Within the ice layer, the leaves of the Eight-Angle Black Ice Herb shimmered like ice crystals, scattering specks of cold light that fell upon various parts of the ice pillar, continuously thickening it.

The terrifying chill was already palpable to everyone within the entire imperial palace.

The primary functions of the Eight-Angle Black Ice Herb and the Blazing Apricot Delight were to conceal the truth and prevent Dai Tian Jun from escaping.

From the outside, all that could be seen was a massive ice pillar, Dai Tian Jun frozen within it, and the flames flickering inside.

Afterward, everyone would believe that an ice-attribute Soul Master and a fire-attribute Soul Master had collaborated to kill Dai Tian Jun.

No one would ever suspect Dugu Feng’s methods.

Before making his move, Dugu Feng had calculated everything.

Outside, over a dozen Soul Douluos and dozens of Soul Saints had already arrived.

Witnessing the scene before them, they were all filled with terror.

Who exactly was His Majesty’s enemy? They had never known of such a powerful ice-attribute Soul Master on the continent.

To think he had trapped His Majesty within.

Despite their fear of Dai Tian Jun’s domineering and aggressive nature, they steeled themselves and immediately released their Spirit Rings and Martial Soul Avatars.

Dozens of attacks relentlessly struck the ice pillar.

But clearly, they had underestimated the power of the ice pillar. This was the frigid energy from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, its chill capable of freezing heaven and earth.

Some weaker Soul Skills were completely frozen the moment they approached the ice pillar.

Powerful Soul Skills could smash holes into the ice pillar, but they were quickly repaired.

Apart from the Eight-Angle Black Ice Herb, Dugu Feng’s second Spirit Ring came from the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, and his fourth Spirit Ring from the Zhu Jing Bing Chan, both possessing formidable ice-attribute energy.

Not to mention, Dugu Feng’s first External Soul Bone, the Scorpion Claw, had grown alongside him and was now approaching the level of a Divine Tool.

Enduring the attacks of over a dozen Soul Douluos, Dugu Feng had already released the Scorpion Claw. Two massive pincers, longer than Dugu Feng’s own body, continuously projected icy energy to replenish the ice pillar.

This was also the first time Dugu Feng had revealed his External Soul Bone in front of an enemy, signifying that this foe must die.

It was also because, to deal with a level 95 Titled Douluo, he had to go all out.

Although Dai Tian Jun was restrained, his vitality was incredibly tenacious. He was, after all, a peak level 95 Titled Douluo.

Coupled with his domineering Evil-Eyed White Tiger Martial Spirit, even under Dugu Feng’s multiple attacks, he had not been instantly killed.

Within the ice pillar, Dai Tian Jun was shocked once more.

"An External Soul Bone... So it really is you. The mastermind behind everything is actually you. How did you do it?"

Dai Tian Jun had originally thought that the Evil Soul Master adept at devouring External Soul Bones was someone else from the Dugu Family, given Dugu Feng’s young age.

But now, having seen Dugu Feng’s External Soul Bone, how could he not understand? The one who had been devouring the External Soul Bones of Tang San, Hu Liena, and Bibi Dong must be Dugu Feng.

Dugu Feng paid him no mind. In his eyes, Dai Tian Jun was already a dead man.

He turned his gaze to a slender figure attacking from outside—clearly a woman, with fair skin and a fiery figure. It was Zhu Zhuyun.

Zhu Zhuyun had also cultivated to the Soul Douluo level, reaching rank 84. Her rapid progress was naturally due in no small part to Dugu Feng’s assistance.

During this period, there were two Core Pearls within Zhu Zhuyun’s body. Dugu Feng had not hidden this from her, allowing her to sense the presence of both pearls.

With the aid of these two Core Pearls, Zhu Zhuyun’s cultivation speed was exceptionally terrifying.

And Zhu Zhuyun herself was extremely diligent, advancing through consecutive breakthroughs to become one of the Zhu Family’s notable powerhouses.

At this moment, beside her were three other Soul Douluos, their Martial Souls also being the Netherworld Cat. The four of them coordinated their attacks on the ice pillar.

These three Soul Douluos protected Zhu Zhuyun in the center, clearly demonstrating their regard for her.

One of them bore a resemblance to both Zhu Zhuyun and her sister Zhu Zhuqing.

This was the head of the Zhu Family, also Zhu Zhuyun’s father.

The other two were quite elderly, likely elders of the Zhu Family.

All four wore anxious expressions as they continuously assaulted the ice pillar.

The Zhu Family and the Dai Family were intertwined as one. If Dai Tian Jun were killed, the Star Luo Empire would surely fall, and the Zhu Family might also face annihilation.

How could they not be frantic?

Dugu Feng merely glanced at them before refocusing his spiritual energy on Dai Tian Jun.

Through the Core Pearl, a constant stream of life energy was being devoured by the Devouring Golden Threads and drawn into his body.

Dai Tian Jun’s aura grew weaker and weaker.

He could sense the continuous rumbling from outside the ice pillar and knew it was the powerhouses of Star Luo City coming to his rescue.

But after a long while, the ice pillar remained standing firm.

Dai Tian Jun grew increasingly desperate. He did not believe this ice attribute energy belonged to Dugu Feng, suspecting instead that Dugu Feng had other powerful Soul Masters backing him.

This must be an organization of Evil Soul Masters.

"Why? We have no enmity between us. Mubai and Ning Rongrong are classmates. We even joined forces against Bibi Dong two years ago. Why do you want to kill me!

Why!"

Dai Tian Jun let out a pained howl.

As his life force drained away and the Overlord Venom wreaked havoc within him, he was gradually nearing his end.

Yet Dai Tian Jun still struggled to lift his head, desperate to learn the truth from Dugu Feng. Otherwise, he would die with regrets.

He could not understand why the Dugu Family would turn against the Dai Family.

They had once been partners.

"You are the Star Luo Emperor, a emperor who has killed countless. Does killing require a reason?

Once in Slaughter City, I said: ’Blood flows for ten thousand miles, corpses pile upon a thousand mountains; heroes shed no tears, only kill!’

When I want to kill, I kill!"

Hearing Dugu Feng’s words, Dai Tian Jun was momentarily stunned, then laughed mockingly at himself.

Indeed, killing required no reason.

As an emperor, he could kill anyone who displeased him.

He could exterminate any family or sect that posed a threat.

How many had he killed?

Dai Tian Jun suddenly recalled, feeling that since his ascension to the throne, the number of people he had ordered executed was beyond count.

"Well said, ’heroes shed no tears, only kill!’

But whoever wants to kill me, Dai Tian Jun, will pay the price!"

Dai Tian Jun’s voice grew louder and louder.

His entire body once again charged toward Dugu Feng at the pinnacle of the ice pillar. As he neared the top, his body suddenly swelled, as if about to explode at any moment.

But before the explosion, a series of crackling sounds erupted from within Dai Tian Jun’s body.

Like countless firecrackers being ignited, his entire form turned into a tattered leather ball.

He could no longer maintain his Martial Soul Avatar state, reverting to his original appearance as Dai Tian Jun.

Then his body completely exploded, shattering into several pieces.

Dai Tian Jun wanted to self-destruct, but Dugu Feng’s Ice Burst Technique activated first, causing the toxins within Dai Tian Jun’s body to explode directly, rendering his self-destruction stillborn.

Ice and fire energy surged out from both sides, burning first, then freezing, then freezing again before burning once more. In an instant, the entire bedchamber turned to ashes, leaving not a single trace of battle.

Thus, Star Luo Emperor Dai Tian Jun and Empress Zhu Lan Yun were killed by Dugu Feng.

(End of Chapter)