Grand Martial Academy, Office Area.
The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, in stark contrast to the peaceful and calm facade of the academy. As the two elders and Ye Cien entered the council room one after another, the people inside—some seated, others standing—immediately rose and bowed lightly.
The Second Elder's gaze swept across everyone present like a flash of lightning. He nodded, asking in a steady, calm voice, "How is the situation?"
Standing at the head of the left, Shui Qingmei reported composedly, "The Eighth Elder has reported to the Dean. She personally destroyed the martial souls of Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang, then departed for Heaven Dou City to capture all senior members of Shrek Academy who remained, abolishing their cultivation."
"Just recently, Vice Dean Qing Yun personally led this group and they're currently rushing at full speed toward Thunder Dragon Valley."
Mu Xi added immediately, "Elder Dugu himself has spread layer upon layer of the 'Jade Phosphorous Exotic Flower Mists' within ten miles around Thunder Dragon Valley, making entry utterly impossible."
"Unless one possesses extreme poison resistance or special means, no one under the Title Douluo rank can cross the valley. Currently, aside from Yu Yuanzhen—the only one who might possibly escape—all other members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect are completely trapped inside."
She paused before continuing, "Furthermore, Elder Yang Wudi, City Lord Yang Wushuang, and Director Niu Gao are cooperating to monitor Yu Yuanzhen's aura closely outside the valley. No one can break out."
"At this moment, inside Thunder Dragon Valley, not even a bird or squirrel can hope to escape alive."
A hulking, bald man exuding an aura as fierce as a prehistoric beast spoke from the back row, "Reporting, Elder Hong Yue is leading a team as planned, eradicating all branches, strongholds, and affiliated forces of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect across the continent."
"All verified direct descendants of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan who were outside have been captured and escorted to Thunder Dragon Valley."
"We met resistance—thirty-seven people were killed on the spot, and no one managed to flee."
After hearing all the reports, the Second Elder could no longer keep composure; his eyes flashed coldly as he spat out harsh words:
"Good! Very good! Well done!"
He spun around, staring at the giant map of the Douluo Continent on the wall, his gaze settling on Thunder Dragon Valley. In a voice as cold as a millennium-old block of ice, he issued his final, most ruthless order.
"Transmit my orders! As a supreme arrest warrant from our order, send out a nationwide notification to all forces and intelligence networks affiliated with us!"
"Investigate and arrest! Anyone who, within the past five generations, has any blood or marital ties—direct or collateral—with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan, regardless of current residence or status, must be located and apprehended! Let not even one escape!"
"Gather all these people and escort them to the borders of Thunder Dragon Valley!"
His voice suddenly rose, brimming with limitless hatred.
"I will… let the blood of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan soak the mountains and rivers for hundreds of miles around us!"
"I will… ensure that the martial soul of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon never again exists in this world!"
Those two final lines echoed through the silent hall like a curse or a vow, chilling everyone to the bone.
They knew then: the Second Elder was truly enraged. He was determined to eradicate this bloodline, to wipe them out utterly. Even Ye Cien, standing by, wore a grave look, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
"Involving all five generations… all to be exterminated…" he murmured inwardly.
This order would almost completely erase all traces of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan from the world. The scope of involvement and the number of those to be killed were terrifying. His lips moved, as if to say something, but in the end, he could only sigh faintly and choose silence. He understood the current resolve of the two elders and all the Body Sect's leadership. Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong's actions had struck at the very root of their sect. This was no longer just a personal grudge—it was the gravest provocation to the sect's dignity.
Goodwill alone could never resolve this. The Body Sect had to employ the most ruthless countermeasures to erase this humiliation, and to warn all other parties who might covet their secret arts or harm their disciples in the future. Only by slaughtering until the world trembled in fear could they wipe out future troubles, and make it known that provoking the Body Sect meant extinction for one's entire lineage.
The Second Elder's actions served to show the world: they were not some Spirit Hall, who bore the heavy responsibility of "maintaining the peace of the continent", nor were they Angelic bloodlines, forever upholding "light and order." Their sect followed a far simpler code: protecting and recognizing only their own kin.
Whoever opposed their sect would be punished, however far they fled; slaughtered, however strong; eradicated, however numerous.
"Yes! Understood!"
Mu Xi answered solemnly, her beautiful face untroubled by doubt. No matter how the likes of Chu Shanhe and other senior experts had suppressed matters temporarily by assassinating the mastermind behind Elder Zhu Hai's case, the deep-seated hatred had never fully dissipated. The sect's silence was simply because the time was not yet ripe, not because they had forgotten or forgiven.
The Body Sect's initial plan to re-emerge on the stage had always been to make a declaration of the strongest arrival to the Soul Master world: by overwhelmingly destroying the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect.
Back then, the Spirit Master realm was relatively stable, and Spirit Hall watched the situation eagerly. If one of the top three sects suddenly perished, panic might erupt, spurring other forces to band together and resist, endangering their own sect's survival.
Therefore, they chose to assassinate Title Douluos as a deterrent, but postponed full vengeance.
The old grudge never faded. With new enmity rekindled by Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong, the flames of revenge suppressed within the Body Sect were now fully ignited.
The time was ripe.
"Second Elder," Mu Xi said, her eyes burning with fighting spirit. "We're ready. Shall we attack Thunder Dragon Valley directly and finish them?"
"No. For now, we maintain the encirclement, but do not launch the assault."
The crowd showed momentary confusion, but the Second Elder spoke quietly, "Just now, the Grand Elder brought word—Chen Yi is about to emerge from seclusion."
"Furthermore, according to the Grand Elder, during his time in seclusion, the young sect master's strength has advanced by leaps and bounds!"
There was a stir of surprise among the crowd. They knew Chen Yi had broken through level 70 during his retreat, but to become a Soul Sage, one must hunt a soul beast for the seventh spirit ring. Yet they hadn't heard a single report of the young sect master hunting any soul beast recently. How could he have achieved this breakthrough, and what did the "qualitative leap" mean?
It was a mystery, but since it was the Grand Elder who said it, they did not question further, having absolute faith in his judgment and plans.
"Xiao Yi… coming out of seclusion?" Mu Xi was first surprised, then her eyes sparkled with irrepressible joy. Nothing made her happier than knowing her son had emerged safely from seclusion, stronger than ever. She instantly understood the deeper meaning behind the Grand Elder's order.
Until now, no matter how immense Chen Yi's talent or merits, in the eyes of the sect's upper echelon, he was always the "junior" – the future young master to be protected and nurtured.
But now, things had changed.
This time, the Grand Elder had entrusted him with command over the extermination of one of the three great sects—the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan—personally ordering him to deliver this earth-shattering blood cleansing.
This was the unmistakable signal: the official transfer of the Body Sect's future power to the next generation!
Chen Yi's coronation was to be enacted by a shattering triumph over a prestigious top sect, capturing its banner for his own. By eradicating the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan, he would establish an undisputed reputation. This was more than vengeance—it was a sweeping ritual of succession and a declaration of new strategy for the sect's future.
Understanding this, the core instructors present looked more solemn, their gazes more focused.
Suppressing her excitement and pride, Mu Xi exchanged glances with the others. Together, they responded in unison—clear, firm, and powerful:
"Dismiss!"
…