The phoenix alighted upon the branches of the Chinese parasol tree, its melodious and impassioned cries stirring boundless reverie.
The towering parasol tree reached straight into the Phoenix Nest, brimming with vibrant vitality and intoxicating allure. Its warm branches and leaves beckoned the female phoenix to settle and rest, her soul trembling in response.
Jing Shaoyu, deep in slumber, felt the warmth and softness of a delicate presence entwined around him. His mind flickered with amorous thoughts, and though he felt some confusion, it did not hinder the greater situation. He was at a critical juncture of his divine blood awakening and could not afford to be distracted.
The morning sun rose in the east, its light shining upon the shattered ruins. The overwhelming desolation and devastation struck everyone who witnessed the scene.
Yun Ming, Ya Li, Guan Yue, as well as the belated arrivals—Amorous Douluo Zang Xin, Hanhai Douluo Chen Xinjie, Light-Dark Douluo Long Yeyue—and yes, Spirit Transfer Douluo Qiangu Dongfeng was also present.
Regardless of their reasons for being here, their expressions were uniformly grim.
Sea God Island, Sea God Lake, and the Shrek Academy Inner Court had all vanished in the explosion, leaving behind only an enormous crater, its deepest point exceeding a thousand meters. Groundwater gushed from the pit's bottom, slowly rising. Perhaps within a day, Shrek Academy would gain a new lake several times larger than the original Sea God Lake.
Yet, to Yun Ming, this was nothing short of mockery.
Dozens of Inner Academy disciples were scouring the crater for something.
"Yun Ming, my condolences," Chen Xinjie said solemnly, his voice tinged with remorse. "The students are all alive, and material losses can be recovered. I will propose to the Federal Council to aid Shrek Academy in its reconstruction."
Chen Xinjie was undoubtedly sincere, as he bore absolute responsibility for this attack. After all, the two twelve-level fixed soul-guided cannon shells had been under the custody of the War God Hall. As its master, his culpability was undeniable.
At this moment, aside from fury, he also felt a faint sense of relief. While the destruction of Shrek Academy was something he had never wished to see, the obliteration of the Golden Tree had significantly alleviated his burden—at least he no longer had the threat of a divine spear hanging over his head.
"Our Spirit Transfer Pagoda will also assist in your academy's reconstruction," Qiangu Dongfeng declared earnestly, his expression grave and sorrowful. To an outsider, it might have seemed as though he was grieving for Shrek Academy.
In truth, his concern and fear were for Leng Yaozhu. Everything he had done stemmed from her, and now her fate was unknown. Even if Shrek Academy had suffered heavy losses, how could he possibly rejoice?
"Thank you both for your kindness," Yun Ming replied impassively, his tone indifferent. "Though Shrek Academy has endured this calamity and suffered greatly, we are still capable of rebuilding on our own. There is no need for outsiders to intervene."
"Exactly!" Long Yeyue roared angrily at Chen Xinjie. "Rather than atoning with money, why not directly punish the criminals? Chen Xinjie, Shrek Academy demands a reasonable explanation and a satisfactory resolution from the War God Hall and the Federation!"
"Elder Long speaks wisely!" Zang Xin immediately voiced his support. "The fact that the Holy Spirit Church could steal two god-slaying soul missiles from the core of the Federation and the War God Hall—does this not suggest collusion between high-ranking officials and evil Soul Masters? In my opinion, those who conspired with the evil Soul Masters must be among the upper echelons, and likely an entire group at that!"
"This..." Chen Xinjie's heart sank upon hearing Long Yeyue and Zang Xin's words, thinking to himself that the inevitable had finally arrived. He couldn't help but inwardly curse those incompetent worms who were more trouble than they were worth. He knew full well that no one in the War God Hall could have colluded with the Holy Spirit Church, but among the upper echelons of the Federation, he could easily list out a whole roster.
These individuals were all powerful figures who could sway the Federation's political landscape and stability. If they were to be purged entirely, the Federation would likely collapse immediately, as these were absolute power brokers with formidable backing and influence. Some even hailed from Shrek Academy, which was why Chen Xinjie remained silent.
Seeing Chen Xinjie's silence, Long Yeyue flew into a rage, pointing at his nose and berating him, "Chen Xinjie, you coward! Are you backing down again? Have you forgotten what you promised me on the way here?"
"Yeyue, I..." Though Chen Xinjie was a quasi-deity, he dared not retort as the old woman scolded him, making him appear weak. Yet his stance remained unchanged. "Of course I won't tolerate those scum who collude with Evil Soul Masters, but this matter can't be rushed!"
As he spoke, he shot Guan Yue a meaningful glance, hoping he would speak up.
"So, does the Hall Master also agree to conduct searches in the Federation and Bright City?" Guan Yue spoke up, but his words left Chen Xinjie stunned. "Then why not leave this matter to me to oversee?"
"I support this," Zang Xin immediately said. "Yue Tian is the deputy hall master of the War God Hall and a member of the council. There's no one more suitable than him to investigate the traitors within the Federation."
"I have no objections," Yun Ming stated.
Chen Xinjie instantly realized that Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect were forcing him to take a stand—either let Guan Yue handle it or allow the two factions to act on their own. He had no choice. If Guan Yue took charge, he would at least follow the rules, but if Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect intervened, things would spiral out of control.
Despite Shrek Academy suffering heavy losses from two God-Slaying Soul Missile strikes, none of those who should or shouldn't have died had perished. Their strength remained unfathomable. Thus, Chen Xinjie couldn't possibly risk a fallout with them over a bunch of insignificant individuals.
"Fine. Guan Yue, once we return, you'll be responsible for forming an investigation team and overseeing this matter with full authority," Chen Xinjie said.
"Understood," Guan Yue nodded.
"The last twelfth-grade Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shell can no longer remain in Bright City," Yun Ming said coldly, his gaze fixed on Chen Xinjie. "I don't trust it there."
"Indeed," Zang Xin immediately agreed. "The third God-Slaying Soul Missile must be handed over to us for safekeeping. Otherwise, if it were stolen too, who among us would dare leave? This is also Xue Yi's stance!"
"Correct. The twelfth-grade Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shell cannot stay in Bright City any longer," Qiangu Dongfeng surprisingly concurred with Yun Ming, his expression grave.
He, too, was afraid. If the third God-Slaying Soul Missile truly landed at the Spirit Transfer Pagoda headquarters, they wouldn't be as fortunate as Shrek Academy. The Spirit Transfer Pagoda had no Golden Tree, and he certainly didn't possess a Divine Throne to self-detonate. Thus, he fully supported Yun Ming's proposal and wanted to secure the missile in his own hands.
"How about transporting it to Shrek City and having it jointly safeguarded by our three factions?" he suggested, offering what appeared to be a fair proposal. Yet upon closer consideration, his true intentions became clear.
The core area of Shrek Academy had been destroyed and couldn't be restored in the short term. The Tang Sect's headquarters in Shrek City was merely a shell, with its true essence located in Heaven Dou City, making it unsuitable for safekeeping. Thus, the only one of the three factions truly fit to safeguard the God-Slaying Soul Missile was their Spirit Transfer Pagoda. It was a cunning suggestion.
However, since Yun Ming and Zang Xin had proposed this idea, how could they not have a backup plan?
"That won't do," Yun Ming outright rejected. "Let's send this third God-Slaying Soul Missile to the Blood God Mountains and have the Blood God Battalion safeguard it. What do you think?"
Zang Xin immediately agreed, "I think that's feasible. Xue Yi has been complaining to me about the increasing pressure on the frontlines. Sending this last twelve-level Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shell there would not only ease the pressure but also prevent another incident like yesterday's."
Qiangu Dongfeng's expression stiffened, resentment flashing in his heart, yet he had no grounds to refute. Strengthening the defenses of the Blood God Mountains was an irrefutable justification. Reluctantly, he nodded.
Seeing this, what else could Chen Xinjie say? The theft of the God-Slaying Soul Missile in Bright City was an indisputable fact. It was only natural for the three factions to take precautions against another such disaster. Moreover, they weren't trying to seize control of it for themselves but were sending it to the frontlines—a decision that greatly satisfied him.
At the very least, he wouldn't have to worry about Yun Ming causing another uproar in Bright City or the God-Slaying Soul Missile detonating overhead.
"In that case, let's ask Hall Master Zang, Tower Master Qiangu, and myself to return to Bright City first before heading to the Blood God Mountains together," Chen Xinjie proposed.
"That was my intention as well," Zang Xin said approvingly.
"This…" Qiangu Dongfeng hesitated, his gaze involuntarily drifting toward the massive crater below, his unspoken concerns obvious.
"Tower Master Qiangu, you needn't worry about Tian Feng. She will surely be fine," Ya Li said softly, her tone resolute. Though she spoke of Tian Feng, her words were just as much for Jing Shaoyu.
After the aftershocks of the explosion had completely dissipated at five in the morning, she had rushed into the blast zone searching for any trace of Jing Shaoyu. She had combed through the crater five or six times but found nothing. The anxiety had nearly overwhelmed her—had it not been for Yun Ming's calm reassurances, she might not have been able to stand here now.
The words she spoke to Qiangu Dongfeng were the same ones Yun Ming had used to console her. Yun Ming, too, had found no trace of Jing Shaoyu or Leng Yaozhu at the bottom of the crater. But as a Quasi-God, he could distinctly sense an immense energy lingering there—one that bore a striking resemblance to the golden pillar of light that had erupted during the explosion.
Recalling that Jing Shaoyu had been favored by two deities, Yun Ming had confidently asserted that he would be unharmed. For a chosen of the gods, even death and resurrection were trivial matters—let alone surviving an explosion.
Of course, speculation aside, the more crucial evidence was that Yun Ming could perceive this energy but couldn't pinpoint its exact location. It seemed to be at the crater's bottom, yet also as if it existed in another dimension entirely—a feat beyond even his current weakened state.
"...Very well," Qiangu Dongfeng could only concede with a reluctant nod.
Seeing that Qiangu Dongfeng had also agreed, Chen Xinjie said, "There's no time to waste. Let's set off immediately."
"Agreed!" Zang Xin and Qiangu Dongfeng replied.
Thus, Chen Xinjie, Zang Xin, Qiangu Dongfeng, and Guan Yue flew together toward the direction of Mingdu, leaving only Yun Ming, Ya Li, and Long Yeyue above the crater. Long Yeyue's gaze remained fixed on the west.
"Elder Long, as the academy's representative, why don't you go to the Blood God Mountains?" Yun Ming said after observing Long Yeyue's expression.
"With Guan Yue there, this old woman doesn't need to go," Long Yeyue shook her head and refused. "The academy is in urgent need of manpower right now. How can I leave so easily?"
Both Yun Ming and Ya Li looked surprised, staring at Long Yeyue in disbelief.
Long Yeyue noticed their expressions and gave a self-deprecating smile. "Seems like this old woman didn't leave a good impression in your minds before, huh?"
Ya Li and Yun Ming remained silent, but their expressions said it all.
"Elder Long, we'll leave this place to you then. Ya Li and I need to meditate to recover our Soul Power," Yun Ming said solemnly, regaining his composure.
"Leave it to this old woman," Long Yeyue waved her hand and nodded in agreement.
Yun Ming and Ya Li then flew straight to the bottom of the crater, sitting cross-legged on the water's surface. The Heaven and Earth Essence here was exceptionally dense, making it perfect for cultivation and Soul Power recovery. Having been in a state of overexertion since last night, the moment they relaxed, the two entered deep meditation. The Primordial Qi at the crater's bottom, infused with negative factors, surged into their bodies.
As Limit Douluo, the radiation from the level-12 Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shells had no effect on them. On the contrary, the radiation stimulated their absorption of Heaven and Earth Essence.
Meanwhile, at the Outer Academy.
The Outer Academy had suffered minimal damage. Apart from the buildings near the Inner Academy being destroyed, the rest of the area remained largely intact. After gathering their composure, the teachers and students, led by the Elders, split into two teams—one to assist the residents in the city and the other to organize a temporary base for the Inner Academy within the academy grounds.
Students who had previously left gradually returned to Shrek City, joining the reconstruction efforts.
"Na'er, how are Xiaoyan and the others? Still unconscious?" Tang Yinmeng arrived at the place where the Shrek Seven Monsters were recuperating. Seeing Na'er's haggard face, she felt something was off but dismissed it, assuming it was due to grief. She asked, "No," Na'er replied in a low voice. "Godmother stabilized their injuries. They woke up briefly, but after hearing about my brother's disappearance, they were overwhelmed and fainted again. They haven't woken since."
"I see," Tang Yinmeng said comfortingly, patting Na'er's shoulder. "Don't worry too much. Didn't the Pavilion Master say your brother will be fine? That troublemaker has caused so much trouble for so many girls—how could anything happen to him? As the saying goes, 'the wicked live a thousand years,' right?"
"Hah!" Na'er forced a dry laugh. "Senior Sister, you really know how to lift spirits."
"Ah!" Tang Yinmeng chuckled awkwardly. "I'll get back to work. Let me know if Xiaoyan and the others wake up."
Tang Yinmeng left, and Na'er raised her eyes to gaze at the sky. Her violet pupils shimmered with a contemplative light. Tang Yinmeng's intuition wasn't wrong—Na'er, or more accurately, Gu Yue, had indeed changed.
Gu Yue glanced back at the women inside the house before turning toward the direction of the Inner Academy. Arriving at an inconspicuous corner by the edge of the crater, she slowly lifted her palm. A jade-like, pristine heart emerged from her hand, its emerald glow casting a warm light upon her icy features.
"Heart of Eternity..." she murmured softly. With a graceful wave of her other hand, a silvery portal silently materialized in the air, revealing a verdant golden space within.
The radiance of the Heart of Eternity grew even brighter.
Gu Yue stepped through the portal into the mysterious space, and the gateway closed behind her.
Inside the verdant golden space, the warmth was overwhelming, and the dense aura of life made Gu Yue involuntarily wear an intoxicated expression. Yet, she did not forget her purpose here. With a wave of her hand, she strode forward slowly.
"Thud—"
The Heart of Eternity slipped from Gu Yue's grasp, and she froze in place.
The Phoenix, devoid of its resplendent plumage, lay bare upon the Chinese parasol tree. The Phoenix's nest and the branches of the tree fit together seamlessly, like mortise and tenon, presenting a scene of perfect harmony and tranquility.
"Heh!" Gu Yue let out an ambiguous chuckle as she bent down to retrieve the Heart of Eternity. Her gaze fell upon Jing Shaoyu, whose neck was encircled by slender jade arms, and a flash of fury and jealousy flickered in her eyes. "Go on. This is your beloved brother!"
The Heart of Eternity emitted an indistinct glow before shooting forward, passing through Leng Yaozhu and merging into Jing Shaoyu's chest.
"Hmph!" Gu Yue snorted coldly, stamped her foot lightly, and then dissolved into a wisp of silver light, vanishing from the mysterious space.
Time continued its relentless march. The sun rose in the east and soon set in the west. The puddles within the crater had formed a true lake, its surface shimmering with rippling reflections under the moonlight. At the center of the lake, Yun Ming and Ya Li remained seated in meditation.
Until—
"Screech—"
A resounding cry of the Phoenix pierced the air.
(End of Chapter)