Today marked a small victory, and the entire Heaven Dou City was filled with cheers and jubilation.
For the soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire, having been suppressed by the Spirit Empire for a whole year, they hadn't enjoyed the thrill of victory for far too long.
In the imperial palace, Princess Xue Ke stepped out of her room and heard the cheers of the army outside, but her face showed no joy.
What did a victory have to do with her? She was just an abandoned pawn, unwanted by anyone.
At this moment, she missed Tianlin and Xue Qinghe terribly. Although neither of them were her real brothers, they had truly cared for her back then, treating her like a real sister.
She deeply missed those days. Back then, Tianlin was not yet the Holy Demon Douluo who turned the Heaven Dou palace upside down, and Qian Renxue was still the gentle and kind Xue Qinghe. With them, she was so relaxed and happy, as if even if the sky fell, they would hold it up for her.
"Big brother, Brother Tianlin, are you two alright? Fate is cruel, making two people who were so close destined to become life-and-death enemies. Xue Ke can do nothing, but can only pray here that both of you survive this continental war."
…
Ning Fengzhi sent Gu Ran to the military camp to celebrate with the soldiers and reward the army. From now on, Gu Ran would command more and more troops. He had to balance strictness and kindness—while maintaining authority, he also needed the soldiers' heartfelt respect.
As for Ning Fengzhi himself, he stayed in his room, examining the continental map. Although the Spirit Empire lost today, they had not retreated. The losses were not insignificant, but not enough to make them falter. Their soul master force was simply too strong, and there was still a powerful reserve in their capital.
Moreover, four of the Worship elders in the Hall of Worships had not made a move yet. Bibi Dong would definitely call for reinforcements, and a new war would break out soon.
…
In the Spirit Empire's camp, Bibi Dong and the others were listening to the battle report with grim expressions.
On the military side, forty thousand heavy cavalry were wiped out, and the rear guard, under the charge of Heaven Dou's light cavalry, lost another twenty thousand, totaling sixty thousand troops.
Among the soul masters, the Elephant Armored Sect, Wind Sword Sect, and the Angel Legion were all annihilated. The Fire Leopard, Rock Antelope, and Black Tiger sects, which assisted in siege warfare, also suffered heavy losses. Soul master casualties exceeded four thousand in this battle alone.
And the dead were not low-level soul masters—among them were three Soul Douluo, nearly a hundred Soul Sages, and the rest were all Soul Kings or Soul Emperors.
Such losses would have meant the annihilation of most other powers; even for the Spirit Empire, this was a severe blow.
"Yue Guan, you mobilized the Angel Legion to storm the city without orders, falling for the enemy's plan and causing our country heavy losses. Do you admit your guilt?" Bibi Dong said coldly, staring at Yue Guan kneeling on the ground.
Even without Ning Rongrong's strange yellow talisman, it was not a good time to attack. On the opposite line, Title Douluo Qin Ming, Ning Rongrong, and several Soul Douluos from the Emperor Battle Team were stationed. With the agility clans suppressing the Elephant and Wind Sword Sects, the Angel Legion couldn't break through. Even if they forced their way in, it would have been a pyrrhic victory.
The original plan was for Chrysanthemum Douluo, the extra Title Douluo, to clear the obstacles, then have the Angel Legion launch a surprise attack. But with Qin Ming appearing, the plan had already failed. Had Yue Guan preserved his strength, victory or defeat would still be in question. But all was ruined by his impulsiveness.
"Yue Guan admits his mistake. But with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Emperor Battle Team right before my eyes, I couldn't forget Old Ghost's deep hatred and acted out of anger. I accept any punishment from Your Holiness." Yue Guan did not defend himself; he knew Bibi Dong well—arguing would only enrage her further.
Of course, admitting his fault wouldn't save his life, just make his death quicker. But now was a time when every man counted. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as enemy, one more Title Douluo was crucial. Golden Crocodile Douluo had already pleaded for him, so killing him now would do no good.
"Hmph. I'll settle Old Ghost's score with Jun Tianlin myself. Why the rush? Yue Guan, you disobeyed military orders and acted on your own. You should be executed, but considering your years of service and great contributions, I'll spare your life for now and strip you of your elder position. Any objections?" Bibi Dong was already being merciful; in the original story, Chrysanthemum Douluo would already be dead.
But it only meant a later death. If he failed to redeem himself in the coming war, Bibi Dong would settle accounts after the dust settled.
"Subordinate has no objections." Chrysanthemum Douluo no longer cared about his elder status. His only purpose in living now was to avenge Ghost Douluo, even if it meant selling his soul.
He had long prepared a scheme against Bibi Dong. But the pressure from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was not enough yet; he wanted to wait for Jun Tianlin.
…
At this time, Tianlin had led his army to take most of the Lima Plain without a fight. The reason was simple—the soldiers stationed there were all men of the Luo family.
Because the Luo father and son were poisoned, only the Spirit Empire could give them antidotes regularly, so Spirit Hall trusted them fully.
In Jialing Pass, news of Spirit Hall's defeat at the frontline had not yet arrived. Unbeknownst to them, Ghost Leopard Douluo and the four Ao brothers from the Ao family were drinking merrily.
The Ao brothers were excited—once Spirit Hall took Heaven Dou's capital, the Heaven Dou Empire would be finished. Bibi Dong had promised to hand over the Heaven Dou province to them for management, and they were already envisioning their bright future.
"Hm? Where are Luo Hengji and Luo Fujii? Didn't I say we'd feast tonight? They're supposed to pour the wine. Do they want to die?" Ao Erfu snapped.
Ever since his ears were cut off, his temper had become more violent, often killing people at random, and his soul power hadn't improved at all—still Level 81 after all these years.
"Don't be angry, Ao brother. I've already sent for them. They may be just dogs, but even if they haven't done any meritorious service, they've at least worked hard. Remember to reward them with a few bones later." Ghost Leopard Douluo smiled.
In front of Ghost Leopard Douluo, even the violent Ao Erfu dared not act out. He hurriedly agreed, "You're right, Your Holiness. They're our Spirit Hall dogs, after all. It's only right they eat better than other dogs—shows the majesty of a great nation."
Ghost Leopard Douluo nodded approvingly. "No wonder you're the patriarch of the largest clan of the former Balak Kingdom. You're sensible."