Even though they understood the gist of it, these ministers didn't mention it openly...
Instead, they shifted the topic, saying, "But this isn't a solution either. The Spirit Pagoda has yet to agree to resume Spirit Soul supplies to our Douling Empire!"
"That's right. Nowadays, our Douling Empire's Soul Masters have zero tolerance for the lack of Spirit Soul absorption. We must think of other solutions!"
"Since we can't go soft, let's go hard. Worst-case scenario, we'll destroy the Spirit Pagoda!!"
"Unacceptable! Although the Spirit Pagoda is merely a faction, if we indeed go to war with them, our Douling Empire will undoubtedly suffer heavy losses!"
Xue Yuntian tightened his fist upon hearing this...
If we'd known it'd be this difficult, we wouldn't have dispatched Soul Masters to attack the Spirit Pagoda's Spirit Soul transport teams!
Just then, one of the ministers took a deep breath and spoke earnestly, "Your Majesty, I do have a plan, albeit with no absolute guarantee!"
Xue Yuntian's eyes brightened, "A plan? Let's hear it. If it can alleviate the empire's current situation, I will reward handsomely!"
The former explained, "Your Majesty, since negotiations with the Spirit Pagoda are fruitless, we can involve a third-party faction!"
Xue Yuntian squinted slightly, "Are you referring to..."
The minister nodded, "That's right, Shrek Academy. As a neutral force, they have always prioritized the continent's peace!"
"As long as we use the potential outbreak of war over Spirit Souls as an excuse, Shrek Academy certainly won't stand idle!"
Xue Yuntian pondered for a moment and looked at the other ministers, "What do you all think of this proposal?"
Involving a third-party faction, I hadn't considered this before!
Noticing the relaxation in the first's expression, the other ministers exchanged glances, seemingly reaching a consensus!
"Your Majesty, I find this method brilliant. It puts pressure on the Spirit Pagoda via Shrek Academy!"
"I concur. Though it may come at a greater cost, as long as it stabilizes the empire's Soul Masters' emotions, everything can resume normal operations!"
"Your Majesty, let's proceed with this. We can't find any other solutions now. If the Spirit Pagoda won't relent even then, we'll have no choice but to start a war!"
Xue Yuntian decisively commanded, "Good, immediately dispatch a messenger to covertly head to Shrek Academy and gain the support of the Elders of the Sea God's Pavilion!!"
Spirit Pagoda, this is my final concession!
...
Spirit Pagoda, Research Department!
A researcher awakened from the Spirit Ascension Platform...
His face lit up with excitement, "It's a success. Our Spirit Pagoda's Spirit Ascension Platform, after numerous upgrades, can rival the Federation's Star Dou Battle Network!"
Upon hearing this, the other researchers also broke into smiles...
"It truly succeeded. Our efforts were worth it!"
"Indeed, maybe we can design an artificial intelligence that could attract all the Soul Masters of the Continent! It might even replace the Star Dou Battle Network!"
"Although all this is still far off, I believe there will come a time!"
"Yes, with Qiangu Qingfeng, an expert in the brain domain, our Spirit Ascension Platform's AI will surpass the Federation sooner or later!"
"That's right. A large part of the credit for the upgrade of the Spirit Ascension Platform belongs to the predecessor!"
Qiangu Qingfeng, at the forefront, chuckled softly, "Thank everyone for the praise, but today's achievements are due to the joint efforts of the entire research department!"
"Nevertheless, I promise everyone here, within two years, the Spirit Pagoda's AI will undoubtedly lead the Federation!"
He, Qiangu Qingfeng, has this confidence!!
Just as everyone was cheering, a Guard entered from outside, respectfully saying, "Senior Qiangu Qingfeng, someone outside seems to have named you!"
Qiangu Qingfeng furrowed his brows, "Named me? Who is it?"
The Guard awkwardly smiled, "The person didn't clarify their background; you'd better check for yourself!"
Qiangu Qingfeng nodded slightly, "Alright, lead the way"
Since joining the Spirit Pagoda and secretly entering the research department, he hasn't exposed his true identity!
Now someone has specifically named him, could it be...
...
Watching the backs of the Shrek Seven Monsters, Wu Changkong couldn't help but murmur, "They too have become individuals capable of standing on their own."
At this time, Turbid World, who had been standing nearby with hands behind his back, walked over...
The former's expression quirkily commented, "Changkong, as far as I know, I remember this was your promise to the East Ocean Academy's Dean; why have these children repay it?"
Wu Changkong replied, his face unchanged, "Teacher, you're mistaken. Without East Ocean Academy's support, where would we get so much money to train Tang Wulin and the others?"
"Not to mention, the annual fees for the Spirit Ascension Platform are no small sum!"
Turbid World paused, stroked his beard, "Hmm... that's indeed true. But knowingly sending them at a time when Skysea City sees an inflow of evil Soul Masters, you did it on purpose, right?"
Wu Changkong sighed helplessly, "Teacher, you don't need to feign ignorance before me; the plan was unanimously agreed by the Elders of the Sea God's Pavilion! I doubt you'd be unaware!"
Turbid World fidgeted, touched his nose, "Hehe... I just wanted to hear your thoughts on these children!"
Wu Changkong's ice-blue eyes flickered briefly, "Thoughts? Simple, they are the future of Shrek Academy!"
Xie Xie, with Twin Martial Souls, capable of self-fusion!
Yuanen Yehui, also bearing Twin Martial Souls, yet at Soul Emperor level, already absorbed a hundred-thousand-year soul ring!
Xu Xiaoyan, able to forcibly control opponents regardless of Soul Power rank difference!
Gu Yue, capable of mastering over five extreme elements...
...
No matter who, individually considered, they all exist like proud scions of the heavens!
Turbid World smiled faintly, "Seems you hold great hope for these youngsters, just like the Elders of the Sea God Pavilion!"
"But for their safety, I'll personally protect them on this occasion!"
Wu Changkong shook his head, "Teacher, you should continue overseeing the Sea God's Pavilion; I'll handle their protection personally!"
Saying this, a reserved Soul Power Aura spread out...
Turbid World perceived this, surprised, "Changkong, have you... reached level 95?"
Wu Changkong nodded and explained, "Yes, I just broke through recently, haven't had the chance to inform you, Teacher!"
Turbid World's expression visibly brightened, "Good, good. With you ensuring these younglings' safety, I can be at ease."
He paused, speaking again, "When you return, I'll propose nominating you for a Sea God's Pavilion seat!"
...