Chapter 126: The Empire Can’t Take the Blame for Nothing!

When leaving the rest area after the match, Xiao Wu's swollen sausage lips had already been healed by Xiao Qing's healing soul skill.

However, Chu Chengzhou's face was still full of bite marks, and he had two panda eyes. A still-fuming Xiao Wu refused to let him heal himself.

Yet, Chu Chengzhou wasn't the least bit upset. In fact, he was quite pleased with himself.

Because right now, his two arms were wrapped around the slender waists of two beautiful girls—one on each side.

"If only I had a third hand!"

He glanced behind at the dazed big kitty (Zhu Zhuqing), feeling the beauty in his hands and couldn't help but think to himself.

The incident from the previous night, where he was caught meeting his side girl by the main one, had been properly resolved. Now, it was time to continue working on getting the next fish into his pond—and also to ensure the three fish, who already had a decent relationship, could live in harmony.

Not long after leaving the rest area, the four of them ran into the retreating teams of Godwind Academy and Blazing Fire Academy.

Feng Xiaotian was still the same—acting like a simp, circling around Miss Huo Wu from the Blazing Fire team.

Suddenly, the simp-Feng Xiaotian noticed Chu Chengzhou approaching with his group, and the moment he saw the giant panda-like bruises around his eyes, he hurried over for a closer look.

Then, with a schadenfreude-filled smile, he turned to Huo Wu and said:

"Sister Huo Wu, look! A panda!"(Note: "Panda" is another name for the iron-eating bear, a type of soul beast that looks silly and cute with black and white coloring.)

Yesterday, the Blazing Fire team had been crushed by Chu Chengzhou. Now seeing that he got beaten up and given panda eyes, Feng Xiaotian figured Huo Wu would be pretty pleased.

"Feng Xiaotian, do you know how I got these panda eyes?"Chu Chengzhou clicked his tongue and asked.

What's this? A simp like you who hasn't even won the heart of your goddess dares to mock someone like me—someone with two beauties in his arms? You've got to be kidding me.

"Panda eyes?"Feng Xiaotian blinked, confused. "Panda? Like a cat that looks like a bear?"

"Panda is just another name for the iron-eating bear!"

"Oh... I didn't know that."Feng Xiaotian shook his head.

"Tsk~ Young man, you need to learn more."Chu Chengzhou chuckled, tightened his grip on the girls beside him, and continued walking toward the entrance of the Great Soul Arena.

Frozen in place, Feng Xiaotian stared at Chu Chengzhou's hands holding onto those beautiful waists and couldn't help but gape.

Then, he looked back at Huo Wu, who barely even acknowledged him, and a wave of frustration washed over him.

This young man, born with full soul power, couldn't understand it. How was there such a huge gap between people?

'Maybe I should be more proactive?'

Glancing at Huo Wu and recalling Chu Chengzhou's panda eyes, Feng Xiaotian thought.

In his eyes, Chu Chengzhou only got beaten up because he was two-timing.

But the fact was—Chu succeeded. Despite getting two panda eyes, he got to enjoy a life of holding beauties in both arms.

A beating = success? Doesn't sound like a bad deal.

Let's do it!

With that, Feng Xiaotian took a deep breath, shoved Huo Wushuang aside, and under Huo Wu's shocked gaze, reached out and wrapped his arm around her slim waist.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze.

Everyone from both the Godwind and Blazing Fire teams stared wide-eyed at Feng Xiaotian's bold move.

Was their team captain (a known simp) actually this brave?

Two seconds later, Huo Wu's shock turned into anger. She raised her long leg and kicked Feng Xiaotian hard in the stomach.

"Boom—!"

In the next moment, Feng Xiaotian became a human cannonball, flying dozens of meters through the air from Huo Wu's kick.

With a swooshing sound, Chu Chengzhou looked at the airborne Feng Xiaotian, who landed with a thud not far in front of him, and fell silent.

What the hell did that guy just go through...?

But Chu Chengzhou didn't dwell on it. Holding onto his girls, he led Zhu Zhuqing and the rest around the dazed, flat-on-the-ground Feng Xiaotian and exited the Great Soul Arena.

Outside the Great Soul Arena

Not seeing Ma Hongjun and the others, the four planned to return to the academy—until they ran into the members of the Heaven Dou Royal Team.

Although the Royal Team was automatically seeded into the finals, it didn't mean they weren't paying attention to the preliminaries.

After all, while the Five Elemental Academies weren't stronger than Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they weren't far behind either. Plus, Yu Tianheng and the others knew that this year's Soul Master Tournament had more than just the Star Luo Royal Team and the Spirit Hall Team to worry about.

There was also a dark horse—the Blue Tyrant Academy Team that had once defeated them.

"Brother Chu, I heard you were attacked by assassins from the Star Luo Empire last night?"Dugu Yan approached with concern.

"Thanks for your concern, senior. I'm fine."Chu Chengzhou waved it off.

"Good to hear. My grandfather's been missing lately. If he were here, those assassins wouldn't dare act up in Heaven Dou City."Dugu Yan said, clearly a bit frustrated.

Titled Douluo have strong senses. Any powerful soul master stirring trouble in Heaven Dou City would normally be noticed.

And if they made a scene, they'd likely be caught before escaping—so such incidents were extremely rare.

Chu Chengzhou raised his eyebrows.

No wonder Dugu Bo didn't show up last night—turns out he's not in the city.

"Sister Dugu, who's this?"Chu looked at the blue-haired youth in the Royal Team.

No need to guess—this must be Tang San, the one walking the path of death.

Of course, Tang San was currently just a Five-Ring Soul King. Whether he could become a god in the future? That remained to be seen.

"Hello, I'm Tang San, vice-captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Team."Tang San greeted him politely.

As a Five-Ring Soul King, Tang San could've been the team captain, but since Yu Tianheng already held the title and Tang San was a new addition, he only took the vice-captain role.

"Chu Chengzhou, captain of the Blue Tyrant Academy Team."Chu returned the greeting.

Tang San hadn't awakened his Blue Silver Emperor bloodline when Chu last saw him, so he didn't recognize him at first. But now, with his bloodline awakened, Tang San had a refined and polite air.

Well, that's expected. Before labeling you as an enemy, Tang San usually behaves quite nicely.

But once he marks you for death? Hell hath no fury—he'll go all in.

Just then, a noble-looking woman in palace attire, accompanied by two maidservants, stepped out of the Great Soul Arena.

She looked to be around 27 or 28 years old, with long sky-blue hair, a well-fitted silver dress, a stunning face, and an elegant aura.

The moment Chu Chengzhou saw her, he was dazzled.

Damn~ this mature beauty is fine! Great body, great looks, and even better temperament.

But who's the lucky bastard who landed her?!

Chu Chengzhou: I'm so jealous I'm about to split into atoms.

"Xiao San, so you're here!"The beautiful woman approached upon seeing her nephew.

"Auntie, you came to watch the match too?"Tang San was a bit surprised.

"The Soul Master Tournament is the biggest event on the continent. Why wouldn't I come?"Tang Yuehua smiled.

"No, no, of course you can!"Tang San waved his hands quickly.

Hearing their exchange, Chu Chengzhou's spirits lifted.

So this beautiful milf is Tang Yuehua?

Tang Hao became a Titled Douluo at age 44, just as Tang San was born. Now, more than a decade later, Tang Hao was nearing 60. If he and Tang Yuehua were less than ten years apart, that would put her around 50.

Which means... Tang Yuehua is in her prime milf years!

Even if not quite there, she was at least in her "tiger" phase.

And yet, despite being that age, she looked no older than 30—a regal and stunning noblewoman.

Bibi Dong looked like she was in her 20s, and god-tier Qian Renxue like an 18-year-old, but those two had immense power and longevity.

Tang Yuehua, on the other hand, wasn't even a proper soul master.

A true miracle of creation!

The Four Mature Beauties of Douluo: Bo Saixi, Bibi Dong, Tang Yuehua, and Liu Erlong.

Although Liu Erlong was his dean, Chu Chengzhou had to admit that, excluding strength and judging only by looks and temperament, Liu Erlong was clearly a tier below Tang Yuehua.

As for Bibi Dong and Bo Saixi?They were not only among the most beautiful women but also top-level powerhouses on the continent. Bibi Dong, in particular, was the kind of woman even a "Secret Room Douluo" couldn't resist.

Qian Xunji: "I only made the mistake that all men tend to make."

Chu Chengzhou: "Tang San, this brother of mine—no, my dear nephew—is someone I, Chu, will definitely befriend!"

"Since it's getting late, San, let your aunt treat your classmates to lunch!"

Looking around at everyone present, Tang Yuehua spoke.

She knew her nephew lacked social interactions with peers growing up and feared he'd become antisocial. So she wanted him to build better relationships with his classmates.

As for the four who weren't Tang San's classmates—Chu Chengzhou and the others?She had already come to watch them at the Battle Arena the previous day.

Except for Xiao Wu, who had yet to reveal her strength, Chu Chengzhou and the others were all rare young geniuses on the continent. Ning Rongrong, especially, came from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and had an evolved version of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul.

With such extraordinary talents, they were worth befriending—both for Tang San and from the perspective of the Clear Sky Sect.

Faced with Tang Yuehua's invitation, Yu Tianheng and the others didn't refuse. After all, it was a senior of a teammate treating them to a meal. But Chu Chengzhou declined.

"Thank you for your kindness, big sister, but we have important matters to attend to and must respectfully decline."

If Tang Yuehua had invited him alone, he wouldn't have refused.But with others around—and no real relationship with Tang San—it wasn't worth it.

If he truly wanted to pursue Tang Yuehua, he'd have to rely on real strength.

For example:

Chu Chengzhou: "Heh heh—Madam Yuehua, surely you wouldn't want the Clear Sky Sect to be in trouble, would you?"

"Big sister? Heh~ you sure know how to talk. No wonder... cough cough... next time, you better not refuse."

Women are always sensitive about their age. Hearing a young man call her "big sister," a smile crept across Tang Yuehua's face. No wonder this boy had beauties on both arms—clearly not without reason.

"Absolutely!"

Chu Chengzhou smiled and nodded.

On the way back to Blue Tyrant Academy...

"Brother, did you feel something strange about that Tang San?"

Suddenly, Xiao Wu frowned and asked.

She had sensed something off about Tang San the moment she saw him but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"You noticed?"Chu Chengzhou raised his eyebrows, surprised that Xiao Wu caught on.

Then again, it made sense. Ordinary people—even titled Douluos—couldn't detect anything strange about Tang San. But Xiao Wu, being a 100,000-year-old spirit beast in human form, was incredibly sensitive to spirit beast bloodlines.

In the original story, Xiao Wu became close with Tang San right after their first meeting and even shared a bed. A big reason for that was Tang San being part beast—not exactly. He was part plant.

"???"

Xiao Wu blinked, confused.

"Tang San's situation is somewhat like yours but different. His father is a powerful human, and his mother is a transformed 100,000-year-old Blue Silver Emperor."

Chu Chengzhou transmitted via spiritual voice.

"Blue Silver Emperor? Even Blue Silver Grass can cultivate to 100,000 years?"

Xiao Wu's eyes widened in disbelief.

"If a bunny like you can cultivate to 100,000 years, why can't Blue Silver Grass?"

Chu Chengzhou shot her a blank look.

"Uhh, true!"

Xiao Wu nodded.

Her case was special—her mother had already cultivated for 100,000 years when giving birth to her, so her bloodline was inherently high-tier. Her physical form may have been that of a Soft Bone Rabbit, but fundamentally, she was far from ordinary.

But her mother started off as a common Soft Bone Rabbit and still reached 100,000 years. So, Blue Silver Grass achieving the same wasn't entirely impossible.

Maybe her mother and the Blue Silver Emperor had both once come across some kind of immortal herb?

Three days later.

In a palace hall of the Star Luo Empire.

"You're saying our Star Luo assassins tried to kill contestants in the Heaven Dou City Spirit Master Tournament?!"

Emperor Dai Yutian glared, eyes wide in shock, at the Prime Minister reporting to him.

The Star Luo Empire operated like a constitutional monarchy, with the Prime Minister at the helm and ministers of various departments under him.

But the emperor held absolute power and could dismiss the cabinet at will.

The royal Dai family was the strongest spirit master clan in the empire. With military control and royal legitimacy, the Dai family held absolute military power.

There was also a strict rule: to be a high-ranking official in the cabinet, one's spirit power must not exceed level 60. Anyone surpassing that threshold would be forcibly removed from office.

In Douluo Dalu, where strength is everything, authority on paper meant little. Power ruled.

The Star Luo throne was always claimed through combat. Most emperors weren't skilled in politics.

So how to maintain imperial power with no political cunning?Simple: Officials could have brains, but no fists.

The stronger the emperor, the more likely he could flip the table on any official who dared disobey.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Heaven Dou envoy, along with the Wuhun Hall's Star Luo Sanctuary Master, has ordered our empire to take responsibility for the assassination attempt on Blue Tyrant Academy."

Prime Minister Pierce reported nervously.

If he could help it, he'd rather not report this to the emperor, who was known for being arbitrary and domineering.

But he had no choice—the envoy from Heaven Dou came with a top Wuhun Hall figure. Pierce couldn't escape responsibility.

"Bang—!"

Enraged, Dai Yutian smashed the desk before him into dust.

He was furious. Did the empire send anyone to cause trouble in Heaven Dou City? He'd know!"Damn that old man Xue Ye! Damn you too, Bibi Dong! Framing me, huh? You think my empire is made of clay?"

Even if it was his people, how could he admit it? That'd make the empire look shady!

"Listen, Pierce—kick them out of my palace! Especially the envoy from Xue Ye. If he dares spout nonsense, chop him up!"

He kicked a desk fragment aside, roaring in rage.

If not for diplomatic considerations, Dai Yutian would've executed the envoy on the spot.

"Star Luo has bigger fists than Heaven Dou. What if I bully you? Come duel me!"

As for the Wuhun Hall sanctuary master?

Well… as long as Qian Daoliu still lived, he didn't dare act rashly.

"Your Majesty, the Heaven Dou envoy says they have the third prince in custody. If we don't take responsibility, they won't release him."

Pierce hesitated, then relayed the envoy's words.

Dai Yutian fell silent.

If spirit power wasn't inherited, he wouldn't care if a prince got detained. Heaven Dou wouldn't dare kill a royal anyway.

Unfortunately, spirit power IS inherited. If they didn't take responsibility, what if Heaven Dou raised their prince and bred a White Tiger clan?

For the royal family, almost anything could be negotiated—except spirit inheritance.

"What do they want?"

Dai Yutian asked with a dark expression.

"Hand over the mastermind, apologize, and compensate one million gold soul coins to Blue Tyrant Academy."

After a moment's thought, Dai Yutian replied, "Agree. Send someone to bring back Dai Mubai from Heaven Dou."

A million gold soul coins might be a fortune to civilians, but to Star Luo, it was pocket change.

Heaven Dou's demand was reasonable. The loss of reputation was greater than financial cost. More importantly, he couldn't risk the White Tiger martial soul being leaked.

Anyway, Star Luo had always been tyrannical and poorly reputed. One more smear on their name didn't matter.

"Yes, Your Majesty. But... who is this 'mastermind' we're handing over?"

Pierce asked.

"You need me to teach you that?"

Dai Yutian frowned, eyes sharp.

"Understood! The head of the Imperial Shadow Division has confessed. I'll deliver his body to them."

Pierce replied formally.

"Good."

Was there even such a department? Neither he nor Pierce knew. Star Luo didn't even have an "Imperial Shadow Division."

Didn't matter. Find a freshly dead body and label him the scapegoat. Problem solved.

"By the way, who was the assassination target?"

Dai Yutian asked.

"Unknown for now, Your Majesty."

"Find out. Once the tournament ends, send someone to kill him. Frame it on Wuhun Hall. We're not taking this blame for free."

In Dai Yutian's view, the real mastermind was likely Wuhun Hall. Heaven Dou probably suspected it too but didn't dare provoke them, so they framed Star Luo instead.

Now that Wuhun Hall and Heaven Dou were colluding to pin this on Star Luo, he had to retaliate.

Kill the target, blame Wuhun Hall—it was the perfect revenge.

Heaven Dou would lose a rising genius powerful enough to make Wuhun Hall want him dead early. Wuhun Hall would get framed. Even if they didn't fight openly, Heaven Dou would seek vengeance later.

If he could take down Wuhun Hall's "Golden Generation" in the process? Perfect.

Leaders are always... a little ruthless.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The next morning, the Blue Tyrant Academy team set off energetically for the Great Spirit Arena.

With the preliminaries halfway done, they had just defeated another top team—Elephant Armored Academy, one of the Five Element Academies.

Compared to Blazing Academy, Elephant Armored's full lineup of defense-type spirit masters made them easier to deal with.

All muscle, no brain—they were fed Oscar's fire-inducing sausages, then battered by enhanced Dai Mubai, Tai Long, Jing Ling, and Huang Yuan, who looked like rampaging beasts.

In under two minutes, all seven from Elephant Armored Academy were hanging from trees—courtesy of Chu Chengzhou.

This brought Blue Tyrant Academy to a perfect 15–0 win record.

So far, only Thunderclap Academy and Tianshui Academy also remained undefeated.

Godwind Academy could've kept up, but their captain Feng Xiaotian was too much of a simp and lost to Blazing Academy.

Of course, with five teams advancing, losing once wasn't a big deal.

T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at p@treon.com/LordHipposApostle