However, given that the Xuanming Sect also produced three Title Douluo, Shrek wouldn't reject them.
After all, a traitor—just consider it as doing someone a favor and handing him over.
"What do you mean...?" Tang San looked confused.
"Hehe, Shrek has decided to take action against the Sun Moon Empire. It will happen tomorrow at noon, during the academy tournament held by the Imperial Royal Academy. And this time, it's not just Shrek Academy—this operation also includes the Body Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, and many of the continent's top powers. A total of more than forty Title Douluo," Xuanzi revealed a sinister smile.
That brat from the Sun Moon Empire had wronged him several times—he would personally go to slaughter them.
They were all his personally taught disciples, so revealing the plan didn't matter.
"That's why I'm here—go inform Fanyu. Tell him to gather the Shrek exchange students by noon tomorrow so we can take them away during the chaos."
Tang San's eyes widened with joy. "The Academy is finally making a move, finally!"
"Hehe, that's right…" Xuanzi grinned.
Looking out the window at the magnificent and bustling Sun Moon Empire, his eyes glinted coldly. No one had a clue about tomorrow. They were like ignorant ants, busily going about their own affairs.
But tomorrow… this place would be reduced to rubble.
"More than forty Title Douluo, and it's a surprise attack. The Sun Moon Empire is bound to lose this battle!" Tang San restrained his excitement.
"However…"
His eyebrows rose as he remembered how Wang Dong'er and Ning Tian had humiliated him a few days ago. "Elder Xuan, will we be dealing with some traitors as well? Like Ning Tian from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Wang Dong'er from the Clear Sky Sect."
"Wang Dong'er has been claimed by the Clear Sky Sect. Their people will try to locate and take her away. As for Ning Tian… I almost forgot. That ungrateful brat—someday I'll wipe them all out!"
"How about I lead the way tomorrow and destroy the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" Tang San suggested eagerly.
"They reportedly sold off all their shops on the original continent, hoarding many rare treasures before leaving. Their current residence must be stacked with wealth and valuables. If we could just…" Tang San smirked.
"…"
Xuanzi was silent for a moment, then glanced at Tang San.
Just as Tang San lowered his head to reflect on his mistake, Xuanzi's cold voice rang out: "Not bad!"
"You mean…?" Tang San looked up in surprise.
"Hehe, since we're already here, how could we not take it? The strongest among them is just one Title Douluo. I could crush them with ease. But I don't know their location and have no time to investigate. You find out where they live. Tomorrow at noon, take your master there!" Xuanzi smiled.
"Remember—only you can know about this. Otherwise, the Clear Sky Sect and others might get greedy too."
"I understand!" Tang San grinned.
"I was a disciple of Shrek first, and only then an outer disciple of the Clear Sky Sect…"
Mingdu.
In a prime location, where every inch of land was as valuable as gold—right in the city center of Mingdu—land prices exceeded ten thousand gold soul coins per square meter. Yet, a newly built castle had silently risen from the ground. It was luxuriously grand, covering several hectares.
"So, Your Highness means... tomorrow, they will invade?" Ning Hao's pupils contracted.
"That's right. At the latest, tomorrow. I've already detected signs in the outer towns of Mingdu. And based on the intel, the lowest rank among the invaders is Soul Sage. As for Title Douluo, they're beyond count. Virtually all the top experts on the continent are gathering."
Inside the grand hall.
Xu Cheng sat leisurely on the sofa, sipping tea presented by the eldest young lady of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—his second disciple. A faint smile played at his lips.
"Gulp~"
Ning Hao's hand trembled as he held the teacup. He swallowed hard and looked at Xu Cheng in disbelief.
He couldn't understand how His Highness could remain so calm at such a time.
Was he pretending?
Didn't seem like it…
"Relax. Half a month ago, I already sensed something was wrong and started making preparations. Mingdu is now a fortress. From top to bottom, all defenses are ready." Xu Cheng smiled.
"So that's it!"
Ning Hao suddenly understood. He had sensed something off recently but didn't pay much attention. Now it all made sense.
"Your Highness, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect started as merchants. The blood of merchants runs in our veins, but we've inherited their spirit too. Once we make a choice, we follow through to the end!" Ning Hao declared solemnly.
"Just give the command, and our 372 core bloodline members, 2,352 combat-type soul masters—even if we die, we won't retreat a step!"
"Teacher, I won't participate in the tournament tomorrow!" Ning Tian stood up, expression serious.
"I'm already a Soul King, and I can enhance soul tools. As long as I'm here…"
"No."
Xu Cheng calmly sipped his tea. "You're just a little girl. Go compete. You may not even get stage time, but this battle isn't something you need to be involved in."
"I'm already thirteen!" Ning Tian bit her lip stubbornly.
"Still just a brat." Xu Cheng chuckled.
"You're just a Soul Emperor… and only three years older than me," Ning Tian muttered.
"Silence!" Ning Hao scolded quickly.
"Ugh~" Ning Tian lowered her head, her beautiful eyes filled with frustration.
"Your Highness, regarding tomorrow's battle—any specific tasks? Even against Ultimate Douluo, I can assist in combat. Don't underestimate me just because I'm only peak Soul Sage…"
Ning Hao cut her off, speaking seriously.
He had his own selfish reasons. Though Xu Cheng spoke lightly, this battle was no trivial matter. Shrek and the Clear Sky Sect were going all out—this level of conflict could rival the great war of the continent four thousand years ago. His hard-earned bloodline advancement must not be wasted!
But for Xu Cheng's kindness to his clan, if the Sun Moon Empire was facing a crisis, he'd gladly give his life in return.
"Hehe, assisting an Ultimate Douluo would put a huge strain on your body, wouldn't it?" Xu Cheng smiled.
"We're all family now. Facing an invasion, if I have to throw my life away, so be it!" Ning Hao replied cheerfully.
"…" Ning Tian's eyes showed both worry and determination.
"War between Ultimate Douluo doesn't need you. I'm more concerned about others. Soul tool legions aren't suitable for city combat, especially in our own city—they're too restricted. So for some of the Title and Super Douluo that sneak in, I'd prefer if similarly ranked powerhouses blocked them."
Xu Cheng smiled faintly.
"This is where I'll need your help. After all, we don't have forty-plus Rank Nine Soul Engineers."
"Of course, I'll make sure to prioritize protecting your castle—just in case some criminals try to loot it in the chaos."
"Hoo…"
"I will die before I disobey!" Ning Hao exhaled slowly, expression solemn.