Chapter 97 Testing the Waters.
The Grand Elder pondered, "Your Majesty's words are reasonable. But in the long run, a young powerhouse who is not completely controlled by the royal family poses a considerable threat."
"Especially since she still has the rudiments of a domain, her future growth potential is extremely high. We must prepare for the future."
Emperor Xueye nodded, "Issue the decree: First, in the name of the Empire, richly reward Blazing Fire Academy and Huo Wu herself, with the rewards comparable to Xue Ke's, but the quality of her soul bone can be slightly lower, to demonstrate the royal family's special favor to Xue Ke, while also stabilizing Blazing Fire Academy."
"Second, confer upon Huo Wu the title of 'Blazing Flame Princess,' granting her the salary of a prince, and allocating 10% of the tax revenue from the three southern cities as her cultivation resources, but requiring her to serve in the imperial military for three months each year, participating in border defense or special missions, to strengthen the Empire's influence and constraints on her."
"Third, dispatch a royal retainer to reside permanently in Blazing Fire City, ostensibly to assist in defense and guide cultivation, but in reality for monitoring and liaison."
"Fourth, accelerate the alliance with the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan, and at the same time... secretly contact other elemental academies such as Shenfeng Academy and Tianshui Academy, especially Feng Xiaotian of Shenfeng Academy, whose relationship with Huo Wu is delicate. Provide appropriate resource support to maintain the balance among the various academies and prevent Chi Huo Academy from becoming too dominant."
He paused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Huo Wu is a sharp sword; if used well, it can slay external enemies; if used poorly, it may harm oneself. What I want is an obedient sword." In the Papal Palace of Wuhun City,
Bibi Dong's anger seemed to have subsided due to the series of "bad news," transforming into a colder, more piercing killing intent and scheming.
She sat on the Papal throne, her scarlet eyes fixed on the gradually dissipating flame rankings in the sky, a strange smile playing on her lips.
"Fire Dance... Nine Heavens Fire Phoenix... Domain prototype... Very good, another peerless genius."
Her voice was calm, yet it sent chills down the spines of Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo in the hall. "Proud and confident... Such young people are often the most easily... tempted, used, or... destroyed."
Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan cautiously said, "Your Holiness, this woman's talent is indeed astonishing, and her potential may even surpass that of Liu Erlong and Xue Ke. Her relationship with the Heaven Dou royal family is not close, is it possible..."
"To win her over?"
Bibi Dong chuckled lightly, with a hint of sarcasm. "Do you think Huo Wushuang is a fool? Or do you think those old guys from Blazing Fire Academy would easily betray the Heaven Dou Empire? They have been rooted in the south of Heaven Dou for generations, their interests intertwined. Directly winning them over has a very low success rate."
Ghost Douluo said in a sinister voice, "Then... should we proceed as originally planned, including Xue Ke..."
"No." Bibi Dong raised her hand to stop her. "The plan has changed. Xue Ke must die; her purifying power is too much of a threat to us. But Huo Wu… we'll leave her alone for now."
A calculating glint flashed in her eyes: "Send orders to our spies lurking in Blazing City and Blazing Academy to closely monitor Huo Wu's every move, especially her personality weaknesses and interpersonal relationships. Pay particular attention to her competition with Feng Xiaotian of Divine Wind Academy, as well as her rivalry and cultivation progress with other geniuses. Look for opportunities to create conflict."
"For example, we can 'inadvertently' let her know about the Heavenly Dou Royal Family's fear and constraints on Huo Wu; for example, we can sow discord between her and Liu Erlong, the 'senior fire dragon.'"
"For example, when she carries out imperial missions in the future, we can create some 'accidents' to make her dissatisfied with the empire…"
"A genius who is extremely proud is the best breakthrough point once she develops a rebellious mentality against the existing environment and constraints. What we need to do is not to forcibly break her wings before she is fully grown, but rather…"
"Guide her, let her walk in the direction we want, or, when she is at her most complacent, deliver a fatal blow."
"As for Xue Ke," Bibi Dong's tone turned cold, "Ghostly Beauty, Yue Guan, your plan to infiltrate the Heavenly Dou Imperial City remains unchanged, but you must be even more careful."
"Xue Ye has strengthened his defenses. You will act according to the situation. If things become unfavorable, prioritize your own survival, but the probing must continue. I need to know the extent of the Heavenly Dou Royal Family's protection of Xue Ke."
"Yes, Your Holiness!" Ghostly Moon Pass accepted the order.
Bibi Dong looked out of the hall, as if she could see the turbulent future of the continent: "Geniuses emerging in droves? Very well, let these so-called geniuses burn brightly in this chaotic world. In the end, only I, Bibi Dong, will illuminate the path to the throne!"
Star Luo Empire, Dai Tianfeng's study.
Dai Tianfeng looked at the urgent intelligence about Huo Wu in his hand, his expression a half-smile.
"Nine Heavens Fire Phoenix... the nascent form of a domain... the Heaven Dou Empire truly has a wealth of talent."
He put down the intelligence report and looked at the Imperial Guard Commander. "How is Zhu Zhuyun doing?"
"Your Majesty, Miss Zhuyun has initially stabilized at the level 68 Soul Emperor realm. Her control over the power of the Netherworld White Tiger is becoming increasingly refined. She is currently cultivating in seclusion in the Royal Secret Realm and is expected to attempt to break through to level 69 within three months."
"Very good." Dai Tianfeng nodded.
"Tell Zhuyun not to rush, but to proceed steadily."
"Her opponents have never been outsiders like Liu Erlong, Xue Ke, or Huo Wu. Her battlefield is within the Star Luo Empire, and within her own heart."
He changed the subject: "Huo Wu is a strong-willed woman with exceptional talent. Having suddenly gained immense power, she will certainly not be content with mediocrity."
"The Heaven Dou Empire's royal family will certainly be wary of and restrain her, and the Blazing Fire Academy may not be a monolithic entity. This is a good thing for us."
"Continue to closely monitor the situation, especially regarding the Heaven Dou Empire's internal resource allocation, the ranking of the younger generation, and the potential friction between Huo Wu and the royal family, and with geniuses from other academies."
"At the appropriate time, we can have our 'friends' spread some interesting rumors within the Heavenly Dou Empire, such as... 'Can Huo Wu's achievements be enough to make her a king of a different surname?' or 'Which is stronger, the Nine Heavens Fire Phoenix or the Blazing Fire Dragon?'"
Dai Tianfeng revealed a playful smile: "Internal strife is often more terrifying than external enemies. What we need to do is make the waters of the Heavenly Dou Empire even muddier."
"Order the border to maintain a high-pressure defensive posture, but do not provoke them. Let our sons focus on their training, and allocate the Empire's resources to promising young Soul Masters and elite troops. The real contest is yet to come."
Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan, Council Hall.
Yu Luomian and several elders also received the news that Huo Wu had been listed.
"Fire Dance... I know this girl. That proud little girl from Blazing Fire Academy, her talent is indeed astonishing."
Yu Luomian stroked his beard. "The Nine Heavens Fire Phoenix, a top-tier flying fire-attribute beast spirit, doesn't directly conflict with my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's lightning attribute. In fact, to some extent, they can even complement each other as 'heavenly thunder and earthly fire.' However... this woman's personality is not easy to handle."
(End of Chapter)