Sun-Moon Imperial Palace.
After this period of full-force repairs, the most important parts of the Sun-Moon Imperial Palace had been restored to their original state.
In just one more month, with the full efforts of the Sun-Moon Empire's numerous soul masters and soul engineers, the palace ravaged by Di Tian would be completely restored, regaining its former majesty.
Meanwhile, in the Sun-Moon Emperor's study.
Xu Tianran was burning the midnight oil, reviewing today's memorials.
However, at this moment, a eunuch's voice suddenly sounded from outside the door, "Your Majesty, the National Preceptor and Elder Ye request an audience."
"Oh."
Xu Tianran tugged at the blanket wrapped around him, his eyes narrowing. While wondering why they had come, he said, "Let the National Preceptor and Elder Ye enter. The wind is strong outside—don't let them catch cold."
"Yes."
When the study door was pushed open, Zhongli Wu's voice followed, "Although the wind is strong outside, it is of no consequence."
This single sentence immediately piqued Xu Tianran's interest.
He immediately called out, "Everyone, withdraw for now."
"Yes." ×N
Once there were no more idle people around, Xu Tianran then said to Zhongli Wu and Ye Xishui who had already come before him, "Since you've come at night, may I ask what the Holy Cult's next move is?"
"Exterminate Shrek Academy, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the Body Sect to the last member." As she spoke, killing intent suddenly flashed in Ye Xishui's words, extremely cold and severe.
And this immediately excited Xu Tianran.
"Elder Ye, please elaborate."
Thus, Ye Xishui informed Xu Tianran of their plans. Moreover, due to the scarcity of manpower, they needed the Sun-Moon Empire to lend assistance—no, it couldn't be called lending assistance, since this soul hunting operation was also extremely beneficial to the Sun-Moon Empire, so it should be called cooperation.
As for how to get personnel into the territories of the three great empires...
"Use two months to disperse the personnel."
Xu Tianran quickly came up with a plan, "At that time, I will dispatch six Rank 9 soul engineers to assist you. As for the timing of the soul hunting operation, it will be set on the day of my grand wedding two months from now."
This way, as long as the loose ends were cleaned up, even if the three great empires and various powers knew it was the Sun-Moon Empire's handiwork, they wouldn't be able to explain it clearly. After all, would that emperor dare to wield weapons on the day of his grand wedding? Wouldn't that be an inauspicious omen?
"Excellent, this is very good."
Zhongli Wu saw his mother nod slightly, looking approving, so he also acknowledged it. However, there was still one important matter—the location of the Body Sect's headquarters.
Unlike Shrek Academy and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Body Sect was basically reclusive, only becoming active in recent years.
So where exactly the Body Sect was located, none of the major powers knew. Perhaps only the Tian Hun Imperial Clan knew a thing or two about this. Thus, they could only trouble the Sun-Moon Empire.
After all, regarding spies... those who know, know.
Regarding this, Xu Tianran immediately called out softly.
"Shadow Douluo."
In the next second, a black shadow quietly appeared.
But for Ye Xishui and Zhongli Wu, this was hardly surprising. Given their cultivation, they had long sensed the presence of Shadow Douluo Xue Chen, they just hadn't exposed him.
After appearing, Xue Chen directly ignored Ye Xishui and Zhongli Wu's presence, only saluting Xu Tianran, "Your Majesty."
"Follow Elder Ye and the National Preceptor's instructions. See if the spies on the Tian Hun Imperial Clan side can find out the Body Sect's location."
"Yes."
After Xu Tianran waved his hand, Xue Chen completely merged into the darkness. In the blink of an eye, he completely disappeared.
"You two, just wait for the news. However..."
As Xu Tianran spoke, he picked up a memorial from the side. "My suggestion is not to rush attacking the Body Sect. Instead, focus the main force on Shrek Academy and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect first. This way, we can maximize the results. As for the remaining Body Sect... they would just be turtles in a jar."
After speaking, he said no more.
Obviously, the cooperation was discussed, so it was time to see the guests out.
"Your guidance is appreciated."
Ye Xishui spoke, then turned and left.
Seeing this, Zhongli Wu quickly followed.
After leaving the Sun-Moon Imperial Palace, Ye Xishui suddenly stopped, confusing Zhongli Wu.
"Mother, you are..."
But before Zhongli Wu could finish, Ye Xishui had already spoken, "These two months, you will take several elders and some disciples of the Holy Cult, and go with the Demon Empress to the sea to hunt sea soul beasts. At the same time, deploy those patterns in the sea. With the Demon Empress's protection, there won't be much danger. Then..."
Ye Xishui suddenly turned around, her gaze becoming terrifying.
"You'd better break through to Level 99. Afterward, follow Xu Tianran's plan. With the combat power of four Limit Douluos, first annihilate the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Shrek Academy!"
Meanwhile, deep within the Evil Demon Forest.
The Demon Empress had already arrived here to meet the Evil Emperor.
"It's you."
Perhaps because they were both soul beasts, the moment the Demon Empress arrived, the Evil Emperor had already revealed his form, "Why aren't you recuperating in your own sea territory? What are you doing at this seat's place?"
"I've come to discuss cooperation."
The Demon Empress didn't beat around the bush, her right hand opening.
A mass of emerald-green light quietly floated out from her hand, filled with pure life aura, then came before the Evil Emperor.
The Evil Emperor extended his tentacles, briefly touched it, and determined that this life energy had no other tricks—it could be safely used.
Thus he absorbed it. After about half an hour, the injuries suffered from the heavenly tribulation were immediately restored.
During this process, the Demon Empress also waited quietly.
Unhurried, showing no intention of rushing him.
After the Evil Emperor completely absorbed the life energy, she then spoke, "Now, can we discuss cooperation?"
"Speak."
Although the Evil Emperor said this, his thought was that if the Demon Empress's purpose for coming was the same as Ye Xishui's before, he wouldn't agree to cooperate. Although that heavenly tribulation wouldn't kill him, the injuries were indeed severe.
He wouldn't do something so disadvantageous a second time.
However, the Demon Empress seemed to see through the Evil Emperor's heart. When she came to discuss cooperation, she didn't start with the matter, but with the benefits.
"I can give you the method to become a god."
The moment these words were spoken, terrifying spiritual power was instantly released.
In the next second, seawater appeared out of thin air in the depths of the forest. Sweeping forward, it surged toward the front. And the target was precisely the laser-like attacks suddenly launched by the Evil Emperor.
In the collision, both attacks neutralized each other.
Just as the Evil Emperor wanted to continue attacking...
"Evil Emperor, do you still want to attack?"
Though seemingly a question, these words made the Evil Emperor stop his movements. His massive eyes narrowed, staring at the Demon Empress, "How can I believe you?"
However, the Demon Empress's expression didn't change, she just said.
"Haven't you already believed it?"
If he didn't believe, would he have attacked the moment she spoke to seize it? If the first time was an impulse, what about after that?
Having lived so long, the Evil Emperor's skin was naturally extremely thick. So regarding what the Demon Empress said, he directly pretended not to hear, instead continuing to ask, "How can I believe this method of becoming a god is real? If it's real, would you be willing to trade it to me?"
"That depends on the Evil Emperor's own judgment."
The Demon Empress stared at the Evil Emperor, making it impossible for the beast to see her depth, "I can only say that this method is related to that existence in the Holy Spirit Cult. Presumably, with the Evil Emperor's means, you have also heard some things about that existence. Moreover, in my opinion, there is no problem with this method."
After speaking, both sides fell into silence, the atmosphere becoming unpredictable. Just as the Demon Empress was growing somewhat impatient...
"Fine, this Emperor agrees."
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)