Chapter 177: The Soul Hunt Plan and the Fall of Shrek

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Sunset Forest – Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well 

After returning, Wang Li personally checked on the state of the Blue Silver Emperor. It had grown well, and he thought to himself: 

"The loss of its essence has left the Blue Silver Emperor devoid of memories and emotions—like a newborn child. But that's fine. Once I fully restore its essence and raise its cultivation to a hundred thousand years, everything will fall into place." 

"Although it can only reach the level of a Blue Silver King, as the former Blue Silver Emperor, it is still highly compatible with me. Using it as my ninth spirit ring wouldn't be a bad choice." 

"A hundred-thousand-year-old plant-type spirit beast is incredibly rare. The ten great beasts beneath the Lake of Life are not to be trifled with. There's also the Silver Dragon King, who, despite being gravely injured, remains an enigma. Aside from them, I have no idea where else to find one." 

Having already absorbed eight plant-based spirit rings, Wang Li had no desire to switch to an animal-type spirit ring for his ninth, even if it were a hundred-thousand-year-old one. 

After confirming the condition of the Blue Silver Emperor, Wang Li resumed his training. Once he became a Titled Douluo, he could attempt to condense a second spirit core. His first spirit core was the Blue Silver Spirit Core. 

After breaking through to Soul Saint, he had refined and compressed his spirit power through his martial soul, transforming it into Blue Silver Spirit Power, which then condensed into his Blue Silver Spirit Core. 

To form a second spirit core, he would need a new attribute as its foundation. However, his Blue Silver Emperor path solely followed the Life Attribute. 

Moreover, he only had one martial soul—he wasn't a twin martial soul wielder. According to later theories, it seemed that only a million-year spirit beast's sacrifice could artificially create a new martial soul. 

In this era, aside from the Silver Dragon King beneath the Lake of Life, only the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King of the Demon Whale Sea could barely be considered a million-year spirit beast. Even the Skydream Iceworm, which was said to be under the control of the ten great beasts, might not have truly reached a million years in cultivation. 

Since he lacked a second martial soul, he would have to forge a different path. He had already condensed a Life Spirit Power Core, so in the future, he could also form a Life Vital Energy Core and a Life Spiritual Core. 

If he was determined to achieve immortality, then he would commit to the path completely. 

Someday, whether it be the Douluo Continent, the God Realm, the Abyssal Plane, or the vast universe, he refused to believe that anyone could erase his existence. His spirit, vital energy, and spirit power would merge into an eternal trinity, making him truly indestructible. 

With this idea in mind, Wang Li set out to put it into practice. Using the Blue Silver Spirit Power from his Blue Silver Core, he stimulated his body to generate more vital energy, and his soul to enhance his spiritual power, searching for the opportunity to compress and condense them into new cores. 

--- 

Meanwhile… 

Wang Li, Dugu Yan, and Dugu Bo had returned to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, resuming their peaceful seclusion. 

However, on the other side of the continent, the re-emergence of the Clear Sky Sect was causing an uproar. 

Though they had not fully come out of seclusion, the world's number one sect—silent for decades—had resurfaced and even forged an alliance with the Heaven Dou imperial family. This alone was explosive news. 

Many of the older generation recalled the unparalleled strength of the Clear Sky Sect before they were forced into seclusion by the Spirit Hall. 

And the root of it all… was Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Douluo, who had slain the previous Pope of the Spirit Hall, Qian Xunji. 

But now, Tang Hao had been killed by the Spirit Hall. Was this the reason behind the Clear Sky Sect's reappearance? Would this spark another battle between the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall, the two most powerful forces on the continent? 

This topic stirred widespread discussion, sending chills down many people's spines. It seemed as though the continent was on the brink of chaos once again. 

--- 

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect 

Within the tallest building of the sect, Ning Fengzhi stood by the window, gazing down at the entire sect below. 

In the past, his face always carried a gentle, refined smile. But now, exhaustion and frustration clouded his expression. 

The recent series of events had completely disrupted his plans— 

Tang Hao and Tang San's attack on Wang Li… 

Wang Li driving Tang Hao and Tang San away… 

Xue Qinghe's mysterious disappearance… 

The Clear Sky Sect stepping out of seclusion… 

He was at his wits' end. Decades of careful planning had been shattered in an instant. With Xue Qinghe gone, years of investment had gone to waste. 

His ties to the imperial family hadn't been completely severed, but they would never be as strong as before. 

At this moment, behind Ning Fengzhi stood only Sword Douluo, Chen Xin. 

Suddenly, the space behind them rippled, and Bone Douluo, Gu Rong, emerged from the distortion. 

Upon his arrival, Gu Rong reported to Ning Fengzhi: 

"It's confirmed—Wang Li has left. Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan have also disappeared without a trace. Emperor Xue Ye should have realized by now that someone as proud as Wang Li would never tolerate such humiliation." 

Hearing this, Chen Xin responded calmly: 

"Mortal emperors believe their power grants them control over everything. But true geniuses and strong cultivators have their own pride. Not everyone bends for wealth, fame, or beauty." 

Ning Fengzhi turned around and gave a bitter smile to the two men beside him. 

"I understand Emperor Xue Ye. After all, securing the support of the world's number one sect is an opportunity he couldn't ignore. And I understand Wang Li as well. He has no burdens tying him down—if he doesn't like what he sees, he simply walks away. He is a lone wolf, free to come and go as he pleases, without a care in the world." 

"But our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect… We thrive because of our vast influence, yet that same influence binds us. We could never act as freely as he does." 

A deep sense of frustration weighed on Ning Fengzhi's heart. During the years that the Clear Sky Sect had remained hidden, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had risen to prominence, widely acknowledged as the second strongest sect, with an unspoken reputation that even rivaled the first. 

But now that the Clear Sky Sect had returned, reality came crashing down. Second place was second place. To claim the top position was nothing more than wishful thinking. 

Finally, Ning Fengzhi forced a smile, turned back toward the window, and sighed helplessly. 

"The Spirit Hall's power is growing unchecked. If the Upper Three Sects wish to resist their relentless expansion, we must stand together. Send someone to deliver a formal greeting to the Clear Sky Sect's Second Elder. Moving forward, we should maintain closer ties." 

This was Ning Fengzhi's nature—a master strategist, adept at building relationships on all sides. Perhaps it was because his martial soul lacked formidable combat strength that he had always sought to ally himself with the truly strong. 

---

Spirit Hall 

As the most powerful soul master force on the continent, the Spirit Hall obtained all information with ease. The Clear Sky Sect's return, their alliance with the Heaven Dou imperial family, and even Wang Li's departure—all these reports had already landed on Bibi Dong's desk. 

Inside the study behind the Papal Hall, Bibi Dong carefully read through the intelligence reports. Her expression remained calm—neither delighted by the Clear Sky Sect's reappearance nor enraged by it. 

She knew all too well how Qian Xunji had truly died. 

Tang Hao had only gravely wounded him—it was she who had delivered the final blow. 

Even so, as Qian Xunji's disciple and the current Supreme Pontiff of the Spirit Hall, she had long since declared both Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Sect as mortal enemies. Their downfall was essential to solidifying her reign. 

At that moment, Bibi Dong's lips curved into an elegant yet chilling smile. Her voice turned icy as she spoke: 

"The Clear Sky Sect's return… What a perfect opportunity. My Soul Hunt Plan has faced resistance from those unwilling to disrupt the status quo. But with the Clear Sky Sect as an excuse, anyone who opposes me will give me a reason—a reason to eliminate them." 

"Once the Soul Hunt Plan begins, there will be no turning back. I will tie the vast majority of the Spirit Hall's power entirely to me. Even Qian Daoliu will be forced to remain within the Supreme Pontiff's Hall, unable to strip me of my authority." 

Her smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. 

"The Clear Sky Sect… Heh. Back then, Tang Hao's actions gave me the opportunity to devour Qian Xunji's body and soul. Now, the Clear Sky Sect has given me the perfect excuse to launch my Soul Hunt Plan." 

"I'll start with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Then, I'll annihilate the Clear Sky Sect along with the Heaven Dou imperial family. That incompetent fool couldn't finish the job—so I'll do it myself." 

"Hahahaha… Hahahahaha!" 

In the dimly lit study, Bibi Dong's triumphant, maniacal laughter echoed. 

---

Three Months Later – Heaven Dou City 

That day, a peculiar figure arrived in Heaven Dou City. 

Shrouded completely in a black robe, his presence sent an inexplicable chill down the spines of passersby. 

Anyone who glanced at him instinctively turned away and hurried on, avoiding a second look. 

The streets bustled as usual, yet wherever he walked, a subtle sense of unease followed.

The eerie aura surrounding this man was suffocatingly sinister. Just a single glance at him was enough to send shivers down one's spine. 

This mysterious figure was none other than Tang San. 

With Tang Xiao's assistance, he had hunted down three ten-thousand-year-old power-type soul beasts. Using his Eight Spider Lances, he devoured their life energy and absorbed their spirit rings, pushing his soul power to Level 69. 

However, despite his rapid growth, the clashing soul power within him made control incredibly difficult. Even worse, searing pain frequently radiated from several of his critical acupoints. 

Now fatherless, he had no one to rely on. With no other options, he turned to Yu Xiaogang for guidance, making his way to Shrek Academy. 

Yet, the sight before him left him utterly stunned. 

Once thriving, the academy now lay in a state of ruin. 

Even the "Shrek Academy" plaque had been ripped down and discarded to the side. 

Tang San's expression twisted in fury, his killing intent surging. 

"How is this possible?! Who destroyed my academy?!" 

Just then, a chubby, shameless-looking man strolled back toward the academy, rubbing his round belly in satisfaction. It was Ma Hongjun. 

A few days earlier, he had helped a Level 30 Spirit Elder hunt a thousand-year-old soul beast, earning a decent sum of money. With that cash, he had indulged himself in a night of pleasure at a brothel and was now returning, completely content. 

As he reached the academy's entrance, he noticed the black-robed figure standing there. He squinted for a moment before his eyes widened in shock. 

"Tang San…San Ge?!" 

Tang San turned, staring at the round-bodied Ma Hongjun. Though he had changed, Tang San still recognized him immediately. Without hesitation, he hurriedly asked: 

"Fatty, thank god you're still here! What happened to the academy? Where are the teachers? Where are our classmates?" 

Ma Hongjun's expression turned complicated. He hesitated for a moment before finally answering. 

"Heh, so you're still alive, huh? Well, this mess… is all because of you." 

Tang San's brows furrowed in confusion. 

"Because of me…?" 

Ma Hongjun walked into the academy's ruins, motioning for Tang San to follow. 

"Come inside. The place is practically empty now. The teachers and I still live here, but…" 

Tang San followed silently, his mind racing. 

Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun's hands trembled slightly—whether from anger or excitement, even he wasn't sure. 

"Back then, you and your father recklessly attacked Wang Li out of nowhere. The two of you managed to escape, sure—but the academy wasn't so lucky." 

"The moment you were declared wanted fugitives, your teacher stood up for you. As a result, the authorities cracked down hard—Shrek Academy was shut down, and all the teachers were taken in for questioning." 

"Fortunately, they're all powerful figures. After paying a massive fine, they were eventually released… but the academy? It was completely finished." 

"So tell me, Third Brother—wasn't this all because of you?" 

Ma Hongjun let out a bitter laugh before shaking his head in frustration. 

"I just don't get it. Why the hell did you and your father suddenly decide to attack Wang Li? Did you really think we could afford to provoke someone like him?"

Tang San was left speechless. 

There was no denying it—this disaster was indeed caused by him. 

But he quickly gathered himself and retorted: 

"Wang Li… that bastard! He stole my spirit ring! If he hadn't taken it, how could his strength have skyrocketed like that? If not for him, the teachers… and all of you… wouldn't be in this mess!" 

Ma Hongjun glanced at Tang San, his gaze unfamiliar and distant. 

Even though they had once been close friends, there was no stopping the trouble magnet that Tang San had become. 

"The teachers had nowhere else to go and no money to their names, so they've been staying here temporarily. Dean Flender and Vice Dean Liu Erlong… they were devastated. They argued all the time about the academy's direction, but at the end of the day, this place was their life's work." 

"Your teacher, though? He barely reacted. He just buries himself in his precious books every day like nothing happened." 

"As for Zhao Wuji and Li Yusong, they originally planned to spend their later years teaching here. But now? Well… they're thinking about taking up mercenary work—hunting spirit beasts for others just to earn enough for retirement." 

At this point, Ma Hongjun's voice grew heavy. 

"As for the Shrek Seven Devils… my martial soul is flawed—I can't control my Evil Fire. After reaching the Spirit Ancestor realm, I had no choice but to take bounty jobs, hunting spirit beasts for cash… then using that money to… well, 'cool off' in brothels. I spend most of my time running around doing that, which is why I'm still just a high-level Spirit Ancestor." 

"Rongrong and Oscar? Rongrong went back to her clan, and Oscar followed her. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan really lives up to its name as the second greatest sect in the world. With their talent and effort, they both reached the Spirit King realm not long ago." 

"Zhuqing and Boss Dai? Zhuqing trains relentlessly—she fights in the Great Spirit Arena every day. She often comes back covered in injuries, but guess what? She actually broke through to Spirit King! She's even stronger than Boss Dai now." 

"Boss Dai, though? That guy spends all his time holed up in hotels and entertainment venues. Even I've almost caught up to him—he's still just a high-level Spirit Ancestor." 

"I did some digging. Turns out Zhuqing and Boss Dai are from Star Luo Empire. Remember Zhu Zhuyun and Dai Weisi from the last Spirit Master Tournament? They're their biological siblings." 

"And in Star Luo Empire, if Zhuqing and Boss Dai can't surpass their older siblings by the age of twenty-five, their fate… won't be pretty." 

"Zhuqing is fighting with everything she has. But Boss Dai? He's already given up…" 

As he spoke, the two arrived at the forest behind the academy. 

Ma Hongjun suddenly shouted out loud: 

"I'm back!" 

A lifeless voice responded: 

"Yeah, yeah, you're back. No need to yell. Be careful, or I'll beat you…" 

Ma Hongjun and Tang San walked closer. 

There, Flender and Zhao Wuji lay idly, basking in the sun with nothing better to do. 

At first, they paid no attention—until they noticed that Ma Hongjun wasn't alone. 

When they saw the figure standing beside him… 

Tang San. 

Flender jumped to his feet, his expression flashing through a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anger, resentment… 

In the end, it all melted into a single, weary sigh. 

"Tang San… so you came back, too." 

"A coward who never dares to make trouble… is no more than an ordinary man." 

The very philosophy Flender had preached for years— 

Now, it had finally come full circle. 

And in this moment, it struck him right between the eyes— 

All his years of effort, reduced to nothing. 

(End of Chapter)