At dawn, Shrek Ruins.
Huo Yuhao stood before the temporary assembly shelter, watching the busy survivors. Clearing rubble, hauling materials, building temporary housing—everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.
But he knew it was only the surface.
Shrek had suffered a devastating calamity and was badly weakened. If they did not find powerful allies quickly, those forces eyeing them covetously would sooner or later pounce.
He turned and entered the temporary residence, then sat down cross-legged.
He closed his eyes and sank his consciousness into his Spirit Sea.
"Myriad Demon King."
A moment later, a deep voice rang out. "My lord, I am here."
"There are several matters I need you to handle."
"Please give your orders, my lord."
Huo Yuhao said slowly, "First, secretly spread the news—the three leaders of the Holy Spirit Cult, Zhongli Wu, Long Xiaoyao, and Ye Xishui, are all dead."
Myriad Demon King froze. "My lord, once this news spreads..."
"That is precisely why it must spread." Huo Yuhao's voice was calm. "Let those eager to make a move know that this is the fate of anyone who dares lay a hand on Shrek."
"Understood. What is the second matter?"
"Second, have Puppet Dugu Bo meet the emperor of the Sun Moon Empire. Let him see that Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo with his own eyes."
Myriad Demon King fell silent for a moment. "My lord means..."
"Let the emperor see her with his own eyes." Huo Yuhao's voice remained even. "Only what one sees firsthand can truly intimidate."
"Understood. And the third matter?"
"Third, after the news has spread for a few days, have Spirit Hall take the initiative to propose a mutual defense treaty with Shrek."
Myriad Demon King said, "My lord, both of those forces are under your control. Signing such a treaty..."
"Precisely