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"Pass down the order," Bibi Dong's icy voice transmitted clearly through the secret room to Ghost Douluo waiting outside, "Proceed according to the plan. Everyone on the list... leave none alive!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ghost Douluo's voice carried suppressed excitement and deadly intent.
A bloody purge, personally orchestrated by Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong and targeting corrupt elements within the Spirit Empire, suddenly began!
This storm, compared to Xuan Ming's world-shattering deterrence, was closer to everyone's daily life, and far more... chilling!
Because this time, the one wielding the butcher knife was the supreme ruler whom they once revered, but whom they now thought they could disregard!
The sharp blade was not aimed at external enemies, but mercilessly struck down the "insiders" within—those corrupted by power and desire... Outside the Supreme Pontiff Palace in Spirit City.
Ning Fengzhi stood on the square in front of the palace, looking at the distant streets still permeated with a faint bloody scent, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
In just a few days, Spirit City had experienced an unprecedented storm.
Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong personally took action with overwhelming force, uniting the Elders loyal to her, and carried out a bloody purge against the corrupt elements and tyrannical Spirit Master nobles within the Empire who had completely exposed themselves following Xuan Ming's deterrence.
Everyone on the list, regardless of rank or background, was virtually uprooted! Many former powerful governors and bishops were reduced to ashes under the judgment of the Asura Demon Sword!
The entire high-level hierarchy of the Spirit Empire experienced a major upheaval!
The cruelty and thoroughness of this purge made even Ning Fengzhi tremble with fear.
In the short term, the functioning of the Empire would inevitably be greatly affected, and turmoil was unavoidable.
But Ning Fengzhi knew clearly that short pain was better than prolonged suffering. If these malignant tumors were allowed to continue growing, the Spirit Empire would truly be in imminent danger. That Bibi Dong had the courage to take such a risky move was truly beyond his expectation.
What made him feel even more incredible was that the fuse, or rather, the catalyst for all this, turned out to be Xuan Ming!
It was Xuan Ming's world-shattering deterrence that completely ignited the internal conflicts and created the optimal timing for Bibi Dong to act.
He couldn't help but re-examine the relationship between Xuan Ming and Bibi Dong.
He understood the former Spirit Hall too well. That kind of top-down arrogance and greed was practically ingrained in its bones.
The high-level officials were not unaware of the corruption in the lower ranks; often, they tacitly approved or even indulged it, as they were the ultimate beneficiaries.
The wealth and resources plundered from the bottom would eventually flow into the hands of the upper echelons through various means.
How could such a deep-rooted ailment be easily changed by a few words or actions from an outsider? Moreover, how could it convince Bibi Dong, an iron-willed Supreme Pontiff, to carry out such a thorough purge, even at the cost of shaking the Empire's foundation?
He had never considered a romantic connection; firstly, the image of the iron-willed Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong was completely unrelated to love, and secondly, Xuan Ming had many female companions.
Given Bibi Dong's domineering and strong personality, if there were truly a private relationship, how could she tolerate that? But if it wasn't that kind of relationship, how could Xuan Ming exert such a decisive influence over her?
"Sect Master Ning." Xuan Ming's calm voice quietly sounded, interrupting Ning Fengzhi's thoughts.
Ning Fengzhi collected himself and bowed, saying, "Your Excellency Xuan Ming."
Xuan Ming looked at him. "You don't have to be so polite with me."
Ning Fengzhi was slightly taken aback by the remark, then showed a wry smile. Indeed, given the strength and influence Xuan Ming now displayed, and the complex connection between them, maintaining overly polite formalities would only seem distant.
"I was being too reserved." Ning Fengzhi relaxed his posture slightly, but his tone remained respectful. "It's just... this upheaval involves many people, and there is widespread panic throughout the Empire.
While Your Majesty's methods are severe and have deterred the wicked, the subsequent efforts for appeasement and reconstruction, I fear..."
"I know," Xuan Ming interrupted him, his gaze calmly sweeping over the slightly desolate streets. "Scraping the bone to cure the poison always hurts for a while. But if this poison is not removed, the Empire will eventually perish from within."
He looked at Ning Fengzhi. "She has her resolve and her methods, but her style of doing things... you know it well. Stabilizing the situation, selecting new talent, and balancing all parties—these matters requiring time and patience will have to rely on you."
Ning Fengzhi understood. Xuan Ming was clearly telling him that he needed to play the role of the "stabilizer" and "builder," assisting in establishing a new order after Bibi Dong had violently dismantled the old one.
"I understand." Ning Fengzhi nodded solemnly. "I will do my best to stabilize the situation and let the Empire resume normal operations as quickly as possible."
Xuan Ming nodded slightly. "I am returning to Sea God Island. Do you have anything you want to say to Rongrong?"
Hearing his daughter's name, Ning Fengzhi's eyes immediately showed affection and concern. After a brief thought, he took out a letter he had prepared earlier, along with an ancient-looking brocade pouch.
"Your Excellency Xuan Ming, please trouble you to pass this letter to Rongrong." Ning Fengzhi handed over the letter, his tone gentle. "Tell her that everything is fine at home, and she shouldn't worry, but focus on cultivating on Sea God Island."
He paused, then handed the brocade pouch to Xuan Ming, his expression growing serious. "Please also give her this pouch. Tell her... to only open it when she feels the most lost, or when she encounters a difficult choice."
Xuan Ming accepted the letter and the pouch, nodding without asking further questions. He could sense a faint spiritual imprint of Ning Fengzhi attached to the pouch, clearly left specifically for Ning Rongrong.
"Also..." Ning Fengzhi looked at Xuan Ming, his tone carrying solemnity. "Rongrong can be quite stubborn sometimes, and... she was spoiled a bit too much by Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone. If she acts willfully or runs into any trouble, I ask that you... be patient with her."
Xuan Ming raised an eyebrow slightly. "Do you really need to be so polite with me?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled bitterly. "You are now a super Douluo, and someone who is only one step away from the legendary Hundred Level of Dou Tian. Being polite is my expression of respect toward a powerful Spirit Master."
Hearing this, a trace of helplessness flashed in Xuan Ming's eyes. He had never been accustomed to these formalities, but he could understand Ning Fengzhi's current state of mind.
It was better than those guys in the Elder Palace whose legs turned soft just seeing him.
"Rongrong is doing very well on Sea God Island," he said simply. "She is stronger than you think."
Hearing this, a hint of relief flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes. As a father, he knew his daughter was growing up, but he couldn't help but worry.
"That's good." He nodded gently. "This child has never been away from my side for too long since she was little, and this time..."
"Everyone has their own path to walk," Xuan Ming interrupted his sigh. "You cannot protect her for a lifetime."
The words were blunt, causing Ning Fengzhi to pause slightly. How could he not understand this principle, but... "I understand." Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath, his expression returning to his usual composure. "In that case, I won't delay you any further."
"Goodbye."
High above, between the sea of clouds.
Xuan Ming and Gu Yuena flew side by side, not moving quickly, as if admiring the vast, boundless azure ocean below.
The sea breeze brushed their faces, carrying a salty, damp scent, yet it couldn't disperse the subtle solemnity between Xuan Ming's brows.
He looked at the faint outline of the island on the distant horizon, remaining silent.
Gu Yuena glanced at him, her silver-purple eyes calm and still, and her cold voice broke the silence: "Are you worried about Bo Saixi?"
Xuan Ming didn't deny it, giving a soft "Mm."
"The matter concerning Tang Chen must be told to her."
"It's just... I haven't figured out how to tell her."
Bo Saixi's sea-blue eyes, which always held warmth and tolerance, appeared in his mind.
This Great Priestess of Sea God Island had taken care of him in every way since he arrived on Sea God Island, often going beyond the scope of her duties as the Great Priestess. He remembered this kindness.
Now, however, he had to tell her that the man she had waited for half her life died by his hand.
Even though Tang Chen had fallen at the time, and even though it was an unavoidable choice made to save Bibi Dong and seize the Asura God Power, the result remained the same—Tang Chen died because of him.
What would Bo Saixi's reaction be? Grief? Anger? Or... hatred?
Would she seek revenge for Tang Chen?
If she really took action, what should he do?
Stand still and let her hit him to vent her anger? That seemed overly sentimental, and might not be what Bo Saixi wanted.
Actually fight her? That was even more ridiculous. Bo Saixi was the Great Priestess of Sea God Island, the Sea God's most loyal servant, and a friend who had shown him kindness. Taking up arms against her was absolutely not what he desired.
Furthermore, Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing were still undergoing their Sacred Pillar trials on Sea God Island. Although the trial content was set by Sea God Poseidon, the specific execution and judging standards were largely in Bo Saixi's hands.
If his own affairs caused Bo Saixi to take her anger out on them and affect their trials, that would be even more troublesome.
Thinking of all this, Xuan Ming felt a headache coming on.
What he feared most were issues involving emotions, especially when he felt indebted to the other party.