Xue Yuntian was taken aback for a moment before responding with a hint of amusement, "Solve the problems of the Douling Empire? It seems that Shrek Academy must already know about the recent events in the Douling Empire."
Xie Xie affirmed, "Yes, Your Majesty the Emperor, the matters regarding the Douling Empire have spread throughout the entire Soul Land!"
This Xue Yuntian, he didn't seem to be the cruel and muddle-headed emperor that rumors made him out to be…
But it was still too early to conclude. Teacher Xu had once said that judging a person solely by one's senses is extremely foolish!
Xue Yuntian pursed his lips and once again said, "Indeed, some strange happenings have occurred in the Douling Empire of late."
"Every Soul Master within the empire has experienced a significant increase in their cultivation speed, even by several multiples, and to this day, nothing unusual has appeared!"
"However, I am very worried that this is all part of a conspiracy!"
Xie Xie, puzzled, asked, "A conspiracy? According to the rumors, isn't this the work of the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Master?"
At this statement, Xue Yuntian and the elder beside him exchanged a glance…
Taking a deep breath, the former then sighed, "In reality, it's not like that. After a period of investigation, there is no evidence to prove that it is the doing of the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Master!"
Xie Xie pressed on, "Your Majesty, then why…"
Before he could finish, Xue Yuntian cut him off, "The reason for doing so was actually to shift the blame to the Evil Soul Master, to keep the Soul Masters of the Douling Empire on their toes!"
"Of course, the results are not as ideal as expected."
Even after spreading the word that it was the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Master causing mischief, the Soul Masters of the Douling Empire still trained like mad!
This gave him quite a headache!
Only then did Xie Xie realize the situation, musing, "I see, so that's how it is!"
In that light, it might not necessarily be the doing of the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Master after all!!
Seeing him lost in thought, Xue Yuntian slightly coughed and said, "Elder Xie?"
Jolted back to reality, Xie Xie quickly apologized with a bow, "Sorry, Your Majesty, I got a little sidetracked."
Xue Yuntian was somewhat displeased but did not show it on his face…
Instead, he casually said, "Elder Xie, previously you mentioned that you had come to help me out of my current predicament. I am, in fact, very curious as to what method Shrek Academy has!"
Even himself without any plan, what kind of idea could Shrek Academy, from so far away in Soul Land, come up with!
Xie Xie's eyes took on a serious cast as he explained, "Your Majesty, it's not so much a method as a potential aid for the current situation in the Douling Empire!"
After pausing, he laid out the plan...
After hearing the explanation, Xue Yuntian's expression became somewhat peculiar…
Turning to the elder beside him, he inquired, "What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, the elder spoke gravely, "Your Majesty, I think it's worth a try!"
"If it works, that would be excellent, but if it does not, we will just have to find another solution!"
Xue Yuntian propped up his chin, murmuring, "Even you think this way…"
Perhaps it was worth a shot?
If it failed, there wouldn't be any loss to the Douling Empire!
Soon, he made up his mind and nodded, "Alright, then let's follow Elder Xie's advice and give this method a try!!"
"Someone!!"
Immediately, several soldiers of the Douling Empire flowed in from outside the great hall...
Xue Yuntian personally gave them a few instructions, and then they quickly departed...
Seeing this, Xie Xie once again said, "Since the word has been passed on, then Your Majesty, I shall take my leave now!"
With everything said, he just wanted to hurry back to Shrek Academy...
However, Xue Yuntian obviously did not share the same sentiment and promptly intervened, "Elder Xie, please wait. You have come from afar, and I have not yet shown you proper hospitality!"
Xie Xie's step hesitated and then lowered, his smile forced as he responded, "Your Majesty's kindness is appreciated, but I shall not impose any longer!"
Suddenly, Xue Yuntian's countenance grew cold, "How so? Is Elder Xie not willing to give me face??"
"Or does Shrek Academy no longer take the Douling Empire into consideration?"
Xie Xie swallowed hard, waved his hand and said, "Not at all, since His Majesty the Emperor has so kindly invited me, I am very willing to stay!"
This Xue Yuntian, his face changes so fast!
Moments ago he still looked grateful, but now he seems eager to kill me!!
Just as Teacher Xu had said!
Seeing his answer change, Xue Yuntian's demeanor also returned to calm…
He chuckled lightly and said, "That's more like it. It's my pleasure as the host to show my hospitality, can't have Elder Xie coming here for nothing."
Immediately after, he called out again, "Someone!"
Soon, several soldiers appeared, saluting and saying, "Your Majesty the Emperor!"
"You, take Elder Xie down to rest, and make sure he is well taken care of!"
Everyone replied in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty the Emperor!"
Then, he turned his sharp gaze toward Xie Xie, "Elder Xie, please."
The implication of force was very clear…
Xie Xie clenched his fists, but then relaxed them the next instant…
Although he could take the opportunity to run away, it was definitely not a wise choice!
Because such an action could likely trigger a conflict between the Douling Empire and Shrek Academy!!
With that thought, he could only respectfully reply, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave now!"
Having said that, he left the hall with the soldiers…
At this point, the elderly man wrinkled his brow and said, "Your Majesty, is this really wise? After all, the other party is an Elder of the Sea God Pavilion!"
Once he returns to Shrek Academy and tells the other Elders of the Sea God Pavilion what happened, there's no doubt the relationship between the Douling Empire and Shrek Academy will deteriorate rapidly!
Xue Yuntian was naturally aware of the former's concerns and said expressionlessly, "Don't worry, I have no intention of harming him, nor do I plan to be enemies with Shrek Academy. I just want him to stay here for a while to see the future developments of the Douling Empire."
"If this plan works, most likely a majority of the Soul Masters in the Douling Empire will cease their cultivation!"
"For this… the mastermind behind all this may well make another move!!"
The elder seemed to understand something and said no more…
…
As for Xie Xie, after leaving, he was taken to a very luxurious hotel…
Despite this, he still had complaints…
He looked around the hotel with hands on hips and smacked his lips, "Though it's a luxury hotel, it pales in comparison to what the federation arranges!"
"But then, considering the situation of the Douling Empire, arranging this place for me is already pretty good!"
The soldiers of the Douling Empire, upon hearing these words, were utterly speechless…
This was the most luxurious hotel in the Douling Empire! And they had even stationed numerous soldiers…
Yet, with such treatment, he was still not satisfied!!
Of course, they could only muster a smile and said, "Elder Xie, is there anything else you need?"
Xie Xie waved his hand dismissively like shooing away a fly, "I don't need anything else for now. If I do, I will call you. You may leave!!"
Having soldiers of the Douling Empire always around made him feel like he was being watched…
The latter bowed his head, grinding his teeth, "Yes, then I will take my leave!!"
…
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