Chapter 503: Xuan Zi's Silent Endurance!
Xuan Zi continued flying, dodging the relentless artillery fire. With his soul core seal lifted, an immense amount of soul power surged through his body, restoring his complexion to a healthy flush.
Having stopped burning the Flames of Life, Xuan Zi multitasked while evading attacks, he meticulously replayed the events in his mind, contemplating how to gather evidence against Yan Shaozhe once he returned to the academy.
He couldn't handle Yan Shaozhe the same way he had dealt with Xu Sanshi.
After all, Yan Shaozhe had far greater strength, status, and influence than Xu Sanshi.
Breaking Down the Betrayal
First, after arriving at the Sun Moon Empire's border, his team was ambushed by Kong Deming's forces.
"There is no doubt a traitor leaked our movements."
The Sun Moon Empire had not yet declared war, meaning it was unlikely for someone like Kong Deming to leave Mingdu and head to the border without a critical reason.
This alone wasn't concrete proof that Yan Shaozhe was the traitor…
But then
When Huo Yuhao activated the soul core seal, it forced Xuan Zi into a weakened state.
Yan Shaozhe immediately took the chance to lash out, scolding him harshly in front of the other elders, further undermining his authority and sowing distrust.
Then
When Xuan Zi proposed burning the Flames of Life to break free, Yan Shaozhe agreed in words but never actually ignited his own flames.
Instead he was conveniently rescued by Feng Ling and removed from the barrier.
Even when the artillery fire rained down, not a single shot hit Yan Shaozhe.
"Too many coincidences."
Xuan Zi was now certain
Yan Shaozhe was not only colluding with the Sun Moon Empire
but also had ties to the Holy Spirit Cult.
It was highly likely that his connection to the Sun Moon Empire came through his dealings with the Holy Spirit Cult.
Analyzing the Bigger Picture
"The Sun Moon Empire and the Holy Spirit Cult are working together."
During the Sun Moon Soul Dueling Tournament, the Holy Spirit Cult's team openly participated, and even when their Evil Soul Master abilities were exposed, the Sun Moon Empire did nothing.
"If they weren't allies, there's no way the Sun Moon Empire would have tolerated that."
That meant the Sun Moon Empire wasn't a unified force
There were factions opposed to the Holy Spirit Cult
And factions aligned with them.
Huo Yuhao was clearly on the side against the Evil Soul Masters, and he was backed by Kong Deming.
"Despite sealing my soul core, Huo Yuhao subtly warned me before."
"He pointed out that Yan Shaozhe has the same martial soul as Ye Xishui."
"And now, by activating my soul core seal at the right moment "
" he's telling me that Yan Shaozhe is the traitor."
This time, Yan Shaozhe merely injured him with his Martial Soul True Body
But in the future, he would surely try to kill him.
Yan Shaozhe's Ultimate Goal?
To replace Xuan Zi as Sea God Pavilion Master.
With Mu En's declining health, the next Pavilion Master was already a hot topic.
Xuan Zi was the undisputed top candidate
With power, wisdom, experience, and influence, no one could challenge him.
But Yan Shaozhe's ambition wouldn't allow him to wait.
"Once Mu En passes away, Yan Shaozhe will definitely make his move."
"He knows I am his biggest obstacle, and he will eliminate me first."
"Especially since I am a sworn enemy of Evil Soul Masters."
Deception and Patience
Yan Shaozhe suddenly spoke, his expression concerned:
"Elder Xuan, why didn't you dodge my Martial Soul True Body?"
"You didn't even use much soul power…"
"If you had reacted normally, I never would have injured you."
Xuan Zi's thoughts were interrupted.
He looked at Yan Shaozhe's face, filled with feigned worry, and inwardly sneered:
"Hypocrite!"
"Even now, he's still acting."
"Once I return to Shrek Academy, I will speak to Mu En."
"I will expose Yan Shaozhe and rid Shrek Academy of this traitor."
However
For now, he couldn't act rashly.
If he tipped his hand too soon, Yan Shaozhe might strike first.
So, Xuan Zi forced a smile and gave a vague excuse:
"I was distracted by Kong Deming's attack."
"He might be a spiritual type Super Douluo."
"My defenses against mental attacks are weak."
Yan Shaozhe immediately latched onto the statement:
"What a coincidence! I was also attacked by a spiritual type Super Douluo!"
"The pain was unbearable."
Xuan Zi casually nodded, giving some meaningless responses.
But internally, he had already made his decision.
The Retreat
Despite their counterattack, the Shrek Elders were unable to inflict major damage on the Sun Moon forces.
Under Kong Deming's leadership, the Sun Moon Empire retaliated fiercely.
Shrek's team was forced to retreat, leaving behind Lin Lao's corpse as they fled in defeat.
Losing two powerful elders was a devastating loss for Shrek Academy.
To prevent further casualties, Xuan Zi decided to withdraw completely.
He also sent an urgent message to Elder Song, ordering her and the students in the Sun Moon Empire to abort their mission and evacuate immediately.
Sun Moon Imperial Palace
In the palace, Emperor Xu Tianran's expression was filled with rage.
He had just received the battle report
"Shrek Academy dared to send its elders to attack the Sun Moon border?!"
"If not for Elder Kong's foresight and preparations, our Soul Engineer legions would have suffered massive losses!"
His voice echoed through the hall.
Beside him, Ju Zi spoke calmly:
"Your Majesty, please remain calm."
"Shrek's forces suffered a significant defeat."
"They lost two powerful elders and were forced to flee like stray dogs."
"This is a victory for us."
Xu Tianran took a deep breath, his anger slightly easing.
"You're right."
"From a strategic standpoint, this was a great success."
"We only lost some soul tools and temporary encampments."
"But they lost two irreplaceable elders."
However
His eyes turned cold as he clenched his fist.
"Still since Shrek has made the first move, I cannot simply stand by."
"They attacked my borders."
"Now, it's time for me to strike back."
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