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Maintaining such a massive barrier required more than just one Title Douluo like Yu Yuanzhen. This meant that the Tian Dou Imperial City was currently facing the overwhelming suppression of multiple Title Douluos, clearly indicating that the enemy had come well-prepared.
With careful planning against an unsuspecting opponent, Xue Ye's side didn't even have a ten percent chance of victory.
However, the only faction capable of deploying so many Title Douluos that came to Xue Ye's mind was one.
"Ning Fengzhi, tell me—are you surrendering to the Spirit Hall? Is this another conspiracy by the Spirit Hall against my Tian Dou Empire?" Emperor Xue Ye asked bitterly, unwilling to accept his fate.
Though Xue Ye had already decided to surrender, a deep sense of resentment still lingered in his heart.
According to Ye Wen's plan, minimal casualties were preferred, and ideally, the entire Tian Dou Empire would be taken over intact. Thus, Ning Fengzhi took the time to explain patiently.
"To say it's the Spirit Hall isn't wrong, but the Spirit Hall itself has now been subdued by that lord.
Accept your fate, Xue Ye. After being friends for so many years, I don't wish to see your blood spilled here today."
Ning Fengzhi speculated that Ye Wen might have plans to recruit Xue Ye to quickly consolidate control over the Tian Dou Empire.
However, the power pie around Ye Wen was limited, and Ning Fengzhi didn't want Xue Ye to take too large a share. By not revealing Ye Wen's identity, Ning Fengzhi ensured that if Xue Ye acted foolishly later, he could easily be sidelined and discarded after serving his purpose—a subtle way of undermining him.
At this moment, a soul master clad in golden battle armor flew in, carrying an unconscious young man in his hand.
"Qinghe!" Emperor Xue Ye exclaimed in shock, then glared at Ning Fengzhi and the others with hatred.
Even in such a dire situation, they dared to capture his son to threaten him—was this really necessary!?
Ning Fengzhi showed great respect toward the newcomer, slightly bowing as a gesture before speaking with a harmonious smile.
"Huo Quan, your speed is truly impressive. I thought it would take a bit longer."
The newcomer was none other than Huo Quan, the current Vice Sect Leader of the Body Sect.
Already possessing exceptional talent, Huo Quan had undergone divine trials under Ye Wen's guidance and was now a 96th-level Super Douluo.
As one of the earliest disciples to follow Ye Wen, Huo Quan and his sister received special care from him.
Their five-character divine armors were personally crafted by Ye Wen.
Huo Quan's golden divine armor, the Two-Polarities Sacred Gold Overlord Armor, was one of Ye Wen's masterpieces. It coordinated two extreme attributes while enhancing both defense and explosive power. Among the numerous five-character divine armors designed by Ye Wen, this one ranked among the top three.
Huo Quan returned Ning Fengzhi's polite greeting, then turned his gaze toward Emperor Xue Ye.
"Surrender. You have no chance of victory. Your Tian Dou Empire has long been infiltrated and reduced to a sieve." Huo Quan's eyes grew increasingly dangerous.
"Of course, you can choose not to surrender. But don't overestimate your own importance. With or without you, the Tian Dou Empire will eventually belong to us."
Feeling the killing intent emanating from Huo Quan, Emperor Xue Ye, who had spent his life secluded in the palace, couldn't withstand such pressure. After taking one last look at Xue Qinghe in Huo Quan's grasp, he closed his eyes in humiliation and reluctantly gritted his teeth.
"Don't harm him. The Xue family surrenders."
Satisfied, Huo Quan nodded and retracted his oppressive aura. He then tossed the semi-conscious Xue Qinghe toward Xue Ye's side.
The assassins beside Xue Ye quickly caught the flying young master, ensuring Xue Qinghe wouldn't sustain further injuries.
"A wise decision, Emperor Xue Ye. In the future, you'll be glad you made this choice today."
Huo Quan then glanced at Ning Fengzhi, who was casually observing the scene.
"The rest is in your hands, Sect Leader Ning."
Adjusting his glasses, Ning Fengzhi raised his hand and replied calmly,
"Leave it to me. Managing factions is my specialty."
Huo Quan said nothing, simply nodding before heading off to assist with the chaos in the city.
With Xue Ye's surrender, Ning Fengzhi and his group quickly took control of the Tian Dou Palace.
This was destined to be a sleepless night. Xue Ye continuously handed over responsibilities to Ning Fengzhi as time passed.
As the hours went on, Xue Ye began to feel that something about Ning Fengzhi seemed off. However, with the current situation leaving him powerless, even this former emperor—one of the two great rulers of the Douluo Continent—had no choice but to lower his head and assist Ning Fengzhi humbly.
Gradually, the unrest in the city was completely suppressed. The unruly soul masters and nobles were all rounded up.
Faced with this unknown situation, those who once belonged to the Tian Dou faction were filled with confusion and fear. Yet, with no movement from the palace for so long, it seemed their leaders had met a grim fate.
In the midst of the handover, Xue Ye suddenly noticed someone entering the room to greet Yu Yuanzhen. His composure shattered instantly.
"Marshal Ge Long! You!"
The newcomer was none other than Ge Long, the Soul Douluo who had earned the title "Nine-Lives Divine Dragon" for his years of defending the Tian Dou Empire against invasions from the Star Luo Empire.
Ge Long was different now. His eyes no longer held the respect he once showed Xue Ye in the imperial court; instead, they regarded him with indifference, as if looking at an ordinary person.
At this moment, Xue Ye bitterly hated his own weakness. If only he were a Title Douluo—or even just a Soul Douluo—perhaps he wouldn't be in such a pitiful state now.
But soon, Xue Ye mocked himself. He had truly lost this time without any injustice. It wasn't just the overwhelming gap in strength, but also the fact that even his most trusted ministers had been turned against him without his noticing.
It was no wonder his empire was doomed.
Having recognized his own insignificance, Xue Ye dared not put on airs in front of his former ministers.
Lowering his head slightly, he continued the handover process with Ning Fengzhi.
However, the conversation between Yu Yuanzhen and Ge Long soon caught Xue Ye's attention.
Unlike Ning Fengzhi, who was full of schemes, Yu Yuanzhen, though a competent leader, generally disliked intrigue. Only in desperate situations would he resort to underhanded tactics.
Ge Long's presence here indicated that his tasks were complete.
He had successfully turned the Tian Dou military to their side and stabilized the frontlines against the Star Luo Empire.
Thanks to his years of prestige, these tasks weren't particularly difficult for Ge Long. After all, in terms of top-tier combat strength, the Tian Dou and Star Luo Empires were evenly matched.
The main issue with Tian Dou lay in its rear lines. Beyond the Tian Dou Imperial City was the Extreme North Ice Plains, far removed from the frontlines, resulting in a peaceful and prosperous region.
This environment made Tian Dou more prone to corruption compared to Star Luo. However, due to issues like food supply and population, Tian Dou managed to maintain a balance with Star Luo.
Ge Long bowed to Yu Yuanzhen respectfully.
"Patriarch, my mission is complete. May I ask when I'll receive my reward?"
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