Seeing the Spirit Beasts settle smoothly in the Ninja World, successfully balancing the power structure between the two Worlds and even bringing visible prosperity, Li Rong finally nodded in satisfaction.
"It's time," he said calmly, "to prepare for the next World."
Dugu Yan was caught off guard.
"So fast?" she blurted out.
"When you were still on the Douluo Continent, I remember it took enormous effort just to raise the number of cultivators to meet the minimum quota."
"This time is different," Li Rong replied, shaking his head.
"Back then, we were opening an entirely unknown World."
"Now, we're entering a mature, already-stabilized plane with long-established laws."
Dugu Yan's eyes lit up instantly.
"The World Orochimaru and the others went to?"
"No."
Li Rong denied it without hesitation.
"That World is suitable for individual exploration, study, and short-term travel."
"But opening a branch there would destabilize its core order."
"Our destination this time is the Doupo Continent."
As his words fell, he tapped lightly in midair.
A holographic map unfolded.
Vast landmasses emerged, layered with terrain markings, city clusters, and energy density distributions.
"The Doupo Continent cultivates Dou Qi as its foundation," Li Rong explained steadily.
"Natural treasures there are far more aggressive than in Douluo—Heavenly Flames, ancient medicinal fields, spatial ruins."
"Alchemists occupy an exalted position."
"One pill can change destiny."
"The continent is divided into regions such as the Central Plains and the Northwest."
"Major clans, sects, and empires are interwoven in constant conflict."
He paused deliberately, letting the information sink in.
Ye Leng Leng asked softly,
"Then… if Gu Yuena or Kaguya were to enter the Doupo Continent, what level would they be considered?"
"Dou Zong."
Li Rong answered plainly.
"And among the weaker ones."
Silence followed.
Dugu Yan inhaled sharply.
"So strong, yet still only lower-tier?"
"Then shouldn't we prepare far more cautiously?"
"With pressure comes growth," Li Rong replied.
"Only a stronger World can force true breakthroughs."
Bi Ji folded her arms, thinking.
"Are we sending only a few elites?"
"No."
Li Rong's voice deepened.
"This time, we're taking people."
"And force."
"The Doupo Continent follows the law of the jungle."
"Large clans carve territories."
"Dark organizations like the Soul Hall operate openly."
"Robbery, extermination, and plunder are everyday occurrences."
He gestured to the interface again.
"We'll use a branch-expansion model."
"Start from peripheral zones like the Black-Corner Region."
"Gradually spread the Sacrificial Shop network."
"To do that—"
"We need absolute reliability."
Dugu Yan suddenly understood.
"So that's why you recruited so many Ninjas as staff in the Ninja World."
"You were preparing for this."
"To survive there," Snow Princess said calmly,
"we'll need structured deployment."
Li Rong nodded.
"Each branch requires at least one Titled Douluo or Kage-level guardian."
"Security teams composed of Spirit Saints and Jonin."
"In that World, even street disputes can escalate into Dou King-level battles."
Bi Ji frowned.
"And if they attempt to seize goods by force?"
"That's why we avoid the Central Plains initially," Li Rong replied patiently.
"We give our people time to adapt and grow."
Dugu Yan was still reluctant.
"What about the World Orochimaru went to?"
"When can we visit?"
"When we're stable in Doupo," Li Rong said with a smile.
"They'll need time to develop."
"We'll travel then."
"For now—"
"Notify both Worlds."
"The Sacrificial Shop is opening a new World."
"Those interested may register at the Training Ground."
The response exceeded all expectations.
Gu Yuena signed up without hesitation.
She had deliberately remained in the lower realms instead of ascending precisely for this—
to seek a broader martial peak.
Now that the Spirit Beast clan had a stable habitat, she had no further concerns.
The other fierce beasts followed.
They had already missed the Ninja World opportunity once.
They would not miss this again.
Ning Fengzhi was equally decisive.
He had personally witnessed Ning Rongrong's transformation after returning from the Ninja World.
He understood better than anyone the value of cross-World training.
"Effective immediately," Ning Fengzhi announced firmly,
"the Grand Elder will temporarily assume Sect Master duties."
"All outstanding disciples will accompany me."
"We go to the new World."
On the Ninja World side, excitement surged.
Tsunade immediately formed a provisional advisory council.
Uchiha Yuukon.
Hyuga Hiashi.
The Ino–Shika–Chō elders.
After arrangements were complete, she prepared to depart with Minato.
Shikaku stopped her.
"Hokage-sama."
"If you leave, shouldn't Minato stay?"
"Konoha cannot lack a core."
Tsunade's expression hardened.
"This concerns Minato's upper limit."
"Even if no one else goes—"
"He must."
Shikaku hesitated.
"Then… could you consider staying?"
Tsunade cut him off softly.
"This was Jiraiya's dying wish."
"He wanted me to witness the new World."
"So I will."
Shikaku said nothing more.
Later, Kushina approached quietly.
"Didn't Jiraiya already entrust Nagato?"
"Why you too?"
Tsunade replied calmly,
"He told me to live more wantonly than him."
"That's reason enough."
Kushina narrowed her eyes.
"Three hundred thousand sacrificial coins."
"Or I tell everyone."
Tsunade crossed her arms.
"Go ahead."
"I'll abdicate."
"Let Minato handle paperwork until dawn every day."
"I'd love to see how much time he has for you."
Kushina froze.
"…You're evil."
Tsunade smiled thinly.
"I finally get to travel."
"Don't ruin it."
Kushina instantly fell silent.
After strict screening, Li Rong finalized the expedition force.
Three squads.
60 Spirit Beasts (100,000-year+) led by Gu Yuena
• 100 elite Spirit Masters led by Qian Daoliu, deputy Dugu Bo
• 100 elite Ninja led by Kaguya, deputy Black Zetsu
Li Rong looked over them.
"Ready?"
Gu Yuena answered evenly.
"Always."
Kaguya echoed.
"At your command."
Two hundred and fifty-eight elites responded as one.
Li Rong raised his hand.
A radiant Gate of Light unfolded.
"Then—"
"Let us go to the new World."