'Your Majesty, Paimon is also very happy to see you."
"But is it appropriate for you to welcome us like this? Will it have any consequences?"
Paimon glanced at Xu Jiawei, finding it hard to believe that the ruler of a nation could act so "unconventionally."
To welcome Zhongli, he had gone out in disheveled clothes and without shoes.
In the realm of political intrigue, Paimon was utterly clueless and naturally couldn't understand the deeper meaning behind Xu Jiawei's actions.
Xu Jiawei waved his hand nonchalantly, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Paimon. It is my honor to welcome Zhongli and all of you."
"As for the consequences, let future generations judge!"
The Ice Empress and Snow Empress exchanged a glance, nodding slightly in response to Xu Jiawei, but they remained silent.
Xu Jiawei's demeanor was undoubtedly that of a true hero.
At that moment, a young man and a girl appeared in front of the group. They glanced briefly at Xu Jiawei before turning their attention to the others.
"Martial God, Paimon, Snow Empress, Ice Empress, we meet again!"
The young man and girl were Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, who had arrived at the city gate after Zhongli and the others had already entered the city, which is why they were now appearing here.
Xu Jiawei observed Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen for a moment, then turned his gaze back to Zhongli and the others.
These two actually knew Zhongli and Paimon?
And they seemed quite familiar too.
"So it's Xiao and Meng! Greetings!"
Paimon waved at Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen with a cheerful smile, asking, "Why are you in Star Luo City too?"
Paimon's question didn't seem to bother Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, who replied candidly, "We are substitute members of the Sun and Moon Battle Team. This year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament is being held in Star Luo City, so of course we're here!"
"Oh, I see!" Paimon stroked her chin thoughtfully, saying, "Xiao, Meng, does that mean you're also very strong?"
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen: "... "
Having known each other for so long, it was almost amusing that Paimon still didn't know their strength.
Upon reflection, they hadn't really shown their abilities during their time in Liyue, so it was understandable that Paimon, being a little creature, didn't know their true capabilities.
As for being strong?
Among their peers, they were undoubtedly outstanding and could be considered strong.
But when looking at the entire Douluo Continent, their strength was somewhat lacking.
In the world of soul masters, it didn't matter if you were part of the younger generation or how old you were; the strong were respected.
"Not really, not really. Meng and I are only Soul Ancestors, still a long way from becoming Soul Kings," Xiao Hongchen replied modestly.
The reason Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were only Soul Ancestors was that they hadn't used any drugs to forcefully break through to the Soul King level.
Instead, they chose to train diligently, believing that only self-cultivated soul power could be more profound and solid.
As for the tournament, they were only substitute members, not the main force, so whether they were Soul Kings or Soul Ancestors didn't make much difference.
"Well, you should definitely work hard then!"
"We will!" Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen said with determination.
If only Zhongli had said those words instead of Paimon...
Once Paimon, the "Mouth of the Gods," finished her conversation, Zhongli finally spoke, "Greetings, young friends. How has Mr. Jing been recently?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen were delighted. Martial God hadn't forgotten them.
"Martial God, my grandfather has been quite busy recently, but he's also been happy, like a young man in his twenties," Meng Hongchen replied with stars in her eyes.
No matter how you looked at Zhongli, he was always so handsome and charming!
What a joyful day.
"Mr. Jing once said that the age of seventy to eighty is the perfect time to explore the world. With such a mindset, he must have achieved great things," Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen said, scratching their heads awkwardly. They wondered what kind of mindset Mr. Jing was embracing to still be exploring at seventy or eighty years old...
After chatting for a while longer, they bid farewell to Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen.
Xu Jiawei watched their departing figures, his mind racing, but in the end, he abandoned any unnecessary thoughts.
In this world, there were very few things that could escape the notice of the gods.
After escorting everyone to the hotel, Xu Jiawei announced that all normal expenses during Liyue's visit to Star Luo City would be covered by him.
The reason he gave was simple: he had a hand in inviting Liyue to participate in the tournament.
This explanation left everyone without a counterargument.
"Huh? So that settles everyone's expenses?" Paimon looked at Zhongli in amazement, finding it hard to believe.
Was Zhongli leading everyone into a free meal and free stay?
Truly, Zhongli, even in another world, hadn't forgotten this skill.
Meanwhile, in a certain mountain range.
"Everyone must search carefully. The hiding place of that evil soul master is in this mountain range," Xuan Zi waved his hand, urging everyone to search for the evil soul master's location while he continued to oversee the operation while munching on a chicken leg.
"Wild chicken tastes so much better. I'm tired of farmed chicken," Xuan Zi remarked casually.
Ma Xiaotao and the others didn't object to Xuan Zi's words. This was a trial, allowing the substitute members to see just how evil and terrifying evil soul masters could be.
"Everyone, maintain formation. Evil soul masters are very cunning, so beware of ambushes," Ma Xiaotao, as the team leader, issued the command.
"Yes!" Everyone responded, maintaining their formation and cautiously advancing.
Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng led the way at the front, with Chen Zifeng and Ling Luochen on the flanks.
Xi Xi, Yao Haoxuan, Gong Yangmo, and the substitute members walked together.
Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps they were guided by something, but Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng quickly discovered a cave. Not only were there several corpses at the entrance, but there were also signs of habitation.
"Target hiding place discovered. Proceed with caution!" Suddenly, a hoarse and sharp voice rang out.
"Giggle giggle..."
"The Holy Cult ordered us to hide and not act rashly."
"There's no one left to kill here, and I was just wondering what to do next when you showed up."
"Heaven's will! This is heaven's will!"
"I am the Messenger of Death, and I will turn all of you into corpse slaves!"
"As for the women, this Messenger of Death will enjoy them thoroughly!"
Upon hearing this, the substitute members shivered. This evil soul master was indeed terrifying.
Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yaoheng, Ling Luochen, and the others didn't look pleased. How could a mere Soul King-level evil soul master be so arrogant?
They exchanged glances, but ultimately turned their gaze to Xuan Zi at the back.
Xuan Zi waved his hand forward, and everyone immediately understood the signal.
The current generation of Shrek Seven Monsters quickly assembled and entered the cave first, while the seven substitutes and Wang Yan followed behind Dai Yaoheng and the others.
Upon entering the cave, they were immediately shocked.
Was this Messenger of Death truly so ruthless?