"My Lord, you!" Ditian's expression changed dramatically, his face filled with worry. He instantly saw that Gu Yuena had used her divine blood to create an avatar, simultaneously splitting off a part of her soul essence to enter it.
If the Silver Dragon King were at her peak, such an action might not be a major issue, but Gu Yuena was currently severely injured. Wouldn't such an act worsen her injuries?
"It's fine. It's only a century more of slumber. Compared to the possibility of coexisting creation and destruction, this small price is one I can bear." The ethereal voice sounded again, but with a hint more resolve.
On the surface of the lake, a black-haired, black-eyed girl slowly opened her eyes. The girl gently landed on the Lake of Life, her toes barely touching the water, yet not a ripple appeared.
She stood quietly on the lake, like an immortal banished from the mortal world. The girl's appearance was pure and beautiful, her features exquisitely drawn, and while not a breathtaking beauty, she possessed a unique, aloof and ethereal temperament.
This temperament made her seem detached from the world's hustle and bustle, exuding a beauty that made people hesitant to approach her.
If judged solely on looks, she might only score eighty percent, but with this unique temperament, she could easily be rated ninety percent or higher.
"From now on, I shall be called Gu Yue. Arrange a human identity for me. It's also a good opportunity to understand the human world now," Gu Yue said softly, her voice gentle yet unyielding.
"Yes, My Lord, I will attend to it immediately." Ditian replied in a deep voice, his figure flickering as he vanished. With his power, arranging a human identity for Gu Yue was a simple matter.
Lu Jingming, unaware that he was being observed by Gu Yuena due to his Abyssal White Flower, was currently fully absorbing the Sacred Flame Heavenly Tiger's soul ring under Jingliu's protection.
This process was extremely difficult; he not only had to prevent his physical body from exploding due to the violent soul power but also had to battle the Sacred Flame Heavenly Tiger's residual soul in his spiritual space. However, the final outcome was already set.
After successfully absorbing the soul ring, Lu Jingming and Jingliu left the Star Dou Great Forest, successfully reuniting with Zhang Lexuan and the others outside the forest. Then, without delay, they headed directly towards the Heaven Dou Empire.
Because Zhang Lexuan and the others had limited flying speed, the group spent a full seven days to reach the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire—Heaven Dou City. If Jingliu had traveled alone, with her extraordinary speed, she could have easily arrived in just a few hours.
Heaven Dou City, as one of the few largest cities on the Douluo Continent, was grand and imposing. Its city gates alone were a towering ten meters high.
In front of the city gates, teams of soldiers in silver armor patrolled back and forth, their postures upright, their eyes sharp, showcasing the city's majesty.
At this time, Heaven Dou City was bustling due to the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament. The city's streets were incredibly prosperous, lined densely with shops, their shelves filled with a dazzling array of goods.
People flowed like a river on the streets, Soul Masters, merchants, and tourists from all corners of the land weaving through them. The sounds of hawking and laughter intertwined, playing a symphony of urban prosperity.
According to the tournament regulations, participating teams needed to go to Heaven Soul Plaza, located in the south of Heaven Dou City. There stood the Heaven Dou Empire's largest hotel—the Heavenly Vault Grand Hotel.
Both registration and accommodation arrangements had to be made there. Although Heaven Dou City was currently overcrowded and all sorts of inns and hotels had been booked solid early on, participating teams didn't need to worry about this; the Heaven Dou Empire's official government had already made thorough arrangements.
Soon, Lu Jingming and his group arrived at the Heavenly Vault Grand Hotel and strode into the hotel lobby. However, as soon as he stepped into the lobby, Lu Jingming's gaze was instantly drawn to a familiar figure, and at the same time, that person keenly sensed his presence.
"Sister Lexuan, Keqing, I knew you two would come!" A fiery red figure, like a brilliant flame, quickly approached Zhang Lexuan and Keqing.
The newcomer was Ma Xiaotao, who was wearing a vibrant red dress today, perfectly showcasing her passionate personality.However, at this moment, she deliberately ignored Lu Jingming.
"Xiaotao, you arrived so early!" A hint of surprise flashed across Zhang Lexuan's face. Shrek Academy was already within the Heaven Dou Empire's territory, not far from Heaven Dou City.
Moreover, as perennial champions, Shrek Academy didn't need to rush for tournament registration and didn't need to come so early.
"This time, my teacher is leading the team, and we all wanted to explore Heaven Dou City properly, so we set off early," Ma Xiaotao said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with lively light.
Originally, she had been severely troubled by her evil flame and had no chance of becoming a Shrek reserve team member. But ever since Jingliu sealed her evil flame, she successfully broke free from its shackles, smoothly securing a spot on the reserve team, and thus gained the opportunity to participate in this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament.
"Is that so? Principal Yan Shaozhe is leading Shrek Academy this time!" Zhang Lexuan nodded gently, recalling her year of cultivation at Shrek Academy. She and Keqing had spent most of their time in secluded cultivation within the Golden Tree.
The only people they frequently interacted with were Ma Xiaotao and Yan Shaozhe.
"Isn't this City Lord Lu? This isn't a place for a little brat like you," Ma Xiaotao finally couldn't resist, turning her gaze to Lu Jingming, a mocking smile on her lips, and began to provoke him impolitely.
Lu Jingming's expression was calm. He gently stroked the pink fox in his arms, its soft fur sliding under his fingertips.
The corner of his mouth curved into a cold smile, and he slowly said, "Heh, am I small or not? Do you dare to try?" His voice wasn't loud, but everyone there was a Soul Master, with acute hearing. For a moment, curious glances were cast his way.
"Hmm? What's there to be afraid of? Do you want to fight me?" Ma Xiaotao was slightly stunned, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
She clearly didn't immediately grasp the deeper meaning of Lu Jingming's words, but the fearless streak in her bones was instantly ignited, and she loudly responded without hesitation. In her heart, there was nothing she dared not do.
"Xiaoming!" Zhang Lexuan glared at Lu Jingming reproachfully when she heard his words, her eyes full of scolding. Keqing, even quicker, pinched Lu Jingming's ear and said indignantly, "No perverted remarks!" Her cheeks were slightly flushed, embarrassed by Lu Jingming's comment.
Although she knew Lu Jingming's mental age wasn't that of a child, she didn't expect him to be so vulgar.