Revenge against Tang Hao, must be taken slowly.
After all, isn't there a saying that goes, "Haste makes waste"?
For this reason, after the events of today, Lu Yunzhou had no intention of seeking out Tang Hao for the next ten days or so.
In doing so, he would plant an elusive yet unshakable "suspense" in Tang Hao's heart—a feeling that defied clear explanation or resolution.
As time passed, this "suspense" would grow, like a seed taking root and sprouting.
When that time came, Tang Hao would feel agony and torment, as if he were trapped in the endless depths of the Nine Hells.
And when Lu Yunzhou eventually reappeared with Ah Yin by his side, it would mark the day this "suspense" reached its culmination. On that day, Tang Hao's spirit would shatter, and his body would perish.
"The affairs of the Heaven Dou Empire have been resolved. Since that's the case, shall we head back?"
Lu Yunzhou tentatively inquired, his gaze soft and filled with evident affection.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue shook her head, then replied, "No way. We've finally come out for some fun, and I haven't enjoyed myself enough yet."
After speaking, her beautiful eyes sparkled mischievously as they darted around, and she probed further: "Lu, you rascal, are there any particularly interesting places on this continent that you know of?"
To this, after a brief moment of thought, Lu Yunzhou provided a thoughtful response:
"The Star Luo Empire is home to an ancient kingdom called Xili Kingdom, a nation renowned for its swordsmanship. It's said that both Dustheart the Sword Daoist and Dustsight the Swordmaster hail from there."
"In the core region of the Extreme North, three mighty overlords stand guard, all of them being Super Soul Beasts without exception."
"Additionally, the deep seas harbor at least five 100,000-year Soul Beasts, along with an entity nearing one million years in cultivation—a wicked existence of unparalleled power."
"..."
"Then there's Sea God Island, a secluded place that I imagine would be quite intriguing as well."
"..."
"Wherever you think would be the most fun, that's where we'll go."
As she listened to Lu Yunzhou describe these locations, Qian Renxue felt as though her perspective on the world was expanding.
After taking her time to recover from this new insight, and following a period of careful contemplation, Qian Renxue finally gave her answer:
"How about… we visit Dragon Valley? You mentioned before that you needed to retrieve something from there. Why not take me along for the adventure?"
Hearing her suggestion, Lu Yunzhou frowned slightly and replied firmly:
"No! That place is far too dangerous. Under no circumstances should you go. After all, it's the final resting place of countless dragons from the God Realm. And you? A mere Qi Condensation cultivator? What could you possibly accomplish there? Besides, if anything goes wrong, you could lose your life, you understand?"
Seeing the displeasure on Lu Yunzhou's face and hearing his resolute tone, Qian Renxue, while aware that his concerns stemmed from his care for her, still voiced her dissatisfaction:
"Aren't you going to be there? What's there to fear?"
Looking at her defiance, and the unhappiness on her face, Lu Yunzhou asked her bluntly:
"Do you really want to go?"
Without hesitation, Qian Renxue answered decisively, "I really do!"
"Fine, I'll take you. But along the way, you must listen to me. Otherwise, don't blame me for giving you a harsh lesson!"
Hearing the words "harsh lesson," Qian Renxue's body instinctively tensed, and memories of those three grueling days of torment surfaced unbidden in her mind.
"I'll definitely behave!"
After giving her assurance, Qian Renxue and Lu Yunzhou brought Ah Yin aboard their cloudship and set course for Spirit Hall.
A while later, in the Pope's Palace of Spirit Hall.
Upon learning that Emperor Xue Ye was now under their control
and that the Heaven Dou Empire had effectively fallen into her grasp,
Bibi Dong couldn't hide her elation.
"The Heaven Dou Empire is mine! Now, all that remains is to pressure the Star Luo Empire. Soon, Spirit Hall will unify the continent!"
As she pondered this, an excited glow lit up Bibi Dong's face.
But, as she slowly regained her composure, a trace of melancholy clouded her otherwise flawless features.
"Unifying the continent… so what? Holding the continent in my hands… what does it mean? Right now, it feels as if I've become… utterly alone."
After murmuring to herself, an overwhelming sense of loneliness caused Bibi Dong to clench her teeth and fists tightly.
At that moment, a voice rang out:
"Disciple Hu Liena requests an audience with Teacher!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Bibi Dong's eyes brightened, and she immediately replied: "Enter."
Soon, if asked who was closest to Bibi Dong, her disciple Hu Liena would undoubtedly take the top spot.
Apart from Hu Liena, Bibi Dong seemed to have no one else she could genuinely rely on.
Her daughter Qian Renxue?
The cold war between them had dragged on for who knows how long,
leaving their relationship at an icy low point.
As for Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo?
The disparity in status left little room for genuine closeness, and their relationship was one of mere mutual benefit.
As for Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang?
After the Ethereal Sanctuary recruitment ended, Bibi Dong had ordered his elimination.
Thus, looking out over the entirety of Douluo Continent, it was indeed only Hu Liena who could provide Bibi Dong with a modicum of warmth and companionship.
Stepping gracefully into the opulent hall, Hu Liena bowed respectfully and spoke: "Teacher, the Young Mistress and Mr. Lu have returned from Heaven Dou City. They're currently at Giant Sword Mountain. Do you wish to visit them?"
Upon hearing that Hu Liena had come to report about Lu Yunzhou, Bibi Dong felt a twinge of disappointment.
After a moment of contemplation, she replied decisively: "Prepare the carriages immediately. We depart at once to pay a visit to Mr. Lu."
During this period, the actions of Lu Yunzhou had already made waves across the upper echelons of Douluo Continent, catching the attention of its most powerful factions.
With a single punch, he defeated Tang Hao, the strongest Power-attack Titled Douluo renowned throughout the world.
In just two moves, he vanquished the Sixth and Seventh Elders of the Clear Sky Sect, both formidable Titled Douluos.
Through a single venture, he secured the legendary 100,000-year-old Soul Beast, the Blue Silver Emperor, for himself.
Simultaneously, he ascended to the position of the Grand Preceptor of the Heaven Dou Empire, an honor that placed him on equal footing with Emperor Xue Ye himself.
Because of these extraordinary feats, when Lu Yunzhou arrived to establish his own domain, it was only natural that Bibi Dong, the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall, would feel compelled to pay him a congratulatory visit. To ignore such an occasion would go against propriety, no matter how one looked at it.
Meanwhile, on Lu Yunzhou's side, he had made his way to Gu Yuena's residence, intending to discuss matters concerning the Dragon Valley.
The Heart of the Dragon God—an artifact equivalent to a super divine weapon—was far too precious for Lu Yunzhou to leave behind. Acquiring it was an absolute necessity.
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