At the eastern gate of Star Luo City.
"Zhongli, this Star Luo City looks quite majestic!"
Paimon remarked as she surveyed the steel-like fortress.
Having been on the Douluo Continent for so long, she had seen many cities, but this Star Luo City was one of the most majestic she had ever encountered, and now it had become the only one.
The last city that was this grand had been sunk by Zhongli!
Zhongli stood with his hands behind his back, his head slightly raised as he gazed at the city walls of Star Luo City.
"The Star Luo Empire values martial prowess, and its people are fierce. Its architecture differs somewhat from that of the Heavenly Soul and Douling Empires."
Compared to the thousand-meter-high, hundred-meter-thick walls of Heaven Dou City, the walls of Star Luo City were not as exaggerated, but they were still exceptionally sturdy.
The emergence of soul tools had taught the world a lesson: no matter how high or thick a city wall was, it was still just an immobile target.
Following the original trajectory, the Sun Moon Empire first attacked Heavenly Soul, then annihilated Douling, encountering little resistance.
It wasn't until they reached the borders of the Star Luo Empire that they met with obstacles.
The height and thickness of city walls were no longer the determining factors in modern warfare.
The destructive power of soul tools was!
After pausing for a moment, Zhongli finally spoke, "Once we enter the city, we'll settle in first, then take our time to experience the local customs and culture."
There was still some time before the start of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Combat Competition, so there was no need to rush the preparations.
"Yay!"
Paimon exclaimed excitedly, "We can finally try the local cuisine of Star Luo City!"
Suddenly, Paimon seemed to notice something, her expression changing instantly as she exclaimed, "Who is this disheveled, barefooted man?"
Their group stood not far from the city gate, allowing them to catch a glimpse of the interior.
A middle-aged man, dressed haphazardly and even barefoot, wore an anxious expression on his face.
Behind him, another person was carrying shoes, chasing after him and shouting, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please wait!"
At that moment, everyone was filled with confusion, their minds a blur.
The city guards, upon seeing the man, were dumbfounded. Wasn't this the emperor?
What was going on?
Before they could even bow, Xu Jiawei waved his hand, signaling them to stand down. He then tidied up his appearance slightly and approached Zhongli, bowing respectfully, "Junior Xu Jiawei greets the Martial God!"
At that moment, an attendant arrived with the shoes and whispered to Xu Jiawei, "Your Majesty, your shoes..."
Xu Jiawei, somewhat "embarrassed," said, "Upon hearing that the Martial God had arrived in Star Luo City, I came in a hurry. I hope the Martial God will not take offense."
As Xu Jiawei put on his shoes, the pedestrians and guards at the city gate collectively gasped.
"Sss..."
The Martial God had arrived, and the emperor, the emperor had gone to such lengths? It was truly terrifying!
"So it's the emperor. There's no need for such formalities."
Zhongli waved his hand, thoughtfully sizing up Xu Jiawei.
As expected of a generation's hero, the only one who could hold off the Sun Moon Empire for some time.
Unfortunately, in the end, he lost the throne, and although his descendants were no longer in line for the throne, they lived well.
"The Martial God's arrival is an honor. I failed to greet you from afar. I hope the Martial God will forgive me!"
Xu Jiawei clasped his hands together, his face filled with admiration.
Whether his admiration was genuine or feigned, as the emperor, he had already cast aside his pride.
As long as he could cling to Zhongli's coattails, his pride was of little importance.
Ten thousand years ago, Xue Beng, in order to secure his throne, had also cast aside his pride, even taking Tang San, who was younger than him, as his master.
For the sake of gain, personal honor meant little.
Zhongli waved his hand, "Your Majesty is occupied with state affairs. What fault is there to speak of?"
"I have yet to thank Your Majesty for the material assistance during the construction of Liyue. My visit today is to express my gratitude!"
"Of course, of course."
"Whenever my younger sister speaks of the Martial God's Liyue, I cannot help but yearn to visit it myself!"
"Being in a position of power, I am bound by duty. If I find the time in the future, I will surely visit Liyue to pay my respects to the Martial God!"
Xu Jiawei quickly replied, not daring to take any credit.
This Martial God had, with just a few punches and kicks, shattered the strongest deity of the past!
"Your Majesty is always welcome to visit!"
The two exchanged pleasantries, appearing harmonious, engaging in a bit of "mutual flattery."
Both Zhongli and Xu Jiawei were quite satisfied with the outcome.
Suddenly, Xu Jiawei seemed to remember something and once again clasped his hands toward Zhongli, "Martial God, you may call me Jiawei or Xiao Xu. Please, do not address me as 'Your Majesty' anymore."
"In the presence of the Martial God, I am but a junior. Such a title is inappropriate."
Referring to himself as a junior, Xu Jiawei made no mention of the imperial "title."
Calling himself "junior" in front of the Martial God?
Did he seem that foolish?
"I have never considered myself a god. If possible, I prefer a peaceful life, enjoying the company of the people."
Zhongli spoke calmly, "You may call me Zhongli. Titles like Martial God or Lord Martial God create a sense of distance."
"Ah..."
The tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease!
Addressing the Martial God by his name?
"Yes, Martial God... Zhongli."
Since it was the Martial God's request, Xu Jiawei would comply. It would only serve to highlight his close relationship with the Martial God!
"Good, very good."
After some more small talk, Xu Jiawei gestured, "Please, Zhongli and everyone, follow me. Your accommodations have been arranged."
As the host, the empire had arranged lodgings for the participants.
For the empire, this was a trivial matter.
The accommodations for the Liyue participants were in the best hotel in Star Luo City. To better accommodate them, the entire hotel was reserved exclusively for the Liyue participants.
Even at its peak, Shrek Academy had never received such treatment.
Xu Jiawei walked at the front of the group, like a "tour guide," introducing some of the special buildings within Star Luo City.
As they approached the hotel, Xu Jiawei turned to Paimon.
"You must be Zhongli's Martial soul, Paimon. It's a pleasure to meet you today."
"I didn't expect the emperor not only to know Zhongli but also to remember Paimon!"
Paimon scratched her head, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
So, she, Paimon, was already this famous?
"Of course, I know. Paimon is Zhongli's soul, and the first to fuse with a spirit. Such a feat will be sung for ages. How could I not know?"
"And these two must be two of the Three Great Northern Kings, the Snow Empress and the Ice Empress?"
"Xu Jiawei greets you both!"
Two of the Ten Great Beasts, and so beautiful at that. Who wouldn't like them?