Bab 44: Dangers Lurking

In the opulent Main Hall of the Star Luo Empire, adorned with intricate golden designs and grand chandeliers, an air of tension filled the room.

The most influential figures of the empire gathered, including imperial high-ranking officials, seasoned generals, and representatives of powerful clans that supported the Star Luo Empire.

At the center of it all, seated on an imposing throne, was the Emperor of Star Luo—a figure of authority clad in white tiger robes, a symbol of nobility, his crown reflecting the weight of his rule.

As the debates raged on about the course of action against the neighboring Heaven Dou Empire, conflicting voices echoed through the hall.

"Your Majesty, the time has come for us to assert our dominance! A war against Heaven Dou Empire would cement our legacy as the mightiest empire in Douluo Continent!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider, the cost in lives and resources would be astronomical. We must consider the consequences of such a hasty decision."

The Emperor, an astute observer, chose to remain silent, allowing the fervent discussions to unfold.

"We cannot let this opportunity slip away. Our empire deserves to rule the entire continent, and history will remember us as its architects."

Some high-ranking officials, ambitious and eager for glory, argued vehemently for a full-scale war to showcase the might of the Star Luo Empire. Their eyes gleamed with the prospect of annexing new territories and solidifying their status.

"Ruling over the entire continent is one thing, but what if we destabilize the very foundation we stand on? Our internal affairs need addressing before we embark on external conquests."

Opposing them were officials with a more pragmatic stance, aware of the costs in lives and resources that a war would demand. Their resistance stemmed from concerns about the potential losses and the stability of the empire.

The Emperor, a master of reading intentions and discerning motives, observed the heated discussions with a stoic expression, allowing the room to resonate with varying opinions.

He was aware of the powerful strength his empire possessed. However, he could also discern the greedy eyes of those in the Main Hall, individuals solely focused on personal gain.

Silently contemplating, the Emperor harbored concerns about the corruption that had permeated his empire.

The Emperor knew that many who surrounded him had risen to their positions through unorthodox means, a reality he could not tolerate.

However, as the arguments continued, suddenly a respected Titled Douluo, Clear Sky Douluo rose to speak another topic, his demeanor commanding attention.

"Your Majesty, have you heard of Spirit Hall? I propose we consider an alliance with Spirit Hall..."

However, some individuals in the room, who had dealings with Evil Spirit Masters, suddenly felt threatened by the mention of Spirit Hall.

They rose suddenly, speaking against aligning with Spirit Hall, claiming they were a threat as they also allied with Heaven Dou Empire.

"Y-Your Majesty, Spirit Hall is not to be trusted! They collaborate with our enemies. Allying with them would endanger our empire."

The Emperor's gaze sharpened, his interest thoroughly captured.

"Spirit Hall, you say? What benefits will our empire gain from them?"

The Titled Douluo, explaining that Spirit Hall remained neutral and had members from various factions.

"Spirit Hall stands as a neutral party. Even His Majesty's sister has recognized its cause and joined them. They fight against unorthodox human being, the Dark Spirit Masters... "

He dropped a bombshell that piqued the Emperor's interest.

The room fell into shocked silence.

After a moment of silence, the Titled Douluo continued with a serious bow.

"Your Majesty certainly knows why I brought up this topic... I hope for your understanding, Your Majesty."

Dark Spirit Masters were Spirit Masters who increased their strength through inhumane methods.

Many people despise them because of their inhumane behavior, and many people have become their victims throughout the continent.

Even in the Star Luo Empire, the emergence of a Dark Spirit Masters had become a serious problem for the empire.

The Emperor, though interested, remained composed.

Soon, after several arguments and considerations, the Emperor decided to act.

"Good... Rather than considering war, I am intrigued. I wish to meet their leader in person."

The Titled Douluo moved forward. "Your Majesty, I shall extend an invitation to the leader of Spirit Hall for the next meeting."

The Emperor nodded in approval, concealing the weight of his internal concerns.

The Emperor was well aware of the evaluation of the current meeting, and weighed the potential benefits of alliances and diplomatic solutions against the dangers of open conflict.

However, currently, to stand firmly in the empire he had to focus on how to deal with the shadows lurking in the Star Luo Empire.

With the decision made, the Main Hall buzzed with a mix of uncertainty and curiosity as the officials dispersed.

...

As the grand meeting in the opulent Main Hall of the Star Luo Empire concluded, high-ranking officials and influential figures began to disperse.

Among them, a particular high-ranking official with a sinister glint in his eyes swiftly made his way through the majestic corridors of the imperial palace.

Unbeknownst to many, he had a hidden agenda—one that led him to a concealed entrance within the Star Luo Empire's Main City, known only to those involved in the clandestine affairs of the dark underworld.

This secret entrance led to a hidden Dark Market, a shadowy realm existing within the empire, concealed from the knowledge of the common populace.

The high-ranking official entered the dimly lit marketplace, where the air was thick with an ominous aura.

Dark Spirit Masters, practitioners of forbidden arts, lurked in the shadows, their faces hidden beneath hooded cloaks.

As the official approached a designated meeting point, the group of Dark Spirit Masters, recognizing him, gathered around, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

The atmosphere tightened, and the group leader, a figure shrouded in darkness, stepped forward.

"You've returned. What news do you bring from the imperial halls?"

"The Emperor has sent an invitation to Spirit Hall for the next meeting. It seems they are considering an alliance."

Hushh~~

A hushed murmur spread through the group of Dark Spirit Masters. The mention of Spirit Hall struck a chord of fear within them, for Spirit Hall, supported by the Angel Clan, possessed the ability to suppress Dark Spirit Masters.

"Spirit Hall? They're our greatest threat. If Star Luo allies with them, our existence in this empire is at stake."

The Dark Spirit Master Leader, deep in contemplation, pulled out a piece of paper and began to write a message.

He handed it to one of his subordinates with an instruction to deliver it to their "Master." The subordinate, shrouded in a cloak, swiftly departed, blending into the shadows of the empire.

...

Meanwhile, at an isolated place in the continent, the "Master" received the piece of paper.

Unfolding it, the Master read the ominous message that detailed the alliance talks between the Star Luo Empire and Spirit Hall.

A sinister smile played on the Master's lips as the implications of the situation began to unfold in the Master's twisted mind.

The Master pondered the recent events, "First, The Sea God Island incident, and this time the emerging alliance between Star Luo Empire and Spirit Hall"

Each unfolding event that occurred was like a moving chess piece on his magnificent Chessboard of Dark Destiny.

"Khiekekeke..."

A maniacal laughter echoed through the isolated place, signaling the machinations of an evil force that reveled in chaos and sought to exploit the unfolding events for its own malevolent purposes.

However, soon he looked at the frame behind his pendant with concern where there was a picture of a little girl on the frame, and said. "Wait a little longer, Vannesa, wait for me after I become a God…"

...

The serene mountain atmosphere was abruptly disrupted by a mysterious man. The presence of the mysterious man, capturing the attention of Feng Qian and his companions.

The recognition struck Feng Qian, as he remembered witnessing this formidable being was the one who defeat the Red Dragon with ease.

Feng Qian's group, startled by this unexpected appearance, saw the Three-Eyed Golden Lion and the Golden Osmanthus approach the mysterious man.

"Greetings, Sir Di Tian."

"Our humble respects, Sir Di Tian."

As Di Tian acknowledged their greetings, he approached Feng Qian, his eyes glowing with a golden light as he inspected the young Qilin.

Shing~~

Feng Qian felt a sense of nervousness under the scrutiny, as if Di Tian's gaze could unravel every secret within him.

When the inspection was over, Di Tian, with a momentary expression of surprise, turned calm and extended a courteous greeting.

"Young Qilin, I have heard a lot about you from Old Turtle."

Roar~~

However, Feng Linlin, with a trembling posture, roared defiantly at Di Tian, she expressed her warning towards Di Tian despite being fully aware of the vast difference in their power.

Behind her, Feng Chenxing and Feng Lanruo mirrored her stance, ready to support them from behind.

Di Tian, far from being offended, found amusement in their reactions.

"Hahaha... Now I know why that Old Turtle thinks so highly of his disciples."

His laughter echoed through the mountains, and then he continued to commend the late Golden Tortoise Emperor.

"Long-extinct Heavenly Qilin, Mutated Dark-Light White Tiger, Ancient Phoenix, Rare Breed Golden-Black Tortoise, and the rarest Dragon Kin, the Rainbow Dragon... Hahaha, that Old Turtle truly had Great Spirit Beasts as his disciples."

The bewildered expressions on Feng Qian and his companions revealed their confusion. Di Tian's words carried a weight of knowledge that seemed to elude them.

Feng Qian, seeking clarity, addressed the enigmatic figure.

"Excuse me, sir. You know our master?"

Although they had lived under the tutelage of the Golden Tortoise Emperor for over seven years, Feng Qian was certain that the old man never mentioned Di Tian or the Black Dragon.

He questioned Di Tian to unravel the mystery of their master's connection with this unexpected visitor.

Di Tian solemnly said, "Yes, he was one of the ancient beings that I respected."

The revelation hung in the air, leaving Feng Qian and his companions with more questions than answers.