Douluo Continent: The creation of Jixia Academy made Bibi Dong drool with envy.

Chapter 115 Master Lu Ban's Teachings, the Terrifying Ming Shi Yin!
The atmosphere inside the council hall was heavy and oppressive.

Looking at the smiling, composed, and otherworldly young man in front of him, Yan Shaozhe felt a sense of powerlessness for the first time.

He was the dean of Shrek Academy, a level 95 Super Douluo. How could he have been so easily toyed with?

The Kingdom of Barak was destroyed just like that!
And it happened right under his nose, right when he was negotiating with the other party!

This Ming Shiyin is not only ruthless in his methods, but also has a mind as deep as the sea, using both overt and covert schemes to the extreme.

"What a plan!"

Yan Shaozhe took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the anger and shock in his heart, and said in an icy voice.

He knew that getting angry now would be useless.

The Holy Grace Kingdom's momentum to annex Barak is already established. If Shrek Academy were to forcibly intervene, it would not only lack a legitimate reason for its actions, but it might also be drawn into a full-scale conflict with this mysterious and unpredictable "Yaotian" organization and the even more unfathomable Jixia Academy behind it.

Although Shrek Academy is powerful, it has a history of ten thousand years and a large and influential family. Every move it makes has far-reaching implications.

Rushing into such a war of annexation between kingdoms is bound to attract criticism, especially if it involves a force of unknown strength that acts with such domineering ruthlessness...

The consequences could be disastrous.

Upon hearing this, Ming Shiyin simply picked up his teacup elegantly, took a small sip, and acted as if the military report about the destruction of the country was nothing more than a trivial matter.

"Dean Yan is too kind."

He smiled faintly.

"War is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a matter of life and death, a road to survival or ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected."

The Kingdom of Barak overestimated its own strength and provoked war. The allied forces attacked our Holy Grace Kingdom, and now it has suffered the fate of national ruin and destruction. This is entirely its own fault, and it has no one else to blame but itself.

He paused, his narrow, phoenix-shaped eyes narrowing slightly, gleaming with a chilling light.

"As for Dean Yan, he has come today on behalf of Shrek Academy. I wonder... what advice he has for us?"
If it's merely to speak out for those defeated nations, then I'm afraid... I'll have to disappoint the Dean.

Yan Shaozhe felt a chill run down his spine.

He sensed the threat in Ming Shiyin's words.

This is a warning to him not to meddle in other people's business.

After a moment's hesitation, Yan Shaozhe spoke slowly, his tone much gentler:

"Since you speak frankly, I will not beat around the bush any longer."

"The conflict between the Holy Grace Kingdom and its neighboring countries is now a foregone conclusion, and Shrek Academy has no intention of interfering any further."

However… every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt its debtor. While those who instigated the war certainly deserve to be punished, war ultimately affects the innocent. I hope Your Excellency will consider the plight of the common people and handle the aftermath properly, lest further bloodshed be committed.”

His words gave both sides a way out.

Upon hearing this, Ming Shiyin's smile widened even further:
"Dean Yan is kind and benevolent, and Shi Yin admires him greatly."

Dean, rest assured, our Holy Grace Kingdom practices benevolent governance and will never indiscriminately kill innocent people.

As for those allied nations that actively provoked the war…

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"Since they dare to show their claws to my divine grace, they should naturally be prepared to pay the price."

A small amount of resources as compensation... I suppose Dean Yan wouldn't object, would he?"

Resource compensation!

Yan Shaozhe frowned slightly; he knew that this was Ming Shiyin's true purpose today.

However, since the allied forces attacked Holy Grace first, and now their army has suffered a crushing defeat, it is... understandable that the Kingdom of Holy Grace is demanding compensation.

"Shrek Academy is not in a position to interfere in this matter."

Yan Shaozhe ultimately chose to compromise, but then he also put forward his own conditions.

"However, besides this matter, I have another request to make today."

He looked at Ming Shiyin with intense eyes.

"I have heard that Jixia Academy was founded by a reclusive master, and has produced many outstanding talents. Its foundation is unfathomable."

"I dare to suggest that I represent Shrek Academy to make a formal visit to Jixia Academy. Is that permissible?"

He wanted to see for himself what the Jixia Academy was really like.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Ming Shiyin's eyes.

He never expected Yan Shaozhe to make such a request.

Visiting Jixia Academy?

This was no small matter, and he naturally dared not make a decision on his own.

"I will naturally report Dean Yan's request to my dean."

Ming Shiyin pondered for a moment before giving a perfectly tactful reply.

"However, Jixia Academy has strict rules, and the Dean has always lived in seclusion. Whether he can agree or not, Shi Yin... is not entirely sure."

Upon hearing this, Yan Shaozhe knew that this matter could not be rushed and that it was best to stop while he was ahead. So he offered a less desirable option:
"Since that's the case, then we won't force it."

However, in order to promote exchange and progress within the Soul Master community on the mainland, I propose that, after this turmoil subsides, Shrek Academy and your esteemed Jixia Academy hold a friendly exchange and learning activity between teachers and students, to mutually verify what they have learned and improve together. What do you think, Lord Ming?

This suggestion was reasonable, as it gave Jixia Academy a way out and also gave Shrek Academy a chance to contact and learn about Jixia Academy.

Looking at Yan Shaozhe's expectant eyes, Ming Shiyin smiled enigmatically and slowly nodded.

"Dean Yan's suggestion is excellent. Once this matter is settled, Shi Yin will definitely make it happen."

With a mix of helplessness, solemnity, and a complex sense of uncertainty about the future, Yan Shaozhe left the Holy Grace Palace.

He knew that from now on, the landscape of Douluo Continent would likely undergo earth-shattering changes because of the Holy Grace Kingdom and the mysterious Jixia Academy behind it.

Shrek Academy, if it wishes to maintain its unparalleled status as the continent's premier academy, will inevitably face unprecedented challenges. With the somber departure of Shrek Academy, this "messenger of peace," the remnants of the Anti-Sacred Grace Alliance, who had initially clung to hope after the destruction of the Barak Kingdom and attempted to put up a last-ditch resistance, have now come to a complete realization of reality.

Even Shrek Academy couldn't do anything to the Holy Grace Kingdom, so how could these chickens and dogs possibly stop them?

Soon, the surrounding small countries that were still barely surviving sent envoys with heavy letters of surrender and tributes to the capital of the Holy Grace Kingdom in an almost kowtow-like manner, requesting an audience with Emperor Ming Shiyin and begging for forgiveness and peace.

Faced with these "fat sheep" who offered themselves up, Ming Shiyin naturally accepted them all.

He immediately ordered a grand state banquet to be held in the Royal Palace of Holy Grace, inviting all the envoys and representatives from various countries who had come to pay tribute to the king to attend.

At the banquet, delicacies from land and sea, fine wines and exquisite liquors, songs and dances filled the air, and a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere prevailed.

But the envoys from various countries sitting at the table were all extremely uncomfortable, unable to enjoy their food.

They could all clearly feel the faint yet terrifying pressure emanating from the smiling and gentle Lord Ming in the main seat—a pressure that made their very souls tremble!
Just as the banquet was halfway through and the atmosphere was "lively".

Ming Shiyin suddenly put down his wine cup, coughed lightly, and the entire hall fell silent instantly.

He slowly rose to his feet, his gaze calmly sweeping over the silent envoys from various countries below, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

"You have come from afar, and you must be tired from your journey."

"I am here, and have prepared a small feast to express my sincere gratitude."

"I also have a word I'd like to share with you all."

He paused, then his voice suddenly rose a few decibels, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

"The Holy Grace Kingdom has risen to prominence today by virtue of the Mandate of Heaven and by the will of the people. This is an inevitable trend that cannot be stopped by human power."

"If you nations can assess the situation and help me, the Holy Grace, to share in peace, I will treat you with courtesy and work together to create prosperity."

"But if anyone is out of touch with reality, harbors ulterior motives, and attempts to stop the inevitable, defying the will of Heaven..."

boom! ! !
A terrifying soul power pressure, like a level 96 Super Douluo, suddenly erupted from Ming Shiyin's body, like a tangible storm, instantly sweeping through the entire hall!

Those envoys with slightly weaker strength felt as if they had been struck in the chest by a massive hammer, spitting out blood and collapsing to the ground in a sorry state, their eyes filled with boundless fear.

Even the envoys who were at the Soul King and Soul Emperor level, who were of considerable strength, turned pale and trembled violently, not daring to even entertain the slightest thought of resistance.

Ming Shiyin looked down at the envoys below, who were trembling like quails under his oppressive aura, and a cold satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

This is the effect he wants.

To strike the mountain to scare the tiger, to kill the chicken to warn the monkey.

Only when they truly feel fear, and feel the insurmountable gap in strength between the two sides, will they completely extinguish those inappropriate thoughts and... willingly submit to the Holy Grace Kingdom.

Sure enough, after this state banquet filled with "friendship" and "deterrence".

Those neighboring small countries that had previously harbored doubts have completely abandoned all resistance and illusions.

They all submitted petitions to pledge allegiance, ceding territory and paying reparations, voluntarily becoming vassals of the Holy Grace Kingdom.

Thus, the Kingdom of Holy Grace had brought all of its surrounding territory, spanning hundreds of thousands of miles, under its control without shedding a drop of blood.

Its national strength and influence have reached an unprecedented peak.

As the Holy Grace Kingdom's status became more secure and its territory expanded,

Far away in the new King's Continent, inside the main hall of the Jixia Academy, Yanbo Mountain could clearly sense it.

Streams of celestial energy, larger, purer, and more inexhaustible than before, are flowing from the direction of the Holy Grace Kingdom in that parallel world, traversing time and space, and converging into the core of his ark.

This method of subtly stealing the world's fortune by controlling a country's political power is far more efficient and sustainable than the previous method of reaping the benefits in one fell swoop by creating major events.

"Very good...very good..."

As Yan Boshan felt the energy within the ark's core gradually increasing, his eyes gleamed with satisfaction and anticipation.

"The Kingdom of Holy Grace is now like a wildfire, its momentum unstoppable."

"Next, we need to consider... how to make this flame burn even brighter and burn even further!"

His gaze seemed to pierce through endless time and space, looking towards the vast, unknown, and challenging heartland of the continent.

The Star Luo Empire, the Heavenly Soul Empire... and those ancient sects and reclusive families hiding in the shadows, stirring with ambition...

They will all become the prey for the next step of the Holy Grace Kingdom's expansion!
It will also contribute even greater fortune to him and to the reconstruction of the King's Continent!

The atmosphere in the freshman classroom of the Department of Institutional Guidance at the Jixia Academy was somewhat somber.

Huo Yuhao sat somewhat awkwardly in the corner, trying hard to listen to a senior student from the main academy, appointed by Master Lu Ban, explaining the most basic core array inscription principle of soul tools.

These days, he has been frantically absorbing all knowledge about soul tools like a sponge soaking up water.

From the most basic energy conduction circuits to the properties of different rare metals, and then to those incredibly complex yet exquisitely crafted miniature mechanical components…

Each item was new and exciting to him, but also...difficult.

With the support of the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's million-year soul ring, his soul power, though far exceeding that of his peers, was still just beginning. The precision with which he controlled it was still quite different from that of the Jixia Academy students who had received systematic training since childhood.

Especially when it comes to precisely injecting soul power into those hair-thin soul guide cores for inscription, he always seems clumsy. Either he outputs too much soul power, causing the core to be destroyed, or he has insufficient soul power, making it impossible to activate the magic circle.

In just a few days, he had already wasted a lot of expensive practice materials, which drew glares and snickers from other freshmen.

If it weren't for Master Lu Ban's apparent special regard for him and his sincere attitude in becoming his apprentice, he probably would have expelled him from the school long ago.

"Huo Yuhao, it's your turn."

The senior student instructor on the podium shouted.

It's time for the daily practical training session again.

Today's task is to attempt to repair a level one soul-guided ray gun with minor damage to its core magic array.

This might be just a small challenge for other freshmen, but for Huo Yuhao, it was like an insurmountable chasm.

(End of this chapter)