To Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect, keeping Xia Yi in the Star Luo Empire permanently was an easy task.
What troubled them was how to ensure that Leng Yaozhu had no excuse to retaliate, leaving her with no grounds to make trouble for the Tang Sect and Shrek Academy.
Artificial soul spirits and the Spirit Ascension Platform were exclusive to the Spirit Pagoda.
Especially soul spirits.
Neither Shrek Academy nor the Tang Sect could function without a supply of soul spirits from the Spirit Pagoda.
The Flying Bird Sect in Star Luo City was a perfect example.
After being blacklisted by the Spirit Pagoda, all of its disciples had abandoned it within a year.
Even Long Yeyue dared not touch Leng Yaozhu's bottom line lightly.
In other matters, Qiangu Dongfeng might not always see eye to eye with Leng Yaozhu, but if it involved targeting Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect, he would certainly agree to her requests.
Both the Tang Sect and Shrek Academy aimed to have Xia Yi die in the Star Luo Empire in a way that appeared justified.
They had to ensure that Leng Yaozhu had no reason to erupt in fury.
A complete plan had already been drawn up.
However, since the action was to take place on the Star Luo Continent, they needed the Star Luo Empire's cooperation.
The Star Luo Empire's price was the propulsion system of the Far Ocean.
For years, the Star Luo Empire had been striving to catch up with the Sun-Moon Federation's soul tool technology.
Particularly in military applications, they had spared no effort or cost in trying to close the gap.
Yet they remained far behind the Sun-Moon Federation.
The Federation's deployment of the Far Ocean, equipped with its latest propulsion system, was meant to pressure the Star Luo Empire.
To force them to recognize the stark disparity between their capabilities.
However, the Star Luo Empire saw this as an opportunity.
If they could obtain the Far Ocean's propulsion system, it would greatly enhance their naval forces.
Let's not forget—the vast ocean separated the Douluo and Star Luo Continents.
If the Sun-Moon Federation were to wage war against the Star Luo Empire, the first battle would undoubtedly be fought at sea.
To strengthen their navy, the Star Luo Empire was willing to risk offending the Spirit Pagoda.
After Lan Muzi left, the Demon Emperor's figure slowly emerged in the Far Ocean's control room.
With a casual motion, she placed several timed soul tool bombs in hidden locations.
After completing her task, she looked up at the sky and said, "Why don't you come out for a chat?"
With a ripple in space, Di Tian appeared before her, looking at her with curiosity. "How did you know what they were planning?"
"The Holy Spirit Cult has survived a millennium of relentless pursuit by the Federation. Naturally, we have our own methods. There are people planted among both the Star Luo Empire and the diplomatic mission." The Demon Emperor made no attempt to hide the truth.
Di Tian nodded, understanding that she was demonstrating her sincerity. Looking around, he remarked, "If you install soul tool bombs like this, they'll definitely be discovered during an inspection."
"That's exactly what I want." The Demon Emperor sneered. "I want Pan Wen to leak this information to the Sun-Moon Federation's government, fueling suspicion between the Federation and the Star Luo Empire. Once the situation has been properly cultivated, I'll destroy the entire Ocean Voyager. While the Federation is in a state of rage, I'll release evidence of Shrek Academy colluding with the Star Luo Empire. By then, every life lost on this ship will be blamed on Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire."
"When will you act?" Di Tian asked in a low voice.
The Demon Emperor shook her head. "Not yet. Right now, both Star Luo Empire and Douluo Continent representatives are on board. If something happens to the Ocean Voyager at this stage, both sides will be victims. They'll immediately suspect the Holy Spirit Cult.
"I'll wait until the Ocean Voyager returns to the Douluo Continent and docks.
"By then, the families of those on board will be waiting at the harbor. I want them to witness their loved ones perish in the explosion. Then, I'll gradually expose Shrek Academy's collusion with the Star Luo Empire.
"I want Shrek Academy to be thoroughly disgraced before I completely destroy them.
"That way, even if any survivors attempt to rebuild Shrek Academy, neither the people nor the Federation will allow it.
"Moreover, I'll force the Sun-Moon Federation to declare war on the Star Luo Empire as soon as possible.
"Only through war can the Holy Spirit Cult rapidly grow in power."
"Hm." Di Tian nodded. "We won't stop you from doing this. But I have one thing to remind you of."
"What is it?" The Demon Emperor asked curiously.
"The Abyss." Di Tian's tone was indifferent. He cast a sidelong glance at her and continued, "Abyssal creatures are extremely dangerous. If you collaborate with them without absolute strength, you will meet a tragic end."
"How do you know about that?" The Demon Emperor's deep blue eyes narrowed. This was top-secret information—how could Di Tian possibly be aware of it?
If he weren't an ally, she would have done everything in her power to kill him on the spot.
"When the Abyss passage first appeared, before the human armies could organize, I had already fought against abyssal creatures. And you carry their aura."
Di Tian paused before adding, "You conceal it well. Even a quasi-god who has fought abyssal creatures wouldn't detect it. But you're dealing with me. You can't hide from me."
"This is my personal matter!" The Demon Emperor's lips twitched slightly. Previously, she had revealed some of her power to Di Tian partly out of a desire to show off.
She was certain that Di Tian's words carried a similar intent—to flaunt his own abilities.
"I'm just giving you a warning." Di Tian took a deep breath. "I've been to the Abyssal Plane. I nearly died there. Your strength may be impressive, but compared to the Abyssal Plane's ruler, you are still far, far too weak."
"You have the nerve to talk about the Abyssal Plane, as if you're any more trustworthy. We're supposed to be allies, yet you've been spying on me all this time. How are you any different from the Abyssal Plane?" The Demon Emperor sneered.
"I only do this to ensure my master's safety." Di Tian shook his head and said solemnly, "Honestly, rather than trusting the Abyssal Plane, you should trust my master.
"When my master creates a divine realm for soul beasts, the dream of soul beasts ascending to godhood will no longer be a fantasy."
"Creating a divine realm? That's easier said than done." The Demon Emperor scoffed.
"We've already begun, and we've made progress." As Di Tian spoke, he raised a hand toward the sky.
Instantly, the world turned pitch-black.
The Demon Emperor's expression changed dramatically. "Impossible! How can you control darkness to this extent? This surpasses the level of a quasi-god! Have you already become a god?"
"Nothing is impossible. I simply had an epiphany recently." Di Tian shook his head. "Your greatest ability lies in your control over the sea.
"But even if you reach the level of Sea God, you'll still be suppressed in the ocean.
"The Sea God's control over the sea far surpasses yours."
"What are you trying to say?" The Demon Emperor snorted coldly.
"I'm saying that if you seek revenge, your only choice is to side with us.
"My master can grant you power beyond the Sea God's." Di Tian's tone was calm.
"Haha! Power beyond the Sea God? Are you joking? The Sea God is a first-rank god, and beyond that, there's even the Asura God's divine seat.
"How can you possibly have the confidence to say this?" The Demon Emperor laughed mockingly.
"We have our reasons. But unless you swear allegiance to my master, I cannot show you."
Di Tian's tone remained indifferent.
"Then I'll just wait and see." The Demon Emperor responded just as coldly.
She had ruled the seas for years. How could she possibly swear loyalty to another because of a few words?
Di Tian had anticipated her reaction. He was merely testing her.
He said calmly, "You don't understand my master yet. Take your time observing.
"I believe that one day, you will willingly submit."
"Then you'd better be patient." The Demon Emperor sneered before vanishing into the darkness.
(End of Chapter)