"At the same time, send people to make contact with Yu Xiaogang. Offer him high office and generous rewards, and have him persuade Liu Erlong to submit to Spirit City."
"If Yu Xiaogang refuses, then abduct him and use him to threaten Liu Erlong."
"Also, notify all branch halls of Spirit Hall across the continent to closely monitor the movements of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The moment any signs of troop mobilization are discovered, report immediately."
Bibi Dong's voice was like a venomous serpent flicking its tongue, filled with undisguised malice.
"I want Liu Erlong to lose her way in anger and anxiety, step by step walking into the trap I have laid."
"When her strength is completely exhausted, we will annihilate her and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan in one decisive strike."
"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope!"
Ghost and Yue Guan bowed simultaneously to accept the order, then turned and left.
Inside the Pope Palace, only Bibi Dong's cold laughter remained, echoing through the vast and empty hall.
...
Within the imperial city of the Tian Dou Empire, inside Emperor Xue Ye's council hall, the atmosphere was just as heavy.
Emperor Xue Ye stood by the window, gazing in the direction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, his brows tightly furrowed and his eyes filled with concern.
"Liu Erlong has broken through to Rank Seventy-Seven Spirit Saint. The strength of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has surged. For our Tian Dou Empire, this is both an opportunity and a threat."
Emperor Xue Ye spoke in a deep voice.
The prime minister beside him bowed and said, "Your Majesty speaks truly."
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has long had friction with Spirit City. Now that Liu Erlong's strength has skyrocketed, they will surely become even more resolute in opposing Spirit City."
"We can take advantage of this opportunity to establish closer ties with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and jointly resist the threat from Spirit City."
"But at the same time, we cannot ignore the ambitions of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Another minister added, "The Upper Three Sects are already powerful. Now that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has taken the lead in strength, if they seek to expand their influence in the future, the Tian Dou Empire will also face tremendous pressure."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded, a trace of resolve flashing in his eyes.
"Convey my decree. Send envoys bearing generous gifts to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to congratulate Liu Erlong on making the list, and at the same time propose that both sides form a military alliance to jointly deal with the threats of Spirit City and the Star Luo Empire."
"Additionally, closely monitor the movements of Blue Tyrant Academy, especially Liu Erlong's words and actions."
"The moment any signs of territorial expansion appear, report immediately."
"And strengthen our contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"Their auxiliary abilities reign supreme across the continent. If we can draw in both the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the strength of our Tian Dou Empire will increase dramatically, enough to handle any unexpected changes."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The ministers bowed in unison and withdrew. Emperor Xue Ye looked out the window, silently thinking to himself.
"Liu Erlong, Liu Erlong. I hope you understand the situation and are willing to advance hand in hand with the Tian Dou Empire. Otherwise, I can only steel my heart and make painful choices."
...
Within the imperial city of the Star Luo Empire, inside Dai Tianfeng's study, the atmosphere was so oppressive it was hard to breathe.
Dai Tianfeng sat behind his desk, idly turning a jade thumb ring in his hand. His gaze was deep and unreadable.
"Liu Erlong… Rank Seventy-Seven Spirit Saint…"
He murmured softly, his tone carrying a trace of gravity. "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is truly about to rise."
"Zhu Zhuyun has just evolved the Netherworld White Tiger, and now Liu Erlong receives such a generous reward. This ranking is becoming more and more interesting."
The commander of the Imperial Guard stood nearby and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, Liu Erlong has a fiery temperament. Now that her strength has greatly increased, she will surely become a thorn in Spirit City's side."
"Should we take this opportunity to ally with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and jointly oppose Spirit City?"
Dai Tianfeng shook his head, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"An alliance? The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has always been arrogant. Now that Liu Erlong's strength has surged, she will be even more contemptuous of others. Why would they sincerely ally with us? It would be nothing more than mutual exploitation."
"Moreover, Zhu Zhuyun has only just risen. Our Star Luo Empire still needs time to stabilize internally."
"If we form an alliance with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan now, it will inevitably provoke a fierce backlash from Spirit City, which would be detrimental to our development."
He paused, then continued, "Pass down my order. Closely monitor the movements of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Spirit City."
"Let them fight until both sides are badly wounded, while we watch from the sidelines. When the time is right, we will step in to clean up the aftermath."
"Also, strengthen the surveillance on Zhu Zhuyun."
"With Liu Erlong's strength greatly increased, the pressure on Zhu Zhuyun will inevitably grow. She may be eager to prove herself and act impulsively."
"We must prepare in advance to prevent her from bringing unnecessary trouble to the empire."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The commander of the Imperial Guard bowed and withdrew. Inside the study, Dai Tianfeng looked out the window, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes.
"The Netherworld White Tiger, the mutated Fire Dragon, and Spirit City's Title Douluo. The waters of this continent are getting murkier by the day. But murky waters are best for fishing."
...
On the rooftop of Heavenly Path Academy, Li Tianyi, Chi Yang, Xuan Shuang, and the others still stood there, gazing toward the direction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, each wearing a different expression.
A blazing light flickered in Chi Yang's draconic eyes, his tone carrying a hint of battle intent.
"Rank Seventy-Seven Spirit Saint, mutated Fire Dragon, soul ring amplification increased by four hundred years. Liu Erlong's strength truly cannot be underestimated."
A trace of vigilance flashed through Xuan Shuang's icy blue eyes.
"Blue Tyrant Academy is not far from Heavenly Path Academy. If she expands her influence in the future, conflict with us is very likely."
Li Tianyi's twin pupils stirred slightly, his tone calm.
"There is no need to worry too much. Although Liu Erlong is powerful, her weakness is also obvious. She is too impulsive and easily swayed by her emotions."
"Moreover, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has many enemies. Spirit City will never sit idly by and watch her rise. They will inevitably make a move against her."
"We only need to observe quietly and accelerate the growth of our own strength."
Li Tianyi paused, his gaze falling on Zhu Zhuqing.
"Zhuqing, your Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul is restrained by Liu Erlong's Fire Dragon martial soul. Her flames have a suppressive effect on you."
"In the coming period, you must focus on cultivating ice-type soul skills, enhancing your defense and resistance. Only then will you have the strength to fight her if you face Liu Erlong in the future."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, a flash of determination in her eyes.
"I understand."
"I will break through to the Saint realm as soon as possible. She is nothing to fear and will not be allowed to become a threat to Heavenly Path Academy."
Standing to the side, Shui Bing'er said softly, "Liu Erlong's soul ring amplification greatly boosts the power of her soul skills. We might be able to study the characteristics of her abilities and formulate countermeasures in advance."
"Additionally, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Blue Lightning Domain is extremely overbearing. We also need to improve the academy's defensive system as soon as possible, just in case."
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