Chapter 259: Prelude to the Soul Hunting Operation (Part 1)
Without the distraction of romance clouding her judgment, Hu Liena confidently addressed the high-ranking officials of the Spirit Hall.
"The first option is not viable, which leaves us with only the second—strengthening our own forces until we surpass the alliance of the Clear Sky Sect, Sea God Island, and the Star Luo Empire."
"In truth, with our Spirit Hall's centuries of accumulated strength, we are not inferior to these three forces in terms of high-level combat power. In fact, we even hold a slight advantage."
"Our real weakness lies in the military aspect."
"In order to keep Star Luo's million-strong army in check, we have been forced to allocate a significant portion of our elite combat forces, effectively nullifying our initial advantage."
"Therefore, my proposal is to focus our efforts on military influence."
"Nana, are you suggesting...?"
Bibi Dong had already begun to grasp Hu Liena's intention.
After all, recruiting and training an army was not something that could be accomplished overnight.
Moreover, the powerhouse soul masters of Spirit Hall were not exactly experienced military commanders.
If they wanted to enhance their military strength, there seemed to be only one viable choice—
The Heaven Dou Empire.
"That's right, Teacher. My proposal is to initiate the Soul Hunting Operation and Infiltration Plan ahead of schedule, ensuring that we seize control over Heaven Dou's political power."
Hu Liena nodded firmly toward Bibi Dong.
"While Heaven Dou's military is corrupt and decadent, the saying still holds true—a dying camel is still larger than a horse."
"With battlefield veterans like Ge Long overseeing the troops and the elite Royal Guard Corps maintaining order, their forces, though weaker than Star Luo's, are not something Star Luo can swallow in one move."
"As long as Heaven Dou's military can keep Star Luo occupied, we will have ample time to deal with the Clear Sky Sect and Sea God Island's soul masters."
"Once we have finished with them, we can turn our full attention to Star Luo."
"It's a solid plan."
Bibi Dong nodded in approval, acknowledging Hu Liena's reasoning.
"However, Nana, you must not forget—the key to the Infiltration Plan is that traitorous girl."
"Given the current situation, there's no guarantee that she will side with us against Star Luo."
The high-ranking members of Spirit Hall present all knew of Qian Renxue's existence, so Bibi Dong spoke without hesitation.
At the mention of Qian Renxue, the three worshippers present—Azure Luan, Fierce Lion, and Radiant Plume—lowered their heads in silence.
They had watched Qian Renxue grow up and had always doted on her dearly.
She, in turn, had respected them wholeheartedly.
Yet, in the end, they had chosen to betray the Angel bloodline.
Though they felt guilt toward both Qian Renxue and Qian Daoliu, they did not regret their decision.
Qian Daoliu was old.
His approach had become cautious and restrained, his former sharpness dulled by age.
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue was too young—she was not yet capable of bearing such a heavy responsibility.
Only Bibi Dong, with her decisiveness and bold vision, could lead Spirit Hall to an even greater peak.
Hu Liena smiled slightly and said, "That is precisely why I propose launching the Soul Hunting Operation alongside the Infiltration Plan."
"In addition to our original targets—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Nine Star Hall's Sunset Forest Division—we should also eliminate the core forces that Sister Xue has been cultivating in Heaven Dou over the past decade."
"We must bring her under our control."
"This way, even if she ascends the throne in the future, her imperial decrees will never leave the Heaven Dou Palace without our approval."
Hu Liena's words were incredibly bold, leaving only the word house arrest unspoken.
"Hu Liena, you are out of line!"
Azure Luan and the other two worshippers slammed the table in unison, releasing an overwhelming pressure.
Though they had chosen to side with Bibi Dong, that did not mean they would sit idly by while someone schemed against Qian Renxue.
Deep down, they still harbored a naive belief.
They thought Bibi Dong was only supporting Hu Liena out of spite toward her daughter.
Eventually, the position of Supreme Pontiff would still go to Qian Renxue.
After all, how could a disciple ever compare to a biological daughter?
Faced with the terrifying pressure of three Super Douluo, Hu Liena remained calm and composed.
She endured the suffocating aura and spoke firmly, "If the three worshippers disagree, do you have any alternative solutions?"
"All three of you are esteemed seniors in the soul master world, renowned for decades."
"Yet here you are, pressuring a junior. If word of this spreads, wouldn't it be laughable?"
Bibi Dong let out a cold laugh.
A terrifying aura erupted from her body, shielding her beloved disciple.
"Besides, I believe Nana's plan is the best solution to our current predicament."
"That traitorous girl is already blinded and completely incapable of standing with us!"
"If the three of you still wish to remain loyal to your old master, you are free to leave. I will not stop you."
With each word Bibi Dong spoke, her aura intensified.
By the end, she had completely repelled the oppressive force of the three worshippers.
Azure Luan and the other two staggered back half a step, their eyes flashing with shock.
Bibi Dong was even stronger than she had been years ago.
It was highly likely that she now had the power to kill all three of them at once.
After a long silence, the three worshippers slowly returned to their seats.
"We will agree to your disciple's plan."
"But you must guarantee that not a single hair on Xue'er's head will be harmed!"
At this point, there was no turning back for them.
Even if they tried to return to the Worship Hall, would Qian Daoliu or Qian Renxue ever trust them again?
"You have my word!"
Bibi Dong sat back in her seat, her tone indifferent.
"No matter what, she is still my daughter."
"Do you really think I would harm my own flesh and blood?"
"Your Holiness!"
The three worshippers said no more.
However, at this moment, Chrysanthemum Douluo voiced his concern.
"In the Soul Hunting Operation, we have included the Nine Star Hall's branch as a target."
"Won't this provoke retaliation? After all, they have an Ultimate Douluo in their ranks."
"No matter how well we cover our tracks, the Nine Star Hall will know it was us."
Back when Bibi Dong led Azure Luan and Fierce Lion to ambush Xiao Yu, they were forced into retreat by Saga.
That battle had been too significant to hide.
By now, everyone in Spirit Hall was aware that an Ultimate Douluo existed within Nine Star Hall.
"Grand Elder Ju, you don't need to worry about this!"
Before Bibi Dong could respond, Hu Liena answered in her place.
"While Nine Star Hall has powerful individuals, their foundation on the continent is weak."
"They have top-tier combat power but lack influence in the soul master world."
"After the Soul Hunting Operation, we will announce to the entire continent that Nine Star Hall harbors corruption."
"We will label them as an evil force."
"Once the entire soul master world sees them as a threat, we will rally the continent to resist them."
"We will ensure that Nine Star Hall has no place left on this continent."
(End of Chapter)
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