Chapter 129: Limited Effectiveness
Elder Song mused thoughtfully, "That's not impossible." "If the celestial herb could allow Tang San's ancestor to become a god, it should also be able to endow Du Qianjue with the potential to become a god. If he really consumed the celestial herb, then his current cultivation level isn't surprising," Elder Zhang explained. "The celestial herb could enhance his physique, and since his spirit itself is innate to him, it's normal for his spirit rings to far exceed the usual limits."
The elders nodded thoughtfully. Finally, Elder Song decided on a plan with a slam of her hand on the table. That plan was to exalt Du Qianjue to the skies! They would promote Du Qianjue as a once-in-a-millennium genius of Douluo Continent! By making the unknowing public and spirit masters understand what Du Qianjue's cultivation represented, their disappointment with Shrek Academy would naturally diminish. While this would greatly enhance Du Qianjue and the Body Sect's influence, turning themselves into a stepping stone at the feet of the Body Sect and advancing their reputation was a bitter pill to swallow. However, compared to the decline of Shrek Lake, the issue of reputation could temporarily be set aside. After all, even if the Body Sect grew stronger, it would not affect Shrek Lake's status, since the Body Sect only accepts disciples with innate spirits and would not compete with Shrek Academy for students.
Once the plan was established, Shrek Academy sprang into action. With their millennia of accumulated resources and connections, the topics of discussion across the continent swiftly shifted. Those who had been denigrating Shrek were now extolling Du Qianjue, and this trend continued to grow. Within a few days, news of a fifteen-year-old soul saint possessing a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring exploded across the continent like a stone cast into a well.
Besides the numerous 'internet troops' dispatched by Shek Academy, countless citizens who had witnessed Du Qianjue's strength in Star Luo City also voluntarily became 'volunteer promoters,' proudly boasting about having seen Du Qianjue's prowess. Particularly those among the roughly 180 to 190 people who had obtained Du Qianjue's autograph on the snack street. Du Qianjue's autograph was even speculated by his fans to be worth tens of thousands of gold spirit coins! The unique autograph that the candy maker held, featuring the Dragon fire y ice, attracted an offer of 200,000 gold spirit coins for purchase!
The topic of discussion had completely turned around. From a continent-wide depreciation of Shrek to becoming a fan forum exclusively for Du Qianjue, it was clear that Shrek really knew how to manipulate public opinion. Du Qianjue, accompanied by Snow Empress on their travels, was dumbfounded when they returned to Heaven Dou City. Every street and alley was plastered with images of Du Qianjue, and everywhere people were singing his praises. This unexpected fame overwhelmed Du Qianjue. A soul saint's fame now surpassed that of all titled Douluos, with fans everywhere.
The reverence for Du Qianjue wasn't without reason; it was indeed because he was a soul saint that he achieved such an effect. Titled Douluos, well-established as formidable entities on the continent, commanded respect and awe due to their quirks and formidable power. In contrast, Du Qianjue had already gained a reputation for his approachable and mild-mannered nature, further evidenced by the many autographs he had given out. Additionally, having defeated the geniuses of Shrek Academy, it was natural that he had many admirers.
Once the number of Du Qianjue's admirers reached a significant level, Shrek Academy's next move appeared. A different voice emerged among the public:
"It makes sense that Shrek Academy lost, given that we have a real prodigy like Lord Du Qianjue among us."
"Exactly, Lord Du Qianjue is a soul saint, while the strongest at Shrek are only soul emperors. It would actually be strange if they could win."
"So, I think Shrek Academy is still the prestigious institution it always was; it's just that this tournament was unlucky enough to encounter Lord Du Qianjue."
"That's a very sensible thing to say!"
Shrek Academy's strategy was effective. However, the effect was not substantial. The damage had been done, and it was impossible to revert to the unaffected state before the tournament. But S Shrek Academy was satisfied, as internal turbulence had ended, and the negative atmosphere within the academy had been curbed. Shrek City was also gradually returning to its bustling state.
Though acting as a stepping stone for the Body Sect and boosting their profile was somewhat humiliating for the elders of the Sea God Hall, it was a necessary evil. They had been too slow in responding, and the three great empires had acted decisively and fiercely right after the tournament, striking a blow to Shrek Academy's reputation. That they managed to recover to this extent was already commendable.
Mu En could only accept the situation with resignation. He had indeed been dealt a hard hand, burdened not only by internal detractors within Shrek Academy but also by the treacherous maneuvering of the three empires, who had taken to internal strife like experts. Unbeknownst to Mu En, the instigators within the three empires were actually led by the Emperor of the Heaven Soul Empire...
The influence of Du Busi breakthrough had made the Emperor of the Heaven Soul Empire overly confident, especially since the Body Sect was the protective sect of the Heaven Soul Empire, a far more significant ally than Shrek Lake, which had consistently undermined the empire's foundations. Upon learning that the Diao Academy under his empire's banner had defeated Shrek Academy, he started stirring up trouble behind the scenes, even pulling Star Luo and Dou Ling into the fray.
Emperor Xu Jiawei of Star Luo had long been displeased, thinking, "Dai Yaoheng, you are from my Star Luo Empire's White Tiger Duke lineage, and you help Shrek Academy to fight against my Star Luo Empire? And you're proud of winning?"
Then, Xu Jiawei agreed to the Heaven Soul Emperor's suggestion, not only collaborating in the schemes but also secretly making life difficult for Dai Hao, the old rogue.
In these days, Xu Jiawei was particularly delighted, boasting even during his nightly sparring sessions with the queen.
The Dou Ling Empire was somewhat confused by the sudden inclusivity. "Really, it's not easy at all. When did the other three empires play without involving us in Dou Ling? Why are we suddenly included this time?"
Naturally inclined toward internal conflict, Dou Ling immediately advanced to the forefront of the intrigue, playing the game better than any of the other empires.
So, the significant impact on Shrek was not due to Mu En's misjudgment. It was simply unforeseeable.
A force whose time has run out will inevitably become a ruin!
(End of Chapter)