Qian Gu Dongfeng reported the success of the "Demon Harvest." Wu Jie's broken body was already being dissected at the newly minted Demon Soul Spirit Research Center, and the Yuan En family had been integrated into the Tower's defenses. Everything was proceeding according to Zhangting's "vision."
However, the conversation quickly veered into the dangerous territory of the Holy Spirit Cult.
The Rift Between Brothers
Qian Gu Qingfeng, who had long detested the family's dark alliances, saw an opportunity. "Why not tell Zhangting about the Holy Spirit Cult? He predicted the attack on our father. Perhaps his divination can tell us if this path leads to our ruin."
"No!" Dongfeng snapped. He feared that Zhangting's moral compass—or his foresight—would dismantle the master plan.
The argument that followed exposed the raw nerves of the Federation's politics. Qingfeng argued that the Federation families were merely using the Spirit Pagoda as pawns. Dongfeng, driven by a fanaticism to see Shrek Academy burn, didn't care.
"As long as we can blow up Shrek and kill Yun Ming, it's worth it!" Dongfeng declared. "We will use the Holy Spirit Cult as our 'glove' to deliver the blow."
The "State within a State"
The Great-Grandfather silenced them with a single word. He understood the deep-seated hatred the Federation held for Shrek. It wasn't just jealousy; it was a matter of sovereignty.
Military Mockery: Shrek students often used Federal military bases as "testing grounds" for their exams.
The Private Kingdom: Shrek City operated with its own laws, taxes, and military, completely independent of the Federation.
The Theft of Ya Li: Years ago, Yun Ming had stormed the capital to "rescue" the Holy Spirit Douluo, Ya Li, from a secret federal program. By defeating three Red-rank Mecha Masters and forcibly taking her, he hadn't just saved his love—he had humiliated the Federation's highest authority.
The Difficulty of the Ultimate Weapon
The plan to destroy Shrek hinged on obtaining a Level 12 Fixed Soul Tool Cannon Shell. However, stealing one was nearly impossible. The Federation used a "randomized logistics" system:
Ghost Convoys: The guards transporting the shells often didn't know if they were carrying a live weapon or a dummy.
The Insurance Network: Invoking a shell required the unanimous consensus of all parliamentary factions.
The only way to steal it was to form a massive, secret coalition of families who all agreed on one thing: Shrek must go.
The Great-Grandfather made his final decree: "We will proceed with the attempt to secure the Level 12 shell, but it will be a long process. We will not tell Zhangting. To know this is to be complicit in a crime that could destroy him. However..." The old man's eyes softened. "From now on, we will fully support whatever Zhangting wants to do. His talent is our family's greatest blessing."
Chapter 40: The Formation: The Human-Spirit Beast Contract
While the elders plotted continental destruction, Qiangu Zhangting was already moving toward a different kind of revolution. He knew that the traditional "Spirit Soul" system was flawed—it was a transaction, not a partnership.
In his private research chamber, Zhangting looked at the data retrieved from the Demon Plane creatures. He wasn't just looking for power; he was looking for a way to change the fundamental relationship between humans and spirit beasts.
The Holy Spirit Cult and the Level 12 Shell were the shadows of the past. Zhangting's eyes were fixed on a future where the Spirit Pagoda didn't just sell spirit souls—it governed the very essence of life through a Great Contract Formation.
By creating a contract that allowed humans and spirit beasts to share life and growth without the need for slaughter, Zhangting would become the "Saint" of the soul master world. And when the time came for Shrek to fall, the world wouldn't mourn the Academy; they would be too busy worshipping the boy who gave them a new path to divinity.
Next Chapter: The First Experiment — The Fallen Angel and the Contract.
Expert Guide: The elders have decided to keep the Shrek bombing plan a secret from Zhangting. However, with his "Divination," he likely already knows. Should Zhangting pretend to be ignorant to maintain their trust, or should he "accidentally" drop a hint that the bombing will fail unless he is the one to oversee the logistics?