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As Su Yu's gaze swept over, two figures appeared in the sky.
When they saw the strongest person on the Douluo Continent in the present day, Da Ming and Er Ming couldn't help but feel a sense of pressure.
Although Su Yu's title of "strongest" was unsubstantiated and lacked authority, he was still undeniably the strongest.
Even the mighty Gu Yuena no longer dared to claim that she had reached the point where she could defeat Su Yu.
What's more, Su Yu had never fought a life-and-death battle, making his true strength a complete mystery.
It wasn't just others who were in the dark.
Su Yu himself didn't fully understand his own strength either.
Perhaps out of caution, Su Yu had always been in the habit of underestimating his own abilities, while overestimating his enemies by factoring in every possible method of escalation.
This, however, was something he didn't apply as consistently in practice. The enemies he faced often didn't require him to take such elaborate precautions.
In fact, his tendency to underestimate himself had become second nature by now.
He was so cautious that he had never gone all out in a fight.
Even with this constant underestimation, Su Yu was still confident that he could withstand an abyssal invasion. This indicated just how strong he truly was.
Perhaps he wasn't strong enough to fight a first-level abyssal god like the Abyssal Saint King, but he was likely at least as powerful as an average second-level god.
The moment Su Yu appeared, both Da Ming and Er Ming could sense the immense pressure radiating from him.
Even without any direct exertion of soul power or other forms of intimidation, just standing there, Su Yu gave off an overwhelming presence.
He had cultivated the laws, perfected his domain, and grown ever closer to the natural order of the world. Now, it felt as though the very heavens and earth were subtly aligning with him, as if they could be manipulated at will.
Even though Su Yu had no ill intentions, the very essence of the world seemed to bear down on others, creating an invisible pressure.
Especially considering that Su Yu's attitude toward Da Ming and Er Ming was far from friendly.
"Su Yu," Da Ming said, locking eyes with him, not daring to show the slightest carelessness.
"If I'm not mistaken, you two should be the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape, the creatures offered as sacrifices to the Sea God a thousand years ago?"
Su Yu immediately revealed their true identities, which only served to increase the pressure on Da Ming and Er Ming.
"That's right," Da Ming responded, "We are now responsible for guarding the Clear Sky Sect."
He added this to imply that Su Yu should know that they had the Sea God backing them.
They were guardians of the Clear Sky Sect, which had ties to the Sea God.
While Da Ming and Er Ming understood that the Sea God didn't have particularly strong feelings for the Clear Sky Sect, they figured that Su Yu wouldn't be aware of this.
After all, any stories passed down from a thousand years ago would likely paint a picture of the Sea God's deep attachment to the Clear Sky Sect.
Unfortunately for them, Su Yu was well aware of these details.
How much affection did Tang San have for the Clear Sky Sect?
Su Yu thought Tang San might have some, but not much.
It certainly wasn't enough for Tang San to continue valuing the Clear Sky Sect after the passing of his generation—after Tang Hao's death and the death of those who had been close to him.
As for Da Ming and Er Ming, their duty to guard the Clear Sky Sect was more about ensuring their daughter was looked after in the mortal realm, and to fulfill Tang Hao's last wishes.
"Are you here for the Heavenly Forging techniques?" Su Yu asked.
Da Ming and Er Ming exchanged awkward glances.
With their strength, sneaking around outside the Ironblood Sect and spying on their forging process to steal the Heavenly Forging techniques was undeniably underhanded.
However, this Heavenly Forging technique was too powerful. It could very well become a pivotal technology for the future of the Soul Master world.
The Clear Sky Sect absolutely needed to master it.
Without a Heavenly Forging master, it would be a huge embarrassment for the Clear Sky Sect.
This was the sect's demand.
On top of that, Da Ming and Er Ming were also quite curious about Kuang Tie, who had been enduring the lightning tribulations.
They had witnessed his process several times now.
It had become clear to them that Kuang Tie's resistance to the tribulation's lightning was improving at an astonishing rate.
The tribulation was more than just a calamity; it was an opportunity. It was ideal for refining resistance to lightning, particularly the kind imbued with the power of tribulation.
For Da Ming and Er Ming, enduring tribulations was extremely important.
Having been to the Divine Realm and with the special relationship they had with Tang San, they had gained a unique status. They were able to use their divine rank to stabilize their strength, keeping themselves just below the god level.
The rules of the heavenly tribulation had been set by the Dragon God, and even Tang San couldn't help Da Ming and Er Ming to pass the final trial of becoming gods. Thus, they could only use their divine rank to remain just before the god level.
But because of their ability to tap into the divine position granted by the god rank, they were capable of exerting power beyond the limits of ordinary Ultimate Douluo.
In other words, they were semi-divine.
Even though Da Ming had reached this level, Er Ming's mastery over the divine position was still insufficient, and he couldn't yet display the power of a semi-god, only barely half-god strength.
However, even without the need to face the tribulation themselves, they were still highly concerned about it.
Not facing the tribulation didn't mean they had surpassed that obstacle.
On the contrary, they were forever blocked by it.
They would never become true gods.
The frequent lightning tribulations erupting at the Ironblood Sect had caught their attention.
"If you want the Heavenly Forging technique, then follow the Federation's rules." Without waiting for Da Ming and Er Ming to speak, Su Yu snorted coldly, and his soul power surged, overwhelming them.
It felt as though the very heavens and earth were being manipulated by him, pressing down upon Da Ming and Er Ming with undeniable force.
Da Ming and Er Ming's expressions changed drastically.
Even with the help of their divine positions, Da Ming couldn't draw on any of the world's power.
It felt as though the very world around them had become Su Yu's domain.
"He has complete control over the world's power... He's definitely at the level of a second-tier god!" Da Ming thought to himself, shaken.
They couldn't even hope to compete with his control over the world's power.
"Let's talk this over," Da Ming hastily said.
Su Yu snorted again. "The Federation has unified the continent. Even the hidden sects have all acknowledged the Federation's rule. Yet, the Clear Sky Sect has never made any declaration. What's your stance?"
Right now, the only sect that remained independent of the Federation was the Clear Sky Sect.
Even Shrek Academy, due to its nature, had to recognize the Federation's authority.
But the Clear Sky Sect still hadn't made any official stance on the matter.
They hadn't joined the Federation, yet they expected to obtain the Heavenly Forging technique? Dream on.
Da Ming quickly replied, "The Clear Sky Sect has had little contact with the outside world, and we were unaware of the Federation's actions."
While that was true, other hidden sects had all voluntarily acknowledged the Federation's rule.
Even though it had only been a little over half a year, the Federation's authority was already deeply ingrained. Soulmasters across the continent were increasingly accepting of the Federation's leadership.
"We, the Clear Sky Sect, are willing to join the Federation and acknowledge its rule. However, Er Ming and I are both soul beasts," Da Ming continued.
"And soul beasts are part of the Federation," Su Yu responded indifferently.
The Federation's rule extended across the entire Douluo star, and in the future, it would keep expanding. Soul beasts were destined to be part of it.
Gu Yuena, the leader of the soul beasts, likely wouldn't object.
Thus, Su Yu had no hesitation in asserting this.
Since Gu Yuena was the ruler of the soul beasts, it was reasonable to say that soul beasts would naturally fall under the Federation's jurisdiction.
"Since that's the case, Er Ming and I are willing to join the Federation," Da Ming said with a nod.
"Good," Su Yu said. "You two are powerful—clearly possessing the strength of Ultimate Douluo—but staying hidden in the Clear Sky Sect isn't the way forward. You should step into the open."
He eased some of the pressure but maintained a stern tone.
"Hmm?" Da Ming was left bewildered.
He genuinely hadn't known about this situation.
Er Ming was even more clueless.
"The Abyss is invading the Douluo realm, and there's an ongoing war between the two realms. Yet, the two of you, with your immense power, have been hiding on the sidelines?" Su Yu explained briefly.
Immediately, Da Ming and Er Ming felt a sense of guilt.
The Douluo Continent had been targeted by an invasion from the Abyss.
But that didn't seem right!
Da Ming quickly realized something was off.
Wait, didn't the Abyss hesitate to invade the Douluo Continent? Why hadn't Tang San stepped in to destroy the Abyss?
As they thought about how their recent contact with Tang San had become increasingly difficult, Da Ming's heart sank.
He looked at Su Yu.
The Abyss's invasion could either be a scheme orchestrated by Tang San, letting the wolf into the house, or a result of Su Yu's demands, which had interfered with the decisions of the God Realm, preventing Tang San from stepping in.
"If you want the Heavenly Forging technique, then make a contribution to the Federation. As long as you contribute enough, the Federation will never treat you unfairly," Su Yu said.
So, head to the Extreme North.
Go there and act as enforcers.
"This..." Da Ming didn't expect that he'd suddenly be sent to the Extreme North to fight against the Abyss.
However, considering the Abyss's invasion of the Douluo Continent, as a part of this world, he felt an obligation to help.
Moreover, wanting the Heavenly Forging technique meant he'd have to pay a price.
Su Yu didn't directly conflict with Da Ming and Er Ming. After exerting his power to intimidate them, he easily convinced the two of them to head to the Extreme North to take charge.
With two Ultimate Douluos at the front lines, it would relieve some of the pressure.
Right now, the front lines were still under great pressure, but the Abyss was too cautious, not daring to move all their forces because of Su Yu's presence.
Su Yu was planning to travel to other civilizations in the universe soon for further training, so he needed Da Ming and Er Ming as reinforcements.
"We can also send some of Shrek's members," he added.
As for whether they'd form their own factions after arriving, Su Yu wasn't worried.
Even if they did, as long as they served as a deterrent, that would be enough.
By the time Su Yu returned, there would be plenty of reasons to settle any issues.
He watched Da Ming and Er Ming's figures disappear as they headed to the Clear Sky Sect for final preparations.
Su Yu then descended from the air.
Just as he had manipulated the forces of nature, both Kuang Tie and the Starry Sky Douluo finally noticed their presence.
"Your Excellency, Blue Spirit," the Starry Sky Douluo said respectfully.
Though he had little interaction with Su Yu, he still showed complete respect. Despite Su Yu's young age, the Starry Sky Douluo didn't dare show any airs of seniority.
First, Su Yu had a higher rank as Kong Deming's direct disciple, and second, Su Yu's strength and achievements in soul tools were undeniable.
A master is respected for their accomplishments.
Su Yu was superior to him in every aspect, and naturally, he held him in high regard.
"Hmm, Kuang Tie, I'm here to take the Heavenly Forging metal," Su Yu stated.
Over the past six months, Kuang Tie had been tirelessly forging, accumulating a considerable amount of Heavenly Forging metal. While it might not yet be enough for constructing an entire spaceship, it should suffice for creating key components.
"This is the enhanced Life Seed," Su Yu said, presenting a crystal radiating a vibrant green glow. The concentrated life energy seemed on the verge of bursting out.
"Whew~~~"
This wasn't just a Life Seed.
To Kuang Tie's perception, it felt more like a solidified concentration of life force.
The energy had not only become substantial but had also solidified into a physical form.
What Su Yu had given to Kuang Tie wasn't the Life Metal, but a solid energy crystal formed by combining the world's essence with life force.
At its core, it was still a Life Seed.
Upon receiving the enhanced Life Seed, Kuang Tie's heart surged with excitement.
With this, he could push himself even further in his next attempts at the tribulation.
"This terrifying vitality… Even if I can't endure it, it will be enough to save my life. The Starry Sky Douluo will also have a chance to intervene and withstand the upcoming thunder tribulation."
Four-colored tribulation?
No, I'm going for the nine-colored one!
Kuang Tie's excitement was palpable.
Su Yu observed Kuang Tie's reaction and couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.
Indeed, Kuang Tie had lofty goals.
"I've attempted Heavenly Forging a hundred times over the past six months," Su Yu continued. "Out of those, thirty failed due to mistakes along the way, and more than twenty didn't trigger the thunder tribulation in the final stages. However, nearly fifty attempts succeeded, with forty pieces of Heavenly Forging metal surviving the tribulation."
This data revealed that while Kuang Tie's forging technique still had room for improvement, his method of surviving the thunder tribulation was already highly refined.
Or rather, his approach to the tribulation was ahead of the curve.
By having the Heavenly Forging metal endure the tribulation under his own power, the success rate was naturally higher. This was far better than relying on the Starry Sky Douluo's external assistance.
This was why Kuang Tie had continuously challenged himself to face the entire tribulation on his own.
Forty pieces of Heavenly Forging metal.
Each piece was substantial, large enough to create an entire set of soul armor.
The size of each piece made it impossible to divide—one piece was equivalent to a full set of super soul armor.
This also highlighted the difficulty in gathering enough metal for a full set.
If it were simply about forging, each part would require individual forging, at least fourteen separate attempts to complete the entire set.
Of course, using spirit metals with smaller volumes would reduce the difficulty, but assembling a full set of super soul armor still remained a challenge.
Su Yu took the Heavenly Forging metal but didn't immediately proceed with the spaceship's construction.
"Da Ming and Er Ming are heading to the Extreme North to hold the fort. I still need to arrange for a few of Shrek's Super Douluo."
Shrek Academy.
Sea God's Hall.
Since the unification of the continent, Shrek Academy had become an ordinary institution, no longer wielding power above the Federation or holding the mystique it once had.
Even without a formal decree from Sea God's Hall, there were already signs that the Outer Court might be disbanded.
Fortunately, Qian Duoduo had acted early enough, making the decision to cancel the Outer Court system without much embarrassment.
With the cancellation of the Outer Court, Shrek had returned to its original form.
Now, it only accepted true geniuses.
Thanks to the teachings from Sea God's Hall and the presence of the Golden Tree still at Shrek, there were still talented individuals joining.
"Su Yu?"
Qian Duoduo and several other elders immediately sensed Su Yu's presence, and their expressions changed.
(End of Chapter)