The other end of the communicator fell silent for two breaths. When Feng Ling spoke, surprise edged her voice:
"The Seven Great Sects? That's ancient history from ten thousand years ago."
"The name is old, but there will always be people who want those seats."
"Now that Shrek has agreed not to launch an active campaign against the Holy Cult for a year, this is the perfect time to make it happen."
Feng Ling did not answer at once. Instead, she cautioned him:
"Xuan Zi's verbal promise alone may not bind the entire Sea God Pavilion. Besides, even if the Shrek Supervisory Group holds back for now, the Douluo Three Kingdoms won't change their attitude toward Evil Soul Masters."
"That's exactly why we need to use this opening." Gu Mingyuan asked in return:
"Vice Cult Master, does the Holy Cult intend to hide underground forever?"
In a side hall of the Main Altar, Feng Ling straightened slightly in her chair.
The leadership had indeed discussed bringing the Holy Cult's activities into the open several times.
But it involved the Sun Moon Imperial Family's stance, the reactions of powers across the continent, and the Cult's own preparations. Every part of it was difficult, so the plan had remained on hold.
Gu Mingyuan's voice came through the communicator:
"Even if we lie low for a few more years, the Cult may not gain many more Titled Douluo, much less another Ultimate Douluo. The Cult Master and Supreme Cult Master are both here now. We have enough high-level fighters to hold the field. What the Holy Cult truly lacks is an identity that lets it openly recruit disciples and run businesses with a legitimate name."
He paused, then continued. "If we spend this year expanding Branch Altars in secret, the moment the year