Douluo: Steal Tang San's luck and become stronger!

"Yes!"

A unified response rang out, filled with determination and strength.

And so, on this very day, Shrek Academy, this massive machine, began to operate with unprecedented efficiency and intensity, executing a series of plans to cooperate with the Tang Sect and intervene in the conflicts on the continent.

Encrypted commands were issued from the Sea God Pavilion, reaching every corner of the academy. Elite instructors from the Martial Soul Department and Soul Guidance Department were secretly selected to form special operations teams; the academy's supply warehouses were opened, and large quantities of high-quality standard soul tools, pills, and supplies were distributed.

The intelligence department began operating at full capacity, utilizing the academy's extensive alumni network and cooperative relationships across the continent to gather all intelligence related to the movements of Dongyang City, Wanhun Douluo, and the Holy Spirit Cult in the Northwest; the alert levels of the Inner and Outer Academies were raised, and the defense system was comprehensively strengthened in response to possible retaliation or infiltration.

Meanwhile, the highest-level "summoning order" from the Tang Clan has been issued to all parts of the world through special channels.

The target of this call to arms is not the existing direct or subordinate forces of the Tang Clan, but those "students" who once studied or pursued advanced studies in the Tang Clan, or who formed deep friendships with the Tang Clan through various circumstances, and who left the Tang Clan after graduation and are now scattered throughout the continent, and who have made a name for themselves in various industries, becoming prominent figures or quite famous.

Among them are those born into noble families who now wield power in their respective regions, those who are influential and wealthy in the business world, those who serve as elders or sect leaders in small and medium-sized sects, those who hold important positions in the military of the two great empires, and many who are outstanding free spirit masters.

The disciples of the Tang Clan, especially those in the core training program, are scattered throughout the world. Without exception, almost all of them are renowned figures with considerable influence or outstanding personal abilities. This "summoning order" awakens this usually hidden but extremely extensive "network of connections" and "latent power."

They received only one order, clear and ruthless.

Utilize your position, resources, and connections to the fullest extent possible to cooperate with the Tang Clan in their mission to "quell the chaos and eliminate evil." Specific methods are not limited.

They could provide intelligence, open channels, create conveniences, directly eliminate the Holy Spirit Cult's peripheral forces in the area, or influence the local government's attitude to lean towards the Tang Cult...

The core objective is to "cooperate with the Tang Clan to pacify the world and kill the rebels," with a focus on the Holy Spirit Cult and its henchmen, to create a favorable external environment for the Tang Clan's main force's operations in Dongyang City, and to prevent the Holy Spirit Cult from mobilizing reinforcements or sabotaging them from other directions.

The activation of this network signifies that the Tang Clan's counterattack will escalate from a simple military crackdown to a comprehensive suppression involving intelligence, public opinion, diplomacy, and the economy.

As a direct manifestation of its collaborative action with the Tang Sect, Shrek Academy swiftly dispatched its first powerful support team.

Led by four Dean-level powerhouses—Yan Shaozhe, Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, and Qian Duoduo—this team brought together over twenty elite instructors at the Soul Douluo level from the Martial Soul and Soul Guidance departments, as well as over a hundred well-trained inner court disciples with at least Soul Emperor cultivation.

Instead of making a big show of it, they split into smaller groups and headed north towards the eye of the storm.

They sped off towards Dongyang City. Their mission was to coordinate with the elite forces of the Tang Clan's "Min Tang" and "Yao Tang" who had arrived earlier, as well as the allied forces of various affiliated sects that arrived later, to encircle and annihilate the Ten Thousand Souls Douluo, and to deal with any other powerful members of the Holy Spirit Cult that might appear.

The alliance between Shrek Academy and Tang Sect was officially presented to the various forces on the mainland for the first time in such a high-level and large-scale joint operation.

Meanwhile, in the majestic and solemn imperial palace of the Douling Empire's capital city.

The atmosphere in the imperial study was so heavy it was almost palpable. Xu Sanshi, the current emperor of the Douling Empire, sat on the large dragon throne, several urgent secret reports spread out before him.

The secret report contained detailed information about the horrific massacre in Black Iron City in the southwest, as well as information about the Tang Sect mobilizing its forces, Shrek Academy's apparent unusual activity, and its direct target being Dongyang City in the northwest.

Xu Sanshi was no longer the carefree young man he once was. Years of imperial life had given his face a touch of majesty and composure, but at this moment, the anger brewing between his brows was like a volcano about to erupt.

His strong sense of loyalty and righteousness, and his hatred of evil, did not disappear with the change of his status; on the contrary, they became more profound because of the responsibilities he shouldered.

"Outrageous! Utterly depraved! Absolutely inhumane!"

boom--!
With a loud crash, the sturdy rosewood table shattered, sending wood chips flying everywhere! Xu Sanshi slammed down with his palm, his powerful soul force surging, showing that his cultivation had not declined over the years and had reached an extremely high level.

He suddenly stood up, his chest heaving violently, his eyes bloodshot, veins throbbing on his forehead, and his furious roar echoed throughout the imperial study.

"You Holy Spirit Cult! Do you really think I'm some kind of clay or wooden statue, that I wouldn't dare touch you?! Sacrificing the lives of countless cities, concocting evil magic, and slaughtering the people of my empire—such crimes are intolerable to heaven and earth! They are the envy of both gods and men!"

He paced back and forth a couple of times, then suddenly stopped and looked down at his trusted ministers, who were standing respectfully below, their faces also filled with grief and murderous intent—there was the military commander, the head of intelligence, and the head of the interior administration.

These were all people he had promoted and trusted implicitly after he ascended the throne.

Xu Sanshi's voice was like ice striking, carrying the decisiveness and iron will of an emperor.

"The Tang Clan has taken the lead in eliminating this scourge for the continent and seeking justice for the innocent people of my empire who died unjustly! They did the right thing! But my Douling Empire is the true master of this land!"
"How can I, the emperor who rules over the world, sit idly by and watch others punish evil and uphold justice on our land while I cower in the palace? Where would my face be? Where would the dignity of the empire be?!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his surging anger, his eyes sharpening like knives, and gave a resolute order to his trusted ministers below.

"Issue my decree!"

"First, in the name of 'exterminating the evil soul masters, recovering lost territory, and avenging the people of Black Iron City and the southwest who perished,' we will proclaim to the world! We will expose the blood sacrifice atrocities of the Holy Spirit Cult!"

"Second, mobilize troops immediately! Order the 'Zhenbei Legion' as the main force, and draw elite troops from the 'Longxiang' and 'Huben' divisions, totaling 300,000 infantry and cavalry, to be personally commanded by the Zhenbei General. Set off immediately, targeting the Northwest Province, and approach Dongyang City! Along the way, wipe out all evil spirit masters and bandits you encounter, and recover villages, towns, and key roads affected or occupied by evil spirit masters!"

"Third, mobilize the Royal Soul Master Corps and the Soul Master forces of various sects and families within the territory that have responded to the call to form an Evil Extermination Soul Corps, with a tentative number of 5,000 people. It will be led by the Royal Family's retainer, the level 94 'Blazing Sun Douluo', and will act alongside the main army to deal with the high-level combat power among the evil soul masters, and cooperate with the actions of friendly forces such as Tang Sect and Shrek Academy!"

Xu Sanshi's gaze was intense, and his tone left no room for argument.

"Tell General Zhenbei and Lieyang Douluo that I don't care about casualty figures, I only care about the results! The evil spirit masters near Dongyang City, especially that demon called 'Ten Thousand Souls,' and all those evil artifacts they created, must be completely wiped out! Such demons and monsters will not be tolerated on the territory of the Empire! This battle must not only demonstrate the Empire's determination to protect its people, but also show the world that the Douling Empire is not to be trifled with! Furthermore, it must let our friends from Tang Sect and Shrek Academy know that they are not fighting alone!"

"I will obey your orders!"

As Xu Sanshi issued his iron-fisted and decisive order, several high-ranking officials took their orders and left. The tense atmosphere in the imperial study subsided slightly, but the sense of impending doom grew even stronger.

Xu Sanshi slowly sat back on the dragon throne, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrests, his gaze deep, clearly pondering deeper questions.

His troop deployment this time was certainly motivated by considerations of imperial dignity, revenge for the people, and deterring evil, but it was by no means an impulsive act. As the ruler of a country, he had to weigh the pros and cons of all parties, especially in this time of internal and external difficulties and delicate relationships between allies and enemies.

Xu Sanshi's idea was clearly more comprehensive. His gaze swept over the few close ministers and personal guards who had not yet left the imperial study and were standing by, finally settling on one of them.

This person stood to the side and in front of the imperial study, not bowing to receive orders like other civil and military officials, but standing upright like a javelin.

He wore a set of bright silver full-body armor with an ancient design and smooth lines. The surface of the armor was engraved with mysterious water ripple patterns, and there was a faint flow of soul power, which was obviously not an ordinary item. The helmet was tucked under his arm, revealing a middle-aged face with sharp features and eyes as sharp as a hawk.

He didn't deliberately release his aura, but just by standing there, he gave people a feeling of being unshakable and imposing, with a faint soul power fluctuation around him, carrying a heavy moisture and a deep chill.

This person possessed an extraordinary aura, and his soul power cultivation had reached the level of a ninety-second-level Title Douluo! Even more eye-catching was the ancient, pale blue emblem resembling a tortoise and snake intertwined—the Xuanming Mark—engraved on the chest of his armor.

This person was none other than Yin Hong, the deputy sect leader of the ancient sect "Xuanming Sect," which has disappeared from the mainland and lived in seclusion for many years. He was sent by the sect to protect Xu Sanshi, the current adopted son of the sect and the Douling Emperor.

The Xuanming Sect, an ancient sect renowned for its water-based attributes, defense, and crowd control, once enjoyed great glory ten thousand years ago. However, due to various reasons, it gradually faded from public view. But even a weakened camel is bigger than a horse; although the Xuanming Sect has disappeared from the public eye, it still possesses considerable power.

However, its core lineage has not been severed, and it still retains the last elite force. The current sect leader, Chen Zhen, is an unfathomable powerhouse. In order to support Xu Sanshi in stabilizing his imperial throne and for the possible future revival of the sect, the Xuanming Sect mobilized almost its entire force, secretly transferring most of its core strength to the imperial city of the Douling Empire.

There are currently three Title Douluo in charge of the sect.

Sect Master Chen Zhen, Deputy Sect Master Yin Hong, and Xu Sanshi's mentor, who is also a highly respected elder of the Xuanming Sect—Yun Su.

It can be said that the Xuanming Sect has placed its future rise and fall entirely on Xu Sanshi, betting that he can lead the Douling Empire out of its predicament and even create a golden age, thus winning a future for the Xuanming Sect to see the light of day again and continue its glory.

Xu Sanshi's gaze fell on Yin Hong, and his tone softened, showing respect for his elder and powerful ally.

"Uncle Yin, this expedition to Dongyang City to eradicate the evil spirit masters is of great significance, but it is also extremely dangerous."

That Ten Thousand Souls Douluo is cunning and ruthless. The Holy Spirit Cult has been operating in the Northwest for a long time, and there's a possibility of an ambush. While the main army and ordinary soul master groups can clear the outer perimeter and stabilize the situation, to ensure a successful decapitation and destruction of the evil artifact, we'll probably need top-tier experts to hold the line and deal with any possible reinforcements from the Holy Spirit Cult's higher-ups.

He stood up, walked up to Yin Hong, and said solemnly.

"Uncle Yin, I will trouble you to make this trip yourself. Please accompany the Blazing Sun Douluo and oversee the Soul Master Corps. At the critical moment, you must ensure that the Myriad Souls Douluo is captured and that evil artifact is destroyed. Your 'Profound Nether True Water' and 'Sea Suppression Domain' are best at trapping enemies and defending, which are the key to dealing with such chaotic battles and preventing the enemy from escaping or resorting to desperate measures."

Upon hearing this, Yin Hong's serious face showed little change. He simply bowed slightly, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and performed a standard sect salute combined with the salute of a subject. His voice was steady and powerful.

"Your Majesty is too kind. It is my duty to exterminate evil spirits and protect the peace of the empire, and it is also the bounden duty of my Xuanming Sect. As Your Majesty has given the order, Yin Hong will obey it and will do his utmost to live up to the trust placed in him by Your Majesty and the Sect Master."

His answer was concise and to the point, without any unnecessary statements, yet his determination and sense of responsibility were evident. Clearly, the Xuanming Sect had truly gone all out this time, not only fully supporting Xu Sanshi politically, but also preparing to exert its utmost effort in practical actions.

Their gamble was to use the full strength of the sect to protect Xu Sanshi's throne and safety. At the same time, it was also to secure a future for the Xuanming Sect to rise again and establish itself on the continent.

Xu Sanshi nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. With Yin Hong, a titled Douluo skilled in defense and control and with extensive experience, personally taking charge, the chances of winning the battle of Dongyang City would increase even further.

After Yin Hong also received the order to leave the Imperial Study and go to make preparations, only Xu Sanshi and a figure who had been quietly standing in the shadows behind the dragon throne, seemingly blending into the surrounding environment, remained in the huge study.

She was an old woman dressed in a simple gray cloth robe, with a slightly hunched figure.

Her hair was gray, simply tied up with a wooden hairpin, and her face was deeply wrinkled, like parched earth, but her eyes were exceptionally clear and bright. Occasionally, when they opened and closed, a sharp glint would flash in them, as if they could see through people's hearts.

She showed no signs of leaking soul power, yet Xu Sanshi maintained the same level of respect towards her as he would towards a teacher.

This person was none other than Yun Su, Xu Sanshi's mentor, the Supreme Elder of the Xuanming Sect, whom Xu Sanshi called "Elder Yun".

Yun Su slowly emerged from the shadows, her footsteps so light they were almost silent.

She looked at Xu Sanshi, her clear eyes carrying a hint of barely perceptible worry and deep consideration.

She was silent for a moment before speaking in a slightly hoarse but exceptionally clear voice.

"Sanshi."

She did not address him as "Your Majesty," but instead used a more intimate term.

"This time... you've made a huge decision. Three hundred thousand troops, five thousand soul masters, you even sent that brat Yin Hong. Is it worth it for a piece of news about the Tang Sect, for the people of a few cities in the southwest?" (End of Chapter)