Aftermath

The Western Legion was a highly unusual legion within the Federation.

As one of the Federation's nine great legions and one of the army's three main forces,

it was personally commanded by the rank-99 Limit Douluo, Fierce Wolf Douluo Dong Zi'an. It was also one of the few legions in the Federation that was not influenced or controlled by the great families, consisting primarily of commoners.

Advancement within the legion depended on ability. Its overall style was fierce, and even among all the Federation's regular legions, its combined combat strength ranked among the very best.

More importantly, it was stationed along the western frontier, closest to the Abyssal Passage guarded by the Blood God Legion. It had once been regarded as humanity's second line of defense against the Abyss.

Should the Blood God Legion encounter a crisis on the front lines, the Western Legion would swiftly provide support and prevent further invasion by Abyssal creatures. Thus, the Western Legion's existence was crucial to the safety of the entire continent; its every move concerned humanity's fate.

Not to mention this massive operation by the Western Legion, which had mobilized tens of thousands of troops at once.

Sure enough, just as they had expected, the Western Legion's major operation quickly spread across the entire continent!

For a time, the entire Western Legion became the focus of the continent.

The Federal Parliament was like a swarm of ants on a hot pan, continuously sending communication requests to ask about the purpose of the Western Legion's large-scale mobilization.

The legislators discussed the matter heatedly in the parliamentary hall. Some worried that the operation would trigger conflict with other forces, while others speculated whether the Western Legion had discovered new developments in the Abyss.

Other factions also sought information through every available channel, trying to determine the details and whether the Federation was preparing for some major move.

At that moment, in the Western Legion commander's office.

The lighting was dim and oppressive, while the enormous war map hanging on the wall seemed to tremble faintly amid the shifting light and shadows.

Dong Zi'an sat upright behind his desk. His face was stern, and his eyes revealed the steadfast resolve of a veteran battlefield commander.

Several Soul-Guided projections before him flickered with faint light. They were the senior officials of the Federation's various legions. Their figures looked somewhat illusory amid the light, but every one of their expressions was grave.

Dong Zi'an cleared his throat and spoke in a low, powerful voice. "Colleagues, I have convened this high-level meeting to brief you on this deployment.

"Last night, our Western Legion warehouse was robbed. After interrogating and investigating the thieves, we located their stronghold, launched a surprise assault, and wiped them out. We also captured a Titled Douluo Evil Soul Master."

At that point, he deliberately paused, his gaze sweeping across every projection.

"Based on all available evidence, we have reached one conclusion: the Holy Spirit Cult has risen from the ashes." Dong Zi'an spoke each word slowly, as though every syllable weighed a thousand pounds.

The projections were instantly shocked by those words. Some widened their eyes slightly, their faces full of disbelief; others frowned and sank into thought.

Yu Guanzhi, commander of the Central Legion, occupied the center of the projections, his image especially prominent.

After pondering for a moment, he asked steadily, "Can this be confirmed?"

A hint of caution showed in his eyes. After all, the Holy Spirit Cult had once brought immense disaster upon the continent. No information concerning it could be taken lightly.

Dong Zi'an nodded and said gravely, "In order to obtain sufficient corroboration, we subjected that Evil Soul Master commander to an emergency interrogation and learned more about the Holy Spirit Cult's internal situation."

"The results were alarming. According to his testimony, the Holy Spirit Cult is extremely powerful. It currently has at least a dozen Super Douluos and two Limit Douluo powerhouses overseeing it, along with an unknown number of Soul Douluos and Soul Masters below that rank. Furthermore, they appear to have been collecting Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells, though their purpose remains unknown."

"Unfortunately, when we attempted to investigate further, the restriction within his brain activated, and he died on the spot."

The moment Dong Zi'an finished speaking, an uproar broke out.

Yue Zhengen, commander of the Southern Legion, abruptly rose to his feet. His eyes widened as he said in disbelief, "More than a dozen Super Douluos and two Limit Douluos? That's impossible! How could they have become so powerful?!"

Guo Zhenfeng, commander of the Northern Legion, also said excitedly, "We must act as soon as possible. Otherwise, if the Holy Spirit Cult is allowed to develop and grow stronger, the consequences will be unthinkable!"

Yu Guanzhi analyzed the matter calmly. "At present, we still do not know the Holy Spirit Cult's specific plans or operational direction. We need to strengthen intelligence gathering and formulate corresponding countermeasures."

The other senior officials also voiced their opinions one after another. The office was soon filled with discussion, and the atmosphere grew even more tense.

Finally, everyone turned their eyes toward Chen Xinjie, the Federation's vice speaker and master of the War God Hall.

In this tense atmosphere, every decision he made could influence the direction of the meeting. Everyone's eyes were filled with anticipation and trust.

He said, "Everyone, the Holy Spirit Cult's resurgence, coupled with its immense strength, is undoubtedly a tremendous hidden danger to the Federation.

"They have concealed themselves so deeply. They must have planned and prepared meticulously. We cannot underestimate their ambitions or methods. They are very likely to pose a severe threat to the Federation's security and stability."

Chen Xinjie's voice was low and powerful, each word striking heavily against everyone's hearts.

"I will propose a vote before the Federation Parliament. Starting today, all legions will enter a state of alert, and Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells will be placed under strict control."

Chen Xinjie's voice echoed through the silent meeting room. His gaze swept across every projection, his eyes revealing unquestionable resolve.

"Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells are important weapons in our fight against Evil Soul Masters, but they must never fall into enemy hands. If Evil Soul Masters make use of them, the consequences will be unthinkable."

"Once any trace of Evil Soul Masters is discovered, the War God Hall will investigate and eliminate them thoroughly. No matter who is shielding them, pursue the matter to the end." Chen Xinjie's tone became even harsher. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "Evil Soul Masters are a tumor upon the continent. To achieve their goals, they will stop at nothing and slaughter innocents.

"Our military cannot stand by and watch. We must eradicate them completely."

Once Chen Xinjie had finished issuing his orders, the military higher-ups withdrew from the projections one after another.

They returned to their respective posts and immediately gathered commanders at every level for meetings, relaying Chen Xinjie's orders and demanding that all units strengthen patrols and strictly inspect the storage and use of Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells.

At the same time, the Federation Military dispatched a large number of reconnaissance units deep into their respective jurisdictions to search for traces of Evil Soul Masters.

A campaign to purge Evil Soul Masters immediately swept through the Federation, and it did yield some results. A portion of the Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells was successfully recovered.

Shrek Academy, Sea God Island.

"The Holy Spirit Cult?" Yun Ming looked over the intelligence in his hand. After contemplating for a moment, he said, "Notify the Inner Court disciples training outside to investigate the Holy Spirit Cult's background."

Spirit Pagoda, top floor.

"Pagoda Master, the Federation has requested that the Spirit Pagoda cooperate with the operation and investigate whether any high-level Spirit Souls have been transferred internally to the Holy Spirit Cult." The secretary stood before Qian Gu Dongfeng and delivered his report.

Qian Gu Dongfeng slowly spoke, his voice low and steady. "Mm. Notify the staff of every regional branch that they are to actively cooperate with the operation.

"Also, inform the Federation that the Spirit Pagoda is willing to provide a batch of supplies, offering aid and job opportunities to homeless victims. We will also dispatch a team of Healing System Soul Masters to accompany the operation and treat the wounded."

The secretary hurriedly nodded and was about to withdraw, but then hesitated. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Yes, Pagoda Master. Then should we suspend our cooperation with them for the time being?"

The corners of Qian Gu Dongfeng's lips rose slightly, revealing a barely noticeable cold smile. He asked in return, "Suspend it? Why should we? We have left no evidence pointing to us."

He rose to his feet and slowly walked to the window, staring into the distance as though he could see through layers of mist and discern the course of events.

"Even if someone tries to bite back, we can simply throw out a few insignificant pawns.

"With only one or two sentences from them, do you think the Federation will believe our Spirit Pagoda, or a group of utterly evil Evil Soul Masters?" Qian Gu Dongfeng's voice was full of confidence and contempt.

"Besides, if they can be wiped out so easily, then they are not worthy of cooperating with me."