Douluo Unrivaled: The Beginning Materializes the Black Abyss and White Flowers

Chapter 382 Mainland Situation

Inside the private room, four figures were already waiting—Chang Li, Jin Xi, Ke Qing, and Ning Guang.

Although Lu Jingming is the nominal lord of Haiyuan City, the core of daily operations, strategic planning, and handling of various affairs are actually these four outstanding women.

The arrival of Wu Ming and the other remnants of Shrek Academy, and their meeting with Zhang Lexuan, were naturally learned by them immediately.

Upon seeing Zhang Lexuan enter, Ke Qing spoke first. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and her fingertips tapped lightly on the table, expressing her concerns:
“Le Xuan, we know what happened. Accepting these students and helping to rebuild Shrek Academy can certainly quickly absorb its reputation and legacy, but Shrek Academy has been passed down for thousands of years, and its internal concepts are deeply rooted and its thinking has long been solidified. It values ​​so-called independence and glory very much.”

“I worry that even if we help them rebuild, it will be by no means easy to truly integrate them into the Haiyuan City system and make them forget or let go of their past glory and persistence. Inevitably, complications will arise in the future.”

Her concerns stemmed from the perception of the inertia of the old forces: preparation is the key to success, and lack of preparation leads to failure.

Before Zhang Lexuan could respond, Ningguang had already walked slowly to the huge floor-to-ceiling window. Her gaze seemed to penetrate the building and accurately land in the direction where Xiaoxiao and Wuming were.

A knowing smile played on her lips, and her voice was pleasant and steady.
"Keqing's concerns are reasonable. In the past, facing the complete Shrek Academy, this would indeed have been an almost impossible task, but now, times have changed."

She paused, then continued.

"The key issue is not the abstract concept of Shrek Academy, but who specifically represents it."

"Now, the fate of Xuanzi's older generation of experts is unknown, and pillars like Yan Shaozhe have died in battle. What remains is a group of young people who have suddenly lost their support, whose homes have been destroyed, whose teachers have perished, and who are filled with confusion and helplessness about the future."

"Their needs are very basic right now—survival, safety, and a place where they can entrust their Shrek identity."

Chang Li leaned lazily against the comfortable couch, chuckled softly upon hearing this, and replied:
“Ningguang is right. A group of students, the oldest of whom are only in their early twenties and who have mostly focused on cultivation before, may be exceptionally talented, but how much do they really know about managing people’s hearts, building power, and long-term planning?”

“What they need most right now is a lifeline, a guide to lead them out of their predicament, and we happen to be able to provide all of that.”

Her tone carried a composure based on the difference in strength, not contempt, but a clear understanding.

Jin Xi's gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Zhang Lexuan, whose voice was clear and melodious.

"There is no need to worry too much. Shrek Academy's glory is a thing of the past. In the future, it will only become a Soul Master Academy under the jurisdiction of Haiyuan City, just like St. Freya Academy, cultivating talents for us and contributing its due value."

"Even in its heyday, Haiyuan City's current accumulated strength and resources would have been enough to deal with it, let alone in its current state?"

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of sharpness.

"If we can't even unite a team that has lost its purpose and guide a group of lost young people, wouldn't we seem too incompetent? How can we live up to Ah Ming's trust and protect and strengthen this city?"

Jin Xi's words made Ning Guang, Ke Qing, and the others tense up. Lu Jingming trusted them so much, entrusting them with complete military and political power. How could they possibly betray that trust?

Although they all knew that this was due to Lu Jingming's personality, and that he only wanted to be a hands-off manager, it did not stop them from responding to this trust.

Jin Xi's statement also represents the consensus of the core decision-makers present.

This is not only an opportunity to absorb external resources, but also a test of their own abilities and skills.

After listening to her sisters' speeches, Zhang Lexuan nodded slightly, a glint of wisdom flashing in her eyes.

The next task is not just to provide venues and resources, but also to subtly guide Wu Ming and others so that the newly formed Shrek Academy carries the mark of Haiyuan City from its very inception.

This is a delicate operation that requires patience, wisdom, and the right amount of power.

"Alright, the reconstruction of Shrek Academy is settled for now. The follow-up details can be handled by the people below."

Changli gently tapped the smooth tabletop, drawing everyone's attention back. Her voice was steady, with a hint of solemnity.

"Next, we must seriously discuss the imminent threat—the movements of the Sun Moon Empire."

The atmosphere in the room instantly shifted from discussions about internal integration to strategic assessments of external matters.

Everyone knows that peace on the mainland is in grave danger.

"We have a basic grasp of the specific situation through simulating the universe and various intelligence networks."

Chang Li continued, his fingertips unconsciously tracing patterns on the table.

"Although the Holy Grail War in Mingdu ended unexpectedly due to the opening of the space-time portal, the consequences it caused were far from over. Most importantly, not all the Servants who participated in the war left the field, especially the two Extinction Lords, who still occupy the Sun and Moon Empire."

"Although their antimatter legion suffered heavy losses in the final, earth-shattering explosion, with less than one-tenth remaining, its remaining strength is still not to be underestimated. More importantly, the Sun Moon Empire's own soul-guided technology and military foundation were not fundamentally damaged by the destruction of Mingdu."

Ke Qing crossed her arms and leaned against the window, her purple eyes flashing with a calm light. Her signature twin ponytails swayed gently as she shook her head slightly.

"Xu Tianran's manipulation of public opinion is indeed extremely ruthless. He has perfectly transferred the blood feud of the destruction of Mingdu to Shrek Academy and the three great empires."

"Within the Sun Moon Empire today, the call for revenge has become a wildfire. Even if there are a few clear-headed people in the country, their voices are insignificant due to the lack of understanding of the truth and the overwhelming grief and indignation of the whole country. They can only be forced to go with the flow."

Zhang Lexuan sighed, a hint of helplessness on her face.

"Even if someone knows some of the inside story, no one will believe it if they say it out loud. Who would believe that the destruction of Mingdu, which symbolizes the glory of the empire, was caused by the empire's own high-ranking officials? This truth is too unbelievable."

Ningguang nodded in agreement. She walked slowly to the liquor cabinet, poured herself a small glass of amber liquid, and looked deep in thought.

"That's exactly right. The truth has lost its meaning at this moment. The propaganda machine of the Sun Moon Empire has firmly occupied the moral high ground, or rather, the moral high ground of tragedy."

"The people of the empire were thoroughly enraged by the enormous losses and the official guidance. Rhetoric of war and revenge filled every city and every corner. Under this collective sentiment, the space for rational thinking was minimized."

Jinxi shifted her gaze from the crowd and looked out the window again. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky orange-red, yet it carried an oppressive feeling of impending storm.

Her voice was soft, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly.

"In summary, a full-scale war is inevitable, but the outbreak of war will not happen overnight. I think this time may be delayed for one or two years."

"I agree with Jinxi's judgment."

Chang Li took over the conversation and analyzed the situation rationally.

"The primary reason is reconstruction. Reconstructing a capital city that has been completely destroyed, especially a large city like Mingdu, is no easy task. Even if the Sun Moon Empire possesses the most advanced soul guidance technology on the continent and mobilizes massive resources, it would be difficult to complete the task in less than a year. Even if it is rebuilt, transforming the current New Mingdu into the capital, it will still take time."

"Secondly, Xu Tianran has just ascended the throne. Although his position is stable, the various forces within the empire still need time to integrate and appease them, and to completely consolidate power. All of this takes time."

Ke Qing walked to the center of the room, and a map of Douluo Continent made of light was projected onto her screen.

Pointing to the clear division of power on the map, she calmly presented the results of the simulated cosmic big data analysis:

"Once internal integration and war preparations are completed, the Sun Moon Empire's military might will be almost predictable. Based on our comparative analysis of the strength of both sides—including conventional military strength, number of Soul Masters, and high-end combat power—the conclusion is that, without the intervention of major external variables, the original three-nation alliance of Douluo Continent will find it difficult to withstand the full-scale attack of the Sun Moon Empire."

Ningguang gently swirled the wine in her glass and replied, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy:
"Big data simulated several possible attack routes. The most probable scenario is that the Sun Moon Empire will concentrate its superior forces and use the Heavenly Soul Empire as the primary breakthrough point. Once the Heavenly Soul Empire's defenses are breached, it can advance unimpeded and directly threaten the heartland of the Star Luo Empire, forming a strategic pincer movement against the Dou Ling Empire. The Heavenly Soul Empire will become the first dam to withstand the impact of this storm."

"War..."

Jin Xi sighed softly, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

"In the end, many people will die."

But she quickly composed herself, knowing that this was an inevitable process of the pent-up resentment of the mainland forces erupting and a change of power, a trend that was difficult for human power to reverse.

Simulated universe projections also show that only after this painful process will the continent usher in a new order and glory.

Keqing steered the conversation back to reality.

"Therefore, our Haiyuan City must also plan ahead. The Fools, the Night Return Army, the Golden Guard, and the Molten Knights all need to undergo a new round of expansion and training to prepare for the upcoming war. After all, we all know what A-Ming wants to do."

"The military expansion plan can be launched immediately, and time is generally on our side."

Changli nodded.

"With the existing strength and resources of Haiyuan City, there is ample time to complete the expansion and form combat capability. Even with the current military strength, it is enough to ensure that A-Ming's plan can proceed."

When the Molten Knights were mentioned, Changli gave a helpless, bitter smile.

"However, the expansion of the Molten Knights may encounter some minor troubles. That girl, Firefly, went to that parallel world with Ah Ming. She is the soul and core of the Knights. Without her personally overseeing the expansion, the Molten Knights should not expand."

Her tone carried a hint of helplessness towards Lu Jingming's indulgence of Liu Ying, but also a subtle trace of doting affection.

"Ah Ming is the same. He knows that the Molten Knights can't do without her, but he still let her go. Fortunately, at this stage, the current size of the Molten Knights is enough to deal with any possible battles."

Upon hearing this, Ke Qing couldn't help but roll her eyes, and then said:
"When has he ever treated us this way? No matter how meticulous the plan or how grand the vision, if we think it's inappropriate, or if we whine a little, he'll modify or even overturn it without hesitation. Sometimes I really don't know whether to say he's too unprincipled, or..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear: Lu Jingming's regard for those around him had long surpassed ordinary boundaries.

Jinxi, Ningguang, and the others exchanged glances, and warm smiles unconsciously spread across their lips.

It was precisely because of Lu Jingming's almost obsessive cherishing that they gradually lowered their guard and eventually willingly gathered around him.

Even though they knew he had feelings for more than one person, this unique care and respect, given with the highest priority, was enough for them to choose to accept each other and build this special home in Haiyuan City together.

Deep within Haiyuan City, in the private laboratory of the Great Black Tower.

The scene here is completely different from the mainstream soul guidance technology style of Douluo Continent. The minimalist cold-toned metal walls have a matte finish, and countless uniquely shaped precision instruments operate silently as if they have a life of their own. The indicator lights flash regularly with a dark blue or light green light, creating a futuristic scene.

The air is filled with the fresh scent of a specially formulated energy liquid and the faint smell of a highly effective disinfectant, highlighting the place's pursuit of cleanliness and precision.

At the very heart of the laboratory stands a huge cylindrical transparent culture chamber, where a pale green life-sustaining solution, like the finest jade solution, flows slowly.

Shangguan Weier's eyes were closed, suspended in mid-air, her beautiful face slightly contorted with pain.

On her brow, a dark purple, crack-like mark pulsated slightly, emanating a chilling, destructive aura aimed at ending everything.

The Black Tower itself was standing in front of the incubation chamber with its arms crossed.

She wore her signature, exquisite dress with a mysterious witch-like style, creating a strong yet surprisingly harmonious visual contrast with the extremely rational, high-tech environment around her.

There was no obvious emotional fluctuation on her face; rather, she displayed the focused and discerning gaze of a top connoisseur examining a peculiar exhibit.

"So, this is the mark that Huanlong has placed on me?"

Black Tower's voice carried an almost imperceptible hint of interest, like discovering a new toy, but more of a condescending and judgmental tone.

"The energy structure is indeed quite interesting. It is full of pure destructive intent, and instead of following the conventional path of destruction, it directly targets the origin of life and the imprint of the soul to erode and transform them... Hmm, it is a somewhat creative way of causing destruction."

Her assessment was so calm it was almost cold, as if Shangguan Weier's life or death was not the primary concern, but rather the destructive mark on her body was the phenomenon that deserved attention.

(End of this chapter)