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Flender walked slowly into the grand hall of the Heaven Dou Empire's imperial palace, his heart filled with unease.
The moment he entered, his gaze was unconsciously drawn to the palace's extravagant splendor.
The dazzling gold-and-jade ornaments, the magnificently carved beams, and the brilliantly painted ceilings—all of it exuded the authority and opulence of the royal family.
If all of this could be exchanged for gold soul coins, just how much would it be worth?
Flender secretly envied such wealth. If he could possess even a fraction of it, would Shrek Academy still have to struggle to survive?
Suddenly, he remembered that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had yet to pay him for delivering Tang San's message. His heart filled with regret.
He resolved that after meeting the Snow Night Emperor, he would definitely go to the sect and claim that generous reward.
Soon, Flender reached the center of the hall. The Snow Night Emperor sat upon the throne, his expression dignified and imposing.
Standing at his side were three instructors from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy—each one a Spirit Douluo above the eightieth rank, their auras overwhelmingly oppressive.
Seeing them, Flender hurried forward, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
The Snow Night Emperor smiled faintly, raising his hand. "Dean Flender, there is no need for excessive courtesy."
Flender straightened his back, though his heart remained uneasy.
He stole a glance at the three Spirit Douluos, silently wondering about the Emperor's true purpose in summoning him.
Why would His Majesty call for me?
After all, he was only a Soul Sage. To meet the Emperor under normal circumstances was nearly impossible.
For him to be summoned so directly today was highly unusual.
Yet Flender did not expose his doubts. Instead, he wisely left the initiative in the Emperor's hands.
Seeing that Flender was so tactful, the Snow Night Emperor did not dive into the main topic immediately. Instead, he exchanged a few pleasantries, speaking of trivial matters.
Flender responded politely, though his suspicions only grew deeper.
At last, the Emperor shifted the conversation.
"Dean Flender, if I recall correctly, you are running an academy called Shrek, are you not?"
At the mention of Shrek Academy, Flender's heart tightened, his pupils contracting sharply.
In that instant, he understood why he had been summoned.
It was because of Lan Minghua.
Lan Minghua was indeed a teacher of Shrek Academy—this fact was indisputable.
Not long ago, Lan Minghua had killed Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The sect had long-standing ties with the Heaven Dou Empire, and Ning Fengzhi had also been the tutor of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
With such connections, there was no way the Snow Night Emperor would remain indifferent.
Cold sweat beaded on Flender's forehead. He knew he had to make a choice.
A glance at the three Spirit Douluos beside the Emperor was enough to tell him that if he refused to cooperate, he would not be walking out alive today.
Thus, without hesitation, Flender betrayed Lan Minghua, bitterly complaining before the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, Lan Minghua's strength is too overwhelming! I, a mere Soul Sage, had no way of stopping him. Please, do not blame me for this."
The Snow Night Emperor nodded calmly. "I understand. Lan Minghua's power is indeed extraordinary. I will not hold you responsible."
Hearing this, Flender breathed a sigh of relief, though his unease did not fade.
Sure enough, the Snow Night Emperor continued, "There are two matters for which I summoned you today. First, I have decided that Shrek Academy will be merged into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
Flender's face instantly turned pale.
He knew full well that if Shrek Academy merged with Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, his position as dean would cease to exist.
Seeing his hesitation, the Snow Night Emperor's tone grew heavier. "Dean Flender, this is a decree, not a negotiation. Do you understand?"
Hearing such domineering words, Flender swallowed his bitterness and forced a smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. For Shrek Academy to be merged into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is my greatest honor."
But in his heart, he knew things would never be so simple.
Summoning his courage, he asked, "Your Majesty… are you planning to move against Lan Minghua?"
The Emperor chuckled lightly, though his eyes glinted with coldness. "Sect Master Ning was a man of my Heaven Dou Empire. Since he was killed by Lan Minghua, how could I stand idly by?"
Flender blurted out, "But Lan Minghua is no ordinary figure! With the Heavenly Dragon Gang supporting him, they already possess at least two Titled Douluos. Their strength is not inferior to that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Your Majesty, do you truly wish to seek vengeance against such a force?"
From a merchant's perspective, Flender felt the Emperor's decision was reckless, gaining little benefit while provoking a powerful enemy.
Moreover, Lan Minghua had shown no hostility toward the empire. Wasn't this just creating trouble for oneself?
The Snow Night Emperor snorted coldly. "Hmph! Two Titled Douluos? Comparable to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? So what?"
"The three upper sects share common cause. Add to that the armies of my Heaven Dou Empire—do you think Lan Minghua's strength, no matter how great, could surpass ours?"
Then he revealed something that left Flender utterly stunned.
"Besides us, the Spirit Hall has also set their sights on Lan Minghua. I do not believe he can survive when surrounded by so many forces."
Flender's eyes widened, his heart trembling.
He had not expected that not only the three upper sects and the Heaven Dou Empire, but even Spirit Hall was targeting Lan Minghua.
These powers had stood unchallenged on the continent for generations. No force had ever successfully shaken their dominance.
Though Lan Minghua and the Heavenly Dragon Gang were strong, against such powers, Flender could not see how they stood any chance.
Quickly weighing the pros and cons, Flender—ever the shrewd businessman—made what he thought was the safest choice.
Bowing deeply, he declared firmly, "Your Majesty, I am willing to serve the Empire. Whatever orders you give, you may call on me."
The Snow Night Emperor nodded in satisfaction, painting a grand promise. "Very good, Dean Flender. I trust your loyalty. If you manage to break through to the Spirit Douluo realm, the position of dean of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy may well be yours."
Flender's eyes lit up instantly. Like a loyal hound, he rushed to flatter, "Your Majesty, rest assured! I, Flender, will devote myself entirely to the Empire, even unto death!"
But just as Flender finished professing his loyalty, a soldier burst into the hall in a panic.
Similar scenes unfolded simultaneously at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect.
For a shocking piece of news was about to shake them all.
The soldier strode quickly to the Snow Night Emperor, dropped to one knee, and reported with a trembling voice:
"Your Majesty, terrible news! Word has come from the Spirit Hall—the Fourth Elder of the Worship Hall, the Lion Douluo, as well as the Snake Spear Douluo and the Porcupinefish Douluo of the Elder Hall—all three have fallen to Lan Minghua!"
At those words, the hall fell deathly silent.
The Snow Night Emperor's face darkened instantly, while the three Spirit Douluo instructors exchanged looks of utter shock.
Flender stood frozen, dumbstruck, as a storm raged within his heart.
He had never imagined Lan Minghua's strength was so terrifying.
Even three of Spirit Hall's Titled Douluos had perished at his hands.
After a long silence, the Snow Night Emperor spoke grimly, his voice heavy: "It seems I have still underestimated Lan Minghua's power."
Standing at the side, Flender's emotions were in turmoil.
Lan… Lan Minghua's strength is actually that overwhelming? Did I choose sides too soon?
He had just pledged his loyalty, and in the very next moment came news that Lan Minghua had slain three Titled Douluos of Spirit Hall.
(End of Chapter)