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"Wuya, after the downfall of the Haotian Sect, there are now 183 sects that have pledged allegiance to the Shui family, along with 367 individual soul masters who have expressed their submission to the Shui family through Tian Shui Sect."
Inside the Shui family hall, Grand Elder Shui Yanjun was eagerly reporting the recent developments to Shui Wuya, his face beaming with joy.
"Big Brother, you can handle these matters."
Shui Wuya wore a wry smile. He had just returned to the Shui family, only to be immediately pulled aside by Shui Yanjun for a briefing.
"That won't do, Wuya. As the head of the Shui family, you must be aware of these affairs."
Shui Yanjun spoke with righteous authority, exuding a brotherly air. When alone, their bond remained as strong as ever.
Hearing this, Shui Wuya shook his head with a bitter smile. He knew his brother's nature—strict, meticulous, and unwavering. He couldn't avoid this ordeal today.
However, he suddenly remembered something important, his expression turning serious.
"Big Brother, announce to the world in the name of the Shui family head: all soul masters, regardless of their sect or school, can freely pledge allegiance to the Shui family. If they pass the Shui family's assessment, they can train with us."
Shui Wuya spoke slowly.
This move was to strengthen the Shui family. There were many young talents without any backing and numerous powerful individuals who remained independent.
These people represented a significant force on the continent. Since the Shui family aimed to unify the continent, they couldn't overlook this group.
"Good idea!"
Shui Yanjun's eyes lit up, instantly understanding the rationale behind Shui Wuya's plan.
"What will the assessment entail?"
Shui Yanjun asked. For soul masters to pledge allegiance to the Shui family, the assessment had to be handled personally by the Shui family.
"It's simple. Independent soul masters with a level of 70 or above must undergo the Law Enforcement Hall's assessment. Those who can withstand 100 moves against a peer from the Law Enforcement Hall without being defeated will qualify to train with the Shui family."
"Those with less than 70 soul power will be assessed by the Law Enforcement Hall based on their martial spirit quality, innate soul power, and other factors. Those who meet the standards will also qualify to train with the Shui family."
Shui Wuya explained in detail, covering all aspects.
"Good, I will issue this order tomorrow!"
Shui Yanjun agreed wholeheartedly, pleased with Shui Wuya's decision.
Ever since Xu Sanshi's martial spirit awakened as the Golden Xuanwu, his strength had increased significantly, and his travel speed had greatly improved.
After traveling for twelve hours, Xu Sanshi finally returned to Shrek Academy.
His first action upon returning was to gather the Tang Sect members for a meeting.
"Sanshi, where have you been all this time? Why are you only coming back now?"
Jiang Nannan looked annoyed, clearly upset that Xu Sanshi had left her alone at Shrek Academy.
"Nannan, I was out finding a path for the Tang Sect."
Xu Sanshi chuckled. Although he hadn't officially joined them, Jiang Nannan had joined the Tang Sect earlier at Wang Qiu'er's invitation.
However, just as Xu Sanshi finished speaking, Wang Qiu'er, who was seated at the head, suddenly darkened her expression.
"Finding a path for the Tang Sect? Xu Sanshi, what do you mean by that?" Wang Qiu'er asked coldly, her voice tinged with obvious reproach.
"What else could he mean? He must have joined the Xuanming Sect in pledging allegiance to the Shui family and now wants us to be traitors too," He Caitou interjected before Xu Sanshi could respond.
He Caitou, who was close to Huo Yuhao, was particularly disdainful of the Shui family, his words dripping with sarcasm.
"Senior?" Xiao Xiao looked at Xu Sanshi, her surprise mixed with hesitation.
Wang Qiu'er's gaze at Xu Sanshi held a hint of disappointment. Ever since she learned that Huo Yuhao was killed by Shui Wuya, she had only felt hatred for him.
For a moment, everyone in the room directed their accusing eyes at Xu Sanshi, except for Jiang Nannan. It was clear they all saw Xu Sanshi as a traitor.
"Xu Sanshi, let me be clear. You never officially joined the Tang Sect, so you have no right to dictate our future. Besides, with your strength, it's laughable to think you could find a path for us," Wang Qiu'er spoke again, this time openly expressing her hostility towards Xu Sanshi.
Hearing this, Xu Sanshi was initially stunned. As he processed her words, he suddenly felt a sense of relief. He had gone to great lengths to secure a future for the Tang Sect members from the clan leader, only to be met with such attitudes from Beibei and the others.
"Beibei, what do you think?" Xu Sanshi asked.
"Well, considering Huo Yuhao was killed by Shui Wuya, I think we should consult with Dean Yan and the others first..." Beibei responded.
"Jiang Nannan, what about you?" Xu Sanshi continued, not lifting his head, waiting for an answer.
Beibei remained silent while everyone watched. Jiang Nannan's indifferent expression showed a trace of emotion before she finally said, "I am a member of the Tang Sect."
She immediately regretted her words but suppressed her feelings.
"Fine!" Xu Sanshi didn't try to persuade anyone further and suddenly looked at Beibei.
"I don't think I've ever beaten you, have I?" Xu Sanshi said.
"Huh?" Beibei replied, confused.
...
Moments later, the Tang Sect members found themselves in the Shrek Academy arena, attracting a crowd of onlookers.
"What's going on? What happened?" one student asked.
"I'm not sure. It looks like Senior Beibei and Senior Xu Sanshi are fighting again," another replied.
"Oh, I see. Wait here a moment."
"Where are you going?"
The student watched his friend run off in the distance.
"Duh! I'm going to bet on Senior Beibei. This time, I'm even putting my little sister's allowance on the line. I'm sure I'll win and surprise her with the money! Hehe!" the runner responded with glee.
The remaining student looked bewildered, thinking his friend was really playing with fire.
There were many like this, and before long, the audience stands were packed, with the betting stakes piling up like a mountain.
In the duel arena.
"Sanshi, fighting me won't prove anything. The Tang Sect is involved in too many issues for you to understand," Beibei shook his head, unsure of how to dissuade his friend.
Despite the crowd cheering his name, Beibei knew that today, he was destined to lose. He was well aware of the Shui family's strength and suspected that Xu Sanshi had undergone a significant transformation to challenge him now.
However, the Tang Sect couldn't be swayed by mere benefits. Even if the Tang Sect wanted to pledge allegiance to the Shui family, the academy wouldn't agree.
"Enough talk. Today, I fight you for closure. I don't care about anything else!" Xu Sanshi sneered, cracking his knuckles as he advanced.
(End of chapter)