The passing of life is nothing more than a small fragment in the long history of this world. Traces blown away by the wind disappear without a trace, leaving only withered bones on the spot, gazing up at the alternation of day and night.
Facts proved that after smoothly leaving the borders of the Star Luo Empire, the journey within the Heaven Dou Empire became much smoother.
Although they encountered the armies stationed by the Heaven Dou Empire at the border, unexpectedly, they were not obstructed; it could even be said that the path was unimpeded all the way.
While hurrying on the road, Shen Hanyu occasionally received a piece of news.
Just two days ago, the empire's first marshal, Ge Long, was beheaded outside Heaven Dou City. The hundred personal guards accompanying him were also wiped out without exception, all killed by thunderous means, with no survivors.
Upon learning of this news, Emperor Xue Ye immediately spat blood and fainted. Currently, all state affairs and the control of most of the armies have temporarily fallen into the hands of the crown prince, Xue Qinghe.
Shen Hanyu also gained a clear understanding of this. Qian Renxue's actions were extremely swift and decisive. Daring to act at this critical juncture meant that they already had perfect preparations.
...
The next day, another piece of news shocked the entire continent.
The several tens of thousands of troops stationed by the Star Luo Empire at the border were massacred in a short time. The cruelty of the methods made even the several imperial family worshippers who rushed over at full speed feel a chill in their hearts. Just the residual killing intent and resentment left at the scene were enough to turn that land into a true forbidden zone from then on.
Upon learning of this news for the first time, the Star Luo Emperor even found it somewhat unbelievable. Tens of thousands of elite troops being slaughtered, this was not something that could be accomplished in a short time, even in a real war. Yet such a seemingly impossible thing had truly happened within his nation...
After a brief calm came a nearly sky-high, immense fury. This act was no longer a simple conflict or contradiction. The lives of tens of thousands concerned the nation's dignity and honor, allowing no casual resolution or dismissal with a laugh. This was a genuine war of dignity. Once there was any retreat, the Star Luo Empire would ultimately become a true laughingstock and shame.
For a time, the citizens of the Star Luo Empire were in a state of public outrage. The immense sense of humiliation caused their anger and discontent to erupt. Calls for war resounded throughout the entire Star Luo Empire.
At the same time, on the Heaven Dou Empire's side, Qian Renxue stood on a high platform with an expressionless face, listening to the reports from the ministers below and various notifications about the Star Luo Empire mobilizing troops. She didn't even bother to lift her eyelids. Only when the rustling sounds below had completely quieted did she narrow her eyes slightly and speak in a deep voice:
"So, what high opinions do the various lords have?"
An old man dressed in luxurious attire below stroked his beard, then stepped forward and said:
"Your Highness, today Skywater Academy has thoroughly offended the entire Star Luo Empire. Moreover, the Star Luo side has even sworn on the nation's fortune to borrow a path and send troops against Skywater Academy. Why can't we go with the flow and lend them the desolate, barbaric lands near the extreme northern region for their military use? When the time comes, they will fight like the snipe and clam, and we can reap the benefits as the fisherman..."
Qian Renxue glanced indifferently at the speaking old man, then spoke casually:
"So, Elder Song's meaning is that we should believe the one-sided words of the Star Luo Empire?"
"What if they have other intentions, or rather... their goal isn't Skywater Academy at all, but the empire itself... then what about you... and this Highness?"
The old man called Elder Song stiffened, seemingly not expecting the usually gentle and refined crown prince to speak to him this way. He could only force himself to continue:
"Your Highness, the desolate, barbaric lands in the extreme north are uninhabited to begin with. Moreover, that area is a severe disaster zone of extreme cold weather. In my opinion, even if the Star Luo army truly advances from there, by the time they reach the vicinity of Element City, they will surely be exhausted. The lands and cities near Element City have long chosen to belong to Element City and are not under imperial control. I think that as long as the main army is stationed defensively in the rear, it will not harm the empire's interests..."
The corners of Qian Renxue's mouth first curved into a trace of a smile, then she couldn't help but start applauding. Just as Elder Song thought his idea had been recognized and secretly rejoiced, he heard Qian Renxue's voice devoid of any emotion:
"Someone come!"
"Song Yu dares to speak insolently in the imperial court, openly suggesting to let the enemy enter the national gate and harm the empire's interests. This Highness suspects he has already been bought by the Star Luo Empire, which is why he dares to think so much for the Star Luo Empire."
"Quickly come and throw him into the death prison. He shall be beheaded the next day!"
As Qian Renxue's words fell, the palace guards swarmed in. In the next moment, a heavy stick fiercely struck the bewildered Elder Song's head, causing blood to flow from his head wound. He was then dragged out like a dead dog.
For a time, the hall fell into dead silence. Everyone was shocked with their mouths slightly open, but no one dared to make a sound.
They seemed to realize that the gentle and refined crown prince had undergone some changes. No, more accurately, he had exposed his true face.
"Hehe..."
"My dear ministers, patriotism is a person's basic duty. This Highness acting this way is also for the sake of the empire's future. I believe no one will say that this Highness is wrong for this..."
A threat! A naked threat!
Qian Renxue's eyes swept coldly over the ministers, then she spoke word by word.
All the ministers lowered their heads, and no one dared to make a sound.
Qian Renxue snorted coldly, then said:
"Since that is the case, it seems that all the lords very much approve of His Highness's actions..."
"Since that is the case, this Highness will give Song Yu an additional reward..."
"Pass down the order: Song Yu's entire family shall be exterminated. Whoever dares to plead for him shall be dragged out and beheaded together for this Highness..."
"Additionally, recently, a group of assassins from the Star Luo Empire has appeared in the imperial capital. For the safety of the various lords, this Highness has specially prepared personnel to guard you personally. At the same time, please, various lords, go out less often to avoid any danger to your lives..."
Qian Renxue played with the ring in her hand, a smile dyeing her lips. Then, without a care, she flicked her sleeve and left...
The harbinger of a storm had already arrived. Thunder was constantly gathering, only waiting for the final moment.
...
The crown prince's change was truly astonishing, but what was even more terrifying was the several military orders issued continuously by the crown prince that day. Hundreds of thousands of troops marched toward the empire's borders, and countless soldiers, horses, and provisions were requisitioned. The scale of the actions was simply shocking.
Only now did many people finally see the situation clearly. This was not a simple storm at all, but a true war was about to arrive. No matter what the true intentions of both sides were, the outcome would not deviate too much.
Shui Ningbing naturally also received this news. Although she had been prepared, now that such a thing had truly happened, she was still slightly dazed.
How had it come to this after just one sleep, that her own academy was now at war with the Star Luo Empire? The key point was that she, as the dean, knew nothing about it...
But the wood had already become a boat, and she truly had nothing more to say. No matter right or wrong, she would fully support Shen Hanyu's decision.
When Snow Empress and the others learned of this news, although they were also somewhat shocked, they were mostly calm and accustomed to it. They were Shen Hanyu's closest people and already had some intuition or premonition about all of this, so their reactions were much better than the others...
...
Spirit City, Worship Hall.
Qian Daoliu, dressed in a gray long robe, knelt piously before the huge angel god statue. His aura around him was incomparably calm and harmonious, as if he had completely merged into the surrounding space.
Behind him, the remaining five worshippers, as well as the other Title Douluo remaining in the Spirit Hall, were all respectfully waiting here. No one dared to make a sound; they simply waited quietly for Qian Daoliu's instructions.
After a long time, Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes, then turned around and said in a calm voice:
"Xue'er has sent a message. All plans can be carried out. I think the purpose of summoning you all here today, you should also understand..."
Golden Crocodile Douluo was the first to step forward and say:
"Big Brother, just give the order. With a single command from you, the mere Heaven Dou Empire will completely fall into the young miss's hands in just a few days. At that time, unifying the entire continent will only be a matter of time..."
Qian Daoliu gently hummed in acknowledgment, then waved his hand and turned his gaze toward the several Title Douluo belonging to the Elder Hall, saying:
"Bibi Dong no longer concerns herself with Spirit Hall affairs. Now I have only one question: I want to ask about your choices..."
The few people secretly exchanged glances with each other. Then Demon Bear and Ghost Leopard Douluo stepped forward first, bowing as they said:
"We two will obey the commands of the Grand Worshipper and the young miss in all things..."
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo also exchanged a glance, their eyes showing complex expressions. They too bowed. With Bibi Dong choosing to temporarily retire, their best choice was to submit to the Worship Hall. Otherwise, with the methods of this Grand Worshipper and the other worshippers, how could they tolerate them continuing to hold such high power and glory in the Spirit Hall.
The others also expressed their willingness to follow one after another. Only then did Qian Daoliu nod expressionlessly, then say to Golden Crocodile Douluo:
"Second Worshipper, you do not need to go out on this trip. Let the others go."
Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded without insisting.
"Very well. Old Four, Old Six, you two take Chrysanthemum and Ghost with you on this trip. With such a lineup, I think there should be no accidents..."
"Additionally, Old Four, once you succeed, immediately bring Xue'er back to Spirit City. Just say... I have important matters to discuss with her..."
The handsome and elegant Qingluan Douluo, dressed in a cyan robe, respectfully agreed. Then he exchanged a glance with the Sixth Worshipper beside him and nodded to each other, almost completely ignoring Chrysanthemum and Ghost.
Without entering the Super Douluo level, no matter how powerful and stunning the Chrysanthemum-Ghost duo's martial soul fusion technique was, it was not enough to make them pay much attention. This was absolute confidence based on strength, as well as the pride of them as the continent's top powerhouses...
At this moment, in the secret chamber of Bibi Dong's sleeping palace.
Black-purple evil energy enveloped the area. Bibi Dong's body was covered with many strange patterns. In the darkness, countless demon spiders were weaving despairing, beautiful dreams in the space behind her.
Seeming to sense something, Bibi Dong opened her always noble and cold, beautiful eyes. The corners of her mouth unconsciously curved into a faint arc, but then it seemed to jam like something old, and the expression on her face switched back and forth between twisted and normal. The numerous demon spiders behind her also began to riot. Only after a long time did a black-purple light flash in Bibi Dong's eyes, and the surroundings slowly calmed down.
"Soon... give me a little more time... and I will be able to completely master this power..."
A desolate and frenzied laugh echoed in the space, but it could not break through the surrounding black-purple energy. Like a small beast trapped at the bottom of a well, it could only wear itself down to death in darkness and despair...
...
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Upon learning of this news, the Shrek group, as well as Ning Fengzhi and the other two, were somewhat dazed.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's expressions were not very good. The current situation was something anyone with a brain could see, the war between the two great empires could not be avoided. As the imperial prince and the daughter of a duke, now being in Heaven Dou, it was practically sending themselves to death.
Now, they probably could only hope that the people around them had no other ideas. Otherwise, they would have almost no ability to resist.
In the Glazed Tile Hall, Ning Fengzhi and the other two's expressions were also not good. One night had passed, and the whole world had nearly changed, yet they had only learned of it now. It felt somewhat strange.
A silent atmosphere filled the air. After a long while, Bone Douluo asked in a deep voice:
"Fengzhi, those two..."
Ning Fengzhi came back to his senses and looked at Bone Douluo, then gently shook his head and said:
"Leave them aside for now. The key point now is why the continent's situation has deteriorated so drastically in such a short time. If those fools from the two great empires start a war at this time, wouldn't that give the Spirit Hall a great opportunity? I think they cannot be unaware of this point..."
Sword Douluo opened his eyes, then said softly:
"This morning, sect disciples sent back news that Xue Qinghe has slaughtered many ministers and nobles who tried to make peace with the Star Luo Empire. It seems he is determined to start a war. The Star Luo Empire's attitude is even firmer, vowing to fight Skywater Academy to the death. But the problem lies precisely here..."
"Skywater Academy is located in the heart of the Heaven Dou Empire. For Star Luo to send troops means they must penetrate deep into the Heaven Dou Empire. How could the Heaven Dou Empire possibly feel at ease with such a demand? This has almost become a dead end. Or rather, perhaps Star Luo's true intention was never just for those mere tens of thousands of soldiers; there is probably a deeper meaning..."
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but grip the cane in his hand tightly, then said:
"Regardless, Rongrong must absolutely not leave the sect during this period. As for the others, let them do as they wish. According to the news sent back by sect disciples, the Haotian Sect's actions are becoming increasingly obvious and unmasked. I suspect that this reckless action by the Star Luo Empire is related to them..."
Bone Douluo was slightly stunned upon hearing this, then said:
"The Haotian Sect?"
"Even if that group of turtles really came out of hiding, wanting to influence the Star Luo Emperor's thoughts, I'm afraid this..."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, then said in a deep voice:
"When my father was alive, he once told me a fact that one cannot avoid facing. No matter how much the Haotian Sect declines, geniuses continue to emerge within the sect. The oldest batch of geniuses from back then, if they haven't perished, have probably already taken elder positions. Coupled with so many years of silence, I think there are at least three Title Douluo in the Haotian Sect now..."
"This is only a rough estimate. In an era when the Spirit Hall is so prosperous, they still dare to show their heads, which means they already have some foundation. If Tang Hao is added on top, such a terrifying force is indeed enough to move the Star Luo Emperor and give him sufficient confidence..."
After Ning Fengzhi's words fell, Sword and Bone were both moved. Bone Douluo wanted to refute, but suddenly realized that everything seemed traceable. He was a person who had lived nearly a hundred years and naturally knew more about that era than the vast majority...
"If it is truly so, then what should we do..."
Sword Douluo frowned slightly, a rare trace of worry appearing on his face.
The positioning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School on the continent today was already extremely special. The relationship that was about to be repaired and perfected with the Heaven Dou Empire had once again broken due to the increasingly large suspicions from Emperor Xue Ye's serious illness. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School could now be considered truly isolated and without help...
After pondering for a moment, Ning Fengzhi sighed lightly, then said:
"This game of chess may have already determined its outcome from the very beginning when we hesitated. Now wanting to break the situation has become so difficult..."
Bone Douluo somewhat irritably pounded the armrest beside him. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and he said:
"Isn't that Tang San Tang Hao's son? Can we start from him..."
This time, Sword Douluo did not rush to retort to Bone Douluo but seriously considered the feasibility.
Ning Fengzhi also fell into a brief thought. After a long while, he gently shook his head and said:
"Not very likely."
"First, it is impossible to determine whether Tang Hao is dead or alive. In other words, he cannot possibly feel at ease leaving his son and that ten-thousand-year rabbit alone outside; he must be following and protecting them at all times. But in reality, no matter how we search near Heaven Dou City, we cannot find any trace of Tang Hao, as if this person does not exist at all..."
"Secondly, although this Tang San is young, he has exceptional talent. Being able to cultivate the waste Blue Silver Grass martial soul to the Soul Elder level at this age is truly rare. Moreover, his thinking is far calmer than what someone his age should have. If handled improperly, it might even add another enemy for us..."
At this point, even Ning Fengzhi himself couldn't help but feel some despair. Back then, it was merely a butterfly flapping its wings, yet what it had caused them now was a super-large tornado. It was truly helpless.
"Sigh..."
"Now it is somewhat late to say these things. We don't know what the future will be like, but at least we will do our utmost to protect the sect's inheritance. This is our fate and what we must do..."
"Perhaps one day we will die unexpectedly, but the sect's flame cannot be extinguished. If possible, I hope Rongrong can also live quietly in a brand-new world, rather than like us, busy with all kinds of schemes throughout life, only to end up exhausted..."
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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