“I’ve already established contact with Common Alliance in the Sun-Moon Empire. After learning we could sell soul tools made by Herta, they were very excited and eager to connect with us,” Changli said while rescuing the little fox from Lu Jingming and gently grooming its fur.

“Looks like Herta’s reputation has caught the Sun-Moon Empire’s attention. Not surprising, since the soul tool world in the original three kingdoms was always lukewarm—at best, eighth-rank soul engineers. Now, suddenly, there’s a ninth-rank, so of course the empire would notice,” Lu Jingming mused.

“But on the bright side, Common Alliance is one of the two major underworld forces. Getting in touch is a great thing for us—at least in the short term, we don’t have to worry about Herta’s supply of metals.”

Lu Jingming knew a bit about Common Alliance.

In the original, it was the faction of Holy Angel Ye Guyi, controlling catering and entertainment in Radiant City, backed by Sun-Moon nobles.

Their rival was the Oudu Chamber of Commerce, which ran the assassin and thief underworld, backed by the military.

Lu Jingming recalled that in the future, Xu Tianran would support the Holy Spirit Cult’s Xishui Alliance, making it a third player in the underworld power struggle.

At that point, the Sun-Moon underworld would shift from two-way rivalry to three powers.

The royal family, nobles, and military balanced each other, forming a subtle but stable competition.

Currently, with He Caitou’s father still ruling, the military’s power was restricted.

Thus, at this stage, the Common Alliance was stronger than the Oudu Chamber.

“Sister Changli, be careful. The Leader of Common Alliance, Shangguan Weier, isn’t easy to deal with—she’s very cunning,” Lu Jingming warned, worried Changli might get outmaneuvered.

“Oh? So in your eyes, I’m that easy to take advantage of?” Changli arched an eyebrow, her gaze playful.

As she leaned closer, her impressive bosom came into view, making Lu Jingming’s breath catch and his heart race.

“Alright, I won’t tease you. I know what I’m doing and will be careful.” Changli laughed, her smile as radiant as a spring blossom.

The little fox in her arms chirped as if mocking Lu Jingming.

He could only sigh inwardly—these big sisters always liked teasing him.

Hmph, just wait until he grew up—then he’d show them!

Thinking of this, for the first time he truly hoped to grow up quickly.

…

Shrek Academy, Sea God’s Island, inside the tranquil Sea God Pavilion

Yan Shaozhe, who had returned first, stood respectfully before an elderly man with snow-white hair.

The old man lay leisurely in a chair, exuding the calmness of one who had weathered the years.

Yan Shaozhe’s face was full of awe, his posture upright but slightly leaning forward—showing utmost reverence.

“That’s how it is, teacher. From my observation, Ice Moon Sword Douluo has likely broken through to the Ultimate, and as for Lady Herta—I didn’t meet her in person, but I brought back her work. Honestly, it exceeded my imagination. I dare say her expertise in soul tools surpasses the Sun-Moon Empire’s three top engineers.”

Yan Shaozhe spoke earnestly, eyes full of admiration.

Hearing this, the old man on the chair slowly opened his eyes.

In an instant, a sharp gleam flashed, like a meteor cutting through the night, revealing his hidden strength.

He nodded slightly and sighed, “Is that so? For you to say so, it must be true. But I wonder, which hidden sect does this mysterious Ice Moon Sword Douluo belong to?”

After a pause, he continued, “Still, in the long run, their appearance is a good thing for us. The Sun-Moon Empire is far ahead in soul tools, and Black Tower Herta may help us catch up and bring new opportunities for the continent’s soul tool development.”

Then, the old man frowned, puzzled: “But there’s something I can’t figure out—why are they all willing to stay in that small Haiyuan City, supporting an eight-year-old boy so devotedly? What’s so special about him?”

Yan Shaozhe thought for a moment and replied respectfully, “Besides his amazing talent, the boy is quite mature for his age, but I haven’t found anything else unusual about him.”

“Well, Haiyuan City is part of the Star Luo Empire. Better that than being connected to the Sun-Moon Empire.”

This old man, with white hair, was the current Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion and Yan Shaozhe’s teacher—Dragon God Douluo Mu En.

He was one of the last surviving Ultimate Douluo, and his name represented ultimate authority and strength.

“By the way, how is Xiao Tao now?” More than factional strife, Mu En cared for the academy’s younger generation.

After all, Shrek Academy was facing a lack of talent.

Other than Ma Xiaotao, who was troubled by evil fire, only Han Ruoruo, the leader of the current Shrek Seven Monsters, had some potential—but she still fell short of true prodigies.

Now that Ma Xiaotao’s problem had been solved, Mu En saw a glimmer of hope.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep