When Tang Feng and Zhu Zhuqing returned to Cloud Mist Mountain, it wasn't too late.
Upon learning of Tang Feng's return and that he had important matters to report, Sect Master Tang Xiao did not delay and immediately sent someone to invite the elders who were still in the sect.
Before long, everyone had gathered in the hall.
Once everyone had arrived, Tang Feng stepped forward and recounted in detail how he incorporated Shrek Academy and subdued the three top Elemental Academies, Godwind, Blazing Fire, and Skywater.
At the same time, the new college structure and plans, which were initially agreed upon with the House leadership, will be explained one by one.
After the report was completed, there was a brief silence in the hall, which was then broken by voices of praise.
Sect Master Tang Xiao nodded with satisfaction, saying, " Little Feng handled this matter well. With the addition of a top-tier academy, our Clear Sky Sect's influence in the Soul Master World will undoubtedly rise to a new level. Nearly eight hundred students and teachers, including many exceptionally talented students and experienced instructors, can all serve as the future foundation of the sect."
His gaze swept over the crowd as he continued, "Once this academy is completed, it will not only be affiliated with the sect, but will also become fertile ground for attracting and cultivating talented Soul Master, paving a solid and long-term path for our sect to cultivate talent."
Second Elder Tang Zhen stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then reminded, "That's true. However, this will inevitably make the academy a thorn in the side of the Spirit Hall. They never hesitate to use any means necessary, and there will likely be no shortage of difficulties to come. The academy needs to have a strong person in charge to guard against them."
Upon hearing this, Seventh Elder Tang Lie nodded solemnly. "Second Brother is absolutely right. The Spirit Hall is ruthless; we must strengthen our defenses."
After listening, Tang Xiao pondered for a moment, then glanced at everyone in the hall and decisively said, "The merger of the four academies into the Clear Sky Sect is of paramount importance. We must make it a prestigious brand, win over the hearts of the people, and expand its influence. The sect should send capable people to oversee it."
He glanced to one side and directly ordered, "Eighth Elder Tang Ming, you are calm and composed, fair in your dealings, and your Soul Power has reached Level 94. This matter will be entrusted to you."
Elder Tang Ming, with his kind and dignified appearance, stepped forward and replied, "Yes, Sect Master."
Tang Xiao continued, "Tomorrow, select five individuals from your sect who have reached the Soul Saint level and possess high theoretical knowledge of Soul Master to accompany you to the Shrek Academy. Dean Flender will still be in charge of the academy's daily management; you will only need to assist from the sidelines, stabilize the situation, and focus on guarding against any possible actions by the Spirit Hall."
"In addition, select more than ten disciples aged between twelve and eighteen, of good character and above-average talent from the younger generation of the sect, to accompany you to the academy for enrollment."
He finally looked at Tang Feng and Tang Ming: "The specific personnel selection will be decided by the two of you. We need to set off as soon as possible to help the new academy transition smoothly and get on the right track."
"Yes!" Tang Feng and Tang Ming replied in unison.
After the meeting, Tang Xiao and his grandfather Tang Lie kept Tang Feng behind and told him about Tang Hao and Tang San's visit to the sect. Seeing that Tang Feng did not express any objections after learning about it, the two were relieved.
The following day, Tang Feng and Tang Ming began selecting personnel. After repeated deliberation and screening, they finally decided on five teachers and twelve young disciples, including Soul Master in various fields such as offensive, agile, defensive, control, and support.
Half a month later, after everything was arranged, life returned to normal, and the feared retaliation from the Spirit Hall did not occur, which made Tang Feng feel a vague sense of crisis.
But after much thought, they had no other options and could only discuss with the sect to increase intelligence monitoring.
Heaven Dou City, Crown Prince's Residence, Study.
The candlelight illuminated the room brightly, but it couldn't dispel the heavy, oppressive atmosphere.
Xue Qinghe, or rather Qian Renxue, stood alone by the window, her fingertips unconsciously tapping on the cold windowpane.
Lately, she feels like everything is going wrong.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had always been something she tried to win over, but in recent years it had become distant from her, which made her, who had always been very confident in her disguise as Xue Qinghe, begin to have some doubts.
What bothered her most was the Clear Sky Sect.
That Cloud Mist Mountain, though clearly within the sphere of influence of Heaven Dou City, bypassed the surveillance of her Crown Prince's Mansion and has now become the new mountain gate of the Clear Sky Sect.
The impressive prestige of the Clear Sky Sect when it reopened its gates, its methods of integrating the four clans, absorbing Dugu Bo and the Nine Heart Begonia Clan, and taking over the Elemental Academies, were like resounding slaps to the face of this "crown prince" who had been lying low for more than ten years.
However, due to her status and the overall situation, she was unable to take effective measures to stop it for the time being, and could only watch helplessly as its wings grew stronger.
This feeling of powerlessness is more unsettling than a direct, open defeat.
Even worse news came from within Spirit City.
According to the message from the Worship Hall, the newly appointed Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, Hu Liena, through meticulous planning, successfully infiltrated the Star Luo Empire, eliminated Crown Dai Weisi, and supported Dai Mubai to ascend to the Spirit Hall. The Star Luo Empire has now basically fallen into the hands of the Spirit Hall.
Hu Liena's actions were so swift and her methods so ruthless, and her achievements so great that her position as a saintess was as solid as a rock, shining with unparalleled brilliance.
But what about ourselves?
Having infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire for over a decade, posing as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, he has lived in constant fear and trepidation, expending countless efforts, yet he has still failed to fully seize control of the Heaven Dou Empire.
The elders of the Pope's Hall have been showing their dissatisfaction almost on their faces lately, their words filled with urging for her slow progress and questioning her abilities.
The " Nation-Stealing Plan " was originally supposed to be an intricate and lengthy game, but now, due to pressure from all sides, it has become a sword hanging over her head, forcing her to accelerate the process.
Xue Qinghe turned around, his voice regaining the composure befitting a prince, and looked at the Snake Lance Douluo standing quietly to the side, "Uncle She... how is the poison in Xue Ye's body now?"
Snake Lance Douluo She Long bowed slightly and said in a low voice, "Young Master, the mixed poison has already penetrated deep into his lungs and internal organs. Based on his condition, without an antidote or the intervention of a top-tier healing Soul Master, he has at most three months left."
A cold glint flashed deep in Qian Renxue's eyes. Time was of the essence. Three months? Then let's wait another three months!
She returned to her desk, her fingertips tracing the smooth surface. "Very good. Replace all of his most trusted guards and eunuchs with our people. Do it quietly, and make sure that until the very last moment, the entire palace is under our control."
"Yes." She Long accepted the order.
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the study door, and the figure of the Porcupinefish Douluo, Ci Xue, flashed in, his face solemn, holding a letter with a special mark in his hand.
"Young Master, an urgent order from the Pope's Hall." Ci Xue presented the letter, his voice even lower, " Soul Hunting Operation has begun. The targets this time are the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Qian Renxue unfolded the letter, quickly scanned it, and her beautiful brows suddenly furrowed. "Ahead of schedule? Why is Bibi Dong in such a hurry! Taking action now would only alert the enemy, creating unnecessary complications and potentially affecting the Nation-Stealing Plan?"
Ci Xue laugh and explained, "Young Master, the elders in the hall are extremely dissatisfied. Especially recently, the Clear Sky Sect has not only recovered its strength rapidly, but has also successively absorbed Shrek Academy and three Elemental Academies, greatly increasing its power and practically building a mountain right under our Crown Prince's nose. The elders believe that our progress in the Heaven Dou realm is too slow, and we can no longer afford to proceed at a step-by-step pace. We must first sever the Clear Sky Sect's allies, clip their wings, and deter the Soul Master World. We have no choice but to launch the Soul Hunting Operation immediately."
He paused, then added, " The Pope has ordered us to fully cooperate, provide all necessary assistance to the operation team, and help conceal their movements, ensuring swift and decisive action."
" Clear Sky Sect... It's Clear Sky Sect again!" Qian Renxue's fingers tightened suddenly, and the secret letter crumpled in her hand.
Suddenly, a figure flashed through her mind, like a nightmare: Tang Feng, who had once beaten her to a pulp.
They've ruined her plans time and time again, and now they've indirectly cornered her.
A mix of old and new grudges caused a surge of pent-up anger to rise in her chest.
Xue Qinghe closed his eyes, suppressing his surging emotions.
When she opened her eyes again, those amber eyes had regained their composure, leaving only a deep, cold aura.
She looked at the Snake Lance Douluo, her voice resolute, "Uncle She, immediately activate all the spies we've planted in government offices at all levels, city defenses, and nearby garrison troops. Grant them temporary supreme authority and, at all costs, clear the way for the Spirit Hall's Soul Hunting Team, providing them with cover, route guidance, and intelligence support. Make sure these two blades are silently pressed against the throats of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
"Yes, young master!" She Long and Ci Xue replied solemnly at the same time.
Qian Renxue waved her hand, and the two quietly withdrew.
Silence returned to the study. Qian Renxue sat alone at her desk, her gaze piercing through the window lattice, looking up at the pitch-black night sky.
Clear Sky Sect! Tang Feng!
This time, I will sever your arms in the swiftest and most brutal way, so that you can witness the power of my Spirit Hall.
One day, when the other two sects are wiped out, the power of the Heaven Dou changes hands completely, and the two great empires are in our grasp, what follows will be a thorough reckoning with you.