Chapter 623 Xuanzi – "Elder Mu, I Don’t Deserve to Live!"

The ministers thought the Heavenly Soul Emperor had gone insane.

Even the most incompetent rulers in Douluo Continent's history wouldn't have made such an absurd decision.

As the ruler of the Heavenly Soul Empire, he had declared surrender and willingly merged the empire with the Sun-Moon Empire before it was even on the brink of destruction.

To the ministers, this was nothing short of treason.

The Sun-Moon Empire was powerful, but whether they could actually conquer the Heavenly Soul Empire was still uncertain. Why surrender before even putting up a fight?

The court erupted in chaos, with voices of opposition resounding throughout the hall.

Some of the elder ministers, their hair and beards white with age, even broke down in tears, unwilling to accept that their empire was falling into the hands of the Sun-Moon Empire.

Once the Sun-Moon Empire took over, the noble class of the Heavenly Soul Empire would suffer massive losses.

However, after the emperor explained his reasoning and Huo Yuhao, along with other Sun-Moon powerhouses, displayed their overwhelming strength the ministers were finally forced into silence.

Even if they remained bitter and resentful, they could no longer argue against reality.

Huo Yuhao understood well that true governance required both kindness and authority. Relying solely on either would only lead to failure.

Thus, he immediately showcased soul spirits, explaining their significance.

He also stated that in order to obtain a soul spirit, one had to join the Sun-Moon Empire's Spirit Pagoda and sign a confidentiality contract.

The ministers' anger quickly gave way to excitement.

The value of soul spirits was immeasurable.

It was undeniable that a Soul Master with a soul spirit would have a significant advantage over one without one.

Soon, the discussion shifted to the stationing of Sun-Moon forces in major Heavenly Soul cities.

A general plan was finalized Sun-Moon forces would take the lead, with the Heavenly Soul military and Body Sect assisting them.

After ensuring everything was in order, Huo Yuhao left the palace, preparing to return to the Ming Dou Mountain Range to discuss matters with Juzi.

Having secured control over the Heavenly Soul Empire, he now needed to reinforce it with more Sun-Moon troops.

Not only would this solidify control over the empire, but it would also allow them to further exploit its mineral resources, accelerating soul tool development.

More importantly, the Heavenly Soul Empire held significant strategic value due to its geographical position.

Huo Yuhao planned to leave the logistics of military deployment to Juzi after all, she was the empire's marshal and a highly capable strategist.

She was the best person for the job.

Ming Dou Mountain Range

Sun-Moon Temporary Command Tent

"Marshal, we have achieved yet another great victory!"

A Sun-Moon imperial guard stood before Juzi, his expression filled with excitement.

"The Star Luo forces and the Heavenly Soul reinforcements couldn't even hold Yuming City. They were forced to flee in disarray, leaving our army in control of multiple border cities.

One day, there will be only one empire on this continent our Sun-Moon Empire!

Marshal, it is all thanks to your brilliant command that we secured this victory!"

Juzi stopped in her tracks and shook her head.

"My leadership played a role, but this victory would have been impossible without the bravery of our soldiers and the might of our powerhouses.

Without them fighting on the front lines, no amount of strategy would have mattered.

I will personally send a report to the capital and ask His Majesty to reward those who contributed to this victory.

As for our fallen heroes, their families will receive full compensation from the empire."

The guards nodded, deeply moved by her words.

The next moment, Juzi waved her hand.

"That's enough. Leave me. I need some rest."

"Yes, Marshal!"

The guards bowed and exited the tent, standing guard outside with full vigilance.

Juzi rubbed her temples. She had been leading the army non-stop for days and was truly exhausted.

She needed time to rest and recover her energy.

Suddenly, a pitch-black spatial rift opened before her, and Huo Yuhao's figure emerged as the rift slowly sealed behind him.

"Yuhao, you're back!"

Juzi's eyes lit up with joy, and a smile bloomed on her face.

She quickly walked toward him, taking two steps at a time.

Seeing Huo Yuhao, the exhaustion that had been weighing on her seemed to dissipate.

Outside, the guards overheard Juzi's words and were momentarily startled but did not rush in.

As members of the Spirit Pagoda, they naturally knew of the deep relationship between their Tower Master and Marshal Juzi.

Huo Yuhao simply nodded and began explaining everything that had transpired in the Heavenly Soul Empire.

He also requested additional troops to be deployed there.

Juzi was momentarily stunned, but she quickly nodded and said, "Alright, I'll reassign forces from other regions and send reinforcements to the Heavenly Soul Empire.

However, it will take some time."

She turned toward the entrance of the tent and ordered, "Summon the commanders and vice commanders of all Soul Engineer regiments to the command tent."

"Yes, Marshal!"

Shrek Academy

Sea God's Pavilion

Xian Lin'er, her face filled with sorrow, pushed a wheelchair forward.

Her eyes were red and swollen, her face still streaked with tears.

It was clear that she had recently cried.

After all, she had just lost both her mother and her husband.

Her mother had raised her alone since childhood, and their bond ran deep.

As for her husband, Qian Duoduo though they had never shared a real marital relationship years of companionship had still forged a connection between them.

Thinking about it brought an unbearable ache to her heart.

Seated in the wheelchair, Mu En furrowed his brows, gazing outside.

Dark clouds loomed in the sky.

Lightning crackled within the storm, thunder rolling across the heavens like an impending catastrophe.

The sky opened up, and torrential rain poured down.

Outside the pavilion, a one-armed old man knelt in the rain.

His body was hunched forward, pressed against the ground like a dog with its spine broken.

His clothes were soaked, and his hair whipped wildly in the storm.

"Xuanzi, under your leadership, why did Duoduo, Xiao Song, and Meier all perish on the battlefield?"

Mu En's voice was calm.

But anyone listening could tell that he was barely restraining his fury.

He was like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

Not long ago, the Shrek Disciplinary Committee had returned to the academy, reporting the disastrous defeat at the front lines and the severe losses suffered.

Mu En had been furious.

However, considering the ongoing war, he had refrained from summoning Xuanzi and Xian Lin'er back immediately.

But as the Sun-Moon Army continued their advance, forcing Xu Jiujiu to abandon multiple Star Luo border cities in yet another so-called "victorious maneuver," Xuanzi and Xian Lin'er had taken the opportunity to return to Shrek Academy.

After all, given the heavy losses suffered, they had to provide Elder Mu with an explanation.

Xuanzi's hoarse, choked voice pierced through the wind and rain, reaching into the Sea God's Pavilion:

"Elder Mu… I led Duoduo and the others into Sun-Moon territory without fully scouting the enemy.

We were ambushed by Kong Deming.

I never expected him to be there…

And I certainly never imagined he had advanced to Rank 98 as a Super Douluo.

This failure… is entirely my fault.

I will not make excuses!"

His eyes reddened as he continued:

"Elder Mu… I don't deserve to live.

I must atone for my failure with my life.

Only my death can bring some solace to the souls of Duoduo and the others!"

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