Chapter 227: The Gathering Storm in Shrek
Shrek Academy.
"Sanshi, your mother is here."
"My… mother? Why is she here?"
Xu Sanshi turned his head sharply, eyes widening at the sight of the approaching figure. The woman striding purposefully toward him was none other than Xue Lingxun, Princess of the Douling Empire—and Xu Sanshi's mother.
Accompanying her were several imposing figures, each radiating formidable auras. At least three among them were Soul Douluo-level experts, and one possessed a soul pressure surpassing even Yan Shaozhe, Dean of Shrek Academy's Outer Court. That individual was clearly a Title Douluo, likely at least level 96.
"I'm not sure why she came," someone whispered, "but it's not just her. Princess Jiujiu, who participated in the last All-Continent High-level Soul Master Competition, is here too, and Princess Weina of the Heavenly Soul Empire also showed up. All three princesses from the former Three Kingdoms of Douluo have gathered. Something major must be going on."
Xu Sanshi nodded grimly. "Indeed… My mother and Princess Jiujiu aren't just figureheads—they hold real power. As for Weina, she might not have a well-known political reputation, but her popularity actually surpasses that of the Heavenly Soul Empire's crown prince. Wait… does the Heavenly Soul Empire even have a crown prince?"
Beibei tilted his head thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I don't think so. Actually, the Douling and Xingluo Empires also lack crown princes. Only the Sun Moon Empire has an official heir."
"So what are they going to do? Let the princesses inherit the thrones? Become queens…"
Xu Sanshi trailed off, before smirking inappropriately. He quickly cleared his throat and added, "Not that I'm thinking of my mother or anything. That'd be weird."
Beibei raised an eyebrow. "Nannan, you're here."
Xu Sanshi paled and spun around, instantly dropping to his knees. "Nannan! I swear I only love you! I don't care about any queen or princess!"
He blinked.
There was no one behind him.
Beibei burst out laughing. "You're too easy, Sanshi."
"You TM…!" Xu Sanshi shouted, leaping to his feet.
While they bickered, the three royal princesses entered the Sea God Pavilion of Shrek Academy, their expressions solemn.
As the representative of the most powerful of the Three Kingdoms, Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire stepped forward. "Elders of the Sea God Pavilion, esteemed guests from the Heavenly Soul and Douling Empires, we all know why we're here. According to intelligence, Hall Master Jing Hongchen, Xiao Qiang, and others are heading to the Far North to assist Meng Hongchen in obtaining a soul spirit—what they call a 'spirit.'"
She deliberately spoke with clarity to avoid any misunderstandings. The others nodded in agreement.
"Sister Weina," Jiujiu continued, "though you're younger than me, allow me to address you as such. The Far North borders your empire and the Douling Empire. They must pass through your territories en route. Can you confirm this?"
Weina nodded calmly. "Yes, the information is solid. While we couldn't identify their exact group, we did detect movement toward the Far North. It's difficult to track someone of Hall Master Jing Hongchen's caliber unless he wishes to be seen."
"Had this not happened, we wouldn't even know they were in our territory until it was too late," Weina added. "They're indeed here."
Both Xue Lingxun and Jiujiu smiled, a rare glint of satisfaction in their eyes. Even the elders of Shrek Academy seemed pleased.
If their foes had managed to slip in and out unnoticed, there would be no countermeasure. But now that they were aware, a trap could be laid. With the Sun Moon Empire's elite operating deep in enemy territory, the former Douluo Kingdoms now held the advantage.
"Hunting high-level soul beasts—especially 100,000-year ones—takes a toll, even for someone like Hall Master Jing," Jiujiu analyzed confidently. "And unlike traditional soul rings, soul spirits must be captured alive. That adds an extra layer of difficulty."
"Meng Hongchen is likely targeting a spirit of at least 80,000 years. A 100,000-year soul spirit wouldn't be surprising," she continued. "Capturing such a beast in the Far North is no easy task, even for Super Douluo."
Weina agreed. "Indeed. The Far North enhances ice-attributed beings and suppresses others. Hunting there is nearly suicidal for those without the advantage of ice. Even Du Busi, the powerhouse from the Body Sect, would suffer greatly against someone like the Ice Empress under such conditions."
"Du Busi's strength lies in his soul's second awakening and his extreme attributes," Jiujiu explained. "But in the Far North, the Ice Empress's buffed ultimate ice would trump even the Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear's extreme gold."
"And if they encounter the Snow Empress…" Her voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "Even Shrek's entire leadership would be defeated."
Vina nodded solemnly. "Exactly. Even without divine beasts interfering, Jing Hongchen and his team will be exhausted by the time they finish. That's when we strike. I agree—attack them when they're weak."
"I'm in full agreement." Xue Lingxun crossed her arms. "This is our land. We cannot allow them to come and go freely. If they dare hunt soul beasts on Douluo soil, they should be ready to pay the price."
"Very well," Elder Xuan declared as he unrolled a map. His fingers tapped the northern region with cold precision. "We'll prepare an ambush on their return. Let them believe the Far North is their hunting ground. In truth, it will be their grave."
A cold sneer spread across his face.
"Heh… you come to our land thinking yourselves invincible? This time, we hold the home-field advantage."