"Death Abyss speaks wisely! I completely overlooked this possibility!"
Astonishment spread across Zhongli Wu's face. If powerful factions like Angelic Sanctuary, Shrek Academy, the Body Sect, and the three imperial families were to set aside their differences and unite, the original three-directional arrangement would no longer be foolproof.
If they were going to execute this plan, they needed to construct a true Wall of Sighs, one that would make Douluo Spirit Masters despair at the mere sight and force them to charge blindly into the western route.
"Cult Leader, the Sun Moon Empire lacks top-tier Spirit Masters and relies heavily on our Holy Cult's individual Evil Spirit Master combat power. Xu Tianran hasn't officially ascended the throne yet, so he wouldn't dare offend the Holy Cult. If you personally bring more people, that military command authority..." Ling Bai began fanning the flames.
"Death Abyss truly possesses extraordinary talent! After this campaign, our Holy Cult can seize the perfect opportunity to insert ourselves into the Sun Moon Empire's military affairs."
Zhongli Wu grasped the implications instantly. New horizons seemed to unfold before his eyes as his ambitions swelled wildly, and Death Abyss Douluo's standing in his heart soared ever higher.
"This Cult Leader will take Myriad Soul and Abomination eastward. Extreme Evil and Nightmare will accompany the Supreme Leader south. Dark Lightning and Netherworld will go north with Worship Dragon Emperor.
I'll have Xu Tianran deploy decoy forces in the west. Dark Cloud, you go there and put on a show.
Death Abyss will hold the fort in Mingdu. Scorpion Tiger, Black Demon, Malevolent Ghost, Vengeance, Masquerade, you five remain at headquarters under Death Abyss's command. If the three Douluo nations attempt a desperate breakthrough against our Spirit Guidance positions, provide support at maximum speed!
Second Elder, your Duskwater Alliance will represent the Holy Cult at the Spirit Guidance Tournament. Victory would be ideal, and those two underground forces should withdraw obediently. But if you lose by any chance... slaughter them on the spot!"
Zhongli Wu's tone was razor-edged, the Holy Spirit Cult's characteristic tyrannical style on full display.
"Understood, Cult Leader!"
Everyone accepted their orders in perfect unison.
How exhilarating to command with such sweeping authority! A satisfied smile spread across Zhongli Wu's face while cunning triumph gleamed in Ling Bai's eyes.
He had successfully maneuvered away the three most threatening Titled Douluo. With them gone, Death Abyss Douluo would become the Holy Spirit Cult's absolute authority. When the time came, wouldn't everything proceed according to his will?
Though in all things, gains came with losses. This arrangement greatly strengthened the military positions on three fronts. To play it safe, the only viable escape route was the west, directly through Yin Yang Love Querying Valley.
One could hide temporarily but not forever. Since he had already made extensive preparations for Yin Yang Love Querying Valley, rather than frantically trying to avoid it only to face some unknown future scheme, better to turn their plans against them. Within that supposedly flawless trap, he would deliver a crushing blow to those with ulterior motives and buy precious time for his path to godhood.
Zhongli Wu departed for the Sun Moon Imperial Palace in high spirits to inform Xu Tianran of the revised entrapment plan, while securing additional benefits for the Holy Spirit Cult along the way. Evil Spirit Master desires were endless; mere positions like Imperial Preceptor and Guardian Sect fell far short of satisfying Zhongli Wu's gluttonous appetite.
The moment Death Abyss Douluo's expanding authority became apparent, the Evil Douluo swarmed forward the instant Zhongli Wu left. Flattery poured forth as if words cost nothing, praising Ling Bai as unmatched in heaven and peerless on earth.
Anxiety burned in Nangong Wan's heart. He had been the first to curry favor with Death Abyss. How could others steal his thunder? He immediately used discussing Spirit Guidance Tournament matters as an excuse to drive away the fawning Evil Douluo and monopolize Ling Bai for himself.
"Hehe, Deputy Leader Death Abyss..."
This Second Elder of the Holy Cult had controlled underground forces for decades, epitomizing sophisticated cunning in both conduct and dealings. Without another word, he stuffed a Storage Spirit Guidance Device directly into Ling Bai's hand.
A brief sweep of spiritual power revealed a dazzling array of rare metals and mid-to-high-grade Spirit Guidance Devices inside, many bearing Illustrious Virtue Hall's mark. Everything combined exceeded ten million in value. To curry favor with Death Abyss Douluo, Nangong Wan had truly bled himself dry.
"Brother Nangong, how could I accept this..."
Surface politeness accompanied the deft pocketing of loot. Nangong Wan winked knowingly:
"A small token of respect, hardly worth mentioning. As long as Deputy Leader doesn't find it beneath him."
"With just the two of us here, 'Deputy Leader' sounds far too formal. Let's address each other as brothers like before. If you need anything, just say the word!"
Ling Bai patted Nangong Wan's shoulder. The man clenched his fists in excitement. After spending a fortune, he had finally pleased Death Abyss Douluo. With his protection, his position in the Holy Spirit Cult was secured for life!
"To be honest, Brother Death Abyss, I do have a thorny issue." Nangong Wan assumed a pained expression. "The Cult Leader ordered the Duskwater Alliance to win the Spirit Guidance Tournament and seize smuggling rights from the other two underground forces. If we fail, we're to slaughter them immediately.
It's difficult! Both forces have Titled Douluo presiding over them. The Alto Chamber of Commerce's president An Litong is mediocre enough; I alone would be more than sufficient. But that Linglong Pavilion... to this day, I haven't been able to figure out their true backing."
Ling Bai gave Nangong Wan a meaningful look. Smart people didn't need things spelled out. This shrewd old fox clearly wanted backup. He spoke decisively, "The Duskwater Alliance operates under the Holy Cult. Its affairs are the Holy Cult's affairs. As Deputy Leader, I'm obligated to shoulder this responsibility. When is the Spirit Guidance Tournament final? I'll bring Vengeance Douluo and Masquerade Douluo to back you up.
Those who defy the Holy Cult shall be killed without mercy!"
Nangong Wan's face lit up with unbridled joy. "The Spirit Guidance Tournament final is scheduled for the eve of the Spirit Master Tournament finals. With Brother Death Abyss personally attending, neither the Alto Chamber of Commerce nor Linglong Pavilion will pose any threat!
Brother Death Abyss has returned from training and deserves celebration. The Duskwater Alliance has already prepared a grand banquet!"
The two men threw back their heads in laughter as they departed. The other Evil Douluo watched with green-eyed envy, slapping their thighs in regret that the mediocre Heavenly Centipede Douluo Nangong Wan had managed to board Death Abyss Douluo's mighty vessel!
At the Duskwater Alliance stronghold, cups were raised and toasts exchanged. The two men confided in each other like true brothers amid a scene of warm camaraderie. Throughout the feast, dancers swayed their bodies with sinuous grace, alluring and enchanting. Nangong Wan gestured at them, his tongue loosened by alcohol:
"These are dancers the Duskwater Alliance has carefully trained. Not inferior to the women from the old Common Alliance. Brother Death Abyss, take your pick of whichever catches your eye. Spending a spring night with you would be their lifelong honor!"
"I've never been fond of women."
Ling Bai didn't so much as blink.
"That's because ordinary women aren't worthy of your notice!" Nangong Wan shook his head vigorously. "I've heard Linglong Pavilion's master is a stunning beauty, a hundred times more alluring than Shangguan Wei Er. She'll definitely appear at the Spirit Guidance Tournament final. When the time comes, we'll capture her and make her your concubine!"
Ling Bai's gaze darkened in an instant. He turned slightly, eyes boring into the spot above Nangong Wan's heart. "Brother Nangong, let me speak from the heart.
Linglong Pavilion has always been low-key and mysterious. Who knows what powers stand behind them? What if it's someone like me, an Ultimate attribute Super Douluo, or a figure on the level of the Seraphim? Wouldn't that spell disaster for everything..."
"Brother Death Abyss worries too much."
Nangong Wan waved dismissively with a laugh. "Besides you, where else in the world exists a second Ultimate attribute Super Douluo? The Seraphim is absolutely unique on this continent. You're the Holy Cult's Deputy Leader, and the Seraphim joined the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Where could Linglong Pavilion possibly find such people!
Baseless speculation, purely baseless speculation!"
"Brother Nangong speaks truly. Then we shall look forward to the Spirit Guidance Tournament..."