"I said it before, the future of the Sun-Moon Empire lies in the stars and the seas," Xu Cheng said with a smile.
"You mean... the world beyond the Douluo Continent?" Jing Hongchen tapped lightly on the table, eyes sparkling with excitement. This continent had existed for far too long—so long that many remnants from ancient times remained undiscovered by humans.
Likewise, over the course of its long history, some had already made contact with other worlds.
Though information about these other realms remained scarce, their existence was undeniable.
"Exactly. But that's still a long way off. Our immediate concern is another crisis," Xu Cheng replied with a grin.
"What crisis?"
"The Abyssal Plane..."
"..."
"That would be in four or five years, wouldn't it? Right after the next All-Continent Soul Master Academy Tournament?" Jing Hongchen's eyes widened.
An entire plane coming from the depths of the universe—this was no small threat. It wasn't something the weak powers of the original continent could contend with.
"That's right," Xu Cheng nodded slightly.
He had actually forgotten about the academy tournament.
After all, who could say if it would still be called the All-Continent Academy Tournament in four years? Perhaps it would be named after the Sun-Moon Empire instead...
"Don't worry. As long as we can build the soul-guided cannons that link up with the interstellar battleship, even eleventh-grade soul tools will be enough to handle them," Xu Cheng waved his hand casually.
"As for the energy shields and warp-capable soul guidance systems for the battleship, now that we have the blueprints, with you and Elder Kong involved, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"It's doable," Jing Hongchen said after a brief pause. "I've just reviewed the designs. With Elder Kong and I laying the foundation—and if we shift production resources from other projects—we could build the first real interstellar battleship within three years. The frigates are simpler and could be built alongside it. With that experience, mass production will follow—like dumplings rolling out of the pot."
He added thoughtfully, "Still... your blueprint is quite impressive. I simulated the designs for a while and couldn't find a single more efficient solution. Both cost and soul power consumption are pushed to the limit. Honestly, it's worthy of being called divine craftsmanship..."
"Is it expensive?" Xu Cheng frowned slightly.
The starlink railway had just begun extending outward from Mingdu to over twenty provinces—an enormous money sink. Profit wasn't even a consideration in the short term. It was a political and military endeavor at its core.
"Not terribly," Jing Hongchen shook his head.
"Most of the required materials are available in the Sun-Moon Empire. We can be self-sufficient. The national treasury even holds enough reserves to build at least two ships. For the rarer metals, we can find substitutes. Fully calculated, a single battleship will cost around four billion gold soul coins."
"Of course, I suggest starting with one battleship and four frigates as the first fleet. The military can then begin selecting and training personnel. Three years may seem long, but it'll pass in a flash."
"Understood. I'll handle military arrangements," Xu Cheng nodded.
He could only be thankful that the Sun-Moon Empire had such vast metal resources—more than three-fifths of the entire continent. Without that, trying to build an interstellar battleship as a single nation would be pure fantasy.
"For the empire, there is no such thing as hardship," Jing Hongchen smiled warmly.
Though tiring, the vision gave him hope.
He too wanted to see the Sun-Moon Empire rise to the stars and step into the real universe with his own eyes.
Crown Prince Residence.
In a classically decorated room…
Xu Jiujiu looked around curiously at the calligraphy, porcelain, and various devices she had never seen before in the Star Luo Empire.
So this is where he lives? she mused.
Her thoughts drifted back to a year ago, to that night during the All-Continent Soul Master Tournament. That night in the room… everything that happened.
She had even foolishly tried to persuade him. Yet her brother's seemingly impenetrable defenses had been broken down one by one by him—and he'd left with ease. That carefree back view wasn't just etched into her memory, but likely into the hearts of countless young women who were there.
But now…
A shadow clouded her pretty face.
Recalling her brother's instructions, her feelings deepened further.
She used to carry herself as the noble Princess of Star Luo—just like during their last meeting at the Shrek Auction.
But now… what was she? A fallen princess?
No… perhaps not even that. Just a disgraced noble daughter.
She bit her lip at the thought.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed.
From outside came Nana's quiet voice, explaining something to someone. That person nodded, and the door slowly opened...
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Your Highness?" Xu Cheng sat in the main seat, smiling as he looked over at Xu Jiujiu.
She was still as beautiful as ever, in her youthful prime—but her expression carried a trace of deep exhaustion.
Is it because I cost them billions? Xu Cheng mused, thinking of the mess in the Star Luo Empire.
"Your Highness… It's been a while," Xu Jiujiu quickly rose and curtsied formally.
"Sit. You know I don't care for formalities. Just get to the point," Xu Cheng waved his hand. "My time is valuable too. If not for hearing from Juzi that you came, I wouldn't have returned."
Xu Jiujiu took a deep breath. "Your Highness, my brother sent me here to surrender to the Sun-Moon Empire."
"Surrender is surrender. Star Luo is no match for the Sun-Moon Empire's forces. The last attack that reached the Star Luo capital said it all. Star Luo no longer wishes to be used by Shrek..."
"So you're saying Star Luo seeks peace?" Xu Cheng tapped the armrest lightly, eyes closed.
That lined up with what he'd expected.
In the original story, the Star Luo royal family handed the country over to the White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao. Clearly, the latter was quite "flexible." Now that the Sun-Moon Empire had shown far greater strength than expected, they understood: once it entered a full war state, Star Luo would fall.
So making peace made sense.
"Not peace," Xu Jiujiu shook her head. "My brother wishes to entrust Star Luo to you. Our Xu family will return to being a sect. If possible, we'd also like to follow you—like the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"Hmm?" Xu Cheng opened his eyes in surprise.
Xu Jiawei was that realistic?
Handing over the entire Star Luo Empire would instantly double the Sun-Moon Empire's territory—with intact infrastructure and an entire population of civilians. An incredible resource…
"Interesting..."
Xu Cheng stood and slowly approached.
He looked closely at the girl before him.
As he drew near, Xu Jiujiu blushed, feeling the proximity. Her heart raced.
But then—his hand lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Is it true?" he asked with a playful smile.
"Y-yes…" she stammered, breath quickening.
"Heh," Xu Cheng gently stroked her soft chin, noting her shame and frustration. Then he laughed and walked back to his seat.
"Go tell your brother—I'm not interested."
"What?!" Xu Jiujiu's eyes widened in disbelief.
She knew the Sun-Moon Empire was strong—perhaps the future ruler of the continent.
But to dismiss the entire Star Luo Empire like this?
"I just lost a few billion gold soul coins because of your brother. He's probably panicking. Your national finances are in shambles, and internal corruption runs deep. He wants to dump this mess on me? Too naive," Xu Cheng shook his head.
Xu Jiujiu said nothing.
Because everything he said was true.
Star Luo was a rotting tree, heavily damaged.
Handing it over? More like dumping a burden.
"Then... I'll take my leave," she said softly, clenching her pale hands.
"Wait. Why leave so soon?" Xu Cheng smiled.
"But… you said—" she turned around, confused.
"Come sit here," he gestured beside him.
"Ah..." Her face turned even redder.
Looking around to ensure they were alone, she hesitantly walked over.
As she reached him, he suddenly pulled her into his arms.
"Mm~" she flushed bright red, avoiding his gaze.
"Tell your brother—I'll handle some of the corruption for him. Just keep Star Luo from collapsing."
As Xu Cheng walked out of the courtyard, Jiujiu was already gone. Only Nana stood watch outside.
He looked up at the sky, feeling at peace.
Why had he refused Xu Jiawei? Because Star Luo was already in his hands—its capital's industries were under his control. The empire's economy was his puppet. Star Luo's military was crippled. It was already his.
Making Xu Jiawei clean up the mess was the price of entry.
"You refused?" Nana asked, puzzled.
"For the Empire to develop rapidly, it must extract the 'essence' from others to nourish itself."
"Star Luo's essence—part of it is already ours. The rest is in the nobles' hands. If we take everything now, it'll slow the Empire's pace. And winning over the commoners will take time and effort. Gaining their acceptance will take even more."
"So I let Xu Jiawei patch the holes. I don't care what he uses to do it," Xu Cheng said with a chuckle.
"Our goal in targeting the nobles... is to extract the rest of the essence?" Nana suddenly understood—and pitied Xu Jiawei.
Truly, they'd wrung Star Luo dry.
"Getting a seat on the Sun-Moon Empire's ship is Star Luo's privilege. Filling those holes is just the test. If he passes, I'll reward the Xu family. If not… that's all he'll ever be," Xu Cheng said.
He had given Xu Jiujiu a "ticket."
A chance for the Xu family to board the Sun-Moon Empire's interstellar warship—as a sect.
"Nana, summon the Holy Spirit Cult. Call Wuyun, Zhang Peng, Uncle Ye, and Gaidu. Tell them to gather at my courtyard tomorrow noon. I'm paying a visit to the Clear Sky Sect," Xu Cheng said calmly.
To Nana, it sounded filled with killing intent. The atmosphere turned solemn.
"You're launching a counterattack?" she asked, shocked.
"Not exactly. I'm not planning to blow up the sect. But since they came to Mingdu, it's only polite I return the visit," Xu Cheng said with a smile.
"And Juzi..."
He stopped the woman who just entered.
"Notify the Fire Phoenix Legion, the Royal Soul Tool Corps, and the Evil Monarch. Each is to deploy three battalions. Assemble outside Lingyin Town near Mingdu by noon tomorrow. Equip from the military arsenal. Be discreet and fast—don't make it public."
"Yes!"
Juzi's eyes narrowed before she hurried off.
Xu Cheng sat on a jade stool in the courtyard. "Where's the map of the Clear Sky Sect?"
"Here," Nana quickly spread it open.
It showed rivers, mountains, and the sect's core areas—mapped by high-level reconnaissance soul tools from afar.
Not just the Clear Sky Sect. Even Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire were included.
Only the Body Sect remained unmapped due to steep mountains and dense forests.
"According to Da Ming's reply to Mu En, the last shard of the super artifact is in the Treasure Pavilion—guarded by a Title Douluo. Like the rear altar, it's deep in the sect's core."
Xu Cheng glanced at the map.
"Treasure Pavilion" was clearly marked.
Photos were attached—views from every angle.
No wonder it was a grade-nine high-altitude reconnaissance soul tool...
Xu Cheng smacked his lips.
From nearly ten thousand meters up, it captured everything without being noticed.
Even now, Da Ming and Er Ming likely believed their sect was invincible, protected by deep ravines.
But they didn't know...
My lord, the times have changed!
"Then let's have the soul tool corps and Holy Spirit Cult fake attacks from east and west to draw Da Ming and Er Ming's attention. I'll sneak in amidst the chaos... and take the final super artifact shard."
"Bibi Dong," Xu Cheng said coolly.
"Hmph. I'll act when the time is right—no need for reminders," came the cold voice in his mind.
"All the better," Xu Cheng smirked.
(End of Chapter)