Douluo Continent: Long Live the Spirit Hall

I must admit that Your Majesty is an exceptional strategist. If I were to enter the game and orchestrate a covert struggle between the Spirit Hall of the Heaven Dou Empire and you, I would most likely suffer losses. After all, I am not a cunning old fox; I cannot match Your Majesty's skill in these tactics.

However, I once heard someone say, "If you can't beat your opponent on the chessboard, you can find their weaknesses outside of the game."

Yan's words made Emperor Xueye's heart tighten, and then Yan continued, "Seven years ago, when I first met Your Majesty, you were in the prime of your life, while I was just starting out."

In just seven short years, you have grown to over sixty and aged considerably. But for me, those seven years—crossing three realms and becoming a Soul King—were simply a fresh start.

I once read a story about a man, a magnificent struggle involving countless heroes and warriors from three different kingdoms, a battle of wits and epic grandeur. Yet, the ultimate victor was a powerful minister from one of the kingdoms. Does Your Majesty know how he won?

He lived for decades, outliving kings and countless rivals, and finally, at the age of seventy, he boldly drew his sword, establishing a decisive advantage for the dynasty.

Time is the greatest enemy in the world, but also a person's greatest asset. I have never entered the game, nor do I need to break it. All I need to do is live longer than any of you here today, and that will be enough.

For seven years, I devoted myself to cultivation, achieving my current level of strength. Because from the very beginning, I knew that the most crucial thing for establishing oneself on this continent was not power, but fists.

The High Priest said I would break through to the title level in thirty years at most, but I felt I could do it even faster. And a hundred years from now, I will still be alive, but among all of you here, who will still be a true friend?

An unusually deathly silence fell over the VIP platform. The important figures within the Heavenly Dou Empire were all in agony, countless gazes fixed on Yan, yet he remained calm and composed, inspiring fear in all who beheld him.

Chapter 188 Assassination

"Haha, Your Highness is joking."

On the VIP stage of the Heaven Dou City Great Soul Arena, the silence was finally broken by Ning Fengzhi.

Yan smiled in response, "Sect Leader Ning is right. Talented people emerge in every generation. Who knows when another powerful figure will appear?"

"A figure like the Holy Son is probably not so easy to appear."

Emperor Xueye took over the conversation, and the atmosphere on the VIP stage returned to its lively state. Yan, Emperor Xueye, and Ning Fengzhi chatted for a while longer, and amidst this conversation, the matches on the arena came to an end.

After another team battle ended on the arena, Yan suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, after watching for so long, I wonder if you have noticed anything?"

Emperor Xueye tilted his head and asked, "What has the Holy Son discovered?"

Yan pointed to the group of students who had just left the stage, especially the agility-type soul master, and said with a smile, "What do you think of the performance of these two agility-type soul masters just now?"

"Performance?"

Emperor Xueye pondered for a moment, then said, "Their performance was quite hard-working, wasn't it?"

Yan twisted his head to loosen his muscles and bones, then said, "Does Your Majesty think these agility-type Soul Masters have fulfilled their role? Agility-type Soul Masters excel at stealth, reconnaissance, and deadly strikes... but what about on the arena?"

The agility-based Soul Masters on the arena are completely ineffective; they are even less effective than support-type Soul Masters…

Emperor Xueye seemed to understand Yan's meaning and followed up by asking, "What are the Holy Son's thoughts...?"

Yan got straight to the point: "Before I came here, I discussed it with the Pope, and we felt that the current Elite Tournament format wasn't close enough to real combat, which was somewhat inappropriate. So we wanted to change the subsequent rules..."

After thinking for a moment, Emperor Xueye raised a crucial question: "The Holy Son's idea is novel, but it will likely be difficult to bring it to fruition. Most of the instructors at these Soul Master academies will probably not agree."

Yan smiled and continued, "So this requires Your Majesty's support. As long as you and that person from the Star Luo Empire agree, changing the rules of the Elite Tournament shouldn't be too difficult. Moreover, if this matter succeeds, it will also benefit the Soul Master students of the various academies in the Empire."

"I'm afraid I can't answer the Holy Son's question for the time being."

After thinking for a moment, Emperor Xueye shook his head. He was well aware of the significance behind this matter; it should be considered a good thing, but what significance could it have for him?

Yan replied calmly, "I understand that Your Majesty needs to discuss this. So, before I return to Wuhun City, I would like to trouble Your Majesty to give me a reply."

Yan's suggestion to change the competition rules was temporarily shelved by Emperor Xueye, and the two returned to their previous casual conversation. Soon the sun began to set, the day's competition ended, and everyone returned to their respective places with their own thoughts.

……

On the morning of the seventh day, Yan went to the Great Soul Arena in Heaven Dou City as usual. Although seven days had passed since the start of the Pan-Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament held in Heaven Dou City, it was not yet over; in fact, the second round had just begun.

The matches held a few days ago were just the preliminary rounds for the Tiandou City division of the Tiandou Empire. After the second round of qualifying matches are determined in the Tiandou City division, teams from duchies and kingdoms will come to Tiandou City to compete for the final spot to represent the Tiandou Empire in the finals.

The morning air still carried a slight chill. Yan lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked out the window. They had already passed the inner city gate, and after crossing five more streets, they would arrive at the Great Soul Arena.

He didn't have much to do these past few days. His daily schedule was basically at the Great Soul Arena and the Martial Soul Temple, where he would sit on the VIP platform, chatting with Emperor Xueye while acting as a mascot. He was living a pretty good life.

However, Emperor Xueye did not have the same boldness as Emperor Xingluo. Even now, Emperor Xueye has not clearly answered the questions about the subsequent competition rules, dragging his feet and not being efficient at all.

The news from the Star Luo Empire came even later, but now they've already confirmed that they've agreed to Yan's changes to the rules of the subsequent matches. The Star Luo Emperor has even stated that he will personally attend the finals in Wuhun City.

Yan silently cursed Emperor Xueye in his heart, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Suddenly, his expression changed slightly. He noticed something was wrong. The silence around him was eerily quiet. Normally, this road was sparsely populated, but it would never be like this.

"Everyone be careful."

Yan's reminder had barely left his mouth when a sudden change occurred, and he himself, along with Qian Renxue, leaped out of the carriage the instant he spoke.

"Boom..."

As soon as Yan and Qian Renxue landed, a large hole appeared where they had just been, and the carriage shattered into countless pieces of wood that scattered in all directions.

A yellowish-brown rock projectile, at least a meter in diameter, flew in from nowhere and, without causing any comical mishaps by hitting the secondary carriage, accurately struck Yan's carriage. If it weren't for his quick reflexes, he might already be a pile of minced meat.

"Be careful, Holy Son."

"There's an assassin! There's an assassin!"

"Protect the Holy Son."

The powerful members of the Spirit Hall reacted swiftly, quickly forming a circle to protect Yan and Qian Renxue after the unexpected incident. Several others simultaneously took to the air, shooting towards the direction from which the rock projectile had been launched.

As the second-level branch after the main hall of Martial Soul City, the Martial Soul Temple of Heaven Dou City naturally has many powerful figures, and there are even Soul Douluos secretly protecting Yan and Qian Renxue's safety.

Despite the sudden attack, the paladin knights remained calm. With a few sharp clangs, they drew their longswords and brandished them, flashing silver blades that deflected the incoming rain of arrows. Several other powerful warriors charged in all directions, searching for possible assassins.

A barrage of arrows in the sky was completely blocked, and the assassins who had secretly fired the arrows met their end. Few could escape with their lives under the swords of the powerful warriors of the Spirit Hall.

"Oh!"

Just when everyone thought it was all over, the second ambush came unexpectedly. The street wall next to them suddenly trembled, and the next moment countless bricks collapsed and shot out, trying to drown everyone in the alley.

Surrounded by numerous guards, Yan casually slapped aside a few bricks and then suddenly raised his hand, accurately catching the hidden sword that someone was thrusting at his heart. A cruel smile appeared on his lips. "What a big show of force. They're trying to kill me."

"You... uh..."

Before the spy who had infiltrated the Templar Knights' guards could utter a single word, Yan's punch had already caved in his throat, and he instantly fell silent.

"Senior sister, don't be impulsive, don't leave my side."

Qian Renxue also unleashed her martial soul, Angel Domain, a six-ring Soul Emperor. With her formidable cultivation and foundation, her combat power was no less than that of an ordinary Soul Saint. Just as she was about to charge out with her sword, Yan grabbed her, preventing her from flying out of his sight.

Qian Renxue listened to Yan quite well, and stood in front of Yan with a lightsaber. The two of them scanned the surroundings and immediately sensed a lot of fierce auras coming.

"Ah……"

Yan suddenly turned around and saw another assassin who had somehow crept up beside him. He was dressed in black, and the sword in his hand was also painted black to avoid reflection. He was obviously a very experienced assassin.

These attacking assassins included both Soul Masters and ordinary people, but without exception, they were all extremely dangerous. They were not academy-style Soul Masters who relied excessively on Soul Rings and Soul Skills, but rather deathmatchers who came from places like Slaughter City, making them exceptionally dangerous.

"You think you can kill me with just a four-ringed demon cat martial soul?"

Yan suddenly turned around, his toes barely touching the ground as he shifted his body. The sword that was thrusting towards him narrowly grazed his left chest. He then grabbed the black sword and simultaneously launched himself forward with a kick.

With a loud bang, another assassin was killed by Yan with a single kick. However, as the number of assassins increased, more figures emerged around Yan.

These assassins and death squads were mostly quite strong, and all were highly skilled in actual combat. However, Yan possessed the Dawn AI, and the only way to defeat him was through overwhelming strength. These methods were completely useless against him. Therefore, he easily dodged these persistent attacks time and time again.

A sudden flash of yellow light appeared on Yan's left palm, and then with a spin, several rock projectiles carrying scorching flames shot out, like bullets leaving the barrel, instantly piercing through several assassins.

At that moment, there was another loud bang, and the wall at the corner of the alley in the distance collapsed. A giant-like man emerged from the broken wall and charged straight toward Yan.

This man was burly, his body covered with fine, needle-like, yellowish-red hair. He exuded an extremely fierce aura, and as he walked, his seventh soul ring flashed, making him appear even larger.

"Xie Xiong Xuanling, junior brother, be careful. This is an evil soul master at the Soul Saint level."

Qian Renxue stared at the blood-red evil bear that was constantly emanating a dark and ominous aura, and hurriedly reminded Yan to be careful of its strength.

"A seventh-ring level evil soul master is a bit troublesome, but he takes a strong offensive approach. As long as he doesn't find an opportunity, we can hold him off for a while."

Yan stared at the creature that had turned into a giant, earth-yellow bear. It was somewhat similar to the Earth Bear Martial Soul he had seen at the Spirit Hall Advanced Academy, but it had a pair of blood-red, fierce eyes that were unlike those of ordinary Soul Masters. It must be the Evil Soul Violent Bear Martial Soul.

"Senior sister, let's go up and deal with him."

Yan had no intention of confronting the person in front of him head-on. He reached out and hugged Qian Renxue's waist. The latter immediately understood his meaning. With the flapping of the six wings of the Angelic Martial Soul, the two of them instantly soared into the sky and quickly moved away from the giant beast.

This guy was, after all, a seven-ring Soul Saint level evil Soul Master. If he were easy to deal with, he would have been killed by the Spirit Hall's experts long ago. Yan naturally had no intention of confronting him head-on, and it was better to go elsewhere to seek a solution.

Chapter 189 Fishing

"Roar~~~"

On a street leading to the Great Soul Arena in Tiandou City, as Yan and Qian Renxue dodged an attack, the burly evil bear below let out a deafening roar. Waves of blood-red energy swept in all directions, and several powerful members of the Spirit Hall were sent flying before they could even get close.

"call out!"

A powerful Spirit Hall warrior, despite the excruciating pain in his head, unleashed a sword strike from behind. However, the burly man merely tilted his head slightly, raised his right hand, and, as if catching a fly, caught the sword that the warrior had risked his life to strike.

With a slight exertion of his right paw, the burly man snapped the knight's sword issued by the Spirit Hall in two. He glanced down at the Templar Knight who had rushed in front of him, a cruel smile flashing in his blood-red eyes.

The evil bear soul saint suddenly stretched out a bear paw and grabbed at the Templar knight's head. The Templar knight was not stupid. Seeing that the situation was not good, he dodged to the side, and with a burst of soul power in his feet, he suddenly retreated. He used his toes to leap over the wall next to him to avoid it.

"Oh!"

However, although the Templar Knight moved quickly, the Evil Bear Soul Saint was even faster. As he grinned maliciously, his entire massive bear body revealed extraordinary agility and speed, suddenly accelerating to arrive in front of the Templar Knight, and one of his bear paws slammed down.

The Templar Knight, who was retreating rapidly, suddenly felt himself enveloped by a shadow. He quickly activated his martial spirit to unleash his maximum speed in an attempt to dodge. He was a Monkey Martial Spirit of the Agility and Attack type, so he was quite confident in his agility.

However, the Evil Bear Soul Saint was, after all, a Soul Saint, and he had more tricks up his sleeve. In the end, the Templar Knight was unable to dodge. The bear's paw struck his raised hands directly, and the Templar Knight immediately felt his body go limp. His scream was cut short before it could even be uttered.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

The Evil Bear Soul Saint let out an extremely disgusting and vile laugh. He lifted the Templar Knight up and, while laughing wildly at Yan and Qian Renxue, he exerted a little force. The Templar Knight under his bear paws even distorted his voice, his head cracked, and blood spurted from his forehead, flowing all over his face.

Qian Renxue saw clearly from the sky and, sensing Yan's thoughts, immediately stopped him, "Yan, don't be impulsive. He's just trying to force you to go down and save people."

"Sister Xue'er, I have to go down. If I just stand by and watch someone be provoked and killed in front of me without doing anything, I might as well give up my position as the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall."

Yan naturally knew that the Evil Bear Soul Saint had deliberately lured him down, but he had to make a show of it. If the Temple Knights who had escorted him and fought for him were brutally killed in front of him and he did not react at all, then his prestige would be severely damaged.

"Whoa..."

Just as the two were talking, two black lights bloomed in the sky. Qian Renxue focused her mind and turned around, narrowly avoiding the two black swords that grazed her palace dress as they passed each other. While protecting Yan, she unleashed two soul skills.

These two assassins were undoubtedly skilled, but unfortunately, they encountered the combination of Yan and Qian Renxue. Qian Renxue's Angelic Light slowed their movements for a moment, while Yan's Soul Power accurately struck their vital points.

"Boom! Boom!"

Two soft cracking sounds, almost simultaneously, shattered the throats of the two assassins, who fell to the ground, blood and foam spitting from their mouths, limp and powerless.

At this moment, the numerous Templar Knights below had dealt with most of the knights and went over to besiege and try to take down the Evil Bear Soul Saint. The latter seemed to have passed his explosive period, and his soul power fluctuations were slightly weakened. He was just using the Templar Knight in his hand as a weapon to wildly swing and attack.