The newcomer wore gray armor and a gray cloak, with a diamond-shaped gray crystal set into his forehead.
He was none other than Underworld Douluo, Ha Luosa, the Underworld Emperor.
Although the divine weapon had failed to stop the World-Breaking Spear's attack, it had still slowed it down enough for the Dark Blood Demon to use a secret technique and escape with severe injuries.
Meanwhile, Yuanen Zhentian watched the newly arrived powerhouse with wary eyes.
He could sense a powerful threat from the man before him.
As for the Ghost Emperor, he had already torn open space and fled.
The moment Underworld Douluo appeared, Xie An knew it would be difficult to inflict any more meaningful damage today.
He was strong enough to defeat any Quasi-God he faced, but killing one would be extremely difficult.
Xie An lowered his spear and stood still.
Ha Luosa didn't even glance at Xie An's movements.
He ignored Yuanen Zhentian as well.
Instead, he fixed Xie An with a fervent gaze and asked, "Tell me, how did you do it?"
"You think I'd tell you?" Xie An asked with a faintly amused smile.
The Underworld Emperor, Ha Luosa, paused, but still wasn't willing to give up. "How about this? I'll tell you a secret in exchange. What do you say?"
"A secret? What secrets could the Holy Spirit Cult possibly have? That you stole a Level 12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shell? Or that you used the Demon Empress's killings to become a god?"
The Underworld Emperor looked surprised, but still wasn't willing to give up. "That's right. We do have a Level 12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shell."
"Well? How about that as a bargain?"
"How can something I've known for ages count as a bargaining chip?"
As the one in control of the War God Temple, Xie An knew about the movements of its more powerful weapons, even when certain people moved them in extreme secrecy.
The Underworld Battle Armor seemed restless, but after sensing Xie An's aura, it ultimately chose not to attack.
Before leaving, Underworld Douluo asked, "Xie An, what are your chances?"
"I have a chance of reaching God Rank, but I can't say the same about the Divine Realm."
Underworld Douluo nodded and turned away, vanishing.
"If you have even a thirty percent chance of ascending to the Divine Realm, come find me. I'll stand with you."
"Too bad. We only killed a few insignificant Titled Douluo."
Xie An sighed and chose to return to the War God Temple with Yuanen Zhentian.
"..."
War God Temple.
Led by the First War God, the five War Gods had followed Xie An's instructions.
They hadn't wasted much time on the road and had returned to the War God Temple early.
Guan Yue was now settling the Yuanen Clan, arranging places for them to live.
One residence after another sprang up from the ground like mushrooms after the rain.
Xie An flew straight to Guan Yue with Yuanen Zhentian.
Guan Yue sensed two Limit Douluo auras and grew wary, but when he recognized them, he relaxed.
"I presume this is Yuanen Zhentian, the head of the Yuanen Clan."
Guan Yue smiled at the elderly man beside Xie An.
"Not at all. I'm Yuanen Zhentian. I'm grateful that Temple Master Xie thought so highly of me that he invited me out of seclusion."
Yuanen Zhentian was very courteous. For one thing, he had traveled a long way and was unfamiliar with the area. For another, he could sense a Quasi-God's aura from the man before him.
"Our War God Temple isn't an especially strict organization. How about I show you around first?"
Guan Yue maintained his smile as he spoke.
Under the guidance of Guan Yue, the War God Temple's deputy master, Yuanen Zhentian learned in detail about its strength and purpose.
It was a show of great respect for the head of the Yuanen Clan.
At the end of the tour, Yuanen Zhentian let out an admiring sigh. "The War God Temple truly is one of the most powerful forces on the continent."
"..."
That night, Xie An and Guan Yue stood together on the top floor of the War God Temple, looking down over all of Ming City through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.
Though the temple was in the mountains, the view was high and far-reaching, and Ming City remained clearly visible.
"Temple Master, did you need me for something?" Guan Yue was the first to speak.
"Guan Yue, what do you think of the Yuanen Clan?"
"They're very powerful. If we can gain their wholehearted support, the War God Temple may even have a chance to become the strongest force on the continent."
Xie An shook his head, but still said, "You don't need to worry about the Yuanen Clan's loyalty. As long as I'm alive, they'll give us their full support."
Guan Yue was surprised by Xie An's confidence, but ultimately chose to believe him.
"I didn't call you here for that."
Before Guan Yue could ask what he meant, Xie An continued, "Guan Yue, what do you think of Shrek Academy?"
"Or let me put it another way: if someone wanted to destroy Shrek, whose side would you take?"
Guan Yue hesitated.
To be honest, Shrek Academy had always been a thorn in the Federation's side.
The Federation's laws meant nothing to Shrek, and every three years, many of its graduates came to Ming City for their graduation exams.
They called them exams, but in reality, they were more like repeated provocations against the Federation's laws and institutions.
"Some people in the Federation can no longer tolerate Shrek."
Guan Yue said nothing. He only listened in silence.
"Guan Yue, as the War God Temple's deputy master, I hope you can truly be on the same side as me."
After a long pause, Xie An sighed.
"A Level 12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shell has gone missing."
"How dare they?"
At that, Guan Yue finally broke his silence, sounding both furious and incredulous.
"Hold on, hold on."
Xie An stopped Guan Yue from saying anything more.
"You came from Shrek Academy. Though you never entered the Inner Court, you're still Yun Ming's junior."
"Because of that, the Federation didn't involve you in certain confidential matters."
"Normally, I shouldn't be telling you this either."
"Then what do you mean, Temple Master?"
Guan Yue didn't know how to describe what he was feeling. All he could do was ask.
"Shrek Academy took you in when you needed it. I understand that."
"But I hope you understand that you're the deputy master of the War God Temple of the Douluo Federation, not a member of Shrek Academy."
"From now on, pay more attention to these matters."
"Among us Quasi-Gods, you have the firmest foundation and are the steadiest of us all."
"But I still hope you'll have a stronger desire to compete."
"I don't want the Level 12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shell to be delivered right into their hands while we at the War God Temple remain completely in the dark."
"You should understand why those people in the Federation supported me taking this position instead of letting Chen Xinjie remain the War God Temple's master."
"The battle in Ming City back then..."
Xie An thought it over, but ultimately decided not to pursue the subject.
"Cultivation means contending with heaven, earth, and other people. Without a desire to compete, you'll only accumulate strength; breaking through will be extremely difficult."
"Also, when I brought Yuanen Zhentian back this time, we were attacked by Evil Soul Masters. I hope you, the War God Temple's deputy master, can truly shoulder your responsibilities."
Xie An didn't wait for Guan Yue to reply. He turned and left.
A secretary in a suit came to Xie An's office and bowed. "Temple Master, the Federal Council chair has approved your request for a top-secret meeting. Please come with me."
Xie An nodded and gestured for the secretary to lead the way.
Before you continue