Xian Lin'er promptly reported everything she had learned about Kong Deming from He Caitou to the Sea God Pavilion's elders.
Most of the elders leaned toward the belief that Kong Deming was a Super Douluo.
As for being a Rank 10 Soul Engineer—not even Mu En considered that possibility. That kind of title was legendary even within the Sun Moon Empire. How could it possibly appear so easily?
Compared to the mythical Level 10 Soul Engineer, the idea that Kong Deming was a Super Douluo seemed far more acceptable.
People tend to believe what they want to believe. Even Titled Douluo were no exception to this rule.
"Who would've thought the Sun Moon Empire was hiding so much… and that a Super Douluo was working in the shadows?" Elder Song murmured in astonishment.
At present, among all the major powers on the Douluo Continent, only Shrek Academy possessed the most powerful high-level soul master forces—one Limit Douluo, and multiple Super Douluo.
The Douling Empire had only one Super Douluo. The Tianhun Empire was the same. Only the Star Luo Empire had two, making it marginally stronger.
But who would have imagined that the Sun Moon Empire—long considered a barren land for soul master cultivation—had secretly harbored a Super Douluo all along?
"The Sun Moon Empire has led the former Three Kingdoms of the Douluo Continent in the field of soul tools by a full thousand years. Now that they're catching up in the soul master field as well… eventually, they will launch a full-scale upheaval. And when that time comes, it'll be a disaster for the world," said Yan Shaozhe grimly.
Elder Song immediately turned to Mu En and said, "Elder Mu, why don't I take a few Super Douluo with me to the Sun Moon Empire? We'll find a way to secretly eliminate their top-tier forces."
"Absolutely not," Mu En said, shaking his head. He rejected the proposal flatly.
"I've been to Mingdu myself. The capital is so heavily defended that unless you're a Limit Douluo, you can't break through. And if we strike recklessly, it'll give them an excuse to retaliate."
"But if we let them keep building up strength, the consequences could be disastrous!" Elder Song frowned deeply.
"That's exactly why everything now hinges on Jiang Qingtong," Mu En said, looking around at the others. "She is the Sun Moon Empire's hope for the future—but she's also our hope for the future of the former Douluo Continent."
"The Empire was confident enough to send her to Shrek Academy. Most likely, it's because her family is still over there, giving them leverage to keep her in line. But that's also our opening. Lin'er, have He Caitou interact with her more often."
"Yes, Elder Mu," Xian Lin'er nodded.
"We need the Sun Moon Empire to understand one thing—you can't control people through coercion forever," Mu En declared solemnly.
Yet neither Mu En nor the others ever truly reflected on one key fact:
What they were doing at that very moment was also an attempt to control Jiang Qingtong—using subtle manipulation and emotional leverage.
Maybe deep down they were aware of it. But they had already come up with a justification for themselves:
It's for the sake of peace on the continent.
And with such noble ideals as "justice" and "the greater good" to back them up, everything they did… must be righteous, right?
---
Back at the dormitory, after parting ways with He Caitou, Jiang Qingtong returned to her room. Jiang Nannan was resting inside. Upon seeing Qingtong come in, she immediately got up and wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Qingtong, thank you!"
She whispered into Jiang Qingtong's ear.
"I mean, I don't mind the thanks," Jiang Qingtong replied, a bit caught off guard by the sudden hug. "But didn't you already thank me before?"
Jiang Nannan shook her head and held her tighter. "What I mean is… I hope you won't change your mind about yourself just because of the Sun Moon Empire's evil reputation. And I want you to know—I won't judge you for it either! You'll always be my junior sister!"
Ah, so it was about that.
Realization dawned on Jiang Qingtong, followed by a hint of helplessness. She gently patted Jiang Nannan's back and said, "You're overthinking it, senior. I don't have any doubts about myself. Besides, neither I nor the Academy can dictate what you believe. However you view the Sun Moon Empire—that's something only you can decide, and only after seeing it for yourself."
"See it for myself?" Jiang Nannan paused, then released Jiang Qingtong and began to think. "That's… actually a pretty good idea. Ever since you told me how different the Empire's nobles are from those on the Douluo Continent, I've been considering it."
But earlier, Xuanzi's fearmongering portrayal of the Empire had given her second thoughts.
"Once this Soul Master Tournament is over, who knows? Maybe we'll get the chance." Jiang Qingtong said casually.
Jiang Nannan nodded.
Of course, Jiang Qingtong hadn't come to Shrek Academy just to "steal martial souls." If the opportunity arose, she'd steal people too! Regardless of their personalities, the students of Shrek Academy had soul master talent and overall qualities that far outstripped those of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
She didn't need dozens—just a couple good recruits would be a huge win.
Jiang Nannan was the perfect target. Her life experience had given her a natural resentment toward noble soul masters. Her sense of belonging to Shrek Academy—or to the Three Kingdoms—was weak.
Xiao Xiao was another ideal candidate.
As for the others? Jiang Qingtong didn't even consider them. The rest were either loyal to Shrek or from noble families or powerful sects like the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
---
Mingdu, capital of the Sun Moon Empire.
Inside the imperial palace's main hall.
Jing Hongchen, along with three other Titled Douluo, was reporting on the progress of the Soul Guidance Satellite research to the Emperor and his court officials. Kong Deming sat directly below the Emperor—a position of absolute authority, second only to the throne.
After Jing Hongchen had finished presenting the research status, Kong Deming added, "The launch mechanism for the first prototype Soul Guidance Satellite is complete. We're ready to send the experimental satellite into the sky—whenever Your Majesty gives the order."
"Please, be seated. Ministers, what are your thoughts?" the Emperor asked, not giving a direct answer. Instead, after asking the titled elders to sit, he turned to consult his court.
Seeing that even in such a major decision the Emperor sought the opinions of his officials, Kong Deming let out a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh. From his seat, Jing Hongchen exchanged a glance with Kong Deming, both men looking slightly resigned.
Xu Tianran had been watching them closely. He noticed the subtle expressions they shared.
A fierce debate broke out among the court ministers. Some were in favor of launching the satellite immediately, while others warned that doing so might provoke Shrek Academy and the Three Kingdoms. Such a move, they argued, would only make international relations even more difficult.
The Emperor found himself torn between the two sides.
Just then, Xu Tianran wheeled himself forward and said firmly,
"Royal Father, I believe the launch should happen as soon as possible! Once the satellite is in orbit, our surveillance over the Three Kingdoms will be vastly improved—and you, Father, will have total awareness of all that happens within the Empire!"
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