When Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi returned to Shrek Academy, nearly two hours had already passed. From high in the distance, the majestic outline of Shrek City could already be seen.
With Shrek Academy standing guard, Shrek City was undoubtedly the safest place on the original Douluo Continent side. Even now, with the unstable situation across the continent, the prosperity within Shrek City remained undiminished, completely unaffected.
Xu Zihuang directly used the void ability of his Golden Pupil Martial Soul's true body to bring Ye Guyi straight to Sea God's Island.
A massive golden pupil phantom quietly emerged, and the two stepped out of the void hand in hand. Ye Guyi, who always maintained a noble and aloof demeanor in front of outsiders, would unintentionally show a faint smile on her delicate face whenever she was alone with Xu Zihuang.
The number of inner court disciples at Shrek Academy had always been maintained below one hundred year-round. Inner court disciples frequently went out for training or to carry out supervisory missions, which often left Sea God's Island feeling empty and serene.
The warm winter sun scattered across the clear surface of Sea God Lake, creating soft, shimmering ripples. Beibei and Tang Ya sat side by side by the lakeside, their reflections quietly drawing closer on the water.
Noticing Beibei's increasingly bold behavior, Tang Ya immediately blushed and glared at him. But after this period of his persistent coaxing, she no longer resisted too strongly.
After all, she had to give Beibei some sweetness.
Just then, Tang Ya spotted Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi appearing, and she quickly pushed Beibei away.
"Little Ya-senpai, Brother Beibei." Xu Zihuang smiled and greeted the two.
"It seems we've interrupted you."
Ye Guyi merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Toward anyone other than Xu Zihuang, she remained relatively cold, especially toward the opposite sex. Unless it was someone like Ning Tian who had truly earned her recognition.
Tang Ya pouted coquettishly.
"Tianhuang, you've learned bad habits from Beibei now, you've even started teasing me."
"What are you saying, Little Ya? How is Tianhuang learning bad things from me?" Beibei immediately stood up after her, his face full of black lines and a look of deep grievance. In certain matters, Yu Tianhuang was far more experienced than he; he should be the one learning from Yu Tianhuang.
It was like two soul cannon emplacements placed in front of them: he was still fumbling around, while Yu Tianhuang had already fired who knows how many times and hit the target with precision.
Beibei felt nothing but envy inside.
Xu Zihuang naturally understood Beibei's little thoughts and chuckled softly with full understanding. "Little Ya-senpai, Brother Beibei, we still have matters to discuss with Elder Xuan, so we won't stay and disturb you any longer."
With that, he and Ye Guyi released their soul power, rose into the air, and flew toward the Sea God's Pavilion in the center of Sea God's Island.
Watching their figures disappear from view, Tang Ya was surprised to notice that Ye Guyi and Yu Tianhuang had been holding hands with fingers interlocked. For "siblings" to have such intimate behavior was understandable, yet a woman's intuition made her feel something strange about it.
At that moment, the still-unwilling Beibei moved closer again. But after the interruption by Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi, the previous atmosphere was gone.
"Beibei, you've changed. What are you thinking about all day long now?!"
Tang Ya huffed coldly with a flushed face and quickly walked away.
She wasn't really blaming Beibei; she was simply embarrassed at being caught and momentarily didn't know how to face him.
"Sigh—" Beibei let out a helpless sigh and silently followed behind Tang Ya. He felt disappointed, but he would respect Tang Ya's feelings.
Yet when he thought about how they were already twenty-one years old, he couldn't help feeling utterly miserable. At twenty-one, the most intimate thing between him and Tang Ya was still only the shallowest level; no one understood pure love better than he did.
Elder Xuan was already waiting on the open ground in front of Sea God's Pavilion. Seeing Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi, he raised his hand, signaling them to enter Sea God's Pavilion first.
The three soon arrived at the long table in the meeting hall on the first floor of Sea God's Pavilion and took their seats.
Elder Xuan sat in the main position, brows tightly furrowed as he spoke: "Tianhuang, your earlier judgment was correct. The Sun Moon Empire's main target is indeed the Heavenly Soul Empire. Some time ago, I personally went to check the border between the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Sun Moon Empire. The intensity of the fighting there should surpass even the battles at the Bright Dou Mountain Range in the northwest frontier of the Star Luo Empire. However, with that old poison leading the Body Sect powerhouses to defend, the situation there remains relatively stable. The Heavenly Soul Empire's newly formed archer legion has also played a considerable role. The arrows they use connected to fixed soul cannons should be the Thunder Rockets you designed, right?"
"A soul tool that ordinary people can use without needing soul power to activate." Elder Xuan sighed sincerely.
"This is something even the Sun Moon Empire hasn't solved."
"Elder Xuan, actually, the Thunder Rocket isn't as advanced as you think. It just happens to utilize the properties of a rare metal alloy," Xu Zihuang said frankly. "I sent the Thunder Rocket blueprints to the Heavenly Soul Empire precisely because I anticipated the Sun Moon Empire might make a move. Now that the Thunder Rockets can help the Heavenly Soul Empire, they've fulfilled their intended purpose."
"However, the Heavenly Soul Empire's national strength is significantly weaker than the Star Luo Empire's. While the Heavenly Soul Empire has support from Body Sect powerhouses, the Sun Moon Empire also has powerful evil soul masters from the Holy Spirit Cult. Moreover, the Sun Moon Empire's stockpile of ninth-level fixed soul cannons definitely exceeds the three used to breach the Bright Dou Mountain Range. If they use ninth-level fixed soul cannons at all costs to force a breakthrough, the Heavenly Soul Empire may not be able to hold."
Elder Xuan said gravely, "That's exactly what I'm worried about. Since you've returned to the academy, I assume you've already decided to support the Star Luo Empire?"
"Precisely." Xu Zihuang nodded seriously.
"If the Star Luo Empire can open a path at the Bright Dou Mountain Range, the pressure on the Heavenly Soul Empire will naturally be greatly relieved."
"That works. Compared to the fierce fighting on the Heavenly Soul Empire's western front, the Bright Dou Mountain Range in the Star Luo Empire's northwest frontier is relatively safer. Moreover, you only need to use your Golden Pupil Martial Soul to scout the situation at the Bright Dou Mountain Range; you don't have to go deep into the front lines." Elder Xuan nodded in agreement.
"The academy's top-tier combat power cannot be mobilized for now. Under the current circumstances, the academy cannot show favoritism toward either the Heavenly Soul Empire or the Star Luo Empire, or it will invite criticism. This time, just you and Guyi will go. The academy will issue an official document allowing you to meet directly with Duke White Tiger, Marshal of the Star Luo Empire's Northwest Group Army, and cooperate with the Star Luo Empire in operations."
Elder Xuan's decision had been made after careful consideration.
Yu Tianhuang's Golden Pupil Martial Soul had special abilities and extremely strong survivability on the battlefield. Even if something unexpected happened, he could at least retreat safely.
Moreover, as a rank 98 Super Douluo, he could sense Ye Guyi's current soul power level. She had clearly obtained her eighth soul ring and advanced to Soul Douluo.
With the might of the Sacred Angel Martial Soul and the amplification from her soul core, her overall strength, while perhaps not matching Yu Tianhuang's, was definitely not far behind. The two were close siblings and could look after each other, perfectly suitable.
Ye Guyi gave a faint smile.
"Elder Xuan, this was exactly what Guyi and Tianhuang planned when we returned to the academy."
Elder Xuan's face also showed a trace of a smile.
"You two little ones have gained some opportunities this time. I won't question your confidence in your strength, but remember, your own safety comes first."
"Elder Xuan, rest assured. I'll keep an eye on Tianhuang and won't let him act recklessly," Ye Guyi said meaningfully, glancing sideways at Xu Zihuang beside her.
How could Xu Zihuang not know that Ye Guyi was still brooding over Xu Jiujiu's letter? This trip probably wouldn't be peaceful.
However, from beginning to end, he had never had any such thoughts toward Xu Jiujiu, so he didn't care what Ye Guyi might do. In fact, this suited him just fine; he also disliked deep interactions with a woman as calculating as Xu Jiujiu.
"Elder Xuan, time is of the essence. We'll prepare briefly and set out now," Xu Zihuang said respectfully, bowing to Elder Xuan.
Elder Xuan laughed helplessly and waved his hand.
"Go."
The real reason Elder Xuan was so at ease was that Xu Jiujiu had deliberately concealed the matters of the Death God Tower and the Death God Beam. If he had known about those, he definitely wouldn't have agreed so readily.
Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi didn't need any special preparations. After taking the official document from Shrek Academy, they set off immediately.
With the war underway, the entire northwest of the Star Luo Empire had entered a high state of alert. To avoid causing trouble, Xu Zihuang had Tianmeng Iceworm activate its simulation soul skill to conceal their figures.
During the flight, Ye Guyi hesitated for a moment before thoughtfully asking Xu Zihuang, "Zihuang, have you considered that if you help the Star Luo Empire reclaim the Bright Dou Mountain Range this time, they might directly launch a counterattack on the Sun Moon Empire's southern border?"
"Sister Lingyi, you're underestimating the Sun Moon Empire's foundations," Xu Zihuang replied with a light smile, naturally understanding what Ye Guyi was thinking.
"The Star Luo Empire doesn't have that capability. If they don't reclaim control of the Bright Dou Mountain Range, both Star Luo and Heavenly Soul will fall into a completely passive position after this. Moreover, our main target this time is that Death God Douluo, Ye Xishui."
At this point, a thick killing intent surged deep within Xu Zihuang's eyes.
Although he currently didn't consider himself a match for Ye Xishui, an evil soul master at the Limit Douluo level, he was confident that this opportunity would allow him to make her pay a heavy price.
The tragic experiences of his childhood were inextricably linked to this Death God Douluo. Ye Xishui was also one of his main targets for revenge.
Ye Xishui was simply born rotten. Because her own life had been unsatisfactory, she felt the entire world was unfair to her and took out her anger on innocent people. This madwoman's hands were stained with who knows how much innocent blood; she could never be redeemed.
"I kill, I burn, I slaughter countless civilians, but I'm still a good girl?" Probably only a brainless simp like Long Xiaoyao would think that way.
Ye Guyi took a deep breath, her full chest rising and falling slightly as she proactively took Xu Zihuang's hand.
"Zihuang, how confident are you?"
"According to my plan, all the Title Douluo of the Star Luo Empire will participate in this operation. After we help the Star Luo Empire reclaim control of the Bright Dou Mountain Range, they'll have to pay some price. Let them serve as bait to draw Ye Xishui out, and then I'll use the void talent of my Golden Pupil Martial Soul true body to redirect the Death God Tower's attack back at her." Xu Zihuang's expression turned utterly cold.
"When the Death God Tower unleashes its full power and releases the Death God Beam, its might already surpasses a full-power strike from a Limit Douluo. I'm sure even Ye Xishui herself taking a direct Death God Beam head-on would leave her in a sorry state."
"Zihuang, I trust your judgment, but you have to let me go with you," Ye Guyi said, immediately breaking into a smile that carried a hint of doting indulgence.
Xu Zihuang laughed freely.
"Alright."
Seeing this, Ye Guyi finally felt completely at ease. Xu Zihuang's willingness to let her accompany him said enough.
After that, their conversation became much lighter. They no longer seemed like people heading to the front lines, but rather like they were out on a leisurely trip.
At noon, Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi arrived at Yuming City, the important military stronghold in the northwest frontier of the Star Luo Empire.
The steep Bright Dou Mountain Range had many branching ridges. Yuming City was built atop the tallest ridge on the Star Luo Empire's side of the Bright Dou Mountain Range. Together with six other cities in the northwest frontier, they formed the second line of defense against the Sun Moon Empire's invasion.
Yuming City sat at an elevation of fully two thousand meters and was known as the highest city on the continent. From here, the front lines were only a little over two hundred kilometers away.
Under a clear, cloudless sky, sunlight poured down, enveloping the entire city of Yuming. Perched atop the ridge's peak, Yuming City enjoyed abundant sunshine year-round and offered expansive views. Not long ago, it had been temporarily designated by Duke White Tiger as the headquarters of the army.
Passing through Yuming City, Xu Zihuang thought of Tuo Bayu, with whom he had briefly interacted once before. The Holy Dragon Family that Tuo Bayu came from was based right here in Yuming City.
The current patriarch of the Holy Dragon Family also served in Duke White Tiger's Northwest Group Army and was a Title Douluo-level powerhouse.
When Xu Zihuang had rescued Dai Hao previously, he had met that White-armored Earth Dragon Title Douluo from the Northwest Group Army's First Soul Master Legion, which was how he had learned this information.
Xu Zihuang brought Ye Guyi to within about thirty li of the Star Luo Empire Northwest Group Army's station before finally releasing the simulation soul skill. There was plenty of time; he saw no need to barge in without notifying anyone and risk causing a misunderstanding.
It didn't take long before several figures swiftly surrounded them. There were ten soul masters in total, a standard small squad formation in a soul master legion.
The squad leader at the front had five soul rings flashing on his body, while the other nine all had three rings. This was a squad led by a Soul King and composed of Soul Elders; their overall combat power was equivalent to about five hundred ordinary soldiers.
The Soul King squad leader appeared to be around forty, with a steady demeanor. But when he saw Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi hovering in midair without using flying soul tools, he was secretly shocked.
Hovering in the air unaided, this was a symbol of Soul Saint-level strength or higher. And both of them looked to be only around twenty years old. How could he not feel astonished and doubtful?
"Who are you two? This is a military restricted zone ahead. Please present your identification," the Soul King squad leader said cautiously. He did not neglect his duty.
Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi did not answer the Soul King squad leader's question. Instead, they looked up into the distance.
Several more figures flew over rapidly, but these people's auras were far stronger. Leading them was none other than Her Highness the Princess of the Star Luo Empire, Xu Jiujiu. Nebula Douluo and another Title Douluo guarded her at her sides, while the rest of the escorts were at least Soul Saint level.
A flush appeared on Xu Jiujiu's pretty face as she spoke with great delight.
"Tianhuang, I never expected you would really agree to my request and come support our Star Luo Empire. I will definitely remember this favor."
"Your Highness is too polite," Xu Zihuang said as he gracefully landed, giving a gentle smile.
"As members of Shrek Academy and part of the original Douluo Continent, it is only right for us to lend a hand when the Star Luo Empire faces trouble. Moreover, since Your Highness specifically requested my help, I should feel honored. If I were to refuse, wouldn't that be rather ungrateful?"
Xu Jiujiu's expression changed slightly. How could she not hear the distance in Yu Tianhuang's tone? She even faintly felt as though her intentions had been seen through.
Upon closer reflection, she even found his words carried a hint of sarcasm.
However, as a princess who had seen much of the world, she quickly regained her composure and looked at Xu Zihuang with a touch of grievance.
"Tianhuang, didn't we agree that in private you would just call me Jiujiu?"
Before Xu Zihuang could respond, Ye Guyi beside him let out a soft laugh. Whether she couldn't hold it back or did it on purpose was unclear.
Xu Jiujiu's expression instantly stiffened. She locked eyes with Ye Guyi, and for a moment, the atmosphere became extremely delicate.
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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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