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Upon seeing Yang Wudi's firm decision to lead the Po Zhi clan into the Star Luo Empire, Dai Weisi couldn't help but chuckle.
Yang Wudi was a pure offense-type Soul Master, his power so formidable that it earned him the title of Soul Douluo. His strength was enough to make even many Titled Douluo hesitate to engage with him.
With his help, the power at Dai Weisi's disposal would rise to a whole new level! Not to mention the support of the Po Zhi clan under his command.
"Moreover, through Yang Wudi, I can also establish contact with other affiliated clans of the Clear Sky Sect. If I can bring them all under my control, the overall strength of the Star Luo Empire would skyrocket!"
Thinking of this, Dai Weisi was nearly overcome with excitement, almost jumping for joy. While it was unlikely that the Power clan, led by Titan, would join the Star Luo Empire, he had absolute confidence in his ability to win over the Sensory and Cavalry clans to his side.
After the sparring match, Dai Weisi and Yang Wudi walked into the Po Zhi clan's council hall together to discuss the next steps.
"Your Highness, now that you've decided to oppose the Spirit Hall, what are your next plans? To speak frankly, the Star Luo Empire is no match for the Spirit Hall at present. Unless we form an alliance with the Heaven Dou Empire, the combined might of the two empires may give us a chance to overthrow the Spirit Hall."
Dai Weisi shook his head lightly in response. "The Heaven Dou royal family is weak, and the years of war have deepened the enmity between the two empires. Forming an alliance with them is not a wise decision."
This was only part of the problem. What Dai Weisi did not mention was that there were people from the Spirit Hall within the Heaven Dou Empire.
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had already been replaced by Qian Renxue, the daughter of the Pope. Proposing an alliance with the Heaven Dou Empire at this time would undoubtedly expose the true intentions of the Star Luo Empire.
"For now, our primary task is to build up our strength. As long as we have enough power, no one will dare to underestimate us!"
After a pause, Dai Weisi continued, "Senior Yang, I have a number of herbs similar to the Nine-grade Purple Bamboo. I'll need your assistance, along with the Po Zhi clan's help, in refining some pills for the Star Luo Empire."
He handed over a fragrant, exquisite flower. "This is the Yōuxiāng Qīluó, which, as you know, has the ability to dispel toxins. Consider it a gift from me to you."
Yang Wudi carefully accepted the Yōuxiāng Qīluó, his heart overflowing with excitement. He smiled and said, "Your Highness need not worry. I will definitely refine the pills to your satisfaction."
"Mm. I trust in your alchemical skills, Senior. It's getting late, and tomorrow I would like you to join me in going to Star Luo City to meet with my father."
"I will request that my father promote you and announce to the world that the Po Zhi clan is now part of the Star Luo Empire. Anyone who dares to trouble the Po Zhi clan will be opposing the Star Luo Empire!"
"Mm, then I thank Your Highness."
Yang Wudi nodded slightly. At his age, he wasn't interested in promotions. What he truly sought was the protection of the Star Luo Empire.
For years, the Po Zhi clan had been targeted by the Spirit Hall. With the declaration from the Star Luo Emperor, the Spirit Hall would be deterred from taking rash action.
"However, regarding the Clear Sky Sect… Your Highness, aren't you concerned about offending them?" Yang Wudi asked cautiously. They had once been an affiliated clan of the Clear Sky Sect, and Dai Weisi bringing them into his fold would surely offend them.
"It doesn't matter," Dai Weisi replied confidently. "The Clear Sky Sect is no longer the powerful entity it once was. They are now struggling to manage their own affairs. Besides, it was they who abandoned you and the Po Zhi clan first."
"Senior, you've already done enough by drawing the fire of the Spirit Hall for them. There's no need to care about their opinions any longer."
"Mm, you're right."
The two continued discussing the next steps, mainly focusing on relocating the Po Zhi clan to Star Luo City.
Star Radiance City was simply too close to Spirit Hall City. It was easy to avoid a direct confrontation, but hidden threats were much harder to guard against. Once the Po Zhi clan openly declared their allegiance to the Star Luo Empire, Bibi Dong would likely launch a covert attack to prevent the Star Luo Empire from growing too powerful, much like the Soul Hunting operation in the original story.
However, once they moved to Star Luo City, they would be under the protection of the Star Luo Empire's Imperial Guard, who were loyal to the Emperor and thus far safer.
After much reasoning, Yang Wudi agreed with Dai Weisi's suggestion and consented to gradually relocate his people to Star Luo City and its surrounding areas.
The Next Morning
Early the next day, Dai Weisi and Yang Wudi rode fast horses towards Star Luo City. Dai Weisi was determined to deliver the Nine-Grade Qingling Pills to his parents and grandparents.
As for Dugu Bo, seeing that Yang Wudi had already pledged allegiance to Dai Weisi, and trusting that Dai Weisi would be under his protection, he no longer worried for Dai Weisi's safety. He then eagerly set off to settle accounts with his old rival, Chrysanthemum Pass.
Star Radiance City was quite a distance from Star Luo City. Even with the speed of the Black-scaled Horse, it took them more than twenty days to return to Star Luo City.
Upon arriving, Dai Weisi immediately headed to the Imperial Palace to meet his father.
"Father, I've returned!"
"Weisi, you're finally back!" Upon seeing Dai Weisi return unharmed, Emperor Dai Peijun immediately jumped off his throne and rushed over. He scanned Dai Weisi up and down to confirm that he was completely unscathed before letting out a relieved sigh.
For years, he had been grooming Dai Weisi to be the future heir to the throne, and he didn't want anything to happen to him.
Laughing heartily, he ordered, "Xiaoxue, go quickly and bring the Empress and the others out! Tell them that Weisi has returned!"
"Certainly, Your Majesty!" Xiaoxue, Emperor Dai Peijun's maid, immediately left to inform the Empress and the others.
Not long after, Zhu Yaqin, Dai Tianxing, and Zhu Lingyun walked in from behind. Upon seeing her eldest son, Zhu Yaqin immediately rushed forward and enveloped him in a big hug.
"My son, you've finally come back! That old scoundrel Dugu Bo didn't bully you, did he?" Zhu Yaqin asked.
Only after sensing that Dugu Bo wasn't present did she feel brave enough to say this. If Dugu Bo were there, even with ten times her courage, she wouldn't have dared to call him an old scoundrel.
"Mom, don't worry. Senior Dugu Bo was really good to me! And my soul power has reached level 56 now, plus I've gained a powerful fifth soul skill!"
Dai Weisi chuckled. Over the past month and a half, he hadn't relaxed in his training. Aside from eating and using the restroom, he had practically been training non-stop. Just three days ago, he had finally broken through to level 56.
"Level 56?" Zhu Yaqin's eyes lit up with excitement. After sensing him closely, she confirmed that his soul power was indeed deep and steady, indicating that he had become a Soul King.
Upon hearing that Dai Weisi had reached level 56, both Dai Peijun and the others exchanged surprised glances. They were shocked, knowing that just over a month ago, he was only a level 48 Soul Sect. How could his strength have increased so quickly?
Dai Tianxing quickly asked, "Weisi, tell your grandfather, what exactly did that old poisoner want with you? How could your soul power increase so fast?"
His voice carried a hint of worry, fearing that Dugu Bo might have used some sinister method to force Dai Weisi's breakthrough. If that were the case, it would ruin his future prospects.
Dai Weisi didn't hide anything and immediately explained everything: how Dugu Bo had been poisoned, how Dai Weisi helped him detoxify and took the immortal herbs, and how he had successfully recruited Yang Wudi to the Po Zhi clan.
When they learned that Dai Weisi's martial soul had evolved, Dai Tianxing and Dai Peijun's eyes instantly lit up with astonishment. They hurriedly said, "Weisi, quickly release your martial soul so we can see it!"
(End of Chapter)