Sea God's Pavilion!
When Tang Wulin, Cai Yue'er, and Ya Li took their seats, Lan Muzi couldn't contain his curiosity and quickly asked, "Elder Ya Li, Elder Cai, how did the evaluation of those who applied for teacher positions go?"
Tang Yinmeng also added excitedly, "To come and apply to be a teacher at Shrek Academy at such a time, they must be pretty confident in their abilities, right!"
Yuanen Zhentian, however, looked puzzled and said, "That's how it sounds, but Elder Cai, your expression seems a little troubled. Did something unexpected happen?"
Cai Yue'er sighed and replied, "Yes, some minor accidents did happen. All the applicants were sent by the Holy Spirit Cult!"
Ya Li echoed the sentiment, "That's right. If it hadn't been for Wulin's plan, we might not have been able to identify their true identities in time, and they could very well have infiltrated the inner circles of the academy!"
Tang Wulin said regretfully, "I think that, if they weren't evil Soul Masters, perhaps they really could have been excellent teachers. Alas!"
Tang Yinmeng's expression dimmed. "If that's the case, doesn't that mean Shrek Academy still hasn't hired any teachers?"
The situation was growing increasingly unfavorable!
Lan Muzi forced a smile and said, "Well... there's nothing we can do about it. The Spirit Pagoda has such strong momentum—it's already overshadowing all the major powers!"
"Most Soul Masters don't want to join other factions because of it!"
Yuanen Zhentian, however, responded calmly, "Though we didn't hire any teachers, it's better than letting the Holy Spirit Cult's evil Soul Masters infiltrate us. Elder Cai, you've worked hard!"
Cai Yue'er shook her head. "I wouldn't call it hard work since nothing much was accomplished!"
She followed up, "Still, the matter of hiring teachers must be resolved!"
Lan Muzi heard the subtext and asked in surprise, "Elder Cai, from your tone, it seems you already have a solution in mind?"
In this situation, he really didn't know where they could recruit teachers.
Cai Yue'er explained, "It's not really a solution per se, but something that might alleviate the current crisis temporarily!"
Lan Muzi nodded in understanding. "Elder Cai, please share your idea directly!"
All the elders of the Sea God's Pavilion, including Tang Wulin, turned their attention to her...
Cai Yue'er spoke confidently, "I believe that recruiting teachers from external sources is now unrealistic—at least under the current circumstances."
"Therefore, we can rely on the returning inner court students to take on the role of teachers!"
"After all, in terms of both strength and experience, they are fully qualified!"
"What do the elders think of this suggestion?"
Lan Muzi furrowed his brow. "Having inner court students serve as teachers—doesn't that seem a bit reckless?"
Tang Yinmeng showed her concern as well. "Yes, while their strength is considerable, they haven't reached the level of being able to properly teach others!"
Yuanen Zhentian's perspective, however, was entirely different...
"I support this proposal. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken!"
....
The next day, the Imperial Royal Guard commanding the operation immediately mobilized part of the Tiandou Empire's soldiers...
The sight was striking—a vast space filled with burly soldiers clad in armor...
They whispered cautiously among themselves...
"What's going on? Why were we suddenly all gathered here? Could it be that war is about to break out?"
"Impossible! Other empires haven't had any major conflicts with the Tiandou Empire. How could a war break out for no reason?"
"It's strange because this scale feels far from trivial!"
"Yeah, I really don't want a war to break out—if it does, we soldiers will definitely be the first to die!"
The man leading them noticed this chatter and immediately barked, "All of you, quiet! Or face military punishment!!"
At his words, all the soldiers shut their mouths, their eyes fixed intently on him...
Only then did he continue, "Not long ago, our Tiandou Empire's unit stationed near a secluded mountain range was attacked by unknown forces, suffering over a hundred casualties!"
The soldiers widened their eyes in disbelief...
Which faction or sect could be so bold as to dare to attack the Tiandou Empire's forces?!
The leader continued, "Because of this, His Majesty the Emperor has ordered all Tiandou Empire soldiers present to search the mountain range and uncover those responsible! If necessary, leave no one alive!"
"Understood?"
The soldiers snapped out of it, responding with resounding voices, "Understood!!"
The leader nodded and waved his hand. "Good, move out immediately!!"
Visible to the naked eye, the soldiers swiftly lined up in dozens of columns, marching towards their destination...
Breathing a sigh of relief, the leader then walked briskly towards a nearby figure and plastered on a smile. "This small matter really shouldn't trouble Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
The figure turned out to be Xue Qinghe!
Using a gentle tone, Xue Qinghe replied, "No trouble at all. After all, this matter concerns the reputation of the Tiandou Empire."
"Wouldn't you agree, Xu Sheng?"
Xu Sheng nodded in agreement. "Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince is absolutely correct."
He hadn't wanted to come, but to ensure the success of their plan, he still showed up!
The leader glanced at Xu Sheng briefly, openly showing his disdain...
Just a man picked up by the Crown Prince—he wasn't qualified to converse with him!
With that thought, the leader clasped his hands and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, the journey to the mountain range will take several days. I won't disturb you further; I will now take my leave!"
Upon receiving permission, he promptly followed the army's footsteps...
Xu Sheng didn't seem to mind and turned to Xue Qinghe. "Ren Xue, where are we headed now?"
Xue Qinghe responded without showing any emotion, "The plan has already begun. Let's return to the royal chambers. This matter has already drawn some attention from Xue Ye, and any suspicious actions now would only complicate things further."
Otherwise, even if his identity wasn't exposed, it would bring great inconvenience!
And constant surveillance wouldn't be out of the question!
Which, frankly, was almost already the case now!
Xu Sheng expressed his understanding, "I got it! Then let's head back. Perfect opportunity to guide you in your cultivation!"
Across the continent, breaking the conventional limits of Innate Soul Power was rare—other than himself, only Qian Renxue had managed to achieve it!
Xue Qinghe turned her head and resolutely rejected the suggestion, "As for cultivation, I can manage it myself!"
She had great confidence in her talent, and didn't need guidance!
Of course, it was a different story when compared to Xu Sheng, who possessed Innate Soul Power Level Ninety...
...
The Demon Emperor, who had narrowly escaped the Holy Spirit Cult, had no idea how far she had fled...
All she knew was that her body was soaked in boiling blood...
Finally, overwhelmed by a wave of dizziness, she collapsed onto the freezing ground with a heavy thud...
Weakly muttering, she said, "Ghost Emperor... Halosa... how dare you betray me... even if I die, I won't let you off!!"
One day, she would have her revenge!!
.....