All Sides Stirring

Crimson Kite Immortal, reporting for duty—

Her eyes blazed like fire, scarlet flames and silver-white hair fading into fiery hues. Her burning gaze brimmed with killing intent. What angered Fu Hua was that Shrek and the others had been plunged into danger because of her.

Unforgivable. Inexcusable.

Scorching like fire, blazing like fire, she continuously burned the Honkai Soul Beast—Ashbo.

Ashbo let out a terrified shriek, its left hand relentlessly slapping the ground. Panic filled its heart as it seemed ready to turn and flee.

And that was exactly what it did.

Its massive body dragged across the ground, covering a thousand meters with every step as it rushed toward the depths of the forest, where something seemingly capable of reassuring it existed.

Trees collapsed, leaving devastation everywhere. Fu Hua silently watched Ashbo flee, her expression icy. Her hands clenched into fists, and her crimson eyes grew even redder.

Her lips parted slightly.

"Inch Force: Heaven-Sundering—"

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM—

An even greater roar than when Ashbo had arrived resounded throughout the entire Star Dou Great Forest. The earth trembled as if it had split in two. The air fell silent. This punch seemed to split open the heavens themselves.

Douluo Continent fell into unprecedented turmoil. The Heaven Dou Empire, Star Luo Empire, Spirit Hall, and the Seven Great Sects were all alarmed. Every Douluo at the Titled level gazed into the distance, their eyes fixed upon the Star Dou Great Forest.

An unprecedented fear arose in their hearts, as though something terrifying had been born into this world.

Inside the Great Soul Arena in Heaven Dou Imperial City, Supervisor Liao's eyes were grave as he looked at the subordinate reporting before him.

"Is the information confirmed?"

"Absolutely. Every spectator and staff member present at the Great Soul Arena can testify to it. They saw it with their own eyes, and Ao Bingcheng personally reported it."

"Bastard! Why am I only hearing about something this important now?"

"This... because an employee at the Great Soul Arena offended her at the time, so..."

"Hmph! Fire that person immediately. I don't want this happening a second time."

"Yes."

Supervisor Liao's brown eyes turned toward the distance, toward the Star Dou Great Forest. His heart trembled as the Soul Power in the air seemed to drift uncontrollably in that direction.

"Just who is in the Star Dou Great Forest? Could it... be connected to Crimson Kite?"

A rank-thirty Soul Grandmaster had utterly defeated a rank-thirty-seven Soul Elder, crossing an entire major realm and seven minor ranks. Such a genius had to be recruited as soon as possible, or Spirit Hall would beat them to it.

With that thought, Supervisor Liao prepared to immediately set out for Heaven Dou Imperial City to seek an audience with the Heaven Dou Emperor.

At the same time, within Spirit Hall—

Inside the magnificent main hall, the Pope—Bibi Dong—sat high in the seat of honor. Soldiers, bishops of every rank, and several Titled Douluo stood arrayed below her. The atmosphere in the hall was grim.

Until Bibi Dong spoke.

"Is the information accurate?"

Her words were nearly identical to Supervisor Liao's. Her golden eyes stared directly at the reporting soldier, her tone imposing.

"Reporting to Your Holiness, it is absolutely true. Our spies learned of it in Heaven Dou Imperial City."

Once it was confirmed, the bishops of every rank were shocked. Whispers immediately arose throughout the hall.

"A rank thirty defeating a rank thirty-seven? How is that possible?"

"A monster! A monster! He truly is a monster!"

"Could it be that..."

"Shh! Silence! That is the Pope's taboo."

Bibi Dong remained silent at the head of the hall. No one could tell what thoughts lay within her golden eyes. Her aura was condensed, like a fiend from hell—terrifying and sinister, as though a god of slaughter had descended upon the world.

"Spare no expense in apprehending him. I want him alive. This matter will be handled in secret. Other than high-ranking bishops and Titled Douluo, no one else is to participate."

"Yes."

Her golden gaze sharpened, her eyes darkening as if a flash of blood-red light had passed through them. Bibi Dong's hands involuntarily tightened around the Pope's throne.

Her gaze turned toward the Star Dou Great Forest as she thought to herself, Has it appeared?

Within the Evil Eye White Tiger Imperial Clan of the Star Luo Empire, discussion filled the air. The Star Luo Emperor's evil eyes narrowed, his heart trembling faintly. The opinions of his ministers rang in his ears, but none entered his mind. In the end, he waved a hand and quietly uttered a single sentence.

"Wait for the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament."

Several figures seemed to flash out from the shadows and rush into the Star Dou Great Forest.

Within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—

Ning Rongrong's father, Ning Fengzhi, was a middle-aged man, yet his features remained handsome. His neat short hair was meticulously groomed, and a pair of light glasses rested on his nose. Following his gaze, he too was looking toward the Star Dou Great Forest.

Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo stood beside him. Miraculously, both Titled Douluo were within the sect.

Sword Douluo had white hair and strikingly handsome eyes, his face bearing a meticulous seriousness. His posture was erect, and his white robes flowed around him like a treasured sword sheathed in its scabbard.

Bone Douluo wore a dark coat, a comical smile permanently fixed on his face. His fingers were bony and distinct, while his body was thin and frail, truly like a skeleton.

"Uncle Sword, what do you think this is?"

"His strength is no less than mine."

"Old Sword, that joke isn't funny." The playful expression vanished from Bone Douluo's face.

"It may even surpass mine."

"It seems this continent will no longer remain peaceful."

Behind Ning Fengzhi, a crystalline blue Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda appeared. Soul Power surged as his emotions churned.

The Upper Three Sects, whether hidden from the world or active within it, were all thrown into turmoil by this scene. The continent's balance had been broken, and the world would once again descend into chaos. Yet no one knew what roles they would play in it.

At the center of Heaven Dou Imperial City stood a magnificent palace, resplendent in gold and jade, surrounded by lush vegetation. The main hall served as the Heaven Dou Emperor's court for morning assemblies, with the discussion hall, study, and other chambers behind it.

While the Heaven Dou Emperor held morning court in the main hall, Heaven Dou's Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, was receiving important visitors in the rear chambers.

Supervisor Liao was waiting in the study. Xue Qinghe accompanied him, occasionally making conversation to ease the other man's anxiety.

"May I ask what brings Supervisor Liao here this time?"

Xue Qinghe had short, pale hair and a handsome face. His slender body contained immense Soul Power. He was the crown prince, and also a soul master.

"To be honest, Your Highness, I have an urgent matter to report to the Heaven Dou Emperor. If we are too late, Spirit Hall may interfere."

"Oh! Spirit Hall has grown powerful lately and often commits acts against the Empire. If we can ruin Spirit Hall's plans, Father will surely be pleased."

"Precisely. Spirit Hall will surely intervene in this matter as well. Fortunately, only our Great Soul Arena knows about it for now."

"Then... what exactly is this matter?"

"Recently, a genius has appeared in our Great Soul Arena. From what we can tell, he does not seem to be affiliated with any sect."

"A genius? Ha! I think Supervisor Liao is joking. Heaven Dou Imperial City is full of geniuses. The students of Heaven Dou Royal Academy alone are enough to be called geniuses." Xue Qinghe spoke dismissively.

"No, the students of Heaven Dou Royal Academy are indeed geniuses, but that person can only be described as a monster."

"Oh! A monster?"

"With the strength of merely a level-thirty Soul Grandmaster, he completely defeated a level-thirty-seven Soul Elder."

Xue Qinghe was stunned, his eyes filled with confusion.

"Every spectator and staff member in the Great Soul Arena witnessed it personally. The information is absolutely true. Your Highness need only make a few inquiries to verify it." Fearing that Xue Qinghe would not believe him, Supervisor Liao emphasized it once more.

This time, Xue Qinghe had no choice but to be astonished. He could believe that someone at level thirty-five could defeat someone at level thirty-seven, but this... the difference was an entire major realm and seven minor levels. How could he have won so completely?

Xue Qinghe pressed his lips together, his gaze grave.

"Qinghe, why do you look so troubled?"

A broad, authoritative voice rang out as the Heaven Dou Emperor appeared at the entrance to the study.

The two rose to greet him and bowed.

"Your Majesty."

"Father."

"Enough. This is not the court. Relax."

The Heaven Dou Emperor waved his hand. He was not overly concerned with formalities as he walked over and sat in the seat of honor.

"Father, Supervisor Liao has come to discuss an urgent matter."

"Oh! If even you, Qinghe, call it urgent, then let us hear it."

His stern eyes turned toward Supervisor Liao below.

"Yes. Some time ago, a youth appeared in our Great Soul Arena. His talent is extraordinary. With merely the strength of a level-thirty Soul Grandmaster, he completely defeated a level-thirty-seven Soul Elder. Furthermore, he has no sect affiliation. I believe he could be of use to the Empire."

The Heaven Dou Emperor understood very well the gap in strength between level thirty and level thirty-seven. It was like asking a Soul Elder to fight a Soul King—a gulf as vast as heaven and earth, not something that could be crossed easily.

Thus, even the Heaven Dou Emperor had to treat the matter seriously.

"Are you certain that he has no affiliation?"

"Yes."

"Then, is he in Heaven Dou Imperial City?"

"He should still be in Suotuo City."

"Suotuo City? How could that be?"

"This information was sent by Ao Bingcheng, the person in charge of Suotuo Great Soul Arena."

The Heaven Dou Emperor fell into thought.

"Qinghe, set out for Suotuo City at once and meet that young man. Whether or not he can be used by us, you must ensure that he does not side with Spirit Hall. Remember, proceed in secret."

"Yes, Father."

"Then, Your Majesty, I will immediately give the order for Ao Bingcheng to keep watch. The moment he appears, he will notify Crown Prince Xue Qinghe."

The Heaven Dou Emperor nodded.

"By the way, what is that young man's name?"

"This person is named Crimson Kite."

"Crimson Kite!"

Within the Star Dou Great Forest, the central forest lay in ruins. Nine figures were scattered in different places, quietly sprawled on the ground, covered in dust and looking thoroughly bedraggled.

Someone let out a soft groan, and the people lying on the ground gradually got to their feet, gazing around blankly.

"What happened to us?" Ma Hongjun asked blankly.

"Not sure. It seems we were knocked unconscious by that Soul Beast's pressure," Oscar analyzed.

"Third Brother, are you alright?" Xiao Wu asked anxiously, looking at Tang San beside her.

Tang San shook his head. His eyes were filled with confusion as he looked at the devastated forest, a question rising in his heart.

Hadn't they already left the central forest? Why had they fainted here?

"Teacher Zhao!" Dai Mubai cried out in alarm.

Not far from them, Zhao Wuji and Fu Hua were lying in the grass. Dai Mubai had only noticed them after spotting a corner of Zhao Wuji's clothing.

"Fu Hua!" Ning Rongrong cried out as well.

The others quickly rose and gathered before Zhao Wuji and Fu Hua, staring at the unexpected sight before them.

Hadn't Fu Hua been swallowed by that pillar of light? Why was she lying here perfectly unharmed?

Everyone was puzzled, but this was not the time to unravel their questions. Oscar stepped out from the crowd and summoned his First Soul Skill, Recovery Sausage, feeding one each to Zhao Wuji and Fu Hua.

Fortunately, the sausages produced by his Soul Skill melted upon entering the mouth. Otherwise, getting two unconscious people to eat them would have taken quite some effort.

Not long after eating Oscar's Recovery Sausage, Zhao Wuji was the first to awaken. His bleary eyes swept over the surroundings, and when he saw Dai Mubai and the other little monsters, he jolted upright in alarm.

"Mubai, why did you come back? Didn't I tell you to leave quickly?"

His tone was anxious, unable to conceal his worry.

"Teacher Zhao, please calm down. We seem to be safe now," Tang San said calmly.

Even Zhao Wuji's turbulent emotions seemed to settle down with him.

Only then did he calmly survey his surroundings. Looking at the ruined forest and the scorched burn marks, his final memories slowly resurfaced.

"I remember that, just as I was about to self-destruct, a fiery red figure approached."

"Now that Teacher Zhao mentions it, I think we also saw glowing feathers at the very end," Ma Hongjun said uncertainly, looking at the thoughtful faces of the others as though seeking confirmation.

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. Dai Mubai had knocked her unconscious first, so she had no idea what happened afterward. When she woke again, she had only seen that everyone from Shrek was safe and sound.

Ning Rongrong nodded and added, "And it seemed like someone was speaking beside my ear."

Xiao Wu nodded. Tang San nodded as well.

Everyone confirmed that their memories matched. At the final moment, something had indeed appeared and saved them all—including Zhao Wuji.

"Teacher Zhao, Fu Hua still hasn't woken up."

A quarter of an hour had passed since Zhao Wuji awakened, yet Fu Hua still showed no signs of waking.

PS: Clouds stirred in all eight directions, and all nine directions came to heed the call.

PS1: By the way, the first time I used Bai Qi, I actually got a Silver Medal as a jungler. What a miracle! Turns out tank-build Bai Qi can jungle too!

PS2: Also, tank Kai is really fun. Can't be killed! Can't be killed! And he can instantly recover health too—awesome!