Chapter 496.
Shrek Academy.
More than ten days had passed since the chaos in the Heaven Dou Empire. For many civilians, there were no noticeable changes, as these incidents were royal family scandals that were naturally suppressed from spreading. Under the joint care of Tang San, Dugu Bo, and many healing soul masters from various noble families, Emperor Xue Ye barely managed to extend his life span, allowing him time to arrange his funeral matters.
The turmoil gradually subsided. The royal family could not publicize the events, and the crown prince position could only –be inherited by the sole remaining prince Xue Beng.
As the ones who had prevented the Soul Hall's twenty-year conspiracy just in time, Tang San and Dugu Bo received great rewards and recognition from the royal family. These contributions led to Tang San being named a King, while Dugu Bo was appointed Imperial Advisor. Both now enjoyed extremely high status.
However, even knowing it was the Soul Hall's conspiracy, the Heaven Dou imperial family could not attack the Soul Hall of Heaven Dou City.
After Tang San and Ning Fengzhi met with Emperor Xue Ye, they returned to Shrek Academy. As the chief hero, Tang San –was not only crowned king but also bestowed a treasure by Emperor Xue Ye. The Emperor also promised to support Tang San's Tang Sect in the future. With royal backing, the Tang Sect's development within the Heaven Dou Empire would face few obstacles.
Meanwhile, the Grandmaster had summoned Tang San and several other Shrek members to announce important news.
On this day, Tang San returned to Shrek Academy.
"Teacher, you said that after my visit to the palace, we would plan our next training regimen?" Tang San asked curiously in the small woods behind Shrek.
At this time, only Tang San and the Grandmaster were present.
Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong were all training at the Tang Sect or at the new Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were still in the Star Luo Empire, but according to their messages, they should return soon.
Although the seven had already graduated, the Grandmaster still cared deeply about their training. However, all the Grandmaster could do now was guide the seven people in their general direction and solve some problems with their soul skills. Beyond that, the seven monsters had to rely on themselves.
"Yes," the Grandmaster said slowly. "The conspiracy of the Soul Hall has been revealed. In the coming years, there will be wars and disputes! Your Tang Sect has just begun its development and has a certain degree of self-protection. But the most important factor is yourself! Only when you are strong can you lead the sect to become stronger and more prosperous!"
Tang San nodded.
This was logical—no matter how large the sect grew, without personal strength, it would be useless.
But now their cultivation speed had dropped drastically. If they continued cultivating at this pace, making significant breakthroughs would be difficult.
"After a soul master reaches level fifty, their cultivation speed drops drastically. You seven are all geniuses," the Grandmaster said. His cheeks, no longer so rigid, showed a hint of relief, with a proud smile on his face, as if proud of Tang San and the others. "But even geniuses will find their progress limited if they continue such gentle cultivation. Therefore, you need true experience—through external challenges that pressure you to unleash your potential."
"That's when strength makes great progress!"
Speaking of this, the Grandmaster's smile faded slightly, as if remembering something.
"Xiao Feng often goes out to practice alone for this reason."
Tang San couldn't help but smile helplessly.
This was true of Brother Feng, who often disappeared suddenly, but returned stronger each time.
Without elaborating, Tang San knew that brother Feng must have endured many life-and-death trials to control such powerful forces.
"But training alone is too dangerous," the master shook his head and said. "Xiaofeng's case is special. He has extremely powerful life-saving abilities. In fact, being with others would only restrain him."
Tang San deeply agreed with this assessment.
Even if all seven of them accompanied brother Feng, they would feel like a burden.
This was evident from how Feng'ge had defeated competitors alone to win the championship.
"Does teacher want the seven of us to train outside?" Tang San pondered. "Brother Feng mentioned the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest in the north. I know of that place—it's extremely dangerous. I've considered going there for experience, even without Feng'ge."
Tang San had long harbored this idea.
However, the Grandmaster shook his head. "Although the northern Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest is very dangerous, that place is more suitable for ice-attribute soul masters, and it's too vast and perilous. I want to tell you about another location."
"That place, which I visited when I was young with today's Supreme Pontiff... it was called Sea God Island."
Hearing these words, Tang San was slightly taken aback.
Then, Tang San noticed the Grandmaster's expression grow extremely solemn.
Supreme Pontiff Palace, Conference Hall.
After Bibi Dong uttered the three words "Sea God Island," the conference hall fell utterly silent, with the Titled Douluos present looking exceptionally grave.
Sea God Island was a taboo term for the Soul Hall.
They called it Devil's Island.
When the previous Supreme Pontiff still lived, he had sent more than two thousand soul masters to conquer and incorporate this mysterious overseas island.
But they failed catastrophically!
Wang Feng, having been in Soul Hall for so long, naturally knew this history. It represented one of the few epic defeats in the Soul Hall's history.
Two thousand soul masters!
Including two Titled Douluos!
But when they finally returned, only a few hundred remained, and two Title Douluos had perished!
As a prophet, Wang Feng knew that Sea God Island is a place where Sea God inheritance is guarded, guarded by sea soul masters of the sea clan who claimed to be descendent of the Sea God.
Of course, the Sea God Island clan didn't have two thousand soul masters.
Yet they easily defeated the two thousand soul masters sent by Soul Hall, even killing –two Titled Douluos.
One could only imagine the power of these sea soul masters.
Like the Wraith tribe—the Wraith tribe possessed formidable combat power despite numbering only a few hundred soul masters.
But if Titled Douluos and Soul Masters from the outside world entered the Rakshasa domain, not even two thousand could conquer the Wraith tribe—they would be defeated.
This was due to regional enhancement effects and weakening penalties.
External soul masters entering Rakshasa territory would automatically lose several percentage points of strength. The evil energy impact alone would force average soul masters to expend considerable mental power just to resist.
Sea God Island operated similarly.
Therefore, Wang Feng could understand this fiasco.
Sea God Island was connected to the Sea God inheritance—how could it be conquered and absorbed by outsiders?
Besides, if Wang Feng remembered correctly, Sea God Island housed a ninety-ninth-level peerless pinnacle Douluo even stronger than Qian Daoliu.
So why had Bibi Dong set her first plan on Sea God Island?
What did she intend?
Wang Feng could understand the Soul Hall knowing about Sea God Island—such a powerful force that had once smashed the Soul Hall's offensive deserved attention.
But with mainland matters unresolved, why focus on Sea God Island now?
Thinking this, Wang Feng suddenly had a realization and looked at Qian Daoliu.
At this moment, the Grand Worshipper of the Soul Hall wore an ugly expression, his eyes cold. His peerless aura radiated outward, solidifying the air throughout the conference hall. Many Titled Douluos sensed the strange atmosphere and watched in silence.
'Bibi Dong must suspect this place is connected to divine inheritance...'
Wang Feng's heart trembled.
Regarding the Slaughter City, the Rakshasa Secret Realm, or this Sea God Island—Bibi Dong had visited the first two. She must know Sea God Island's peculiarities and recognize it as a place of divine inheritance.
Then Bibi Dong spoke slowly:
"Presumably, everyone knows this place. Decades ago, our Soul Hall lost two Titled Douluos and thousands of soul masters there. But at that time, our Soul Hall lacked maturity and knowledge about this location."
"This led to a major defeat for the Soul Hall, and we paid a heavy price! But now, I, Bibi Dong, have once again set my sights on Sea God Island. This time, we will not accept any possibility of failure!"
Bibi Dong's voice rang with confidence!
Qian Daoliu's expression shifted from gloomy to calm as he looked at Bibi Dong.
He had to admit this woman was far more capable than his ineffective son.
"The soul masters of Sea God Island can harness the sea's power in battle. Even a Soul Douluo can challenge and kill a Titled Douluo there. Their power is beyond question."
Bibi Dong continued, "Years ago, when I was young, I also visited Sea God Island. I know firsthand how powerful this place is."
Hearing this, Wang Feng was stunned. Bibi Dong had been to Sea God Island?
This was strange—shouldn't Bibi Dong's talent qualify her to inherit the Sea God's inheritance?
After reflection, Wang Feng reasoned that Bibi Dong probably belonged to the Martial Soul Hall faction at that time. Since Sea God Island had been invaded by the Martial Soul Hall, people from that organization were likely blacklisted. Soul Hall members were probably forbidden entry entirely.
"In the past, the sea soul masters of Sea God Island wielded formidable powers, making it unrealistic to integrate them."
Bibi Dong continued slowly, "But I know of a strange rule on this island—anyone who passes Sea God Island's tests can become one of them. Once accepted, you become a sea soul master and, living on the island, can discover the true secrets of the sea."
The "true secret" Bibi Dong mentioned likely referred to divine inheritance.
'After passing the eighth test, Bibi Dong seems interested in all divine inheritance sites across the mainland.'
Wang Feng thought secretly.
This was troubling. In the original timeline, Wang Feng recalled that the Soul Hall never pursued such actions or ambitions.
"So, my first plan..."
Bibi Dong glanced at the assembled members and said calmly, "I'll send several young soul masters from the Soul Hall to Sea God Island. They will pass the tests and become members of Sea God Island. Of course, they cannot use our Soul Hall's name. The Sea God Island repels me, and they won't allow Soul Hall members to board the island."
"These young soul masters, led by the three from the Golden Generation, will gain experience there."
Hu Liena, Yan, and Xie Yue, standing behind Bibi Dong, rose one after another.
Among the trio, –Hu Liena possessed the strongest abilities and highest soul power level.
After training with Wang Feng for over half a year, these three had improved noticeably, though they still fell far short of the Shrek Seven.
Wang Feng glanced at them, thinking that if only these three ventured to Sea God Island, they would clearly be no match for Xiao San and the others.
However, Bibi Dong certainly had more complex plans.
Having passed the eighth test, she absolutely knew that Sea God Island was connected to divine inheritance.
'What does Bibi Dong truly want?'
Wang Feng felt he couldn't penetrate her intentions.
"Besides the Golden Generation, Lord White Pontiff will accompany them."
Bibi Dong said slowly, "Lord White Pontiff is unique. He doesn't carry the aura of our Soul Hall soul masters. Sea God Island won't reject him. Compared to others, he can enter Sea God Island more easily."
Wang Feng quite agreed with this assessment.
Did Bibi Dong want him to inherit Sea God Inheritance?
Wang Feng considered this possibility.
However, he had no interest in the Sea God's position.
Upon hearing this, Hu Liena's eyes suddenly brightened. It would be a great honor to follow the White Pontiff.
"The second plan..."
After saying this, Bibi Dong's tone shifted slightly, "I call it the Alliance Plan."
Wang Feng was stunned by this plan.
Alliance?
With other tribes?
Had the empire collapsed? Wang Feng looked at Bibi Dong, feeling extremely confused. However, considering Bibi Dong's recent changes, perhaps her thinking had also evolved?
No, Bibi Dong wouldn't express her ambitions so directly.
"Our Soul Hall will establish the Spirit Alliance to unify soul master development across the mainland. We will invite the seven sects and two empires to join the Spirit Alliance under unified jurisdiction and constraints."
Bibi Dong continued calmly, "The failure of the Soul Hunting Operation means nothing. We still possess the strongest power... but we need to change our strategy."
"Direct destruction is not the only choice, nor is it the best choice."
Wang Feng looked at Bibi Dong with dismay.
What was she planning?
Bibi Dong's ambitions hadn't diminished—rather, they'd become more focused.
Wang Feng felt that the previous Bibi Dong had used various methods to make the Soul Hall a target of public criticism. She hadn't cared about means or actions, conquering through slaughter.
"First, we must understand... what does our Soul Hall mean to Soul Masters across the continent?"
Bibi Dong said calmly, "Without our Soul Hall, how would soul masters function?"
Behind her, Hu Liena spoke: "There would be a loss of order. Our Soul Hall has established various rules and systems for soul masters, including benefits, soul hunting forests, and training systems that assist newly practicing soul masters. We help soul masters evaluate their levels and determine soul rings. We maintain order in the soul master world."
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