, and five black. Level 97 is probably his limit in this life.

He was deeply shocked: "Is this the Book of Contracts Martial Soul? It is indeed as terrifying as the legends say."

However, Tianyang Douluo still had some sense. Zhou Sichen only had seven spirit rings, while he had nine.

Even though Zhou Sichen was exceptionally talented, he still wanted to try and see if he could deal with Zhou Sichen's contracted soul beasts.

Even Tianyang Douluo, whose cultivation level was as high as 97, did not believe that he could deal with seven 100,000-year-old soul beasts.

But the old man is, after all, the strongest in the Douling Empire. It would be too shameful for him to back down before even fighting.

Tianyang Douluo bowed respectfully: "Tower Master Zhou, please enlighten me!"

Even if he is no match for him, he must still show the aura of the Heavenly Sun Douluo.

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(End of this chapter)