"No."
However, Xue Feng stopped Shui Xiye. "How could the Elder go to supervise such a thing? Leave it to General Ge Hong."
"That works too."
A glint flashed in Shui Xiye's eyes as she nodded slightly. The implied meaning behind Xue Feng's words seemed to be "why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut," but implicitly, it was a lack of trust in her.
But this wasn't surprising. Who could entrust their life and fortune to someone they hadn't even known for a few years without any reservations?
"By the way, there is one more thing I want to ask." Suddenly, as if she just remembered, Shui Xiye asked Xue Feng, "Regarding the encounters of the Tian Hun Empire and the Star Luo Empire, should our Dou Ling Empire express something?"
"Express... of course we must express something."
As the "shock" in his heart was suppressed, another hidden emotion gradually revealed itself in Xue Feng's mind. And this emotion was joy. Like an uncontrollable flame, it quietly rose up.
Because it had to be said, this was a great opportunity!
After taking the throne, his first ambition was to annex the Tian Hun Empire, allowing the Tian Hun and Dou Ling empires to reunify and restore the glory of the Tian Douou Empire from thousands of years ago!
But the timing wasn't ripe, so he could only bide his time and conceal his ambitions. Xue Feng originally thought his "biding" would take decades, but unexpectedly, an unprecedented opportunity was created by these remnants of the evil soul masters!
The royal families and civil and military officials of the two great empires, Tian Hun and Star Luo, suffered heavy casualties, leading to a leaderless state and the direct collapse of the upper echelons. Their empires would inevitably fall into chaos.
Even if members of the royal family survived by chance, what about the reconstruction of the civil and military officials? What about the pacification of the empire? For all these things, the two great empires would need at least five years, or even longer, to quell the aftermath. Restoring order would require a lot of hard work; it wouldn't be easy.
This was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for the rise of the Dou Ling Empire! If he could cleverly use this opportunity to take these two rich lands and massive resources into his pocket, the Dou Ling Empire would surely leap to become the hegemon of the Douluo Continent. Then, after completely annexing the Sun Moon Empire, he would rule this vast world.
However, as an emperor skilled in political maneuvering, Xue Feng knew very well that this matter must not be rushed. Even though the two great empires were severely wounded at this moment, their foundations, like the military, were still there. The Tian Hun Empire even had the Limit Douluo Du Busi guarding it.
If he really looted a burning house and annexed the two great empires of Tian Hun and Star Luo, it would definitely cause public outrage. It might even get him associated with the evil soul masters, which would instead lead to a united resistance from other forces, plunging them into eternal damnation.
"However, even if I can't swallow these two great empires in one bite, taking a big bite of the fat meat is still possible. Especially the Star Luo Empire; now that there is no Limit Douluo guarding it, and the White Tiger Duke's mansion has also been destroyed, it is a good time for us to strengthen ourselves," Xue Feng couldn't help but flash a greedy light in his eyes, muttering to himself.
This scene was quietly observed by Bright Phoenix Douluo Shui Xiye. A smile curled up at the corner of her mouth but was quickly withdrawn.
This was exactly what she wanted!
No matter what she thought in her heart, on the surface, she still had to put on a good act. Shui Xiye frowned slightly, pretending to be worried as she said, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter still needs to be discussed further. Although the Star Luo Empire has suffered heavy losses, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Their domestic military and people may not easily surrender. Moreover, the major factions will be closely watching the situation changes later. If we act rashly, I'm afraid it will cause dissatisfaction and interference from other forces, bringing unnecessary trouble to the empire."
Xue Feng waved his hand, a confident and arrogant smile appearing on his face: "Other factions interfering? I don't care about that at all. Besides, what powerful factions does the Star Luo Empire have?"
Actually, speaking carefully, although the national strength of the Star Luo Empire was the strongest among the original three Douluo empires, its domestic soul master factions were inferior to those of the Tian Hun and Dou Ling Empires. Let alone the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they didn't even have one like the Heavenly Dragon Sect.
But regarding this, Shui Xiye showed hesitation. "Your Majesty, the current White Tiger Duke is still alive."
Hearing this, Xue Feng guessed her thoughts. Although Dai Hao was only the marshal of the Star Luo Empire and his cultivation hadn't reached Super Douluo, he was, after all, a descendant of the Dai family, the previous royal family before the Xu family. Furthermore, he had inherited the title of "White Tiger Douluo," and this was the most important point. One must consider the Buddha's face even if they ignore the monk's!
"Elder Shui is worried that Dai Hao will seek help from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Shrek Academy, thereby causing these two major factions to intervene, right."
Shui Xiye nodded, admitting it. But clearly, Xue Feng was very confident about this.
"Actually, Elder Shui doesn't need to worry too much about this; I have my own calculations. Although the Dai family has deep connections with Shrek Academy and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, my Xue family isn't without them either."
Oh? Shui Xiye felt surprised in her heart. "It seems I am ignorant."
"This is not the Elder's fault." Xue Feng waved his hand as if he didn't care. "Actually, my ancestor Xue Beng was not only a disciple of the Sea God Tang San, but at that time, the Tian Douou Empire also conferred the title of 'Blue Lightning King' on the Sea God's master, Yu Xiaogang, and Yu Xiaogang was one of the founders of Shrek Academy. So in this regard, we also have quite a connection."
Subsequently, Xue Feng changed the topic. "Even if this connection is not as deep as the Dai family's, it still exists. So as long as we don't go too far, Shrek Academy won't intervene too much. And the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect absolutely won't interfere in politics; after all, they bet on the wrong horse in the past, which led them to establish such a rule."
"I see." Shui Xiye expressed her understanding. "Then how does Your Majesty plan to act?"
This question seemed to temporarily stump Xue Feng.
Tap, tap, tap—
His fingers continuously tapped on the imperial desk as time passed second by second. Shui Xiye wasn't in a hurry; she walked straight to the tea table nearby, sat down, and poured herself a pot of tea to sip.
Until Xue Feng had an idea.
"Dispatch two Supreme Generals to personally lead the troops, and have seven Worships accompany them. Divide the troops into two routes: one route led by a Supreme General and two Worships to attack the cities of the Tian Hun Empire, and the other route led by a Supreme General and five Worships to attack the cities of the Star Luo Empire. Before the major factions can react, capture as many cities as possible. Once they react and start negotiations, our bottom line will be to return two-thirds and one-fourth of the captured cities. The two-thirds returned will be to the Tian Hun Empire, and the one-fourth to the Star Luo Empire. Perfect!"
Clearly, Xue Feng had made up his mind to "pick the soft persimmons." His energy and attention for capturing cities were focused on the Star Luo Empire, bullying them specifically. As for the Tian Hun Empire, it was purely a case of "shake the tree to see if dates fall out" (giving it a try just in case).
"Besides that, we must also make moves in the dark."
This continent has never lacked ambitious people. Like how the Wei family rose up back then and occupied half the territory of the Tian Douou Empire to establish the Tian Hun Empire... even after thousands of years, their Xue family still remembered it vividly.
"Send people to the Tian Hun Empire and the Star Luo Empire to incite the emotions of those ambitious ones. On the Tian Hun Empire's side, spread the word about how their Wei family rebelled and seized my Xue family's throne thousands of years ago, causing chaos to spread all over the Tian Hun Empire. And the same goes for the Star Luo Empire, but the pretext cannot be the same as the Tian Hun side."
Xue Feng's eyes were full of cunning. "The Xu family replacing the Dai family back then under the guise of 'saving Star Luo' is quite a good name to use." Saying this, he emphasized again. "Increase the investment on the Star Luo Empire side."
It was that phrase again, "pick the soft persimmons."
Shui Xiye laughed inwardly, but on the surface, she said in agreement: "Since Your Majesty has made a decision, I naturally agree. But does the Tian Hun Empire require me to go there in person?"
"Then I'll trouble Elder Shui." This time, Xue Feng didn't refuse.
But just as he was about to elaborate on his subsequent annexation plan, suddenly, a slight sound of footsteps came from outside the door. Immediately after, a eunuch knocked lightly on the door and announced loudly: "Your Majesty, the Dean of Shrek Academy, Yan Shaozhe, requests an audience!"
Xue Feng was slightly taken aback and exchanged a glance with Shui Xiye. Why did Yan Shaozhe come in person?
A trace of doubt surged in his heart, but he quickly regained his calm, roughly figuring out the reason. Perhaps it was because of the evil soul masters that a Dean would come personally.
If that was the case, then the annexation couldn't be delayed. If Shrek gagged their mouths, it would be unjustifiable to do it later, inevitably leading to "trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice."
Since that's the case...
"Elder Shui." Xue Feng looked at Shui Xiye. "Notify the Minister of Military Affairs, have him select a Supreme General to lead the troops into the Tian Hun Empire. As for the Star Luo Empire side, let Ge Hong go personally. The five Worships will be accompanied by Heavenly Sun Douluo; you must capture a quarter of their territory!"
Capturing a quarter of the territory was indeed a difficult task. But in Shui Xiye's eyes, she was happy to do so.
"I obey."
"Then I will take my leave first."
"Mm."
Only then did Xue Feng put on a serious face and raise his hand: "Quickly, invite Dean Yan in."
The eunuch outside took the order and left, and Shui Xiye disappeared as well.
A moment later, Yan Shaozhe walked into the Imperial Study with steady and powerful strides. Seeing Xue Feng, his expression didn't change at all.
"Emperor of Dou Ling, Yan has come to see you."
Xue Feng smiled and stepped forward to greet him, saying enthusiastically: "Dean Yan, your visit to the Dou Ling Imperial Palace today truly makes me feel honored. May I ask what brings Dean Yan here?"
"Seeing that Ling Dou City is fine, I feel relieved for Your Majesty."
Facing Xue Feng's inquiry, Yan Shaozhe gave an irrelevant answer.
Xue Feng guessed his meaning, but deliberately showed confusion, and even displeasure. "What does Dean Yan mean by this? Also, I wonder if I have ever offended Dean Yan that you would curse me like this?"
"I caused Your Majesty to misunderstand. But..." Yan Shaozhe's expression had become grave. "I am indeed relieved for Your Majesty, Ling Dou City, and the Dou Ling Empire. Perhaps Your Majesty doesn't know yet, but the Star Luo Empire and the Tian Hun Empire have already suffered misfortune. The capitals of both empires were attacked by the remnants of the Holy Spirit Cult led by 'Zhongli Wu'. The two imperial palaces were destroyed. Except for a few Worships and the two princesses Wei Na and Xu Jiujiu, no one else was spared. Star Luo City and the White Tiger Duke's mansion were completely massacred."
"What!?" Xue Feng pretended to hear this for the first time, acting greatly surprised. "How dare they be so rampant!"
"Exactly." Yan Shaozhe's tone was serious, carrying a hint of "educating" meaning. "So the first purpose of my visit is to see how Ling Dou City is doing; the second is to remind Your Majesty to strengthen defenses to avoid repeating the mistakes of Tian Hun and Star Luo."
"As for the third, it is to discuss a grand plan to deal with the evil soul masters. After all, these remnants of the Holy Spirit Cult are becoming increasingly rampant and have posed a serious threat to the peace and stability of the entire Douluo Continent. Shrek Academy has decided to take the lead and unite the major factions on the continent to discuss how to resolve this matter. We might even form an alliance together to work together against the evil soul masters. So I am here to invite Your Majesty to participate and discuss strategies together."
Xue Feng's heart stirred, but his face remained impassive. Pretending to ponder for a moment, a sincere smile finally appeared on his face as he said: "Dean Yan is absolutely right. Evil soul masters bring disaster to the continent and destroy lives; everyone has the right to punish them!"
"The Dou Ling Empire is willing to fully support this alliance action. I wonder if Dean Yan currently has any specific plans and arrangements?"
Seeing Xue Feng's positive attitude, Yan Shaozhe was satisfied in his heart.
"Your Majesty's understanding of righteousness is admirable. Currently, our preliminary plan is to hold a conference at the Sea God Pavilion of Shrek Academy in half a month. At that time, representatives of major factions will be invited to gather and discuss the formation of the alliance, in order to monitor and eliminate the evil soul masters and restore peace to the Douluo Continent."
Xue Feng nodded and said: "Good, I will send suitable representatives to participate in this alliance conference. The Dou Ling Empire will also do its best to contribute to the fight against the evil soul masters."
Seeing that his goal was achieved, Yan Shaozhe didn't stay any longer. He needed to quickly return to the academy, deliver the news to the elders of the Sea God Pavilion, and then finalize the formation of the alliance.
Obviously, the formation of this alliance was a decision made by Yan Shaozhe. After all, when he was at the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect earlier, he hadn't proposed this yet.
It was only later, on the way to Tian Douou City, that a flash of inspiration struck him, and this idea popped up.
As the Dean of Shrek Academy, facing the growing strength of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he urgently wanted to enhance Shrek Academy's influence and voice.
However, Elder Mu had instructed Shrek Academy to contract and adopt a low-profile strategy. Likewise, he also told them not to interfere in affairs between empires in the future.
This point obviously didn't align with Yan Shaozhe's wishes. Because this reduced Shrek Academy's voice. But at the same time, he respected his teacher.
Thus, when the idea of this "alliance" emerged, Yan Shaozhe had a new plan. Use this alliance to expand Shrek Academy's influence and voice; after all, an alliance aimed at evil soul masters couldn't be considered interfering in empires' affairs, right?
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