At the banquet table, Ma Hongjun and Ning Rongrong were whispering to each other. The two hadn't met in over a year and had missed each other deeply.
Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan were chatting quietly nearby, while Dai Mubai sat beside Oscar.
Oscar introduced Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er to them. The two might go to Shrek Academy to further their cultivation and, after graduation, would directly enter the Sword Sect.
Xue Qinghe also joined the younger group's table. Watching this group of outstanding young talents so close to Oscar, his eyes were filled with a smile, but his heart was heavy.
He had paid special attention to everyone here. Most of them had the potential to reach the level of Titled Douluo. If they were allowed to grow, the future strength of the Sword Sect would be incomparable to what it was now.
Fortunately, the Spirit Hall's plan for unification had already been set in motion. Within five years at most, they would be able to launch a full assault.
On the surface, the Elephant Armored Sect and the Holy Dragon Sect seemed to be offering sincere congratulations, but in reality, they were already observing the situation in Mori City.
After this, the Sword Sect in Mori City might very well become their next target.
Tang Hao hadn't shown himself yet, since he was better suited to operate from the shadows. When the enemy was in the open and he in the dark, he could deliver devastating blows to the Spirit Hall.
By dusk, the crowd gradually dispersed.
In a hotel in Mori City, Xue Qinghe did not hurry to return. Besides his protectors, Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo, Chrysanthemum Douluo had quietly come to his room.
"Young Master," said Chrysanthemum Douluo, a level ninety-five Super Douluo, bowing respectfully before Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe knew that this man was one of Bibi Dong's most trusted subordinates, but for the sake of the Spirit Hall, he chose not to dwell on it.
"Why did you come in person? There were many Titled Douluo present today. Aren't you afraid of being exposed by coming to my room now?" Xue Qinghe frowned slightly.
Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled. "Don't worry, Young Master. This inn is filled with our own people."
Xue Qinghe glanced at the graceful yet sinister Chrysanthemum Douluo, a flash of distaste in his eyes. "Does she have any instructions?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded, understanding who "she" referred to.
"I heard that you've become good friends with that Oscar. How much do you know about him?"
Xue Qinghe thought for a moment. "Fairly well. But didn't I already send a message about him? Haven't you made any preparations regarding the Xuanming Sect?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo was unbothered by Xue Qinghe's impatient tone. "Preparations are naturally underway. It's just that such a genius would be a pity to lose."
Xue Qinghe was momentarily surprised. "I understand what you mean. But he's unlikely to side with the Spirit Hall. I admire him too, but it's difficult."
Chrysanthemum Douluo didn't press the issue and changed the topic. "Young Master, why haven't we seen the Sword Sect's master today? You've been close to Oscar this whole time, yet haven't met him?"
Xue Qinghe sighed with a trace of regret. "No. But according to Oscar, the Sword Sect master, who hasn't appeared publicly, is currently in seclusion, attempting a breakthrough.
"Although Oscar didn't say it outright, based on my judgment, he's likely breaking through from level ninety-seven to ninety-eight, or making a major advancement in swordsmanship."
"The chance of him becoming a Limit Douluo is small, but not impossible."
"What?!" Chrysanthemum Douluo was shocked. "If that's true, the Sword Sect's strength has completely gone beyond our control. Unless the Worship Hall takes action, otherwise…"
Xue Qinghe raised an eyebrow. "So that's your real reason for coming."
Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled. "The Young Master truly sees through everything."
"If the Sword Sect's master really possesses such power, plus the five Titled Douluo they already have, and that poisonous killing machine Dugu Bo, defeating them head-on would be almost impossible.
"Even if we succeeded in a sneak attack, the cost would be unbearable."
Xue Qinghe said calmly, "Then the best way is to win without fighting. Since recruiting Oscar failed, let's try , instead.
"If we do nothing, when the plan begins, the Sword Sect will still be an obstacle. Better to take a gamble."
Chrysanthemum Douluo could tell that he had no intention of involving the Worship Hall.
"But…" Chrysanthemum Douluo began, wanting to persuade him otherwise.
Xue Qinghe interrupted. "Elder Chrysanthemum, the Worship Hall answers to my grandfather. Telling me is useless, and those old men might not even be willing to leave their sanctuary.
"The Spirit Hall already has nearly ten Titled Douluo and thirty thousand soul masters. Can't we handle one Sword Sect?"
"Besides, haven't you noticed? Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and the others are also threats. I recall that Ghost Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo both specialize in assassination…"
Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed. "If it were that simple, the old ghost would have acted already.
"These people have powerful forces behind them. Attacking them now would only alert their backers that something big is coming.
"They're geniuses, yes, but it will take decades for them to truly mature. By then, the entire world will belong to the Spirit Hall. Launching mass assassinations now would be unwise."
Xue Qinghe smiled faintly. "I was only saying. The Pope will decide what to do.
"I can try to invite the Worship Hall elders to move, but I can't guarantee success."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes brightened. "That's already more than enough. Thank you, Your Highness."
Xue Qinghe waved his hand. "Go rest. I'm tired."
"Yes, Young Master." Chrysanthemum Douluo's goal achieved, he bowed and withdrew.
That evening, Dai Mubai and the others didn't immediately return. Instead, they all gathered in Oscar's courtyard.
It was the first reunion of the original "Shrek Seven Devils" since their separation.
Dai Mubai said excitedly in Oscar's ear, "Boss, over the past year we've completely turned the tide. More and more people on the imperial court support me. Within three years, I'll suppress Davis and become the empire's crown prince."
Oscar smiled warmly. "You've worked hard."
Dai Mubai waved his hand. "Not really. With Hongjun and Zhuqing helping me, everything's been smooth.
"Davis even sent a Soul Sage to assassinate Hongjun, but the three of us killed him together. After that display of strength, no one dares to challenge us."
Oscar looked at Dai Mubai with surprise. When they graduated, they were only around level fifty. After just a year, they might not even have reached Soul Emperor yet.
That meant the three of them killed a Soul Sage above their level. Truly astonishing, though not unexpected.
After all, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had a perfect Martial Soul Fusion skill, Zhu Zhuqing possessed a soul bone, and Ma Hongjun had two.
With such foundations, killing a stronger opponent made sense.
Ma Hongjun grinned. "Boss, I've already broken through to Soul Emperor.
"When we killed that Soul Sage, I was the main attacker. Dai Mubai and Zhuqing's Nether White Tiger only helped me."
Oscar remembered then that Ma Hongjun's soul power had reached level fifty-seven after absorbing the fiery explosive right arm bone.
Over a year later, reaching level sixty was reasonable.
"You already got your soul ring?" Oscar asked.
Ma Hongjun chuckled. "Dai Mubai found someone to help me hunt a fifty-thousand-year-old Sacred Fire Heavenly Phoenix. After absorbing its ring, I jumped to level sixty-two. Now I've reached level sixty-three."
Dai Mubai added proudly, "On the way here, my soul power also broke through to level sixty. Once I get a new ring, I'll be a Soul Emperor too."
Zhu Zhuqing, chatting with Dugu Yan, raised her hand. "I just reached level fifty-three on the way here."
Ning Rongrong grinned. "I'm level fifty-two now. I haven't been slacking off either."
Everyone smiled brightly, proudly sharing their progress. Oscar was pleased to see it.
Ning Rongrong turned to Xiao Wu. "What about you? You've been traveling with Third Brother for a year. Didn't slack off, did you?"
Xiao Wu laughed. "Of course not. I'm level fifty-one now, almost fifty-two. I'll probably break through in a month."
Ma Hongjun looked at Tang San. "Xiao San, Xiao Wu's a Soul King now. You're not worse than her, right?"
Tang San smiled. "I just broke through to level fifty-two. But because of my current situation, you can't sense my soul power."
Oscar explained, "He's training with his father using the Haotian Sect's secret methods. His soul power is sealed, so don't challenge him to fights."
After the explanation, Tang San smiled helplessly, indicating that he wasn't avoiding fights,just restricted.
Ma Hongjun sighed dramatically. "It's boring fighting Dai Mubai all the time. I was hoping to spar with Xiao San!"
Tang San's eyes gleamed. "That's easy. You could spar with our senior brother instead. He can judge your progress."
Ma Hongjun gave Tang San a pitiful look. "You little schemer, trying to trick me, huh? I know my limits,I'm not volunteering to get beaten up."
Everyone burst into laughter. Even after more than a year apart, they were closer than ever, relaxed and carefree among old friends.
Dai Mubai raised an eyebrow. "But seriously, Boss, how strong are you now? Back then, you already had the highest level among us. You must be close to Soul Sage by now, right?"
Oscar never hid his soul power from them, so they all knew how terrifyingly strong he was.
Since each of them had gained about four levels, Oscar must be even higher.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled and looked at Dugu Yan. "I bet sister-in-law's about the same too?"
Oscar exchanged a look with Dugu Yan and smiled. "It's time I gave you all a little pressure."
He slowly walked to the center of the courtyard. A Supreme Sausage appeared in his hand as seven rings rose around him,two yellow, one purple, two black, and two red. The dazzling colors almost blinded everyone.
Fortunately, he didn't release his aura. Though the courtyard was private, Oscar didn't want others to learn his true strength.
The seven glowing rings faded, and he calmly returned to his seat.
Except for Dugu Yan, everyone stared wide-eyed. "A Soul Sage?! And your seventh ring is also a hundred-thousand-year one?!"
Ma Hongjun immediately rushed over. "Boss! How did you do that? You have to teach me!"
He nearly climbed onto Oscar. "Boss! Can you help me get a hundred-thousand-year ring too? My body can handle it!"
Dai Mubai and the others had similar thoughts. Their physical strength far exceeded that of ordinary soul masters. Although their spiritual power was weaker, obtaining a hundred-thousand-year ring was their dream.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and the rest all stared eagerly at Oscar.
A Soul Sage with two hundred-thousand-year rings,astonishing.
They weren't jealous, only envious, and full of hope that Oscar could help them achieve the same.
Although hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were rare and hard to find, they believed Oscar could make it happen.
Oscar pushed Ma Hongjun away. "Alright, alright. Just focus on training. I'll find a way to help you all get one someday."
The group cheered in excitement, and Ma Hongjun even hugged Oscar and kissed him on the cheek.
Oscar reacted instantly, kicking him away. "Hey! Watch out, or your sister-in-law will kill you!"
"I'm a Soul Sage now,do you think she's any weaker?"
Ma Hongjun laughed awkwardly. "Sister-in-law, I was just joking with Boss, no hard feelings, right?"
Dugu Yan covered her mouth and giggled. "Relax, I'm not mad. And I'm only level seventy,I haven't gotten my seventh ring yet."
Everyone fell silent.
Only level seventy? How could she say that so calmly?
The strongest among them, Ma Hongjun, was only level sixty-three.
Only level seventy?
Where did that "only" come from?
Oscar and Dugu Yan's talents were the greatest among them, so their progress wasn't shocking, but seeing it firsthand still left everyone speechless.
Every one of them was already a top genius of the continent, yet Oscar and Dugu Yan stood above them all.
If they were to fight as a group, even united, they probably couldn't defeat either of the two.
Dai Mubai had said earlier that he, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun had killed a Soul Sage, but compared to Oscar or Dugu Yan, they were still far behind.
One specialized in deadly poison, and the other was nearly omnipotent. They couldn't compete at all.
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