"Jie jie jie, exactly! I've been annoyed at Shrek Academy for ages. This time was just too satisfying."
At an altitude of three thousand meters, a group of black-robed soul masters laughed wildly in midair.
Terrifying auras emanated from their bodies, causing the surrounding clouds to ripple and disperse in concentric circles.
"Old Fourth. The era has changed—you've got to rely on this now. Stop clinging to your broken sword."
An elderly man grinned as he held a Class 9 soul tool ray cannon, speaking to the old man flying beside him, who clutched a blood-red long sword.
These two were none other than Nether Thunder Douluo (Minglei Douluo) and Nether Douluo (Youming Douluo) of the Holy Spirit Cult.
"Third Brother, Class 9 fixed-mounted soul tool shells really are powerful."
Even the usually stoic Nether Douluo sighed with emotion. The explosive power of a Class 9 fixed-mounted soul tool shell was simply too great—it nearly blew Shrek Academy's Sea God Island apart.
Even his strongest soul skill couldn't cause such devastation.
"Third Brother… do you think I still have a chance?"
At this moment, another Titled Douluo quietly floated closer to Nether Thunder Douluo and asked in a low voice.
"Old Eight, learning to use soul tools depends on timing. Now that you've already become a Titled Douluo, going back to study soul tools is kinda missing the point."
Nether Thunder Douluo shook his head at the approaching Eighth Elder.
Soul guide tech was best learned from a young age. At the Eighth Elder's age, starting over with soul guide training was just a waste of time. It would be better to improve his cultivation instead.
"I can at least make preparations. They say opportunities favor the prepared!"
The Eighth Elder hurriedly said, sounding anxious.
After all, Nether Thunder Douluo had earned huge merit in this mission thanks to soul tools. He wanted to earn merit too—he wanted to improve!
Besides, having only joined the Holy Spirit Cult in recent years, he felt the internal resource allocation hadn't fully favored him yet. If he earned more credit, he could advance further.
He firmly believed that resources were something one had to fight for.
"Opportunities are indeed for the prepared—but if there's no opportunity in the first place, preparing blindly is pointless."
Nether Douluo coldly added the final blow.
"Hahaha, bloodless victory—we've won big this time!"
Flying at the front were a man with a wicked charm and a seductive woman. Their auras were clearly stronger than the others.
And in the seductive woman's hand hung a young woman clothed in red.
These two were the Holy Spirit Cult's leader Zhongli Wu and deputy leader Feng Ling. And the person Feng Ling carried was their spoils of war—Ma Xiaotao.
"This time, Ming Lei, your credit is outstanding."
Zhongli Wu said with a booming laugh, glancing back at Nether Thunder Douluo.
"Not at all, not at all. It was all thanks to your brilliant plan, Cult Leader. I merely followed your orders."
Nether Thunder Douluo immediately straightened his expression and replied respectfully.
"Mm…"
Hearing this answer, Zhongli Wu smiled in satisfaction and nodded.
"Upon return, head to the cult's treasure vault and choose one item."
"Yes, Cult Leader!"
Nether Thunder Douluo's face instantly lit up, and he responded excitedly.
"Hey, Third Brother!"
"How did you pick up Mask Douluo's routine too? Can't you bring us along for a bit…"
Those behind gritted their back molars in envy after hearing that Nether Thunder Douluo could freely select a treasure from the cult's vault.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was recognized as the wealthiest in the continent, their Holy Spirit Cult wasn't far behind. A single treasure from the cult's vault would make soul masters fight to the death for it.
After all, one was bought… and the other was free of charge.
Thanks to Mask Douluo's rapid rise in recent years, a wave of extreme internal competition had swept through the cult. Zhongli Wu spared no rewards—earn merit, and rewards would be plentiful!
After all, the Holy Spirit Cult was never short on resources.
"Buzz—buzz—buzz!"
At that moment, the space ahead vibrated, rippling like water as a streak of black light shot forth.
Everyone tensed instantly, ready to fight. Yet none showed fear—instead, they looked eager.
"Merit, merit—I want merit!"
The Eighth Elder was the most excited. His martial soul was already released as soul power surged into his hands.
"Calm down, that's Uncle Long."
Zhongli Wu waved a hand calmly.
"Aww…"
Everyone sighed in disappointment, their excitement fading.
But they still greeted respectfully:
"Greetings, Chief Worshiper."
"So—was the target secured?"
A tall figure stepped from the black light—it was Long Xiaoyao. His expression was refreshed, and he wore a faint smile.
After being tricked by Mu En last time, he had been rather displeased. This time, using the same method to repay the debt had soothed his heart immensely.
"Uncle Long has completed it."
Zhongli Wu nodded slightly and gestured toward the unconscious Ma Xiaotao.
Before this operation, he had specifically approached Long Xiaoyao to accompany them to reduce potential losses.
What surprised Zhongli Wu was that Long Xiaoyao—who usually refused to meddle in cult affairs and preferred staying by his mother's side—had agreed quite readily.
Zhongli Wu guessed it may have been guilt over failing to protect Jiang Jue last time and wanting to make amends.
No matter the reason, Long Xiaoyao successfully leading Mu En away had been a huge help.
"However, there's one thing—you acted recklessly. You could have simply taken the girl away. Why did you detonate another Class 9 soul tool shell?"
Long Xiaoyao frowned slightly, puzzled.
Zhongli Wu shook his head, a sharpness flashing in his eyes as his black robe fluttered.
"Uncle Long, I was already very restrained!"
"Because of Shrek, my beloved disciple Jiang Jue was taken by the Body Sect, and now his whereabouts are unknown. I would've blown Shrek Academy off the map if I could!"
"In time, I will ensure Xuanzi receives the punishment he deserves."
Zhongli Wu narrowed his eyes, speaking word by word.
From this explosion, he could tell the Dragon God Douluo he had encountered in the Far North wouldn't live much longer. Once that happened, wouldn't Xuanzi be at his mercy?
"Gluttonous Divine Bull… hmph! When the time comes, I'll use a secret technique to turn you into an evil soul master!"
He thought inwardly. For a martial soul with devouring properties, becoming an evil soul master would be all too easy.
"I believe that day is not far away…"
Long Xiaoyao's gaze turned complicated, but he said no more.
Since Jiang Jue's abduction by the Body Sect was partly his fault, how could he criticize Zhongli Wu?
"I shall return first."
With his final words, Long Xiaoyao vanished.
Zhongli Wu squinted slightly, a hint of unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes.
(End of chapter)