With the rise of Gai Yue and Dugu Bo, Oscar's influence had already begun to grow at a terrifying pace, expanding with incredible speed.
The Sword Sect emerged. After three years of silence, this hidden sect, whose strength rivaled that of the three great sects, finally chose its base in the Heaven Dou Empire, right near the imperial capital, Heaven Dou City.
The news spread and caused a great uproar, waves surging across the continent. The royal family even sent grand gifts.
After all, when a powerful force takes root somewhere, it implies tacit support for that side.
In the past, the three great sects were the Clear Sky Sect, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Apart from the Clear Sky Sect, the other two had both been rooted in the Heaven Dou Empire.
Now that the Clear Sky Sect had withdrawn from the world, a sect strong enough to replace it, the Frost Sword Sect, had appeared, and they too had chosen to establish themselves in the Heaven Dou Empire.
This was undoubtedly bad news for the Star Luo Empire, Heaven Dou's rival.
In terms of soul master power, Heaven Dou now had the support of three top-tier sects. Meanwhile, the Clear Sky Sect, which had once rooted itself in the Star Luo Empire, had vanished into seclusion.
In other words, if the Star Luo Empire sent troops against the Heaven Dou Empire, they would also have to consider the stance of these three powerful sects. Although these sects were independent, since they had taken root in Heaven Dou territory, they were Heaven Dou people in terms of clan identity.
This was extremely disadvantageous for the Star Luo Empire, but what could they do? They could hardly interfere with the Sword Sect's decision.
As for why Oscar made this decision, it was not because of the small town of Mori that Ning Fengzhi had gifted them. If the Sword Sect could be swayed by something so trivial, that would be far too cheap.
The Sword Sect's choice of location would inevitably draw attention no matter where they settled. Oscar's decision was based on broader considerations.
Bibi Dong intended to destroy both empires and unify the continent. Now Qian Renxue was also undermining the Heaven Dou Empire from within. If the Sword Sect had openly rooted itself in the Star Luo Empire, then once Heaven Dou weakened further, it would likely become Bibi Dong's first target.
If two great beasts are fighting and one is already gravely wounded, even a fool knows which one to deal with first.
The emergence of the Sword Sect undeniably changed the balance of power on the continent. This was a top-tier force on par with the three great sects.
Moreover, the sect had always maintained good relations with others, never making enemies. For them to openly establish themselves in Heaven Dou territory truly made people sigh with amazement.
Still, this was within expectations of most powers. Compared with the overbearing royal family of Star Luo, the Heaven Dou Empire was indeed a better place for a sect to develop.
At the same time as the Frost Sword Sect's address was finalized, another earthshaking piece of news shocked the continent.
Three days ago, people discovered that the Wind Sword Sect, one of the lower four sects, had been wiped out overnight. More than eight hundred people of the entire sect had been slaughtered without a single survivor, vanishing without a sound.
Logically speaking, although the Wind Sword Sect was weaker than the top three sects and had no Title Douluo to oversee them, its sect master was an eighty-eighth level Contra, and the sect had over a hundred soul masters. How could they possibly have been eradicated overnight without leaving a trace?
When Oscar heard the news, he immediately knew the truth.
It must have been his teacher. Other than Gai Yue, no one had the ability to annihilate the Wind Sword Sect in a single night.
His clone and true body were connected. While training by Xingyue Lake, Oscar turned his gaze toward his teacher. Noticing it, Gai Yue raised an eyebrow.
"You figured it out?"
Oscar nodded. "I just heard the news. Three days ago, the Wind Sword Sect was wiped out. No traces left behind, and the entire sect stripped bare. If not for the ruins, no one would even know they had been one of the lower four sects."
Hearing this, Gai Yue lifted his eyes to the sky, as if seeing the smiling faces of his family.
After a long silence, he said slowly, "Decades of hiding, sharpening one sword, only to finally avenge my father and the loved ones of my sect. I have no regrets."
Even Oscar did not know when his teacher had acted. Half a month ago, Gai Yue had quietly left the Star Dou Forest, using one of Oscar's clone sausages to create a substitute, so Oscar would not intervene.
Now Oscar had five soul rings, while Gai Yue had nine. A clone made from the sausage possessed sixty percent of the body's strength.
But even sixty percent of Gai Yue's power was enough to wipe out the Wind Sword Sect. He was simply too strong.
He had four soul bones, one of them at the hundred-thousand-year level. His ninth soul ring was also hundred-thousand-year. With his ninety-third rank soul power and the use of his soul core, even at sixty percent strength he could destroy the sect completely.
This was Gai Yue's heart knot. Now that vengeance was achieved, his state of mind seemed elevated. His soul power broke through from rank ninety-three to ninety-four, and even his swordsmanship advanced.
"Teacher, congratulations on avenging your family. At last your burden is lifted," Oscar said.
Gai Yue smiled faintly. "I have waited too long for this day. I thought I would feel lost afterward, but thanks to you, I now have even greater goals."
Oscar also smiled. "Isn't it natural for a teacher to care for his student?"
Gai Yue shot him a glance, but in his heart he was sincerely grateful.
Without Oscar, who knew how long he would have had to wait for revenge. Now that his grudge was settled, he could devote himself to paving the way for his disciple.
Oscar's ambition was enormous. To unify the continent would be no easy feat.
Gai Yue could imagine how difficult Oscar's path would be, and as his teacher, he would be Oscar's firmest support.
"By the way, I took everything from the Wind Sword Sect. The clone will arrive in Mori Town tomorrow. You can take charge then," Gai Yue said. "The sect's foundation is quite good. Since your sect in Mori Town is just starting, this will support it. But one soul bone I will not give you. It happens to be the right leg bone I was missing."
Oscar nodded. "The inherited soul bone suits you perfectly. With this, you only lack the left leg bone to complete your full set. On this continent, I doubt anyone else could match such a configuration."
Gai Yue smiled faintly. "It is still not enough. I may be rank ninety-four, but there are stronger beings on this continent. I must grow stronger quickly to support you in the future."
Oscar felt warmth in his heart. "Teacher, the path of cultivation must not be rushed. Do not be too hasty. The foundation is most important."
"Do not worry. I am not one for shortcuts." Gai Yue chuckled. "My second soul core will be based on the sword path. Once I condense it, it will also help you in the future. You must learn carefully and observe well."
Oscar nodded. "It seems my fourth soul skill is really useful. Even in the Star Dou Forest, you can use my clone to learn from Grandpa."
Gai Yue patted his head. "Haha, having you is this teacher's greatest fortune."
...
Heaven Dou City, in the Eastern Palace of the imperial palace. A tall, handsome man, about 1.8 meters, sat behind a long desk, reviewing memorials.
This was the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe.
In front of him stood two shadowy figures respectfully. The burly one spoke. "Young master, I went to the scene of the Wind Sword Sect myself. The one who struck must have been a Title Douluo, and stronger than Snake Spear and me."
"Almost no traces were left. The killer cleaned up thoroughly, clearly to prevent others from tracking them."
Without raising his head, Xue Qinghe continued writing and said calmly, "This was a ruthless strike. It must have been vengeance."
"Most Title Douluo are recorded by Spirit Hall. This one does not match anyone known. An unknown Title Douluo. Where do you think they came from?"
The tall, thin figure known as Snake Spear replied, "I suspect the Sword Sect."
"Oh? Why?" Xue Qinghe looked up.
"Just a guess," Snake Spear said. "All known experts are accounted for, and it clearly was not one of them. The only other place with such power would be the Sword Sect."
The burly figure objected. "But the Sword Sect only just emerged, and they had dealings with the Wind Sword Sect. If they bore a grudge, it does not add up."
Snake Spear nodded thoughtfully, but Xue Qinghe smiled faintly. "Uncle Yu's guess has some merit. Still, revenge cannot be ruled out."
"In any case, this shows that there are still ruthless enemies hidden on this continent. If we want to complete our great unification in the future, we must be even more cautious."
He waved a hand. "You two should rest now."
They bowed and withdrew, leaving Xue Qinghe alone.
"The Sword Sect… truly a thorn," he sighed. "But according to the Pope's information, they seem inclined to befriend Spirit Hall. Ao Yue and Hu Liena have been close recently. Could that be the breakthrough?"
...
The continent was already shifting in turmoil. Flender and Zhao Wuji were not idle either. Less than a year remained before the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, but Shrek Academy still lacked official qualification.
They had three months to resolve this, or their little monsters would lose their chance to shine.
Flender already had an idea. Oscar had told him that an old friend, their Golden Iron Triangle partner Liu Erlong, had established an academy in Heaven Dou City.
So Flender and Zhao Wuji went straight to Heaven Dou City's Blue Tyrant Academy.
When Liu Erlong learned her visitor was her old friend Flender, she was overjoyed. After all, they had once shared life-and-death trials.
After years apart, she welcomed him warmly. But knowing Flender's nature, she also directly asked his purpose.
Flender felt awkward. As her sworn elder brother, now coming to ask for help over academy matters, it stung his pride.
But for the future of the children, he cast pride aside.
When Liu Erlong learned of his situation, instead of mocking him, she grew indignant. "That Soto City, really. Flender, why didn't you come to me sooner? Running this academy alone has long grown dull. I spend my days tending flowers and plants.
"Since you have asked, from now on, treat Blue Tyrant Academy as your home. Move your students here. This academy will be yours. How about it?"
Flender's jaw dropped. "Erlong… this is your life's work. You…"
Before he finished, Liu Erlong cut him off. "This academy is my work, but leaving it in your hands puts me at ease.
"And you know my story. After Father took me away, I only wanted to find something to do. I never thought it would grow into Blue Tyrant Academy.
"But don't worry. This academy has nothing to do with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Though I once used Father's connections, it is independent. You need not fear interference."
Hearing this, Flender was at a loss. He had thought he would have to beg shamelessly, but she had offered everything without him even asking.
Somewhere deep in his heart, old feelings stirred again.
He had always liked this straightforward woman. But because of Yu Xiaogang, he had stepped aside.
He had even blessed their relationship, never expecting they would turn out to be cousins.
"Erlong, you are still the same as back then. Perhaps the best decision of my life was meeting you," Flender said, his emotions surfacing.
As a bystander, Zhao Wuji immediately understood. So that was Flender's hidden past. Though they called each other brother and sister, his feelings for Liu Erlong were clearly different.
Liu Erlong waved off the sentiment. "Enough with the mushy talk, Flender. I am just glad you are here. Living alone grows lonely. I welcome the liveliness."
The long-separated "siblings" opened up, sharing their years of hardship, her struggles founding the academy, and her eventual joy.
But as they talked, Liu Erlong suddenly asked, "And him? Have you stayed in touch?"
Flender's smile froze. He knew exactly who she meant. But he did not know how to answer.
Hearing that question, a sudden irritation welled in his heart. Still cannot forget?
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