A million-strong army? Theoretically, it could be built up with human lives, but an army is made up of people, and people experience fear and can break down.
When such inhuman power appears on the battlefield, morale will instantly collapse, and the so-called war will never even begin.
The current situation of "barely surviving" is humiliating, but it is indeed the only option to avoid immediate Destruction.
At least, the Spirit Hall Empire gave them a period of "peaceful development," or rather, a period of "waiting to die."
Under the personal leadership of Prime Minister Ning Fengzhi, a high-ranking Spirit Hall Empire team escorted the Heaven Dou delegation to the designated area Spirit City.
During these three months, Tang San spent most of his time at the Soul Tool Research Institute. He had in-depth exchanges with the Soul Engineer from the Sun Moon Empire, especially the Imperial Advisor Xu Hong.
Xu Hong admired Tang San's amazing talent and comprehension in Soul Tool more and more, but also felt more and more sorry for him.
Xu Hong has repeatedly expressed, both openly and covertly, his willingness to take Tang San as his personal disciple, to impart all his knowledge to him, and to promise to recommend him to the high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire, where he will have a bright future.
However, Tang San consistently declined Xu Hong's offer, citing that he already had a master and dared not seek another.
This left Xu Hong both frustrated and annoyed.
He, the dignified Grand Preceptor of the Sun Moon Empire, Level 99 Peerless Douluo, Level 10 Soul Engineer, lowered himself so much, yet the other party showed no appreciation whatsoever.
However, this also aroused Xu Hong's great curiosity.
What kind of teacher could make Tang San so devoted, even to the point of giving up such a golden opportunity?
In his eyes, the Heaven Dou Empire was already in decline, and for Tang San to stay here as " King Blue Clear Sky " would be tantamount to ruining his future.
Therefore, on the occasion of their departure, Xu Hong expressed to the Heaven Dou delegation that he was quite interested in the customs and culture of the Douluo Continent and planned to travel to the Heaven Dou Empire in his personal capacity.
The Heaven Dou Empire was naturally delighted with this and warmly welcomed it.
A Level 99 Peerless Douluo, who is also the leader of the Soul Engineer system, would undoubtedly be a glimmer of hope to resist the oppression of the Spirit Hall Empire if we could befriend him or even establish a partnership with him.
They naturally had no idea what Xu Hong was really thinking.
This Grand Preceptor of the Sun Moon Empire, who possesses the Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon Martial Soul, is unfathomably powerful. Even when facing God Level expert like Qian Daoliu, the Great Enshrined the Spirit Hall, he is confident that he has the strength to fight.
However, only after personally experiencing Xuan Ming's unfathomable, godlike power did he truly understand what a world of difference meant.
If he knew that the Heaven Dou Empire still harbored the idea of using his strength to "counterattack" the Spirit Hall Empire, he would probably scoff at it and wouldn't even bother to make this trip.
Xuan Ming didn't say much about Xu Hong's decision.
Xu Hong's main mission here is to stabilize and lead the reinforcements from the Sun Moon Empire. Now, this group of Soul Engineer has been deeply integrated into the Soul Tool Development System of the Spirit Hall Empire, so his temporary departure will not have a significant impact.
As for what kind of changes his trip to the Heaven Dou Empire might cause, or even bring some unexpected "fun," Xuan Ming would be happy to see it happen.
Upon hearing that Xu Hong planned to travel to the Heavenly Heaven Dou Heaven Dou Empire with the Heavenly Dou delegation, Bibi Dong pondered for a moment and then had a new idea.
She summoned Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Shui Bing'er, Huo Wu, and others, and said to them, " Imperial Preceptor Xu wishes to travel to the Heaven Dou Empire; you may all go with him."
Seeing the confusion on everyone's faces, Bibi Dong explained, " Rongrong, as the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile... no, now the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, you have intricate connections with the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family and nobility, and many old acquaintances. You and the others were the champions of the previous Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, representing the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Returning with new identities and strength is itself a strong signal."
Her gaze swept over the women. "Letting the people of the Heaven Dou Empire, especially those Soul Master families and academies, witness firsthand your growth and power within the Spirit Hall Empire is far more convincing than any propaganda. This might have unexpected effects in dividing and attracting Soul Master forces within the Heaven Dou Empire."
"Furthermore," Bibi Dong looked at Xu Hong, "With the Peerless Douluo Imperial Preceptor Xu you, coupled with your own Soul Douluo strength, you are safe and sound. Since your God's Trial is to 'assist Xuan Ming in Reshaping Order,' you should actively participate in it. This is precisely an opportunity for training and contribution."
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong and the others exchanged glances, all seeing the eagerness in each other's eyes. They had been away from the Heaven Dou Empire for many years and genuinely wanted to go back, especially in this "triumphant homecoming" manner.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the women replied in unison.
Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu also volunteered. They came from the Five Elements Academy and had considerable influence in the Soul Master World of the Heaven Dou Empire. Their return would be a good opportunity to demonstrate the Spirit Hall Empire's tolerance and emphasis on Soul Master who were not from the Spirit Hall.
Thus, in a somewhat eerie atmosphere, a special group joined the Heaven Dou Envoy's return journey: led by the newly appointed sect leader of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong, the group included a group of young, beautiful, and incredibly powerful girls such as Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Shui Bing'er, and Huo Wu, as well as the unfathomable Grand Tutor of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Hong.
The Heaven Dou Envoy had extremely mixed feelings about the addition of this team.
On the one hand, Ning Rongrong and others have sensitive identities, and their appearance will undoubtedly stir up the internal situation of the Heaven Dou Empire.
On the other hand, Xu Hong's colleagues were "external aids" that they were trying hard to win over.
This conflicted state of mind created a subtle tension throughout the entire return journey.
Chapter 430 Xu Hong's Curiosity
During the journey, Xu Hong naturally did not miss the opportunity to learn about the Heaven Dou Empire and that " Yu Xiaogang ". He found a relatively relaxed time to travel with Ning Rongrong and others, and casually chatted about the situation of the Heaven Dou Empire.
" Sect Master Ning, ladies," Xu Hong said gently, with the concern of an elder, "I am quite curious about the Heaven Dou Empire, especially the situation in the Soul Master World. I wonder if any of you could enlighten me?"
Ning Rongrong replied with a smile, "You're too kind, Grand Preceptor. Please feel free to ask us anything; we'll answer to the best of our knowledge."
Xu Hong then asked, "I've heard that Tang San's teacher is named Yu Xiaogang, and he is now the Grand Preceptor of the Heaven Dou Empire. I'm truly curious, what kind of extraordinary talent could cultivate a disciple like Tang San and rise to such a high position?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong's smile immediately turned somewhat strange, Xiao Wu beside her couldn't help but purse her lips, and even the usually aloof Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered.
" Yu Xiaogang..." Ning Rongrong drawled, her tone carrying an indescribable complexity. She glanced at her companions, who all wore expressions that said, "You tell us," and cleared her throat.
"Master Imperial Master, you have asked the right person!" Ning Rongrong seemed to have opened up his chatterbox, and his complaints almost overflowed, "About Master Jade... oh no, the story of Imperial Master Jade is really... I can't finish it for days and nights!"
She organized her thoughts and began, "First of all, this Grandmaster Yu comes from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, one of the former Upper Three Sects. However, he is an anomaly among the clan's direct descendants because his Martial Soul underwent a malignant mutation, preventing him from ever breaking through level 30 in his Soul Power. Therefore, he was not valued within the clan and eventually left."
Xu Hong nodded slightly. It's not uncommon for Martial Soul Mutation to limit one's talent.
Ning Rongrong continued, "Later, he traveled across the continent, studied Martial Soul Theory, and proposed the so-called ' Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul.' He gained some fame in the lower echelons of the Soul Master World and in some small places, and was called a ' Grandmaster.'"
"However," Ning Rongrong changed the subject, a hint of mockery in her voice, "To be honest, in our view, many of his theories are specious or things that top-tier Soul Master already know but are too lazy to summarize. There's almost nothing of truly core, practical advice that can guide high-level Soul Master ' cultivation. He's just good at fooling inexperienced low-level Soul Master and ordinary people."
Xiao Wu chimed in, "Exactly! Back at the Nuoding Academy, he wanted to teach Xiao San, but when he found out Xiao San had Innate Full Soul Power and Twin Martial Souls, he was dumbfounded. His theories were completely useless."
Shui Bing'er added casually, "His theories might have some enlightening effect on ordinary Soul Master, but at higher levels, especially when it comes to the essence of Martial Soul and the qualitative change of Soul Power, they seem very weak and ineffective."
Ning Rongrong concluded, "So, to say he has strong teaching abilities? We don't really believe it. Tang San's achievements today are more due to his own talent, opportunities, hard work, and the secret support of the Clear Sky Sect. Yu Xiaogang at most gave him some basic guidance in the early stages, and... well, he taught him the inspiring but ultimately ineffective saying, 'There are no useless Martial Soul, only useless Soul Master,' in the face of true geniuses and top-tier Martial Soul."
She paused, a hint of confusion in her voice. "As for his becoming the Grand Preceptor of the Heaven Dou Empire... to be honest, we were quite surprised too. It might be because of his status as a former member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but most likely it's because of Tang San, or perhaps the Heaven Dou Empire simply couldn't find a more suitable candidate? Anyway... we find it quite surreal."
"The biggest obstacle to your wish to take Tang San as your disciple is probably not Tang San's insistence, but rather his... well, it's hard to say what kind of teacher he is."
As Xu Hong listened to the group of girls' cacophony and unsparing comments, his expression gradually shifted from curiosity to astonishment, and finally to a wry smile.
He stroked his beard, his interest growing stronger. "Oh? So he is such a... remarkable person? Hearing what you all say, I'm even more eager to learn about Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang."
From Ning Rongrong and others' descriptions, the image of Yu Xiaogang he sketched was that of a "theorist" with limited talent, whose theoretical level might be useful at lower levels but lacked depth, and who climbed to a high position through special connections and opportunities...?
This is worlds apart from the image of the "master teacher" he had imagined, the kind who could cultivate such extraordinary talent as Tang San!
This stark contrast fueled his fascination with the trip to the Heaven Dou Empire, making him feel like he was watching a spectacle.
How could someone who seems so "ordinary," even somewhat "unworthy of his reputation," command such respect and protection from Tang San? Is it truly, as Ning Rongrong suggests, simply due to early mentorship and their master-disciple relationship?
It seems this trip to the Heaven Dou Empire is even more... interesting than he expected.
Xu Hong looked towards the distant Heaven Dou Empire, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes.
He wanted to see for himself whether this Imperial Advisor Yu Xiaogang truly possessed hidden abilities, or was merely a lucky one thrust into the limelight.
Heaven Dou City, Imperial Palace.
When Xue Ye heard that Xu Hong and Ning Rongrong's group had arrived together, a complex emotion flashed across his pale face. Despite his illness, he received this special group in a side hall, accompanied by Yu Xiaogang and Tang San.
The atmosphere inside the hall was quite subtle. Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Shui Bing'er, and Huo Wu, these Soul Master who once represented the most outstanding talents of the younger generation of the Heaven Dou Empire, have now returned as core members of the Spirit Hall Empire.
The powerful Soul Power emanating from them secretly alarmed the high-ranking members of the Heaven Dou Sect present. In just a few years, these girls had grown to such an extent!
Xu Hong's gaze immediately fell on Yu Xiaogang. This National Preceptor of the Heaven Dou Kingdom had a serious face, an upright posture, and eyes that carried the stubbornness and profundity unique to theoretical researchers.
"I have long admired Grandmaster Yu's name." Xu Hong spoke first, his tone calm yet scrutinizing. "I've heard that Grandmaster have profound attainments in the study of Martial Soul Theory, and that you were able to cultivate such an outstanding disciple as Tang San. It is truly admirable."
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly, maintaining the composure of a scholar. " Imperial Preceptor Xu is too kind. Tang San's achievements today are entirely due to his own talent and hard work."
Ning Rongrong listened to these polite exchanges and couldn't help but click her tongue softly. Although the sound was very soft, it was exceptionally clear in the quiet side hall.
Xiao Wu turned her face away, her shoulders shrugging slightly, clearly trying to suppress her laughter.
Xu Hong took in everything, and his belief in Ning Rongrong's earlier assessment grew even stronger. He continued to probe, "I come from overseas and am quite interested in the Martial Soul system of the Douluo Continent. I wonder if you, Grandmaster, could enlighten me with your insights on the combination of Soul Master and Soul Tool?"
This question directly points to a weakness in Yu Xiaogang's theoretical system. Sure enough, Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "The essence of Soul Master lies in their Martial Soul. Over-reliance on external things is ultimately putting the cart before the horse."
"Oh?" Xu Hong raised an eyebrow. "Then what is your opinion, Grandmaster, on the widespread adoption of Soul Tool that the Spirit Hall Empire is currently promoting? In my observation, Soul Tool not only enhance the combat power of Soul Master, but also enable ordinary people to protect themselves."
"Surprise!" Yu Xiaogang's tone turned cold. "The reason why Soul Master are so noble lies in their unique talents. If everyone can gain power through external means, what is the value of Soul Master? What is the order?"
These remarks finally prompted Ning Rongrong to speak up, " Grandmaster Yu, your theory is outdated in the Spirit Hall Empire. What we are promoting now is the concept of ' Soul Master as the guide, Spirit Guidance for the benefit of all beings.' Soul Tool are not meant to replace Soul Master, but to create a fairer world."
Her voice was clear and confident, a stark contrast to the spoiled young lady she had been years ago.
"Fairness?" Yu Xiaogang sneered. "The law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, is the law of nature. Forcibly changing this law will only lead to greater chaos!"
"So the Heaven Dou Empire is destined to forever maintain the divide between nobles and commoners?" Shui Bing'er suddenly interjected. Having studied in the Heaven Dou Empire, she felt this deeply. "Just because of their different backgrounds, countless talented commoner Soul Master will never receive the resources they deserve? Is this what the Grandmaster calls order?"
Huo Wu joined the debate. "We witnessed firsthand in the Spirit Hall Empire that an ordinary blacksmith apprentice, through learning Soul Tool technology, is now able to create spirit tool devices to help farmers irrigate. Isn't that more meaningful than clinging to the so-called ' Soul Master glory'?"
Chapter 431 Shrek's Recent Situation
The ministers of the Heavenly Heaven Dou Empire looked at each other in bewilderment. Although the young girls' words were sharp, they pointed directly to the long-standing problems of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Xu Hong observed the debate, and his mind was now clear. He finally understood why Ning Rongrong and the others did not think highly of Yu Xiaogang —the traditional views that this theoretical Grandmaster adhered to did indeed appear outdated and backward in the face of the reforms promoted by the Spirit Hall Empire.
What concerned Xu Hong even more was that Tang San remained silent throughout the entire debate. This young man, whom he had high hopes for, clearly showed signs of struggle and contemplation in his eyes.
That evening, Xu Hong declined the palace's invitation to a banquet and chose to stay at the embassy. To his surprise, Tang San came to visit him alone late at night.
"Senior Xu," Tang San bowed and went straight to the point, "I've pondered the theory of combining Soul Tool and Martial Soul that you mentioned during the day, and I have a few questions I'd like to ask..."
A look of satisfaction flashed in Xu Hong's eyes. He could tell that although this young man respected his teacher, he was not blindly following him. After seeing a wider world, Tang San was rethinking his path.
And all of this is precisely the "variable" that Xuan Ming wanted to see.
While Xu Hong and Tang San were deeply discussing the principles of Soul Tool, Ning Rongrong and others had already stirred up another storm in Heaven Dou City.
The news of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect School's return spread like wildfire, and countless former affiliated Soul Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect came to pay their respects.
When they saw the real Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda on Ning Rongrong's body and felt her powerful Soul Douluo aura, they were all extremely shocked.
What's even more shocking is the news Ning Rongrong brought: In the Spirit Hall Empire, all Soul Master, regardless of their background, can obtain equal cultivation resources and Soul Tool technology support as long as they pass the assessment.
"Sect Master," a veteran Soul Master asked excitedly, "Is what you said true? In the Spirit Hall Empire, can commoner Soul Master really stand on equal footing with noble Soul Master?"
Ning Rongrong smiled and nodded, "Not only that. In the Spirit Hall Empire, the only standard for judging Soul Master's value is strength and contribution."
These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating a huge wave in the Soul Master World Heaven Dou Soul Masters.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, introduced by Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu, visited some of the former teachers and professors of the Five Elements Academy. Their formidable strength and their description of the new order of the Spirit Hall Empire caused many Soul Master who had initially been hesitant to change their minds.
In just a few days, subtle cracks have appeared in the seemingly stable Soul Master hierarchy of the Heaven Dou Empire. Although these cracks are not yet obvious, they are quietly widening under the intentional or unintentional influence of Ning Rongrong and others.
Deep within the palace, Xue Ye listened to the spy's report, his face growing increasingly pale. He looked at Yu Xiaogang, who stood beside him, and asked weakly, "Grand Preceptor, in your opinion, how should we respond?"
Yu Xiaogang frowned. He could sense that Tang San had been getting very close to Xu Hong these past few days, and even his most prized disciple seemed to be starting to question some of his theories under the influence of that overseas Soul Engineer.
"Your Majesty," Yu Xiaogang said in a deep voice, " the Spirit Hall Empire is conducting a soft infiltration. We must strengthen control and prohibit Soul Master from contacting anyone from the Spirit Hall Empire."
However, even he himself understood that this suggestion seemed so pale and powerless in the face of reality.
When Ning Rongrong and the others stand here alive, demonstrating the new possibilities brought by the Spirit Hall Empire, no prohibition can stop people's yearning.
Shrek Academy, on the western outskirts of Heaven Dou City.
Unlike the undercurrents swirling within the imperial palace, this place appears relatively calm, but beneath that calm lies a complex web of undercurrents.
Thanks to the status of Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, Shrek Academy is no longer what it used to be.
It was incorporated into the official system of the Heaven Dou Empire, given the name " Heaven Dou Royal Shrek Academy," and received financial support from the empire, specifically responsible for recruiting and training commoner Soul Master.
The original Heaven Dou Royal Academy still maintains its old rule of only recruiting noble Soul Master.
The imperial leadership had a very shrewd plan: through this differentiation, they could both recruit talented people from among the commoners for their own use and ensure that the privileges of the aristocracy were not diluted, thus maintaining a superficial balance.
However, this artificial division has actually sown the seeds of enormous hidden dangers.
When a talented Soul Master from a commoner background sees a nobleman, whose talent is far inferior to his own, enjoying better resources and a higher status simply because of his birth, jealousy and resentment will arise.
Similarly, when noble Soul Master see that "lowly" commoners can obtain learning opportunities similar to their own, and even potentially threaten their own status, their resentment and hostility will grow day by day.
The antagonism between the two groups, deliberately differentiated by the empire, will only intensify.
Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Shui Bing'er, and Huo Wu stood outside the familiar yet unfamiliar gates of the Shrek Academy. The academy had expanded considerably, with many new buildings constructed, but Shadow of its former glory could still be faintly seen.
Their trip was to visit Dean Flender and Teacher Liu Erlong.