In the world of Douluo Continent, light-attribute abilities are surprisingly limited. Compared to the Western fantasy archetype of light magic, which boasts powerful offensive, defensive, healing, and spiritual purification abilities, the light attribute here feels almost like a diluted version.
Angel-related abilities, in particular, are even more simplistic.
If the light-based capabilities seen in Western fantasy worlds were all categorized under the Angel God's domain, the six-winged angel wouldn't merely rank as a first-class deity—it would be something far greater.
"If even Healing Immortal Douluo can't help, I doubt Qian Ran can do much," Dai Hao muttered with a frown.
"Who knows if Qian Ran has some powerful six-winged angel martial soul Title Douluo backing him? Remember, Qian Ran represents Spirit Sect. They might just have a way to save Yueheng," the Duchess snapped, shooting Dai Hao a sharp glare. Her disdain for Dai Hao was becoming increasingly evident.
"Hmph. If you won't go, I will. I refuse to believe he would outright refuse the Duke's Mansion," the Duchess huffed coldly, completely unafraid of Dai Hao.
Though they were married, her position in the White Tiger Duke's Mansion was no less than Dai Hao's.
After the Dai family lost the throne and became dukes, they were tasked with military affairs, while the Zhu family produced the current Star Luo Empire's prime minister. This gave the Duchess considerable influence in the household.
At present, the Dai and Zhu families were evenly matched in both status and power.
"Spirit Sect… could it truly be a continuation of Spirit Hall?"
"Does that martial soul really represent the six-winged angel from a thousand years ago?"
Dai Hao pondered deeply, recalling the words of a certain powerful figure. His heart wavered in indecision.
Offending a behemoth like Spirit Hall—or whatever its modern incarnation—could spell disaster. Even though a millennium had passed, the prosperity of Spirit Hall back then was legendary. Who could say how many powerful figures Spirit Sect still concealed?
Xu Jiawei had been careful to hide the fact that Spirit Sect boasted two Ultimate Douluo. Even Dai Hao had not been informed. This level of top-tier combat power was a closely guarded secret in any nation.
Had Dai Hao known about these guardians, he wouldn't have dared provoke Qian Ran even if the latter insulted him, humiliated his family, or… toyed with his wife.
But as things stood now…
"Damn you, Qian Ran. If you can save Yueheng, I might let this go. But if not…" Dai Hao silently vowed, his fury burning beneath the surface.
The humiliation Qian Ran had brought to the Dai family made Dai Hao's blood boil with a murderous urge.
And with the emergence of a certain super-powerful ally, he now had the confidence to act.
Qian Ran Arrives at the Palace
Qian Ran and his group arrived at the Star Luo Palace, where Xu Jiujiu personally arranged for their reception.
Qian Renxue, as always, wore a black veil to conceal her face. Having recently stayed at the Holy Spirit Cult, she now carried two distinct identities and would not allow her true appearance to be casually seen.
The Ice Empress and Snow Empress, however, were far less concerned.
The three women were breathtakingly beautiful, even by the lofty standards of the royal palace.
Though her face was hidden, Qian Renxue's alluring figure, clad in a tight-fitting cheongsam, showcased her feminine curves. Her long, shapely legs were encased in white stockings that accentuated their roundness and elegance.
Snow Empress, in contrast, wore a pristine white gown that perfectly matched her graceful and flawless figure. Despite the gown's lack of embellishment, it exuded an air of unmatched purity and nobility. Her icy, indifferent expression seemed to exist beyond the concerns of the mortal world, like a lone plum blossom thriving in the winter snow.
Snow Empress was, as her name implied, the embodiment of cold beauty.
Ice Empress, on the other hand, had undergone a dramatic personality shift. Previously as aloof as Snow Empress, she now exuded a playful, tsundere charm. Dressed in a pink tulle dress and sucking on a lollipop, her long green hair was styled into twin tails, completing her transformation into a sprightly and youthful figure.
The trio of women gave off wildly different impressions: Qian Renxue as the seductive and dangerous rose, Snow Empress as the ultimate icy goddess, and Ice Empress as the soft, delicate, and adorable young lady.
It was hard to imagine that these three were among the most powerful beings on the continent.
Their presence together made for an awe-inspiring and unparalleled display of beauty and strength.
Xu JiuJiu was acutely aware of their capabilities, having learned about them from Qian Ran. She treated them with utmost respect, careful not to show even a hint of disrespect.
As Xu JiuJiu led the way, Qian Ran followed behind, taking the opportunity to mischievously lift Ice Empress's skirt and pull the fabric aside, boldly taking advantage of her.
"Ah… Ahh…" Ice Empress's cheeks flushed with color, soft gasps escaping her lips.
Snow Empress quickly noticed the change in Ice Empress's demeanor, her own face turning beet red. She hadn't expected Qian Ran to be so brazen as to tease Ice Empress in public—and for Ice Empress to enjoy it! When had Ice Empress become so uninhibited? And Qian Ran…
Unlike humans, soul beasts weren't bound by as many social conventions and adapted quickly to new dynamics.
Ice Empress was now comfortable with the idea of indulging Qian Ran's whims anytime, anywhere…
"Qian Ran, you scoundrel! Be careful, someone might see," Ice Empress murmured telepathically, her large, watery eyes gazing at Qian Ran. She yearned to throw herself into his arms and kiss him, though she knew now wasn't the time.
Xu JiuJiu, walking ahead, could hear the faint commotion behind her but dared not turn around. Respect for these three distinguished guests demanded that she refrain from such improprieties. As a princess of the empire, she wouldn't make such a foolish mistake in front of VIPs of this caliber.
"Do you really think anyone could see us without us noticing? With so many powerful figures here, no one would dare spy on us. If someone tried, we'd sense it immediately," Qian Ran replied nonchalantly.
With Qian Renxue, an Ultimate Douluo, present, any attempts to eavesdrop or spy would have been detected long ago.
Having mastered the God Control Technique, Qian Renxue's spiritual power had skyrocketed, surpassing even most Ultimate Douluos. Her senses were exceptionally sharp.
Smirking, Qian Ran couldn't resist giving Ice Empress's soft, shapely backside a gentle squeeze.
The fact that they were in the solemn and dignified palace only fueled his mischievous thoughts. He even entertained the idea of doing something outrageous in the grand throne hall. Perhaps someday, when Star Luo became his domain, he could sit on the imperial throne and indulge his fantasies.
Finally, as they reached their destination, Qian Ran relented, ceasing his teasing of Ice Empress.
Ice Empress's face was flushed as she forcibly circulated her Ultimate Ice soul power to cool her heated body. Yet while her body calmed, her heart still raced, longing for an intimate moment with Qian Ran somewhere in the palace…
The royal banquet that followed was predictably tedious. Qian Ran had no interest in such political gatherings.
After satisfying his hunger, he wandered off for a stroll. Seeing him leave, the Duchess and Dai Hao exchanged a glance and quickly followed.
Watching from a distance, Emperor Xu Jiawei breathed a sigh of relief. Harmony between the Duke's Mansion and Spirit Sect was exactly what he had hoped for, the entire purpose of this banquet.
(Chapter End)