Chapter 36

Because it is a courtyard-style building, there is a fairly large open space in the center of the palace.

This area, logically, should have been made into a garden-like landscape, but the Star Luo Empire obviously would not do that.

This central area was directly built into a huge Spirit Duel Platform.

Around the Spirit Duel Platform, some tables and chairs were placed, serving as spectator seats.

This Spirit Duel Platform is actually not solely designed for spirit duels.

All important ceremonies of the imperial family must be held on this Spirit Duel Platform.

In this martial Star Luo Empire, even the emperor's wedding is held on this Spirit Duel Platform.

Currently, the Spirit Duel Platform is still empty, but many people have already seated themselves at the surrounding tables and chairs.

Dai Xiyu brought Zhu Zhuqing all the way to the few seats in the front row and sat down on the right side.

Just like the previous banquet, those who can enter here are all from noble families of count rank or higher.

However, while waiting, two figures appeared in front, blocking Dai Xiyu and Zhu Zhuqing's view.

Dai Xiyu looked ahead and saw that they were the tall Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhu Yun.

Dai Weisi said nothing more, merely looking down at Dai Xiyu with a indifferent, silent smile.

He raised his hand, pointed toward the Spirit Duel Platform, and then left with Zhu Zhu Yun.

Dai Weisi's meaning was to remind Dai Xiyu that they would meet on the Spirit Duel Platform later.

Such an action also puts pressure on Dai Xiyu, hoping to make him feel tense.

However, Dai Xiyu already has victory in hand; even if Dai Weisi suddenly fell ill and danced on the spot, it could not affect his state at all.

The nobles arrived one after another, and only at the end did the Star Luo Emperor walk out from the gate.

Everyone rose together and bowed to this middle-aged-appearing emperor.

And the Star Luo Emperor, amidst the people's reverence, strode with dragon-like steps and tiger's vigor onto the Spirit Duel Platform.

The next moment, a steady, solemn baritone echoed across the field:

"No need for formalities."

Then the nobles straightened up.

Immediately after, the Star Luo Emperor began his usual speech segment, recounting the origins of the Noble Grand Spirit Duel.

Compared to the head of the Royal Junior Academy, the Star Luo Emperor's speech is much more concise.

A few minutes later, the speech ended amid applause from the crowd.

The maids who had been waiting at the side carried plate after plate of palace delicacies, following the predetermined route, and began to place dishes on the empty tables.

Next came the spirit duel segment.

Unlike the academy's final spirit duel, the Noble Grand Spirit Duel is not decided by lot; participants freely step up and are named for challenges.

Those who are called must fight if their strength difference does not exceed ten ranks and they have not dueled anyone else beforehand.

At the four corners of the Spirit Duel Platform, four recorders with paper and brush were specially set up to record the match results.

The Noble Grand Spirit Duel is actually also an opportunity to display oneself before the Star Luo Emperor.

For the noble youths, perhaps a single spirit duel can elevate their image in the eyes of the Star Luo Emperor.

After all, when they go out to establish their own households, their noble rank will be one level lower than their parents'.

If they can display outstanding talent, they might even gain the Star Luo Emperor's favor.

Moreover, the people of the Star Luo Empire revere martial prowess and themselves very much desire a chance to perform.

After the Star Luo Emperor descended from the Spirit Duel Platform and took the central seat of honor, the first spirit duel could begin.

At such a time, it is undoubtedly the focus of attention, with many youths eager to try.

However, in the very front row, someone had already risen to their feet.

The closer the seat is to the front, the higher the noble rank; those farther back naturally wait for the next match.

And the first to rise was none other than the eldest imperial prince of Star Luo City, Dai Weisi, the most prominent figure among the younger generation.

Dai Weisi bore a composed demeanor and, in a few steps, ascended the Spirit Duel Platform.

He turned, smiled toward Dai Xiyu's direction, and spoke elegantly:

"Even before leaving the city, I had heard of what happened in the palace. Xiyu being able to make such progress, I, as the elder brother, am naturally pleased."

"In the past, it was always Mubai challenging me; this year let's switch it up—I'll give some guidance to my second-level innate third brother."

Hearing Dai Weisi say this, the noble youths present all showed excited expressions.

Long before, they had already anticipated that Dai Weisi would not stand idly by while Dai Xiyu rose.

This fraternal battle is bound to happen sooner or later.

Unexpectedly, Dai Weisi is so eager that he deliberately chose to be the first to go up.

Thus, Dai Xiyu, who has not participated in any battle before, must now accept the challenge.

At this moment, Dai Mubai down below also had a glint of sharpness flash in his eyes.

He also greatly anticipates the duel between these two.

Whether Dai Xiyu wins or loses, Dai Mubai will occupy an advantageous position.

If Dai Xiyu loses, Dai Mubai's great grudge will be avenged.

If Dai Xiyu wins, Dai Mubai will also have the qualifications to join forces with Dai Weisi to jointly deal with Dai Xiyu.

Dai Xiyu's talent is too terrifying; it must be abolished for Dai Mubai to have a chance to compete for the crown prince position.

Otherwise, if Dai Xiyu is given time to grow, then Dai Mubai truly will have no chance at all.

And Dai Xiyu, facing Dai Weisi's challenge, also rose to his feet.

However, he did not immediately go up; instead, he spoke with a calm expression:

"The elder brother has placed his first target on me; I am naturally pleased, after all, this shows he thinks I am more of a threat than Mubai."

However, I also have a proposal. Let's be direct: I'll go on stage with Zhu Zhuqing, and big brother and Miss Zhu Yun will join us for a 2-on-2 match.

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in an uproar.

It's simple: to participate in this Grand Soul Duel, one must possess the first soul ring.

Zhu Zhuqing only awakened her martial soul a month ago, and she currently has only nine soul power.

Logically speaking, even in a 2-on-2 match, Zhu Zhuqing would not be qualified to go on stage.

Zhu Yun, standing below, also gave a light chuckle and said:

"As for a 2-on-2 match, I have no objection; in fact, I'd prefer it. However, Zhu Qing has just awakened her martial soul and lacks a first soul ring, so she cannot take the field."

The spectators outside the arena all agreed, nodding in assent.

Dai Weisi also watched as if it were a joke, quietly observing Dai Xiyu make a fool of himself.

After Zhu Yun finished speaking, Dai Weisi then said:

"Xiyu, although you've never been on stage before, you should understand the rules of this Grand Soul Duel, right?"

This statement, while questioning Dai Xiyu, also mocked him for previously being a good-for-nothing who didn't even have the qualifications to go on stage.

Dai Xiyu merely gave a faint smile, turned his head, and said: "Zhu Qing, release your martial soul so they can see."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded at the words, rose to her feet, went to Dai Xiyu's side, and gathered her soul power within.

The Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul was released, and a yellow soul ring rose up around it.

Instantly, the entire audience was shocked.

"What is that, a soul ring? Zhu Zhuqing actually has a soul ring?!"

(End of chapter)