Chapter 58: Clear Sky Joins Moon Pavilion

"Sigh, Zhou Sheng'an still made this choice."

Tang Yuehua let out a sigh, her gaze complicated.

From a personal standpoint, she admired Zhou Sheng'an. Such an extraordinarily talented person, with soul power theories that could make him an unprecedented grand master, and in military strategy, he could also shine brilliantly!

A genius of this level might only appear once in ten thousand years, even with all of Douluo Continent's spiritual energy.

Unfortunately, Zhou Sheng'an was too "impulsive."

Even during the peak of the Star Luo Empire's power, they hadn't been able to accomplish what Zhou Sheng'an now dared to attempt, completely disregarding the consequences.

Although the Spirit Hall wasn't as strong in open warfare as the two great empires, their Titled Douluo were more than capable of launching assassination operations.

If the Spirit Hall truly went all out, Zhou Sheng'an might meet his end before he could even begin his campaign.

"So, should we allow the Clear Sky Sect to emerge? If big brother and the others protect him, Zhou Sheng'an's chances of victory will increase. But at the same time, if he fails, then the Clear Sky Sect will also…"

Tang Yuehua didn't hesitate for long before making her decision.

'It's just a simulation anyway, so losing doesn't matter.'

Though deep down, she had already concluded that Zhou Sheng'an was destined to fail.

…

[Douluo Calendar, Year 2026, May 28: Zhou Sheng'an leads his army to the borders of the Principality of Moor, facing off against the borrowed general Zhang Han.]

[Douluo Calendar, Year 2026, May 30: Spirit Hall dispatches Platinum Bishop Salas to persuade Zhou Sheng'an, hoping he will withdraw immediately to maintain peace across the continent. Zhou Sheng'an refuses.]

The scene shifts.

Inside the central military tent.

Salas stared at the man before him, who was now completely different from the one he had met three years ago. Back then, he had dismissed Zhou Sheng'an as nothing more than an arrogant fool, someone deluded by his own ridiculous theories.

He had humiliated Zhou Sheng'an, calling him a lunatic with wild dreams.

He had even mocked him for attributing his success to ability, claiming that he was an even bigger joke than Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang.

Under his watch, Zhou Sheng'an had been suppressed by Spirit Hall, driven to near despair.

And yet now, that same man had become the second great general responsible for the downfall of the Star Luo Empire!

Some even whispered that Zhou Sheng'an's strategic brilliance surpassed even that of Ge Long!

Facing him once again, Salas unconsciously showed a hint of respect.

Even when standing before Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire, he had never felt like this before.

"Marshal Zhou, withdraw your troops. Isn't it better to maintain the current peace? No matter who wins, in the end, it is always the common people who suffer." Salas spoke hypocritically.

Zhou Sheng'an shook his head and smiled. "If that's the case, then I shall conquer Heaven Dou within six months."

"This…" Salas was momentarily stunned.

"Does Bishop Salas not believe me? It took me less than half a year to crush Star Luo. Do you think Heaven Dou will be any harder to conquer?" Zhou Sheng'an smirked and asked teasingly, "Bishop Salas, you won't slap me in the face again, will you?"

Salas' expression turned awkward, and he hurriedly said, "Marshal Zhou, you must be joking. Back then… sigh, back then I failed to recognize your brilliance. Because of my own narrow-mindedness, I caused you to…"

"Oh? So who in Spirit Hall was targeting me back then? Bishop Salas, your change in attitude is a bit too drastic. I assume you're just following orders from above?"

Zhou Sheng'an saw through him.

However, in this lifetime, he hadn't interacted with Bibi Dong or Qian Renxue, so he could only guess at the true masterminds behind Spirit Hall.

Salas remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "I only hope Marshal Zhou reconsiders. If this continues, Spirit Hall will definitely support the Heaven Dou Empire. With Spirit Hall's soul masters assisting, Heaven Dou's military strength will increase significantly."

Salas wasn't exaggerating.

Even without considering their combat power, soul masters had an overwhelming advantage in reconnaissance alone—they could easily outclass any ordinary scouts.

'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.'

But Zhou Sheng'an simply responded, "There's no need to persuade me any further. I will conquer Heaven Dou."

"…Enough. I've said my piece. I only hope Marshal Zhou will think it over."

Salas left, disappointed.

…

[That night, assassins in black attempt to kill Zhou Sheng'an, but five mysterious experts intervene and save him.]

Late at night, above the central tent, a deafening thunderous roar echoed as a pitch-black hammer fell from the sky, smashing the tent and crushing one of the assassins into pulp.

Several figures descended, their gazes falling upon Zhou Sheng'an, who remained at his desk, calmly mapping out his military strategy.

"Marshal Zhou's composure is truly admirable."

"I am Tang Xiao, Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect. I hope my presence here will not be seen as an intrusion."

Tang Xiao clasped his fists respectfully.

As he spoke, he withdrew his nine soul rings.

"!!!"

The elite guards who had rushed over gasped in shock at the sight.

A Titled Douluo!

Zhou Sheng'an looked up at them and smiled. "How could this be an intrusion? Sect Master Tang, your assistance is a great help to me. With the Clear Sky Sect's support, success is within reach!"

Zhou Sheng'an immediately stood up and took Tang Xiao's arm enthusiastically.

Hearing this, Tang Xiao laughed and followed Zhou Sheng'an to take a seat.

Being valued so highly by the continent's second greatest general filled him with immense satisfaction.

The elders of the Clear Sky Sect followed, all of them deeply moved.

"With the mighty Clear Sky Sect by my side, Spirit Hall's soul masters are nothing to fear…"

…

[Douluo Calendar, Year 2026, June 12: Spirit Hall officially declares support for the Heaven Dou Empire.]

[Douluo Calendar, Year 2026, June 18: Zhou Sheng'an feigns retreat, luring General Zhang Han into pursuit. Meanwhile, he dispatches two thousand light cavalry, bearing the flags of the Anzhu Kingdom, to the city gates to raise their banner.]

[From a distance, Zhang Han mistakenly believes the city has fallen to Anzhu forces, causing panic among his troops. In the ensuing chaos, Zhou Sheng'an seizes the opportunity to strike, routing Zhang Han's army and killing him in battle.]

[Douluo Calendar, Year 2026, June 26] Zhou Sheng'an fully occupies the Principality of Moor. Over a dozen assassination attempts are made on him, all thwarted by the Clear Sky Sect.]

…

On the summit of Pope's Hill, Qian Renxue smirked as she read the reports.

"Well, now Bibi Dong's power is dwindling even further. From here on, I won't let Spirit Hall assassinate Sheng'an again!"

"Won't this expose your intentions?" Dark Qian Renxue asked curiously.

Qian Renxue shook her head. "No, that foolish woman Bibi Dong would never suspect me. The Worship Hall obeys me now, and most of the elders follow my lead. The number of powerful soul masters she can deploy is limited, while Sheng'an is protected by the Clear Sky Sect's Titled Douluo. Heh, this time, I'll make sure Bibi Dong is utterly defeated!"

"I don't get you. You could just crush her directly, yet you insist on all this unnecessary scheming."

Dark Qian Renxue sneered.

Qian Renxue scoffed back. "Looks like you, as my dark side, didn't inherit my intelligence. You don't understand—I'm practicing. Next time, whether it's another simulation or reality, I'll be able to execute my plan flawlessly."