The Federation's Decision
The atmosphere in the Douluo Federation Parliament was heavy.
Many people held their breath and tried to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible.
The Federation Speaker, seated at the head of the table, had a livid face. His knuckles tapped on the conference table, producing a dull thud that seemed to strike the hearts of everyone present.
"The War God Temple was attacked, Eternal Heaven Kingdom was captured."
His voice was hoarse, and his gaze shifted to the councilors who had previously been close to Shrek, filled with barely suppressed anger.
"The attacker is— Heaven Blessed Douluo. Can anyone tell me why a Limit Douluo who disappeared for many years would suddenly reappear and do such a thing?"
The conference room was deathly silent.
The senators who were close to Shrek all lowered their heads, too afraid to answer.
As councilors, they were much more clear-headed than their subordinates, knowing that the truth could not be hidden forever, so they did not cover for Heaven Blessed Douluo before. As a result, they could still sit here for the time being and receive the wrath from the Federation.
However, from now on, their influence will definitely be greatly reduced. Many people have even begun to consider how to sever ties with Shrek in order to preserve their current positions and the interests of their families.
As for those who tampered with the equipment and were entirely part of the Shrek faction?
Most of them have already been dismissed from their posts and are under investigation; some have even been invited for questioning by the Dark Department.
The speaker's cold gaze slowly swept over the lowered heads, finally settling on the Federation star emblem hanging on the wall.
"Heaven Blessed Douluo," he emphasized each word heavily, "The former Sea God Pavilion Master, now he's become a thief who stole the Federation's highest strategic weapon, a thug who attacked the War God Temple."
The speaker leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the edge of the table.
"According to the investigation conducted by Federal Secretary-General Pan Wen in the Star Luo Empire, Shrek Academy's top brass has maintained numerous large-scale financial transactions, transfers of sensitive Soul Tool Technology, and Soul Spirit transactions with the Star Luo Empire Star Luo Empire its clandestine channels over Thousand Years!"
A swoosh!"
Despite having heard rumors beforehand, some people were still alarmed by the speaker's accusations.
This time, Shrek really didn't leave themselves any way out.
"Quiet!"
The Speaker gave a low shout, his gaze sharp as lightning, "Some evidence still needs to wait for the mission members to return before a conclusion can be reached, and there are also doubts about Heaven Spring Douluo's matter. But the facts of these years and the existing clues are conclusive enough. Shrek is no longer the Sacred Land that nurtured talents for the Federation."
Its top brass has degenerated into an interest group attempting to establish an independent kingdom within the Federation, and even deeply intertwined with foreign powers!
The speaker's accusations struck like a heavy hammer, each blow landing on everyone's hearts.
Colluding with the Star Luo Empire, technology transfer, and Soul Spirit trading—these are all serious crimes. Especially trading Soul Spirit with the Star Luo Empire, which almost crosses the line for the Spirit Pagoda and Soul Beast!
Some councilors subconsciously glanced at the councilors representing the Spirit Pagoda, only to find their faces equally cold.
"Gentlemen, a corrupt force, rife with internal strife and colluding with external enemies, is entrenched in our heartland. It enjoys the Federation's resources while extending its poisonous reach towards the Federation's heart. The ruins of the War God Temple are still burning, and the loss of the Eternal Heaven Kingdom means we have lost our sharpest sword! How will we settle this score?!"
No one answered. Everyone sensed the chilling killing intent in those words, and—a barely perceptible, deep-seated apprehension.
The speaker took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to immediately send a large army to the border.
He knew Shrek Academy's strength better than anyone else. Their network of connections permeated every corner of the Federation's military, political, business, academic, and research sectors, and a single move could have far-reaching consequences. If a hardline war were to break out, the Federation itself would be severely weakened, and might even fall apart, allowing the Evil Spirit Master and Star Luo Empire to reap the benefits.
However, the Federation's patience has its limits. At this point, regardless of whether Shrek Academy is innocent or not, they must pay the price!
The speaker stood up and scanned the members of parliament below.
"Now, I announce one..."
"First, the Ming De Hall shall impose the highest level of blockade on Shrek City and all its directly subordinate areas. All land routes, airspace, and information networks shall be completely severed. Unauthorized personnel, supplies, and soul-guided signals are strictly prohibited from entering or leaving. Those who disobey may be dealt with by any means, including force!"
"Second, freeze all assets, accounts, and research projects of the Shrek Academy and its affiliates within the Federation territory. This will be jointly executed by the Federation Reserve Bank and the Logistics Oversight Department, conducting a comprehensive audit of all past fund flows and resource allocation records."
"Third, suspend outstanding Shrek Academy graduates from their positions in the Federal Government and municipal Federation departments for investigation."
During the review period, their duties will be temporarily performed by their deputies or personnel appointed by the Federation. This includes several generations of the Shrek Seven Monsters!
"Finally," the Speaker's gaze deepened as he slowly swept across the hall, "the Federation is well aware that Shrek, after Ten Thousand Years of development, has a mixed bag of good and bad. There are scoundrels who collude with the enemy, as well as upright individuals who are loyal to the Federation but have been misled or forced to remain silent. And naturally, there are many innocent people among the citizens of Shrek City."
"Based on this, our Federation is offering Shrek Academy staff, and all those unwilling to collude with Shrek, an opportunity to clarify their situation and make a new choice."
"The Federation will establish several security declaration and citizen registration points around Shrek City." Anyone within Shrek City, whether Sea God Pavilion Elder, a student, or a resident, can obtain temporary security status and special temporary documents if they voluntarily leave Shrek City and pass a preliminary review.
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"Those holding temporary permits will have their personal safety guaranteed by the Federation, be provided with necessary living assistance, and be assisted in settling in other cities. However, the Soul Masters among them will need to undergo the same screening as members of the Dark Department Guard every so often. The Thousand Year Soul Spirit within them will need to have their contracts temporarily terminated and be re-signed. The Soul Spirit will be provided by the Federation, and the best replacements will be selected."
"The Federation government promises to strictly protect the personal information and safety of individuals who leave Shrek City through official channels and complete registration, and to minimize the risk of retaliation and negative public opinion against them."
At this point, the Speaker paused before continuing, "At the same time, dispatch Soul Tool Airplane to the Star Luo Continent to bring the delegation back. The above commitments are effective immediately, and the deadline is set for the third day after the delegation members return to the Federation."
The timeframe was neither too long nor too short. At the speed of the Soul Tool Airplane, it would take the delegation approximately six to seven days to return and complete the basic reporting and evidence handover.
This gives Shrek Academy about a week to react, and it's also their final deadline to give the Federation an explanation. If they can't satisfy the Federation, things will turn upside down.
"Any objections to the above resolution may now be raised. If there are no objections, it shall take effect immediately."
Upon hearing the final words, everyone realized that the speaker hadn't lost his mind, and while they breathed a sigh of relief, they naturally had no objections.
After a few breaths, seeing that no one stood up or spoke, the speaker nodded slightly, showing no surprise at the outcome.
"The resolution is passed. Meeting adjourned. Go your respective duties."
The Federation Speaker stepped out of the conference room and, hearing the hushed murmurs, said to his secretary who followed him, "Inform the War God Temple to have the War God on standby prepare for battle and redeem himself through meritorious service."
The secretary hurriedly took notes.
"Furthermore, the Spirit Pagoda wields unique influence among Soul Masters and the general public. We request that the Spirit Pagoda step in to guide public opinion, reduce the social panic caused by this incident, and reassure Soul Masters who feel confused and fearful about the current situation."
At this point, the Federation Speaker paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Contact the Dark Department Head and ask him to abandon his current mission and return to the Federation immediately!"