Aftereffects

The Western Legion was a highly unique 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 Dong Zi'an, the Fierce Wolf Douluo, a rank 99 Limit Douluo. It was also one of the few legions in the Federation not influenced or controlled by the great families, with its ranks primarily composed of commoners.

Advancement throughout 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 on 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 face 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, and every move it made concerned humanity's fate.

Not to mention this massive operation by the Western Legion, involving the simultaneous mobilization of tens of thousands of people.

Sure enough, just as they had expected, the Western Legion's major move 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 group of ants on a hot pan, constantly sending communication requests to ask about the purpose of the Western Legion's large-scale mobilization.

The legislators debated fiercely in the parliamentary hall. Some worried that this operation would trigger conflict with other forces, while others speculated whether the Western Legion had discovered new developments in the abyss.

The other factions also used every available channel to try to learn the details of this matter. Was the Federation preparing for some major action?

At this 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 in the shifting light and shadow.

Dong Zi'an sat upright behind his desk. His face was stern, and his eyes revealed the resolve of a veteran who had weathered countless battles.

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 in the light, but every expression was grave.

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

"Last night, our Western Legion warehouse was robbed. After interrogating and investigating the thieves, we found their hideout, launched a surprise attack, wiped them out, and captured an Evil Soul Master Title Douluo."

At this point, he deliberately paused and swept his gaze across every projection.

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

The projections were instantly startled by those words. Some widened their eyes slightly, their faces showing disbelief; others frowned and fell into thought.

Yu Guanzhi, commander of the Central Legion, occupied the middle position among the projections, his image especially prominent.

After pondering for a moment, he asked steadily, "Can you confirm it?"

A trace of caution showed in his eyes. After all, the Holy Spirit Cult had once brought immense disaster to the continent. Any news concerning it could not be underestimated.

Dong Zi'an nodded and said gravely, "To obtain sufficient corroboration, we conducted an intensive interrogation of that Evil Soul Master leader and learned more about the Holy Spirit Cult's internal situation."

"But the results were alarming. According to his testimony, the Holy Spirit Cult is extremely powerful. It currently has at least a dozen Super Douluo, with two Limit Douluo powerhouses in command, as well as an unspecified number of Spirit Douluo 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 tried to dig deeper, the restriction in 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 Douluo and two Limit Douluo? 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. If we allow the Holy Spirit Cult to grow stronger, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

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

The other senior officials also voiced their opinions one after another. For a moment, the office was filled with discussion, and the atmosphere grew even tenser.

At last, 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 expectation and trust.

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

"They have concealed themselves so deeply. They must have undergone careful planning and preparation. 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, every word striking heavily against everyone's hearts.

"I will propose a vote at the Federation Parliament. Beginning today, all legions will enter a state of heightened 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 an unquestionable determination.

"Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells are important weapons in our fight against Evil Soul Masters, but we absolutely cannot allow them to fall into enemy hands. If Evil Soul Masters make use of them, the consequences will be unimaginable."

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

Our military cannot stand by and do nothing. We must eradicate them completely."

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

They returned to their respective posts and immediately convened meetings with commanders at every level, 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 entire Federation. It did achieve some results, successfully recovering a portion of the Fixed Soul-Guided Artillery Shells.

Shrek Academy, Sea God Island.

"The Holy Spirit Cult?" Yun Ming looked at the intelligence in his hand. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Inform 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 our Spirit Pagoda cooperate with the operation and investigate whether any high-level Spirit Souls have been transferred 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 at all branch pagodas to actively cooperate with their operation.

"Also, tell the Federation that the Spirit Pagoda is willing to provide a batch of supplies to offer aid and jobs to those homeless victims. We will also dispatch a team of healing-type Soul Masters to accompany the operation and treat the wounded."

The secretary hurriedly nodded and was about to leave, but then hesitated. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Yes, Pagoda Master. Then should we put our cooperation with them on hold for now?"

The corners of Qian Gu Dongfeng's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a faint, imperceptible sneer. He asked in return, "Stop? Why stop? We did not leave behind any evidence pointing to us."

He rose to his feet and slowly walked toward the window, gazing into the distance as though he could see through the layers of mist and perceive where the situation was headed.

"Even if someone tries to implicate us, we can simply push out a few minor pawns.

"With only a word or two from them, do you think the Federation will believe the Spirit Pagoda, or a group of utterly vile Evil Soul Masters?" Qian Gu Dongfeng's voice was filled with confidence and disdain.

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