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"That what do we do now? Do we just swallow our pride?" Dai Pojun grumbled.
Right now, Yue Guan was a hot potato. If they killed him, Spirit Hall would inevitably declare war on the Star Luo Empire. But if they released him, they'd lose face—everyone would think the Dai family feared Spirit Hall. That would be disastrous for the rising Star Luo Empire.
Dai Weisi said, "Father, don't worry. I have a plan."
"Oh? Let's hear it," Dai Pojun's eyes brightened.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo can't die just yet. If war really breaks out with Spirit Hall, even if we win, we'll gain nothing. Instead, let's turn this to our advantage."
"Turn it to our advantage? How?"
"Since he claims he killed our people in a drunken haze, we can use that excuse to demand reparations from Spirit Hall—and squeeze them for everything they're worth. Regardless of his explanation, the fact remains: Chrysanthemum Douluo slaughtered hundreds of our Star Luo soldiers. Why he did it no longer matters.
"We'll send a letter to Pope Bibi Dong demanding compensation for our losses. There's plenty of wiggle room—we can insist on vast sums of gold soul coins and precious soul bones!"
"But what if Bibi Dong refuses?" Dai Pojun countered. Bibi Dong wasn't someone who'd give in easily.
"If she refuses, we'll publicize the whole affair," Dai Weisi replied. "We'll spread word that Chrysanthemum Douluo, drunk and murderous, slaughtered hundreds of Star Luo troops, then was captured alive. By our laws, we punished him by dismemberment and paraded him through the streets. Once that story breaks, the world will tremble! Most Spirit Hall soul masters come from common origins—this will shake their foundation. And clans dissatisfied with Spirit Hall, like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Clear Sky Sect, will surely side with us.
"We can unite with them to pressure Bibi Dong into meeting our demands. Even if it escalates into open war, our odds will improve."
"Excellent! What a brilliant idea!" Dai Pojun nodded in approval.
"Let's do it—though it pains me to burden Senior Yang," Dai Weisi said apologetically, glancing at Yang Wudi.
Yang Wudi waved him off. "Your Highness, please don't worry. I'm no fool. Now is not the time for a head-on clash with Spirit Hall. In fact, I'm grateful that the Grand Ancestor and His Majesty intervened to save me."
By now, Yang Wudi held not only his clan's chieftain title but also the post of Star Luo Empire's General of Soul Breaking. As a general, he cared deeply for the lives of his people. Recklessly attacking Spirit Hall would cost countless lives—sons lost by mothers, husbands by wives, fathers by daughters. Having endured the pain of losing a child himself, he wouldn't wish such suffering on others for personal reasons.
"You truly understand the greater good, Senior Yang. Rest assured, this matter won't be forgotten. Tomorrow I'll meet with Bishop Worrick and ensure they pay dearly!"
Bishop Worrick was the Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Hall Sanctuary in Star Luo City. His martial spirit was the Gale Demon Wolf, and at Soul Douluo Rank 86, his strength and status rivaled those of the Heaven Dou Empire's Bishop Salas.
"Good. Weisi, since this scheme is yours, you have full authority to execute it," Dai Pojun said with a smile. "Remember, your father and grandfather will always be your strongest support."
"Yes, Father, I understand."
With that, Dai Weisi left the palace and returned to the Crown Prince's residence. As soon as he arrived, Zhu Zhuyun hurried over.
Having heard that Dai Pojun and Dai Tianxing had clashed with the two Douluo, Zhu Zhuyun was frantic. "Weisi, how did it go? Father and Grandfather… are they all right?"
As Crown Princess, Zhu Zhuyun knew well that Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were renowned Titled Douluo capable of using fused martial spirit techniques. Even against overwhelming numbers, any fight would exact a heavy toll.
Dai Weisi gently ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, my love. They're fine. We've successfully subdued Chrysanthemum Douluo."
He proceeded to recount the entire incident to Zhu Zhuyun. By the end, her eyes sparkled with admiration.
She already knew Weisi and Master Lou Gao had been experimenting with black powder and new firearms over the past two years. Although she'd witnessed their power, she never imagined they could so severely wound a Titled Douluo. In fact, if Chrysanthemum Douluo's soul power hadn't been so profound, he'd surely have been consumed by fire!
"So, what are you planning to do with Chrysanthemum Douluo, Weisi?" Zhu Zhuyun asked hurriedly, concern knitting her brows. "You mustn't act recklessly. War with Spirit Hall would bring us no good."
Dai Weisi smiled softly. At this moment, Zhu Zhuyun truly embodied the dignity and grace of a future empress.
"Don't worry, my dear wife," he said warmly. "Tomorrow, I'll discuss everything thoroughly with Bishop Worrick. There won't be any war."
Then he glanced at Anna with a mischievous smile. "Nana, come with me."
"Okay," Anna replied without hesitation.
Having stayed with Zhu Zhuyun for so long, Anna had naturally become a night owl—sleep was the last thing on her mind. When Dai Weisi called, she eagerly agreed.
The two changed into black, form-fitting suits and donned masks, looking every bit like assassins from a bygone era.
"Remember, Nana, no talking. We communicate only through soul transmission. Understand?"
"Got it! But, brother, where are we going?"
"To the dungeon."
…
Soon, Dai Weisi and Anna appeared in the dungeon. After flashing his token, the guards allowed them passage.
Before them lay Chrysanthemum Douluo, shackled in heavy iron chains, his eyes covered, and a rag stuffed in his mouth. The dungeon was dim and cold.
Through soul transmission, Dai Weisi's voice echoed silently in Chrysanthemum Douluo's mind:
"Death may be escaped, but living punishment is inevitable. You killed so many of our people; you must pay."
He turned to Anna. "Use your second soul skill. Absorb his soul power."
Anna nodded, summoning parasitic seeds and planting them on Chrysanthemum Douluo. The seeds drank ravenously from his soul power, growing rapidly.
The jet-black divine grass sprouted, merging with Anna's martial spirit. It converted Chrysanthemum Douluo's soul power into hers, rapidly boosting her cultivation.
"Brother, this feels amazing!" Anna laughed. "My soul power is growing fast. At this rate, I'll break through to Level 34 in no time!"
"Great job! Now try transmitting Chrysanthemum Douluo's soul power to me," Dai Weisi commanded.
"Brother, is that safe?" Anna worried. "Absorbing a soul power of a different attribute might cause my body to explode!"
"It's fine. I've eaten the Qi Mushroom Tongtian Chrysanthemum. I should be able to absorb his soul power and become stronger!"
(End of chapter)