Chapter 248: The Frustration of the White Tiger Emperor
On the Sacred Soul Xingluo Frontier
White Tiger Emperor, wary of the newly established Holy Soul Empire, dreaded a sudden declaration of war from them on Xingluo. But contrary to his fears, things remained unexpectedly calm. Across the frontier, the Holy Soul Empire maintained their usual defensive posture, only now guarded by a much larger contingent of high level soul masters.
"An unusual peace often conceals mischief," White Tiger Emperor muttered with a frown.
Though the Douluo Continent lacked advanced military strategies, Emperor White Tiger, with years of warfare experience, had developed a sharp sense for tactics. He figured that the Holy Soul Empire must be consolidating its resources after its blitz on the Heaven Dou Empire, gearing up for a future assault on Xingluo.
"Damn Spirit Hall!" he cursed, frustration deepening. Forced to confront a more powerful foe, the emperor began rallying Xingluo's forces with renewed urgency, determined that, even if Xingluo were to shatter, it would not fall easily into the Spirit Hall's grasp.
Amid this preparation, White Tiger Emperor thought of the mysterious 98th ranked "Heaven Star Douluo" from the Sky Academy. Although his appeal might go unanswered, reaching out was worth the chance. So, he penned another letter, warning of the dire consequences if the Spirit Hall unified the continent, and sent it with one of his most loyal messengers.
However, this messenger was fated never to return, as Sky Academy's allegiance had long been decided.
The letter was handed to Ah Yin, a core figure at Sky Academy. Despite honorary titles held by others like Dugu Bo, Ah Yin and her family held the true reins of power. After skimming the letter's contents, she let out a contemptuous laugh.
Noting her expression, the messenger, White Two, began to worry. He respectfully asked, "Lady Ah Yin "
White Two didn't get to finish. He looked down in shock, seeing a blade piercing through his chest Ah Yin's Blue Silver Sword. Without hesitation, she crumpled the letter and tossed it into the waste bin, her voice cold.
"For a Soul Douluo, at least, he'll make decent fertilizer for the Blue Silver Forest," she instructed calmly.
A nearby inner court disciple stepped forward to clean up, unaffected by the sight. Only those fully loyal to Sky Academy ever reached its inner ranks, and they had pledged themselves entirely to Ye Wen. As for Ah Yin, her animosity toward Xingluo was personal she had lost a father in law in the wars stirred up by the Xingluo Empire. With loyalties laid bare, there was no longer a need to keep up pretenses.
Shortly afterward, Bibi Dong, having completed her transition of power and allocated the necessary resources, officially declared Spirit Hall the state religion of the Holy Soul Empire and renamed Sky Academy to "Sky Star Academy." This recognition of Sky Academy only darkened White Tiger Emperor's mood. The potential ally he had tried to win over was now on the enemy's side, and his loyal messenger's fate seemed grim.
"Damn it!" he spat bitterly. He wasn't surprised, though an organization as powerful as Sky Academy would never have been ignored by Spirit Hall. Still, he cursed himself for being a step too late.
With the gap in power widening further, the emperor's desperation grew. He had already executed a number of nobles for their scheming, hoping that the Hao Tian Sect might provide a glimmer of hope in this worsening situation.
Hao Tian Sect's Hidden Grounds
The Hao Tian Sect lay in the midst of a mid sized soul beast territory within the Xingluo Empire, a place few soul masters dared to enter. Around this secluded site, several villages had been established for weaker clansmen and disciples. While the Sect considered this setup hidden, it was glaringly obvious to others: if there were villages thriving in such dangerous lands, strong soul masters had to be protecting them. Still, the Hao Tian Sect took pride in its secrecy.
Two years ago, Sect Leader Tang Xiao had managed to retrieve a badly injured Tang Hao from his ordeal. Tang Hao, who had lost a leg, referred to it as "a second heart." With his strength vastly diminished, his presence within the Sect became a source of irritation for many. Despite his heroic feats, the damage his actions had caused left a bitter legacy lost loved ones, fallen friends, and the reclusive life they were now forced to lead. Although Tang Hao yearned to restore the Sect's glory, his isolation weighed heavily on him.
That day, Tang Hao sat alone, nursing a bitter drink, brooding in the shadows of the sect. His meditation was interrupted by sudden commotion within the Sect.
Though his soul power had decreased, his spiritual perception remained sharp.
"How unusual what could possibly stir up such excitement in this forsaken place?"
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