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"Your Majesty, the Shui Family's actions against Shrek Academy and the Haotian Sect are likely intended as a warning to others."
In the grand hall of the imperial palace, ministers had been discussing the latest news for some time. At this moment, the prime minister stepped forward to advise Emperor Dou Ling.
"Hmph, the Haotian Sect has been in a semi-secluded state. What does their annihilation matter? I refuse to believe they can destroy my entire Dou Ling Empire."
"Spread the word: No citizen of the Dou Ling Empire shall submit to the Shui Family!"
Emperor Dou Ling's face displayed a mix of disdain and firm confidence.
The empire has an enormous population. Even if the Shui Family dislikes us, they wouldn't dare commit large-scale killings; that would make them no different from evil gods. To subjugate the common people, the royal family must be relied upon—this is his confidence!
"As for Shrek Academy, with Elder Xuan's fate uncertain, they must have become enemies of the Shui Family. If our Dou Ling Empire can form an alliance with them, our chances against the Shui Family would undoubtedly increase!"
Emperor Dou Ling's gaze shifted towards Shrek City, a gleam of determination in his eyes.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. This is an opportune moment for our Dou Ling Empire to ally with Shrek Academy!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
"Long live the Emperor!"
For a moment, the emperor and his ministers were united, seemingly determined to bring Shrek Academy into the fight against the Shui Family.
That morning, Shui Wuya awoke from sleep in the Tianshui Sect. The first thing he did was check the progress of the Ice God's Seventh Trial.
[Ice God's Seventh Trial Progress: 80%]
The system notification made Shui Wuya smile. The annihilation of the Haotian Sect had significantly accelerated his progress.
However, his smile faded quickly when another system notification appeared.
[Attention: Among the forces currently loyal to the Shui Family, some have not met the required loyalty level. This will affect the rewards received upon completing the Ice God's Seventh Trial.]
The system then listed the forces that had not met the loyalty standard.
[Earth Dragon Sect, Elephant Armor Sect, Fire Dragon Sect...]
Knowing that loyalty impacted the final reward of the Ice God's Seventh Trial, Shui Wuya quickly devised a plan.
"Xinyan, the clan leader is going to the Earth Dragon Sect. I want you to accompany him. This is a rare opportunity."
In a grand hall, Mo Li Hai spoke earnestly to Mo Xinyan, his words laden with meaning.
Upon hearing this, Mo Xinyan felt a surge of anticipation.
"Rest assured, Master. I will serve the clan leader well and will not disgrace the TIanshui Sect."
Mo Xinyan responded immediately, her excitement evident.
At the same time, in another hall, Xu Mo was giving similar instructions to Xu Sanshi.
"Sanshi, as you accompany the clan leader to the Earth Dragon Sect, you must perform well and earn his favor for the Xuanming Sect."
Xu Mo's face was serious. After the battle that wiped out the Haotian Sect, he hadn't returned to the Xuanming Sect but instead followed Shui Wuya to the Tianshui Sect. His goal was to get closer to Shui Wuya and earn more of his trust.
"Don't worry, Father. I won't let the sect down!"
Xu Sanshi nodded repeatedly.
...
The next morning.
Under the escort of Mo Li Hai, Xu Mo, and Ling Suihan, Shui Wuya left the Tiasnhui Sect. However, the three did not accompany him further.
After leaving the sect's gates, Shui Wuya noticed Xu Sanshi among his entourage.
"Xu Sanshi."
Suddenly, Shui Wuya stopped, looking at Xu Sanshi with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
"Clan leader, I'm here!"
Upon hearing his name, Xu Sanshi quickly stepped forward from the crowd, respectfully nodding.
This scene was reminiscent of the days when Xu Sanshi recognized Shui Wuya as his elder brother back at Shrek Academy.
"Didn't you already join the Tang Sect? Why are you following me?"
Shui Wuya asked with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
"Clan Leader, you must be joking. I, Xu Sanshi, have never joined the Tang Sect. I swear my loyalty to the Shui Family and to you for life!"
Xu Sanshi responded earnestly, shaking his head emphatically.
However, as Xu Sanshi recalled the current miserable state of the Tang Sect and his friends who had joined, a pang of guilt struck him.
"Clan Leader, those people in the Tang Sect are my old friends. They are good people and have no connection to the former members of the Tang Sect. I hope you can forgive them and let them go."
Xu Sanshi pleaded for his friends in the Tang Sect. With the rise of the Shui Family, he had learned many of their secrets from his father, Xu Mo. One of these secrets was about the Shui Family's past actions that had led to the downfall of the Tang Sect.
"The fate of the Tang Sect depends on Shrek Academy's choices," Shui Wuya said with a cold laugh, neither agreeing nor refusing Xu Sanshi's plea.
With that, Shui Wuya started walking again, leading the group towards the Earth Dragon Sect.
Mo Xinyan remained close to Shui Wuya. As the Holy Maiden of the Tianshui Sect, she had special permission to take care of his daily needs during this journey. While Shui Wuya and Xu Sanshi were talking, her attention was entirely on Shui Wuya, and alongside her excitement, a budding infatuation took root in her heart.
"Sigh! It's true. The Tang Sect is now just a part of Shrek Academy. Its fate is entirely dependent on Shrek Academy's decisions."
Xu Sanshi couldn't help but feel disheartened about the Tang Sect after hearing Shui Wuya's words. He looked up at the sky, shook his head, and sighed quietly.
"Tang Ya, it seems your dream of reviving the Tang Sect may never come true."
...
Half a day later, Shui Wuya and his group arrived at the Earth Dragon Sect.
Before setting out, Shui Wuya had the Tianshui Sect notify the Earth Dragon Sect's leader in advance, so the sect was already buzzing with discussions.
"Did you hear? The young clan leader of the Shui Family is coming to our Earth Dragon Sect today!"
"Who? The Shui Family's clan leader? Why is he coming here?"
"Who knows? But whether he comes or not doesn't really matter to us. The Earth Dragon Sect has always been a second-rate force, regardless of who we align with."
"True enough. Let's eat and regain our strength; we have training with our senior sister tonight!"
A nearby disciple looked on with envy.
Amidst the varied discussions, a few were curious about the Shui Family, but most were indifferent. After all, the Earth Dragon Sect had submitted to other powers before.
"Master Nan Shuishui of the Earth Dragon Sect, along with elders and disciples, respectfully welcomes the Shui Family's clan leader!"
As Shui Wuya and his entourage appeared at the entrance of the Earth Dragon Sect, a graceful and respectful woman led the sect's elders to greet them.
"Master Nan, thank you for your efforts."
Xu Sanshi, as part of the escort, stepped forward to convey Shui Wuya's orders for everyone to rise.
Next, Shui Wuya stepped down from a carriage, glanced around, and maintained a calm demeanor.
Before arriving, he had already used his spiritual power to scan the Earth Dragon Sect, naturally overhearing the disciples' conversations.
"Master Nan Shuishui greets the clan leader!"
Upon seeing Shui Wuya, Nan Shuishui hurried forward and bowed deeply.
Shui Wuya nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
(End of Chapter)