Chapter 262: Nearing Wuhun City
Yang Wudi's face grew grim as he listened. "The Haotian Clan is as arrogant as ever. After our last confrontation with them, we've become sworn enemies, and I doubt they'll let this go easily."
"You're right, Grandfather," Yang Potian agreed. "The Haotian Clan has always been self-centered. They see our Po Clan and the Yu Clan as nothing more than vassals. A fight is inevitable, and it's why I'm seeking an alliance with the Northern Territory. We need a fallback plan."
Yang Wudi frowned with concern. "But Potian, the Wuhun Empire isn't easy to deal with either. They may prove to be a far greater threat."
After a moment of reflection, Yang Potian replied, "I'm not fond of the Wuhun Empire, or of the two other empires, for that matter. But, relatively speaking, the Wuhun Empire provides better opportunities for commoners, much more so than the Upper Three Clans and the two empires, who only seek to maintain their own rule."
"The main problem with the Wuhun Empire is that, with its growing strength over recent decades, its ambition has also grown, leading to the constant warfare we're seeing now."
At this, his grandfather, Niu Gao, spoke up. "So, Potian, are you actually planning to ally with the Wuhun Empire?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "Allying with them would be too risky. At most, I'll consider lending them some help. In the world of soul masters, our real contest lies in who becomes a god first."
Dugu Bo chimed in, "Becoming a god is far too elusive. Who else besides you and Tianyue even has a chance?"
Yang Potian nodded. "There are indeed others. Both Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue of the Wuhun Empire are exceptional talents. Bibi Dong possesses innate full soul power and a top-tier twin martial soul. She's the inheritor of the Rakshasa God's divine trial. Qian Renxue, with her innate level 20 soul power and her divine-grade Seraphim martial soul, is another unparalleled prodigy. She's the inheritor of the Angel God's divine trial."
"As for Tang San, he may not yet have a divine inheritance, but his innate full soul power and the legendary Clear Sky Hammer martial soul make him formidable. If he reaches the Title Douluo rank and enhances the Clear Sky Hammer with soul rings, his power will be terrifying. And he has the support of Di Tian, the Beast God from the Star Dou Forest. It's only a matter of time before he finds his own divine inheritance."
Hearing this, the group's expressions grew serious, their recent pride in their own power-ups now tempered with the realization of these other powers.
Finally, Yang Wudi asked, "Potian, what should we do now?"
Yang Potian thought for a moment before responding. "Everyone should focus on training and strengthening themselves. Keep the academy on high alert, and post a Title Douluo on patrol at all times after I leave. In case of any threat, evacuate immediately and wait for my return."
Yang Wudi nodded firmly. "Understood. We'll rotate the patrols. None of us will allow an attack to catch us off guard."
…
After settling his plans for the academy's development, Yang Potian departed alone, determined to hasten his divine trials. He made his way directly toward Wuhun City.
In only half a day, Yang Potian arrived at the city gates of Wuhun City. Gazing up at the towering city walls and taking in the bustling activity within, he couldn't help but feel a hint of envy for its stability and order.
As he approached the city gates, a guard stopped him. "Who are you? You don't look like one of our soul masters. Entry to Wuhun City is currently restricted to outsiders."
Yang Potian glanced calmly at the guards. "Notify the Wuhun Empire's Empress, Bibi Dong, that Yang Potian has come to pay his respects."
The guards' faces paled at the boldness of his request. They readied themselves, soul power flickering, prepared to apprehend this audacious stranger.
Yang Potian simply glanced at them, and a wave of killing intent washed over the guards, paralyzing them in place. The intense aura sapped their courage, making them unable to even summon their martial souls.
Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the killing intent vanished. Yang Potian withdrew his gaze, turning his attention to the towering spires of the Spirit Hall and Douluo Hall at the city's center. The guards felt the pressure lift, but the trembling in their hands and souls remained, a testament to the overwhelming power he wielded.
Just then, a dignified and melodic voice resonated from within the Spirit Hall: "We welcome the Celestial Douluo to visit Wuhun City."
As her voice faded, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo appeared quickly at the gate to greet him.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's voice was as delicate as ever. "Welcome, Celestial Douluo, to Wuhun City. Her Majesty requests your presence at the Supreme Pontiff Palace."
"Lead the way."
With that, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo began to escort Yang Potian through the city. As they walked, Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke in a low voice. "Potian, you shouldn't have come to Wuhun City. You're safe in the Alermo Mountains. Coming here is unwise."
Yang Potian's expression remained calm. "There's no need to worry, Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo. I felt it was time to come, that's all. I'm not here to pick a fight. I simply wish to meet with Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu."
Reaching the Supreme Pontiff Palace, they found Bibi Dong seated on the throne, clad in gleaming golden armor, a crown on her head. Her flawless beauty and majestic armor made her appear more regal and noble than ever.
When Yang Potian entered, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo withdrew, leaving the two of them alone.
Yang Potian offered a slight bow. "Your Majesty, it seems the rumors were true. You have truly ascended to become the Empress of the Wuhun Empire."
Bibi Dong acknowledged him with a small nod.
"Yang Potian, I must admit I'm surprised. In such a short time, your strength has become unfathomable. Even I can't gauge its depth."
Yang Potian shook his head slightly. "Your Majesty is too kind. I am but an ordinary soul master, nothing like the powerful ruler you've become, who commands all under heaven."
"Yang Potian, what brings you to Wuhun City? Surely you didn't come just for a sparring match?"
"You misunderstand, Your Majesty. I've come merely to borrow a sword. I have no intention of becoming an enemy of the Wuhun Empire… for now."
Bibi Dong's expression grew more guarded. "A sword? The Angelic Holy Sword is one of the Wuhun Empire's greatest treasures. You should dismiss any thoughts of borrowing it."
Yang Potian, unaffected by her stoic demeanor, shook his head. "There is nothing in this world that cannot be discussed. Since I came to borrow the sword, I am prepared. So the question is, Your Majesty—are you inclined to lend it to me or not?"
When Bibi Dong heard Yang Potian's words, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. "Interesting. Quite a lot of insight for someone your age. But if you think that a single Eight-Petal Orchid can earn you Wuhun Empire's Angelic Holy Sword, you're mistaken."
"That's more like it," Yang Potian replied with a slight smile. "Everything in this world is negotiable; it's just a matter of reaching an agreement. If Your Majesty thinks my offer is too low, perhaps you should suggest a fairer price. Or maybe you should let me meet the true owner of the Angelic Holy Sword?"
At this, Bibi Dong's expression darkened slightly. "I am the ruler of Wuhun Empire, and I make all decisions here. That includes the Angelic Holy Sword."
"No need to beat around the bush. It's best to discuss certain matters with all the relevant parties present. Otherwise, if we reach an agreement only to encounter other 'complications' later, that would be meaningless."
After a moment's hesitation, Bibi Dong relented. "Fine, then. Let's go to the Douluo Hall to continue our discussion. While we're there, you can also register your Title Douluo rank."
Yang Potian chuckled. "Quite a clever move, Your Majesty. If I were to accept a title from Wuhun Empire, it would look as though I'd bound my entire Tianxing Academy to you, making things rather complicated."
Bibi Dong smiled coolly. "It all depends on your choice, then, doesn't it? Whether you want the sword, or have some other motives. The Angelic Holy Sword resides within the Douluo Hall, and no one has the authority to remove it from there."
Observing her cryptic smile, Yang Potian could tell this was Bibi Dong's way of leading him into a trap. The Douluo Hall, as the heart of Wuhun Empire's legacy, would amplify divine power. Once inside, both Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue could wield truly formidable strength.
After brief consideration, Yang Potian replied, "Lead the way, Your Majesty. I'm eager to meet both Senior Qian Daoliu and Miss Qian Renxue, especially to see what Miss Qian Renxue looks like in her true form."
At this, Bibi Dong's expression turned thoughtful. She couldn't quite fathom what Yang Potian was truly after. The Douluo Hall, Wuhun Empire's most sacred place and the site of the Angel God's inheritance, was a place few dared enter lightly.
Moreover, Yang Potian had shown an unusual interest in Qian Renxue. In the past, he'd even gifted her the valuable Phoenix-Tail Crested Flower, which had significantly boosted her power. And though he and Qian Daoliu had once clashed, it had felt more like a sparring match than an actual battle.
Bibi Dong's tone turned cold. "Yang Potian, it seems you're surprisingly curious about Xiaoxue. Could it be you already knew about her role in Tiandou City?"
With a knowing smile, Yang Potian replied, "My strength may be limited, but I can still tell a man from a woman. Miss Qian Renxue posed as Prince Xue Qinghe of the Tiandou Empire, and I had several interactions with 'Xue Qinghe.' Even someone half-blind would have noticed something."
Bibi Dong's expression darkened, but she finally said, "Let's go. I'd like to see Xiaoxue myself." She rose gracefully, making her way toward the Douluo Hall.
Watching her departure, Yang Potian followed with a cold smile. His previous comments had been a test. With Bibi Dong's crafty and suspicious nature, it would be odd if she hadn't reacted to his words.
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