"Once the war begins, I believe our Sun Moon Empire's greatest obstacle will not be the Three Kingdoms of Douluo, but Shrek Academy. If we can prevent Shrek Academy from intervening, then nothing will be able to stop our army's advance."
Upon hearing Jing Hongchen's words, Xu Tianran showed a thoughtful expression.
"So, Hall Master Jing, your suggestion is..."
Jing Hongchen continued calmly.
"Before the war breaks out, under the pretense of concluding the exchange program and returning students, we should use the opportunity to hold private talks with Shrek Academy's highest leadership. We must make them clearly realize that their only path to survival is to submit to the Sun Moon Empire. Only by accepting the renaming of Douluo Continent to Sun-Moon Continent can Shrek Academy continue to exist."
A buzz of murmuring spread throughout Taihe Palace. Even Xu Tianran nodded slightly but still questioned.
"Hall Master Jing's proposal makes sense. If we can make Shrek Academy submit, it would be a great victory. However, can we truly achieve this? Shrek Academy has deep roots, and its students, teachers, and elders are all people of the Three Kingdoms. What reason do you have to believe they would submit?"
Jing Hongchen smiled confidently.
"Of course, there is a reason, Your Majesty. What if I told you we could establish a cooperative relationship with the Great Star Dou Forest? Would you believe me?"
"What!?"
"Impossible!"
"That's Di Tian's domain! How could such a proud being ever collaborate with humans!"
Xu Tianran's eyebrows rose sharply. The court fell into an uproar of disbelief.
"Silence," Xu Tianran commanded, raising a hand. The court immediately fell quiet.
"Whether I believe it or not will depend on what you have to say next. Continue, Hall Master Jing. I am very interested."
"Your Majesty, are you familiar with the concept of soul spirits?"
It was a classic question, though this time it was not from Huo Yuhao's mouth, but Jing Hongchen's.
Over the past half year, with the help of the Auspicious Beast, Jing Hongchen had already met the beautiful envoy from the Great Star Dou Forest. The Spirit Transferring Hall had taken its first steps toward establishment.
Thus began a familiar scene: an explanation of the soul spirit system.
When the ministers and Xu Tianran finally understood what soul spirits were and who their creator was, the court was plunged into shock.
"Again, it's the Chief Designer."
"Heavens! This could completely overturn the traditional practice of killing soul beasts to obtain soul rings!"
"It's unimaginable that such a revolutionary achievement came from a teenager!"
Xu Tianran took a deep breath, trying to calm his shaken heart.
The potential of the soul spirit system was monumental, and it was now in the hands of the Sun Moon Empire.
Before anyone could recover from their shock, Jing Hongchen's next words struck like thunder.
"Now that Elder Kong has completed his seclusion, I believe even Di Tian would have to treat us as equals. With the soul spirit system in our possession, we can propose an alliance with the Great Star Dou Forest. Perhaps, with a little assistance from them, we could pressure Shrek Academy into submission. Your Majesty, Elder Kong, what do you think?"
The court fell silent again.
Negotiate with Di Tian? Was such a thing truly possible?
Xu Tianran's pupils contracted. He frowned deeply, thinking carefully. Kong Deming stroked his beard thoughtfully.
There was logic to the proposal.
First, soul spirits could dramatically reduce the number of soul beast deaths, a result Di Tian would undoubtedly welcome.
Second, with Kong Deming now a Tenth-Level Soul Engineer and Super Douluo, the Sun Moon Empire finally had the qualifications to sit at the negotiation table as equals with Di Tian.
It was possible.
Xu Tianran and Kong Deming exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
Kong Deming turned to Jing Hongchen and finally spoke.
"Jing Hongchen, I agree with your view. We can definitely pursue this alliance. If successful, it would be another great achievement for both you and Huo Yuhao. What does His Majesty think?"
Xu Tianran smiled.
"I also agree with Hall Master Jing's plan. In a few days, we shall choose an auspicious date to discuss the details of this matter. Remember to invite Brother Yuhao as well. I miss the rising star of our Sun Moon Empire very much."
Hearing the emperor and Elder Kong's words, the ministers all held their breath. Some were excited, some deeply moved.
Huo Yuhao's talent could no longer be described by the word "genius." Even Tang San, who rose to fame ten thousand years ago and ascended to godhood, might not have matched Huo Yuhao at the same age.
"Since that is decided, the date for the start of the Holy War will be chosen after we establish cooperation with the Great Star Dou Forest. Today's court assembly is hereby concluded. All of you are pillars of the empire, and I trust you understand the importance of secrecy," Xu Tianran said, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
Indeed, if he had not trusted their loyalty, he would not have gathered them for this secretive meeting.
In the lower ranks, Jing Hongchen lowered his head slightly, a cold smile flickering on his face.
'Xu Tianran, if you knew that Mingde Hall had already established cooperation with Di Tian, how would you feel?'
At Red Dust Mansion, Huo Yuhao was busy cooking when he saw Jing Hongchen return in high spirits.
"Master, how did it go?" Huo Yuhao asked casually from the kitchen.
Jing Hongchen laughed heartily.
"Everything went perfectly, Yuhao. By the way, good news — Elder Kong has completed his seclusion!"
Huo Yuhao immediately stopped stirring the wok, turning back in surprise.
"Elder Kong has returned? That's wonderful! No wonder everything went so smoothly."
What Huo Yuhao referred to was the plan he and Jing Hongchen had prepared after he finished absorbing the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow: to have Di Tian pretend not to have any existing cooperation with Mingde Hall during negotiations with Xu Tianran.
This way, Shrek Academy's eventual submission could appear legitimate and not expose the real relationship between Di Tian and Huo Yuhao. It was a brilliant plan — killing two birds with one stone.
(End of Chapter)
---
Huge Shoutout and Welcome to Mike Foster and Sl0w Tr0t1 for Joining us on Patreon and Becoming a Member of Diamond.
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Memebers on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.