At this moment, Zhongli Wu felt a mixture of admiration and killing intent towards Xu Zhengyang. This Xu Zhengyang was young, but his strength was already remarkable, especially his intelligence, which was like that of a demon. He would probably become a major threat to the entire Douluo World in the future.
But the killing intent quickly disappeared, Zhongli Wu's expression paused for a moment.
" Xu Zhengyang, how can my Holy Spirit Cult rise to the pinnacle of the Soul Master World, and how can we unify the entire Soul Master World?"
Xu Zhengyang's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. This Zhongli Wu was not only extremely ambitious, but judging from his appearance, he was completely unwilling to be subordinate to the Sun Moon Empire, and unwilling to merely rule the Soul Master World.
Xu Zhengyang thought carefully for a while before speaking, "Master, according to the current world situation, it can be said that there is a three-way balance of power. The Holy Spirit Cult has the strongest Soul Master, the Sun Moon Empire has the strongest military strength, and the three empires of the Douluo Continent are relatively balanced in strength. However, with the Shrek Academy as the leader, relying on the appeal of the Shrek Academy, their strength is not inferior to the Holy Spirit Cult, nor is it inferior to the Sun Moon Empire."
Zhongli Wu spoke decisively, "How can Shrek Academy represent the entire Douluo Continent? In my opinion, they will likely be destroyed by the Sun Moon Empire sooner or later."
Xu Zhengyang shook his head. "Master, you've misunderstood. Shrek Academy alone may not be that strong, but Shrek Academy plus the Body Sect, plus all the sects and three great empires of the Douluo Continent, as long as they work together, they can definitely contend with both the Holy Spirit Cult and the Sun Moon Empire at the same time. At least in the short term, neither side can break this balance."
"Master, don't forget that Shrek Academy also has the elusive Dean Mu En, who is the pillar of Sea God for the entire Douluo Continent."
"These three forces are currently in a state of equilibrium. Once this balance is broken, the entire world order will likely change instantly. In particular, if the Sun Moon Empire and the Holy Spirit Cult clash, Shrek Academy will probably benefit from the conflict."
The entire scene fell silent, even Zhongli Wu and Zhang Peng remained silent.
After several minutes, Zhongli Wu suddenly laughed, "Good, very good, Xu Zhengyang, your analysis is very unique and insightful. I haven't heard such insightful advice about the Holy Spirit Cult in a long time."
"But I must ask you one more time: I am now inviting you to join the Holy Spirit's family, and I do not want you to refuse."
The previously calm situation between the two sides suddenly became tense after Zhongli Wu's words. Xu Zhengyang felt immense pressure and even sensed a hint of killing intent emanating from Zhongli Wu.
Xu Zhengyang remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Master, I greatly admire the Holy Spirit Cult, but due to my background, I'm afraid I'll never be able to join Holy Spirit Cult in this lifetime."
"But since you, Master, are the Grand Preceptor of the Sun Moon Empire, it means that we are actually one family. There's no question of joining or not joining, and there won't be any conflicts between us."
Upon hearing this, Zhongli Wu's murderous aura gradually dissipated.
"What a close-knit family! But since we're family, please don't refuse my invitation to visit the Holy Spirit Cult next time."
Zhongli Wu's words seemed calm, but they were filled with an irresistible force, like an imperial edict.
Xu Zhengyang quickly replied, "Of course, as a member of the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family, I cannot refuse the Grand Preceptor's summons."
Zhongli Wu waved his hand. " Zhang Peng, arrange for Xu Zhengyang and Tang Ya to meet alone. Tell Tang Ya that Xu Zhengyang is a guest of our Holy Spirit Cult and must tell her everything he knows."
Xu Zhengyang quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Grand Preceptor."
Without hesitation, Zhang Peng quickly dispatched a man in black who then led Xu Zhengyang away from the hall.
After Xu Zhengyang left, Zhang Peng treated Zhongli Wu with unusual respect.
"Master, are we just going to let this go like this? Are we just going to let Xu Zhengyang meet the Holy Maiden so easily?"
Zhongli Wu shook his head. "Of course it's not that simple. This Xu Zhengyang is quite resourceful and intelligent. He pointed out the current predicament of my Holy Spirit Cult and also revealed my relationship with the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family. It's been a long time since I've seen a young man like him."
Zhang Peng quickly spoke up, "Master, but Tang Ya's identity is indeed quite special. She is not only the former leader of the Tang Sect, but also our current Holy Maiden. If Xu Zhengyang really gets something from Tang Ya, wouldn't that be a loss for our Holy Spirit Cult?"
Zhongli Wu did not answer Zhang Peng's question, " Zhang Peng, you just had the whole interaction with Xu Zhengyang. What do you think of Xu Zhengyang?"
Zhang Peng pondered for a moment before speaking, "This Xu Zhengyang is exceptionally talented. In terms of combat strength alone, he is probably no less than your disciple, Master. Moreover, Xu Zhengyang is incredibly intelligent and has a strong sense of the big picture. With such a genius in the Sun Moon Empire, he will likely become a scourge sooner or later."
Zhongli Wu shook his head. "Actually, Xu Zhengyang was subtly pointing this out to me in his words just now. Over the years, our Holy Spirit Cult's style of doing things has indeed been too presumptuous. Even though we have close cooperation with the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family, there is still some underlying suspicion between us."
"As he said, whether it's the Holy Spirit Cult or the Sun Moon Empire, their biggest enemy right now is Douluo Continent and Shrek Academy. If a conflict were to break out rashly, it might actually benefit Shrek Academy."
Zhang Peng said, "So we're just going to let Xu Zhengyang and Tang Ya meet, and let Xu Zhengyang leave?"
Zhongli Wu smiled slightly, "There's no such thing as a simple matter in this world. I've already tried it. Xu Zhengyang's Martial Soul has a special devouring effect, and unlike ours, his Martial Soul can not only devour evil auras, but even souls."
" The Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family probably doesn't know about Xu Zhengyang's special ability, nor do they know that Xu Zhengyang enhances his strength by devouring others. This is the perfect leverage against him."
"As long as Xu Zhengyang doesn't want to be disgraced and killed by the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family, he will eventually become a member of my Holy Spirit Cult, and may even become the best puppet of my Holy Spirit Cult in the future."
Zhang Peng's expression changed upon hearing this. He clearly understood Zhongli Wu's meaning. Due to his special status, Xu Zhengyang was unable to join the Holy Spirit Cult. At least, the Sun Moon Imperial Family and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy did not allow their peerless geniuses to join the Holy Spirit Cult.
If word gets out, not only will the reputation of the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family be affected, but the reputation of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy will also be damaged.
This is Xu Zhengyang's best leverage. If we can help Xu Zhengyang gain a higher position in the Sun Moon Imperial Family, wouldn't that indirectly affect the entire Sun Moon Empire?
Zhongli Wu continued, " Zhang Peng, arrange for people to go down and keep a close eye on Xu Zhengyang Xu Zhengyang's every move, especially his cultivation method. I don't believe his cultivation method has no side effects. Once his cultivation method shows side effects, that will be the time for him to become a disciple of my Holy Spirit Cult."
"But remember, everything must be done in secret. Don't let the Sun Moon Empire Imperial Family and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy find out. I always feel that this Xu Zhengyang will give me a huge surprise in the future. With such intelligence and strength, he will definitely not be content to be just an ordinary member of the royal family."
" The Imperial Dragon Soul Engineer Legion has always been at odds with us. Perhaps if we control Xu Zhengyang, we can eventually control the entire Imperial Dragon Soul Engineer Legion, and even the army of the Sun Moon Empire. That will be the time when our Holy Spirit Cult truly rises."
Zhang Peng swallowed hard upon hearing this. Zhongli Wu's plan was too crazy, and his ambition was too great. Xu Zhengyang, with his special identity, was indeed a very good pawn.
"Master, I'll make the arrangements right away. This Xu Zhengyang will definitely not escape the grasp of our Holy Spirit Cult."
Led by the man in black, Xu Zhengyang walked for a distance and then arrived at a special room.
The room's door was tightly closed, but once opened, it appeared unusually spacious. The room was fully equipped and even emitted a faint fragrance, clearly indicating that it belonged to a woman.
In the very center of the room sat a woman, her face filled with gloom, emanating an eerie black aura. In particular, her Martial Soul, Blue Silver Grass, was now black and filled with an aura of devouring and evil.
Based on his facial features, Xu Zhengyang quickly realized that this was Tang Ya, whom he had seen before, and that this was the purpose of his visit to the Holy Spirit Cult.
Tang Ya's face darkened when she saw someone suddenly enter her room.
"How dare you! I am currently cultivating, why have you suddenly brought people into my room?"
As Tang Ya finished speaking, countless black Blue Silver Grass seemed to come alive, quickly rushing towards Xu Zhengyang and the man in black. These Blue Silver Grass were like maggots clinging to bones, making them extremely repulsive.
Xu Zhengyang was also shocked. Judging from her current strength, Tang Ya had probably reached the top level of Soul Ancestor, or even Soul King. This speed of strength improvement was much faster than Bei Bei, whom he had encountered in the Soul Master Tournament. It was simply unbelievable.
The man in black was clearly much stronger than Tang Ya, and he also exuded a terrifying aura, instantly overwhelming the dark figures.
The black- Blue Silver Grass was blasted away.
But the man in black made no further move; instead, he bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Holiness. As arranged by the leader, this Mr. Xu Zhengyang has met with Your Holiness."
Tang Ya's face darkened. "I won't see anyone. I only want to cultivate right now."
The man in black quickly spoke up, "Holy Maiden, this is the leader's arrangement. This Mr. Xu Zhengyang is a guest of our Holy Spirit Cult, and he must speak frankly and without reservation."
Tang Ya's originally gloomy face was suddenly filled with murderous intent, but it was quickly replaced by fear, clearly showing that Tang Ya was very afraid of Zhongli Wu.
"Since it's the leader's arrangement, I'll see him. You may leave now."
Although the man in black was far stronger than Tang Ya, it was clear that Tang Ya's status in the Holy Spirit Cult was far superior to that of the man in black. In the end, the man in black bowed and left the room, leaving only Xu Zhengyang and Tang Ya at the scene.
Xu Zhengyang didn't hesitate and sat down directly opposite Tang Ya.
Tang Ya looked puzzled. "I don't know you at all. Why have you come to see me? Don't you know I'm the Holy Maiden of the Holy Spirit Cult?"
Xu Zhengyang shook his head. "I'm not here to see some Holy Maiden of the Holy Spirit Cult this time; I'm here to see Tang Ya, the leader of the Tang Sect Clan."
Tang Ya's expression changed drastically upon hearing this. Since joining the Holy Spirit Cult, her strength had indeed greatly improved, but her mind had also gradually changed, becoming evil, bloodthirsty, more selfish, and more ambitious.
Even so, the name "Tang Sect" still seems to be a taboo in Tang Ya's heart. She joined the Holy Spirit Cult in the first place to become stronger and to revitalize the Tang Sect.
After a moment of silence, Tang Ya finally spoke, "I was the last leader of the Tang Sect. The Tang Sect no longer exists; it has been completely destroyed. I don't want to talk about anything related to the Tang Sect anymore."
Xu Zhengyang smiled and said, "Now, you don't have complete control over the affairs of the Tang Sect. Although the Tang Sect has declined, it has once again become famous throughout the world."
"I participated in the Soul Master Tournament a while ago. Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei, who performed exceptionally well in the Soul Master Tournament, are both disciples of the Tang Sect. Huo Yuhao, in particular, is a renowned figure representing the Tang Sect throughout the world."
Upon hearing this, Tang Ya's expression became extremely confused, and she even couldn't help but mutter, " Huo Yuhao, Bei Bei, Huo Yuhao, Bei Bei."
At that moment, Tang Ya's face became somewhat distorted, filled with pain and confusion.