Huo Yuhao Kills Davis

Chapter 340 Huo Yuhao Kills Davis (7000-word Chapter)

The next morning, the morning mist in Xingluo City had not yet dissipated, carrying a hint of late autumn coolness, and lingered on the long street paved with bluestone slabs.

The crisp sound of horses' hooves echoed as they approached from afar. A carriage, decorated in a low-key manner yet exuding the majesty of the Tian Dou royal family, silently stopped at the street corner outside the Crown Prince's residence.

The carriage was made of the finest rosewood, with dark gold cloud patterns inlaid on the edges. Even when wrapped in plain brocade, its luxury was undeniable.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and two figures landed one after the other, their expressions quite different.

Leading the way was Prince Xuexing, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a jade belt inlaid with pigeon-blood rubies around his waist. His long hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin, and his face carried a perfectly warm smile. However, his fingers hanging at his sides were unconsciously curled up, his fingertips were white, and even the cold sweat on his palms had soaked through the brocade lining.

With each step he took, it felt like he was walking on a knife's edge; his heart pounded wildly in his chest, almost bursting out of his throat.

No one can truly remain calm when harboring a shocking plot that could overturn the balance of power between two countries.

The "old man" following behind him was hunched over, wearing a faded dark green robe with frayed edges. His face was deeply lined with wrinkles as if carved by a knife and axe. He was none other than Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, who was disguised as Huo Yuhao.

He lowered his eyes slightly, seemingly nonchalant, but in reality, his spiritual power had already spread out like a tide. The invisible spiritual detection threads were as fine as a net, spreading outwards from him in all directions, covering an area of ​​three miles in radius.

The red walls and high tiles of the Crown Prince's Mansion, the flying eaves and brackets, the layout of the pavilions and towers inside the mansion, the direction of the artificial mountains and flowing water, and even the breathing frequency of the guards at the corners, the patterns on the swords at their waists, and the models of the weapons hidden in their sleeves were all clearly reflected in his mind.

Further away, on the teahouses and restaurants at both ends of the long street, several faint fluctuations of soul power could be seen, clearly the sentries set up by the Crown Prince's mansion. Huo Yuhao had also clearly detected the martial soul aura and soul power level of those sentries. Three Soul Saints and two Soul Douluos—such a move was enough to show how much Davis valued his own safety.

"As expected of the residence of the Crown Prince of Xingluo, the security is indeed very tight."

Huo Yuhao sneered inwardly, but showed no sign of it on his face.

At this moment, he was playing the role of Dugu Bo, the arrogant, eccentric, and capricious Poison Douluo. Naturally, he didn't need to say much; he only needed to follow behind Xue Xing like a silent stone statue.

He even deliberately restrained some of his spiritual power, leaving only the imposing aura befitting a Title Douluo, so as not to be too shocking and prematurely reveal his trump card.

At the same time, he circulated his soul power, causing a faint, emerald-green poisonous gas to surround his body. The poisonous gas was extremely subtle, yet it carried a domineering power that corroded bones and hearts. Wherever it passed, the grass on the ground withered and turned yellow at a visible speed, and even the dust in the air was corroded and disappeared without a trace.

Xuexing took a deep breath, suppressing the fear and anxiety surging in her heart, and stepped towards the gate of the mansion.

The vermilion gate stood three zhang tall, with gilded bronze rings on top, each ring cast with a ferocious beast head, gleaming coldly in the morning mist.

The three large characters "Crown Prince's Residence" above the lintel were written by a Grand Secretary of the previous dynasty. The strokes were powerful and vigorous, exuding imperial majesty. Two gilded palace lanterns hanging under the eaves swayed gently in the morning breeze, the pearls on the tassels clinking softly.

A moment later, the mansion gate creaked open from the inside, the heavy wooden door scraping against the ground with a dull thud.

A series of orderly footsteps sounded, led by none other than Prince Davis of Xingluo.

He was dressed in a bright yellow casual suit, with a golden lion totem embroidered on the collar, symbolizing royalty, the gold threads gleaming in the morning light.

He was tall and handsome, with striking eyebrows and bright eyes, and an innate arrogance about him, as if he was born to be in a superior position.

Behind him followed dozens of heavily armored guards, their armor made of fine iron, polished to a gleaming shine, reflecting a cold, sharp light. The tassels of the swords at their waists fluttered in the wind, making a crisp sound.

Even more striking was the gray-robed elder beside him. The elder's hair and beard were completely white, and his face was withered, like a dried-up old tree. However, his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, radiating a terrifying light. His soul power was restrained, yet it faintly exuded a chilling sense of oppression. When he stepped down, even the ground trembled slightly, clearly indicating that he was a powerful Title Douluo.

Davis spotted Xue Xing and "Dugu Bo" at a glance, and a warm smile instantly bloomed on his face. The smile was just right, with a touch of closeness and respect, without the slightest flaw.

He strode forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Haha, it is truly an honor for your humble residence, the Crown Prince's residence, to be graced with your presence! Davis is very kind."

His voice was loud and clear, and his tone was sincere. Anyone who heard it would praise the Crown Prince for his wisdom.

Only Xue Xing knew that this man, who had been the crown prince for more than a decade, was a man of deep thoughts and ruthless methods. In order to secure the position of crown prince, he had purged countless political enemies.

Even if he already suspected that his purpose in coming here was not good, he would never show the slightest flaw on his face. After all, the position of crown prince in the Star Luo Empire has always been secured through the trials of blood and fire, and Davis was no ordinary person who had stood for so many years.

Xue Xing quickly stepped forward, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his face beaming with a warm smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out: "Your Highness, you are too kind. I have come here for two reasons: first, to visit Your Highness, and second, to do my part for the sake of diplomatic relations between our two countries."

The two exchanged pleasantries, their words filled with polite formalities, yet each sentence concealed a sharp wit.

Xue Xing spoke of the wealth and stability of the Tian Dou Empire, where the people lived in peace and contentment, her words revealing the empire's strength. Davis, on the other hand, boasted of Xing Luo's powerful army and valiant soldiers, subtly displaying his military might. What appeared to be a friendly reunion was actually a covert competition, each testing the other's limits.

Just then, the gray-robed old man's gaze fell on "Dugu Bo," played by Huo Yuhao.

The old man's eyes were sharp as knives, as if trying to pierce through the disguise and see the true face beneath. At the same time, a subtle soul power probe silently surged towards Huo Yuhao, carrying the unique pressure of a level 95 Title Douluo, as if trying to completely see through his soul power foundation. That soul power was tangible, carrying a sharp metallic aura, making one's skin sting.

Huo Yuhao seemed oblivious to this, merely raising his eyes slightly to glance at the old man. His eyes remained cloudy, yet a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashed within them for a fleeting moment.

He could clearly sense that the old man's surging soul power was powerful and profound, clearly the strength of a level 95 Title Douluo. His martial soul faintly carried the sharp aura of metal and the familiar scent of the Netherworld Cat. This level was already considered top-tier combat power in the Star Luo Empire, but in Huo Yuhao's eyes, it was not enough to be taken seriously. If it were a level 98 Super Douluo like Swan Douluo, he might have paid more attention to him, but this old guy in front of him didn't even qualify to give him a warm-up.

On the contrary, the gray-robed old man's pupils suddenly contracted the moment his soul power detected Huo Yuhao. His calm expression was instantly replaced by shock, and his lips even twitched slightly. He also subconsciously paused in his steps.

His soul power was like a stone sinking into the sea. As soon as it touched Huo Yuhao's soul power barrier, it was repelled by a more powerful and domineering force. That force was like a vast and boundless deep sea, surging and turbulent, far exceeding his imagination.

Level 95? No! It's definitely more than level 95!

A storm raged in the old man's heart, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back. He could clearly sense that the soul power within this "Dugu Bo" had reached the peak of level ninety-six! Moreover, the fluctuations in that soul power faintly revealed a trace of a breakthrough, clearly indicating that one foot had stepped into the threshold of level ninety-seven!

Level 97! That's the advanced level of a Super Douluo! In the entire Star Luo Empire, apart from that old ancestor who lives deep in the palace and doesn't care about worldly affairs, who else can rival him?

The old man gasped, countless thoughts flashing through his mind. No wonder Dugu Bo was able to escape the pursuit of the three Title Douluos of the Spirit Hall and safely reach the Heaven Dou Empire; his strength had become so formidable!

What alarmed the old man even more was the faint, almost imperceptible poisonous aura surrounding "Dugu Bo". The poisonous aura was extremely subtle, yet it carried a domineering power that corroded the bones and the heart. Even though he had tried his best to restrain it, the old man could still feel that his soul power was showing signs of stagnation when it approached the poisonous aura, as if even his soul power was about to be completely corroded.

He could even smell a faint, sweet, metallic scent—a sign that poison was corroding his soul power. Such strength, such mastery of poison—even across the entire Douluo Continent, he was among the top experts!

The old man's expression shifted repeatedly, from initial disdain to shock, then to apprehension, and finally to deep fear.

He dared not underestimate him any longer. He quickly lowered his head, leaned close to Davis's ear, and whispered a few words at lightning speed, reporting Dugu Bo's strength and the terrifying poison gas word for word. His voice was extremely low, but it carried an undisguised panic, and even his shoulders were trembling slightly.

Davis's smiling face constricted sharply upon hearing the old man's words, a barely perceptible look of shock flashing in his eyes. He never imagined that Dugu Bo's strength had reached such an astonishing level.

A level 96 peak Super Douluo was no longer someone he could easily deal with. Even if he mobilized all the guards of the Crown Prince's residence, they probably wouldn't be enough to satisfy the opponent's hunger. Cold sweat instantly seeped out of his back, and his fingers gripping his sword tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white.

But Davis, being a seasoned prince, quickly regained his composure after a moment of embarrassment. His smile grew even brighter, tinged with respect, as he turned to Huo Yuhao and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "This must be the renowned Poison Douluo, whose name resounds throughout the continent. I have long admired Your Majesty's reputation, and seeing you today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved! I have failed to greet you properly, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Huo Yuhao's portrayal of "Dugu Bo" still retains his arrogant demeanor. He merely raised his chin slightly, nodded haughtily, and didn't bother to utter a single word.

He even deliberately released a stronger wisp of poison gas, letting the stench of decaying bones drift faintly toward Davis.

As the poisonous gas brushed against Davis's cheek, he felt a pungent, sweet-smelling odor enter his nostrils, and his throat itched. He barely managed to suppress a cough, and his face instantly turned pale.

Seeing the other person's expression change slightly as they tried to suppress their discomfort, Huo Yuhao sneered inwardly.

Davis, however, was completely unfazed by his coldness, taking it all for granted. For a Super Douluo like Dugu Bo, an arrogant and eccentric personality was the norm. Moreover, with his strength, he had no need to flatter anyone. After all, the mere presence of a Super Douluo was the highest form of decorum; who would dare question a Super Douluo's lack of manners?

Even the guards behind Davis kept their heads down, not daring to breathe loudly.

They could clearly feel the oppressive power emanating from Dugu Bo, like Mount Tai pressing down on them, making them feel a chill throughout their bodies, and they didn't even have the courage to raise their heads.

Not to mention the faint poisonous gas, which seemed capable of corroding their bodies at any moment.

They had long heard that Poison Douluo was capricious and ruthless, capable of killing without blinking an eye, and would strike without hesitation at the slightest provocation. They dared not provoke this fiend, fearing that a single misstep would result in their demise.

Davis led Xue Xing and "Dugu Bo" slowly into the Crown Prince's residence.

The scenery inside the mansion is extremely elegant, with artificial hills and flowing water, pavilions and towers, all exuding the grandeur of royalty.

The roadside is planted with rare and exotic flowers and plants, including the seven-colored violet that was presented as tribute from a small country, coral trees harvested from the deep sea, and the forget-me-not that emits a faint fragrance. They are usually tended to and made to look beautiful and delicate.

But as "Dugu Bo" passed by, the flowers and plants seemed to have encountered a natural enemy. They quietly drooped their petals, their leaves turned yellow at a visible speed, and their petals fell to the ground, turning into pools of dark green sap.

Upon seeing this, the gray-robed elder's pupils contracted again, and his gaze towards "Dugu Bo" was filled with even greater fear. The domineering nature of this poison gas far exceeded his expectations!

Throughout the journey, Davis chatted enthusiastically with Xue Xing about everything under the sun, from the customs and traditions of the two countries to trivial matters in the court, from this year's harvest to border frictions, as if it were just an ordinary visit.

He even deliberately brought up Emperor Xue Beng of the Heaven Dou Empire, his words carrying a hint of probing, trying to extract some inside information about the Heaven Dou royal family from Xue Xing. "I've heard that His Majesty Xue Beng has recently become addicted to wine and women, neglecting state affairs. I wonder what Uncle Xue Xing's opinion is on this?" Davis asked seemingly casually, but his eyes were fixed on Xue Xing's face.

Xue Xing maintained a polite smile as he responded to everyone's questions, inwardly cursing Davis's treachery. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and concealed his expression: "That Xue Beng child is indeed a bit unruly, but with me watching over him, he won't cause any major trouble."

His words were impeccable, revealing not a single detail. Yet his heart pounded faster and faster, his palms already soaked with cold sweat. He glanced at "Dugu Bo" beside him every now and then, and only when he saw the other's calm and collected demeanor did he feel a little more at ease. He knew that as long as this "Poison Douluo" was there, even if the sky were to fall, someone would hold it up.

After passing through several corridors and around an artificial lake, the group arrived at the main hall. The hall was spacious and bright, measuring a full five zhang (approximately 10 meters) square, with carved beams and painted rafters. The beams and pillars were adorned with lifelike carvings of a hundred beasts paying homage to the phoenix. Hanging in the center was a painting titled "Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains," depicting magnificent landscapes with a grand and imposing atmosphere. The tables and chairs inside were all crafted from the finest sandalwood, quite valuable. On the tables sat jade teacups, the tea clear and emitting a faint fragrance.

The maids, dressed in pink palace gowns, stood gracefully to the side after serving fragrant tea, not daring to utter a sound.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, but it couldn't mask the tense atmosphere that was simmering beneath the surface of the hall.

"Haha, Uncle Xuexing is now the Regent of Tiandou, busy with countless affairs of state, yet you still deign to visit my humble abode. I am truly flattered!"

Davis picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, but his eyes inadvertently swept across Dugu Bo's face, trying to discern something from it.

His fingers gently caressed the cup, the calluses on his fingertips clearly visible—marks left from years of wielding a sword.

Xue Xing's eyes twitched slightly. He was so nervous that his throat tightened, but he still forced a calm and composed demeanor and said with a smile, "Your Highness is too kind. As the Crown Prince of Xingluo, Your Highness has an extraordinary bearing. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed as rumored to have the demeanor of a ruler who can rule the world."

These words, though extremely flattering, struck a chord with Davis. As the Crown Prince of Xingluo, he had been groomed as the heir apparent since childhood, and he couldn't stand being praised, especially by someone like Xue Xing, the regent of the Tiandou Empire, who made him feel incredibly pleased.

In an instant, Davis's smile grew more genuine, his gaze towards Xue Xing softened, and even his guard relaxed somewhat. He put down his teacup and laughed heartily, "Uncle Xue Xing, you flatter me. Compared to your strategic planning, I am far from being as capable!"

Seeing this, Xue Xing knew the time was almost right. He put down his teacup, a mysterious smile on his face, and said, "By the way, I have long heard that His Highness the Crown Prince is fond of jade. I have prepared a small gift for His Highness on this occasion, and I hope His Highness will accept it."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xuexing clapped her hands.

A series of orderly footsteps sounded, and four burly men dressed in the uniforms of the Heavenly Dou royal guards slowly walked in, carrying a huge sandalwood tray. The tray was about eight feet square and covered with a layer of bright red silk, completely concealing the contents inside.

All four guards were Soul King level experts, but at this moment, veins bulged on their foreheads, their cheeks were flushed red, and their steps were steady but with a hint of strain, clearly indicating that the contents of the tray were quite heavy.

The guards placed the tray steadily on the table in the center of the main hall, then bowed and withdrew, standing at the doorway, their eyes warily fixed on the people inside. Their hands remained on the swords at their waists, ready to strike at any moment.

Xuexing stood up, walked to the table herself, and reached out to unveil the red silk scarf.

The moment the silk scarf fell, the entire main hall seemed to brighten. On the tray stood a magnificent golden jade tiger, ten feet tall. The tiger was carved from a single piece of the finest mutton-fat jade, its texture warm and smooth, pure white and flawless, shimmering faintly in the sunlight, as if flowing with moonlight. The tiger's stripes were clearly visible, even its fur was sculpted with lifelike detail; one could almost feel its soft texture if touched.

The jade tiger's limbs are strong and agile, its head held high, roaring fiercely, its expression imposing, as if it could break free from its restraints at any moment and howl through the mountains and forests. The base of the jade tiger is crafted from a thousand taels of gold, its gleaming light complementing the pure white jade tiger perfectly, exuding an air of elegance and nobility. A line of small characters is engraved on the base: "Presented to Crown Prince Davis of Xingluo, and respectfully presented by Xue Xing, Regent of Tiandou."

"This tiger was carved by a master craftsman of the Heavenly Dou Palace over three years. The jade material is top-grade mutton-fat white jade, a tribute from a small country in the Western Regions, and the base is cast from the finest gold. After much thought, I believe that only such a treasure is worthy of His Highness the Crown Prince's status," Xue Xing introduced with a smile, her tone tinged with pride, while her eyes were fixed on Davis's reaction.

Davis's gaze fell on the golden jade tiger, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes.

He was indeed a great lover of jade, and his collection of jade artifacts in his mansion was countless, ranging from jade pendants from the pre-Qin period to jade discs from previous dynasties, but he had never seen such an exquisite treasure.

Mutton fat jade is already the finest of jades, let alone such a large piece, and the carving is exquisite, making it a peerless treasure. He couldn't help but take a step forward, reaching out to touch the jade tiger's forehead. Just as his fingertips were about to touch the warm, smooth white jade, he was forced back by a cold gaze from "Dugu Bo".

The undisguised killing intent in his eyes sent a chill down Davis's spine, as if he had been doused with ice water. He awkwardly withdrew his hand, but a joyful smile remained on his face.

"Uncle Xuexing, you're too kind. Such a generous gift is truly unacceptable to me!" Davis said, declining the gift, but his eyes were fixed on the golden jade tiger, unwilling to look away even for a moment. His Adam's apple bobbed, clearly showing his determination to obtain this treasure.

"Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite. This is just a small gift, nothing more," Xue Xing said with a smile, pushing the golden jade tiger statue forward.

"Then I shall accept it without hesitation!" Davis laughed heartily, and quickly ordered his servants, "Someone, carefully put away the treasures sent by the Regent and keep them safe!"

Two maids hurried forward and carefully carried the golden statue and jade tiger away, placing them in the treasure pavilion in the inner hall. The treasure pavilion was heavily guarded and protected by special personnel; it was the safest place in the Crown Prince's residence.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xue Xing glanced at "Dugu Bo" beside her. Seeing the other party nod slightly, her heart tightened, knowing that the real highlight was about to begin.

He leaned closer to Davis, lowered his voice, and said in a tone that only the two of them could hear, "Your Highness Davis, I have come here today to discuss a very important matter concerning the lifeline of both countries. This matter is of great importance and has far-reaching implications. I request that Your Highness dismiss those around you."

Upon hearing the words "concerns the lifeline of both countries," Davis's pupils contracted sharply, and his heart raced instantly.

Unexpectedly, her great-uncle was right; Xue Xing and Huo Yuhao's visit this time was indeed for ulterior motives.

He glanced at Xue Xing, then at the indifferent "Dugu Bo" beside her, his mind racing. Could it be that the Heaven Dou Empire wanted to form an alliance with the Star Luo Empire to jointly fight against the Spirit Hall? After a moment, he nodded and said loudly, "Everyone, step back! Without my order, no one is allowed to approach the main hall!"

"Yes!" The guards and maids responded in unison, bowing and retreating. The maids moved with light steps, while the guards walked with steady steps, and they quickly disappeared outside the door.

In an instant, only Xue Xing, Huo Yuhao, Davis, and the gray-robed old man remained in the huge main hall.

The gray-robed old man frowned slightly, about to speak and say that he was the crown prince's guard and could stay to protect the crown prince's safety, but was forced back by a cold gaze from Huo Yuhao.

The gaze held an undisguised killing intent, like a tangible blade that stung his skin. He could even feel a terrifying poison gas instantly locking onto him; if he dared to utter a single word, the poison would surge forth and corrode him completely.

The old man felt a chill run down his spine. He swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue and could only stand there dejectedly, raising his soul power to its limit, ready to deal with any unexpected situation at any moment.

Upon seeing this, Huo Yuhao's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he slightly raised his right hand, his soul power surging at his fingertips. In an instant, a pale green light screen shot into the sky, like a huge dome, completely enveloping the entire main hall.

This light barrier is Dugu Bo's unique barrier, called "Azure Scale Poison Barrier". It can not only isolate sound, but also block the leakage of soul power. Even a titled Douluo cannot easily break through it.

The moment the barrier rose, the air in the hall instantly became viscous, and the toxic fumes of decaying bones suddenly intensified several times over. A sweet and pungent smell permeated the air, making people dizzy.

The gray-robed old man's expression changed, and he subconsciously took a step forward. His soul power instantly surged to its limit. He stared at Huo Yuhao warily, his muscles tense, ready to make a move at any moment.

Davis also sensed something was wrong. His smile faded, and he asked in a deep voice, "Uncle Xuexing, what do you mean by this? Does the Tiandou Empire intend to be an enemy of my Xingluo Empire?" His voice was cold, and his right hand rested on the sword at his waist, ready to draw it at any moment.

Xue Xing was trembling with nervousness, his lips were shaking and his teeth were chattering, but he still forced himself to say, "It doesn't mean anything, it's just that some things are not suitable for too many people to hear." His voice was dry and trembling, clearly he had reached his limit.

"Oh? Is that so?" Davis sneered, about to say something more and question Xue Xing about what she was trying to do, when he suddenly felt a bone-chilling coldness coming from in front of him.

The chill was incredibly fast, tearing through the air like lightning, leaving him no time to react, let alone mobilize his soul power to resist.

He looked up abruptly and saw that "Dugu Bo," who had been standing behind Xue Xing, had somehow appeared in front of him.

A chilling killing intent flickered in those murky eyes, and his right hand shot out like lightning, piercing through his chest. Huo Yuhao's speed was too fast, exceeding the limits of what the naked eye could see. In the eyes of Davis and the gray-robed elder, they only saw a dark green afterimage flash by before everything was over.

"Pfft!"

With a soft thud, Huo Yuhao's right hand pierced through Davis's chest. That withered hand was now clutching a still-beating heart, which was covered in dark green poison gas and was being corroded at a visible rate.

Blood dripped from his fingertips, staining his bright yellow casual clothes red, and fell onto the gleaming floor tiles, blooming into flamboyant blood flowers.

(I'll be giving you all a big surprise today, just to satisfy your cravings.)