Smart people had already begun trying to contact Xu Tiannan to negotiate the terms of pledging allegiance to the Sun Moon Empire. The stubborn ones were still observing. The extremely stubborn ones had already made up their minds to live and die together with Xingluo and Tianhun.
In the Douluo Continent, the concept of "protecting one's homeland" basically didn't exist.
Or rather, only a portion of ordinary people thought that way.
As for the true disciples of sects and clans, they only wished to contribute to their own sect or clan, not to live and die with their country.
If a place better than their original nation appeared, they would choose to defect without hesitation.
Unless they were tied too deeply with the royal family and simply couldn't cut that bond.
Otherwise, it was rare for sect disciples to sacrifice everything for the interests of a particular nation.
Of course, there were always exceptions.
Shrek Academy was the best example.
It was clearly just an academy, but its brainwashing and restraints over its students were even stronger than those of major sects. Once someone stayed in Shrek long enough, or became an Inner Court student, then for the glory of Shrek—even if they were asked to give their lives—they would never hesitate.
It was precisely because of this that even though they had witnessed the prosperity and inclusiveness of Mingdu, their first thought wasn't to join the Sun Moon Empire.
Instead, they secretly wondered whether they could find a way to destroy this dazzling Mingdu and drag the Sun Moon Empire back down to the same level as them.
Then defeat the Sun Moon Empire with superior experience!
After walking around the city, Xuanzi looked at Yan Shaozhe and quietly asked:
"How is it, Shaozhe? Have you noticed anything?"
Yan Shaozhe nodded slightly, his eyes sweeping over a particular spot on the street without leaving a trace.
"The Sun Moon Empire has truly spent heavily to maintain order in Mingdu. Just on the surface alone, there are over ten Soul Douluo, several dozen Soul Saints, and at least three ninth-rank soul engineers ready to respond to emergencies at any moment."
Hearing this, Xuanzi let out a cold laugh.
"Mingdu does look extremely prosperous, but who knows if this prosperity is something they deliberately staged? Trying to scare people with this, huh? Do they really think our Shrek Academy is like those brainless sects, who immediately consider defecting to the Sun Moon Empire when they see this?"
Although Yan Shaozhe didn't quite agree with Xuanzi, he knew that once Xuanzi fixated on something, no one could change his mind except Mu En himself.
And even if Mu En forced him to bow, Xuanzi would still be completely unconvinced inside.
Thus he simply nodded and followed along.
"That's true. But from what I know, among the sects already here in Mingdu, a good number have begun discussing terms for pledging allegiance."
"At this rate, Xingluo and Tianhun's situation will only get worse."
Yan Shaozhe mentioned Xingluo and Tianhun, but even Xuanzi could hear that he was actually worrying about Shrek Academy's future.
After Shrek's utter disgrace in the previous tournament, its situation became extremely difficult. If they hadn't used the war between Xingluo, Tianhun, and the Holy Spirit Sect to force them into supplying elite students, Shrek would've already lost all new blood.
But now, seeing the Sun Moon Empire grow more prosperous and filled with talent only fueled the burning anger and hostility in Xuanzi's heart.
Seeing Xuanzi genuinely wanting to find an opportunity to cause trouble in Mingdu, Yan Shaozhe immediately remembered that five years ago, Kong Deming had already become a Super Douluo and, with soul tool support, had even suppressed his own teacher. Yan Shaozhe hurriedly advised in a serious tone:
"Elder Xuan, don't forget Elder Mu's instructions. We are only here as leading teachers. Aside from protecting the students, we must not do anything extra!"
Xuanzi froze for a moment, then nodded with extreme unwillingness.
"Fine. Before the Soul Master Tournament ends, I won't do anything excessive."
Yan Shaozhe's scalp tingled instantly.
That sentence gave him a very bad feeling.
He had a strong premonition that once this tournament ended, Xuanzi would definitely do something disastrous for Shrek Academy.
Just as Yan Shaozhe was about to say something more, a plump figure appeared in the distance. Yan Shaozhe's expression changed drastically, instantly entering high alert.
Xuanzi also frowned deeply and glared at the newcomer.
"Old Toad, what do you want?"
Jing Hongchen smiled cheerfully at Xuanzi, completely unbothered by being called an old toad.
"Nothing much. My soul power just recently broke through to Rank 95 Super Douluo. After hearing you had arrived in Mingdu with Shrek's people, I specially came to share the good news. And of course, to invite you—my old friend—to have a few drinks with me."
The moment Jing Hongchen finished speaking, Xuanzi and Yan Shaozhe's expressions both changed drastically.
Especially Xuanzi—his gaze instantly turned pitch-black and chilling.
Share good news? Share your damn good news!
This bastard Jing Hongchen definitely told him on purpose that he had broken through to Super Douluo, just like Kong Deming before—now able to contend even with Extreme Douluo!
He was clearly warning him to behave and not cause trouble in Mingdu!
Xuanzi—Rank 98 Super Douluo, famed across the continent as the Taotie Douluo—being threatened by a frog he didn't even look up to?
Fine. Even if he didn't want to accept the threat, he had no choice now.
Xuanzi's teeth clenched so tightly that the muscles at the corners of his mouth began to twitch, fully displaying the fury and unwillingness boiling in his heart.
Damn it! Why had even this damned old toad broken through to Super Douluo, while the Extreme Douluo barrier that had blocked him for so many years still refused to let him pass?
Old toad, damn you!
Warning—warning—Xuanzi approaching red-hot rage.
Seeing Xuanzi reaching his limit, Yan Shaozhe knew that if he didn't act, Xuanzi might lose his reason entirely. He forced out an awkward smile, looked at Jing Hongchen, and reluctantly congratulated him:
"Congratulations, Hall Master Hongchen. Unfortunately, since we're here as leading teachers for Shrek Academy, we didn't bring any gifts with us, otherwise—"
Jing Hongchen waved his hand, interrupting him, his smile blooming like a flower. And seeing Xuanzi so red-hot almost made him burst with joy.
"No need. A gift isn't important. After all, in the past five years, Shrek Academy has given quite a lot of 'gifts' to our Sun Moon Empire."
Yan Shaozhe fell silent.
If not for lack of strength, he would've already punched Jing Hongchen across the plaza.
But he also understood Jing Hongchen's intention: the old toad was purposely provoking Xuanzi and him to make a move. Because if they struck first, the Sun Moon Empire could arrest them on the spot—and no one would defend Shrek.
Realizing this, Yan Shaozhe immediately grabbed the boiling Xuanzi and hurriedly dragged him away while hastily bidding farewell to Jing Hongchen—fleeing in disgrace.
...........
Fully Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Brothers I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! recently Feel free to check it out—if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
" Douluo: Tang San Forbidden Harem (18+) "
" Douluo 2: Martial Soul Wish Tree — Wang Dong Got Addicted (18+) "
" Douluo: Super Sex Slave System (18+) "
" BTTH: Writing Up a Diaries, Xiao Yan Became My Fanboy "
" Douluo 3: Adopting Gu Yuena at the Start "
" BTTH: I, Peerless Poison Pet, Got Picked Up by Little Fairy Doctor "
" BTTH: Elemental God "
" Douluo: Transmigrated as the Second Young Miss of Spirit Hall "
" BTTH: Flame Emperor, Please Restrain Yourself — Your Brother Is Really Just a Simple Man "
" BTTH: I'm Just an Alchemist "
" BTTH: Traveling Through with the Ancestral Talisman"
" Douluo: Ranking the Top Ten Peerless Goddesses at the Start "
" Douluo: Transmigrated as Huo Yuhao "
" Douluo 2: I, Huo Yuhao, Refuse to Be Tang San's Son-in-Law "
many more up to 130+ are available.
Your support means a lot—thanks in advance, legends!
Patreon.com/UIGOD
(End of Chapter)