Ge Long's expression changed drastically.
Judging from Ning Fengzhi and the other two's stance, had they already defected to the Spirit Hall?
And that Xue Qinghe—
Just as he had suspected!
They were deeply entangled with the Spirit Hall!
And there was also Dugu Bo!
When had Dugu Bo allied himself with the Spirit Hall? How had he known nothing about this?
Ge Long felt a surge of regret.
But now that things had reached this point, there was no turning back.
This wasn't ancient Earth. On a battlefield there, it didn't matter whether you were Xiang Yu or Lü Bu—given a vast enough army, even the strongest warrior could eventually be worn down through sheer attrition.
But this was the Douluo Continent.
Here, extraordinary power reigned supreme.
The opposing side possessed multiple Title Douluos—existences capable of easily annihilating entire armies!
Xue Qinghe transmitted his voice to Yin Zhang:
"Xiao Zhang, have Elder Yunshan, Elder Tang Zhen, Elder Dugu Bo, Elder Serpent Spear, Elder Porcupine, and the newly joined Spirit Hall members Chen Xin and Gu Rong release their martial souls and soul rings. After that, I'll step forward as the new emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire and take control of the army. It's far better to bring them under control peacefully than to wipe them out."
Yin Zhang nodded in agreement.
In truth, rebellions throughout history often followed the same pattern.
Most soldiers didn't even realize they were rebelling at first.
As the commander-in-chief, one could claim the emperor was in danger, produce a so-called secret edict, and order the army to return to the capital—or fabricate some other excuse.
The soldiers, unaware of right or wrong, simply followed orders.
By the time they realized the truth, there was no turning back.
After all, everyone enjoyed wealth and comfort. Retreat meant execution—often of the entire family, sometimes even extermination of three generations.
The same logic applied on the Douluo Continent.
Among the hundreds of thousands of soldiers, the vast majority were ordinary people. Soul Masters usually served as officers or generals.
Most were either accomplices or completely deceived.
As long as they were shown overwhelming strength—strength that now amounted to nine Title Douluo-level figures—
And as long as Qian Renxue, as the new Emperor of Heaven Dou, explained the situation clearly and promised amnesty for those who surrendered—
The army would naturally fall under their control.
As for resistance from a small minority, it would change nothing.
"Elders," Yin Zhang said with a smile, "activate your martial souls and soul rings. Let the army see."
Yunshan was the first to act.
He immediately summoned his martial soul—the Wind Element.
The wind gathered around him, forming six light-blue wings that lifted him into the air. A longsword condensed from pure wind element appeared in his hand.
Nine soul rings—two purple, four black, and one red—rose beneath his feet, releasing a terrifying aura!
Almost simultaneously, the others followed.
On Yunshan's far left, Serpent Spear and Porcupine summoned their martial souls and soul rings.
Tang Zhen and Dugu Bo appeared to Yunshan's left and right.
On Yunshan's far right, Chen Xin and Gu Rong released their martial souls as well.
Centered on Yunshan, an overwhelming pressure surged forward like a tidal wave!
Qian Renxue and Yin Zhang stood on the ground—no.
Yin Zhang summoned the Golden Sacred Dragon, took Qian Renxue's slender, jade-like hand, and stood atop the dragon's head, with Ning Fengzhi behind them.
They flew to the front, stopping before Yunshan, and faced the vast, dark, seemingly endless Heaven Dou army.
The crushing aura and immense pressure forced Ge Long, his three companions, and their closest generals straight off their horses, pinning them to the ground, completely unable to move!
As for the army—
Even soldiers with poor eyesight could clearly see the martial souls and soul rings of the Title Douluos in the sky.
From left to right:
Serpent Spear, Porcupine, Jade Phosphor Serpent King, Wind Element Longsword, Thorn Dragon Turtle, Seven Kill Sword, Bone Dragon.
The dazzling soul rings stabbed painfully into the eyes of the front-line knights.
The army instantly erupted!
Seven Title Douluos!
After the elders withdrew their soul power suppression, Qian Renxue stepped forward.
She amplified her voice with soul power, letting it echo across the battlefield.
"Greetings. I am Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. You have all heard my name."
"A great tragedy has occurred. The four marshals, led by Ge Long, launched a rebellion while my father was gravely ill."
"Moments ago, my father passed away. I have now ascended the throne as Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire."
"Most of you were deceived by the traitors. I do not blame you."
She gestured behind her.
"Standing behind me are seven Title Douluos. They are here to help our Heaven Dou Empire grow stronger than ever."
"Now, as Emperor of Heaven Dou, I give you one final chance. Abandon darkness and return to the light, and you will remain soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire. I will forgive your crime of following the traitors in rebellion!"
A brief silence followed.
Then a single voice rang out:
"I am willing to abandon darkness and embrace the light!"
Immediately, more voices joined in.
"I am willing to abandon darkness and embrace the light!"
The shouts spread like wildfire, until the entire army roared in unison.
Qian Renxue turned to Yin Zhang, her eyes filled with a smile.
"Xiao Zhang, it's settled. The army is under control—there's nothing left to worry about."
Yin Zhang nodded, equally satisfied.
"Yes. The Heaven Dou situation is now completely resolved."
Ning Fengzhi watched the two youths before him, emotions surging in his heart.
Not long ago, he had still been in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School when he received Ge Long's letter.
Fearing that the Spirit Hall might be plotting against the Heaven Dou Empire, he had rushed here overnight with Chen Xin and Gu Rong.
He never imagined how things would turn out.
Five Title Douluos.
Gu Rong captured first.
Facing the Spirit Hall's overwhelming force—along with Yin Zhang and Qian Renxue—they had never had a chance to escape.
With his life threatened, his sect's inheritance at stake, and his children—still only a few years old—used as leverage, he had been forced to lead the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School into submission alongside Gu Rong and Chen Xin.
Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly.
Yet when he felt Yin Zhang's gaze, he still managed a gentle smile.
Once, he had been a sect master treated as an honored guest even by Emperor Xue Ye.
From today onward, that era was over.
Now, he was the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—an affiliated sect of the Spirit Hall.
The sense of loss weighed heavily on him, but he knew he had no choice.
Otherwise, the sect would be destroyed—and the two children in whom he had placed all his hopes, who might one day awaken the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, would never even live to see their sixth birthday.
With the mutiny resolved, Yin Zhang prepared to return to the Spirit Hall.
Bibi Dong had to be removed from power.
After all, he had played a decisive role in securing the Heaven Dou Empire—there was no way he would allow her to reap the benefits.
The Heaven Dou Empire still faced many unresolved issues, and Qian Renxue would need to remain behind for some time to fully stabilize the situation.
As for Yin Zhang—
It was time to head to Wuhun City.