Chapter 31: Dugu Bo's Journey to the Star Luo Empire

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Li Luochen looked at Flender, who seemed a bit strange. Not long after, Liu Erlong also walked out.

Li Luochen took a closer look—her clothes were neat, but why was her face so red? Was she flushed? Hiss, could it be? Could it really be? So fast? Impressive, my principal.

"Cough, cough, I've been eating well this past month. Principal, Aunt Erlong, let me introduce you—this is my girlfriend, Dugu Yan." Li Luochen pulled Dugu Yan forward to make the introduction.

Flender and Liu Erlong exchanged odd looks. 'Didn't this girl fight with him before? How did they reconcile so quickly, and their relationship even deepened? The ways of the young—they don't understand.'

"Cough, cough, Miss Dugu, I'm Li Luochen's principal, Flender. We're from Shrek Academy. This child is quite sensible, but he can be careless at times—you'll have to bear with him."

Flender spoke in an official tone as he introduced himself.

"Pleased to meet you, Principal Flender. May I ask, would it be possible for me to join Shrek Academy? I'd like to study alongside Chen," Dugu Yan said with a slight bow, expressing her thoughts.

"It's possible, but our academy is located in Soto City in the Kingdom of Barak. We're here in Tian Dou City accompanying Xiao Chen for his training. I don't know if the distance will be acceptable for you."

Flender hadn't expected Dugu Yan to say this. Of course, he hoped the granddaughter of Poison Douluo would join—their academy could use her influence.

"No problem. Let's wait until my grandfather returns," Dugu Yan said with a joyful smile.

After chatting casually for a while, Li Luochen discussed some matters with Flender. He sensed that Flender's eyes betrayed a hint of joy. Li Luochen inwardly thought, 'As expected.'

Not long after, Li Luochen left with Dugu Yan, saying they wanted to explore Tian Dou City. Before leaving, he gave Flender a look that said, 'You're impressive.'

Once they were far enough away, Dugu Yan turned to Li Luochen and said, "Chen, are the principal and Sister Erlong in a romantic relationship? He smells entirely of her scent."

"Perhaps. Let's pretend we don't know," Li Luochen said with a smile. *Indeed, girls are more sensitive to these things. Impressive, my principal moved so fast?*

Flashback to a few minutes before Li Luochen arrived

"Brother Flender… slower… oh~ be gentler…"

Liu Erlong's face was flushed with shyness.

Flender didn't speak, but his eyes were filled with tenderness as he gazed at Liu Erlong. Half a month ago, the two had gotten drunk and, in mutual consent, consummated their relationship.

The next morning, they confessed their feelings to each other, and the awkwardness between them vanished. Since then, they had become inseparable, like a married couple.

There's always a first time and countless times after. Though neither of them was young anymore, their passion burned steadily rather than explosively.

"Principal, Aunt Erlong, I'm back!"

A loud shout startled the two, who were still in the midst of their intimacy. They quickly dressed, with Flender going out to greet the visitors while Liu Erlong tidied up the messy house.

After seeing off Li Luochen and Dugu Yan, the two finally relaxed.

"Erlong, let's continue," Flender said, wrapping his arm around Liu Erlong's waist.

"What if Xiao Chen comes back?" Liu Erlong worried, but her words were cut off as Flender kissed her. The two resumed their private world, and the sound of the bed creaking echoed through the room.

Southwest of the Tian Dou Empire, Fasinuo Province, Notting City

Yu Xiaogang strolled through the academy's backyard, enjoying the tranquility as he accompanied Tang San on a walk.

Before long, Xiao Wu placed a wreath made of green leaves and twigs on Yu Xiaogang's head.

"Master, stop looking so gloomy. Smile more! What do you think of the wreath Xiao Wu made?"

Yu Xiaogang forced an awkward smile onto his stiff face as he looked at the lively Xiao Wu and the calm, intelligent Tang San.

He knew about the relationship between Tang San and Xiao Wu—they were childhood sweethearts. He was happy to see it. Although Xiao Wu's Spirit Bone Rabbit martial soul wasn't of high quality, her spirit skills were strong, making her a genius in her own right. Their closeness didn't bother him.

"Hehe, Xiao San, do you think this old man looks good wearing this at my age?"

Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San, savoring this rare moment of leisure.

"You look great, Teacher," Tang San replied without hesitation.

Yu Xiaogang basked in his disciple's praise. The vibrant green wreath on his head did look quite nice.

Meanwhile, Dugu Bo set off alone toward the Star Luo Empire

Dugu Bo wasn't very familiar with the Star Luo Empire, but he knew it was a place that revered strength and martial prowess. The Star Luo Empire had always been stronger than the Tian Dou Empire.

The Star Luo Empire raised its emperors in a competitive manner—every emperor was a Title Douluo-level powerhouse. Retired emperors entered the Hall of Ancestors, serving as the nation's hidden strength. The White Tiger Sect, under the royal family, was one of the empire's key assets.

The Xuguan Sect and the royal Dai family maintained close ties, while the hereditary Duke Zhu family intermarried with the Dai family. The fusion technique, Netherworld White Tiger, was one of the Star Luo Empire's trump cards.

{T/N: Wiki says 'Hell White Tiger' but I think 'Netherworld' sounds better. I might use these two names interchangeably.}

In contrast, the Tian Dou Empire's power was fragmented. Although the current Emperor Xue Ye had decent cultivation, reaching Spirit Douluo level, his heirs weren't particularly outstanding. His two most capable sons had died mysteriously. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe governed well but lacked cultivation strength. Fourth Prince Xue Beng pretended to be a wastrel. The Tian Dou Empire was in disarray, even allowing the existence of the Kingdom of Barak, which outwardly obeyed but inwardly resisted.

This time, Dugu Bo headed toward an important city in the Star Luo Empire—Xinglong City, where the Breaking Clan resided. His target was the Breaking Clan.

Xinglong City was located in the southwest of the Star Luo Empire, at least half a month's journey from Tian Dou City. Even at the speed of a Title Douluo, it would take several days.

However, Dugu Bo wasn't rushing. He had already traveled nearly half the distance. More importantly, he felt a breakthrough approaching. Having reached the peak of level 92, his advancement was imminent within the next few months.

Sensing the impending breakthrough, Dugu Bo found a secluded spot to attempt it. This quiet, uninhabited place was perfect for such an endeavor.

Three days later, a powerful surge of spirit energy radiated outward. Dugu Bo opened his eyes and smiled. "That boy Luochen truly is my lucky star. Not only did he solve the poisoning of the Jade Phosphorous Snake venom for me, but I've also broken through two levels in just a month after being stuck at level 91 for over three years. It seems my fortunes are turning. It's time to head to the Star Luo Empire."

Dugu Bo continued his journey toward the Star Luo Empire. Not long after, he crossed the border between the Tian Dou and Star Luo Empires. Though the border was heavily guarded, Dugu Bo, as a level 93 Title Douluo, moved stealthily enough that no one in the military detected him.

Entering the Star Luo Empire, he headed toward Xinglong City, a major city in the southwest of the empire.

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