At Moon Pavilion, the elegant and graceful pavilion master Tang Yuehua, dressed in flowing white robes, stood on the balcony of the fifth floor. Her long black hair cascaded down like a waterfall as she leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance.
The news she had received earlier still left her unable to calm her thoughts.
"How could he advance so quickly?"
"Already a Titled Douluo?"
Tang Yuehua was well-acquainted with Zhou Yi, who frequently visited her for discussions. Over time, she had come to understand him quite thoroughly.
She was aware that Zhou Yi's cultivation speed was extraordinary.
The last time he visited, he had already reached the rank of Soul Emperor.
Right here.
Leaning on this very railing.
It had been an exhausting experience for her.
But how long had it been since then?
Barely a month.
And now Zhou Yi had leapt from Soul Emperor to Titled Douluo?
Thinking about Zhou Yi's unmatched strength, which far surpassed ordinary Titled Douluo, Tang Yuehua's legs tightened instinctively. On second thought, it seemed inevitable.
Zhou Yi had already possessed the strength.
Now, he had simply brought his cultivation realm up to match it.
Compared to Tang Yuehua, the likes of Tang Hao and Tang Xiao from the Clear Sky Clan were even more astounded.
Once, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao's cultivation had far exceeded Zhou Yi's. Yet, in less than a year, Zhou Yi had left them in the dust.
Even with their confidence in eventually reaching Titled Douluo rank, the gap between their current state and Titled Douluo seemed insurmountable compared to Zhou Yi's meteoric rise.
But Zhou Yi's ascent brought more than just shock.
Even the reclusive former patriarch of the Clear Sky Clan—Tang Hao's grandfather Tang Chen, who had been absent for years—reappeared.
"Father!"
Upon seeing Tang Chen, Tang Ao couldn't hide his surprise and joy.
"Tell me everything about Zhou Yi," Tang Chen asked bluntly.
Tang Chen had already reached Rank 99 Pinnacle Douluo, spending years searching for relics of the gods and methods of ascension. Unfortunately, his efforts had been fruitless.
Recently, he had been preparing to venture overseas with Qian Daoliu to continue his search. However, news of Zhou Yi's rapid ascent had piqued his interest.
Zhou Yi had advanced to Titled Douluo in under a year, with his first Soul Ring even reaching the 100,000-year mark. The initial reports were so outrageous that most dismissed them as fabrications.
However, upon verifying the information, Tang Chen couldn't shake a bold conjecture—Zhou Yi might be connected to the divine.
Either he had gained the favor of a god.
Or he had acquired a divine treasure or inheritance.
Regardless, the connection seemed highly probable.
If true, Zhou Yi might possess knowledge about ascension that Tang Chen desperately sought.
Yet, caution was essential.
Instead of rushing to meet Zhou Yi, Tang Chen first returned to the Clear Sky Clan to gather detailed information about him.
Upon learning that Zhou Yi had rescued his granddaughter Tang Yuehua from a bandit and even helped her martial soul undergo a successful metamorphosis, Tang Chen's impression of Zhou Yi improved significantly.
After a thorough investigation, Tang Chen said to Tang Ao:
"I'll remain at the Clear Sky Clan for now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. When the time comes, I'll meet him myself."
"Yes, Father!" Tang Ao responded joyfully.
Even as a Titled Douluo, the gap between Tang Ao and Tang Chen was immeasurable. With Tang Chen's guidance, the benefits would be immense.
As time passed, excitement grew in Notting City.
Zhou Yi's ascension to Titled Douluo caused a sensation far exceeding his prior act of accepting Sword Douluo as a disciple.
Notting City was bustling with activity.
The once modest city had expanded significantly, with its original boundaries now considered the inner city. New expansions had created a second and third ring.
Zhou Yi himself had invested enormous wealth to build numerous inns and the grand Yihua Garden, ensuring a steady stream of gold into his coffers.
Located ten miles outside Notting City and nestled by Notting Lake, Yihua Garden was an expansive complex capable of hosting tens of thousands of guests.
It was in Yihua Garden that Zhou Yi's Titled Douluo coronation was to be held.
February 15th
The coronation day had arrived.
From early morning, countless soul masters gathered at Yihua Garden, forming groups and engaging in animated discussions.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, accompanied by Bone Douluo and Lady Ning Zhongze, has arrived!"
The announcement at the gates immediately drew all eyes to the arriving trio.
Ning Fengzhi, Ning Zhongze, and Bone Douluo exuded an extraordinary aura, captivating the attention of everyone present.
"Word has it that the previous sect master passed away six months ago, and Ning Fengzhi has taken over. Such a talented and composed young leader—truly a worthy successor!"
"Lady Ning is rarely mentioned, but who would've thought she'd be so beautiful? Sect Master Ning is certainly fortunate!"
"I heard Ning Fengzhi was once deeply in love with a support-type soul master, but only married Lady Ning under pressure from the previous sect master!"
"Is that true?"
"Who knows? The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda is the continent's strongest support-type martial soul but lacks combat strength. That's why their partners usually must be powerful battle soul masters. The previous sect master wouldn't have allowed Ning Fengzhi to marry another support-type soul master."
"So, Lady Ning is a battle soul master? What's her martial soul?"
"Rumor has it she wields a sword. During Sword Douluo's consecration as the sect's Guardian Douluo, Mr. Zhou reportedly attended and even gave Lady Ning some pointers. Whether that's true remains to be seen."
"It seems plausible. Ning Zhongze has never appeared at any events before, and Ning Fengzhi never brought her out in public. Her presence here today is likely tied to Mr. Zhou. Given their connection, how could she not attend?"
"Indeed!"
The gathering of Soul Masters this time was unprecedented in scale. Representatives from countless sects, clans, and organizations were present, resulting in a whirlwind of gossip and rumors.
"The former clan master of the Clear Sky Clan, Tang Chen, has arrived, accompanied by Clan Master Tang Ao, Tang Xiao, Tang Hao, and Tang Yuehua!"
As the announcement rang out, a surge of energy swept through the crowd.
"The former clan master of the Clear Sky Clan? Is that the legendary leader who brought the clan to the pinnacle of the continent?"
"Of course! Who else could it be? He's the mightiest Clear Sky Douluo in the clan's history, the one who led it to claim the title of the number one clan on the continent."
"Unbelievable! The former clan master must be over a hundred years old by now, yet he looks like he's only in his thirties or forties. Standing with his sons and grandsons, he doesn't appear aged at all!"
"That's expected. Rumor has it that his cultivation has reached a terrifying Rank 99. He's a true peerless expert standing at the pinnacle of the Soul Master world!"
"To think that Mr. Zhou's celebration could draw such an unparalleled figure!"
"That's not all. Mr. Zhou himself is extraordinary—a Titled Douluo at the age of 23! What's even more astonishing is that he was merely a Great Soul Master at 22."
"Indeed! It's not just about becoming a Titled Douluo at 23; it's the fact that he rose from a Great Soul Master to Titled Douluo in less than a year!"
The awe and reverence in the eyes of countless Soul Masters were all directed toward Tang Chen, who led the Clear Sky Clan delegation.
This was a living legend.
The Soul Master world still resounded with his countless tales of valor.
"The Spirit Hall's Grand Consecration Qian Daoliu has arrived, accompanied by the Supreme Pontiff Qian Xunji, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and the Saintess Bibi Dong!"
Boom!
It was as if a thunderclap had struck the scene, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.
"The Grand Consecration and the Supreme Pontiff both came?"
"Grand Consecration Qian Daoliu is on the same level as Tang Chen! To witness both of these legendary figures in one day—what an extraordinary event!"
"Absolutely! Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu are regarded as the Twin Peaks of the Soul Master world, individuals so elusive that even a lifetime might not afford most Soul Masters the chance to see them!"
"This is truly an eye-opening moment!"
Following this, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's leader, Yu Yuanzhen, the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Ye, and the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Jinba, all arrived one after another, pushing the atmosphere at Yihua Garden to its peak.
Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu walked side by side, while others formed smaller groups, engaging in light conversation.
"Thank you all for making the journey!"
"Welcome, honored guests!"
Zhou Yi stepped out with Liu Erlong, immediately drawing all eyes to him.
"This is Zhou Yi?"
It was the first time Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu laid eyes on Zhou Yi. Their profound and imposing gazes fell upon him, scrutinizing him carefully.
Zhou Yi remained composed, his expression calm and confident. Even under the collective scrutiny of so many powerful Soul Masters, he showed no signs of nervousness.
"This composure and bearing are nothing short of exceptional," both Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu thought in astonishment.
As the Twin Peaks of the Soul Master world, their gazes were not something ordinary Soul Masters could endure.
Even most Titled Douluo would feel immense pressure under their direct stares, unable to meet their eyes.
But Zhou Yi seemed unaffected, as if he regarded them as ordinary people.
Zhou Yi: You can both attack at once. I'll even let you have the use of both hands and feet.
"Truly, the younger generation will surpass the old. Each generation produces its own great talents," Tang Chen remarked with a smile, his gaze lingering on Zhou Yi.
"You overpraise me, Senior. With your unparalleled cultivation, this is your prime. The phrase 'elderly but vigorous' suits you perfectly!"
Zhou Yi chuckled, though inwardly he mused: These two old men aren't really "old" in spirit. Just wait until you visit Sea God Island—you'll both be springing into action over a beauty. But don't worry, with me around, the beauties will be mine. You two can enjoy each other's company instead.
"I've heard that your first Soul Ring is a 100,000-year ring," Qian Daoliu said, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Zhou Yi. "In all my years, I've never seen such a thing. Would you be willing to let us witness it?"
As his words fell, the crowd collectively held their breath, their ears perked and eyes wide, as if their very hearts had stopped.
Whether Zhou Yi truly possessed two 100,000-year Soul Rings and whether he was indeed a Titled Douluo were matters of utmost curiosity to everyone present.
However, due to their lower status, none dared to ask.
"Since the Grand Consecration is curious, how could I refuse?" Zhou Yi replied with a faint smile. He had intended to reveal it anyway. Without a demonstration, many would continue to doubt him.
After all, he was a modest, loveable, and principled young man:
Loveable in his appetite.
Principled in his love for beauty.
And committed to his pursuit of a good rest.
Qian Daoliu's request provided the perfect stage.
"I know many of you are curious about me. Allow me to give you all a demonstration," Zhou Yi said aloud to the crowd of Soul Masters.
Every pair of eyes remained fixed on him, unwilling to miss a single detail.
"Is he really a Titled Douluo?"
Bibi Dong's heart pounded wildly as she gazed at Zhou Yi, recalling his earlier mischief. Her legs instinctively tensed.
Boom!
Zhou Yi activated his martial soul. The Divine Dragon Sword appeared, surrounded by nine Soul Rings—red, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, and red—rising rhythmically around him.
The brilliant and dazzling radiance instantly overwhelmed everyone present.
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