"Was it the work of a god… from beyond the heavens?"
Inside the grand imperial hall, Kong Deming and a number of ninth-level soul engineers sat below, while Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong occupied the thrones of Emperor and Empress above.
Except for the Fire Phoenix and Royal Dragon Soul Engineer Legions—both stationed outside Mingdu—the other three legions' leaders and deputy leaders were present. Together with Du Busi and Ning Haoyu, this assembly represented the highest authority of both the Sun Moon Empire and the Soul Hall.
Jiang Shengyu did not evade the question; he nodded directly and said,
"That's right. This is the work of the Sea God, Tang San."
At those words, the ninth-level soul engineers below all exchanged startled looks. They had originally believed that the phenomenon in the sky was caused by some unknown technique of the former Three Nations of the Douluo Continent.
Now they were being told… it was the work of a god?
Could gods truly exist in this world?
Du Busi furrowed his brows deeply.
"Have we offended a god? Are the gods seeking to punish us?"
Ning Haoyu was more concerned with another matter.
"If this is Tang San's doing, might other gods intervene as well? If Ning Rongrong were to learn of this, perhaps she might show leniency toward our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Hearing how easily the mere name of Tang San had shaken these two sect masters, Jiang Shengyu's lips curved into a mocking smile.
"Are the two of you still dreaming of surrendering your arms and being rewarded with fiefs like loyal ministers of old?"
His words struck like a slap, and both Du Busi and Ning Haoyu looked embarrassed.
Jiang Qingtong's expression turned cold.
"Let's make things clear right here and now. From this day forward, there shall be no second voice within the Sun and Moon Empire! Our only goal is the unification of the entire Douluo Continent—to build an everlasting legacy! Whoever harbors other thoughts will have no one to blame when we act without mercy!"
"We firmly stand with His Majesty and Her Majesty!"
Wang Yiheng and Liao Mengkai were the first to declare their allegiance.
They had personally witnessed the awe-inspiring might of the Goddess of Fate—how she had struck down three evil soul masters who were all Ultimate Douluo. Such overwhelming power was unprecedented in the entire history of the Sun Moon Empire.
If one would not pledge loyalty to such a ruler, then to whom could they possibly pledge it?
The remaining ninth-level soul engineers from the empire had no objections. Since Kong Deming openly supported the imperial couple, naturally they would follow his lead.
The only uncertain ones left were Du Busi and Ning Haoyu, both of whom had defected from the former Douluo Continent nations.
Feeling the weight of everyone's gaze upon him, Du Bushi's expression darkened.
"What are you all staring at me for? The Body Sect never owed any favor to that Tang San! Don't expect me to waver over this!"
After that declaration, all eyes turned to Ning Haoyu.
Under the pressure of so many Titled Douluo staring at him, Ning Haoyu swallowed hard and sighed.
"There's no need to rush me. Since the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has already relocated within the Sun Moon Empire, there's no reason for us to leave. Besides, the nations of the Douluo Continent would never accept us again."
Jiang Shengyu nodded approvingly.
"That's good enough."
After the meeting dispersed, Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong privately sought out the Snow Empress and spoke frankly.
"Qingnu, we wish to ask your guidance—how can one condense a soul core?"
The Snow Empress looked at them seriously.
"For humans, condensing a soul core requires the strength of a Titled Douluo. Only at that level can one possess the soul power reserves necessary for such a feat. You two are merely at the seventh ring, Soul Saint level—it will not be easy."
She shook her head gently as she spoke.
Since humans had first developed the cultivation method of forming soul cores, the number of Titled Douluo had indeed grown explosively compared to the era of the Spirit Hall. Yet in all the millennia that followed, no one had ever managed to form a soul core while still at the Soul Saint stage.
Jiang Shengyu smiled.
"From the very beginning, every step we've taken has been unprecedented. So why not become the first to achieve what no one else ever has?"
Seeing that confident smile, the Snow Empress nodded in satisfaction.
"That's exactly what I like about you. Very well—I'll teach you how to condense a soul core."
Soon after, Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong announced their closed-door cultivation.
With Kong Deming and the other senior officials overseeing matters, the day-to-day operations of the Sun Moon Empire continued smoothly.
In the God Realm — amidst the boundless sea of clouds.
A girl with a long scorpion braid, Xiao Wu, walked to the side of a man in blue divine robes, embroidered with waves and the insignia of the Sea God—Tang San.
Looking at his calm profile, she asked softly,
"Third Brother, the God of Destruction has convened the Divine Council to question your interference in the affairs of the Douluo Continent. What should we do?"
Tang San turned to her and said reassuringly,
"Don't worry, Xiao Wu. As an Enforcer of the God Realm, I would never act against the divine laws. Everything I've done is for the sake of peace—both in the God Realm and in the Douluo Continent. If the God of Destruction wishes to question me, let him come."
Seeing his steady confidence, Xiao Wu finally exhaled in relief.
Then she asked,
"And… how is Little Seven? Is she doing well down there?"
Tang San nodded slightly.
"She's doing very well. Da Ming and Er Ming will take good care of her. You can trust them."
Xiao Wu nodded, completely believing his words.
Together, they made their way toward the Divine Council Hall.
At the entrance stood Lie Yan, the Kindness God King of Flame, who sighed in relief upon seeing them.
"You're finally here! The God of Destruction is furious inside!"
Xiao Wu frowned.
"You're a God King too—why don't you stop him?"
Lie Yan gave a bitter laugh.
"We only ascended not long ago. How could we possibly stand against him?"
He led Tang San and Xiao Wu into the hall.
Beneath the grand golden dome, at the far end of the gilded table, sat the God of Destruction, dressed in dark violet and black, his expression as cold as frost. Beside him sat the Goddess of Life, looking helpless, while the Evil God King, Ji Dong, wore an equally troubled face. Upon seeing Tang San enter, Ji Dong finally let out a silent sigh of relief.
"Destruction, I'm here," Tang San said calmly as he took his seat opposite the God of Destruction.
The God of Destruction fixed his gaze on Tang San and demanded coldly,
"Tang San, you know full well that gods are forbidden from interfering with the lower realms! We all saw what you did—you've caused the very heavens of the Douluo Plane to change! As an Enforcer, you of all beings should know the law—and yet you break it!"
Tang San's eyes blazed with conviction.
"My heart holds no selfish intent. Everything I've done has been for the Douluo Continent—and for the God Realm itself!"
"The Douluo Plane has birthed a pair of demonic beings who seek to ignite a war that would engulf the entire world, even to seize control of its very fate! For the sake of justice and light, I had no choice but to act!"
The God of Destruction's tone rose in anger.
"But you interfered directly with the mortal realm! That alone is a violation of the divine law established by the Council!"
Tang San countered firmly,
"The laws of the God Realm clearly state that a god may influence their own descendants in the mortal plane. My daughter is there. Everything I've done is within the bounds of the law!"
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