Douluo Dalu 2: You are an Evil Soul Master, but also a good person ?

"I am a princess of the empire, yet I cannot choose my own partner. My marriage must be intertwined with political interests. A few years from now, under my brother's decree, I will have to marry a stranger, bear his children, and then... spend the rest of my life that way." Xu Jiujiu gently bit her lips.

"But now, I have met you…"

"But isn't tonight the first time we've actually spoken?" Xu Cheng frowned.

What is this? A honey trap?Even if it is, this is way too sloppy.

"I only admire the strong. Your strength has exceeded my expectations. At the very least... I don't dislike you."

"My brother values you highly. If he were to betroth me to you, he would definitely approve. And for me, this would be my only chance in life to choose my own husband—someone I actually like."

Xu Jiujiu spoke softly.

She sounded like she was reciting a script, yet at the same time, she also seemed sincere.

"If I marry you, I won't care if you have other women. I will use all of Xingluo's resources to help you rise to power, help you manage your harem. I won't be like other women who fight for favor. I will support you, raise your children, and even if I have to leave my homeland and never return... I will accept it."

Xu Cheng: "…"

Her bright, beautiful eyes stared at him, filled with anticipation.

He frowned. Why does it seem like… she's being serious?

"What if I refuse?"

Xu Cheng pondered.

"You will regret it." Xu Jiujiu replied.

The two locked eyes.

For a long time, Xu Cheng let out a slow breath.

There was a glimmer of understanding in his gaze.

At the same time, Xu Jiujiu's eyes softened, as if she felt relieved.

She had finally said it.

"If nothing changes, what will your brother do to me after the competition ends?" Xu Cheng smiled.

"Detain you." Xu Jiujiu replied simply.

"That straightforward?" Xu Cheng chuckled.

"At this moment, Xingluo Imperial City's borders have been locked down like an inescapable net. Nearly all the Titled Douluos in the empire have been mobilized. You won't even be able to send out a message, let alone escape. And those waiting to capture you… they aren't just from a single faction. You may be strong among the younger generation, so strong that I look up to you, but against true powerhouses, you are still a bit… inexperienced." Xu Jiujiu clenched her delicate hands and looked away.

"So, this means that tonight's visit was your own idea and not your brother's? Your goal… was to save me?" Xu Cheng tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest.

If he accepted her proposal, the price might be that war between their nations would be delayed for decades, bringing temporary peace. In return, Xu Jiujiiu's brother wouldn't take action against him after the tournament ended.

"I didn't expect you to be so clever." Xu Jiujiu was slightly surprised.

"I'm actually quite touched." Xu Cheng smacked his lips.

"But thinking that in your eyes, I'm just a brute with great strength but no brains… That's a bit frustrating."

"Wait… isn't that the case?" Xu Jiujiu raised an eyebrow.

This is Xingluo Imperial City!

A place filled with countless powerful experts.

And when the time comes, even Shrek Academy's strongest protector, Xuan Lao, will make his move.

Unless the Sun-Moon Empire launches a full-scale invasion, she truly couldn't imagine how Xu Cheng planned to escape.

"Maybe." Xu Cheng shrugged.

"Phew…"

"But I'm sorry, I don't like marriages arranged this way."

"…"

Xu Jiujiu lowered her head, fell silent for a moment.

She didn't say anything more, slowly turned around, and walked away. However, before leaving, she gave Xu Cheng one last complicated glance.

Days passed.

The Top 16 became the Top 8.

The Top 8 became the Final 4.

And now... the Finals.

Xu Cheng looked at the opponent standing across from him—a stunning young woman wearing a royal crown.

Xu Jiujiu.

He sighed lightly. "Let's begin. I will treat this match seriously."

"This is your last chance…" Xu Jiujiu's beautiful eyes were filled with emotions.

The two captains walked to the front, their voices too low for others to hear.

"If you agree now, I—"

"Thank you."

Before she could finish, Xu Cheng cut her off.

The two were standing close.

So close that even the audience noticed something unusual.

Then, Xu Cheng turned and walked back to his team.

In truth, whether this was Xu Jiawei's scheme or Xu Jiujiu's genuine emotions, it was still a honey trap.

A beautiful woman is wonderful, but his ambitions mattered more.

Xingluo… must be uprooted.

He was an evil soul master and had killed many people.

But he wasn't despicable enough to take advantage of a young girl, enjoy her fully, then turn around and attack her kingdom.

"…"

Xu Jiujiu's eyes dimmed slightly.

She turned around.

She slowly walked to her teammates. Her demeanor suddenly changed, and her gaze sharpened.

Reaching the finals meant carrying the responsibility for her team, for her country.

She admired Xu Cheng. There was even a hint of admiration and longing in her heart.

But…

In this match, she would give it her all.

"The match begins!"

Huang Jinxu's face was dark.

Even a fool could tell something was off with his princess.

But for this final match, he had to be extremely careful.

After all, casualties were common in battles.

But this time, the ones fighting were his own people.

And the opponent—this Xu Cheng—was far too terrifying…

Inside the Imperial Palace.

"Your Majesty, the princess…" Dai Hao hesitated.

"It's natural for young girls to admire the strong. Once that boy is captured, he'll be nothing but a caged tiger. Jiujiu will eventually see through his fake bravado. General Dai, no need to worry. …Is everything ready?" Emperor Xu Jiawei narrowed his eyes.

"We have already dispatched part of our reserves to the Mingdou Mountain front. The capital has gathered almost all of Xingluo's top forces—seven worshipers, twenty-three Soul Douluos, and even Shrek Academy's strongest guardian, Xuan Lao."

"There's no movement from the Sun-Moon Empire?" Xu Jiawei frowned.

"None at all. Not even a minor disturbance…" Dai Hao was equally puzzled.

"Could they be coming by sea?" Xu Jiawei speculated.

"Highly unlikely. To reach Star Luo through the sea, they would have to cross vast ocean territories. The sea is far more unpredictable than land. Even with their advanced soul tools… it would be extremely difficult."

Dai Hao shook his head.

"Good." Xu Jiawei's eyes gleamed with confidence.

"Give the order. Prepare to close the net."

"Yes!"

At a hotel rooftop.

The Body Sect's leader, Du Bushi, personally oversaw their forces, counting the numbers.

"Everyone is here?"

"In total, twenty men—twelve Titled Douluos and eight peak Soul Douluos…" A black-robed elder reported, then hesitated. "Sect Master, mobilizing such a large force for this boy… is it really necessary?"

"Watch your mouth! Call him 'Holy Son!'" Du Bushi glared.

The elder shuddered.

Even among the Body Sect's first-generation members, Du Bushi's authority was absolute.

"Brothers! Those with Body Spirits are family! Bring back our Holy Son! The Body Sect shall rise again!" Du Bushi declared.

Only the black-robed elder beside him sighed.

The Body Sect was always domineering, but…

Isn't Xu Cheng the Holy Son of the Holy Spirit Cult?Now they're just stealing someone else's Holy Son to make him theirs…

(End of Chapter)