Chapter 291: Chapter 291: Heaven Dou Submits, Star Luo’s Palace Coup
The news of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan’s annihilation soon spread like a wildfire, rapidly reaching every corner of the Douluo Continent. All the major clans, noble families, and academies were shaken. It was as if a giant boulder had been thrown into the soul master world, causing huge waves and endless discussion.
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, that was one of the former top three clans, a super clan! It was just wiped out by the Spirit Empire like that?"
"I heard that the Spirit Empire’s Holy Son Lin Feng is terrifyingly powerful. He single-handedly suppressed the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Even Clan Master Yu Yuanzhen died a miserable death at his hands, not even lasting a single move."
"This is a clear display of deterrence. The Spirit Empire is moving to unify the continent! I’m afraid the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires are in grave danger too."
Inside the Heaven Dou Empire’s imperial palace, the atmosphere was similarly so tense it could freeze water.
The annihilation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was not just a stern warning from the Spirit Empire to those who resisted; it was also a direct provocation to the two great empires.
A guard quickly entered the great hall, knelt on one knee, and reported with a nervous expression, "Your Majesty, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was completely destroyed by the Spirit Empire in half a day. Clan Master Yu Yuanzhen was killed in battle, and almost no one in the clan, from top to bottom, survived. The people from the Spirit Empire are cleaning up the remnants. It is said... they won’t even spare an earthworm."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of all the ministers in the great hall changed drastically, their faces filled with terror.
For a moment, the hall was so quiet that one could only hear the rapid, heavy breathing of the crowd and the occasional sound of the wind outside the window, as if adding a somber footnote to the heavy atmosphere.
Xue Qinghe gazed at the ministers below, who were either bowing their heads or trembling, and a trace of mockery flashed in his eyes.
"My dear ministers," Xue Qinghe’s voice broke the silence. "The annihilation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is undoubtedly a heavy blow to our Heaven Dou Empire. We have witnessed the power of the Spirit Empire with our own eyes. But war only brings endless suffering and sacrifice. I do not wish to see the people of Heaven Dou shed any more blood, nor do I wish to see this land ravaged again."
At this point, Xue Qinghe paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over every person present. "Therefore, I have decided that the Heaven Dou Empire will propose peace talks with the Spirit Empire, to seek a path of peaceful coexistence. This is not surrender, but for the sake of greater peace and prosperity."
The moment these words were spoken, the great hall once again fell into silence. This was a countermeasure they had been prepped for three days ago.
To put it nicely, it was "peace talks." To put it bluntly, it was the prelude to surrender. Every minister in the hall knew this, but no one dared to speak out in opposition.
They knew very well that in the face of absolute power, any resistance was futile. The fall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was a living example. They, these weak nobles, did not want to be next.
"Your Majesty is wise!" an old minister finally broke the silence. He knelt on the ground, his voice trembling slightly with a desire for survival. "This is a wise move. It can avoid unnecessary sacrifices and protect the people of our Heaven Dou."
With the first person taking the lead, the rest of the ministers also knelt and kowtowed, shouting "Your Majesty is wise."
Xue Qinghe nodded.
"If that is the case, then you are all dismissed," as he spoke, Xue Qinghe took off his imperial crown, placed it on the dragon throne, and walked towards the depths of the hall. This action shattered the last illusions of some people.
Xue Qinghe’s figure gradually disappeared into the shadows of the great hall, leaving only a solitary imperial crown shimmering on the dragon throne, as if in silent mourning for a faded glory.
Returning to his own room, Xue Qinghe could finally no longer contain the smile on his face. "Three years after three years, who knows how I’ve spent these past few years? I can finally return to the Spirit Empire. Lord Holy Son, my mission is complete~"
Soon, the Heaven Dou Empire formally submitted documents to the Spirit Empire expressing their willingness to submit. This news shook the entire Douluo Continent like a clap of thunder. In the Star Luo Empire, however, this news provoked a completely different reaction.
As a militaristic empire, the Star Luo Empire possessed a stronger army than Heaven Dou, as well as numerous powerful soul masters. Upon learning that the Heaven Dou Empire had chosen to submit to the Spirit Empire, the atmosphere in the Star Luo imperial palace instantly became tense.
"The Heaven Dou Empire actually chose to surrender!" The Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, Dai An, slammed his fist heavily on the imperial desk, his eyes flashing with an unyielding fire. "That legendary army of a million, was it all squandered by those useless nobles of Heaven Dou? Our Star Luo Empire will absolutely not follow in their footsteps!"
In the great hall, the ministers and generals were also filled with righteous indignation. Among them, some advocated for an immediate dispatch of troops for a decisive battle with the Spirit Empire; others suggested strengthening border defenses while seeking alliances with other forces to jointly resist the Spirit Empire.
"Your Majesty, although the choice of the Heaven Dou Empire is contemptible, it has also sounded the alarm for us," a white-haired old minister said slowly, his voice steady and powerful. "The Spirit Empire’s ambition is clear. We must make preparations as soon as possible to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."
Hearing this, Dai An’s sharp gaze swept over those below. "Preparations? What we need to do is not just prepare, but to take the initiative and attack! The Star Luo Empire has never been one to take a beating passively!"
Dai An’s words echoed in the great hall, stirring the blood and fighting spirit of everyone present.
Although he was old, he was still a rank 93 Titled Douluo expert. The unyielding fighting spirit and tenacious will on his body seemed as if they could not be worn down by time. The pressure from a Titled Douluo made the atmosphere in the hall even more solemn. Everyone could feel the immense soul power contained within him.
Davis stepped forward at this moment. Being on the verge of receiving the title of Crown Prince, he naturally had to win over the people and prove his strength at such a time. "Father Emperor, your son is willing to lead the troops into battle and face the Spirit Empire in a decisive fight! Our Star Luo Empire must not be looked down upon like this!"
"Good!" Dai An said in a deep voice. "Davis, since you have this resolve, I will give you this opportunity. But you must remember, war is not a child’s game. Every step must be taken with caution. You need to consult with the generals and old ministers to formulate a thorough plan to ensure that our Star Luo Empire can achieve victory in this war."
Hearing this, Davis bowed respectfully. "Your son obeys! I will definitely not disappoint Father Emperor’s hopes and will bring glory to the Star Luo Empire!"
"Very good. The matter of the Spirit Empire is urgent and has disrupted your investiture ceremony as Crown Prince, but this is also an opportunity to test you," Dai An’s gaze was deep, his tone carrying a mix of expectation and severity. "Davis, you will not only lead the troops into battle, but you must also display your leadership and wisdom in this war, to let everyone see your ability and prove that you are worthy of the title of Crown Prince. Once the overall situation of this battle is settled, I will bestow the title of Crown Prince upon you."
"Father Emperor, your son will definitely do his utmost and not fail his mission!" Davis bowed deeply again.
"Pass down the order, the entire army is to enter a state of combat readiness!" Dai An’s voice was sonorous and forceful. "We will let the Spirit Empire know that the Star Luo Empire is not something they can easily touch!"
With an order from Dai An, the entire army of the Star Luo Empire quickly entered a tense state of combat readiness. Generals of all levels returned to their respective barracks and began to mobilize troops, strengthen training, and prepare for the coming great war. The soul master academies also urgently summoned all their outstanding students, hoping they could play a role in the war and contribute to the empire.
Star Luo quickly set its first target on the few Spirit Hall branch halls within its borders. However, when their army arrived, preparing to clear them out, they unexpectedly found that these branch halls were already empty, leaving only vacant buildings and some traces of a hasty evacuation.
"Your Highness, it seems the people from the Spirit Empire had already sensed our intentions and evacuated in advance," a general at the side analyzed.
Davis’s face was grim. "They established an empire three days ago, yet this place has been empty for a long time. Spirit Hall, what a brilliant plan."
On the border, the Star Luo army was ready to set out. Rows of soldiers were in bright armor, their weapons sharp, their morale high.
Dai An and Davis stood on a high platform, their gazes like torches, scanning the fully prepared army. A strong sense of pride and ambition welled up in their hearts.
"Soldiers!" Davis’s voice rang out, loud and resolute, echoing across the borderlands. "Since ancient times, our Star Luo Empire has stood as one of the mightiest on the Douluo Continent. We revere military strength, honor our heroes, and have never feared a challenge. Yet today, the Spirit Empire dares to covet our lands and threaten our people. How could we possibly sit idly by?"
"We cannot!" the soldiers shouted in unison, their voices deafening, their morale soaring even higher.
Davis nodded and continued, "Although the Spirit Empire is powerful, our Star Luo Empire is not weak. We have a firm belief, an unyielding will, and countless heroic warriors. As long as we are united and resist the enemy together, we will definitely be able to defeat the Spirit Empire and defend our homeland!"
"Defeat the Spirit Empire! Defend our homeland!" the soldiers shouted again, their voices full of determination and courage.
Davis took a deep breath and turned to the generals beside him. "Generals, you are the pillars of the Star Luo Empire, the key to this war. I hope you will all perform your duties, do your best, lead the soldiers to fight bravely, and create glory together!"
"As you command!" the generals responded in unison, their eyes shining with a firm light.
With an order, the Star Luo army began to slowly advance, heading in the direction of the Spirit Empire.
"Davis, you are doing very well," Dai An looked at the high-spirited army and at Davis standing beside him, who was equally full of fighting spirit, a trace of approval in his eyes.
Davis humbly lowered his head. "Thank you for your praise, Father Emperor. Your son has only done what he should. In this war, our Star Luo Empire will surely win! Their Spirit Empire has only just been founded. According to spies, they have only sent fifty thousand troops to meet us on the front lines. They are simply seeking their own death. Five hundred thousand against fifty thousand, the advantage is mine."
Davis’s words were full of confidence and disdain, as if he had already foreseen the victory of the Star Luo army.
The two armies finally faced off.
Compared to the dense 500,000-strong army of Star Luo, the 50,000 soldiers of the Spirit Empire seemed somewhat small, like a single boat in the middle of the ocean that could be swallowed by giant waves at any moment. However, when the battle truly began, the situation was far from what Davis had imagined.
Although the soldiers of the Spirit Empire were few in number, each was well-trained, had a different martial soul, and possessed extremely strong combat power. Especially, they were all covered in a blue light shield. Under the protection of this light shield, the attacks of the Star Luo army seemed to be weakened by more than half, making it difficult to cause any substantial damage to them.
"What are those things!?"
What Lin Feng had brought from the Sun Moon Continent was not just soul tool knowledge, but also tens of thousands of level-three soul cannons and level-three soul light shields. Although their level was low, they were already soul tools that could easily defend against a Soul Elder’s attack and unleash the power of a Soul Ancestor.
At this moment, a part of the Spirit Empire’s soul masters, their hands glowing with red light, stood in a line. Thousands of level-three soul cannons suddenly roared, sparks flying, like a fire dragon roaring out, heading straight for the Star Luo army. The power of the soul cannons was immense, each shot containing a terrifying energy sufficient to heavily injure a Soul Elder.
"Boom—"
The red cannon fire exploded among the Star Luo army. Each roar was accompanied by the screams and fall of countless soldiers. The formation of the Star Luo army was instantly torn open, and the originally neat ranks became chaotic.
The army of the Star Luo Empire suddenly fell silent. The soldiers’ faces were filled with terror. Their previously high morale seemed to have been blown away by a cold wind, leaving only endless trembling. They had never seen such a terrifying weapon. The roar of the soul cannons was like the judgment of the god of death.
"Those are soul tools!!!"
"How is that possible? How can there be soul tools that can do this?!!!"
"Why doesn’t the empire have these soul tools? They’re sending us here to die!!"
Panic spread through the Star Luo army like a plague.
Those with formidable strength were ultimately a minority. The appearance of soul tools at a time like this was a complete dimensionality reduction strike. Most of the soldiers were just ordinary people, or soul masters below the rank of Soul Elder. In the face of the Spirit Empire’s soul cannons and soul light shields, they were like children stripped of their ability to resist, only able to watch as their comrades fell one by one, while they themselves were helpless.
"Retreat!!!"
A signal to retreat suddenly came from the Spirit Empire’s side, leaving the Star Luo army stunned for a moment, not knowing what to do. Then, they frantically fled backward.
Dai An’s face was ashen. He looked at a golden light shooting up from the Spirit Empire’s side, snorted coldly, and also turned into a streak of light, rushing in that direction.
Davis followed closely behind on the ground, his heart full of unwillingness and shock. They could not believe that the Spirit Empire actually possessed such powerful soul tools, while the Star Luo Empire was completely unprepared.
The golden light gradually dissipated, revealing a figure. It was the Holy Son of the Spirit Empire, Lin Feng. He had a smile on his face as he looked at the fleeing and regrouping Star Luo army, a trace of mockery in his eyes.
"Holy Son Lin Feng, what a brilliant move," Dai An said through gritted teeth, his gaze as sharp as a knife, staring directly at Lin Feng.
Lin Feng smiled faintly and spread his hands. "Dai An, war is a contest of strength, isn’t it? Your Star Luo Empire prides itself on its military might, yet you never expected that we would possess such soul tools, did you? And this was merely an experiment of mine, or perhaps, a preview of new things to come. After all, an occasion like this is the best stage for soul tools to make their debut, isn’t it?"
"You retreat after gaining the upper hand. Are you here to persuade us to surrender? If so, I’m afraid you will be disappointed!" Dai An said coldly. The soul power on his body surged, clearly making final preparations. Even in the face of such a powerful enemy, he would never give up easily.
"This is for your own good. After all, you don’t want to watch your soldiers die in vain, do you?" Lin Feng’s smile did not change, but his tone carried a hint of coldness. "The Star Luo Empire is not as strong as you imagine. Continuing to resist will only lead to the loss of more lives."
Dai An sneered, "So what? I can see that those soul tools require a process like charging. Do you really think these things can affect the outcome of the battle? Where are your Titled Douluos? Call them out. Let’s get straight to it!"
Lin Feng shook his head. "There is only me."
Hearing this, Dai An frowned, a trace of suspicion and contempt in his eyes. "Lin Feng, are you perhaps toying with me? The Spirit Empire has sent only you, and you dare to dream of persuading my Star Luo Empire to surrender? Hmph, you look down on us too much! Even if you are strong, can you really kill all of us before your soul power runs out?!"
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "Two armies facing off, arranging formations, a group here, a group there. It’s too ridiculous. In the face of absolute power, all of this is just child’s play. I brought troops here only to demonstrate the potential of soul tools. The victory of this battle was already decided. Today, I will let you witness what true power is. Do you know why I chose this valley between two mountains as the battlefield?"
As Lin Feng’s words fell, he slowly raised his right hand, palm up, as if grabbing something from the void. As he moved, the origin energy between heaven and earth began to surge violently, converging into a visible vortex that surrounded his body.
Lin Feng’s palm suddenly clenched. The gathered origin energy, as if responding to his will, instantly solidified into a giant hand of origin energy and, with world-destroying force, slapped towards a distant mountain peak.
"Boom!"
A deafeningly loud bang sounded. The mountain peak that soared into the clouds actually shattered directly under Lin Feng’s strike. Boulders flew, and dust blotted out the sky, as if the entire world was trembling at this moment.
"Omm—"
The terrifying fluctuations and violent vibrations seemed to tear apart the space of this entire battlefield. The 500,000-strong army was instantly swept by the huge shockwave produced by the shattered mountain peak. Many soldiers were directly shaken until they bled from their seven orifices and fell to the ground. Even the stronger soul masters felt their hearts palpitate in the face of this power, unable to stand firm.
The soldiers of the Star Luo army were all dumbfounded, their hearts filled with an unprecedented fear. When had they ever seen such a heart-shaking power? It simply surpassed the limits of human cognition of strength.
"Holy Son Lin Feng!"
"Holy Son Lin Feng!!"
The soldiers on the Spirit Empire’s side cheered, their eyes full of worship and reverence.
"This... how is this possible..." Dai An’s face was deathly pale, his figure trembling slightly. He looked at the shattered mountain peak and the Star Luo army that had been scattered by the shockwave, an unprecedented despair welling up in his heart.
"You... you possess such power, why did you still bring an army..." he said bitterly, his body trembling.
"I said, to give soul tools a stage to make their debut," Lin Feng said faintly. "Now, you can make your decision."
Dai An looked at the soldiers on the ground, who were scattered and in disarray, then looked up at Lin Feng in the sky, who still had a smile on his face. The emotions surging in his heart were complex and hard to describe. He knew very well that continuing to resist would only lead to the innocent sacrifice of more soldiers, and the Star Luo Empire would very likely be destroyed in his hands. The fact that the other party’s devastating attack had not been aimed at his army was already a mercy.
"Holy Son Lin Feng..." Dai An’s voice was hoarse. "Star Luo... is willing to surrender."
"Very good."
Returning to the main camp, Dai An’s figure was on the verge of collapsing. Is Star Luo to be finished at my hands? Before he could even recover and announce the news, a Soul Emperor covered in blood suddenly burst into the main camp.
"Your Majesty!— The Zhu family... has rebelled!!!"
"What?!!" Dai An and Davis’s expressions changed in unison.