"Crown Prince."
Jing Hongchen called out with reluctance.
He knew that if the Crown Prince and His Majesty did not agree immediately, it meant that his proposal was very likely rejected.
They were simply delaying, not wanting to disgrace him and Kong Deming in public.
But this matter concerned Qin Xiao... He had no choice but to fight for it once more.
Ye Xishui said indifferently, "Lord Hongchen, the Crown Prince has said that he needs to consult His Majesty. You might as well go back and wait for news. Besides, isn't the post-disaster reconstruction work keeping you busy enough?"
Without a doubt, in her heart, nothing was more important than waging war.
Because if war was waged, the Holy Spirit Cult would be the ultimate beneficiary.
The inexhaustible supply of souls was crucial for the Holy Spirit Cult, as it would allow their strength to increase exponentially.
As for the Body Sect, they were to be dealt with, but now was definitely not the best time.
"You..." Jing Hongchen wanted to say more, but thinking of the harsh words he was about to utter, he swallowed them back down, flung his sleeve, and chose to leave the grand hall.
Kong Deming said, "Your Majesty, Crown Prince, this old man pleads with you to reconsider."
When he said this, he simply didn't want the Crown Prince to rush to a decision, because he had already made up his mind to explain the importance of Qin Xiao to the Crown Prince after everyone had left.
By then, he would be willing to accept whether they directly attacked the Body Sect or waged war against the three great empires: Heavenly Soul, Dou Spirit, and Xingluo.
After all, Kong Deming had a quarter of the royal bloodline, and despite being one of the most powerful figures in the Sun-Moon Empire, his loyalty to the royal household was absolute.
...
Meanwhile.
A short distance from the entrance of the Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy, Wang Dong curled up in the dark corner of a back alley.
Tears slid down his cheeks continuously, clearly showing his deep sorrow.
"Hmph, who made our little princess so sad? Tell me, and I'll go smash him into scrap!"
Suddenly, a cold snort sounded in the alley.
Wang Dong hurriedly looked up and saw a towering figure, like an iron tower, standing at the entrance of the alley, blocking the sparse light.
Seeing him, Wang Dong couldn't hold back any longer and burst into even more severe crying.
"Second dad..."
Crying, he rushed into the arms of the burly man.
The only one who deserved Wang Dong's call of "second dad" in the entire Soul Land was Titan, the Second Sect Master of the Hao Tian Clan.
Upon seeing this, the rugged face of the Titan Ape softened as he stretched out his broad hand to gently pat Wang Dong's back, comforting him.
Listening to Wang Dong's sobs, Titan's heart was nearly breaking.
"Tell second dad who upset you. I'll tear him apart right now to avenge you," Titan said, his voice filled with an icy killing intent, as if Wang Dong only had to name someone and he would be ready to confront that person immediately.
"Second dad, that guy might already be dead…" Wang Dong sobbed.
He hadn't expected that shortly after he left the Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy, the academy would suffer an attack.
By the time he arrived near the academy, he could see several powerful fighters battling within, and even the aftermath of the fights was terrifying for him, too much for him to approach.
His heart wrenched at the sight, because the epicenter of the incident was the laboratory building where Qin Xiao was.
In agony, he waited until the fighting ceased, then he immediately rushed into the academy, heading straight for the laboratory.
But what he found was a vast hole in the sky above, and the laboratory itself was a mess with not a single person in sight.
Wang Dong was struck as if by lightning, his complexion deathly pale.
He stood still in the laboratory for a long time until Ju Zi arrived and asked in surprise why he was there. Only then did he come back to his senses.
The first thing he asked about was Qin Xiao, how he was…
But the answer from Ju Zi sent a chill through his heart.
Famed prodigy of the Imperial Sun Moon Soul Academy, Qin Xiao, remains missing to this day.
Then, he left, looking utterly disheartened and dejected.
It was only at this moment that he realized, without being aware of it, how considerable a place that mischievous guy had carved for himself in his heart.
Of course, this feeling wasn't necessarily romantic.
It was more about how Qin Xiao could always bring him a glimmer of hope when Wang Dong was in despair; his heart was filled with gratitude for Qin Xiao.
"If he's already dead, why are you crying? Shouldn't you be smiling instead?"
The Titan couldn't understand.
Despite having lived among humans for several decades, he had never encountered such complex emotions.
Wang Dong: "..."
"Second Dad, Qin Xiao wasn't my enemy, he could be considered my friend... and he also helped me a great deal; I owe him a debt!"
"Is that so?"
The Titan realized he might have misunderstood Wang Dong.
He tried to make his tone more amiable, "I'll have a proper talk with Second Dad; tell me exactly what happened. Maybe Second Brother can also think of a solution for you..."
Upon hearing this, Wang Dong nodded heavily, "Here's what happened..."
He succinctly told the Titan about how he met Qin Xiao, how Qin Xiao had helped him, and finally, the circumstances of Qin Xiao's untimely demise.
The Titan blinked his enormous eyes, his expression growing more shocked as he listened.
So much had happened.
In the end, he awkwardly scratched his head, "So I misunderstood. That kid isn't your enemy... "
"However, the people of the Body Sect are ruthless in their actions. Anyone who falls into their hands is more likely doomed... You should prepare yourself psychologically."
"What?" Upon hearing this, Wang Dong cried again, "Didn't you say you would help me find a solution?"
The Titan: "..."
What could he do if the person was already dead?
The Titan added, "Although we can't bring him back to life, you can avenge him. As long as you become strong enough to exterminate the Body Sect completely, I believe his spirit in heaven would be very happy, and he could rest in peace. In doing so, you should be able to repay him for his kindness."
Wang Dong was taken aback upon hearing this.
He analyzed the Titan's words carefully and had to admit there was some truth in them.
"Second Dad, I'll return to the sect right away, strive hard in my cultivation, and aim to take down the Body Sect as soon as possible."
At these words, the Titan gave a slight smile.
Isn't this what you would call the innocence of a child? The strength of the Body Sect was so formidable that even he found it troublesome. For Wang Dong to think of exterminating the Body Sect, it was like talking about a pipe dream.
It was impossible without decades of effort.
But he couldn't say this, so let it be a well-intentioned lie.
...
Three days later.
On an imperial road, Qin Xiao asked, puzzled, "The route we're taking seems a bit off, doesn't it?"
Next to him walked Poison Not Dead, his head bald and hair long.
He casually asked, "What's different? Aren't these all roads...?"
Qin Xiao said, "I've memorized the map of the continent by heart; normally, with our speed, we should've reached the Heavenly Soul Empire's imperial city by now.
But we're still not there, and the mountains I saw earlier are all along the border. So I'm sure we've been following the border..."
"You're quite observant," Poison Not Dead commended. "Indeed, we're not on the way to the imperial city."
"Where are you taking us?" Qin Xiao asked, puzzled.
Poison Not Dead replied coldly, "To the junction of the three great empires, to kill Xuan Zi!"
Qin Xiao felt somewhat surprised at Poison Not Dead's resolution.
Poison Not Dead said in a deep voice, "Are you curious why I, as one of the top forces on Soul Land, would provoke Shrek Academy?
It's fine, I'll tell you. Our Body Sect, in the face of great justice, will choose to stand with Shrek Academy. But when there's no such justice, remember, finding time to kill Shrek Academy is the duty and obligation of every member of the Body Sect."
These words of Poison Not Dead were not false, as the original text recorded that when the soul beasts launched their onslaught, the Body Sect indeed sent their strong to help resist.
But his desire to kill Shrek Academy had never lessened.
"Why are you telling me all this? I'm not a disciple of your Body Sect."
Qin Xiao curled his lips in disdain.
Poison Not Dead laughed, "Then you must strive to become a disciple of my Body Sect."
Qin Xiao wore a face full of pride, "Sorry, not interested."
...
At the junction of the Sky Soul, Dou Spirit, and Xingluo Empires.
A nameless peak had been dyed red with blood.
Countless corpses were scattered all over the mountain.
The stench of blood permeated the air, nauseating.
Yet even so, there were still people who fearlessly charged at the figure on the mountain top.
"Xuan Zi, return my family's life to me."
A young Soul Elder, holding a long knife that glinted with a cold light, chopped towards Xuan Zi's neck.
Xuan Zi didn't dodge or avoid at all, standing right there, letting the other's long knife strike him.
The result, however, was a clash of metal, his head still on his neck. Upon closer inspection, the Soul Elder's full-strength blow had not even left a scratch on Xuan Zi's neck.
"I'm just standing here, letting you kill me, and you can't do it."
"Trash, trash, trash, I gave you the chance, and you're still useless."
"Since you can't kill me, then you can only be killed by me."
Xuan Zi roared angrily, his face full of madness.
He reached out with both hands and grabbed the other's shoulders, then with a fierce exertion of strength, ripped the young Soul Elder in half.
Blood mist sprayed the sky.
It was as if an artist splashed ink, further deepening the blood-red hue of the entire mountain.
Xuan Zi spread his arms wide, tilting his head back to bathe in the blood.
He was mad and reveled in it.
He roared to the heavens, "Who else wants to try?"
The expressions of those around who had come to seek revenge on Xuan Zi changed.
But it only lasted an instant.
Each of their families had been slaughtered by Xuan Zi.
They had traveled afar, even thousands of miles, all for the sake of seeking justice for their deceased loved ones.
Their strength varied from Soul Masters, Grand Soul Masters, Soul Elders, Soul Ancestors...
They knew well they were facing a supreme expert, that attempting to kill such a terrifying being was like a moth to flame, but still they were unhesitating and unwavering.
"Kill!"
Someone shouted first, swiftly triggering resonance amongst the crowd.
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
A chorus of battle cries quickly merged into one.
Even if they were moths to a flame, they didn't hold back.
"Hahaha, good, come on, die, all of you go die."
Xuan Zi, who rejected no challengers, began a massacre.
As screams rose one after another, those in the front fell like harvested wheat.
But the Soul Masters following them were fearless, still braving death without fright, stepping over the bodies of their predecessors, charging towards Xuan Zi.
After a long while.
The cries of battle gradually ceased.
Xuan Zi stood atop the mountain, hunched over, gasping for air heavily.
Suddenly, he turned his gaze towards a certain direction.
There, a figure slowly ascended the mountain, arriving in front of him.
"Are you an evil Soul Master?"
Seeing the newcomer dressed in a pitch-black robe, Xuan Zi had already guessed his identity.
After all, the entire force that acted mysteriously was none other than evil Soul Masters who favored such attire, as well as the sinister, frigid aura emanating from the newcomer; Xuan Zi immediately sensed it.
"In the eyes of the world, that is so, but I don't see it that way," the newcomer said, removing his cloak to reveal his face.
He was an old man, his skin also very dark, with one eyebrow higher than the other, very distinctive.
"I am called Zhang Peng, titled Scorpion Tiger."
Zhang Peng forced a dry smile across his dark face, "I won't beat around the bush. I have come to escort you back to the Saint Sect."
The fact that the Holy Spirit Cult was willing to send a Titled Douluo Level Elder as a negotiator already showed the other party's sincerity.
Moreover, Zhang Peng had seen the situation Xuan Zi was in; he felt that Xuan Zi had reached a point where he had no options left, and there was no place for him in the vast world. The Holy Spirit Cult was definitely the best destination.
"The Saint Sect?"
Xuan Zi was taken aback. Could it be that the evil Soul Masters also had some sort of organization?
His mind raced, feeling that this possibility was very likely.
Zhang Peng, however, clearly did not wish to elaborate to Xuan Zi at this point, "You don't need to think too much for now. Just follow me back to the Saint Sect, and everything will be made clear then."
Hearing this, Xuan Zi nodded, "The wide heavens and earth no longer have a place for me... You say the Saint Sect hopes to offer me a spot."
His voice was filled with desolation.
Could it be this easy? Zhang Peng was ecstatic inside.
He had thought Xuan Zi would drive a hard bargain for some benefits before compromising.
But there were none...
Perhaps he truly was disheartened...
He thought to himself.
Just then, he heard Xuan Zi say, "The continuous battles have taken a toll on me. I'm having some difficulty moving now, come and help me."
"Of course," Zhang Peng responded.
After hearing this, Zhang Peng didn't hesitate to move in front of Xuan Zi, extending his hand to help him.
In his eyes, it was a small matter, hardly even a favor.
Moreover, his thoughts had already flown back to the Holy Spirit Cult. This would be a great achievement, and he fantasized about what reward the Sect Hierarch would give him.
However.
In the next moment, his dream was shattered.
An intense killing intent suddenly burst forth from Xuan Zi, and he noticed the murderous look in Xuan Zi's eyes. Immediately after, a fist the size of a sandbag furiously slammed into his chest.
Zhang Peng could only manage to muster his Soul Power inside to resist the attack.
Xuan Zi's fist heavily struck Zhang Peng's chest, making a muffled sound.
Jinpeng was sent flying out like a sandbag.
After landing on the ground, he tumbled several times before managing to stand up.
He covered his chest with a hand, as his insides churned tumultuously; he could no longer hold back and spewed out a large mouthful of fresh blood.
His complexion instantly turned ashen white, as pale as a sheet of paper.
"Xuan Zi, what are you doing? I was kindly helping you, why are you attacking me?" he yelled at Xuan Zi, his eyes full of anger and grievance.
I help you, you hit me—what kind of reasoning is that?
In contrast, Xuan Zi just shook his head with a sigh, "What a pity, what a pity..."
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