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Ye Wen naturally understood the intentions of the two Titled Douluos—they simply wanted to latch onto him.
After all, once a soul master broke through to become a Titled Douluo, each level corresponded to a heavenly realm. Without the guidance of a master, relying solely on self-exploration would yield limited results—unless one was the protagonist.
Moreover, Ye Wen could instantly see through their cultivation levels: one was at 91st rank, and the other at 92nd rank—the lowest tier among Titled Douluos.
Hmm…
Ye Wen felt somewhat speechless upon noticing that one of them had a soul ring configuration of two yellow, three purple, and four black rings—not even the optimal soul ring ratio—and yet they had somehow broken through to become a Titled Douluo.
Clearly, this person had relied heavily on pills to boost their cultivation.
Their combat strength likely couldn't even match the weakest Titled Douluo from ten thousand years ago, like Dugu Bo. The quality of Titled Douluos in this era was truly deteriorating.
Even if Ye Wen were to take on subordinates, he wouldn't settle for such inferior candidates. Naturally, he paid them no mind.
Furthermore, if these two could betray Emperor Xu Jiawei for his own 99th-level Supreme cultivation today, who's to say they wouldn't one day pledge allegiance to Tang San, the God King?
"That's all for now, Your Majesty. However, I personally think the security of the imperial city should be tightened. After all, the person I sensed being eliminated was a Titled Douluo—an evil soul master Titled Douluo—who managed to sneak right under our noses without detection. If something like this happens again in the future, it could be very dangerous," Ye Wen said pointedly.
Upon hearing Ye Wen's words, Emperor Xu Jiawei immediately understood the implication and his expression darkened.
Indeed, an evil soul master at the Titled Douluo level wasn't someone their mediocre retinue of elders could easily handle. If the target had been him, the outcome might have been...
"Thank you, My Lord. I will pay closer attention to this matter in the future," Emperor Xu Jiawei said earnestly.
At this moment, Ye Wen seemed to sense something and glanced toward a nearby room.
"Jiujiu has finished refining the medicinal energy, but she must be exhausted. I won't disturb her—I'll take my leave first."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xu Jiawei quickly focused his spiritual power to sense his sister's condition. Discovering that her cultivation had significantly improved, his face lit up with joy.
"Today has been quite troublesome for you, My Lord. Please rest well, and leave the rest to me."
After exchanging a few more formalities, Ye Wen departed from the Star Luo Imperial Palace, leaving behind the two Titled Douluos who watched him go with regretful expressions.
Soon, news spread throughout the Star Luo Imperial City about how an unknown Titled Douluo had foolishly infiltrated Tian Xing Douluo's residence last night with malicious intent, only to be instantly annihilated by Tian Xing Douluo.
While everyone marveled at Ye Wen's overwhelming strength, they also ridiculed the Titled Douluo for being arrogant and brainless enough to act recklessly before a Supreme Douluo—it was sheer idiocy.
The buzz surrounding this incident lasted for several days. No one knew the identity of the attacking Titled Douluo, but everyone realized there was a clear gap between Titled Douluos, and a Supreme Douluo was truly unparalleled.
Over the next few days, the battles proceeded smoothly. Huo Yu'er, having showcased her extraordinary ability to take on seven opponents single-handedly, gained a large following of fans.
However, adhering to his cautious battle strategy, Ye Wen kept Huo Yu'er as the team's trump card, much like a mascot, while the others swept through their enemies.
Hmph >3<
"Master, I want to fight! You're making me stand there like an idiot on the competition stage—it's so embarrassing!"
Huo Yu'er pouted and tugged at Ye Wen's arm, pleading for a chance to fight.
Indeed, compared to standing there awkwardly and dying socially, Huo Yu'er preferred to immerse herself in battle and then return to cultivate.
But Ye Wen rejected her outright.
"No. Didn't I teach you? Intelligence is a soul master's most important asset. The more you reveal, the easier it is for others to target you. This is good for you. Though you can't fight, it's also training your mental resilience. Stand there a little longer—you'll get used to it."
Though Ye Wen's words sounded comforting, Huo Yu'er always felt something was off but couldn't quite articulate it. Pouting, she stomped off to train.
At this moment, a soft knock came from outside the door.
Huo Yu'er, who had been planning to train, immediately rushed to open the door—though why she was in such a hurry remained unclear.
But Ye Wen soon understood.
"Ah, Jiujiu!" Huo Yuer exclaimed in delight.
Standing outside was a graceful young woman with flowing golden hair. It was none other than Xu Jiujiu, the youngest princess of the Star Luo Empire.
Since officially becoming Ye Wen's disciple, though Xu Jiujiu didn't participate in the tournament as part of Tian Xing Academy, she dutifully greeted Ye Wen every day.
Despite being a princess, Xu Jiujiu carried no airs and quickly bonded with Ye Wen's disciples.
Even though she was the eldest among Ye Wen's disciples—five years older than Huo Yuer—she still affectionately addressed Huo Yuer as:
"Senior Sister."
However, Ye Wen found it odd. Today was a rest day. What did Xu Jiujiu want by coming to this remote place?
After entering the room and respectfully greeting Ye Wen, Xu Jiujiu asked:
"Master, is there something you need?"
Xu Jiujiu didn't beat around the bush. She took out a golden invitation from her storage-type soul tool and handed it to Ye Wen.
Upon receiving it, Ye Wen immediately understood the purpose of her visit. At this moment, Xu Jiujiu explained, "This is an invitation to tonight's auction at Starlight Auction House. Please do us the honor of attending. All expenses will be covered by the Star Luo Royal Family."
Ye Wen chuckled and didn't refuse. Why pass up a free opportunity? Besides, he suddenly remembered that this auction would feature many items suitable for his disciples. If someone else wanted to foot the bill, so be it—it wasn't easy for him to make money either.
"You've thoughtfully prepared this. Thank your brother for me."
Though Ye Wen's tone was calm, Xu Jiujiu's heart leapt with joy. Such an address undoubtedly brought them closer.
After a while, Ye Wen felt it wasn't right to take advantage of such a straightforward person, so he invited Xu Jiujiu to join them for lunch.
Though the meal was simple, Xu Jiujiu enjoyed it immensely. It was proof that she had truly integrated into this group. For this, she had even postponed her other affairs.
Compared to gaining the recognition of a Supreme Douluo, the loss of mundane matters was trivial.
Ye Wen naturally saw through Xu Jiujiu's thoughts, but both parties were engaged in a mutually beneficial exchange. In the future, she too would be fully utilized by his side. Letting her gain a small advantage now was inconsequential.
In the evening, Ye Wen led his disciples, along with the two girls from the Body Sect, to the auction.
Though the place where Ye Wen resided was remote, it was relatively clean and tidy—not impoverished or backward. However, compared to the opulence of the auction venue, it was like comparing a humble cottage to a celestial palace. This place was dazzling, akin to paradise on earth~
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