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As Bai Xu successively destroyed two Spirit Pagodas within the Dou Ling Empire, humiliating the imperial family, the Dou Ling Emperor, under pressure from the Spirit Pagoda, issued a nationwide wanted order for Bai Xu. However, it proved utterly futile—even with his appearance known, no one could ever recognize him.
Bai Xu seemed to have vanished into thin air, never to appear again.
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Tang Sect .
"At the most opportune moment, Qiangu Dongfeng announced the successful development of artificial black spirit souls while drastically reducing the prices of purple and yellow spirit souls. This move has won overwhelming public support. Moreover, the destruction of the branch pagodas by evil soul masters has dispelled the rumors of the Spirit Pagoda colluding with the Holy Spirit Cult. Now, the Spirit Pagoda is at the peak of its influence. On top of that, Qiangu Dongfeng even gifted a large batch of black spirit souls to the War God Hall and the Federation as a gesture of his support. He also pledged to devote all efforts to combating the Holy Spirit Cult. Beyond that, the Spirit Pagoda has donated an astronomical sum of money to the military and declared full support for the military's campaign against the other two continents," Zang Xin explained.
Tang Wulin frowned, organizing the information in his mind before asking, "Bai Xu... This person recently appeared again at the North Sea City's Spirit Pagoda, seemingly dissolving all its structures and even defeating a 94th-ranked Titled Douluo. It appears he is specifically targeting the Spirit Pagoda."
"Indeed, Bai Xu has been labeled by the Spirit Pagoda as an undercover spy of the evil soul masters, now wanted across the entire Federation and classified as one of them. However, his abilities are bizarre, his soul skills ever-changing—no one has been able to decipher his true capabilities."
Zang Xin analyzed the situation before adding, "Still, this man isn't much of a concern for us. Let him and the Spirit Pagoda fight to the death."
Tang Wulin nodded solemnly. "The Spirit Pagoda's influence is immense. We need more allies."
Zang Xin gave an approving nod. "Exactly. That's why I have a proposal. I want you to represent the Tang Sect—and the Federation's dovish faction—to visit the Star Luo Empire and then the Dou Ling Empire."
The reason Zang Xin could claim Tang Wulin represented the dovish faction was that the financial backers of the doves, including the two major legions supporting them, were all tied to the Tang Sect. As the world's largest arms dealer, the Tang Sect's wealth even surpassed that of the Spirit Pagoda.
After all, spirit souls were only needed by soul masters, whereas soul technology weapons were in demand by nearly all of humanity. Beyond weapons, the Tang Sect also produced countless civilian-use soul tools.
Thus, despite the destruction of its headquarters, the Tang Sect's technological edge in the Star Luo and Dou Ling Empires remained intact. In fact, its most outstanding laboratory was located in the Star Luo Empire.
Naturally, Tang Wulin was thrilled to take on the role of the Tang Sect's leader. With the Tang Sect and Shrek Academy as his life's mission, he saw the Federation and the Spirit Pagoda as insurmountable obstacles to their revival.
The Federation would never allow Shrek Academy to be rebuilt—a state within a state would further undermine its authority. As for the Spirit Pagoda, there was no need to elaborate. Despite the news of the Holy Spirit Cult destroying branch pagodas, they had not changed their stance. There were even hints that the Spirit Pagoda had been involved in the bombing of Shrek Academy. Qiangu Dongfeng, a long-time rival of Shrek, would never sit idly by and watch its reconstruction.
Three Days Later.
A single call from Mang Tian shattered Tang Wulin's composure. He dropped everything and rushed to the Dou Ling Empire by ferry.
"How... How could this be?! My parents were imprisoned in the Dou Ling Empire's Spirit Pagoda? And now it's been destroyed! If they were really there, then—" Tang Wulin's dark eyes had already transformed into golden vertical slits, a surge of fury rising in his heart.
"If my parents truly died in that attack, then everyone involved will pay!" he growled through gritted teeth, his Golden Dragon Claws flickering in and out of visibility.
After searching for his parents for so many years, he had finally found a trace—only to receive this devastating news. According to the latest reports, the Lingbo City Spirit Pagoda had been completely leveled, with no survivors.
"Mom, Dad... wait for me."
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Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters.
"Oh? They didn't kill him, but instead pinned the blame on us?" The Ghost Emperor sat on his throne, intrigued as he reviewed the latest intelligence. The final narrative had become that the Spirit Pagoda's Qi Douluo Hua Tao and the Evil Dragon Douluo perished together, while Bai Xu was branded a Holy Spirit Cult spy.
Reading the report, the Ghost Emperor smirked disdainfully. "It seems there's more to this. Tower Master Qiangu is truly a cunning old fox, using this chance to whitewash himself at the cost of an entire branch pagoda. How amusing."
He then activated his soul communicator and contacted the Devil Empress. "Your Majesty, the mission failed. Those two died in the Dou Ling Empire."
"I've already heard the news. Never mind, set it aside for now. The most critical matter is my breakthrough to the godly level," the Devil Empress replied, unsurprised. In fact, she was somewhat pleased the mission had failed. The Abyss Monarch's intentions were unclear, and Bai Xu's corpse undoubtedly held secrets—but none of that mattered compared to her imminent ascension.
Only by breaking through to the legendary godly level could she avenge her husband, who had died twenty thousand years ago!
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One Month Later.
Bai Xu stepped ashore from the ocean, returning to the Douluo Federation. The World Spirit perched on his shoulder, its tail wagging excitedly, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Master, I can sense it... the demonic aura on Yuanen Yehui has grown even stronger!"
"Where is she? Can you pinpoint her location?" Bai Xu asked.
"Sky Dou City," the World Spirit answered swiftly, tracing the threads of Yuanen Yehui's fate.
"Let's go."
Their objective was for the World Spirit to obtain the exact spatial coordinates of the Demon Realm through Yuanen Yehui. With Bai Xu's mastery of spatial abilities, he could provide the necessary support, laying the groundwork for future plans.
Sky Dou City was under the control of the dovish faction, with Councilor Mo Lan serving as its governor. She shared close ties with Tang Wulin, and after the destruction of Shrek City, Sky Dou had become an even more critical transportation hub. The Tang Sect had also relocated its headquarters here.
"How exactly will you extract the Demon Realm's coordinates?" Bai Xu inquired.
"It's simple. Now that your soul power has reached Rank 81 and your spatial abilities are formidable, all you need to do is make physical contact with Yuanen Yehui. The moment you touch her, I can sense the demonic core within her and trace it back to the Demon Realm," the World Spirit explained.
"That straightforward? It'll save us a lot of trouble."
Bai Xu acted without hesitation. With Gu Yuena no longer by his side, he had no lingering attachments in this world.
"Hmm?" The World Spirit suddenly frowned, as if detecting something. "Master, didn't you say you wanted to exterminate evil soul masters?"
"I did. Have you sensed one?" Bai Xu's Heavenly Eye activated autonomously, revealing an image—a cold, dark-haired woman sitting calmly on a soul train, gazing at the passing scenery like an ordinary passenger.
"A powerful one. A woman. Fate tells me her name is... Na Nali."