"When are you planning to notify them?"
"Now?"
"That anxious?"
"Of course not."
Ning Tian, displeased, threw her arms around her Brother Junting's neck, pouting just like she did when angry as a child. "Then don't think about escaping! You said you'd help me deal with these account books."
Chen Junting felt the strength of her arms and laughed. "Didn't you say you were going to let Uncle Ning handle it himself?"
Ning Tian shook her head, putting on a "reasonable" expression. "First come, first served. So that's for after this time."
"Alright, alright." Chen Junting picked up the writing brush and straightened Ning Tian up. His attention then shifted to the account books. "Together?"
"Together. But..." Ning Tian slowly stood up and walked over to the inkstone beside them. "I'll grind the ink for you first."
Saying this, she slowly began to work. While working, she winked at Chen Junting. "Hurry up. Finish reviewing these early, and we..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Chen Junting picked up where she left off. "Go to bed together."
Those four words instantly made Ning Tian's eyes brim with a spring-like charm. "...Next time, try to be a bit more elegant."
...
On the Mingdou Mountain Range front, on the vast land, the armies of the Sun Moon Empire and the Star Luo Empire were like two sleeping giant beasts, standing opposed to each other with the Mingdou Mountain Range as the boundary. Endless tents stretched as far as the eye could see, flags fluttering fiercely in the wind. The atmosphere was tense and oppressive.
Since the great battle that day, the Star Luo Empire's army and the Sun Moon Empire's army had maintained this stalemate. A million elite troops faced off here; the atmosphere was so oppressive it left one breathless, like a volcano that was suppressed but on the verge of erupting.
During this period, while large-scale clashes hadn't broken out, skirmishes between small squads were like continuous drizzle, never stopping. Elite squads from both sides frequently appeared in the mountain forests and passes, engaging in endless back-and-forth combat. It could be said that every inch of land was soaked in blood, permeated with the smoke of war.
As for the top experts of both sides... Du Busi and "Zhongli Wu," the two Limit Douluos, apart from having a duel every three days to probe each other, spent the rest of their time stationed in their respective camps like divine needles steadying the sea, maintaining a delicate balance between the two armies.
Regarding this, the higher-ups of both armies knew their limits. At the end of the day, if they didn't count these two powerhouses who could turn the tide of battle, the odds of victory were about forty-sixty. Although the Star Luo Empire was at a disadvantage, the Sun Moon Empire didn't have absolute confidence either.
Therefore, the moment Du Busi and "Zhongli Wu"'s duel determined a victor, whoever won would represent the victory of their side. Knowing full well that pulling one hair would move the whole body in this war, they both suppressed their impulses, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Du Busi: I've wanted to slaughter "Zhongli Wu" for a long time now!
In the Sun Moon Empire camp, "Zhongli Wu" sat in the main tent, like a poisonous snake lurking in the dark, constantly spying on the movements across from him. On his slightly pale face, a pair of gloomy eyes flickered with a bizarre light, making one's blood run cold.
However, right at this moment, a mysterious and powerful aura quietly descended outside the Sun Moon army's camp. "Zhongli Wu"'s keen perception instantly captured this familiar yet abnormally weak aura. Startled, he abruptly stood up and flashed away.
His movements didn't alarm anyone. When he arrived at a small forest quite a distance from the camp, he saw the Demon Empress floating in mid-air. But the usually majestic and imposing Demon Empress now looked incredibly weak. Blood was still flowing from multiple wounds on her body, her aura chaotic and faint, as if a gentle breeze could blow her down.
"Zhongli Wu" was startled in his heart and hurried forward. "What happened to you? Injured this heavily? Was it the heavenly tribulation?"
The Demon Empress opened her eyes, filled with exhaustion. "Not the heavenly tribulation, but injured by the Sea God's Great Worship—the Sea God Douluo."
Instantly, "Zhongli Wu"'s expression turned grave. He didn't know the Sea God Douluo's exact name. But he knew some things about the Sea God's worshippers. And the deity worshipped by this Great Elder was the Sea God, famous throughout the entire Douluo Continent and even surrounding planes... Its weight went without saying! His cultivation had absolutely reached the Limit Douluo level.
But even if this Sea God Douluo possessed Limit Douluo cultivation, he shouldn't have had the ability to heavily injure the Demon Empress to this extent, unless the Sea God Douluo had combat power comparable to Di Tian. But obviously, that was highly unlikely. Could it be that he had taken advantage of her vulnerability right after she passed her heavenly tribulation?
"Zhongli Wu" didn't do something like rubbing salt in the wound. But the Demon Empress revealed the truth the next moment. "That old fool relied on the divine artifact 'Sea God Helmet' bestowed by the Sea God to vastly increase his strength. If I hadn't used every means at my disposal and borrowed the Holy Emperor's power to desperately escape, I probably would have completely died there today."
Hearing this, "Zhongli Wu" immediately became alert. Divine artifacts might not have world-destroying power, but for mortal existences, they were beyond common sense. If a relatively ordinary Title Douluo obtained a divine artifact, they could fight any Super Douluo below the Limit Douluo level, and the bolder ones might even challenge a Limit Douluo. In other words, a divine artifact possessed the power to turn the tide of battle. A Limit Douluo who could fully unleash the power of a divine artifact would indeed become an incredibly troublesome foe, perhaps even comparable to Di Tian, the King of the Star Dou Great Forest. Let alone the fact that this artifact came from the Sea God.
"What is the function of this Sea God Helmet?" After a moment of thought, "Zhongli Wu" pressed.
A trace of dread flashed in the Demon Empress's eyes. She shook her head before slowly speaking, "I don't know the exact function. But after the Sea God Douluo put on that Sea God Helmet, it seemed to massively purify his soul power, infusing it with divinity, thereby increasing the power of all his soul skills several times over. Not only that, but the Sea God Douluo could completely control the power of the ocean. In the sea, relying on the Sea God Helmet, he could mobilize the boundless ocean. Even with my Deep Sea Devil Whale clan's innate talents, I could hardly contend with it. I'm afraid no one could, except perhaps the Sea God himself descending."
Hearing this, "Zhongli Wu" gasped. If that was the case, then the Sea God Douluo was virtually invincible in naval battles. The current situation was already complex; the emergence of the Sea God Douluo, coupled with a Sea God Helmet... made the situation undoubtedly even more severe!
With this in mind, a sharp light flickered in "Zhongli Wu"'s eyes. Since coming to this world, he hadn't failed to research information about the deities of the Douluo Continent. For example, the famous Shrek Seven Devils, who legendarily ascended to godhood together. And the one he paid the most attention to was the Sea God—the highest in status and strongest among those seven deities.
Thus, all information related to the Sea God that he could collect had been studied by "Zhongli Wu". This naturally included the Sea God Island where Tang San ascended ten thousand years ago. Honestly, their actions hadn't been very conspicuous. Their appearance now must have a reason. And that reason was probably caused by the Demon Empress. After all, the Demon Empress had previously expressed her hatred. So the Sea God Douluo should only be targeting the Deep Sea Devil Whale, right?!
If that was the case, was it more beneficial to them to provoke a Limit Douluo wielding a Sea God artifact, or to abandon the Demon Empress, whose combat power rivaled the Evil Emperor and who provided them with assistance? Don't forget, the Demon Empress wasn't one of their own. She was merely a relatively decent cooperative partner. Besides, each of them knew full well that these cooperative partners still had their own agendas. So, for the sake of their own interests, abandoning a partner was perfectly reasonable. Right!
While he was plotting in his heart, his face revealed nothing, and the Demon Empress didn't seem to notice, just continuing, "Now that I am heavily injured, I need time to recover. And after this battle, the Sea God Douluo will undoubtedly become even more aggressive in targeting me. We must find a way to deal with this Sea God Helmet; otherwise, whether for the current situation or our future plans, it will be extremely detrimental to us."
"Zhongli Wu" nodded slightly, seemingly lost in thought. A moment later, "The Demon Empress is absolutely right. However, this divine artifact possesses immense power, but dealing with it is easier said than done. We must first figure out the Sea God Helmet's weaknesses before we can prescribe the right medicine."
The Demon Empress felt helpless, her gaze toward him slightly displeased. Weaknesses?! Are you joking? "This Sea God Helmet was personally bestowed by the Sea God; the possibility of it having weaknesses is extremely small. Even if it does, it would be difficult for us to reach..."
Her voice stopped abruptly here. Her previously displeased eyes slowly shifted. But just as "Zhongli Wu"'s gaze was about to meet hers, the Demon Empress's eyes instantly became clear, and then turned incredibly serious... as if some great crisis was about to happen.
Seeing this, "Zhongli Wu" asked, his tone confused. "Why did you stop?"
"Sigh—because there's no need." After a sigh, the Demon Empress suddenly changed the subject. "I just suddenly remembered something. You said the Sea God Douluo and the Sea God Family have been active in the sea for more than a day or two. Could it be because something major is going to happen?"
"Zhongli Wu" neither agreed nor disagreed, just looking "expectant." "For example?" He spread his right hand, signaling her to continue.
"For example, the Sea God's successor."
The Sea God has a successor!? Hearing this, "Zhongli Wu"'s pupils shrank violently! Does Lord Holy Emperor actually know about this!? If this is true, then the operation absolutely cannot continue! Otherwise, they would all die without a burial ground. Because that Sea God definitely pays frequent attention to this place, and the intensity of his attention absolutely exceeds their expectations.
While "Zhongli Wu" was shocked by this news, although he recovered his normal expression in an instant, that slight change in his eyes still didn't escape the Demon Empress's notice. Seeing this, a cold sneer couldn't help but form in the Demon Empress's heart. She had only told the Holy Emperor about the Sea God having a successor, and had used it to persuade Him to continue the plan. It seemed this Holy Emperor hadn't shared this information with His subordinates. No wonder "Zhongli Wu" dared to have other thoughts. Obviously, the Demon Empress was no fool. Although she couldn't read minds, she had roughly guessed "Zhongli Wu"'s thoughts just now.
Thus, while "Zhongli Wu" was still brainstorming...
"Your Lord knows about this." The Demon Empress's voice brought "Zhongli Wu" back to reality. He locked eyes with her, listening as she said, "Rest assured, there's no need to worry so much. Regarding this point, your Holy Emperor and I have long had a plan. He didn't tell you, perhaps precisely because you would think wildly like you are now."
"Zhongli Wu" realized the Demon Empress had seen through his thoughts. These words were just a warning. And the warning was... we are grasshoppers tied to the same string now. With this, "Zhongli Wu" suddenly felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. My Lord! What are you thinking!? Intervening in the current Douluo Planet, isn't that just seeking death!?
"My decisions are not for you to question." Abruptly, an incomparably majestic voice suddenly rang out in "Zhongli Wu"'s Spiritual Sea. Instantly, "Zhongli Wu"'s Spiritual Sea erupted with black light, dyeing it a expanse of purple. This fluctuation directly affected his soul. At this moment, "Zhongli Wu"'s physical body stiffened completely. As if dead.
In contrast, however, was the soul of this body. At this moment, the entity inhabiting Zhongli Wu's corpse was continuously kowtowing to a rune, like pounding garlic. And this rune was none other than the Holy Emperor. Well... to be precise, a wisp of the Holy Emperor's consciousness. Under normal circumstances, this wisp of consciousness wouldn't be awakened.
"My Lord, this lowly one deserves ten thousand deaths!"
"You indeed do." The Holy Emperor's voice transmitted from the rune. "My world-shocking wisdom does not allow for your questioning. Remember this: before my power has completely descended, everything is to be dictated by the Demon Empress. Also, do your utmost to help her achieve godhood!"
Hearing this, the subordinate only felt bewildered. He had thought that what was said earlier was just drawing a pie in the sky. After all, it wasn't the first or second time the Lord had drawn pies for them. He thought this time was also just empty talk, and then they would use her to completely squeeze out her utilitarian value! But now, you're telling him it's real! Why? On what grounds? She wasn't one of their people. And if she actually achieved godhood, that definitely wouldn't be a good thing!
He could tell at a glance that this Demon Empress was absolutely not well-behaved. Her thoughts were probably largely similar to his own. Exploitation! Exploitation! Still his motherfucking exploitation! But as the Holy Emperor, why would He explain? He disdained it. After all, how could a subordinate's wisdom resonate with His? So if you don't understand, you just don't understand! When the Lord gives an order, you as a subordinate just do it. Be a good tool!
Thus, under the stern command of the Holy Emperor's consciousness, the subordinate inhabiting Zhongli Wu's corpse could only reply, "Yes."
Afterward, the Holy Emperor's consciousness slowly faded, and the Spiritual Sea returned to normal. The soul once again took control of Zhongli Wu's corpse, becoming "Zhongli Wu" once more.
Raising his head, he saw the Demon Empress looking at him with a half-smile. And her first words were: "You know now, right?"
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