Douluo Continent: The Eternal Order of the Azure Sky

Chapter 64 Xu Tianran, Walking with Lightning Speed

If it were just a simple family banquet, Xu Guoyi's other sons would likely be present, but this banquet was clearly not that simple. The first meeting between the heir to the Empire and the heir to the Hall of Worship, coupled with Kong Tianxu's previous display of soul-guided gun technology, made the political implications self-evident.

Xu Tianzhen was chatting animatedly with Xu Tianran, occasionally adding exaggerated expressions and gestures. Upon seeing Kong Tianxu and the other person, her eyes lit up, and she happily left her seat to greet them.

Today, she wore a gorgeous evening gown and a delicate phoenix crown, which made her skin appear even more delicate and jade-like. Although she still had that pretty and lovely face, for some reason, Kong Tianxu could still sense a noble beauty about her that was different from before.

With her skirt swaying in the breeze, she gracefully appeared before Kong Tianxu.

"Tianxu, Sister Cain." She blinked her bright eyes and looked at the young man in front of her, who was dressed in only a plain white robe, yet whose otherworldly temperament was still undeniable.

"Happy birthday, my princess." Kong Tianxu smiled slightly at her and performed an elegant ancient greeting.

"Hmph, it's good that you know I'm a princess. Come, let me introduce you."

As Xu Tianzhen spoke, she led Kong Tianxu towards the banquet hall. Cain nodded slightly in response and then walked at the back without saying a word. Today, she had come as an attendant and knew very well how to play this role.

"This is my father, Tianxu. You've met him before." Xu Tianzhen first pointed to Xu Guoyi, who was sitting in the main seat. The other party was also watching the interaction between him and Xu Tianzhen with a smile.

Kong Tianxu greeted him again, and seeing the Sun and Moon Emperor and the two solemn old men beside him, he felt much more at ease.

The other party was obviously very cautious. They brought two titled Douluo with them to a banquet that was not far from the Mingdu garrison, and both of them seemed to have quite strong auras.

"Sit down, Tianxu. From now on, we're family. Why stand on ceremony?"

Xu Guoyi picked up the conversation, smiling as he set the tone for the banquet, then looked at the young man sitting to his left and said:

"Tianran, you haven't met Tianxu yet, have you? This is a rare opportunity, so you should get to know him better."

This was Kong Tianxu's first time meeting this legendary figure from the original novel. He did indeed appear gentle yet dignified, and although his skin was dark, he was still quite handsome. A brief examination revealed results that surprised Kong Tianxu.

Soul Saint?

Moreover, he's not just at the initial Soul Saint level. At his age, with this kind of cultivation speed, even without the aid of medicine, he will definitely be able to become a Title Douluo in the future.

No wonder he was able to become a Title Douluo in his early thirties despite damaging his vital energy in the original story.

Kong Tianxu's wariness towards him increased, but he didn't show it on his face. The two greeted each other warmly.

Xu Tianran was adept at creating a lively atmosphere. After Xu Guoyi finished his introduction, he started chatting with Kong Tianxu. If one didn't view him with any prejudice, this Crown Prince was quite convincing; he was eloquent, possessed strategic acumen, and was exceptionally talented.

If Kong Tianxu hadn't known what kind of person he was, he probably would have felt some goodwill towards him as well.

The banquet has officially begun, and dinner is sumptuous, with a constant stream of novel and exquisite dishes being served after rigorous testing. While royal banquets may not be particularly outstanding in terms of nutritional value, the taste is absolutely superb.

Kong Tianxu brushed off Xu Tianran's sweet talk, feeling rather annoyed. The other party had been beating around the bush for ages and hadn't even gotten to the point yet; in fact, he had only just begun. He tried his best to maintain his persona as a young, arrogant genius, forking a piece of green vegetable from his plate and putting it into Xu Tianzhen's bowl.

Seeing the other person's sullen face, he finally revealed a genuine smile. Growing up in the palace environment and still maintaining this sincerity, the other person's innocent aura was what attracted him the most.

With the help of his attendants, Xu Guoyi took a few bites and then stopped eating. He raised his cup, smiled, and looked at the harmonious scene at the table before drinking the fine wine in one gulp.

The wine eased his discomfort somewhat. In recent years, his health had declined rapidly, which was why he was so eager to push Xu Tianran forward.

However, the drink in the cup could still numb him to some extent, and seeing the future of the empire and the royal family closely united together made him more relaxed.

The eunuch poured Xu Guoyi another cup of wine. He raised the cup and said loudly:

"Come, everyone, let us drink together and wish that our Sun Moon Sect will defeat Shrek Academy in next year's Continental Youth Elite Soul Master Tournament and together forge the glory of the Empire."

"Cheers!" Everyone present, including the two level-nine soul masters on either side of him, raised their glasses and said in unison.

Hearing their resounding agreement, Xu Guoyi felt even better. These two powerful level nine soul masters, the most talented young people in the history of the empire and even the continent, were they not going to obey his orders?

This is the benefit of ruling the world.

Kong Tianxu didn't drink alcohol; he naturally wouldn't try something so harmful to his health. He picked up the glass of water in front of him, about to drink, when a strange scene caught his eye out of the corner of his eye—

Xu Guoyi raised his glass, but before he could bring it to his lips, his hand, which was just raised to chin level, began to tremble violently uncontrollably. The dark red wine spilled all over his front as he awkwardly poured it.

In the unspeakable silence, Xu Guoyi's rapid breathing could be clearly heard.

"Protect—" a level nine soul master shouted as he was about to stand up.

"I'm fine!" Xu Guoyi said with all his might.

"Father!" Xu Tianran quickly interrupted the ninth-level soul master, giving him a subtle look.

He was well aware of Xu Guoyi's physical condition and knew that this was a precursor to illness rather than poisoning.

Recently, Xu Guoyi's health has been deteriorating at increasingly unpredictable times. The healing-type Soul Master who usually attends to him was unable to attend today for various reasons, which is why he was not able to notice something was wrong with him immediately.

"Father, are you feeling unwell...? Should we return to the palace to rest?" Xu Tianran walked a few steps to Xu Guoyi and asked quietly.

The sound was very soft, but Kong Tianxu, with his exceptional hearing, naturally heard every single word.

Xu Guoyi seemed somewhat relieved, but after staring at him for a while, he finally closed his eyes and nodded wearily.

"Naturally, the banquet is proceeding as planned. You will be in charge from now on."

After comforting Xu Tianzhen, who was about to get up, Xu Tianran began to take over the order and maintenance of the scene in an orderly manner. Xu Guoyi was quickly helped up and sent out of the banquet hall, followed by two level nine soul masters.

Their purpose in coming here was to ensure Xu Guoyi's absolute safety. As for the safety of the villa, not to mention that there were level eight soul masters protecting it, the Evil Monarch Soul Master Corps, one of the five great guardians of the country, was stationed nearby, so the possibility of something going wrong was almost zero.

But it wasn't zero after all, and Kong Tianxu's heart sank slightly.

He felt that Xu Guoyi's current condition was probably more than just an illness. Just as the other party showed signs of illness, he used his main spirit to investigate, and the guard who was in charge of pouring wine for him seemed to have a momentary heartbeat.

More importantly, when Xu Tianran went to Xu Guoyi's side, he jogged up, not sitting in the iconic wheelchair from the original story.

Could it be today? Am I really that lucky?

He looked around but didn't find anything suspicious, yet a tense atmosphere lingered. Xu Tianzhen pressed her lips tightly together, looking in the direction Xu Guoyi had left, her worry and fear almost written on her face.

"It's alright, Naïve. Your Majesty is a lucky person, and the heavens will surely bless you." Kong Tianxu gently held her hand.

But something might be wrong with us. He thought to himself.

"Mmm." Xu Tianzhen nodded obediently, feeling the warmth of the hand that enveloped her, her previously flustered heart immediately calmed down.

"Tianzhen, I'm going to the restroom. If His Highness the Crown Prince asks about it when he returns, please tell him on my behalf."

Kong Tianxu didn't intend to wait any longer. He stood up and subtly handed Cain something, then walked towards a half-open door.

Regardless of who this undercurrent, which carries a hint of conspiracy, is aimed at tonight, he must try to take the initiative into his own hands.

At the very least, you should first check the surrounding situation.

"Oh, okay." Xu Tianzhen responded subconsciously, but Kong Tianxu's figure had already disappeared behind the door. She scratched her head and turned around, but Cain, who had been standing to the side, had also vanished.

That doesn't seem to be the direction of the restroom.

She didn't notice that some of the people present were either striking poses or exchanging glances, beginning a silent exchange.