Zhu Ziyang felt not even the slightest ripple in his heart over killing Zhongli Wu. To him, it was like swatting away a bothersome insect—not the sect master of the Holy Spirit Sect. Casual. Without a trace of burden.
Indeed, according to the post-battle intel gathered by Shrek Academy, Zhongli Wu was confirmed to be the sect master of the Holy Spirit Sect. And his final threat before death wasn't mere bluff. His mother was very likely none other than Ye Xishui—the same woman who had once had romantic entanglements with Mu En and Long Xiaoyao. This was further corroborated by Long Xiaoyao standing in support of the Sun Moon royal family at the opening ceremony of the Mingdu Tournament.
Zhu Ziyang wasn't concerned about retaliation from the Holy Spirit Sect. In fact, he even hoped they would make a move. With his current strength, even if Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui came together, he wouldn't fear them in the slightest. On the contrary, it would provide the perfect opportunity to follow the trail and root out the Holy Spirit Sect's lair—wipe them out in one fell swoop.
After all, a patient and hidden enemy is always more dangerous than a reckless brute.
Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, Xuanzi, and the Title Douluos from the Body Sect and the Star Luo Worship Hall waited two days at the Mingyue Hotel. Unfortunately, there wasn't the slightest stir from the other side. Clearly, the Holy Spirit Sect had chosen to bide their time.
Indeed, when Zhu Ziyang killed Zhongli Wu, the Holy Spirit Sect's Sixth Worship, Scorpion Tiger Douluo Zhang Peng, had witnessed everything from afar. He was both terrified and grateful—terrified at Zhu Ziyang's power, able to easily kill a Rank 98 powerhouse like Zhongli Wu, and grateful that he had left in time. Otherwise, he might've been wiped out as collateral.
Zhang Peng rushed back to the Holy Spirit Sect's stronghold in Mingdu and gave a few instructions to the second elder in charge, Sky Centipede Douluo Nangong Wan. Then, without stopping, he dashed off toward the sect's headquarters deep within the Evil Demon Forest.
Racing against time, Zhang Peng quickly returned to headquarters and reported the death of the sect master to the upper ranks of the Holy Spirit Sect. The news struck like thunder—absolute chaos broke out. Many roared to avenge Zhongli Wu and called for Shrek Academy's blood!
For a while, the Holy Spirit Sect headquarters within the Evil Demon Forest was ablaze with fury and indignation. It wasn't until Supreme Sect Master Ye Xishui appeared that the evil soul masters quieted down. Yet still, some demanded vengeance. However, what stunned everyone was Ye Xishui's only response:
"Go ahead."
Instantly, the ones who had been howling for revenge fell silent. Everyone understood: their sect master, a Rank 98 powerhouse, had died at the hands of Shrek Academy. How could they, whose strength couldn't even compare, possibly seek revenge? Truthfully, all those shouting for vengeance were hoping Ye Xishui—this Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo—would act on their behalf.
But clearly, she had no intention of doing so. So what was the point of yelling any further? The room fell quiet.
"Are we just going to let the sect master die in vain?" a woman spoke with venom and grief. She was Zhongli Wu's wife, the Holy Spirit Sect's vice sect master—Evil Phoenix Douluo Feng Ling.
"Of course not!" Ye Xishui flatly denied. "This blood debt will be repaid. Just not now. We need to wait for the right time."
"Understood!" Feng Ling nodded, no longer pressing the matter.
"From now on, Feng Ling will act as sect master," Ye Xishui declared before turning and leaving.
Ye Xishui soon found Long Xiaoyao and asked bluntly, "Has that Zhu Ziyang really grown so powerful?"
Long Xiaoyao smiled bitterly and nodded. "Honestly, I didn't expect that kid to grow this fast either. An Ultimate Light Title Douluo… killing Zhongli Wu was barely an effort for him."
Ye Xishui's expression shifted erratically. After a moment's silence, she asked, "If I face him, can I kill him?"
"Xishui, don't take such a risk!" Long Xiaoyao immediately grew stern. "That kid's power defies common logic. Not only is his Ultimate Light martial soul your natural nemesis, but he also commands a death-type attribute—he's immune to many of your techniques. If you go up against him, your chances aren't good. Trust me—don't provoke him lightly!"
"I understand." Ye Xishui sank into thought, then nodded slowly. "I'll listen to you. I'm heading to Mingdu."
"What for?" Long Xiaoyao asked urgently, worried.
"Relax. I'm only going to discuss future cooperation with Xu Tianran. I'm not going to stir up trouble with Zhu Ziyang." Ye Xishui's heart warmed at his concern, but her expression remained cold.
"I'll go with you," Long Xiaoyao said firmly.
"Fine." Ye Xishui didn't object.
——
The night before the Mingdu Soul Master Tournament finals.
Mingyue Hotel. Shrek Academy's quarters. Meeting room.
Zhu Ziyang was detailing the next day's operations. Aside from Ma Xiaotao, the only others present were the eight Title Douluos from the Body Sect and the Star Luo Worship Hall.
"Young brother Ziyang, why don't I see that old guy Xuanzi?" asked the Body Sect's Sect Master, Body Douluo Du Busi, in a friendly tone. As someone who had personally witnessed Zhu Ziyang one-shot Zhongli Wu, Du Busi now treated him with great respect.
"Elder Xuanzi is on another mission I arranged. He won't be participating tomorrow," Zhu Ziyang said with a grin.
"This…" Du Busi was stunned, as were the other seven Title Douluos.
"With Xuanzi absent, aren't we a bit short-handed?" said Starlight Douluo Xu Luo, head of the Star Luo Worship Hall.
"No need to worry, Lord Starlight. I'll be here," Zhu Ziyang replied calmly.
Despite the simple words, everyone felt reassured. After all, with a powerhouse rivaling an Ultimate Douluo among them, what did they have to fear?
"Hehe, us old folks are just too cautious. Brother Ziyang, assign us as you see fit," Du Busi chuckled.
"Alright, then I'll get straight to the point," Zhu Ziyang said with a smile. "According to our plan, right after tomorrow's finals, we'll launch an assassination attempt on Xu Tianran. Originally, we planned to carry this out ourselves—those of us from the original Douluo Continent. But now that we've formed an alliance with the Sun Moon Empire's second prince, the operation will be carried out by his people. That way, the blame won't fall on us, avoiding giving the Sun Moon Empire a reason to declare war on us."
"Following that, we'll assist the second prince's operatives to ensure their success. Once they've killed Xu Tianran, we'll eliminate the second prince as well—creating the illusion of fratricide, plunging the Sun Moon Empire into leaderless chaos."
"As for you seniors from the Body Sect and the Star Luo Worship Hall, your task is to simultaneously eliminate the war-hungry officials in the Sun Moon Empire's military. Here's the list."
Zhu Ziyang handed over a document. It contained the names of Xu Tianran and the Sun Lineage's most loyal followers—primarily high-ranking officers in the military. Once they were taken out, Zhang Lexuan could seize full control over the military swiftly and efficiently.
Du Busi and the others began reviewing the list.
"Some of these targets are Title Douluo-level. Please be cautious during the operation," Zhu Ziyang reminded them.
"No problem!" the elders answered decisively. Their main goal was to buy their nations more time before war. Killing Xu Tianran alone would buy time—but wiping out a slew of military heads? Even better.
"Good. The plan is set. Please make preparations—operations begin at dawn," Zhu Ziyang declared.
The elders clasped their fists and took their leave.
"Ziyang, you're so bad," Ma Xiaotao remarked once the others had gone. "You're using the Body Sect and Star Luo Empire so thoroughly—aren't you afraid they'll find out?"
"What, you don't like it?" Zhu Ziyang grinned, pulling Ma Xiaotao into his arms, palm resting over her heart.
"Of course I like it!" Ma Xiaotao said at once, eyes sparkling. "The worse you are, the more I fall for you!"
"I can be even worse," Zhu Ziyang whispered softly into her ear.
The next second, the two of them vanished from the meeting room.
(End of Chapter)
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