Chapter 583 - 583: How Did the Empire End Up Like This?

Given the nature of the Holy Spirit Church's evil soul masters, they were bound to clash with the Sun Moon Soul Engineer Corps, creating internal strife within the empire.

On top of that, evil soul masters were bloodthirsty and cruel none of the military leaders actually liked them.

They only tolerated the Holy Spirit Church because of Xu Tianran's ties with them.

Now that Master Kong had outright rejected their ascension to Guardian Church, it was great news for the military officers present.

Some of them even smiled in satisfaction, thinking Master Kong had done the right thing by standing firm against those evil soul masters better to put them in their place before they got even bolder.

Xu Tianran sat up straight, looking at Ye Xishui with a helpless expression. "Grand Worshipper, I always keep my word. But you must understand Master Kong holds immense prestige in the Sun Moon Empire.

He has contributed greatly to our nation, and he even carries a quarter of royal blood.

In principle, even I must show him due respect and should not go against his wishes.

However, because of my promise, I will do everything I can to negotiate with him and convince him to approve the Holy Spirit Church's ascension to Guardian Church.

Of course, I can't guarantee how long it will take."

Ye Xishui scoffed coldly.

She was shrewd enough to immediately realize what Xu Tianran was implying he was asking for a higher price.

With Kong Deming's newfound strength, Xu Tianran had grown more confident.

Since Kong Deming had just rejected their request, Xu Tianran saw this as an opportunity to renegotiate for better terms.

If they reopened negotiations, the Holy Spirit Church would have to concede even more benefits and she was absolutely unwilling to do that.

Even if they offered more, would Xu Tianran really be able to persuade Kong Deming?

At this point, Ye Xishui even began to suspect that this was a deliberate trap, orchestrated by Xu Tianran and Kong Deming to slowly bleed the Holy Spirit Church of its resources.

She looked at Xu Tianran and said, "Your Majesty, dismiss your ministers. I have something private to discuss with you."

Xu Tianran raised an eyebrow before giving a polite smile. "Very well. Ministers, you are dismissed. With Grand Worshipper and Senior Long here, my safety is not a concern."

Of course, he didn't actually trust them.

He had already made preparations inside the palace his hidden strength and soul tools ensured that even if they attacked, he was confident he wouldn't die immediately.

More importantly, the time wasn't right for either side to burn bridges.

Ye Xishui was likely here to make further concessions to gain his support.

Soon, all the military leaders left the hall.

Ju Zi, as Xu Tianran's most trusted aide, remained by his side.

Ye Xishui gazed at Xu Tianran, then said calmly, "Your Majesty, I understand your difficulties, but the Holy Spirit Church has difficulties of its own.

If the Church does not ascend to Guardian Church status, and Xiao Wu is not appointed as Imperial Preceptor, then the Holy Spirit Church will not provide the Sun Moon Empire with any military assistance.

That is my final word, Your Majesty think carefully."

With that, she turned and left, with Long Xiaoyao following behind her.

Xu Tianran's expression darkened instantly. "Godmother, wait! There's no need to be so extreme! We can still negotiate everything is open for discussion. I truly have great sincerity "

His words abruptly stopped.

Ye Xishui didn't respond.

Her figure disappeared into the distance, leaving no doubt that she had left the palace.

Xu Tianran took a deep breath, barely suppressing his fury. "That woman gives me no respect! If the empire didn't need her, I would never lower myself to call her godmother!"

She refused to keep pressuring Kong Deming and threw the problem back at me!

She even dared to threaten that the Holy Spirit Church would withdraw from the war!

Now, he was trapped stuck in a difficult position.

His anger surged as he coldly snorted. "Does she really think she can control me?

Master Kong is a Rank 98 Super Douluo AND a Rank 10 Soul Engineer.

Even if Ye Xishui or Long Xiaoyao fought him one on one, they wouldn't be able to defeat him.

As for Shrek's Mu En, I highly doubt he could beat Master Kong either!

When it comes to top tier powerhouses, the Sun Moon Empire no longer fears the three empires or Shrek.

The only disadvantage we have is a lack of Super Douluo and Titled Douluo level fighters.

Ju Zi, summon Master Kong to the palace. Tell him I wish to discuss the war."

His plan was simple if Kong Deming believed the Sun Moon Empire could win without the Holy Spirit Church, then he wouldn't give in to Ye Xishui's threats.

But if Kong Deming wasn't confident, then he would convince him to cooperate with the Church to secure their military support.

Either way, the war against Douluo's three empires had to happen.

Ju Zi nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Meanwhile, in the Star Luo Empire's palace…

Sunlight streamed through the palace windows, illuminating a vast hall.

Xu Jiayi listened to a report about the severe talent drain in the Star Luo Empire.

His face turned ashen with rage as fury boiled in his chest.

"TMD, how the hell did the empire end up like this?!"

In his rage, his right hand clenched CRACK!

The teacup in his grasp shattered, fragments and tea splashing onto the floor.

The official kneeling before him shuddered in fear.

Even though this wasn't his fault, standing before the emperor was like standing before a tiger who knew if he would take out his anger on him?

"Royal Brother, what do we do now?"

Beside him, Xu Jiujiu furrowed her brows, recognizing how grave the situation had become.

On the Douluo Continent, talent was everything.

Every powerful soul master or soul engineer had started as a young talent with potential.

With the empire's talents fleeing, it meant that in the future, there would be fewer strong individuals.

Even worse, if news of this mass talent exodus spread across the empire, it would shake the people's confidence.

That would make it even harder to resist the Sun Moon Empire when war eventually broke out.

The situation was dire.

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