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Chapter 377.

Star Luo Empire

The Star Luo Empire, unlike the Heaven Dou Empire, received little detailed description in the original story. Wang Feng himself knew only fragments of its culture and history. However, one thing was clear—the people of this empire were notably more formidable, both in martial soul and in combat.

Perhaps this strength stemmed from the empire's governance model, where even the heir to the throne was chosen through a brutal process of elimination. This approach naturally filtered down to the soul master academies, fostering a culture of bravery and fierce competition.

One –of the most defining aspects of the Star Luo Empire was its Great Fighting Soul Arena. Unlike the arenas in the Heaven Dou Empire, where battles were categorized and typically avoided drawing blood in non-life-threatening contests, the arenas here were far more savage. Even non-lethal matches often resulted in severe injuries. –The ruthlessness of these battles caught Wang Feng by surprise.

Under such intense conditions, the combat effectiveness of soul masters in the Star Luo Empire was generally superior to their Heaven Dou counterparts. In the world of Douluo, where the power –of soul masters significantly influenced a nation's strength, this difference was crucial. Soul masters were integral to every facet of a country's development, from military might to cultural prestige.

During his travels, Wang Feng encountered someone unexpected—Zhan Xiaotian, the former captain of the War God Academy team, who had been eliminated in the first round of the finals. Despite their early exit, the team had been considered a championship contender.

Wang Feng had joined a caravan traveling through the Star Luo Empire when they were suddenly attacked by soul beasts. It was during this chaos that Zhan Xiaotian and his team appeared, rescuing the caravan.

Zhan Xiaotian had always been a prodigious talent—a force to be reckoned with. Even back then, his strength was notable, but now he had even reached level 61. Over the past four years, he had climbed an impressive 14 levels, averaging four to five levels per year. He was now regarded as one of the Star Luo Empire's most outstanding genius, rivaling even the empire's crown prince, Dai Mubai.

For this journey, Wang Feng had disguised himself as a simple guard within the caravan, observing Zhan Xiaotian from afar. Time had transformed him. The once youthful captain had grown into a tall, muscular man, standing at nearly 1.9 meters. Despite his size, his physique was well-proportioned, exuding power without seeming overbearing.

From the caravan's conversations, Wang Feng learned that Zhan Xiaotian had graduated from the War God Academy. Although he remained affiliated with the academy, he was now traveling across the empire, honing his skills. Interestingly, he had declined offers from powerful factions, choosing instead to remain independent. With his abilities, he could easily have become a valued guest of any major family or organization.

"Zhan Xiaotian is truly a talent on par with the Shrek Seven Devils," Wang Feng mused. "In some ways, he might even surpass them. It's a pity he wasn't highlighted in the original story."

As Wang Feng observed from a distance, Zhan Xiaotian's keen senses seemed to pick up on his gaze. Turning toward him, the warrior furrowed his brow in thought.

"Little brother, have we met before? You seem somewhat familiar," Zhan Xiaotian remarked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

Wang Feng smiled, his expression casual and unbothered.

At the moment, he wasn't wearing his usual mask but had altered his appearance slightly. After all, his true identity would likely cause a stir wherever he went.

"I'm just an ordinary soul master," Wang Feng replied smoothly. "How could I compare to you, the Star Luo Empire's new War God?"

Zhan Xiaotian chuckled but continued to study him with mild suspicion. Wang Feng, however, simply shrugged off the attention and returned to his role as an inconspicuous traveler.

Zhan Xiaotian was widely recognized as the Star Luo Empire's rising War God, a pillar of strength within the empire's soul master world, and a natural leader. This title was no mere exaggeration, it had been personally bestowed by Prince Dai Mubai himself. And Zhan Xiaotian had proven more than worthy of the honor bestowed to him.

As he continued to study Wang Feng, a look of mild puzzlement crossed his face. "Strange… I can't shake the feeling that I've met you before."

Wang Feng smiled inwardly. This guy's instincts are sharp. He can sense familiarity even though we've only crossed paths a few times.

"Haha, brother Zhan, you must be joking," the caravan leader interjected with a hearty laugh. "He's just one of the ordinary soul masters we've hired for protection. How could you possibly know him?"

The leader then added gratefully, "By the way, we're deeply indebted to you for your help just now. Without you, that ten-thousand-year soul beast would've been too much for our guards to handle. If I may ask, what brings you to the Star Luo Empire? Did you come from one of the border towns?"

"Traveling," Zhan Xiaotian replied with a broad grin, his tone candid. "I've also been entrusted with a mission to find someone."

"Looking for someone?" The caravan leader's brows rose in surprise. "If that's the case, our Baoyan Chamber of Commerce might be able to assist you. As merchants, we travel extensively across cities and provinces and often pick up valuable information. You saved our lives, the least we can do is help you with this—free of charge."

Zhan Xiaotian shook his head, his smile unwavering. "I appreciate the offer, but this is a favor beyond even your reach."

The middle-aged leader chuckled, unfazed. "Come now, brother Zhan. How can you be so sure we can't help if you don't tell us what you need? Surely, you're not looking down on our Baoyan Chamber of Commerce."

The Baoyan Chamber of Commerce was one of the most prominent trade organizations in the Star Luo Empire, renowned for its extensive influence and resources. Wang Feng had heard rumors that even a Title Douluo was among their ranks, making them a formidable force in their own right.

The Baoyan Chamber of Commerce was indeed a major force within the Star Luo Empire.

"Well then…" Zhan Xiaotian said with a grin. "The person I'm looking for is named Jiu Yikai. Have you heard of him? Any news?"

The moment he mentioned the name, the middle-aged man froze. Around them, several guards who had been busy packing their belongings also stopped in their tracks, staring in disbelief.

What is Zhan Xiaotian up to? Wang Feng thought, equally taken aback.

The middle-aged man forced a bitter smile. "Brother Zhan, you must be joking. The Soul Hall announced long ago that Jiu Yikai is dead. How could you hope to find him?"

By now, Jiu Yikai's name was well-known across the continent, and so was his supposed fate.

"True," Zhan Xiaotian admitted with a chuckle. "But I don't believe he's actually dead. I've been entrusted by the Zhu family to search for him."

"The Zhu family?" The middle-aged man's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean the Zhu family, now regarded as the most powerful family in Star Luo? And their heiress, hailed as the empire's number one beauty, who is also incredibly strong! She's only eighteen and already at level sixty-one. Brother Zhan, have you allied yourself with the Zhu family? Or perhaps…" he smirked knowingly, "you've been charmed by her?"

"That's not it," Zhan Xiaotian replied, shaking his head. "The Zhu family simply asked me to help in their search. Your Baoyan Chamber of Commerce should've received a similar request, right? Despite what the Soul Hall says, I refuse to believe Jiu Yikai is truly gone. While I'm traveling the continent these next few years, I'll do my best to uncover any news about him."

The middle-aged man fell silent, his expression complicated.

The Zhu family had indeed risen to prominence recently. Their influence now rivaled even the most powerful noble families of the Star Luo Empire. They had commissioned many organizations, including the Baoyan Chamber of Commerce, to –aid in the search for Jiu Yikai. However, since the Soul Hall had officially declared Jiu Yikai dead, many within the chamber considered it a futile endeavor and shirked the task.

'Why is the Zhu family so insistent on finding someone who's supposed to be dead?' the man wondered.

Meanwhile, Wang Feng stood quietly to the side, lost in thought.

The Zhu family's heiress could only be Zhu Zhuqing. From what he'd just heard, it seemed her strength had grown significantly stronger that even Zhan Xiaotian acknowledges her strength.

...…..

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