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Many readers of martial arts novels love to see ragtag forces overthrow established armies.
This is because so-called "established armies" are often labeled as being propped up by connections, leading to the thought, "If I were in their shoes, I could do it too." When this thought grows larger, it becomes the belief that these established armies are nothing but incompetent fools.
But reality is cruel.
How could a well-trained, well-equipped regular army be so easily overthrown by so-called ragtag forces?
Well, unless the opposing side has a monstrous-level genius commander.
On Tang Wulin's side, there appeared to be eight gods—outnumbering Huo Yu'er's group of seven.
However, aside from Tang Wulin and Ma Xiaotao, the others had ascended to godhood purely through the brute force of resources. Their weak understanding of divine laws was one thing, but the other six hadn't even undergone the Heart of Heaven Trial or inherited any ultimate techniques—they were hastily forced into their roles.
With such circumstances, how could they possibly stand up against Huo Yu'er's group, who were backed by the structured elemental divine positions of the Seven Elemental Gods?
As the final blow struck, Ma Xiaotao was defeated by Ye Jin'er's Flame God Wheel. With the exception of Tang Wulin, the Sea God Alliance no longer had a single god capable of fighting.
In the God Realm, Ma Hongjun stared blankly at this scene, his eyes filled with despair. After a long sigh, the fiery wings on his back flapped gently as he flew to Ye Wen's side and said:
"Lord Ye Wen, might you grant me a favor and spare my inheritor?"
Ye Wen glanced at him. It seemed that the passage of time in the God Realm, along with emotional wounds, had completely transformed this once brash and impulsive fatty.
"Why should I do that? The battles of the mortal realm are beyond the God Realm's interference."
After speaking, Ye Wen looked toward the nearby God of Destruction, then cast a meaningful glance at Tang San.
Upon hearing their exchange, Tang San seemed to realize something, his expression darkening significantly. His sharp eyes locked fiercely onto Ye Wen.
At this moment, the God of Destruction also spoke fairly:
"What Ye Wen said is correct—the God Realm cannot interfere arbitrarily in the mortal realm.
Moreover, since you've already relinquished your position as the Phoenix God, it would be best for you to leave here soon."
Ma Hongjun fell silent once more, his expression conflicted. He gave a slight bow to Ye Wen and said gravely:
"Once, I was too weak to protect even my wife. This time, I hope to save my descendant.
Of course, I know that making such a request violates the laws of the God Realm, and it may even seem shameless. But I'm willing to pledge the loyalty of my bloodline descendants to your disciple as the price for sparing her life."
The God of Destruction did not speak further, but instead watched with interest to see what choice Ye Wen—a new god wielding the authority of wisdom—would make.
Ye Wen's gaze flickered as he looked at the woman who, though defeated, still wore an expression of determination.
It was true that he had resolved the flaw in her martial soul.
After much deliberation, Ye Wen slowly spoke:
"Very well, I accept your proposal. However, oaths of loyalty must ultimately depend on the individual's own choice. After all, people's hearts are fickle—I don't want to see my disciple betrayed in the future."
With that, Ye Wen closed his eyes and began using his divine consciousness to communicate with Huo Yu'er on the Douluo Continent.
Seeing this, Ma Hongjun finally let out a sigh of relief—it seemed he had managed to save his kin this time.
Though Ma Hongjun hadn't witnessed Jiang Nannan's battle and didn't know that Ye Wen's divine consciousness resided within the Battle Armor, in his view, Ye Wen—being the God of Wisdom and thus a "smart person"—had ascended to the God Realm so quickly and was full of schemes. He surely wouldn't have left the Douluo Continent without backup plans.
It seemed his guess was correct.
At this moment, Huo Yu'er was holding her Voidbright Sword, working with the other five women to surround Da Ming and Er Ming's group. Suddenly, her delicate body trembled slightly, clearly having received Ye Wen's message.
Ye Wen hadn't enforced any commands on Huo Yu'er but allowed her to decide for herself. Thus, Huo Yu'er fell into deep thought.
In Ye Wen's plan, Tang Wulin's group was undoubtedly destined to die on the Douluo Continent, their divine positions shattered, and their essence returned to nourish this powerful world that had birthed countless gods.
However, in preparation for future major crises, Ye Wen had always taught Huo Yu'er to seek out more talented individuals to serve as reserves for the Douluo Continent.
Ma Xiaotao, with her extreme martial soul, undoubtedly fit the criteria.
The biggest issue now was her background as a Shrek Academy prodigy.
But Huo Yu'er reconsidered. Elder Song of the God of Speed aside—who was merely a mediocre talent incapable of reaching Limit Douluo through self-cultivation—Elder Xuan was a genius who had steadily advanced to Rank 98 just by eating and drinking, and had reached Rank 99 through his own comprehension.
If she could convince these three to willingly join her side…
It would be worth it.
This was Huo Yu'er's final judgment.
Thus, she finally said, "Ma Xiaotao, consider yourself fortunate. Your ancestor in the God Realm has pleaded with my master to spare your life. In exchange, you must swear loyalty to me.
Now, tell me—what is your choice?"
Ma Xiaotao, who had been gathering divine energy and thinking of ways to counterattack, was caught off guard by Huo Yu'er's sudden offer, throwing her emotions into disarray. Her once resolute face now appeared somewhat stunned.
After the crushing defeat earlier, Ma Xiaotao herself understood that they were no match for Huo Yu'er's group. But as a proud prodigy of Shrek Academy, she refused to surrender!
And now, to swear loyalty to Huo Yu'er? She was even more unwilling!
But just as Ma Xiaotao was about to refuse, Elder Xuan, who had lost an arm and a leg, lightly tapped her shoulder.
Ma Xiaotao turned to look at the weathered Elder Xuan, wondering what he intended to do.
"Xiaotao, accept her offer."
Ma Xiaotao wanted to say something about the honor of Shrek Academy and how she would never submit to the enemy, but Elder Xuan continued:
"Do you still not understand? She intends to kill us all."
Instantly, Ma Xiaotao froze. She had only focused on the part about swearing loyalty and had subconsciously ignored the fact that the other side wanted their lives.
This was the bad habit formed by years of being a pampered prodigy—she always assumed no one would dare harm her due to her status.
But upon realizing this, Ma Xiaotao, despite her divine energy still being weak, erupted instantly.
"I will never abandon my companions! Kill me if you wish!"
To this impassioned declaration, Huo Yu'er showed no reaction, coldly replying:
"Very well, it seems you've made your choice. Do you wish to die alongside them?"
Ma Xiaotao's eyes were filled with determination, ready to confirm her resolve.
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