Zhang Lexuan stared at the energy-storing soul tool in Lin Xiao's hand, momentarily stunned. After a pause, she nodded slightly and gently took it.
With a complex expression, she glanced at Lin Xiao, then suddenly turned away. "I'm leaving."
Without waiting for Lin Xiao's response, she darted toward the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. Only after traveling a considerable distance did she look back, but aside from the dense trees, there was nothing else to see.
When she turned forward again, her face had returned to its usual cool composure.
The forest's trees also obscured Lin Xiao's view, leaving only the orange hue of the rising sun before him. Letting out a soft sigh, Lin Xiao lowered his head slightly, the hundred-thousand-year soul bone now in his hand.
His soul power surged within, and seven soul rings—black, black, black, black, black, black, and red—rose one by one, orbiting him rhythmically. Feeling the immense soul power within, he pondered for a moment before heading toward the forest's edge.
This "training" had lasted several months, and he had obtained what he sought, along with unexpected gains. It was time to return, but before that, he needed to absorb this soul bone as soon as possible…
"Holy light shines upon the earth, the Holy Emperor descends to the mortal realm!"
Far away in the Evil Demon Forest, a gathering was held at the Holy Spirit Cult's headquarters. Aside from the ever-elusive Grand Elder, all the other elders were present.
After reciting the cult's doctrine in unison, Zhongli Wu, seated at the head, swept his gaze over the group.
"A few days ago, when I left the imperial palace, the Crown Prince mentioned that within ten years, the Sun Moon Empire will launch a war to annex the other three empires."
Since Xu Tianran acknowledged Ye Xishui as his adoptive mother, Zhongli Wu's way of addressing him had significantly changed.
The elders exchanged glances, their faces showing varying degrees of delight.
"Leader, when war engulfs the continent, it will be a great boon for our Holy Cult."
"And once war breaks out, the materials circulating in the underground market will become scarce."
Zhongli Wu listened to the others' discussions, and after a moment, he interrupted.
"Enough. This is indeed good news for our Holy Cult. However, for the sake of our interests, I've already discussed with the Crown Prince that we will also participate in the war when the time comes."
Zhongli Wu's gaze sharpened slightly. "And the start of a war is never on the battlefield. The Crown Prince has already sent many people to the three empires, and we must dispatch our own to act alongside them."
"Leader, what do we need to do?"
"How many elders are currently stationed at our various branches?" Zhongli Wu didn't answer immediately, instead turning to one side.
Soon, the Second Elder, Nangong Wan, stood and replied, "Leader, as of now, our cult has established branches in all major cities of the Sun Moon Empire. Several elders are stationed in key cities like Mingdu, Risheng City, and Dongyang City. Mingdu also runs underground operations. Including myself, there are four elders overseeing these."
Zhongli Wu pondered briefly. "Now that our Holy Cult is expanding, with numbers far exceeding before, some branches no longer require your personal oversight."
"Here's the plan: aside from key cities, other branches will be left to disciples with cultivation above seven rings. Some branches in Mingdu can also be relinquished. You all have more important tasks to handle."
"Please give your orders, Leader," the elders said, rising simultaneously.
"The Crown Prince's intention is for our people to infiltrate the three empires and map out their terrain and geography to prepare for the army's advance. Additionally, this is an opportunity for our Holy Cult to use the Sun Moon Empire's resources to expand our influence in the three empires."
"Myriad Soul, Masquerade, Nightmare."
"Yes." The three elders named Myriad Soul Douluo, Masquerade Douluo, and Nightmare Douluo straightened, their expressions solemn.
"Your martial souls excel at concealment. Set aside your current tasks and infiltrate the three empires."
The three elders exchanged glances.
Nightmare Douluo needed no explanation—his Nightmare Demon martial soul was naturally elusive. Myriad Soul Douluo's Ten Thousand Soul Banner allowed him to manipulate souls, and Masquerade Douluo's Demon Maggot martial soul was equally difficult to detect. They were indeed ideal for covert operations.
"We obey," they responded.
"Good," Zhongli Wu nodded. "In addition to gathering intelligence on the three empires, if you encounter suitable disciples, send them back to the cult promptly."
"Yes."
"You should also be aware that, unlike the Sun Moon Empire, the three empires have many people from Shrek Academy. Though the Shrek Monitoring Corps is small, many of their disciples serve as Shrek's eyes and ears. Be cautious in your actions."
"Yes."
"Those remaining in the Sun Moon Empire must stay vigilant as well," Zhongli Wu said, lowering his voice slightly. "The Crown Prince is, after all, just the Crown Prince. Some things must not be too overt."
"Leader, I've heard His Majesty's attitude toward our Holy Cult has changed somewhat compared to before. When the war begins, could there be any surprises?"
Zhongli Wu's eyes turned cold. "Hmph, there won't be. The Crown Prince's promises will surely come to pass."
The elder who had spoken seemed to pick up on something in Zhongli Wu's tone, quickly clasping his fists and responding softly, "Yes."
"Alright, go arrange your affairs and prepare to depart," Zhongli Wu said, glancing at Shuiyan Douluo and the others. He let out a soft sigh. "Our Holy Cult is expanding, but there are still vacant holy positions. Keep an eye out for potential candidates and proceed."
After the elders left, Zhongli Wu stood and walked toward the depths of the Holy Spirit Cult's headquarters.
"Second Brother," outside the headquarters, Nightmare Douluo called out to the Second Elder, Nangong Wan.
"What is it?"
"My disciple has been out training for some time and hasn't returned yet. Could you grant me a few days' delay so I can depart after he returns?"
Nangong Wan glanced at Nightmare Douluo. "The Leader's orders should be carried out promptly. I understand your concern, and I'll take over matters concerning him when the time comes."
"Thank you, Second Brother," Nightmare Douluo said, clasping his fists. "By the way, if my disciple breaks through to eight rings, please make sure to inform me."
Nangong Wan narrowed his eyes, giving Nightmare Douluo a deep look but saying nothing, only nodding slightly.
Reassured, Nightmare Douluo headed toward Mingdu.
However, as he entered the branch, he saw Lin Xiao, who had returned from his "training."
"Teacher."
Lin Xiao stood in the underground hall of the branch. Hearing movement behind him, he turned and saw Nightmare Douluo stepping in.
Nightmare Douluo looked at Lin Xiao, and for some reason, though only a few months had passed, Lin Xiao seemed like a different person, exuding an aura he had never seen before.
"No need for formalities."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Lin Xiao straightened, meeting Nightmare Douluo's gaze.
Yet that single glance made Nightmare Douluo instinctively take half a step back.
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