116: The Heavenly Dou Empire begins its counterattack! (Two-in-One)

Supreme Pontiff Palace.

In Bibi Dong's bedchamber.

Hu Liena entered from outside and saw Bibi Dong sitting before her dressing table, applying makeup in the mirror.

She was slightly startled; in all these years, she had never seen her teacher apply makeup before a mirror.

Moreover, her face actually carried emotions like anticipation and hesitation that only a young girl would show.

It couldn't be because of that man... It's been a year.

Whenever Hu Liena thought of Yu Xiaogang, she still couldn't help but feel nauseated.

She couldn't imagine how her teacher could fall in love with a man like that?!

To dispel her teacher's infatuation, she had described Yu Xiaogang's disgraceful state at that time in great detail, down to the smallest matter.

As a result... when Bibi Dong heard that Yu Xiaogang claimed they were each other's true love.

Bibi Dong actually became as shy as a little girl!

She completely ignored Yu Xiaogang's disgraceful behavior.

When Hu Liena tried to advise her, Bibi Dong rarely got angry with her, ordering her never to be rude to Yu Xiaogang again... Hu Liena was helpless against this... Infatuation truly has no cure!

Bibi Dong put down the rouge box, the emotions on her face immediately vanishing. Looking at Hu Liena in the mirror, she gave a light cough. "Nana, why are you here?"

"Teacher, Lion Worship Protector has returned..."

Hu Liena reported truthfully.

After listening, Bibi Dong suddenly gave a cold laugh, a contemptuous smile appearing on her face. "Truly a bunch of fools! They're still thinking of making trouble for the Azure Dragon Temple?"

"They aren't even afraid of throwing eggs against a rock!"

Bibi Dong stood up, her temperament changing as she returned to being the noble, cold, and proud peerless Empress.

Hu Liena hummed in response, but a look of helplessness flashed in her eyes.

Why would a teacher like this be obsessed with a weakling like Yu Xiaogang?

"Also, there are rumors that outside Spirit City, Believers of the Azure Dragon Temple are planning to build a temple..."

Hu Liena added.

"Hmm..."

Bibi Dong pondered, resting her chin on her hand, and did not give an immediate answer.

She walked in circles around Hu Liena, her expression solemn.

Hu Liena waited patiently, thinking to herself whether she should try to advise her teacher again later.

"Fine, since those old fogies want to seek death, then let them be. I will head to Nuoding City to personally inspect the Insurgent Army!"

Hu Liena's heart jolted as she looked at the smile on Bibi Dong's face.

She couldn't help but mutter in her heart... Are you really going for the Insurgent Army?

Clearly, you're going to see that man, right?

Honestly, what's so good about that man?

Bibi Dong was indeed thinking that way, her eyes shimmering with a strange light.

She wondered how Yu Xiaogang was doing now, what he looked like, and what his state of mind was.

But since he could say she was his true love, he probably hasn't forgotten her, right?

If he knew her body was no Long Er pure, would he still accept her?

After all, Yu Xiaogang is now the number two figure of the Insurgent Army—no, he is the strategist, the true Soul!

..."The Yellow Heaven is dead, the Azure Heaven shall stand...!!!"

"Now, we will conduct public trials for all nobles! They have occupied too many resources, seizing them through force or trickery, oppressing the commoners, and treating the people like cattle!"

"Now that our Insurgent Army is in charge, we must stand up for the people!"

"Your wealth and resources are ill-gotten gains and must be distributed to your tenants! If anyone reports that you have committed evil deeds, you must pay the price!"

In the large square of Yake City, a sea of people had gathered.

The Insurgent Army had conquered this place with the force of a hot knife through butter and taken over authority here.

They escorted the nearby nobles onto a high platform for everyone to judge, a process that would last for three days.

As long as someone stepped forward and provided evidence of being oppressed by these nobles, they would be punished!

The once high-and-mighty nobles had now become lambs to the slaughter.

Each one was scared out of their wits.

"I want to report him! He conspired with Long Er from the casino! They cheated us out of all our Family property! Now I've ended up as a tenant..."

A tall, thin man pointed at a noble and shouted.

Hearing this, the Insurgent Army soldier said irritably, "There's no need to bring up gambling matters! That's your own lack of ability! What we're talking about now is being oppressed! Being harmed! Our Insurgent Army stands on the side of the people; just mention those as much as possible!"

The attitude of the Insurgent Army quickly emboldened the commoners.

A noble's domestic servant shouted, "I want to report! I want to report! He killed a maidservant, she was my sweetheart..."

The noble he identified was scared out of his Soul and hurriedly said:

"That case has already been settled; I've already paid out two gold coins! She was a maidservant in my house; I can dispose of her however I want!"

The Insurgent Army soldier gave a cold laugh. "What a joke! Now, under our Azure Heaven, everyone's life is equal! Whether it's a maidservant or the Emperor himself, human lives are the same!"

Saying this, the soldier stepped forward and picked up a cleaver.

He walked in front of the noble and swung it down violently!

"Help... I'm willing to give all my money..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the cleaver fell.

The noble's head instantly hit the ground!

It rolled a few times on the platform, leaving a trail of red, his eyes wide open, dying with grievances unaddressed.

This noble never imagined he would lose his life because of a maidservant.

The scene fell silent at first, as pairs of eyes watched with shock.

But soon, the entire scene erupted into a boil.

"I want to report too!!!"

"Long live the Insurgent Army!!!"

"Finally, someone can seek justice for me! I want to report...!!!"

"..."

Many of the nobles on the platform fainted directly from fear.

This Insurgent Army really kills!

To kill a noble for a maidservant... City Lord's Mansion.

City Lord Xiao, Dragon Duke Meng Shu, and other high-ranking officials were taking stock of the "spoils of war."

The City Lord of Yake City had already been killed—not by the Insurgent Army, but by the Divine Punishment lightning!

Now the city guards had chosen to surrender, helping the two find many treasures.

In the City Lord's Mansion alone, there were over a dozen chests of gold, silver, and jewelry.

One could only say they were dripping with wealth!

However, the people of Yake City were in even more miserable straits than those in Nuoding City, especially in the surrounding villages, where almost everyone had become tenants.

City Lord Xiao looked at the list and suddenly smiled, lamenting:

"Before today, I always thought it would be very difficult. After all, our Insurgent Army has never experienced war, but..."

"Who would have thought they would be so pathetic."

City Lord Xiao smiled, his expression relaxed.

Dragon Duke Meng Shu also laughed. "Truly a ragtag bunch. At this rate, if we only attack without stopping to govern, we can take another three cities."

"Then shall we continue...?"

City Lord Xiao narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively.

"Good! Continue the assault! We cannot fail Divine Lord's expectations!"

Dragon Duke Meng Shu immediately responded.

Now, he didn't even care about hiding his identity.

Once the "rebellion" started, the madness in his Bloodline was fully activated!

"Praise be to the Azure Dragon Divine Lord! Praise the High Priest! Then we shall continue to set out! Before tonight, we'll take at least three more cities!"

City Lord Xiao said loudly... As it turned out, City Lord Xiao had underestimated the strength of the Insurgent Army and the degree of corruption in Heaven Dou City.

By nightfall, after taking one city, they split their forces into three routes and actually managed to break through all of them!

They had occupied four cities!

Five cities taken in a single day!

The flames of the Insurgent Army began to burn in all directions... Heaven Dou City.

Urgent reports of the rebels were rushed to the palace.

Inside the Imperial Court, Emperor Xue Ye, sitting upon the throne, saw this secret report, his face incredibly dark.

The ministers lowered their heads, the atmosphere somber.

In fact, in this court now, they didn't even know if the one on the throne was truly Emperor Xue Ye.

To avoid retaliation from the Azure Dragon Temple, Emperor Xue Ye had taken his precautions to the extreme.

So, even if the other party showed a look of fury identical to Emperor Xue Ye's, it was hard for anyone to judge.

"Outrageous!!!"

"That bunch of rebels actually dares to dream of overturning my Empire! They deserve to die! They all deserve to die!"

Emperor Xue Ye threw the secret report down heavily, flying into a rage.

No one dared to speak.

After venting for a while, Emperor Xue Ye gritted his teeth and said, "I will destroy them! Not one left! Not one left!"

"I want to hang every last one of those rebels!"

Emperor Xue Ye roared.

The ministers were quite moved; they knew that Emperor Xue Ye was fond of grand achievements and always labeled himself as an emperor for the ages.

Now that rebels had appeared, wasn't that a slap to his face?!

It would definitely lower his evaluation in the history books.

"Your Majesty, it is difficult for the garrison of each city to suppress the rebels. Why not deploy the Gu'an Defense Army?" Prince Xue Xing suggested.

Emperor Xue Ye gave a cold snort and said, "Granted! I want to hear news of victory in the suppression within three days! If not, let the Gu'an generals bring their heads to see me!"

Prince Xue Xing immediately said, "Your Majesty, you can rest assured. The Gu'an Army is a powerful force with rigorous training; it's impossible for them to fail..."

Emperor Xue Ye looked toward the various nobles again and said coldly:

"The rebels want to overthrow the rule of the nobility! Heh, don't you all just sit idly by; those with money contribute money, and those with strength contribute strength!"

"As you command...!"

The nobles' expressions changed slightly as they all agreed.

It was one thing for the Azure Dragon Temple to act against the nobles a year ago.

Now the rebels were actually aiming their efforts at them too.

Isn't this just bullying?!

Emperor Xue Ye suddenly said, "Xue Xing, regarding the Azure Dragon Temple, you should start preparing. We must eradicate it completely!"

"As long as the Azure Dragon Temple is not destroyed, the Empire's disgrace will not fade for a single day!"

Emperor Xue Ye's voice was icy.

The nobles also perked up upon hearing this, all looking toward Prince Xue Xing.

The rebels targeting the nobles was something they could still withstand.

The rebellion would eventually be suppressed; the Heaven Dou Empire was not simple.

But the Azure Dragon Temple was a sharp blade hanging over their heads.

It made it so they couldn't even sleep well.

They wished every moment to sweep away that Azure Dragon Temple.

Now finally... Prince Xue Xing accepted the order with a blank expression again... The next day.

Outside Heaven Dou City, around the Azure Dragon Temple.

"Tramp, tramp, tramp...!"

An army of nearly ten thousand men, split into four groups, suddenly stationed themselves a mile away. The generals began to build camps, sealing off the surroundings.

The fences they constructed completely surrounded the Azure Dragon Temple.

In this way, no one would be able to enter or leave the Azure Dragon Temple.

Thus, even the coming and going of the Azure Dragon Temple's Believers was cut off.

This action naturally did not escape the notice of those interested, especially since many people were keeping an eye on the Azure Dragon Temple.

Ning Fengzhi and Tang Xiao paid a secret visit to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

They met Yu Yuanzhen at the top of a building.

Yu Yuanzhen was leaning against the railing, gazing in the direction of the Azure Dragon Temple, with those troops clearly in sight.

Ning Fengzhi and Tang Xiao came to his side, looking at the scene in the distance.

"It seems the Heaven Dou Imperial Family is going to formally take action against the Azure Dragon Temple..." Ning Fengzhi lamented.

Tang Xiao gave a chuckle and said, "The Azure Dragon Temple directly attacked the nobles, killing so many at once. Then the High Priest caused a scene in the palace, directly collapsing more than half of it and even killing Grand Marshal Ge Long, a pillar of the Empire. If old Xue Ye still held back, that would be what's strange."

Tang Xiao's words left both Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen silent and rather helpless.

It was indeed so; if the Heaven Dou Imperial Family swallowed their pride, they would truly be a laughingstock.

But now that both sides were about to formally go to war, it would inevitably affect many things.

"What I worry about is, if the Azure Dragon Divine Lord is angered, whether it will affect the surrounding areas, and later on, will Emperor Xue Ye still allow us to stay out of it?"

Ning Fengzhi sighed, somewhat worried.

Tang Xiao gave a cold laugh and said, "I don't care about others, but our Clear Sky Sect has already closed our gates and retreated to the mountain peak. Who could possibly affect me?"

No matter how the two sides fought to the death, it wouldn't reach their Clear Sky Sect.

However, Tang Yuehua had recently suggested that he secretly help the Azure Dragon Temple, saying it would be doing them a favor.

And it was a must-go... Yu Yuanzhen also immediately stated his position, "Our Family is not deeply involved with the Imperial Family. We will definitely not become enemies with the Azure Dragon Temple because of this. When that time comes, don't expect us to act. Moreover, the High Priest is still our clansman."

He also had a thought in his mind.

As the First Master who valued the Family the most.

He didn't want Yu Mengzhang to be separated too completely from the Family.

He had to find a way to bind the two sides together.

If he could offer help in a time of need... "..."

The corner of Ning Fengzhi's mouth twitched slightly. Fine, fine, in the end, it's their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School that's most deeply bound to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

He, the head of a school, happened to be the teacher of the Crown Prince.

How could he stay out of it?

"What counter-measures do you think the Azure Dragon Temple will take?" Ning Fengzhi asked.

"What else can they do? Last time, just because someone came to assassinate, and didn't even succeed, the High Priest went directly to the palace and caused such a huge commotion..."

Tang Xiao seemed to have a tone of gloating.

Ning Fengzhi held his forehead, quite helpless.

Beside him, Sword Douluo gazed at the Azure Dragon Temple and said in a deep voice, "I heard that when the rebels were attacking Yake City, the Azure Dragon Divine Lord manifested... But I clearly feel that that strand of divinity has not left the temple here."

...At the same time, inside the Azure Dragon Temple.

Cuier sat on the threshold, gazing at the distant army. She was not yet at the age for Spirit Awakening, but because she had attended the temple for years and been tainted by Karma and Dragon Qi, her eyesight was excellent.

She could see the distant army at a glance.

She rested her face in her hands, looking a bit distressed.

"Honestly, why must they target our temple..."

Cuier muttered.

At this moment, a Believer came running from afar; she had been keeping watch nearby yesterday and had not yet gone home.

Running over panting, her face flushed, she said:

"Now all directions are blocked by the army; they only allow people to leave, but don't let anyone in..."