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This only made Yan Shaozhe realize even more profoundly just how crucial soul tools had become.
"Qian Duoduo has already broken through as a ninth-ranked soul engineer, and Fan Yu will soon become Shrek's second ninth-ranked soul engineer. We cannot afford to let anything happen to them."
For that very reason, avoiding Sun-Moon was not an option.
However, with the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment locking down the region, their only choice was to take a much longer detour to infiltrate the city.
"The Demonic Forest?"
Yan Shaozhe and Xuanzi deliberated over possible routes, and in the end, Xuanzi traced out what was theoretically the safest path.
Yan Shaozhe studied the map in silence.
"We'll only be skirting the outer perimeter of the Demonic Forest, not venturing deep inside. Once we cross through, we'll emerge in the northern region of the Sun-Moon Empire. The Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment has only locked down the main roads near the Sun-Moon Mountain Range—they can't possibly seal off every route leading into Sun-Moon." Xuanzi explained.
Though Yan Shaozhe instinctively resisted the idea, Xuanzi's reasoning was sound.
The northernmost main road of the Sun-Moon Mountain Range…
"Is this really how the Sun-Moon Empire treats the competitors from other nations?" Yan Shaozhe muttered.
The Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment intercepted one group after another, meticulously inspecting every individual.
"Hmph. Our Sun-Moon Empire naturally welcomes foreign teams participating in the competition. However, if anyone harbors ulterior motives, don't blame us for being merciless.
What does it mean for a Super Douluo to sneak in under cover? Register properly. If a Super Douluo is found to have entered our empire illegally, we will show no mercy."
One by one, the elders who had secretly followed their teams were forced to reveal themselves.
It wasn't hard to understand the underlying message behind the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment's words—this was a warning.
Anyone entering the Sun-Moon Empire had to register. If they were found inside the empire without proper documentation, their deaths would be considered their own responsibility.
Even those who had registered would still be under scrutiny. If war broke out, they could easily be branded as conspirators, which would spell disaster for them.
Most sects did not have the strength to resist such pressure.
"Hmph. Blame Shrek's Xuanzi for smuggling himself into our Sun-Moon Empire."
Luan Feng didn't mind stirring up resentment toward Shrek.
The competition was already dangerous enough. Most participating teams had secretly dispatched powerful guardians to protect their members.
Yet, because of Shrek's actions, many of these hidden powerhouses had now been exposed, placing them in direct danger. How could the other teams not hold a grudge?
"Princess Jiujiu, should we—"
"It's fine. Ignore them."
Xu Jiujiu's expression remained unchanged as she faced the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment's search.
It was nothing more than an excuse.
Even if this inspection hadn't happened, would they not have taken action once the hidden escorts were discovered later?
It made no difference.
The moment their forces decided to send covert protectors, they had already accounted for the risks of illegal entry.
It was only the smaller sects, unable to withstand such direct intimidation, that buckled under pressure.
Moreover, for those who hadn't reached the rank of Titled Douluo, whether they remained hidden or not made little difference.
On the other hand, the two powerful figures accompanying the Star Luo Royal Battle Team—Medicine Immortal Douluo and Starshatter Douluo—were far more valuable. Their identities had to remain secret.
If they were exposed, the Sun-Moon Empire, which might have originally refrained from making a move in Sun-Moon, would definitely take action.
A similar situation was playing out with the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Body Sect.
Though their teams weren't traveling together, they maintained a close enough distance to support each other. If something unexpected happened, they could regroup quickly.
Both teams had Titled Douluo escorting them as well.
---
Sun-Moon.
The Imperial Palace.
Xu Tiannan reviewed the intelligence reports from the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment with satisfaction.
Most of the hidden powerhouses protecting the competing teams had been flushed out.
This development would be extremely beneficial for the Sun-Moon Empire's upcoming plans.
Is it possible that there's not a single Titled Douluo?
Impossible.
Hmph. The Sun-Moon competition—our Sun-Moon Empire has no good intentions, and neither will the Three Douluo Kingdoms.
Xu Tiannan narrowed his eyes, and a murderous aura emanated from him.
After almost being killed in the royal struggle, resulting in his lower body being paralyzed, Xu Tiannan took brutal revenge. Every prince and minister who had opposed him met a tragic end.
He systematically eliminated any forces within the empire that opposed the upcoming unification war. At the same time, he changed military regulations, greatly expanding the opportunities for commoners to rise through the ranks, making it possible for them to be granted noble titles through military achievements.
Anyone who obstructed this policy was swiftly eliminated by Xu Tiannan.
This demonstrated his decisiveness and ruthlessness.
"The Three Douluo Kingdoms will certainly not stay quiet. Notify the Sun-Moon Hall and strengthen defenses."
"Also, we need to investigate the movements of the soul engineers within the empire."
This competition was the clarion call for the Sun-Moon Empire's all-out war. But it was also, without a doubt, an opportunity long awaited by the Three Douluo Kingdoms.
Whether the Sun-Moon Empire could acquire the Ninth-level Soul Engineer technology, or whether the war pressures would allow them to quickly cultivate Ninth-level Soul Engineers and bridge the gap, would depend on the actions taken during this competition.
"Hmph. Do they really think I don't understand their intentions?"
Juzi silently listened to Xu Tiannan's analysis without interrupting.
---
Sun-Moon Hall
Jing Hongchen received the news and immediately took precautions within the Sun-Moon Hall.
If the Three Douluo Kingdoms were as reckless as they seemed, there was a high chance they would attempt to seize the technology from Sun-Moon Hall.
Shrek, and the Body Sect, both of these factions were extremely daring.
And both were on the opposing side of the Sun-Moon Empire. If one of them set their mind to this plan, the other would certainly follow suit.
It was like a probability issue—there was a 50% chance one of them would have such an idea. But for Sun-Moon Hall, the only scenario where they wouldn't be attacked was if both Shrek and the Body Sect remained obedient, which had only a 25% chance.
That probability was small.
Precautions must be taken.
"Xu Tiannan is truly playing with fire this time." The construction of defensive works, the secret mobilization of large numbers of soul engineers—Jing Hongchen had noticed it all.
Sealing-type Soul Engineer formations.
"Hall Master."
Su Yu entered Jing Hongchen's office, interrupting his train of thought.
"Xiao Yu? What's the matter?"
"It's nothing. I just feel like the atmosphere of this competition is a bit off. I have this nagging feeling that something unexpected is going to happen," Su Yu said with a worried tone.
---
(End of Chapter)