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In the southern part of Tian Dou City, the original site of the Strength Clan was now under construction as the Tang Sect.
At this moment, the Tang Sect was surrounded by tens of thousands of soldiers, including hundreds of soul masters, creating an extremely intimidating scene.
One of the elders of the Strength Clan shouted: "Who are you people? Why are you attacking our clan?"
The leader of the attacking group was a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious robes, exuding nobility and clearly holding a significant position within the Tian Dou Imperial Family.
The man shouted loudly: "How dare the Strength Clan secretly manufacture large-scale destructive weapons in Tian Dou City with the intent to overthrow the Tian Dou Imperial Family! The evidence is conclusive. By order of the Crown Prince, all members of the Strength Clan will be exterminated as a warning to others."
Both the surrounding soul masters and soldiers were filled with anger: "Kill the traitors of the Strength Clan! Kill them!"
Their morale was high, and they appeared to despise such betrayal. It was unimaginable that someone would dare secretly produce weapons within Tian Dou City with malicious intent.
Countless troops surrounded the Strength Clan, and under the leadership of numerous soul masters, they launched a fierce assault on the entire clan.
Recently, the Strength Clan had been working on crafting Tang San's Zhuge Divine Crossbows, so what the Tian Dou Imperial Family said wasn't entirely wrong.
However, the Strength Clan was still a soul master clan, with two to three hundred soul masters within the family, including many high-level ones.
Unfortunately, Xue Qinghe seemed well-prepared. He not only dispatched multiple Soul Douluos but also sent hundreds of soul masters directly under the control of the Tian Dou Imperial Family, showing clear intent to completely eradicate the Strength Clan.
…
At Shrek Academy, the entire academy was now surrounded by armies, including a large number of soul masters. It was unclear whether these soul masters were directly from the Tian Dou Imperial Family or secretly dispatched by the Spirit Hall.
At this moment, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Zhao Wuji stood at the entrance of the academy, with Zhao Wuji, the top-tier Soul Douluo, positioned at the center.
Flender's expression was grave: "What do you want? We are a legitimate and compliant advanced soul master academy. Even the Tian Dou Imperial Family has no right to attack us."
The leader of the Tian Dou Imperial Family's forces angrily shouted: "Principal Flender, although you are a legitimate advanced soul master academy, you have secretly harbored a hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast, acting against humanity. We demand you immediately hand over the spirit beast and surrender everyone. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences."
"Furthermore, we solemnly warn all teachers and students of Shrek Academy not to resist. Otherwise, your school will face severe punishment from the empire."
"Of course, if any teacher or student voluntarily surrenders and reports others, we may consider leniency due to your ignorance and deception."
At this moment, many teachers and students of Shrek Academy exchanged glances. They had come to Shrek Academy to teach or study and were unwilling to oppose the Tian Dou Imperial Family over such unfounded accusations.
Yu Xiaogang appeared extremely angry: "You're being unreasonable! Xiao Wu is a student of Shrek Academy and a classmate to all of you. I won't allow anyone to harm her."
Beside him, Zhao Wuji's eyes were filled with killing intent, his Soul Douluo aura radiating immense power, making others tremble with fear.
However, the leader of the Tian Dou Imperial Family's forces showed no fear: "Flender, considering you were deceived by the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast, we can overlook past offenses. But you must hand over the shape-shifting spirit beast. Otherwise, the Tian Dou Imperial Family will not tolerate you."
"You have five minutes to decide. Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences. All teachers and students also have five minutes. After that, you'll face the same consequences."
As his words fell, chaos erupted among Shrek Academy's teachers and students. The Tian Dou Imperial Family clearly held the moral high ground, leaving no room for argument.
Some of the more timid teachers and students, unable to withstand the pressure of the countless soul masters and soldiers, began to voice their complaints.
"Xiao Wu isn't our classmate. We have nothing to do with the hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast."
"I just came here to study. What does this have to do with me?"
"I'm just an ordinary person, a regular student. I don't understand these grand principles."
…
As time passed, Shrek Academy seemed to be falling apart like a tree losing its monkeys. For many, their connection to Xiao Wu or even the entire Shrek Academy wasn't deep—they had simply come to study.
Soon, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, some individuals began to leave Shrek Academy, seemingly disregarding Flender's disappointed expression.
Over the years, Shrek Academy had gradually evolved according to Flender's vision.
Compared to other advanced soul master academies, Shrek Academy's admission standards were slightly higher. However, it uniquely recruited students from ordinary civilian backgrounds and provided solid education.
Unfortunately, whether it was Yu Xiaogang, Flender, or Liu Erlong, the gap between them and the average student was vast. They couldn't communicate deeply with every student, let alone gain their unwavering loyalty.
Now, as the first person left, more and more teachers and students began to depart from Shrek Academy.
As they said, they were just ordinary people who didn't want to get involved with a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast.
At this moment, a terrifying surge of soul power suddenly erupted from the rear courtyard of Shrek Academy. A massive fire-red dragon appeared, roaring thunderously, its body radiating endless flames.
Flender's expression changed drastically: "This is bad! Someone is attacking our rear courtyard. Erlong seems to be fighting someone."
Yu Xiaogang's face also shifted. If Liu Erlong was enraged, the opponent must be formidable.
But before they could act, the leader of the forces surrounding Shrek Academy boldly declared: "Flender, how dare you ignore the orders of the Tian Dou Imperial Family? Since that's the case, all personnel of Shrek Academy will be captured on the spot. Any resistance will be met with immediate execution."
However, neither Yu Xiaogang nor Flender cared anymore. They quickly rushed back into Shrek Academy.
Seeing the attackers closing in, Zhao Wuji roared and transformed into a massive Vigorous Vajra Bear, displaying four soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black.
"Anyone who wants to enter Shrek Academy must get past me first!"
The Tian Dou Imperial Family's army and soul master legion completely ignored Zhao Wuji's warning and launched a fierce assault on Shrek Academy.
When Yu Xiaogang and Flender reached the rear of the academy, the scene was devastating, with flames everywhere.
Liu Erlong was coughing up blood, clearly seriously injured.
Opposite them stood a mysterious figure clad in black, exuding a dark aura.
Xiao Wu had already fainted and was being held firmly by this person.
Yu Xiaogang was furious. Tang San had entrusted Xiao Wu to Shrek Academy, and now she had been captured. How could he face his most promising student?
"Who are you to dare invade Shrek Academy? Do you not fear the retaliation of the Hao Tian Sect?"
The person holding Xiao Wu was none other than Gui Bao (Ghost Leopard) Douluo of the Spirit Hall.
Gui Bao Douluo sneered: "A mere Soul Grandmaster? Who gave you the audacity to speak to me like that? You're courting death."
As Gui Bao Douluo revealed his Title Douluo aura, even Flender and Liu Erlong felt immense pressure. As for Yu Xiaogang, he was directly pushed back several meters by the overwhelming presence.
Liu Erlong quickly warned: "Xiaogang, be careful. This person is a Title Douluo."
Gui Bao Douluo merely snorted and transformed into a massive Ghost Leopard, displaying five soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and one black. His strength as a Title Douluo was undeniable.
Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong exchanged quick glances and gathered together, shouting in unison:
"Sun and Moon, Resplendent Gold!"
Their martial spirits instantly fused, forming a massive Golden Dragon that surrounded Gui Bao Douluo.
This was their trinity martial spirit fusion technique, granting them combat power equivalent to a Title Douluo.
Gui Bao Douluo sneered, and his seventh soul ring flashed. A massive Ghost Leopard clashed with the golden holy dragon. Despite Yu Xiaogang and the others' best efforts, the golden dragon couldn't match a true Title Douluo.
Gui Bao Douluo's figure blurred, and he swiftly fled the scene like a shadow. Even Yu Xiaogang and the others could only chase after him, unable to catch up.
Gui Bao Douluo, an agility-type Title Douluo, was both mysterious and incredibly fast, far beyond what Yu Xiaogang and the others could match.
His destination was the imperial palace, where capturing the hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast was his true objective.
With only Zhao Wuji left to defend Shrek Academy, there was no way to protect the remaining teachers and students. Soon, the entire academy was overrun by the Tian Dou Imperial Family's forces. Teachers and students were either captured, surrendered, or fled, leaving Shrek Academy in shambles.
The Tian Dou Imperial Family's army had clearly targeted Shrek Academy from the start, sending multiple Soul Douluos to overwhelm Zhao Wuji, leaving him struggling to cope.
Moreover, Zhao Wuji was relatively reckless, focusing solely on fighting without considering the bigger picture.
On the square of the Tian Dou Imperial Palace, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe stood alone in the center, surrounded by numerous guards.
Gui Bao Douluo arrived as a ghostly shadow, handing over Xiao Wu. Several people immediately restrained her tightly.
"Your Highness, the capture of the hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast is complete."
Xue Qinghe's face lit up with approval: "Excellent. Elder Gui Bao has done a commendable job."
Gui Bao Douluo hesitated slightly: "Your Highness, while capturing the hundred-thousand-year shape-shifter, I noticed a few tails—likely the Golden Iron Triangle of Shrek Academy. I fear they might cause trouble in the palace."
"Also, the Pope has given strict orders that upon successful capture, the spirit beast must be sent to the Spirit City immediately."
Xue Qinghe's expression shifted: "This is a critical moment for the coup in the Tian Dou Palace. Sending the spirit beast to Spirit City can wait. You should know the priorities here."
"As for the so-called Golden Iron Triangle, if they dare to storm the palace, I'll leave them no chance. Worst case, I'll kill them outright."
Gui Bao Douluo quickly interjected: "Your Highness, the Pope has explicitly forbidden harming the Golden Iron Triangle, lest it invites further complications."
Xue Qinghe sneered: "Do I not understand that woman's intentions? Killing three insignificant people will bring no real trouble. Does she value the Spirit Hall's grand plan less than her own selfish motives?"
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