The reports of rogue factions growing in strength within the shadows of the Douluo Continent demanded swift and decisive action. Xin Tian, now elevated to the status of the Celestial Arbiter in both name and power, wasted no time in organizing a counter-strike. These factions were a direct threat to the utopia he envisioned, and their elimination was non-negotiable.
Strategic Preparations
Inside Spirit Hall's war room, a detailed map of the continent was spread across a massive table. Markers indicated the suspected locations of rogue hideouts, each one surrounded by reports from the Shadow Syndicate.
Shadowmaster Kael pointed to the largest cluster, hidden deep in the Mountain of Eternal Dusk. "This is their stronghold. Intelligence suggests they've amassed a force of several hundred Spirit Masters. Their leader is rumored to be a Spirit Douluo."
General Varok leaned forward, his gauntleted hand tapping the table. "A frontal assault would be costly. Their terrain gives them an advantage."
Xin Tian, seated at the head of the table, studied the map intently. His gaze was cold and calculating. "We don't need a frontal assault. We'll use the element of surprise and crush them before they have a chance to react."
Bibi Dong nodded in agreement. "We'll strike at night. The Shadow Syndicate can infiltrate their ranks and create chaos from within."
The Plan Unfolds
The strategy was simple yet effective:
1. Infiltration: Shadow Syndicate operatives, using their unique stealth abilities, would infiltrate the rogue stronghold and sabotage their defenses.
2. Isolation: The Astral Covenant would deploy a barrier, cutting off any possibility of escape or reinforcements.
3. Elimination: The Duskblight Legion, led by Xin Tian and General Varok, would launch a surprise attack, overwhelming the rogues with superior tactics and power.
The Night of Reckoning
As the moon hung high in the sky, Spirit Hall's forces moved into position. The Shadow Syndicate slipped into the rogue stronghold undetected, their movements ghostlike in the darkness.
Inside the camp, rogue Spirit Masters were caught off guard as supply caches erupted into flames and communication networks were severed. Panic spread like wildfire as the barrier of the Astral Covenant descended, trapping them within.
By the time the Duskblight Legion arrived, the rogues were already in disarray.
Xin Tian's Overwhelming Might
Leading the charge, Xin Tian activated his Celestial Arbiter Martial Soul, his divine aura illuminating the battlefield. His Eclipse Sword glowed with golden energy, and with a single swing, he unleashed a devastating wave that tore through enemy ranks.
The rogue leader, a Spirit Douluo named Zhan Feng, emerged to confront Xin Tian. His martial soul, a fearsome Crimson Wyvern, roared as he unleashed a barrage of fiery attacks.
"You think you can defeat us so easily?" Zhan Feng shouted, his voice laced with desperation.
Xin Tian remained unfazed. "Your defiance ends here."
With a flick of his wrist, Xin Tian summoned his Celestial Arbiter's Chains, golden tendrils of energy that bound Zhan Feng in place. Despite the rogue leader's struggles, he was no match for Xin Tian's overwhelming power.
"I offer you mercy," Xin Tian said, his voice calm yet commanding. "Surrender, and your men will be spared."
Zhan Feng hesitated, his pride warring with his sense of self-preservation. Finally, he dropped to his knees. "I yield."
Aftermath
The battle ended swiftly, with minimal losses on Spirit Hall's side. The surviving rogues were taken into custody, their spirit power sealed until their loyalty could be verified.
In the aftermath, Xin Tian stood before the captured rogues, his voice carrying across the battlefield.
"Your rebellion was foolish," he said. "But I am not without mercy. Pledge your allegiance to Spirit Hall, and you will be given a chance to redeem yourselves. Refuse, and you will face the consequences."
One by one, the rogues knelt, their spirits broken by Xin Tian's display of power.
A New Ally
Back in Spirit Hall, Zhan Feng was brought before the council. Despite his defeat, his strength and experience were undeniable.
"You have potential," Xin Tian said. "Serve Spirit Hall, and you will find purpose beyond rebellion."
Zhan Feng hesitated but eventually nodded. "I will serve."
With Zhan Feng's allegiance, Spirit Hall gained a valuable asset. His knowledge of rogue factions and the underground networks they used would prove invaluable in rooting out further threats.
A Warning to the Continent
To solidify Spirit Hall's dominance, Xin Tian ordered the creation of a monument at the site of the rogue stronghold. Engraved with the names of the fallen rogues, it served as a stark reminder of Spirit Hall's power and the futility of resistance.
"The Douluo Continent must understand," Xin Tian said to Bibi Dong as they observed the monument's construction. "Spirit Hall is not just a force—they are the foundation of order."
Bibi Dong smirked. "And you are its unshakable arbiter."
Xin Tian's golden eyes gleamed. "This is only the beginning."
End of Chapter 20