The Siege Begins
The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Chu Tianxiu awoke in Sisi's familiar pink-themed room. He blinked away the remnants of sleep, feeling the warm weight of Sisi's head resting on his chest. Her even breathing suggested she was still deep in slumber. A soft smile touched his lips as he carefully began to extract himself, moving with the practiced stealth of a hunter in the Soul Beast Forest.
Despite his careful movements, the shift in weight stirred Sisi from her dreams. She sat up slowly, wrapping her arms around him from behind and resting her chin on his shoulder. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she murmured, "Little brother, why are you awake so early? Stay and rest with me a little longer."
Chu Tianxiu turned within her embrace, burying his face in her fragrant pink hair. "Sister Sisi, we've been... preoccupied for days. If we continue like this, even Bishop Matthew, who's been handling your duties, will have legitimate complaints."
Sisi, who had blossomed under Chu Tianxiu's attention, looked more radiant than ever. Yet compared to managing the daily affairs of the Martial Soul Branch Hall, she found far greater joy in spending her days with him. Seeing his determination, however, she reluctantly released him, though an unmistakable pout formed on her lips.
An hour later, Chu Tianxiu emerged from Sisi's room, his robes neatly arranged. He thoughtfully locked the door behind him. Inside, Sisi lay exhausted on the bed, completely drained of energy.
After Chu Tianxiu departed, Protector Wu dispatched a messenger to escort him to the Soul Hall's clandestine stronghold. Under Chu Tianxiu's orders, the Soul Hall had mobilized all its mid-to-high-level combat forces to ambush Yu Xiaogang and Tang San, leaving only lower-level Soul Masters to handle logistics. Protector Wu, Ding Jiu'an, and Jing Hongchen remained behind, preparing to accompany Chu Tianxiu.
When Chu Tianxiu arrived at the stronghold, the three knelt on one knee in unison. "Master!"
Chu Tianxiu waved a hand dismissively. "Enough with the formalities. Report your assessment of the ambush preparations."
Protector Wu immediately produced a detailed topographic map from within his black robes, spreading it across a stone table. "Master, look here," he pointed to a section of the map centered on Notting City. "This route between the Spirit Beast Forest and Notting City is the only road back for Yu Xiaogang and Tang San. It's also their most likely path."
Chu Tianxiu studied the map, his eyes tracing the contours of the land. "Are our forces in position?"
"All Soul Kings and above within the Soul Hall are already concealed along this route," Protector Wu confirmed.
Jing Hongchen stepped forward, adjusting his frameless glasses. "These operatives are all equipped with portable offensive soul tools. Additionally, various large fixed-mount soul cannons have been transported to this nearby valley." He pointed to a narrow pass on the map. "After multiple tests, we can saturate this entire area with overlapping fields of fire."
Chu Tianxiu's gaze intensified. "Emphasize this again—everyone must remain hidden. No one reveals themselves without my direct command."
The three nodded in unison. Chu Tianxiu then turned to Protector Wu. "Is Tang Hao still shadowing Yu Xiaogang and Tang San?"
Protector Wu's expression turned grim. "That's correct. Because Tang Hao has been following them closely, even with our Soul Hall's specialized concealment techniques, we haven't dared to get too close. But..."
Chu Tianxiu's brow furrowed. "But what?"
"To help Tang San obtain his second spirit ring, Yu Xiaogang invited his friend, the dean of the Notting City Primary Spirit Master Academy. While this man is only a four-ring Spirit Ancestor, he holds considerable influence in Notting City."
A cold sneer twisted Chu Tianxiu's lips. "Protector Wu, you are a member of the Spirit Hall. Since when have you become so... merciful?"
"This subordinate wouldn't dare!" Protector Wu stiffened. "I only fear this person might introduce unforeseen variables to the master's plan."
Chu Tianxiu stepped closer to Protector Wu, straightening the man's robe with deliberate slowness. "They are insignificant. Eliminate them. Do not entertain such concerns. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master!" Protector Wu bowed deeply.
Chu Tianxiu spent the remainder of the day at the stronghold, reviewing plans with the three leaders and meticulously checking for any oversights. As evening began to cast long shadows, a message arrived from their mole within the Spirit Branch Hall: several Title Douluos from the Spirit Hall had arrived and requested his immediate presence.
Receiving this news, Chu Tianxiu altered his original plan. He sent Protector Wu and the other two ahead to the ambush site. These three were his trump cards, and he couldn't risk the Golden Crocodile Douluo and his faction discovering their existence.
After issuing his orders, he returned to the Spirit Branch Hall alone. There, he found Golden Crocodile Douluo and the four members of the King's Banner waiting.
He greeted Golden Crocodile Douluo first with a respectful nod. "Greetings, Your Excellency Golden Crocodile." He pointedly ignored the four King's Banner members. According to his plan, they wouldn't be returning to the Spirit Hall anyway. Besides, having already eliminated one of their disciples, he saw no need for pretense.
Golden Crocodile Douluo offered a veneer of amiability. "Holy Son, there's no need for such formality. On this operation, the four sons of the King's Banner and I are primarily focused on dealing with Tang Hao. His son, however, will require your assistance, Holy Son."
Chu Tianxiu mirrored the false smile. "Your Excellency Golden Crocodile, rest assured. As long as you and the others can hold off Tang Hao, leave the rest to me."
As they spoke, a messenger from the Spirit Hall arrived to inform them that Yu Xiaogang and Tang San had begun their return and were expected to reach Chu Tianxiu's designated ambush point around midnight.
Without further delay, the six of them set off for the ambush location. During the journey, Golden Crocodile Douluo asked with feigned curiosity, "Holy Son, why didn't you request additional manpower from His Holiness the Pope this time? Coming alone seems... risky. Aren't you concerned about potential accidents?"
Looking at Golden Crocodile Douluo's thinly veiled, mocking smile, Chu Tianxiu projected an air of unwavering confidence. "No matter how many subordinates I bring, they'd likely be no match for a Title Douluo. Besides, I possess the strength to protect myself."
Golden Crocodile Douluo chuckled darkly. "It's good that the Holy Son has such confidence." He then ceased all conversation with Chu Tianxiu.
Traveling at full speed, the six of them reached the ambush point just before nightfall completely shrouded the land. They concealed themselves by the roadside, and Chu Tianxiu donned a demon mask to prevent Yu Xiaogang from recognizing him.
Chu Tianxiu and the five Title Douluos waited in tense silence for three or four hours, the only sounds being the nocturnal creatures of the forest. Then, finally, the distant, rhythmic crunch of carriage wheels on gravel began to echo through the stillness.
The siege was about to begin.