Huo Yuhao nodded as he and Jing Hongchen finalized a plan to capture Nether Thunder Douluo and turn him into their planted spy within the Holy Spirit Church. This would greatly benefit their long term efforts against the organization.
In the underground world of Mingdu, three major factions dominated: Xishui Alliance, Pingfan Alliance, and Odu Chamber of Commerce. These three groups all had powerful backers without one, no faction could survive in Mingdu's underworld.
Among them, Xishui Alliance was the strongest. It controlled the largest territory and specialized in selling military grade soul tools, drugs, and even trafficking captured soul masters across the Douluo Continent.
The reason Xishui Alliance could act so brazenly was because it was backed by the Holy Spirit Church.
In the Sun Moon Empire, the Holy Spirit Church held significant influence. Even Pingfan Alliance and Odu Chamber of Commerce avoided direct confrontation with Xishui Alliance to prevent large scale conflicts.
At that moment, in Qingse Hotel, Nether Thunder Douluo slowly opened his eyes as the surging soul power within him settled. He exhaled deeply, officially ending his closed door cultivation.
For someone of his status, choosing a safe location for cultivation was essential while in a meditative state, he was far more vulnerable than usual. If an enemy attacked during this period, his chances of survival would be slim.
Despite its odd name, Qingse Hotel was an important Holy Spirit Church stronghold, directly connected to the underworld and highly secure.
For the Holy Spirit Church, Xishui Alliance existed to fund its operations and collect resources. Many materials that were difficult to trade openly flowed freely in the black market.
Nether Thunder Douluo deactivated his soundproofing soul barrier and called toward the door: "While I was in seclusion, did the Pope, Vice Pope, or any elders leave any instructions?"
A Holy Spirit Church disciple outside responded respectfully, "Third Elder, the Second Elder visited, but upon learning you were in seclusion, he only left orders for me to remain on guard. He instructed that once you emerged, you should visit him immediately."
"Understood. You may go now."
Nether Thunder Douluo stood up and prepared to meet the Second Elder, Nangong Wan. However, as he flew out of the hotel, he spotted a familiar figure in the distance.
Suspending himself in midair, he narrowed his eyes. "Jing Hongchen? What are you doing here? Are you looking to discuss soul tools? I have matters to attend to today. If you truly want to talk, you'll have to wait until next time."
As both Rank 9 Soul Engineers and Titled Douluo, Nether Thunder Douluo and Jing Hongchen were familiar with each other. Although the Holy Spirit Church operated from the shadows, the high ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire were well aware of its existence.
Jing Hongchen shook his head, rejecting the idea. "Nether Thunder Douluo, I didn't come here to talk about soul tools. If I needed that, I would just visit Elder Kong.
I came to bring you good news. Sun Moon Empire's agents rescued a woman named Nan Shuishui in the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Upon investigating her background, we discovered she has a connection to you. I never expected that the esteemed Third Elder of the Holy Spirit Church would have such a sentimental past."
Nether Thunder Douluo's pupils contracted. "Why should I believe you? You have no proof."
He never imagined that the Sun Moon Empire's intelligence network was this powerful to the point that they could uncover his relationship with Nan Shuishui, something he had barely ever mentioned.
Jing Hongchen smirked and tossed a letter toward him. "Here's your proof. Take a look does this handwriting belong to Nan Shuishui?"
The contents were simple: Nan Shuishui had learned of Nether Thunder Douluo's identity and current circumstances. She regretted rejecting him all those years ago.
Nether Thunder Douluo quickly grabbed the letter and read it.
Moments later, he sighed. "Yes… This is Nan Shuishui's handwriting. And she definitely wrote this herself. She's just as kind as ever."
Jing Hongchen smiled. "Now, you have two choices.
One forget about Nan Shuishui and continue focusing on your duties.
Two come with me to meet her.
I know you're suspicious of my motives, so I'll be straightforward. My condition is simple: I want you to craft some Rank 9 soul tools for me in exchange."
Nether Thunder Douluo's expression darkened, his emotions fluctuating. After a brief silence, he made his decision.
"Fine, Jing Hongchen. I'll go with you."
Between Nangong Wan and Nan Shuishui, he chose Nan Shuishui.
After all, she was once his greatest love. Even after becoming an evil soul master, losing his ability to be a true man, he still fantasized about keeping Nan Shuishui by his side forever.
Jing Hongchen grinned. "Good. I'll take you to her now."
Truthfully, Jing Hongchen had no confidence in capturing Nether Thunder Douluo alone.
As an evil soul master, a Titled Douluo, and a Rank 9 Soul Engineer, his combat power was monstrous.
Moreover, Qingse Hotel was a Holy Spirit Church base. If a fight broke out there, it would attract other church members, making things far more complicated.
Before long, Jing Hongchen and Nether Thunder Douluo flew toward a towering mountain on the outskirts of Mingdu.
Deep in the Forest
Leaning against a tree, Huo Yuhao waited. Beside him stood Nan Shuishui, her face filled with anxiety.
Although she had agreed to Huo Yuhao's plan, she still felt uneasy about meeting Nether Thunder Douluo.
After all, he was a ruthless and bloodthirsty evil soul master.
Throughout Douluo Continent's history, evil soul masters were synonymous with terror. Even in Shrek Academy's teachings, they were second only to the most feared members of the Spirit Hall in terms of villainy.
Every evil soul master's hands were stained with blood.
She and Nether Thunder Douluo hadn't seen each other for many years. Time changes people.
She had no idea how he would react to her now.
If he had turned his love into hatred, wouldn't she be in grave danger?
"Huo Yuhao, are you absolutely sure that when Nether Thunder Douluo arrives, I'll still be safe?" Nan Shuishui couldn't suppress her anxiety.
(End of chapter.)
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