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“But…”

Weina trailed off.

“But what?” Su Yu asked.

Weina hesitated, “It's said the Sun-Moon Empire is running out of patience.”

“They're about to use their true strength.”

“The Mingdou defense line may not hold.”

Su Yu frowned, “Princess Weina, you said Shrek Academy is also at the Mingdou defense?”

Weina nodded, “Under Pavilion Master Zhang Lexuan, they’re supporting the defense.”

Su Yu’s brow furrowed deeper.

He didn’t mind casualties in general, but if she was hurt…

His gaze darkened, “Thank you, Princess Weina. I assume the Heavenly Soul Empire needs soul tools?”

“Our Holy Slayer Palace can provide some support.”

Weina’s eyes lit up, “Thank you, Young Master Su Yu.”

After a few more words, Weina left.

Su Yu’s face was now completely grave.

The women around Su Yu saw this and fell silent—the atmosphere heavy.

After a long silence, Su Yu finally spoke, “I think... we must go to Mingdou Mountain Range.”

The women were surprised but unsurprised—Zhang Lexuan was there, after all.

Given Su Yu’s nature, he would not be at ease.

Before they could speak, Su Yu continued, “It’s not just about Lexuan—we have to go.”

“With Xu Tianran on the throne, many things have changed.”

“If I’m right, his backers are evil soul masters.”

“You mean... Ye Xishui?”

Snow Empress frowned.

Su Yu nodded, “Ye Xishui escaped last time, but she’s in league with a strange black shadow.”

“She could return at any time.”

“With people like Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao, the Sun-Moon Empire would be unstoppable.”

“And Xu Tianran is ruthless—such an alliance is only natural.”

“Together, they have both power and legitimacy. Controlling the Sun-Moon Empire would be easy.”

Xu Tianran’s status as crown prince made things easier for them.

Even after killing his father, his blood was still royal.

Just that was enough to keep the royal family from resisting to the death.

The Sun-Moon succession was always ruthless—look at He Caitou’s father.

The women fell into thought—Su Yu’s analysis made sense.

Su Yu added, “I’m also worried about the Hall Master’s safety.”

“With the Holy Spirit Church's methods and Xu Tianran’s twisted nature, the Hall Master’s situation is precarious.”

Jing Hongchen had always opposed Xu Tianran—and was close to Su Yu.

Now that Xu Tianran was in power, how could Jing Hongchen fare?

“Grandpa?” Meng Hongchen realized this, her face going pale.

No matter how strong he was, how could Jing Hongchen fight Ye Xishui and the entire Sun-Moon Empire?

Seeing Meng Hongchen on the verge of tears, Su Yu quickly comforted her, “Meng, don’t worry.”

“I believe the Hall Master is still safe for now.”

“He’s different from others—deeply rooted in the Sun-Moon Empire, highly influential.”

“He’s revered among soul engineers, has many friends—his fate affects many.”

“Xu Tianran is ruthless, but not stupid.”

“Without absolute certainty, he won’t harm the Hall Master.”

“And there are ties between the Hall Master and Ice God Palace.”

“If Xu Tianran isn’t foolish, he won’t provoke me by killing the Hall Master—it would do him no good.”

Xu Tianran was ambitious and clever. Sometimes, clever people can suppress their emotions.

Even if he wanted to tear Su Yu apart, he’d wait until he had the strength.

You could look down on Xu Tianran for anything, but his patience was top-notch.

As long as Ice God Palace stayed neutral, he wouldn’t risk provoking them.

But if they intervened, Xu Tianran would act without restraint.

With Su Yu’s reassurance, Meng Hongchen calmed down a little, but still worried.

“Yu, can you save Grandpa?”

Meng Hongchen, on the verge of tears, made her first request since becoming close to Su Yu.

She never asked for much, but Jing Hongchen’s life was something she couldn’t ignore.

Su Yu gently took her hand, patting it with a smile, “Don’t worry!”

Seeing his smile, Meng Hongchen’s anxiety faded.

After comforting her, Su Yu addressed the group, “This time, the mission is tough—you all should stay and rest at Holy Slayer Palace.”

The women were strong, but might not be much help in a big war.

Only the Snow Empress could truly stand by Su Yu’s side.

“No way.”

Di Mingli immediately refused, her voice firm.

“You’re not leaving me behind.”

“Exactly!” Wang Dong’er chimed in, “Where you go, we go.”

Su Yu snapped, “This is war, not a vacation!”

“It’s inconvenient to bring you.”

“What’s inconvenient? Afraid we’ll hold you back? But have you thought—we’re not just pretty faces. We can't always hide under your wings.”

“We need to train and grow, or we’ll never be independent.”

Wang Dong’er’s words were resolute.

Su Yu was stunned.

He stared at Wang Dong’er in shock—was this really her?

She could say such reasonable things?

Was this the silly butterfly he remembered?

“That’s right, Yu, Dong’er’s right. We’re not afraid.”

Jiang Nannan agreed, “We’ve worked so hard to improve—to share your burdens.”

“You can’t take away our chance to grow.”

Su Yu glanced at Snow Empress, who gave him a sidelong look, “What, you think I’ll slow you down?”

Su Yu slapped his forehead.

Was everyone ganging up on him?

With a sigh, he gave in, “Fine, you can all come, okay?”

“Hmph, that’s more like it.”

The women smiled in relief.

…

Mingdou Mountain Range!

The mountain range dividing the two empires, now shrouded in tension.

Both Sun-Moon and Star Luo Empires had amassed heavy troops on the border.

Black masses of soldiers stretched as far as the eye could see—armor gleaming, camps tightly packed, the armies like endless waves.

In the central tent of Star Luo’s army, the top members of Star Luo and Shrek Academy were present.

At the main seat sat a middle-aged man, about forty—Star Luo’s new supreme commander.

With Dai Hao incapacitated, Xu Jiawei had prepared ahead.

This man was Xu Jiawei’s trusted subordinate.

His military talent wasn’t as outstanding as Dai Hao’s, but he was experienced and capable.

At his side, Princess Xu Jiujiu wore military attire, her expression tense.

As Star Luo’s most capable princess and Xu Jiawei’s right hand, she served as supervisor, overseeing the army.

She wasn’t a military genius, but not a novice either.

Behind her stood Star Luo’s worshippers—Star Cloud Douluo, Heaven Skill Douluo, Guardian Douluo, and others.

On the other side of the tent, Zhang Lexuan of Shrek Academy sat quietly, a moon-shaped mark on her brow, her demeanor cool.

Beside her were Yan Shaozhe in white, Xian Lin’er in green, and other Shrek titled Douluo.

Despite so many strong powers gathered, the atmosphere was still heavy.

Clang!

A clear, high-pitched bell rang—everyone’s faces changed.

Next, a long howl echoed, carrying rolling soundwaves.

Then came the thunderous roar of battle, shaking the sky.

“Report—!”

A soldier rushed in and knelt, “Commander, the Sun-Moon Empire is attacking again!”

The middle-aged man’s face darkened.

“These bastards just won't quit!”

He gritted his teeth in anger.

For six months, the Sun-Moon Empire had launched dozens of attacks on the Mingdou Mountains.

Though each was repelled, the cost was heavy.

The Sun-Moon Empire pressed hard—Star Luo had gained no advantage.

“Commander Sun, let’s fight them to the end!”

A Star Luo general cursed.

After so many battles, Star Luo’s troops hated the Sun-Moon Empire bitterly.

Their combat power was higher, and losses had been heavy.

“Don’t be rash. Save our strength.”

“Princess, your opinion?”

The commander looked at Xu Jiujiu.

She nodded, “Commander Sun is right. But first, we must repel this attack.”

“Pavilion Master Zhang, Dean Yan, we need your support.”

Zhang Lexuan replied, “We’re all from the Douluo Continent. It’s our duty.”

Xu Jiujiu smiled, about to speak when a thunderous roar came from the sky.

A murderous and bloody aura suddenly pressed down.

A sinister, evil soundwave, like maggots on bones, pervaded everywhere.

“Jie jie jie jie!”

The sharp voice exploded, and soldiers outside screamed in pain.

Xu Jiujiu’s face tightened, and the commander slammed the table and stood.

“Order the entire army to attack! Meet the Sun-Moon head-on!”

“Yes!”

The generals complied.

“Let’s go!”

They left the tent, only to hear the sinister voice echoing overhead. The soundwaves drove soldiers to writhe in agony.

“Impudent!”

Xian Lin’er shouted, her soul power surging.

She shot into the sky, transforming into a green stream, attacking fiercely.

“Jie jie jie!”

The evil soul master was unafraid, meeting her in battle.

Others quickly joined—the strongest from both sides clashing.

Buzz!

Suddenly, a dark red glow swept across the sky like a tide.

Next, a savage, evil aura descended.

All the strong in the air, including Xian Lin’er, grunted as the pressure hit.

Instantly, the evil soul masters retreated, bowing: “Welcome, Grand Elder!”

Yan Shaozhe was shocked.

Grand Elder?

Ye Xishui had arrived?

His heart sank—this aura was definitely Ultimate Douluo level.

If Ye Xishui was here, who could stop her?

On this battlefield, an Ultimate Douluo was almost unstoppable.

If she attacked freely, the losses would be catastrophic.

Trouble!

Yan Shaozhe’s heart plummeted.

Boom—!

The dark red tide blotted out the sun, blood-black clouds radiating evil.

In everyone’s gaze, a blood-black pillar of light appeared in the sky.

As it faded, a figure stepped out, exuding world-shaking pressure.

But when Yan Shaozhe saw the figure, he was stunned.

His eyes widened, and he cried out in shock, “Impossible! Xuan... Elder Xuan?!”

The figure had messy hair, a wine gourd at his waist, only one arm—the other empty.

A blood-black beast mark was on his brow, his eyes crimson with murderous intent.

It was none other than the former Taotie Douluo—Xuan Zi!

“Elder Xuan!!!”

Xian Lin’er gasped.

Everyone from Shrek Academy was dumbfounded.

What was going on?

Why was Elder Xuan on the enemy side?

And now the Grand Elder of the evil soul masters?

This sudden turn left everyone doubting reality.

“No... it’s not right. Elder Xuan... he’s fallen to an evil soul master.”

Yan Shaozhe finally realized, speaking with difficulty.