Arriving at Shrek Academy, Xiao Wu Was Stunned? Xu Zhao: The Shrek Seven Devils Are All You've Got?

At that, Xu Zhao turned around and fixed Niu Gao with a burning gaze.

"As for construction and city-defense planning, who across the entire Douluo Continent would dare claim to surpass the Defense Clan?"

"What I value isn't your defensive strength, but your astonishing skill in architecture!"

"I want the Defense Clan to become the chief designers of the future imperial capital—the greatest on the continent!"

Boom!

Xu Zhao's words struck Niu Gao like a bolt of thunder.

Not cannon fodder.

Not hired muscle.

But chief designers!

He wanted them to build a magnificent imperial capital that surpassed Spirit City!

For the Defense Clan, who were obsessed with the art of architecture, this was an irresistible temptation—their lifelong dream!

"Y-Your Highness, do you really mean that?!"

Niu Gao sprang to his feet, trembling with excitement. The light in his great, bell-like eyes burned even brighter than when he'd learned Xu Zhao was a Titled Douluo.

"A ruler's word is his bond."

Xu Zhao smiled calmly.

A crown prince was a ruler, too!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Niu Gao repeated the word three times, then swept out a hand and roared with bold confidence:

"Since Your Highness thinks so highly of us, I'd be a fool to refuse!"

"I may not be much of a fighter, but when it comes to building houses, even the master craftsmen hired by those Spirit Hall bastards aren't fit to carry my shoes!"

"The Defense Clan accepts this job!

The Defense Clan is willing to pledge allegiance to the Great Ming Empire!"

Where was the wariness Niu Gao had shown earlier? It was nowhere to be seen.

The pride of being recognized and entrusted with such an important task made him want to grab the blueprints and get to work that very moment.

Xu Zhao nodded in satisfaction and raised his cup.

"Then let's drink to building a glorious future together."

"Cheers!"

Niu Gao drained his cup, in high spirits.

But after setting it down, he seemed to remember something. His excitement faded slightly, and hesitation flickered in his eyes.

He rubbed his hands together and looked at Xu Zhao with some embarrassment.

"Um... Your Highness, I have a favor to ask. I'm not sure whether I should bring it up."

"Clan Leader Niu, go ahead."

In a good mood, Xu Zhao sat back down.

Niu Gao took a deep breath, as if steeling himself.

"Actually, when my Defense Clan left the Clear Sky Sect, three other old brothers left as well."

"The Speed Clan is unmatched in speed and excels at scouting and gathering intelligence."

"The Strength Clan are master smiths, born to work the forge."

"The Breaking Clan specializes in medicine and poison, and is incredibly powerful in combat."

As he spoke, Niu Gao discreetly studied Xu Zhao's expression. Seeing no sign of displeasure, he continued:

"Our four clans have always stood together. Now that my Defense Clan has Your Highness to rely on, I can't bear to see my three old brothers still struggling out there."

"If Your Highness doesn't mind, could you... take them in as well?"

"If Your Highness agrees, I'll write them a letter right away. Even if I have to drag them here kicking and screaming, I'll bring those three stubborn old men to the Great Ming Empire!"

When he finished, Niu Gao gazed at Xu Zhao with hopeful eyes.

He knew the request was a bit much. Those were three great clans, with hundreds of people between them—not just a few mouths to feed.

But to his surprise, Xu Zhao didn't hesitate at all. Instead, he laughed, a glint flashing in his eyes.

"So that's all?"

"The Speed Clan's swiftness, the Strength Clan's smithing, and the Breaking Clan's knowledge of medicine are exactly the talents the Great Ming Empire needs most right now!"

"If Clan Leader Niu can bring all three clans here, you'll be a founding hero of the Great Ming Empire!"

"I won't just take them in. I'll put them to good use!"

Xu Zhao chuckled to himself. He'd already planned to bring all four Single-Attribute Clans under his wing.

He'd been wondering how to ask Niu Gao to persuade the others. He hadn't expected the old man to bring it up himself.

But as for the Strength Clan...

Xu Zhao didn't hold out much hope.

After all, Tai Tan considered himself Tang Hao's household servant.

That much was clear from the original story.

"Really?!"

Niu Gao was so delighted that he nearly dropped to his knees before Xu Zhao.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

"Rest assured, Your Highness! Old White Bird of the Speed Clan is so poor he can barely feed himself, and that old Gorilla of the Strength Clan is a martial arts fanatic."

"That old Goat of the Breaking Clan has a foul temper, but he listens to me better than anyone!"

"With Your Highness's word, leave it to me!"

Niu Gao thumped his chest in promise, his rugged face breaking into a broad smile.

He could already picture the four clans reunited, protected by the Great Ming Empire and restoring their former glory.

At that moment, his loyalty to Xu Zhao was absolute!

After bidding farewell to Niu Gao, who was already preparing to move his entire clan, Xu Zhao didn't linger in Longxing City.

For him, recruiting the Defense Clan had been only a small move on the board. The real show was yet to come.

"Brother Zhao, where are we going next?"

Lan Yiyi clung to Xu Zhao's arm. They were high above the clouds, with the layers below them rushing past.

Xu Zhao looked northwest, the corner of his mouth curling into a playful smile.

"To Heaven Dou City."

"Heaven Dou City?"

Lan Yiyi looked puzzled.

"What are we going there for? Does Brother Zhao want to capture the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, too?"

"Capture Xue Qinghe? Ha. That 'Crown Prince' won't be easy to capture—and now isn't the time to make a move against her."

Xu Zhao shook his head, a glint flashing in his eyes.

"I'm going to Heaven Dou City to find someone and take back what belongs to me."

"Although I had people strip the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well ahead of time, they didn't leave a single blade of grass behind. But I remember Tang San still had a few Immortal Herbs hidden away—stragglers that escaped the search, or perhaps treasures he'd found elsewhere."

"They're gifts from nature. In his hands, they'd only go to waste. I might as well keep them safe for him."

Tang Hao was crippled, and Tang San was only a Soul Ancestor.

Xu Zhao could toy with them a little and borrow the remaining Immortal Herbs Tang San had on him. It would be no trouble at all.

Heaven Dou City, Shrek Academy.

Although Shrek Academy's team had just made a spectacular showing in the promotion tournament, there was little sense of celebration on campus.

The news that Duke Nether had been released and that the Great Ming Empire had been established with the Great Sun Prince Mansion had not reached them yet.

Zhu Zhuqing was still weighed down by worry over her father's capture.

Tang San and the others were also deeply concerned about the upcoming Grand Finals and the mysterious Great Sun Prince Mansion.

On the training field, the Shrek Seven Devils were making their final preparations before setting out.

"Xiao San, have you checked all your Hidden Weapons?"

Yu Xiaogang clasped his hands behind his back and reminded them gravely:

"The journey to Spirit City is long. And with the Great Sun Prince Mansion's loyalties unclear, we have to stay alert at all times."