When Posey's tall, cold, enchanting figure disappeared back into Feng Ran Pavilion, Emperor Xue Ye's brain finally rebooted.
That "beggar" just now—
No.
Not a beggar.
That Titled Douluo who had just sent Dugu Bo flying, nearly slapped him—the Emperor—to death…
Was very, very strong.
That much was undeniable.
But such a terrifying powerhouse…
Had been picked up and thrown into a garbage heap like a bag of trash by that woman.
A chill shot up Emperor Xue Ye's spine, rattling all the way into his skull.
His worldview, his imperial pride, his understanding of the World—
Shattered.
What kind of place… what kind of hellscape… was Spirit City?!
He stiffly turned to the only person beside him he could rely on for emotional stability:
Dugu Bo.
The green-robed old man's expression was just as shell-shocked.
Emperor Xue Ye's lips trembled for a long time before he squeezed out a question twisted by fear and desperation.
"Mr. Dugu…"
His voice was hoarse, trembling slightly.
"That woman just now…"
"She… she's also a Titled Douluo… right?"
The moment he asked, Dugu Bo's whole body stiffened—
as if dunked headfirst into a bucket of ice water.
When that woman walked past him earlier, he felt his heart clamped by an invisible hand.
She didn't even release spiritual pressure, but his instincts as a Titled Douluo screamed:
Extremely dangerous.
Dugu Bo swallowed, the sound dry as sand scraping stone.
He forced himself to look at Emperor Xue Ye's trembling expression, and finally managed:
"Titled Douluo?"
He let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh.
"Your Majesty… you underestimate her."
He recalled Ju Douluo—the flamboyant, pinky-raising "chrysanthemum fairy" who pinned him to the ground every year.
Compared to Posey…
Ju Douluo was a harmless housecat.
Dugu Bo inhaled deeply, steeling his shaking voice.
"She is at least… a Level 98 Super Douluo."
He paused—
Then added with great difficulty:
"And possibly… even higher."
"—!"
Emperor Xue Ye felt his scalp go numb.
Higher than 98…
Wasn't that practically a divine-level monster?!
"Your Majesty… are we still going in?"
Dugu Bo's voice drifted over weakly, oozing the urge to run far, far away.
Emperor Xue Ye's lips trembled.
Honestly—
He wanted to U-turn and flee Spirit City at top speed.
But when he turned around…
He saw the faces of the Royal Knights behind him.
All looking at their emperor.
If the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire were scared away by a woman…
Where would his imperial dignity go?
(And more importantly… How would he explain this to the historians?)
Also—
He comforted himself—
No matter how arrogant Spirit Hall was, they shouldn't dare kill an emperor in front of so many witnesses…
Right?
Right…?
After wrestling with himself, Emperor Xue Ye gritted his teeth, straightened his trembling back, and squeezed out:
"What are you panicking for!"
"Continue… forward!"
His voice wasn't loud.
But it tried desperately to sound brave.
However—
The convoy did not move immediately.
Because everyone saw their mighty emperor secretly grabbing Dugu Bo's sleeve.
He leaned close to the old man's ear and whispered hurriedly—
In a voice he thought was quiet, but everyone around could hear clearly:
"Mr. Dugu!"
"If something happens later, don't worry about anyone else!"
"You cover me— ah no— you take me…"
"And run immediately!"
"As far as possible!"
Dugu Bo: "…"
He stared at Emperor Xue Ye expressionlessly.
The contempt in his eyes was almost tangible.
Alright.
So you get to keep your dignity.
And I get to take the beating.
Damn old man.
He even began seriously considering—
If a fight broke out…
Should he pretend to get knocked away and escape?
Or simply pick up the emperor and throw him out as a distraction?
In the end, the convoy moved forward again.
This time, Emperor Xue Ye himself got out of the luxurious carriage and chose to walk.
Totally not because of fear.
(He just wanted to "enjoy the scenery.")
He gripped Prince Xue Xing on the left, clutched Dugu Bo's sleeve on the right, inching toward the entrance of Feng Ran Pavilion.
One step.
Two steps.
Each one heavy enough to crush stone.
He inhaled deeply.
He had prepared for the worst:
Dark aura…
Ambush…
Spirit Hall's traps…
Five more Titled Douluo popping out of the ground…
But when he peeked inside—
His mind froze.
There were no killers.
No traps.
No terrifying auras.
Just…
People laughing.
Eating.
Drinking.
Enjoying steaming hot dishes.
It looked like…
A normal, lively restaurant.
At that moment, with his guard lowered, the rich fragrance of divine food finally invaded his senses.
The aroma rushed into his nose like a physical blow—
So fragrant!!
Emperor Xue Ye felt his saliva surge.
His stomach rumbled loudly.
He forgot his purpose entirely.
As if pulled by an invisible force, he floated two steps forward…
And stepped directly—
On something.
Or rather, someone.
There was a person lying on the floor.
At the entrance.
His foot landed squarely on her hand.
The next second—
A piercing scream erupted that seemed capable of blowing the roof off.
"AHHHHH!!"
"WHO THE HELL STEPPED ON MY HAND?! GET OFF OF ME!!!"
Before Emperor Xue Ye could react—
A tremendous force exploded beneath his foot!
It felt like he'd stepped on a catapult.
His entire body shot backward uncontrollably.
He was about to fall flat on his imperial backside—
Fortunately, Dugu Bo transformed into a green blur and snagged him mid-air.
Even so, Emperor Xue Ye staggered several steps before he barely regained balance, face pale with fright.
His imperial dignity instantly ignited.
"How dare you! You unruly—"
Before the word commoner escaped—
A cold hand slapped over his mouth.
Dugu Bo.
He looked like he was on the verge of tears.
"Your Majesty! Don't scold her!"
"The one you stepped on…"
"She's… she's also a Titled Douluo!"
"And you stepped on her hand!!"