"Fire!"
The next moment, a full six Fixed-Load Shells launched, thick beams of soul-powered light sweeping outward.
The shells struck the divine shield. The first shot sent ripples across its surface; another followed, and cracks began to appear.
"Pretty sturdy, but the Sea God's divine power must be running out, right?"
Bei Miao showed no trace of anxiety. Instead, he raised a hand and pointed at the Sky Screen. "Douluo Continent, once we've dealt with Sea God Island, you're next!"
Inside the Pope's Palace at Spirit Hall.
Hearing Bei Miao's provocation, Bibi Dong tightened her grip on her scepter in fury. "Damn it! That damned Northern Underworld Empire!"
"Do you think there's no one under heaven who can put you in your place? To dare provoke us like this-your audacity knows no bounds!"
"Your Holiness, please calm down!"
Her two trusty henchmen, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, hurried forward to dissuade her. "The Northern Underworld Empire has vast influence and formidable strength."
"This man named Bei Miao is a rare talent in this age, and that armor of his is simply too powerful. Your Holiness, you must be careful."
"Hmph!"
Bibi Dong snorted. "In the end, he's nothing but someone relying on external tools."
"The Northern Underworld Empire relies so heavily on Soul Tools. Aside from those Soul Beasts, what capabilities do they actually have?"
Bibi Dong sneered. "Cooperating with Soul Beasts is no different from bargaining with a tiger for its skin. Those not of our kind must harbor different hearts!"
"Until the conflict between Soul Masters and Soul Beasts is resolved, the Soul Beasts will raise the banner of rebellion sooner or later. When that happens, the Northern Underworld Continent will surely descend into chaos!"
"Your Holiness is wise!"
Ghost Douluo hastily echoed her sentiment. "But their forces are powerful, after all. Spirit Hall alone may struggle to withstand them. Should we unite with the other sects and nations to resist them together?"
"..."
Bibi Dong took a deep breath and suppressed her anger. Ghost Douluo was right: Spirit Hall alone could not contend with the Northern Underworld Empire.
Though she held the exalted position of Pope, she had few people at her disposal-only a handful of Titled Douluos.
And those in the Worship Hall were not under her command. They only obeyed that old fellow Qian Daoliu.
"Hmph!"
Bibi Dong snorted. That old fossil truly kept power locked in an iron grip!
"Pass on my orders. Send envoys to the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire to discuss joining forces against the Northern Underworld Continent!"
"Yes."
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded, then turned and left the Pope's Palace.
Shrek Academy, the dean's office.
Watching the Northern Underworld Fleet bombard Sea God Island on the Sky Screen, Flender could not help feeling a surge of helplessness.
He was a mighty Soul Saint, yet he felt he would not last even a second under that cannon fire. It left him somewhat dispirited.
Still, that power was also rather tempting.
"These Soul Tools are so powerful. If I could really learn how to make them..."
Flender did not let the thought continue. The entire Douluo Continent was opposed to the Northern Underworld Empire now. If he proposed reconciliation at this point, he would probably be executed as a traitor.
"These Soul Tools would definitely be a great way to make money. If I could secretly learn their craft, I'd be rich."
A sleazy grin appeared on Flender's face before he sighed regretfully. "What a shame, though."
"Ah... I wonder what Erlong and Xiao Gang think about all this."
Inside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Watching the scene on the Sky Screen, Ning Fengzhi was filled with conflicting emotions.
Although most people on the Douluo Continent strongly rejected Northern Underworld Douluo, he was precisely the one who most hoped the Northern Underworld Empire would come.
There was no other reason: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was simply too disadvantaged compared with the other sects!
They might currently be one of the Upper Three Sects, basking in boundless glory, but they knew their own circumstances best.
Even with two Titled Douluos and countless disciples, they could not change the fact that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a support-type martial soul.
Ning Fengzhi might be a Soul Saint, but an ordinary Soul King-level Battle Soul Master could still beat him into scurrying away with his hands over his head.
That was why he had spent a fortune buying Hidden Weapons from Tang San: to ensure the safety of his clansmen.
Now, however, the Northern Underworld Empire had brought out even more powerful Soul Cannons and armor, setting his thoughts in motion.
If they could secure the Northern Underworld Empire's support, their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would surely rise to even greater heights.
"..."
Ning Fengzhi gazed at the scenery outside the window, his brows tightly furrowed, his thoughts unreadable.
Such a decision carried risks. After all, making that choice would be tantamount to breaking away from the Douluo Continent.
Everything they had on the continent would dissolve like bubbles. Once they went to the Northern Underworld Continent, they would have to start from scratch and fight for everything.
That was what he needed to consider: whether to take such an enormous risk. If he succeeded, all would be well. If he failed, he would drag the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into the abyss.
"Ah..."
Outside Sea God Island, aboard a Northern Underworld warship.
By now, Sea God Island's shield was on the verge of shattering. After a full four Soul Cannon shots, even a shield formed from sea god divine power could no longer hold.
Bei Miao was very pleased. "Keep at it! Continue the bombardment!"
"Stop this at once!"
"What? Ready to admit defeat?"
Bei Miao looked at her with interest. "As long as you surrender, swear to stop serving as the Dao Priest Poseidon, and join us instead, I'll spare this place."
Hearing this, Bo Saixi drew a deep breath and slowly surveyed her surroundings.
Looking at the Sea God Shield, which was already on the verge of shattering, she could not help feeling desolate. They had reached the point where their ammunition and provisions were exhausted.
Only the eight of them on Sea God Island could participate in this battle. The other Soul Masters below the Soul Douluo level would probably be blasted to ashes in an instant.
Once the Sea God Shield broke, the Northern Underworld Fleet would surge forward unchecked and strike straight at the heart of the island. Then Lord Sea God's inheritance would be finished as well.
But if they surrendered just like that, not only would the Sea God refuse to forgive them, they would never forgive themselves either. They had guarded the sea god inheritance for generations. Was it to end here?
Bo Saixi took a deep breath. If there was any chance of forcing the enemy back, there was only one possibility: a duel!
In her eyes, the Northern Underworld Empire was only so powerful because it relied on the might of Soul Tools. In one-on-one combat, they could not possibly be a match for Sea God Island.
If she could convince them to agree to a duel, there would still be a sliver of hope of saving Sea God Island!
With that thought, Bo Saixi mobilized the soul power within her body and appeared before the Northern Underworld Fleet in an instant. Her cool voice carried across the fleet.
"Northern Underworld Empire, didn't you once say that you were a peace-loving nation?"
"You said, 'If others do not attack us, we will not attack them.' Then why are you attacking our Sea God Island now?"
"What? Are you unwilling to acknowledge even your own words?"
Before you continue