[DD2]: 147

"Brother, have you forgotten? That person addressed him as 'Young Master,' which means Su Yu is the Young Master of the Ice God Palace," Xu Jiujiu reminded.

Xu Jiawei, caught up in his excitement and overanalyzing the situation, had completely forgotten what he had said earlier. Startled for a moment, he quickly came to his senses and took a deep breath.

"That's right, Mu Wu called Su Yu 'Young Master.' Both Mu Wu and Su Yu are from the Ice God Palace. Doesn't that mean Su Yu is the Young Master of the Ice God Palace?"

Xu Jiawei said, shocked.

"A team from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, yet it contains heirs to two of the continent's greatest forces: the Clear Sky Sect and the Ice God Palace. Truly hard to believe."

"Brother, Su Yu is also the captain of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's reserve team," Xu Jiujiu couldn't help but add.

Xu Jiawei sighed.

"Jiujiu, I understand your point, but the Ice God Palace would never align with the Sun Moon Empire."

"Why not?"

Xu Jiujiu asked, puzzled.

"The Ice God Palace worships a deity and operates differently from other great powers. They have no interest in seizing power or engaging in political struggles. Historical records suggest they've remained hidden from the world for tens of thousands of years. During that time, they have never interfered in the continent's conflicts. Why would they reappear now?"

"They're not like the Clear Sky Sect. The Clear Sky Sect participated in the war between the Spirit Hall and the two great empires ten thousand years ago, but the Ice God Palace never did. So your concerns are unnecessary," Xu Jiawei explained.

Of course, he kept one critical thought to himself: if they couldn't afford to offend the Clear Sky Sect, how could they afford to provoke the Ice God Palace? Based on the behavior of Niu Tian and Tai Tan, the Ice God Palace was no weaker than the Clear Sky Sect and likely had its own Ultimate Douluo.

"If we were to upset them, it would spell disaster. I don't want to experience another situation where someone storms into the imperial palace—it's not a pleasant feeling," Xu Jiawei thought to himself.

"I see," Xu Jiujiu said in sudden understanding. Then, with curiosity, she asked,

"If the Ice God Palace has always stayed hidden, why has Su Yu emerged into the world?"

"Perhaps it's to allow their successor to gain experience. Even reclusive powers can't completely avoid contact with the outside world. They simply refrain from meddling in conflicts or stirring up chaos," Xu Jiawei explained.

Xu Jiujiu nodded in understanding.

"Encountering someone from the Ice God Palace could be considered a rare opportunity. Jiujiu, if you get the chance, try to establish a good relationship with these two Young Masters. Even a small connection would be beneficial, as long as they don't harbor hostility toward the royal family," Xu Jiawei advised.

"Understood," Xu Jiujiu replied earnestly.

Xu Jiawei nodded slightly, his gaze deep and contemplative.

"I only hope the royal family can remain stable," he thought silently.

...

Star Emperor Hotel.

After returning from Wang Dong'er's room, Su Yu retreated to his room. The commotion in the imperial city was impossible for him to miss. He could guess, even without confirmation, that it was related to Tai Tan.

Suddenly, a graceful figure appeared on the balcony. Her silhouette was enchanting, with flowing black hair cascading casually over her shoulders, exuding an indescribable elegance and tranquility.

Zhang Lexuan approached slowly, her delicate brows arched slightly, and her red lips curved into a playful smile.

"The whole city is in chaos, yet you're still in the mood to read?" she teased, walking toward Su Yu.

Looking up at Zhang Lexuan, Su Yu's face softened into a gentle smile.

"Sister, what brings you here?"

"Not welcome? Then I'll leave," Zhang Lexuan teased, though her body remained still.

Su Yu chuckled and said, "Of course not. How could I not welcome you?"

He casually tossed his book aside, stood up, and guided Zhang Lexuan to sit by the bed.

As she approached, a faint orchid-like fragrance filled the air, calming and refreshing.

"Sister, you smell so nice," Su Yu couldn't help but compliment. He never hid his true feelings around her.

Startled at first, Zhang Lexuan laughed lightly, tapping Su Yu's head with her finger.

"You're being cheeky as soon as I arrive. Where did you learn such nonsense?"

"I'm not being cheeky; I'm serious! You do smell amazing," Su Yu said innocently, even leaning in for another sniff.

Zhang Lexuan gently pressed his head back with her hand and sighed.

"Always taking advantage of me," she muttered, though her tone carried no trace of anger or displeasure.

Su Yu grinned mischievously, taking her hand in his and lightly caressing her soft, delicate fingers. His other arm naturally wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until she leaned against his shoulder.

Zhang Lexuan rolled her eyes at him but didn't resist. Since hearing Su Yu's bold declaration that day, she had begun to truly consider their relationship. Though Su Yu was still young, his future was undoubtedly brilliant.

Being with him wouldn't be a bad thing—it was, in fact, her wish.

She didn't mind Su Yu's intimacy because, deep down, she had already decided that everything she had was meant for him.

Su Yu buried his face in her hair, savoring the faint fragrance.

"The imperial city is lively tonight, likely due to a clash involving a Super Douluo," Zhang Lexuan said softly.

As a Soul Douluo, she could naturally sense the turmoil in the city. Her spiritual power had already reached the Spirit Abyss Realm, rivaling that of a Titled Douluo.

When Su Yu didn't respond, she continued,

"There may be unrest in the imperial city in the coming days. Make sure to stay safe."

Her main reason for coming was to remind Su Yu to take care of himself. He was the most important person in her heart, bar none.

Finally, Su Yu lifted his face from her hair and spoke calmly,

"Clear Sky Sect."

"What?"

Zhang Lexuan looked at him, puzzled.

"This incident was caused by the Clear Sky Sect," Su Yu explained.

As he spoke, Su Yu recounted how Wang Dong'er exposed the Clear Sky Hammer, Xu Jiujiu came to question her, and the potential retaliation from Tai Tan.

Zhang Lexuan's small mouth opened slightly, clearly surprised by the news.

"Just because of this?"

"Isn't the Clear Sky Sect being too audacious? This is the imperial capital of a nation!"

Even Shrek Academy wouldn't dare to disregard the Star Luo Empire in such a manner.

After all, an empire is an empire, with immense influence and power.

The Clear Sky Sect's actions were simply outrageous.

"It's quite understandable because the Clear Sky Sect is strong enough."

"Although the Star Luo Empire has an army of a million, what can they do against an Ultimate Douluo?"

"If an Ultimate Douluo wants to kill someone, a million troops won't be able to stop them."

"Unless Xu Jiawei has no fear of death, he wouldn't dare to say a word."

Su Yu's tone was calm and indifferent.

"Is the Star Luo Empire strong? Sure, they are."

"With a million troops and various armed forces mobilized, they could crush the Clear Sky Sect."

"After all, no human strength is inexhaustible, and even Titled Douluo can't fight endlessly. They could be overwhelmed by sheer numbers."

"But... only if a Titled Douluo doesn't run away."

"If a Titled Douluo decides to flee, a million troops can't stop them."

"For a Titled Douluo, it's already like this; for an Ultimate Douluo, it's even more so."

"They may not be able to confront a million troops head-on, but they can come and go as they please as if walking into an unguarded place. Strike and retreat with ease."

"What can you do about them?"

"An Ultimate Douluo can single-handedly terrify an entire nation. That's no exaggeration."

"With a powerhouse at the Ultimate Douluo level, they could easily wipe out the royal family in minutes."

"What's the use of numbers? They can't stop their actions at all."

Hearing this, Zhang Lexuan couldn't help but smile as she looked at Su Yu.

"You make a good point, but an empire is still an empire, with immense influence and resources."

"Offending such a massive power is never wise."

"Why do I feel like you approve of the Clear Sky Sect's actions?"

"And it seems like you don't think much of these empires. Are you getting a bit too arrogant?"

"How can that be arrogance? It's just the truth. The Star Luo Empire isn't that great. They simply don't have the means to threaten an Ultimate Douluo."

Su Yu spoke as if it were a matter of course.

"Looking down on the Star Luo Empire already, and you don't call that arrogance?"

"Xiao Yu, while you do have the Ice Palace as your backing, you should still act cautiously and avoid unnecessary enemies."

"You've already provoked quite a few powerful factions."

Zhang Lexuan tried to counsel him.

"You mean the Xuanming Sect, the White Tiger Duke's household, or the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

"Sorry, but I'll be blunt—these factions are nothing but scraps."

Su Yu's face was full of pride.

"Even if you lump all three together, they're no match for a single hand of the Ice Palace."

"You're so full of yourself. Your sister's just worried about you, and here you are showing off."

Zhang Lexuan feigned anger.

"Well, fine then! If my concern is unappreciated, I'll leave!"

She stood up as if to leave, but Su Yu grabbed her.

With a startled cry, her soft and fragrant body fell directly onto Su Yu, and the two of them toppled together.

Zhang Lexuan's face was very close to Su Yu's, close enough to hear each other's breaths. Su Yu could even catch the faint orchid-like scent emanating from her.

Their eyes met, their eyelashes fluttering and brushing against one another. Their hearts seemed to beat in unison.

Su Yu's breathing grew heavier, and he felt his body heat up.

Zhang Lexuan's cheeks flushed red. She was about to say something when Su Yu suddenly embraced her and kissed her lips.

Zhang Lexuan's eyes widened. This... this was the second time.

It was the second time Su Yu had kissed her.

Zhang Lexuan was stunned, but soon, a sweet feeling arose in her heart.

The two kissed, and the atmosphere gradually intensified.

Just as things were heating up, Zhang Lexuan suddenly gasped and jumped up, her face red as an apple.

"You naughty brat! You've gotten bold!"

Her face was full of embarrassment as she glared at Su Yu, then quickly disappeared from the balcony.

Su Yu froze for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. Looking down at his hand, he fell into deep thought.

It seemed his hand had a will of its own—he couldn't control it.

"But she's even purer than I imagined," Su Yu murmured with a smile.

Zhang Lexuan had always been so gentle and composed, yet now she seemed like a shy little girl.

He could tell that Zhang Lexuan was genuinely innocent, so pure she didn't even understand much about relationships.

"The purer she is, the more I like her," Su Yu muttered to himself before getting up.

A while later, Su Yu returned to his book. At some point, Mu Wu's figure appeared beside him.

Mu Wu reported in a low voice, and Su Yu's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Even Niu Tian has come? Interesting. Looks like something's happening that I don't know about."

Su Yu smiled faintly.

Niu Tian probably didn't know about Wang Dong'er's situation unless someone had gone to the Clear Sky Sect to inform him. That would explain why he arrived in Star Luo City so quickly.

So, who could that informant be?

Su Yu pondered silently.

But after thinking for a while, he still couldn't figure it out due to the lack of information and his overthinking.

Giving up, Su Yu said, "So you're saying those two from the Clear Sky Sect are both in Star Luo City now?"

Mu Wu nodded.

"This should be fun. Such a small Star Luo City, yet it's attracting so many strong individuals."

"Xu Jiawei must be feeling the pressure. If something happens, the entire Star Luo City might be wiped out."

Su Yu chuckled mischievously.

"Such a small city—can it handle all this chaos?"

"I wonder if those two will come to see Wang Dong'er."

Su Yu muttered again, but then decided it wasn't worth guessing.

"Whatever. As long as it doesn't affect us, it doesn't matter."

"With you and Elder Hai around, there's nothing to fear."

Su Yu spoke calmly.

The chaos in Star Luo City was none of his business. His safety was guaranteed no matter what.

Thinking this, Su Yu felt at ease again. Looking at Mu Wu, he asked, "Mu Wu, have you seen Niu Tian in action? How does he compare to the High Priest?"

Without hesitation, Mu Wu replied, "He should be slightly weaker than the High Priest but still far stronger than me."

Su Yu frowned slightly.

"You're only a Half-Step Ultimate Douluo. That beast is at least a Demigod, possibly nearing the Quasi-God level. The gap is normal."

"Mu Wu, how close are you to breaking through to Ultimate Douluo?"

"If you took the Dragon Pill, could you achieve it?"

Mu Wu replied, "Young Master, I don't need the Dragon Pill. I could attempt the breakthrough now, but I want something better."

"You mean constructing complementary Yin-Yang twin soul cores?"

Su Yu asked.

"Yes, Young Master. I reached Level 98 at the age of seventy-five and have been stuck at this level for over twenty years now."

"Not to boast, but I believe I've already accumulated enough foundation for the breakthrough."