"Yesterday, Shrek City suffered a devastating strike, leaving no survivors within a hundred li. A federal investigation determined that this was a terrorist attack carried out by the civilian Evil Soul Master organization-the Holy Spirit Cult. The federation has now contacted the victims' families and provided compensation."
"Recently, frequent uprisings on the Star Dou Continent have severely affected the efficiency of federal military operations. Dong Zi'an, commander of the federal forces stationed on the Star Dou Continent, stated that he would suppress them with iron and blood. In response, voices of criticism have begun emerging from outside, stating that the federation's benevolent father had resolved the scourge of Evil Soul Masters on the Star Dou Continent, that the Star Dou populace showed no gratitude, and that those involved should be executed as soon as possible."
"The Heaven Dou Continent may conduct secret military activities in the near future, with ill intent."
"The Federal Parliament recently held a meeting concerning the future direction of the Heaven Dou Continent's development."
"We'll talk about next week's affairs next week. News Weekly wishes you a pleasant weekend!"
An old man stared blankly at the screen. After a long while, he sighed. "An autumn of troubles..."
The Federal Parliament Building.
"First item on the agenda: matters concerning the ruins of Shrek City," Secretary Pan Changwen announced in a ringing voice as he stood beside Qian Gu Fenfeng.
"As you all know, just yesterday, Shrek City suffered a devastating strike. I extend my deepest sympathies."
"The various federal departments have already established that Evil Soul Masters were responsible. For such an act that defies heaven, we must launch a dimensional-reduction strike against the Holy Spirit Cult!"
"Everyone, please look. These are the Ghost Emperor's movements today. I propose that we intercept him!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"Good! With everyone's support, I, Qian Gu Fenfeng, will certainly live up to your expectations!"
"At the same time, I hereby announce that the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters will relocate to Mingdu to facilitate cooperation with federal operations."
"A true pillar of the nation!" The parliament members below offered their congratulations one after another. Those who sang a different tune were already underground.
"Councilor, how should we address the radiation from Eternal Heaven?"
"Hahaha, there is no need to panic! I have already used spatial power to move the former Sea God Pavilion Master's wife there. Her Martial Soul, the Prayer Angel, possesses immense vitality. Let her preside over the center of the radiation and purify it. Any objections?"
"An excellent insight, Commander!"
"Councilor... the remains of the Golden Ancient Tree have vanished into thin air... I wished to ask whether we should search for their whereabouts," a timid voice spoke up.
At these words, Qian Gu Fenfeng's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? They vanished?"
The other parliament members' hearts immediately tightened. Seeing Qian Gu Fenfeng's reaction, they knew the Councilor had probably taken them.
The other parliament members frantically signaled to the man with their eyes.
"Oh, oh... ahaha, I suppose I remembered incorrectly, haha..."
Qian Gu Fenfeng glanced at him and signaled for Pan Chengchen to continue the meeting.
"Second item on the agenda: our stance toward the Heaven Dou Continent."
At this, the parliamentary chamber immediately erupted into noise.
"Destroy their nation and enslave their people!"
"I'm afraid that would be inappropriate. Such an act would completely strip the federation of popular support overseas."
"I support destroying their nation!"
"We could infiltrate them..."
"Mm, I understand everyone's thoughts." Qian Gu Fenfeng surveyed the room and nodded in satisfaction. "As the saying goes, invasion has four levels: first, military invasion; second, economic plunder; third, cultural subversion; fourth, racial replacement."
"What do you all think we should do?"
"Well..."
"Hahaha, Councilor, everyone here, I don't reckon this is a multiple-choice question. We first launch a military invasion under the name of Evil Soul Masters and occupy their land, then control their economic lifelines and plunder them. Next, we spread word of the Councilor's good name, letting the title of the federation's benevolent father ring throughout Heaven Dou. Finally, we select those who identify with our culture and possess outstanding talent for breeding, allowing Sun Moon blood to flow into the Heaven Dou natives. That way, Councilor, you'll become the benevolent father of the Douluo people!"
"Hiss..."
"Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!"
"This fellow takes after me!"
"As expected of a military man!"
Qian Gu Fenfeng was astonished as well. To think he had such a remarkable man under his command! Yet he still had concerns.
The federation was now flourishing. Under Qian Gu Fenfeng's sweeping reforms and policy of "de-Tang San-ification," the happiness index of the Sun Moon people kept rising. They were full of respect for him and supported him enthusiastically, with quite a few fanatical devotees and zealots devoted exclusively to Qian Gu Fenfeng emerging among them.
But the Abyss Plane was suspected of colluding with Tang Hao and Ah Yin, while the protagonist's party continued to develop steadily in Heaven Dou, giving Qian Gu Fenfeng a headache.
Just then, the phone rang.
"Hello? Qian Gu Fenfeng speaking."
"Father, there has been a breakthrough in the project you asked me to research!"
"Oh? It's you, Ling Zichen. I'll head to the laboratory right away."
The lingering warmth of the Soul Guidance Lamps still remained on the Federal Parliament Building's long, polished white-jade steps.
Qian Gu Fenfeng walked out slowly, his black robe embroidered with subtle coiling-dragon patterns hanging down. He raised his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping over the federal officials and guards coming and going across the square.
Just below the steps, a small figure stood timidly in the shadow of a pillar.
It was Yi Zichen, only six years old, dressed in simple cloth clothes. His dark eyes were startlingly bright as he stared straight at Qian Gu Fenfeng, his little face flushed red.
He had long heard Qian Gu Fenfeng's name: one of the federation's strongest experts, an important figure in the Spirit Pagoda, an unreachable legend in the hearts of all young Soul Masters.
Noticing that burning gaze, Qian Gu Fenfeng turned his head toward the child and spoke mildly. "Little fellow, have you been watching me all this time?"
Yi Zichen clenched his tiny fists, summoned all his courage, and hurried forward. He bowed deeply before Qian Gu Fenfeng, his childish voice filled with irrepressible admiration. "Father! My name is Yi Zichen! I've heard about all your deeds. I want to become someone as strong as you. I want to take you as my master!"
His small body trembled slightly, but his gaze was utterly resolute, without the slightest retreat.
Qian Gu Fenfeng lowered his eyes to examine the six-year-old child before him. A trace of surprise flickered in his eyes: innate full Soul Power.
Despite his tender age, his disposition was so bold and decisive. He was a rare piece of uncarved jade.
After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, his voice steady and deep. "You are still young. For now, I will accept you as a nominal disciple."
Yi Zichen abruptly raised his head, his eyes instantly bursting with brilliant light. He trembled all over in delighted surprise and dropped to his knees with a thump to pay his respects. "Your disciple, Yi Zichen, greets you, Master!"
Qian Gu Fenfeng nodded slightly, raised his hand, and gently lifted him with a soft strand of Soul Power. "Whether you can truly enter my tutelage in the future will depend on your perseverance and talent. Do not let today's events breed pride in your heart."
"I will remember, Master!" Little Yi Zichen nodded vigorously, his eyes full of longing.
Qian Gu Fenfeng gazed at the child brimming with enthusiasm before him. A sweeping wind passed over the parliamentary square, lifting the edge of his robe slightly and opening this fated encounter.
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