The Holy Spirit Sect.
After returning to the Holy Spirit Sect, Ye Xishui immediately summoned the sect's core members and announced a significant shift in their strategic direction.
Previously, despite her lofty position as the Supreme Leader, Ye Xishui rarely interfered in the sect's day-to-day affairs, leaving those responsibilities to Zhongli Wu, the Sect Master.
This time was different. Ye Xishui wasn't asking for input—she was giving orders.
While she might lose face before Qian Ran, to everyone else, she was still the imperious Ye Xishui, one of the most powerful figures on the continent.
Now, she was arguably at the most confident point of her life. As a demigod, she stood above all soul masters and soul engineers.
In the history of humanity, no soul master had ever achieved what she had. Those who reached the peak either inherited a god's position or remained as Limit Douluos forever. With the help of Enlightenment Tea, Ye Xishui had carved out a path to ascend beyond the limits of mortals.
"Mother, why have you made such a sudden decision? Isn't Xu Tiannan our best partner?" Zhongli Wu's confusion was evident. Beside him, Feng Ling wore a similarly puzzled expression.
For years, Ye Xishui had let Zhongli Wu lead the Holy Spirit Sect unimpeded after appointing him as Sect Master.
But now, both Zhongli Wu and Feng Ling felt a growing sense of discontent.
Ye Xishui was becoming far too overbearing, especially when she was serious.
"He was, but not anymore," Ye Xishui replied, her sharp gaze sweeping over Zhongli Wu and Feng Ling. She was already considering reclaiming some of the authority she had delegated.
Whether it was the Holy Spirit Sect or the Xishui Alliance, Ye Xishui remained the true heart and soul of both organizations.
"But... why? We've worked with Xu Tiannan for so many years and invested so much effort. In less than a decade, he will ascend as Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire. At that point, the Holy Spirit Sect will have the strongest ally and sanctuary," Zhongli Wu protested, his voice laced with frustration.
It wasn't just about abandoning Xu Tiannan—it was the thought of Ye Xishui taking back the power that had already become his.
Even if Ye Xishui was his mother, Zhongli Wu wasn't willing to let go of his control.
Like an emperor resenting interference from the empress dowager, Zhongli Wu couldn't accept Ye Xishui's sudden intrusion into his domain.
Ye Xishui had treated Zhongli Wu well, allowing him to become a Rank 98 Super Douluo at a relatively young age. Compared to Yan Shaozhe, who was only a single rank behind at Rank 97, Zhongli Wu was decades ahead in cultivation—a gap that, at their level, could take decades or more to close.
For years, Ye Xishui had been preoccupied with her own pursuit of becoming a Rank 10 soul engineer, leaving her disinterested in the sect's politics.
But now, upon returning to the sect, Ye Xishui's newfound strength and dominance were undeniable. Perhaps her constant defeats in interactions with Qian Ran had fueled her assertiveness, using the Holy Spirit Sect as an outlet for her frustrations.
Zhongli Wu seemed to sense this shift.
The last time he saw her, he noticed that his mother had changed.
Her current transformation, however, was far more dramatic. And he suspected it had everything to do with Qian Ran. Ever since she began interacting with that young man, Ye Xishui had been different—first externally, and now in every other aspect.
Zhongli Wu couldn't help but harbor resentment toward Qian Ran.
What kind of influence does that brat have to alter my mother so profoundly? What power could he possibly wield?
"There's no need for a reason. Your job is to execute my orders," Ye Xishui said coldly, her brows furrowing as a wave of oppressive energy radiated from her.
The entire hall was enveloped in a chilling deathly aura.
Having ascended to the demigod realm, Ye Xishui felt it was time to remind Zhongli Wu who held ultimate authority. His position as Sect Master was granted by her—and she could take it back at any moment.
Though the demigod level in Douluo Continent's power system was underwhelming compared to other worlds, it still marked a significant leap. A demigod wasn't invincible, but they were unquestionably formidable.
Even with this realm's limitations, Ye Xishui's status as a demigod elevated her above everyone else in the room.
Both Long Xiaoyao and Zhongli Wu felt the profound shift in Ye Xishui's presence. Not only had her strength grown, but her aura had also fundamentally changed.
Previously, Ye Xishui's Death God Douluo title reflected her diverse martial spirit. After drinking Enlightenment Tea and gaining insight into the Death Domain, her aura had become distinctly aligned with the concept of death.
Choosing the Death God path wasn't a casual decision. Ye Xishui had specifically consulted Qian Ran to confirm whether the path was viable. After receiving his affirmation, she committed fully, channeling every opportunity for enlightenment into mastering the Death Domain.
"Xishui, your aura has grown stronger," Long Xiaoyao said.
As someone deeply attuned to Ye Xishui, Long Xiaoyao had noticed her transformation the moment she returned. Now, as she released her energy, he sensed it with even greater clarity.
Though he was a Limit Douluo himself, Long Xiaoyao felt that Ye Xishui's power now far surpassed his own.
In the past, Ye Xishui had been slightly stronger than him, but at their level, such differences were negligible.
Now, however, the gap felt insurmountable. In just a month, her strength had increased by at least 30%.
But how was this possible? At their level, such rapid growth should have been impossible.
Unless...
Did she succeed? Long Xiaoyao's heart trembled as the realization struck him.
Did Ye Xishui take that fateful step?
Is she... a demigod now?
Long Xiaoyao stared at Ye Xishui, awestruck. Her unparalleled beauty and the newfound majesty radiating from her presence captivated him, leaving him momentarily dazed.
(End of Chapter)