Ning Fengzhi continued speaking: "When our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were attacked, many smaller and medium-sized sects that opposed the Spirit Hall also suffered attacks. They were all wiped out completely."
"Now, every soul master in the world feels insecure. The Spirit Hall has nearly reached the strength to dominate the world."
Yang Xiong asked with confusion: "Sect Leader, didn't we achieve a great victory in the battle against the Spirit Hall? Can't we suppress their current arrogance?"
Ning Fengzhi revealed a bitter smile: "Little Xiong, it's not that simple. Although we achieved a great victory, our overall strength is still far behind the Spirit Hall. Especially now, with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect standing alone, we don't dare to openly oppose the Spirit Hall."
"Although the Spirit Hall suffered heavy losses this time, all their soul masters were operating under hidden identities. We didn't even retrieve the bodies of the two fallen Title Douluos. If we truly tear off the mask, next time they might send more than four Title Douluos."
"Though we luckily won this time, it was due to our previous arrangements. This time, the Spirit Hall has gained experience. If they attack again, we'll truly be in danger."
After careful thought, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, what should we do now?"
Ning Fengzhi replied: "We have no options left. Though we achieved a great victory in this battle, outside rumors claim we suffered a crushing defeat with countless casualties. That's exactly the effect the Spirit Hall wanted—to weaken the influence of the top three sects in the soul master world. At this point, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect no longer has the strength to resist."
"However, I've already communicated with Emperor Xue Ye. He has dispatched fifty thousand troops to station five kilometers outside our sect's gates for mutual support. These fifty thousand troops can be arranged and commanded by our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiong felt somewhat helpless. After all, the Spirit Hall's strength was overwhelming, especially with their numerous Title Douluos. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's victory this time was largely due to gathering all the top experts in the Tian Dou region.
The Spirit Hall had seven patrons and nine elders, not to mention Bibi Dong, an absolute powerhouse.
To truly oppose the Spirit Hall, one needed top-tier experts—fighters capable of matching Golden Crocodile Douluo and Qian Daoliu. Unfortunately, there were no such people in the soul master world at this stage.
Yang Xiong carefully considered the current situation: "Sect Leader, what's the attitude of the Tian Dou Imperial Family now? Surely Crown Prince Xue Beng's death won't go unpunished, right?"
Ning Fengzhi replied: "There's no evidence pointing to the Spirit Hall in Xue Beng's death. After his death, three of Emperor Xue Ye's four sons are dead, leaving only Xue Qinghe. Even if Emperor Xue Ye harbors suspicions, without evidence, there's nothing he can do."
"Though our analysis suggests Xue Qinghe is the prime suspect, he has been flawless in his actions over the years, leaving no trace. Moreover, Xue Qinghe enjoys immense popularity among the common people and wields considerable power."
"Xue Qinghe is even personally investigating the murderer, vowing to find and avenge his brother's killer."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "This is interesting. Three of Emperor Xue Ye's four sons are dead. No matter how perfect Xue Qinghe appears, he can't escape suspicion. The waters of the Tian Dou Imperial Family run deep indeed."
Ning Fengzhi sighed helplessly: "I underestimated the ruthlessness of the Tian Dou Imperial Family's succession struggles. It seems our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect shouldn't meddle too much in the internal conflicts of the imperial family. Their intricate power struggles are even harder to predict than those in the soul master world."
…
After their conversation, Ning Fengzhi and the others left.
Yang Xiong revealed a faint smile. Though the Spirit Hall's plan was meticulous, there was always a loophole.
Whether Bibi Dong or Qian Renxue, they likely had full confidence in this Soul Hunt operation. Yet, they never expected the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to secure a decisive victory, effectively severing one of Qian Renxue's arms.
Qian Renxue's calculated assassination of Crown Prince Xue Beng was indeed perfectly timed.
Had the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect been severely weakened—or worse, annihilated—Qian Renxue's power in the Tian Dou region would have grown unprecedentedly strong, especially with multiple Title Douluos by her side.
At that point, Qian Renxue's strength might surpass Emperor Xue Ye's. With only one son left, she could easily manipulate the emperor to control the empire. The crown prince succeeding to the throne would be inevitable, with no one able to interfere.
Unfortunately, Qian Renxue underestimated the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Not only did they achieve a great victory, but Qian Renxue herself suffered a blow, exposing hints of her hidden schemes after years of concealment.
Yang Xiong pondered deeply, then couldn't help but chuckle: "This is intriguing. Now, Qian Renxue either has to continue hiding or risk launching a palace coup. Either way, she's lost the initiative. A snake that shows its head isn't as dangerous."
Seemingly recalling something, Yang Xiong quickly sought out Yang Wudi and Bai He.
"Elder Bai He, how's the surveillance around the outskirts of the Great Star Dou Forest? I plan to enter the forest soon to hunt for my seventh soul ring."
Bai He quickly replied: "Sect Leader, according to our Agility Clan's reconnaissance, a large group recently entered the Great Star Dou Forest. Leading them is likely Chrysanthemum Douluo from the Spirit Hall. Given their overwhelming strength, we didn't dare follow too closely."
"However, none of them appear to be soul masters on the verge of breaking through. It's unclear why they're heading to the core of the Great Star Dou Forest."
Yang Xiong thought carefully: "As I suspected, such a large-scale entry into the Great Star Dou Forest must be to capture Xiao Wu, the hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast who escaped during the Spirit City incident. It seems we need to speed up our plans."
Bai He quickly asked: "Sect Leader, are we going to compete with the Spirit Hall for the hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Though Xiao Wu is a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast, a rabbit isn't particularly useful to me. I'm after other spirit beasts."
"However, the Spirit Hall just attacked the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If we don't teach them a lesson, they might think we're easy targets."
"This is an excellent opportunity. Last time, the Elephant Armor Sect suffered heavy losses in the Great Star Dou Forest. This time, it's the Spirit Hall's turn. If we coordinate with two hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts to launch a joint attack, how many of the Spirit Hall's people do you think will survive their trip to the Great Star Dou Forest?"
Beside him, Yang Wudi asked with some confusion: "Sect Leader, what do you mean?"
Yang Xiong revealed a faint smile: "Since we're hunting hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts anyway, let's take out the Spirit Hall's people while we're at it."
"Teacher Lin, Elder Dragon Duke, haven't you both long wanted revenge on Chrysanthemum Douluo? This is a perfect chance. I'll ensure Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo meet their end, severing another arm of Bibi Dong."
Lin Gong quickly interjected: "Little Xiong, mobilizing so many people might leave our sect's defenses vulnerable. If anything happens, it'll be troublesome."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "With fifty thousand troops from the Tian Dou Empire stationed outside our sect, our safety should be temporarily secured. Moreover, the Spirit Hall has suffered heavy losses and likely lacks the strength to attack us. Let's prepare quickly and depart immediately. Additionally, I'll ask Elder Sword Douluo to join us. This time, we must ensure these two are eliminated."
Upon hearing this, Lin Gong and Dragon Duke's eyes radiated ferocity and seriousness. They had long desired revenge on Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Yang Xiong immediately approached Ning Fengzhi to detail his plan.
After careful consideration, Ning Fengzhi decisively invited Sword Douluo to join the mission. He also arranged for a Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda soul master, Ning Fengyuan, a member of Ning Fengzhi's family.
Sword Douluo emanated chilling intent, his killing aura leaking slightly. Though the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had achieved a great victory, their losses were severe, and the Spirit Hall was the root cause of it all.
Now, the Spirit Hall's attempt to hunt hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts in the Great Star Dou Forest presented a rare opportunity.
After final preparations, the group set off quickly toward the Great Star Dou Forest.
Yang Xiong's team was vast, including Sword Douluo, Ning Fengyuan, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Bai He, Lin Gong, Dragon Duke Meng Shu, Serpent Grandmother Chao Tianxiang, and several Agility Clan experts tasked with monitoring Chrysanthemum Douluo's group.
Among them, Ning Fengyuan was an elder of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, wielding the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda martial spirit with a soul power of seventy-four levels—an exceptional auxiliary asset.
Moreover, upon hearing the news, Ning Rongrong insisted on joining. She and Xiao Wu had been close friends during their time at Shrek Academy, and after five years apart, she missed Xiao Wu dearly.
Even Oscar, Qin Shuang, and Yang Wei, Yang Xiong's older brother, insisted on coming along.
After much deliberation, Yang Xiong decided to bring them along to witness top-tier spirit beasts and gain experience, letting them see bloodshed.
Oscar could provide food and support in the Great Star Dou Forest, especially with his Flying Mushroom Sausages, which might yield unexpected results.
Yang Wei and Qin Shuang were both at level fifty-nine, just a step away from level sixty. Perhaps this trip could help them break through, and they could hunt for top-tier spirit beasts in the core of the Great Star Dou Forest.
Even Ning Rongrong was now a Soul Emperor, excelling in auxiliary abilities within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and serving as a model for the younger generation.
Moreover, with Sword Douluo present, the group's safety was assured.
Yang Xiong meticulously planned various tactics to handle any contingencies, ensuring the mission would proceed flawlessly without leaving survivors.
Under cover of night, the group swiftly departed from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Few within the sect knew of their departure, as they claimed to be recovering from injuries in seclusion.
In reality, though the battle against the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was fierce, no one sustained serious injuries. Under the treatment of auxiliary soul masters, everyone had recovered to their peak condition in recent days.
Once inside the Great Star Dou Forest, Yang Xiong's group didn't need to explore much—they headed straight for the Lake of Life.
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