This reform aims not only to overthrow the imperial power of the two great empires, but also to shatter the entire old privileged system that revered Soul Master.
She realized that this war, on the surface, was a battle between two great empires against the invasion of the Spirit Hall Empire, but in reality, it was a desperate counterattack by the remnants of the old order.
This war was not only a conquest of foreign lands, but also a thorough internal purge.
The Spirit Hall Empire needs an indisputable and overwhelming victory, a brutal force that will chill everyone to the bone, to utterly crush any remaining illusions and to firmly imprint the rules of the new order into the very soul of every individual.
This is a battle to establish authority.
Thinking of this, Qian Renxue stood up, her sacred wings slightly unfurling behind her.
The Angel God needs to demonstrate her majesty and power in this war!
Her figure flashed, transforming into a golden streak of light, and the next moment she appeared deep within the Pope's Palace, beside Xuan Ming.
"The two great empires are about to go to war," Qian Renxue said directly. "This war concerns the final establishment of a new order and the consolidation of faith. I intend to personally command the Angel Legion in this war, in the name of the Angel God, to end this farce."
This is an excellent opportunity to re-establish her authority Angel God and to gain more influence within the Spirit Hall Empire.
However, Xuan Ming didn't even turn around to look at her, but simply uttered three words:
"Unnecessary."
Qian Renxue was taken aback, then frowned and said, "Why? I can..."
"You can't handle this," Xuan Ming interrupted her.
Qian Renxue instantly understood his meaning; her golden pupils suddenly contracted, and a chill rose from the bottom of her heart.
"You... you plan to take action yourself? You want to... slaughter that army of millions?"
Although she longed for victory and understood the cruelty of war, the thought of Xuan Ming's indifference to Life and the methods he might use still made her heart pound.
" Xuan Ming, there's no need to go that far!" Qian Renxue tried to dissuade her. "We can defeat them, capture them, and use victory to intimidate them. We don't need to resort to such extreme measures..."
"It's necessary." Xuan Ming finally turned his head and looked at her calmly.
"Deterrence requires bloodshed."
"Without the fear of death, they will never truly let go of their wishful thinking."
"They'll think that the law doesn't punish everyone. They'll believe that by uniting, they'll have leverage to negotiate."
"I want them to understand that rules are rules. They won't change because of a large number of people, nor will they be compromised because of a united front. Breaking the rules will have consequences. These consequences can be of any measure, including... death."
"Only in this way can the luck in their hearts be eradicated, and the majesty of the new order be built on absolute fear."
Qian Renxue opened her mouth, wanting to say something more, but when she met Xuan Ming's emotionless eyes, all the words stuck in her throat.
She understood that, in Xuan Ming's eyes, this war was no longer a simple matter of conquest and resistance.
This is a purge, a Sacrifice made in the most brutal and direct way to establish ironclad rules for the new era.
And he will be the sole executioner.
The golden divine light around Qian Renxue dimmed slightly. As she watched Xuan Ming turn away again, she felt for the first time so clearly that what separated them was not just love and hate, but an insurmountable chasm in their understanding of the essence of the world.
What he wanted was not submission, but... complete subjugation!
Chapter 447 The Spirit Hall Empire's Successive Defeats
Heaven Dou City, Imperial Palace Square.
Banners fluttered, and armor gleamed! The most elite Royal Knights, Soul Master Legion, and newly formed Soul Tool Unit of the Heaven Dou Empire stood in neat square formations, their chilling aura soaring to the heavens.
Crown Prince Xue Beng, dressed in military attire, stood on the high platform and, on behalf of his ailing father Xue Ye, read out the declaration of war against the Spirit Hall Empire.
"... The Spirit Hall Empire has usurped Heaven Dou territory, acted against all reason, destroyed our millennia-old customs and traditions, and undermined the foundation of our Soul Master! Their so-called new policies are in reality measures to weaken the people, intended to tame the masses and implement a tyrannical despotism! Today, our Heaven Dou Empire, in alliance with the Star Luo Empire, upholds the mandate of Heaven to punish this traitor, vowing to reclaim our lost lands and restore peace and order to the continent!"
The proclamation was vehemently worded, portraying the Spirit Hall Empire as an heinous aggressor and tyrannical regime, while the allied forces of the two empires were a righteous army, and it was only right for them to recover lost territory.
The matter of legitimacy and righteousness was firmly grasped in their hands.
On the square, tens of thousands of soldiers shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the land!
Representatives from countless Soul Master families and ordinary people gathered to watch, their emotions running high and their hatred for the enemy palpable.
A feverish atmosphere of war permeated the entire Heaven Dou City.
Inside the liaison office of the Seven Treasure Pavilion.
Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Shui Bing'er, Huo Wu, and others had already packed their belongings.
With the shadow of war looming, there was no point in them staying; they might even become targets.
Are we really going to let them just leave like this?
Inside the palace, a minister offered advice to the ailing Xue Ye and Yu Xiaogang, who was in charge of the overall situation.
" Ning Rongrong is the sect leader of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the others also have close ties to the core of the Spirit Hall Empire. If we can detain them, it will greatly benefit morale and future negotiations!"
Yu Xiaogang's face was pale, but upon hearing this, he slowly shook his head, glancing at Xu Hong, who was resting with his eyes closed, as if it were none of his business.
"Let's not talk about this again." Yu Xiaogang's voice was filled with weariness and helplessness.
Some military officers were unconvinced, their auras subtly locking onto the direction where Ning Rongrong and the others were located.
However, in the next moment, an immense and heavy Soul Power, like an invisible barrier, instantly enveloped the entire Seven Treasure Pavilion, easily crushing those malicious auras.
Xu Hong slowly opened his eyes, his cloudy gaze sweeping over the minister who had made the suggestion and the military general. His voice was calm yet carried an undeniable power. "I am here, a guest and a witness. If anyone tries to break the rules, don't blame me for not giving the Heaven Dou Empire any face."
His cultivation Level 99 Peerless Douluo was on full display, and the overwhelming pressure made all the Soul Master present feel breathless and filled with awe. The voices suggesting his detention instantly disappeared, and no one dared to question him anymore.
That year, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family did try their best to win over Xu Hong, offering him great benefits in the hope that he could stand on the side of the two great empires and at least check Xuan Ming at crucial moments.
However, Xu Hong's attitude remained clear: he would only exchange technology and not intervene in disputes. He would not help the Spirit Hall Empire, nor would he help the Heaven Dou Empire.
He was fully aware that Tang San was secretly learning from and drawing upon his knowledge of Soul Tool, but he didn't expose it.
This was originally a mutually beneficial transaction. Tang San obtained the technical framework from him, and he also gained a lot of inspiration from Tang San's ingenious Tang Sect Hidden Weapons to improve his own Soul Tool system. It was a fair trade.
Before their departure, Tang San, as a representative of the Heaven Dou Empire, came to see off Ning Rongrong and her group, especially Xu Hong.
" Imperial Preceptor Xu, thank you for your guidance this past year." Tang San bowed deeply, his tone sincere, yet tinged with a complex emotion.
Xu Hong waved his hand, his expression indifferent. "It's just a matter of each getting what they need; there's no question of guidance."
He looked at Tang San, a barely perceptible hint of regret flashing in his cloudy eyes. "Boy, for the sake of this year of exchange, I'll say one more thing. You can't win this war. And... how it will ultimately turn out will probably exceed all of your imagination."
He paused, then lowered his voice. "Take my advice, leave this place of trouble. The victory of the Spirit Hall Empire is inevitable. Some forces cannot be contended with by technology or determination alone."
Tang San was silent for a moment, then raised his head, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. "Thank you for your kindness, Grand Preceptor. But Tang San... has a reason to stay."
Family feuds, national hatred, his teacher's expectations, and his instinctive aversion to the "powerful order" of the Spirit Hall Empire all made it impossible for him to back down.
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Xu Hong knew that further persuasion was useless, so he simply sighed softly and said no more.
Tang San's gaze then turned to Xiao Wu, his expression complex and unreadable.
He had made excuses for Xiao Wu countless times in his heart, telling himself that she stayed by Xuan Ming's side only out of necessity or out of friendship.
But over the past year, Xiao Wu's protection of Xuan Ming, the unconscious gleam in Xiao Wu's eyes when Ning Rongrong and others occasionally mentioned Xuan Ming, and Xiao Wu's frank and firm responses after his several tests, all made him completely understand that Xiao Wu's heart was already tied to Xuan Ming, and there was no room for maneuver.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness in his heart, and walked up to Xiao Wu. All the words he wanted to say were condensed into one sentence, " Xiao Wu... take care."
Xiao Wu looked at her childhood friend, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry. " Xiao San, are you really not leaving? This war... is too dangerous."
Tang San shook his head, his smile tinged with bitterness, yet his resolve remained firm. "I have reasons that compel me to stay. Just like you... you also have people you must return to."
Xiao Wu knew Tang San's stubbornness; just as he would always do what he set his mind to. Her eyes reddened, she nodded forcefully. "You must take care of yourself too... You must stay alive."
Without further words, former partners, due to different choices and stances, will ultimately go down different paths, and may even become enemies.
Xu Hong didn't delay any longer. His powerful Soul Power enveloped Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and the others, transforming into a streak of light that soared into the sky and sped towards the direction of Spirit City, leaving behind the battle-shrouded Heaven Dou City and a storm destined to be devastating.
Tang San stood there, gazing at the direction they had disappeared in for Jiujiu, until Yu Xiaogang's voice sounded behind him, pulling him back to reality from his complicated thoughts.
" Xiao San, get ready." Yu Xiaogang's voice carried a resolute determination, "The war is about to begin."
Tang San clenched his fist, the last trace of hesitation in his eyes vanished, leaving only the unwavering resolve and coldness that belonged to the King Blue Clear Sky.
"Yes, teacher."
One month later, on the borders of the Spirit Hall Empire, on both the northern and southern fronts.
The flames of war have already spread.
The allied forces of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire did not concentrate their main forces for a decisive battle as in conventional warfare, but instead adopted an extremely dispersed offensive strategy.
Dozens of armies, like spreading streams, simultaneously stormed into the territory of the Spirit Hall Empire from multiple directions along the long border.
The forces varied in strength, and their offensives came one after another.
This was clearly a tactic meticulously planned by Yu Xiaogang and others, aimed at using the vast battlefront to dilute the overwhelming top-tier combat power of the Spirit Hall Empire, especially the threat posed by the "Crimson Giant" that could breach a city with a single blow.
By dispersing, they at least avoided being wiped out in one fell swoop. As long as one army breaks through, it can cause enormous damage.
However, faced with the overwhelming force of the two great empires, the Spirit Hall Empire's response appeared unusually sluggish and weak.
The Soul Master Legion stationed on the border suffered repeated defeats and lost cities and territory in less than half a month of fighting.
The speed of the retreat far exceeded expectations, and many key passes collapsed almost instantly, as if the Soul Master of the Spirit Hall Empire had suddenly lost their former strength.
Reports of the defeat flooded into Spirit City like snowflakes.
The atmosphere Pope's Palace was somber.
Bibi Dong looked at the battle reports in her hand, each marked with the fall of a city. Her purple-gold eyes showed no surprise, only a cold understanding and suppressed rage.
In just half a month, many fortresses along the long border of the Spirit Hall Empire fell, and the defensive line was torn open in several places by the allied forces of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empire Empires! The imperial army suffered heavy losses and retreated in disarray!
The scene described in the battle report was shocking: low morale, chaotic command, the Soul Master Legion cowering in the face of battle, and even organized desertions! This stood in stark contrast to the high morale and fearless charge of the allied forces of the two great empires.
"Across the northern and southern fronts, thirteen key passes have been lost, nine within seven days." Bibi Dong's voice was calm, yet carried a chilling undertone. "The speed of the rout is as if the Soul Master of my Spirit Hall Empire have become mere paper figures."
She raised her head, her gaze sweeping over the several Grand Councilors and the Soul Master Legion Commander who stood with their heads bowed in solemn silence in the hall, a cold smile curving her lips.
"Gentlemen, can anyone tell me when my empire's Soul Master Legion became so vulnerable?"
A general stepped forward, his voice trembling with fear. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! The enemy... the enemy's offensive is fierce, and they have divided their forces into multiple routes. Our defensive line is too long, and we cannot defend both ends..."
"An excuse!" Bibi Dong slammed her hand on the armrest, the aura of the Asura Demon Sword faintly emanating from it, causing the temperature in the hall to plummet. "The defensive line is too long? The enemy has divided their forces? Isn't this what we expected?! Why can't our Soul Master Legion even put up the most basic resistance? Where are their Soul Tool? Where is their training?!"
Chapter 448 Divine Skill Eternal Heaven
The hall was deathly silent; no one dared to answer.
Bibi Dong slowly stood up, and an immense sense of oppression instantly enveloped the entire hall.
"It's not that they're easily defeated." She answered herself, her voice as cold as ice, "It's that someone doesn't want to fight."
"It's within our own ranks; some people feel that the new order has threatened their interests and diminished their privileges. They dare not openly rebel, so they want to use the power of the two great empires to force me to compromise!"
Her gaze, sharp as a sword, pierced the commanders of the Soul Master legions. "The frontline collapse wasn't due to a lack of strength, but rather... a slacking off! They're using this method to protest to the Empire and put pressure on me!"
"They are telling me that if I don't grant Soul Master more privileges and benefits, they will no longer support the Spirit Hall Empire!"
Bibi Dong's words, like Startling Thunder, resounded in the silent hall.
The generals, whose heads were bowed, trembled almost imperceptibly.
As expected, things developed into the most troublesome, yet inevitable, situation.
The internal parasites, the beneficiaries of the old order, could no longer restrain themselves. Taking advantage of the foreign invasion, they began to wage a dirty game, using the safety of the entire empire as a bargaining chip.
They believed that as long as the front lines continued to suffer defeats and the empire faced the crisis of destruction, she and Xuan Ming would have no choice but to compromise with them, retract their orders, and restore the transcendent status of Soul Master.
"Heh..." Bibi Dong let out a soft, ambiguous laugh, a laugh filled with mockery and murderous intent.
She slowly walked down the steps and came to the huge continental sand table. She looked at the countless red arrows representing the attacks of the two great empires, and the ever-receding blue defensive line representing the collapse of the Spirit Hall Empire.
"You think you can force me to submit like this?" She stretched out her slender finger and gently touched a marker of a heavily fortified town that had just fallen, and the marker instantly turned to dust.
"Alright."
Her voice regained its absolute calm and authority.