manynovel Chapter 50 Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger
Chapter 50 Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger
Deep within the Snow Emperor Castle on the far northern ice plains.
Although the goal was set and the sealed 100,000-year-old Ice and Fire Lotus was within reach, Dai Youheng was not blinded by desire.
He knew all too well how dangerous it was to absorb a 100,000-year soul ring beyond his level. Even with the guidance of the Snow Empress's remnant soul, the protection of the Ice Crystal Snow Lotus, and the powerful protection of Xiao Bai, he still had to adjust his own condition to a flawless peak.
With a soul power level of over forty, trying to contain the immense energy of a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, any slight hidden danger could be magnified infinitely, leading to failure or even the destruction of one's soul.
"Sister Xue Di, Xiao Bai, I need a day to fully recover my body and soul power to their best condition," Dai Youheng said in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over the cold yet safe fortress. "The environment here is excellent, the energy is pure, and it's perfect for recuperation."
The Snow Emperor's thoughts agreed, "That's the way to do it. Haste makes waste, especially when it comes to something so important that it affects your very foundation. You can focus on your cultivation here. With Little White watching over you, no one can disturb you."
Little White immediately slammed its massive paw against the ice, producing a dull thud, and grumbled, assuring everyone, "Uncle Youheng, don't worry, with Little White here, no one can get near Mother's house! You rest well, and tell me what you need to eat, and I'll go catch some!"
Its憨厚 (honest and simple) appearance contrasts strangely with its powerful aura, creating a charming effect.
Dai Youheng smiled slightly and nodded. He found a side hall where the cold air was purest yet not bone-chilling, and sat down cross-legged.
The Golden罡 Exorcising Body technique slowly circulated, a pale golden light enveloping the entire body. It not only repaired the last trace of minor internal injuries left from the battle with the Abyss Ice Prison Tiger, but also continuously absorbed and refined the rich ice attribute energy of this place, consolidating the foundation of the soul power that had just broken through to the peak of level forty-two.
His breathing gradually became long and steady, his mind calmed, and he entered a deep state of cultivation where he was completely absorbed in the world around him. The ice fortress was utterly silent, save for the eternal chill and the enormous ice bear that guarded him.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away...
The two generations of Shrek Seven Devils, led by Xuanzi, have finished their brief training at the academy and stepped out of the academy gates.
Their destination was the capital of the Star Luo Empire, to participate in the upcoming Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament.
However, the tournament is not their only mission. As members of the Shrek Academy's oversight council, it is their duty to eliminate evil forces from the continent.
According to intelligence, a group of powerful evil spirit masters are entrenched near the Mingdou Mountains, located at the border between the Star Luo Empire and the Sun Moon Empire, where they kidnap people and commit all sorts of atrocities.
Their first stop was not the arena, but the Western Legion garrison of the Star Luo Empire in the Mingdou Mountains, to obtain the latest and most detailed information about that group of evil soul masters.
The group, weary from their journey, finally arrived at the military camp. Looking into the distance, the sprawling tents resembled colossal steel beasts crouching at the foot of the mountains, exuding an aura of menace.
"Elder Xuan, the military camp is just ahead," Zhou Yi said, pointing to the gate in front of them.
Xuanzi took a bite of chicken leg and mumbled, "Hmm. Zhou Yi, Dai Hao's cultivation is not weak; your little disguise won't fool him."
"I understand." Zhou Yi nodded, reaching out to take off his signature pair of reading glasses. "Besides, to show respect to Duke White Tiger, I should also present my true self."
Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, a strange scene unfolded. The air around Zhou Yi's body seemed to ripple and shatter slightly, like a mirror, and the facade of a stern, aged face peeled away and vanished like fragments.
Behind the mirror was the face of a woman who looked only twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old. Her appearance was gentle and beautiful, completely different from the fierce old woman she had been before!
"Surprised?" Zhou Yi smiled slightly as she looked at the students' dumbfounded expressions. "This is one of the abilities of my martial soul, 'Eight Faces of Beauty.' My original appearance doesn't quite match my teaching philosophy, so I usually use the power of my martial soul to disguise myself in order to better intimidate the students."
Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and the other girls stared wide-eyed; they had never expected that the strict Teacher Zhou would be so young and beautiful. Huo Yuhao was also slightly taken aback.
"Let's go and pay our respects to this pillar of the empire, Duke White Tiger." Zhou Yi regained his composure and took the lead in walking towards the military camp.
"You can go ahead. I have the least patience for dealing with these high-ranking nobles with their bureaucratic airs." Before Xuanzi finished speaking, he vanished like a ghost, disappearing to somewhere to drink and eat meat.
With a powerful figure like Xuanzi lurking in the shadows, everyone felt reassured. Led by Dai Yueheng, they successfully passed through the sentry posts and entered the military camp.
Upon entering the military camp, an even stronger aura of steely resolve permeated the air. Though it was early morning, drills had already begun. The soldiers moved in perfect unison, their shouts deafening, their powerful presence palpable. This was a truly formidable army, tempered by fire and blood.
As the eldest son of the Duke of White Tiger, Dai Yueheng, with obvious pride, introduced his troops to his companions, saying, "Our Star Luo Empire's Western Army Group is the empire's most powerful legion, specifically responsible for defending against the Sun Moon Empire. Its total strength reaches 500,000! And the Central Legion you see now is the elite of the elite, the strongest force under my father's command!"
His words were filled with reverence for his father and the army.
Just then, a tall and imposing figure strode towards them. The newcomer was clad in gleaming silver armor, his posture upright like a pine tree, nearly two meters tall, with long golden hair that swayed slightly in the morning breeze.
His face was rugged, with features as if carved by a knife and axe. His tiger-like eyes exuded an imposing aura, containing the dignity of someone who had long held a high position and the fierce aura honed by the iron-blooded military.
It was none other than Dai Hao, the White Tiger Duke of the Star Luo Empire!
Upon seeing their father, Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin immediately stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Father!"
Dai Hao's gaze swept over his two sons, a hint of barely perceptible satisfaction appearing on his dignified face, especially when he saw the insignia representing the Shrek Academy's overseer on their bodies, he nodded.
Zhou Yi stepped forward, identified herself as a member of the Shrek Academy's inspection team, and explained her purpose: to eliminate the evil soul masters of the Mingdou Mountains and to obtain detailed intelligence from the military.
Dai Hao took this very seriously and immediately summoned his adjutant, ordering the most elite scouts to fully cooperate in finding out the exact location and strength distribution of the evil spirit masters for the inspection team.
After finishing his official duties, Dai Hao's gaze fell on his two sons again, and his tone softened slightly, "Yueheng, Huabin, you did a good job and did not disgrace the name of the White Tiger."
He was naturally proud that both of his sons had become members of the Shrek Seven Devils. Although his two sons from the illegitimate line were both useless, his legitimate son was quite good.
Receiving his father's personal affirmation, especially from Dai Huabin, whose face flushed slightly with excitement, he exclaimed, "I will certainly live up to Father's expectations!"