Douluo Jueshi: Who let him join Shrek!

"To develop friendly relations between the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy and Shrek Academy, Empress Ju Zi of the Sun Moon Empire and Dean Jing Hongchen of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy have visited Shrek Academy for friendly exchanges. Emperor Xu Tianran of the Sun Moon Empire attaches great importance to this exchange and looks forward to further cooperation between the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy and Shrek Academy in the fields of Soul Masters and Soul Masters."

Shrek Academy, Poseidon Island.

As Jiang Ming read the message Xu Tianran released to the mainland, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He glanced at Jing Hongchen beside him and said softly, "Sect Leader Hongchen, Xu Tianran's move is quite interesting. It seems he's trying to turn the tables on me."

Jing Hongchen's expression was very solemn: "This counterattack was indeed very clever. Your Majesty, Xu Tianran knew that you had taken Ju Zi and me to Shrek Academy. With the current strength of the top experts in the Sun Moon Empire, they were unable to take us back. So they simply changed their approach and made the Empress and me go on a visit to Shrek Academy."

"If something were to happen to the Empress at Shrek Academy, your reputation would be in jeopardy. Besides, she is, after all, the Empress of a nation. Even though you and the Sun Moon Empire are enemies, the Empress's status is undeniably special. If something were to happen to the Sun Moon Empire's Empress at Shrek Academy, people from other countries would inevitably wonder if their important figures would also encounter problems there."

The Sun Moon Empire, lacking the hard power to take people back, used this kind of public opinion pressure to force Jiang Ming not to do anything to Ju Zi, which was undoubtedly a very clever method.

Jiang Ming added, "And you, the Hall Master of the Red Dust Hall, if you were to announce your joining Shrek Academy now, the Sun Moon Empire could immediately issue a statement saying that Shrek Academy coerced you, the Hall Master of the Mingde Hall, to join Shrek. Tsk, considering Xu Tianran's mental state, he actually came up with this kind of response. This guy is something else!"

Jiang Ming was genuinely surprised. After going through so much and being mentally tormented multiple times, Xu Tianran still managed to come up with this way to fight back.

Jing Hongchen shook his head and said, "I don't think this might be Xu Tianran's idea."

He was arguably one of the people who understood Xu Tianran's emotional state and condition changes best over the past few years.

The last time he saw Xu Tianran, Xu Tianran did not look well.

Especially with Empress Ju Zi being taken away by Ming Jiang, he felt that Xu Tianran's emotions should have entered a very violent state.

But now, it has become like this.

There must be someone behind this giving advice and suggestions.

In the past, Jing Hongchen would have guessed that this person was Ju Zi, but now that Ju Zi has been taken to Shrek Academy, it can't be Ju Zi.

"If I'm not mistaken, Kong Deming must have returned to Xu Tianran's side in time."

Jing Hongchen guessed.

As the head of the Royal Offering Hall, Kong Deming was quite old and had seen a lot. Over the years, although he had also been schemed against by Jiang Ming, he was not like Xu Tianran and could not stand at a relatively detached perspective to observe everything that happened.

A closer analysis reveals how much public opinion manipulation Jiang Ming has used against Xu Tianran recently.

However, once you figure out the trick and have a bit of a flexible mind, you can actually do the opposite.

Jiang Ming nodded and said, "Yes, I also think it's because Elder Kong has returned to Mingdu, but Xu Tianran's condition seems to have changed somewhat as well. Master Hongchen, take a look at the new policies issued by the Sun Moon Empire..."

As he spoke, he handed the intelligence that the Bright Moon Merchant Guild had collected from Mingdu to Jing Hongchen.

Jing Hongchen read the text word by word with a solemn expression, his face shifting between astonishment and surprise.

"His Majesty has come out?"

After reading through the series of policies issued by Xu Tianran, he found it difficult to understand.

No, why?

I've arrived at Shrek Academy. Have you, Xu Tianran, defeated your inner demons? Are you going to be a good emperor?

What were you doing all this time?!

"Hmm, I feel like it might be a moment of profound enlightenment, or it could be... a final burst of energy before death?"

Jiang Ming frowned and said softly.

Jiang Ming had made predictions about the various reactions Xu Tianran might have, including the possibility that Xu Tianran might have a profound awakening after experiencing a major blow, and completely let go of all his obsessions and fears.

If that's the case, then this time it's a bit of a case of trying too hard and making things worse.
But it's okay. Some things are not so easy to let go of. Now that Ye Yulin is dead, Jing Hongchen has come to Shrek Academy, and the Sun Moon Empire only has Kong Deming left.

Xu Tianran is a lone tree that cannot support the whole family.

Moreover, the arrangements he made using his clones in Mingdu haven't been fully revealed yet.

Over the years, Xu Tianran's various decrees have infringed upon the interests of everyone in the Sun Moon Empire, from princes and nobles to ordinary citizens.

This is not something that can be resolved instantly with a sudden epiphany; it requires time to resolve.

Moreover, given Xu Tianran's behavior over the years, who would believe that he has truly come to his senses?

Jiang Ming looked at Jing Hongchen, raised an eyebrow slightly, and said:
"Master of the Red Dust Hall, if Xu Tianran truly achieves enlightenment and lets go of all his attachments, will you return?"

Jing Hongchen's expression froze.

But then he let out a long sigh.

"I've already come to Shrek Academy, and Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen are still here. How can I possibly go back? And even if I did go back, I would only continue to be guarded against by Xu Tianran, and who knows when I might be accused of treason."

As he spoke, he looked up at the sky, towards the direction of the Sun and Moon Empire.

"Now that I'm here, I never intended to go back. It's actually quite nice here; I can even chat with that kid, Xuan Ziwen."

When Xuan Ziwen left Mingde Hall, he tried to persuade him to stay, but Xuan Ziwen was determined to leave, so he didn't try to stop him. These past few days, he'd run into Xuan Ziwen again in Shrek City.

He and Xuan Ziwen talked a lot at the time, including discussions about soul tools, the future of the soul tool world, and the future of the Sun Moon Empire.

In the end, he understood to some extent why Xuan Ziwen had left Mingdetang.

And now, his situation is similar to Xuan Ziwen's.

"By the way, are you really going to kill His Majesty Xu Tianran?"

Jing Hongchen was still unable to completely change how she addressed Xu Tianran, but Jiang Ming didn't mind.

He chuckled softly, "You know my personality to some extent, don't you? Since I said I would, I will definitely do it. But the year isn't up yet, is it?"

Shrek Academy warmly welcomes Empress Ju Zi of the Sun Moon Empire and Dean Jing Hongchen of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. Shrek Academy will treat these two distinguished guests with the highest honors.

"Empress Ju Zi of the Sun Moon Empire held a private meeting with Jiang Ming, Honorary Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion at Shrek Academy. During the meeting, Empress Ju Zi smiled repeatedly and expressed her strong agreement with Jiang Ming's ideas. The two then had dinner together."

"Dean Jing Hongchen of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy of the Sun Moon Empire visited the Soul Guidance Department of Shrek Academy and offered differing opinions on its development. Dean Jing Hongchen pointed out that while Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department has developed rapidly in recent years, its system for promoting Soul Masters is incomplete and needs further improvement. The system requires more detailed assessments for Soul Master promotions."

Following the visit, several meetings were held among the high-ranking members of Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department, including Dean Xian Lin'er, Vice Dean Qian Duoduo, and Vice Dean Fan Yu. The meetings focused on a professional analysis of the opinions raised by Jing Hongchen, Dean of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Guidance Academy. The department leadership recognized that while Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance Department had developed rapidly, it still lagged significantly behind the most advanced Soul Guidance training systems. They expressed hope that this visit would lead to substantial progress in Shrek Academy's Soul Guidance equipment.

Rumor has it that Empress Ju Zi of the Sun Moon Empire and Jiang Ming, the honorary head of the Sea God Pavilion at Shrek Academy, were spotted taking a walk by the Sea God Pavilion lake. Their intimate behavior suggests they may be hiding something.

"Eighteenth piece of news: Jiang Ming, the honorary head of the Sea God Pavilion, and Ju Zi, the empress of the Sun Moon Empire, were boating on Sea God Lake. Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire seemed to be jealous and overturned the boat before leaving in a huff!"

Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire looked at the intelligence report handed to him by his subordinates, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

Goodness, this news is flying everywhere!
It's a mix of realism and fabrication, and it even includes his sister's story!
"Shrek Academy is deliberately trying to annoy Xu Tianran."

He put down the message in his hand, took a deep breath, and looked in the direction of Shrek Academy in the distance.

"Your Majesty, various rumors have been circulating about Shrek Academy lately, some of which are rumors spread by Her Highness the Princess. Should we..."

From the shadows, a figure respectfully inquired.

Xu Jiawei smiled and said, "What do you want? Do you think Jiu Jiu doesn't know about these rumors? Maybe Jiu Jiu and Jiang Ming deliberately created this, and she might even be having a great time acting it out."

Xu Jiawei knew his younger sister very well.

Even though Shrek Academy is so far from Star Luo City, he still got the news. He's been in Shrek City for a long time. Could he possibly get the news slower than him?
Since they haven't said anything, he doesn't need to do anything either.

As for Empress Ju Zi of the Sun Moon Empire and Jing Hongchen, the head of the Mingde Hall, they went to Shrek Academy for a friendly exchange.
The moment he received this news, he knew that the Sun Moon Empire was talking nonsense!
Given the current relationship between the Sun Moon Empire and Shrek Academy, and the conflict between Xu Tianran and Jiang Ming, would Xu Tianran really allow the Empress to go to Shrek for exchanges?
And look at the news coming out of Shrek Academy.

Xu Tianran and Jiang Ming are sworn enemies, yet his empress is having dinner with Jiang Ming? And on a cruise ship at that?

This sounds utterly absurd!
The problem is that while the Star Luo Empire Emperor, who possesses a powerful intelligence system and knows very well about the relationship between Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Empire, understands this as nonsense, other forces on the continent do not think so.

It doesn't matter if he doesn't believe it; it's enough that most people on the mainland believe it.

Or rather, this is a counterattack against the Sun and Moon Empire.

The Empress is about to be kidnapped. Xu Tianran is feeling incredibly humiliated. It's not just the shock to Xu Tianran, but also a disgrace to the people of the Sun Moon Empire!
Of course, this is just a rumor. Without real evidence, it's really just tormenting Xu Tianran.

"By the way, inform Duke Baihu that Jiang Ming is provoking Xu Tianran in this way, and he might do something impulsive. The pressure on the border may be very high then."

Xu Jiawei does have some strategic vision. If Xu Tianran is really provoked and acts recklessly, the pressure on the border will increase sharply!
Of course, even so, Xu Jiawei would not allow the people of the Sun Moon Empire to cross the border to Shrek Academy to settle scores with Jiang Ming.

On the other side, in the Ming capital of the Sun and Moon Empire.

Xu Tianran also received this messy information, and the information he received was even more detailed than that received by Xu Jiawei!

Kong Deming was so meticulous that he even took out his mental support soul tool in advance, fearing that Xu Tianran might lose control and go berserk at any moment!
But to Kong Deming's surprise, Xu Tianran's expression remained calm after seeing these messages, a calmness that was somewhat frightening!
He waved the intelligence report in his hand and said calmly, "This Jiang Ming, we make a move, and he responds with a move of his own, and he even spreads these rumors. Isn't he just trying to break my defenses? Heh, I'll just do the opposite of what he wants."

As he spoke, he shook his hand, and his soul power instantly shattered the intelligence document in his hand, turning it into countless scraps of paper that floated in the air.

"Elder Kong, send a message saying that since Jiang Ming, the Empress, and Jing Hongchen have gotten along so well, it would be impolite not to reciprocate. Our Sun Moon Empire and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy also welcome Jiang Ming's arrival, and I, too, welcome his arrival! Let's see if he dares to do it."

Upon hearing this, Kong Deming was shocked!
"But Your Majesty, Jiang Ming... he hasn't broken through to the tenth level Soul Master yet, he still needs some time..."

The implication is simple: he can't deal with Jiang Ming right now.

Furthermore, even if he became a level 10 Soul Master, it would be unrealistic for him to deal with Jiang Ming.

Jiang Ming is too strong now!
"No problem."

Xu Tianran waved his hand and said, "Spread the word first. I'll wait for him. We've been fighting for so long, I'm tired too. I don't want to let him have his way for a whole year!"

As he spoke, a blood-red light and a gray light suddenly flashed in Xu Tianran's eyes.

Furthermore, if Kong Deming were to investigate Xu Tianran's cultivation level now, he would find that Xu Tianran's cultivation level is now higher than his own!

Xu Tianran is now a level 95 Super Douluo! (End of Chapter)