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Lan Minghua arrived at a secluded spot within Shrek Academy. With a wave of his hand, he created a barrier that sealed the space off from outside detection.
In his hand, he held a stack of character cards. His fingertips lightly brushed along their edges, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
These cards were rewards he had obtained from the system's lottery, and each one represented a formidable force.
Now, Lan Minghua had decided to unleash all of this power to pave the way for the Tianlong Gang's future.
"System, use the character cards. Summon Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, as well as Lihua, Yingxian, Blade, Executioner, and the Stray Dog of the Night."
His voice was low and carried an unquestionable authority.
As his words fell, the stack of cards in his hand floated into the air and scattered.
For a brief instant, time itself seemed to freeze.
Immediately afterward, a brilliant light burst forth, and nine figures appeared out of thin air before him. The air grew thick with a chilling, murderous aura.
Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise all had towering physiques and overwhelming presences, like four immovable mountains.
Even just standing there, they radiated a crushing sense of oppression.
As the core disciples of the Tianlong Gang, their strength was even greater than that of Xianglong and Fuhu.
Meanwhile, Lihua, Yingxian, Blade, Executioner, and the Stray Dog of the Night had lean, agile figures with eyes as sharp as blades.
They resembled venomous serpents lurking in the shadows, exuding an aura that made one's heart grow cold.
"Greetings, Master!" the nine of them declared in unison, dropping to one knee before Lan Minghua.
Lan Minghua gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over them with secret satisfaction.
"Excellent. All nine of you are Titled Douluo, and each has a power rank of ninety-three."
Although all of them were of purple quality, the fact that they were Titled Douluo was a true surprise.
Even among characters of the same quality, there were disparities, just as there were between Wu Song and Yunshan, who were both of golden quality.
The fact that these nine were all Titled Douluo was a huge, unexpected gift for Lan Minghua.
"Rise," he said casually, gesturing for them to stand.
He then retrieved fifteen Rank-1 Soul Power Enhancement Cards (white) from his system space.
"Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Lihua, Yingxian, Blade—step forward," he commanded.
The seven named immediately stepped forward, their eyes filled with anticipation and reverence.
Lan Minghua distributed two Rank-1 Soul Power Enhancement Cards (white) to each of them.
Then he said lightly, "Use these cards to raise your soul power to rank ninety-five."
Without a moment's hesitation, the seven pressed the cards to their chests.
In an instant, white light flared. Countless tiny motes of light surged from the cards and merged into their bodies.
Their auras surged dramatically, and waves of soul power roared outward like a violent storm, even causing the air itself to tremble with a deep rumble.
But since this was a space created by Lan Minghua, no matter how violent the fluctuations became, they could not break the barrier.
Moments later, the seven's soul power stabilized at rank ninety-five. Their presence grew even sharper, as though the very air had been frozen by their pressure.
"Executioner, this one's for you."
Lan Minghua tossed him a card. After all, he only had fifteen Rank-1 Soul Power Enhancement Cards.
And since the limit for purple-quality characters was rank ninety-five, the extra card could only go to either Executioner or the Stray Dog of the Night.
Executioner gratefully accepted the card. "Thank you for the gift, Master."
Eagerly, he pressed it to his chest. White light flashed, and his soul power rapidly climbed, finally stabilizing at rank ninety-four.
Excitement flickered in his eyes, but he quickly forced it down, returning to his cold, stoic demeanor.
With no cards left, the Stray Dog of the Night would have to endure the shortfall.
Pointing at Executioner and the Stray Dog of the Night, Lan Minghua said calmly, "Do not be disheartened. As long as you excel in carrying out your missions, there will be more opportunities in the future."
"We would not dare, Master. Completing the tasks you assign us is our duty," they replied.
Though their words were humble, their hearts surged with excitement.
How could anyone not long for something that could directly enhance their strength?
It always felt as if they were just a step away from reaching their peak, and that feeling was very frustrating.
Although they were already rank ninety-three Titled Douluo, rank ninety-five was their true peak.
Lan Minghua gazed at the nine before him with satisfaction, his mind already calculating.
"On paper, the Tianlong Gang's strength has now surpassed both Spirit Hall and Sea God Island. It's time we truly reveal ourselves to the world."
"If you refuse to act, then don't blame me for making the first move."
He understood clearly: although Xianglong and Fuhu had built the framework of the Tianlong Gang, its foundation was still hollow.
They had no valuable treasures or wealth, nothing befitting a great sect.
They couldn't even compare to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, let alone Spirit Hall.
Since they lacked resources, then they would take them by force.
Lan Minghua had never claimed to be a good person, nor was he as magnanimous as people believed.
He had already given the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan many chances to act. Since they failed to appreciate them, they could not blame him for striking first.
After all, it is easier to be a thief for a thousand days than to guard against one for a thousand days.
Though Douluo Continent was a world of fantasy, it was still a place where the weak were prey to the strong.
As long as one possessed enough strength to become the ultimate victor, they would be seen as the side of justice.
History was always written by the winners. Who was deemed righteous, and who was branded evil, was decided solely by them.
Wasn't Tang San the same? All of his double standards and selfish actions were never mentioned again by later generations.
Lan Minghua picked his nose absentmindedly, his eyes dull like those of a dead fish as he thought.
"Lihua, Yingxian, Blade, Executioner, Stray Dog of the Night—heed my command!"
He suddenly called out, ready to unleash them against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and display the might of the Tianlong Gang.
The five immediately stepped forward, dropping to one knee. "We are here!" they shouted in unison.
Their voices were perfectly aligned and carried a murderous intent so sharp that even the air seemed frozen.
Lan Minghua rubbed his nose with his fingers and said slowly, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has repeatedly stood against my Tianlong Gang. Today, I command you five to go there, seize their treasures, and fill the coffers of our gang. If anyone stands in your way—kill them without mercy."
Bloodlust flashed in their eyes as they answered in unison, "Yes, Master!"
They were assassins—elite among assassins.
Lan Minghua waved his hand, and the five immediately rose. Their figures flickered and vanished from sight.
He then ordered the four of them to return to the Tianlong Gang's base to assist Xianglong and Fuhu in completing its construction.
Lan Minghua murmured to himself, "Unless you trample everyone beneath your feet, no one will look up to you or acknowledge you as strong."
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan… your end has come."
(End of Chapter)