Inside the Lingmao Duke Mansion.
"What did you say?"
The elderly man, about seventy years old, immediately stood up from his chair, eyes tensely fixed on the family disciple who had rushed back wearing official robes.
Several other high-ranking family members exchanged glances, their eyes revealing shock and fear.
"Master, it's absolutely true. The Southwest nobles were completely eliminated. After the Douluo Competition concludes, all will be executed at the Meridian Gate. His Majesty's reason: they committed treason."
The officials who had rushed back were all slightly bowing, their faces covered in sweat—they were terrified.
When His Majesty spoke, his gaze swept over them multiple times, his murderous intent utterly unhidden.
Clearly, His Majesty was aware of the Lingmao Duke Mansion's connections with the Southwest nobles.
But that wasn't the key point. If the Southwest nobles committed treason, didn't that implicitly imply that the Lingmao Duke Mansion also committed treason?
This was a crime punishable by the extermination of their entire clan.
"Father, the situation is urgent. I suggest we immediately go to the White Tiger Duke Mansion to discuss solutions together," Zhu Changming said, standing up solemnly.
He was the eldest of his generation; the previous two older brothers had already died.
"Changming is right. This matter does indeed require consultation with the White Tiger Duke Mansion," other high-ranking family members agreed.
"Changming, take a few people to the White Tiger Duke Mansion. Make sure to negotiate and resolve this matter properly, and leave nothing to chance," the Lingmao Duke said after a moment's thought.
"Understood."
Zhu Changming's expression was grave. He quickly selected several high-ranking members and headed toward the White Tiger Duke Mansion. The two mansions were only a few dozen kilometers apart, a trivial distance for soul masters.
Inside the White Tiger Duke Mansion.
The atmosphere was extremely tense.
Dai Hao sat at the head of the family, silent, while below, Zhu Ruiying and other second-generation members of the White Tiger family looked somber, lost in thought.
"Are you aware that the Southwest nobles colluded with the Sun Moon Empire?" Dai Hao finally spoke, sweeping his gaze over everyone present, lingering on Zhu Ruiying for several seconds.
Zhu Ruiying lowered her eyes, her tone slightly urgent: "We truly didn't know about this matter."
Dai Hao shook his head, his voice cold and stern: "I don't mean to blame you. Who would have thought the Southwest nobles dared to commit treason? If this happened during wartime, it would have been a fatal threat. Now His Majesty has made it clear: we have only two choices—relinquish part of the Western army's military authority, or risk being accused of treason ourselves at any time."
"After all, we did have considerable dealings with the Southwest nobles."
Sighing, Dai Hao continued: in the past, when his grandfather was still Duke, he had dealings with the Southwest nobles—primarily financial transactions and advocating for them in court. The massive resources of a Duke Mansion required money, as their estates alone couldn't support themselves.
But who knew that these past dealings would become a ticking time bomb today.
"Is there no way to remedy this situation?" asked Dai Dianchen.
"No," Dai Hao shook his head. "If His Majesty hadn't discovered that our dealings with the Southwest nobles were purely financial, without any participation in treason, you wouldn't even have seen me return."
Hearing this, everyone sighed. The Western army was the lifeline of the White Tiger Duke Mansion—eight corps in total, six controlled by them. To give up part of this was akin to losing half their lifeblood. But refusing was impossible—after all, the Southwest nobles had committed treason.
"Report."
Suddenly, a White Tiger guard rushed in, kneeling on one knee: "Master, representatives from the Lingmao Duke Mansion have arrived."
Upon hearing this, Dai Hao and Dai Dianchen exchanged glances: "Let them in."
"Yes." The guard obeyed and quickly left.
"Third brother coming this time must also be regarding this matter," Zhu Ruiying frowned.
Dai Hao massaged his brow: "Good, then we can discuss solutions together."
Soon after, Zhu Changming entered the White Tiger Hall with his party.
This time, there was little formal courtesy; after a few words, they sat directly.
The negotiations between the two families were smooth, primarily focused on interests.
The White Tiger family would cede part of their military authority; the Lingmao family would cede part of their commercial rights, reducing their punishment.
Though neither family was top-tier on the continent, their historical influence in the Xingluo Empire was immense. Even if the royal family could send a few title Douluos to wipe them out, their centuries-old lineage and influence made this extremely risky.
Hence, Xu Jiawei had never truly intended to destroy the families—only to reduce their influence.
If the Extreme North Plan had succeeded, the current situation wouldn't have happened. Yet for Xu Jiawei, the failure of the Extreme North Plan seemed to benefit him. As always, the butterfly effect strikes unexpectedly.
Near the Xingluo Imperial Palace, inside the Offering Hall.
The iron-gray floor gleamed with metallic luster. In the center, the repaired Enshrinement Platform was placed, bathed in soft light.
A sea-blue pearl, roughly human-head-sized, floated within. Its surface shimmered with faint blue light; occasionally, the color deepened, revealing intricate, irregular patterns.
At times, the patterns seemed to combine, forming the shape of a whale.
Within the pearl, some life stirred in panic, sensing the sealing of its soul power, sending out invisible waves—but they were firmly restrained by the Enshrinement Platform.
"Mom…"
Suddenly, a terrified yet clear and melodious female voice sounded, though no humans were present.
"What's the status of this sea soul beast?"
As the voice spoke, the heavy doors opened, light spilling in as several figures entered. The pearl fell silent, as if nothing had happened.
"Princess, everything is stable. By our estimate, this sea soul beast is not as strong as the one we encountered in the Extreme North," someone reported.
The group approached the Enshrinement Platform. At the forefront, a golden-haired, stunningly beautiful figure—Xu Jiujiu—stood.
Beside her, Hu Yaozong spoke: "Your Highness, is exchanging this sea soul beast for the Sun Moon Empire's Soul Guidance technology wise? From what I know, even if they give up some tech, it's likely outdated."
Hu Yaozong, being from the Sun Moon Empire, understood the level of technology they might provide.
Xu Jiujiu smiled slightly: "It may be outdated for the Sun Moon Empire, but for the Xingluo Empire, it's extremely advanced. Exchanging a hundred-thousand-year soul beast for decades or even a century of technological advancement is beyond its mere value."
"What they gain at most is a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and a hundred-thousand-year soul bone."
The others silently agreed.
"But…" asked the beautiful Ice Deer Douluo, "just these two items alone wouldn't be enough to attract the Sun Moon Empire to trade at such a high price, right?"
Xu Jiujiu chuckled: "Simple. Once absorbed, this soul beast could likely give its absorber an extra Martial Soul. That's the hook—the more exaggerated, the better. Perhaps the Sun Moon Empire will fall for it."
Everyone around Xu Jiujiu chuckled.
Amid the laughter, no one noticed a gaze from inside the pearl, observing the scene.
The first round of eliminations lasted three full days. When the last match concluded, sixty-seven teams advanced to the second round, the round-robin stage.
Each elimination match thrilled the audience, bringing Xingluo City into daily excitement. Merchants were overjoyed.
But unnoticed, as everyone focused on the Douluo Competition, the political atmosphere in the Xingluo Imperial Court quietly shifted.
Imperial authority strengthened, while previously top-tier noble families, the White Tiger and Lingmao families, dimmed in influence. Officials kept silent, revealing nothing externally.
At the Xinghuang Hotel.
On the night before the round-robin stage, the Shrek Academy team gathered once more in the conference room.
The past few days had mostly been spent watching matches.
In the spacious conference room, the students chatted about match highlights, with girls talking to girls, boys to boys.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down," Zhang Lexuan called out.
Everyone quickly sat.
Zhang Lexuan nodded to Wang Yan, who spoke:"The first round officially ended this afternoon. Starting tomorrow morning, the round-robin begins. Sixty-seven academies are divided into eight groups—five groups of eight academies, three groups of nine."
"The top two from each group advance to the top sixteen. Our Shrek Academy is in the eight-academy group. This means we'll fight seven more matches. Victory earns two points, defeat zero, tie one point. The round-robin is expected to last half a month."
"Compared to the brutal first round, the round-robin emphasizes stability; battles are typically milder. Lexuan and I have decided to field the following seven for the first round: Xixi, Yao Haoxuan, Gongyang Mo, Huo Yuhao, Beibei, Wang Dong, and Caitaou."
"I get to go on stage?" Wang Dong jumped excitedly when his name was called.
Zhang Lexuan chuckled: "Teacher Wang hasn't finished. Don't get ahead of yourself."
Wang Dong scratched his head and quickly sat down. Others smiled.
Wang Yan continued: "The match method will be determined by drawing lots tomorrow. You all understand the three combat methods. Of course, team lists aren't fixed; we can adjust anytime."
"Understood." Everyone responded in unison.
Huo Yuhao smiled. In the original story, the team lacked members, and Wang Yan allowed students to cheat to win. This time, the main team is complete—no such issue exists.
Zhang Lexuan: "That's all for today. Eat dinner and rest early. Meeting adjourned."
Swish.
After adjournment, everyone dispersed. Using the Soul Guidance elevator, the Shrek team quickly arrived on the first floor, chatting merrily.
The first-floor dining hall offered a buffet. Even so, the food was top-notch; the Xingluo Empire never compromised its reputation in cuisine.
Seeing the bustling hall with two to three hundred people, Huo Yuhao felt as if he were back in his high school cafeteria.
The only difference: everyone then wore blue-and-white uniforms, complaining about lessons and judging who was cute in other classes.
After Huo Yuhao entered the hall, it suddenly became quieter, with many people staring.
"Let's find a quiet spot," Zhang Lexuan suggested.
No one objected. After finding a quiet place, everyone selected their food.
Huo Yuhao didn't pick food immediately. He first went to the restroom. After a few steps, he noticed a familiar gaze; he paused slightly.
Entering a stall, he relieved himself, washed his hands, and when he was about to leave, another figure appeared beside him, also washing their hands.
Huo Yuhao looked in the mirror: "Anything you need?"
"Are you Huo Yuhao?" asked a fair-faced Xie Hongchen, cupping his hands under the tap. "My name is…"
"Xie Hongchen?" Huo Yuhao cut him off, stating his name first.
Xie Hongchen paused, then dramatically gave a thumbs down. "Yes, remember my name—I will defeat you…"
"Your grandfather is the head of Mingde Hall of the Sun Moon Empire, right?" Huo Yuhao turned off the tap, interrupting again.
Xie Hongchen froze. "Can't you wait—? No, what do you mean?"
Huo Yuhao smiled: "Your grandfather is very famous. If I get the chance, I must pay him a visit."
Xie Hongchen's eyes flickered; internally he thought: Huo Yuhao is a fan of my grandfather?
A Shrek Academy student is a fan of my grandfather? That's absurdly dramatic.
He retracted his thumb as if nothing had happened.
"I'll leave first. We can chat another time."
Huo Yuhao walked off, leaving Xie Hongchen dumbfounded.
Of course, Huo Yuhao was not really a fan.
Xie Hongchen was special.
If Xu Zi is the hidden "Supreme Elder" of the Holy Spirit Sect, Xie Hongchen is the hidden "Senior of the Sea God Pavilion."
Why? Simple.
Xie Hongchen first appeared going to the Sea God Pavilion to retrieve the Sword of Judgment. The sword wasn't recovered, and Elder Mu even charged a ticket fee, leaving only a Level-9 Soul Guidance artifact of Red Dust Protection.
Moreover, the four Level-9 and four Level-8 Soul Guidance devices he set outside were all removed by Qian Duoduo, taken by Shrek.
This bounty was comparable to Xu Zi leading Zhang Lexuan's team into the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts, nearly causing team annihilation.
Even if later "erased" by the novel, these devices weren't used much, except Red Dust Protection and the Sword of Judgment, but he had indeed created them.
He even let Huo Yuhao replicate Mingde Hall's Soul Guidance designs and let Xuan Ziwen go to Tang Sect freely.
Compared to Xu Zi causing trouble, Xie Hongchen greatly contributed to Shrek Academy and the male lead, even without seeking reward—truly worthy of the honorary title of "Senior."
He really… I'm crying.
.....
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