Hearing Weina's words, Xu Jiujiao's expression also grew extremely grave.
Everyone on the continent knew how proud the Benti Sect was. Even in the era when Shrek Academy stood at its absolute peak, the Benti Sect had never bowed their heads.
But now, even Du Busi — the Sect Master of the Benti Sect — was considering giving up his status as Tianhun Empire's State Religion and defecting to the Sun–Moon Empire.
That alone showed just how terrifying the Sun–Moon Empire had become.
If they were comparing national power alone, the Xingluo Empire outshone the Tianhun Empire by far.
But if the Benti Sect entered the equation… then Xingluo would instead fall behind Tianhun.
Xu Jiujiao could hardly imagine what would happen to Xingluo and Tianhun once the Benti Sect sided with the Sun–Moon Empire.
As for the Douling Empire, which had already been conquered by the Holy Spirit Cult — well, there was no hope there at all.
Realizing this, Xu Jiujiao fell into a long, heavy silence before finally shaking his head.
"I don't know what to do either."
"These five years… both of us were held back by the Holy Spirit Cult, and that gave the Sun–Moon Empire the perfect window to grow. Their strength has climbed to such a terrifying height."
"You should've heard the news too — even Jing Hongchen has become a Super Douluo. With soul tools enhancing him, just like Kong Deming once was, he can face an Extreme Douluo head-on without falling behind."
"And honestly… I don't think he's the only one. The Sun–Moon Empire likely has other peak powerhouses as well."
Her words plunged both her and Weina into a suffocating silence.
The two women exchanged glances, neither able to speak, both filled with unspeakable despair.
Without realizing it, things had already developed to this point.
Xingluo and Tianhun had no paths left.
Either surrender to the Sun–Moon Empire,or fight with everything they had against its march to unify the continent.
But no matter which one they chose, they could not see even a sliver of hope.
Weina's eyes dimmed, her beautiful face full of sorrow.
"Ho Yuhuo — that child of destiny — has given the Sun–Moon Empire far too much."
"If not for Ho Yuhuo, the Sun–Moon Empire would never have reached this level."
Xu Jiujiao didn't argue. She knew Weina was absolutely right.
Without Ho Yuhuo's destiny backing the Sun–Moon Empire, even if its national strength surpassed Xingluo and Tianhun, the gap would've never grown so vast, so hopeless.
What Xu Jiujiao couldn't accept was this — Ho Yuhuo was originally their Xingluo Empire's person.
Even if Dai Hao had led everyone to defect to Shrek Academy five years ago, she still had to say it:
The idiots from the Dai family deserved it.
Xu Jiujiao let out a long breath and spoke softly to Weina.
"Send the message back. How to deal with the Sun–Moon Empire's march to unify the continent… that's beyond what just the two of us can decide."
"Whether they choose hopeless resistance, or surrender decisively — that will be up to them."
Though her words were harsh, Weina knew they were true.
After a long sigh, Weina accepted the cruel reality.
To speed up communication, the two sent their protectors back toward Xingluo and Tianhun.
And when Xu Jiawei and the Emperor of Tianhun learned what was happening inside the Sun–Moon Empire, their mood became even heavier than Xu Jiujiao and Weina's.
The Sun–Moon Empire's unification was now unstoppable.
Shrek Academy — disgraced and ruined — could no longer shield them like before.
And with everything the Sun–Moon Empire had done these five years, even their own citizens now looked forward to being ruled by Sun–Moon.
For the commoners, unification meant a better life.
Even nobles, who once held lofty positions, were already reaching out secretly to the Sun–Moon Empire, hoping that by defecting early they could secure enough leverage to preserve their privileges.
Truly — who on the continent did not already lean toward Sun–Moon?
Facing this, even Xu Jiawei and the Tianhun Emperor were lost.
If they stubbornly resisted…
Their own armies might rebel before the enemy even arrived.
Sooner or later, someone would take their royal heads as tribute to the Sun–Moon Empire in exchange for a better position.
"Is surrendering to the Sun–Moon Empire… really our only choice?"
The same thought appeared in both rulers' minds.
Thankfully, the Continental Soul Master Tournament hadn't concluded yet.
Before the Sun–Moon Empire declared war, they still had some time to consider.
But both rulers had already prepared themselves mentally for surrender.
Their only concern now was:
If they did surrender…could their royal bloodlines be preserved?
If there was an answer to that question, they wouldn't hesitate anymore.
While both rulers were drowning in anxiety, three days quickly passed, and the tournament finals finally arrived.
The highly anticipated showdown — Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy versus the mighty Haotian Sect — was about to begin.
Watching the packed stadium, the Emperor of Sun–Moon turned to the Crown Prince, Xu Tiannan.
"Did you ask Ho Yuhuo about his chances of victory?"
Xu Tiannan bowed respectfully.
"Father, across the entire Douluo Continent, there is no force left that can rival our Sun–Moon Empire."
"Be it the once-glorious Shrek Academy, the Holy Spirit Cult, the Xingluo Empire, the Tianhun Empire, or even the Haotian Sect… they are all the same."
The Emperor smiled, but spoke with caution.
"Do not become complacent. The Haotian Sect is not like the others. They've hidden themselves for thousands of years. No one knows what kind of foundations they possess."
"Underestimating such an opponent can cost dearly."
With unification finally within reach, he wasn't about to let history repeat another failure.
Xu Tiannan answered confidently.
"Please rest assured. Yuhuo will not disappoint us."
"A sect that hid for millennia and suddenly dares jump into this muddy water? Our Sun–Moon Empire will show them what despair truly is."
..........
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