Chi Yang Dragon's pupils narrowed slightly, his tone grave. "The Netherworld White Tiger has appeared. The combat strength of the Star Luo Empire has risen by more than a single tier."
"Zhu Zhuyun is now at Level 50. Relying on the domineering power of the Netherworld White Tiger, she can contend with a Level 60 Soul Emperor."
"Given time, if she breaks through to the realm of a Titled Douluo, even other Titled Douluo would have to regard her with caution."
A trace of vigilance flashed through Xuan Shuang's icy blue eyes. "The Star Luo Empire has always worshipped strength. Their ambitions for expansion are plain for all to see."
"Now that they have Zhu Zhuyun as a trump card, they will surely accelerate their expansion. The Heaven Dou Empire will be the first to bear the brunt, and it may even spill into the sphere of influence of our Heavenly Path Academy."
Li Tianyi stood at the edge of the rooftop, his twin pupils shifting faintly, his voice calm.
"The appearance of this ranking has already shattered the continent's original balance. The rise of the Star Luo Empire is an inevitable result. However, we need not worry excessively."
He paused, then continued. "Although Zhu Zhuyun's strength has surged, her position within the Star Luo Empire is far from stable."
"Imperial suspicion, exclusion by the royal clan, and the crown prince's wariness, these are all her weaknesses."
"Moreover, while the Netherworld White Tiger martial soul is powerful, it has only recently evolved. She needs time to familiarize herself with it and gain full control. We need only observe quietly while accelerating the growth of our own strength to deal with any variables."
Zhu Zhuqing stood to the side, her brows tightly knit, her gaze sharp. "The Netherworld White Tiger is a fusion of the Agility Attack and Strength Attack systems. It possesses both speed and power, and it also carries the corrosive effects of the netherworld attribute."
Shui Bing'er nodded. "Zhuqing, you do not need to worry too much. Your talent surpasses Zhu Zhuyun's by far more than tenfold, and the resources of our Heavenly Path Academy are vastly richer than those of the Star Luo Empire."
"As long as you focus on cultivation and break through to the realm of a Titled Douluo as soon as possible, with the academy's secret techniques to support you, what is the Star Luo Empire to fear?"
A look of determination flashed through Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. "I understand. I will raise my strength as quickly as possible and will not allow her to become a threat to our Heavenly Path Academy."
...
Inside the discussion hall of the Clear Sky Sect, the atmosphere was just as heavy.
Tang Xiao sat surrounded by several elders, their faces filled with concern.
"The appearance of the Netherworld White Tiger has greatly increased the strength of the Star Luo Empire. For our Clear Sky Sect, this is no good news."
The First Elder stroked his grizzled beard, his tone solemn. "The Star Luo Empire has long had friction with our Clear Sky Sect. Now that they have Zhu Zhuyun as a trump card, if they join forces with Spirit Hall City to deal with us, the consequences would be unimaginable."
The Second Elder echoed him. "Indeed, Sect Master. Zhu Zhuyun's Netherworld White Tiger martial soul is far too domineering. At Level 50 she can already confront a Soul Emperor. Once she grows up, she may be even more troublesome than the Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall City."
"We must summon Tang Hao back as soon as possible. Only with his return will we have enough confidence to face the threat of the Star Luo Empire."
Tang Xiao's brows were tightly furrowed as he spoke in a deep voice. "I have already sent people everywhere to search for Hao, but so far there has been no news."
"However, we cannot rely solely on Hao. Pass down my order. Strengthen the sect's defenses and accelerate the cultivation progress of our disciples, especially the talented members of the younger generation. They are to be given greater allocations of resources."
"In addition, send people to the Heaven Dou Empire to discuss an alliance. With the rise of the Star Luo Empire, the Heaven Dou Empire will surely feel threatened. Forming an alliance at this time will benefit both sides."
"Yes, Sect Master!" The elders bowed in unison as they accepted the order.
...
On the Extreme North Ice Plains, the Ice Empress and the Snow Empress stood side by side, gazing in the direction of the Star Luo Empire, their eyes filled with vigilance.
"The domineering power of the Netherworld White Tiger directly counters our Ultimate Ice."
A hint of worry flashed through the Ice Empress's emerald eyes. "If the Star Luo Empire uses this opportunity to expand, the northern border will likely be affected. Most of our people fear the cold less but are not adept at fighting in warm environments. If the Star Luo Empire's army invades the Extreme North, we may find it difficult to resist."
Snow mist flowed gently around the Snow Empress as she spoke, her voice cool yet resolute. "There is no need for excessive concern. The Extreme North Ice Plains are our home ground. The environment here is extremely advantageous to us and a severe trial for the Star Luo Empire's army."
"Moreover, our Ultimate power is not so easily countered. As long as we prepare in advance and reinforce the border defenses, the Star Luo Empire may not dare to invade lightly."
She paused, then continued. "However, we cannot let our guard down. The potential of Zhu Zhuyun's Netherworld White Tiger martial soul is boundless. If she breaks through to the realm of a Titled Douluo, she may truly be able to break through the environmental limitations of the Extreme North Ice Plains."
"We must accelerate our own cultivation, stabilize our Ultimate power, and closely monitor the movements of the Star Luo Empire."
The Ice Empress nodded and said nothing more, turning to walk toward the ice caverns of the Extreme North core region.
She knew that only with sufficiently strong personal strength could she truly protect the people of the Extreme North Ice Plains.
...
In the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest, Gu Yuena sat upon the Dragon God Throne, a trace of disdain flashing through her pale violet eyes.
"A mere Netherworld White Tiger dares to stir the winds and clouds? The humans of the Star Luo Empire truly overestimate themselves."
Di Tian stood to the side, his golden eyes filled with gravity. "My Lord, the evolution of Zhu Zhuyun's martial soul is far too strange. The power of the ranking can rewrite the very nature of a martial soul. The force behind this cannot be underestimated."
"Moreover, the Netherworld White Tiger has an innate suppressive effect on soul beasts. If the Star Luo Empire uses this opportunity to hunt soul beasts and expand its own strength, it will be a tremendous threat to our Star Dou Great Forest."
Bi Ji also spoke up. "Di Tian is right, My Lord."
"Zhu Zhuyun's strength has surged, and the ambitions of the Star Luo Empire will surely swell even further. They have long sent soul masters into the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt soul beasts. With the Netherworld White Tiger now in play, they will likely act with even greater impunity."
"We must strengthen the defenses of the Star Dou Great Forest and strike hard at any human soul masters who trespass."
Gu Yuena nodded slightly, her tone icy. "In that case, pass down the order. Seal off the outer regions of the Star Dou Great Forest and forbid any human soul masters from entering."
"Any who refuse to heed the warning are to be killed on sight. In addition, Di Tian, you are to personally guard the perimeter of the core region. If any teams of soul masters from the Star Luo Empire are discovered, annihilate them immediately and show no mercy."
"Yes, My Lord!"
Di Tian and Bi Ji bowed simultaneously, a glint of killing intent flashing through their eyes.
...
Meanwhile, outside the imperial city of the Star Luo Empire, an assassination plot targeting Zhu Zhuyun was already quietly brewing in the shadows.
[Goddess Ranking, Seventeenth Place: Liu Erlong]
[Affiliation: Blue Tyrant Academy / Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan]
[Cultivation: Level 72 Soul Sage]
[Evaluation: Daughter of Yu Luomian, the Grand Elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Her martial soul is a mutated Fire Dragon form of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, possessing unmatched might. Her personality is fiery and forthright, and she abhors evil as her enemy.]
[Reward: All soul ring age limits increased by four hundred years. Soul power level increased by five levels.]
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