Chapter 133: Yang Xiong's Plan

Yang Xiong heard Lin Gong's words and sighed helplessly: "Teacher Lin, I think your relationship with Dragon Duke isn't as bad as you say. Back then you were only influenced by Chrysanthemum Douluo. If you can break through to Title Douluo, wouldn't you have a chance to avenge Chrysanthemum Douluo in the future?"

Lin Gong's face instantly turned extremely serious upon hearing this: "Xiao Xiong, be honest with me—do you truly intend to challenge the ruling position of the Spirit Hall in the future? I think whether it's you or the three single‑attribute great families you have gathered, you are all opposed to the Spirit Hall."

Yang Xiong thought for a moment before speaking: "Teacher Lin, it's not that I want to challenge the Spirit Hall; it's that the Spirit Hall probably can't accommodate any of us."

During the last Soul Master Competition Finals, to counter Tang Hao, the Spirit Hall deployed as many as seven Title Douluo, and with the hidden members of the Spirit Hall, their strength is likely far above that of the top three sects.

Considering the Spirit Hall's development over the years, especially with Bibidong's great ambition, it will probably sooner or later strike at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the three single‑attribute great families will likely be caught in his targeting as well, which is why I want to become strong as quickly as possible.

Lin Gong's complexion turned somewhat pallid upon hearing this, and finally he couldn't help but sigh: "The Spirit Hall holds an extremely high status among Soul Grandmasters, and they possess strength far beyond our imagination; I fear no one can confront them head‑on."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Teacher Lin, you're wrong. The Spirit Hall is indeed powerful, but not as exaggerated as you imagine."

Both Great Empires each command millions of troops; it's clear both have felt the Spirit Hall's threat. In recent years neither empire has engaged in any war, likely because they fear the Spirit Hall would profit like a fisherman.

Lin Gong said: "There's no need to rush this. In at most two years I can break through to Title Douluo; then I'll go talk to Meng Shu. That old fellow values his family, but with your plan for the so‑called Body Sect, you should be able to persuade him to join."

"However, this would weaken your control over the so‑called Body Sect, because both Yang Wudi and Niu Gao have large families, unlike me, a solitary person."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Teacher Lin, why do you think I want Dragon Duke and his group to join? Moreover, I've long had plans for this sect; don't forget Zhao Wuji and Oscar."

Lin Gong showed a hint of doubt: "Oscar's talent is indeed good, but it will take him too long to mature. Considering Zhao Wuji's cultivation speed, in the short term he's still a fair distance behind Yang Wudi and the others, so he probably can't provide any balancing effect."

"Moreover, the three families of your so‑called Body Sect get along too well; they might even sideline you at any moment. After all, you're only a Soul Sect now; do you have such concerns as well?"

Yang Xiong said: "My concern isn't the three single‑attribute great families. Given the personalities of Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He Shan Ren, those three have some foresight. As long as I grow quickly, I don't care whether they could sideline me."

"What I truly worry about is the Clear Sky Sect; those three great families were originally its subordinate families. If the Clear Sky Sect truly emerges, our Body Sect will likely face turbulence."

Lin Gong was startled: "I hadn't noticed that. I see Yang Wudi and Niu Gao both despise the Clear Sky Sect, so they probably won't be interfered with. As for Bai He, I've heard of his connections with the Clear Sky Sect, no wonder you weren't very proactive at first."

Yang Xiong said helplessly: "We've already reached this stage; from now on we'll take it one step at a time. I hope Bai He won't disappoint me, otherwise my efforts will eventually be reclaimed."

Lin Gong seemed to recall something: "By the way, Xiao Xiong, where exactly is the new sect's base you mentioned? I get the impression you've set your eyes on a certain place, but you're waiting for the right moment."

Yang Xiong smiled: "It's indeed a treasure land, but the enemy is currently too strong; perhaps we'll have a chance to obtain it in the future."

Lin Gong heard this and was merely puzzled, without probing further.

Yang Xiong continued: "By the way, Teacher Lin, in a while I'll ask Sect Leader Ning and Elder Bai He to help find a youth whose body serves as a martial soul; then I'll have you train and teach him."

Lin Gong asked skeptically: "Is that necessary? Though your cultivation is decent, people whose bodies are martial souls are extremely rare and hard to train; investing great effort might not be worth it."

Yang Xiong just smiled: "Teacher Lin, don't overthink it; this is one of the biggest secrets of the Douluo Continent, and the foundation for our Body Sect's future strength and rise."

The Body martial soul's ability to undergo a Second Awakening is indeed one of the Douluo Continent's greatest secrets, and its cultivation method differs entirely from that of ordinary martial souls. This has resulted in no top‑tier masters of Body martial souls having emerged on the Douluo Continent so far, and the treasure land Yang Xiong values is the foundation of everything.

That day, while Yang Xiong was cultivating, two unexpected visitors arrived: Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.

Yang Xiong was a bit puzzled, but after thinking he decided to meet them; although in a sense they could be considered enemies, the matter is probably not that simple.

This was the first time after the Soul Master Competition that he saw Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun again; the two looked as unchanged as they had been a while ago.

Yang Xiong poured tea for the two: "Dai Weisi, I didn't expect the illustrious Grand Prince of the Star Luo Empire to come to a place like this; it's rather surprising to me."

Dai Weisi seemed to have lost the arrogance from the Soul Master Competition, merely taking a sip of tea: "The three single‑attribute great families wish to leave the Star Luo Empire, involving the departure of over a thousand Soul Grandmasters. Father the Emperor assigned me to oversee this, after all I'm a Soul Grandmaster of the Star Luo Empire."

Yang Xiong smiled: "You can't put it that way. They were originally subordinate sects of the Clear Sky Sect, originally from the Heaven Dou Empire; now they can only be considered as returning to the Heaven Dou Empire, so how can they be Soul Grandmasters of the Star Luo Empire?"

Dai Weisi's face darkened: "Yang Xiong, you should know the hatred between our Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire. We would never easily allow a thousand Soul Grandmasters to go to the Heaven Dou Empire, let alone your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which has always supported the Heaven Dou Empire; that would make us enemies of the Star Luo Empire."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Dai Weisi, that's a meaningless statement. The Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire haven't fought in decades; we both know the reasons. Instead of focusing on me and the three single‑attribute great families, you should look at some internal matters of your own."

After a pause, Dai Weisi spoke: "After all, it's about a thousand Soul Grandmasters. Even if they go to the Heaven Dou Empire and cooperate with your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect still needs to give us an explanation."

Yang Xiong said: "There's nothing to explain. If the Star Luo Emperor truly wants a justification, tell him the three single‑attribute great families won't interfere in the war between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire; they might even help you fight future enemies. You should understand what that means."

Dai Weisi's expression turned serious: "You're talking about the Spirit Hall, aren't you? Why should I let them leave? In my Star Luo Empire they would also contend with the Spirit Hall, and might even contribute to the nation."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Dai Weisi, instead of focusing on the thousand‑plus Soul Grandmasters of the three single‑attribute great families, you should look at your own backyard."

"I have a tip for you: besides the top three sects, the lower four sects have all secretly pledged to the Spirit Hall—Black Tiger Sect, Holy Dragon Sect, Wind Sword Sect—all are in the Star Luo Empire, so your Star Luo Empire may find itself beset on all sides."

Dai Weisi's face showed shock: "How could that be? Those three major sects have certain ties with my Star Luo Imperial Family, how could they secretly pledge to the Spirit Hall?"

Yang Xiong said: "Believe it or not, send someone to investigate thoroughly; you should obtain concrete information quickly."

Dai Weisi's expression became unreadable, and finally he said: "This tip is important; I need to verify it."

Yang Xiong showed a hint of a smile: "I wouldn't fabricate such information. Moreover, I learned that Fire Leopard Sect, Sparrow Bee Sect, Rock Antelope Sect, and Elephant Armor Sect have also secretly pledged to the Spirit Hall, along with many other medium and small schools; your Star Luo Empire will need to investigate them carefully."

Dai Weisi's face darkened: "What exactly is the Spirit Hall? They've secretly courted so many sects; could they be plotting something?"

Yang Xiong said: "I don't know about that. I'm not concerned with power and politics; I only care whether the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is safe and strong enough."

At this moment, Yang Xiong seemed to understand Dai Weisi's purpose; sending over a thousand Soul Grandmasters to an opposing nation is indeed a major matter.

This is a full five years earlier than the original work; the original likely had Dai Mubai as the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire, which is why Tang San could so easily bring the three single‑attribute great families to the Heaven Dou Empire, and that was after the Spirit Hall launched the Soul Hunting Operation.

After a discussion, Dai Weisi finally said helplessly: "Fine. Since the three great families' intentions aren't in my Star Luo Empire, it's not unreasonable for you to take them away, but I want you to remember that those three great families must never appear on the battlefield where the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire clash."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Of course. I'm taking these people away not to join a war; at least they won't contend with the Star Luo Empire."

……

Dai Weisi hesitated before speaking: "How are Dai Mubai and Zhu Qing now? Are they still studying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

Yang Xiong observed Dai Weisi closely; his eyes no longer held the ferocity from the Soul Master Competition, at least not the way he looks at an enemy.

"Dai Weisi, this is a miscalculation. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing have already left the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for external training; I think after training they'll improve significantly. Are the two of you afraid that they'll later compete with you for the Crown Prince position?"

Dai Weisi's face grew grim: "You should know how the Star Luo Imperial Family selects its Inheritors; even I and Zhu Zhuyun are powerless."

Yang Xiong couldn't help shaking his head: "Your family is rather interesting. Dai Weisi, you suppress Dai Mubai so much; with your strength and position, eliminating Dai Mubai ahead of time shouldn't be that hard, right?"

"As for Zhu Zhuyun, I heard you once sent people to hunt Zhu Qing, but back then Zhu Qing was only an ordinary Great Soul Master, yet managed to escape your arranged hunt. Is your team that incompetent, or is Zhu Qing that strong?"

Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun exchanged glances, their faces turning somewhat bitter.

Yang Xiong finally sighed helplessly: "I don't know your plan, but I hope neither side fights to the death; after all, your Star Luo Empire's situation isn't as good as you imagine—one more person is one more strength."

Dai Weisi nodded: "Understood. Next time you encounter Dai Mubai and Zhu Qing, tell them not to return to the Star Luo Empire and to live as ordinary people outside."

……

After the two left, Yang Xiong couldn't help pondering the situation of the lower four sects; in the original, the Spirit Hall's Soul Hunting Operation mobilized ten thousand Soul Grandmasters to counter the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, including a thousand from the lower four sects.

Having already informed Dai Weisi in advance that the lower four sects have secretly pledged to the Spirit Hall, I wonder whether the Star Luo Empire's strength can mitigate future crises.

Perhaps I have to figure out a way to act against the four lower sects in advance; that would also count as preemptively eliminating future threats.

But the four lower sects aren't that easy to deal with; each major sect has at least five Soul Douluo, there are over a thousand Soul Grandmasters, and they have very deep‑rooted traditions. For example, Elephant Armor Sect claims to be the world's number‑one defense, Wind Sword Sect Sect Leader Feng Bai Long claims to be the world's second sword‑master, and the Holy Dragon Sect Sect Leader is also an Elder of the Spirit Hall and the only Title Douluo among the four lower sects.

(End of chapter)