A quasi-god, if they are determined to die, can drag several equally powerful opponents down with them.
Especially someone like the Demon Emperor, who is at the peak of the quasi-god level.
If it weren't a two-on-one fight, maybe they could defeat her, but capturing or killing her would be impossible.
A peak quasi-god who wants to escape cannot be stopped.
"Two hours? Heh!" The Demon Emperor sneered mockingly. "What if I tell you that in one hour, the Heavenly Sea and Far Ocean ships will completely sink? Will the famous Skycovering Douluo and Vast Sea Douluo stay here to capture me, or will you go save the tens of thousands of people on those ships?"
"You're just trying to scare us. You really think I'll fall for it?" Chen Xinjie sneered coldly.
"If I have evidence that Shrek Academy's Lan Muzi leaked the Far Ocean ship's power system, doesn't that mean I've been on the ship all along? Do you really think I would do nothing while I was there?" The Demon Emperor calmly played with her slender fingers, looking indifferent as she spoke. "Originally, I only wanted the Vast Sea Universe Crystal today and didn't intend to stir up trouble. But since you agreed to a fair trade yet still tried to double-cross me, don't blame me for being ruthless. I might as well tell you—right now, everyone already knows that Lan Muzi from Shrek Academy leaked the Far Ocean ship's power system. Heh, if the ship explodes and sinks because of that, who do you think the people of the Sun-Moon Federation will blame?"
"You're so vicious." Yun Ming's expression turned grim. "If I'm guessing correctly, you killed Muye too, didn't you? Just to push Shrek Academy into the fire."
"As expected of the Skycovering Douluo! Smart, quick to understand. Hahaha!" The Demon Emperor burst into maniacal laughter. "After the Heavenly Sea and Far Ocean ships sink, you can try explaining to the world. Even if you use your Thought Manifestation ability, I wonder if anyone will believe you."
Thought Manifestation could only replay events seen with one's own eyes, but what was seen wasn't necessarily real.
Just like how Yun Ming had faked a limp earlier.
Besides, for Yun Ming to explain everything using Thought Manifestation, he would first have to justify why Chen Xinjie, knowing full well that Shrek Academy had committed treason, still teamed up with them to deal with the Demon Emperor, who held evidence of their betrayal.
Most importantly, even if they explained everything—so what?
Shrek Academy's betrayal was real.
If the Far Ocean and Heavenly Sea ships sank, even if they proved that the Holy Spirit Cult was responsible, it still ultimately traced back to Shrek Academy.
The Holy Spirit Cult's reputation was already terrible; they didn't care. But Shrek Academy couldn't afford such a stain.
If thousands of people died because of Shrek Academy, the academy would become public enemy number one.
"You two don't have much time left to decide," the Demon Emperor chuckled. She dared to come alone because she was fully prepared.
"There are not only members of the Sun-Moon Federation's delegation aboard the Far Ocean and Heavenly Sea ships but also many civilians who immigrated to the Federation. These people have a significant influence—they absolutely cannot be harmed," Chen Xinjie said, glancing at the Demon Emperor before turning to Yun Ming.
"Hand over the Vast Sea Universe Crystal, and I'll let you leave. I'll pretend today never happened," Yun Ming said coldly, raising his head to glare at the Demon Emperor.
"You wish!" The Demon Emperor sneered. "If you say one more word, I swear I'll do whatever it takes to stall you here and let the Heavenly Sea and Far Ocean ships sink."
"Fine, fine, I'll remember this. The Holy Spirit Cult, right? Shrek Academy will wipe your filthy existence off the map one day," Yun Ming gritted his teeth, his face turning green with anger. But he had no choice—he could only lift the spatial blockade around the Demon Emperor and turn to leave.
As soon as his blockade lifted and the soul communication signals were restored, Yun Ming's device immediately rang.
"Boss, bad news! The other side broke their word! After getting the Vast Sea Universe Crystal, they uploaded the video online! Now the entire Federation knows that it was Lan Muzi from Shrek Academy who leaked the Far Ocean ship's power system! The Federation is demanding an explanation from us! If we can't provide a reasonable answer, the Sun-Moon Federation will officially classify Shrek Academy as a traitorous organization!"
"I got it. Try to hold them off. I'll return to Shrek Academy as soon as I can," Yun Ming said, staggering slightly. The charge of treason was too severe.
Yun Ming's figure turned into a spear light, shooting toward the ocean.
"Notify the Sea Emperor ship to immediately conduct a full inspection of the Far Ocean and Heavenly Sea ships. Leave no corner unchecked, especially the power system," Chen Xinjie commanded through his soul communicator before rushing off as well.
The Sea Emperor ship was one of the famous warships of the Sea God Legion, tasked with escorting the ships.
Even for Chen Xinjie and Yun Ming, reaching the ships would take time. No one knew whether the Demon Emperor's stated timeframe was accurate.
Their only hope was that the engineers on the Sea Emperor ship could detect the problem in time.
...
On the Far Ocean ship, Yali watched as heavily armed soldiers from the Sea Emperor ship boarded the Heavenly Sea ship. Unable to hold back her curiosity, she asked, "Has something happened?"
"We received a report that the power systems of the ships have been tampered with, so we're here to conduct an inspection," a naval officer explained.
"Who would be so bold?" Yali was shocked.
"The higher-ups didn't say, but we have reason to suspect the Star Luo Empire. The evacuation of civilians went too smoothly. Given that war is imminent, it's strange that they didn't try to interfere. Plus, they have the Far Ocean ship's power system schematics. If I find out who leaked that information, that damn traitor...! This matter is partly their fault!" the naval officer cursed angrily. Because communication at sea was limited, they were unaware that the scandal had already gone viral on the Federation's networks.
If anyone had the most reason to hate whoever leaked the ship's power system, it was these navy officers.
The ship's power system had been developed using their navy's budget.
And now, someone had leaked it.
Of course, they were furious.
That was why Chen Xinjie wouldn't let this go so easily.
Yali remained silent. Although she hadn't seen the video the Demon Emperor had posted online, she had already guessed who was responsible.
"Rest assured, Your Holiness. Although the ship's power system has been retired from the navy, I was fortunate enough to participate in its development. I guarantee we'll find the problem and ensure the safety of everyone aboard," the naval officer saluted Yali before leading his team to begin a thorough inspection of both ships.