Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 266: A Strategy of Manipulation

Bibi Dong looked puzzled. "Three strategies? Let's hear how you plan to deal with these fierce beasts and the impending threat to the Spirit Empire."

Yang Potian glanced at Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. "The first plan is to achieve godhood before Tang San, and not only that but to ascend to a higher rank of godhood than him. If we're successful, then even Di Tian won't have the strength to protect Tang San when the time comes."

Qian Renxue scoffed. "That's easier said than done. If it were that simple to become a god, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Yang Potian shook his head. "There are different tiers of gods. The Angel God and Rakshasa God are only first-rank gods. Above them, there are divine kings, and even entities beyond the divine king level. If both of you ascend, you must ensure that you eliminate your enemies thoroughly—leave no remnants behind."

After a moment of contemplation, Bibi Dong said, "What are your next two plans? Surely they're not as vague as this one."

"Of course not," Yang Potian replied. "The second plan involves focusing the Spirit Empire's entire strength on either the Heaven Dou Empire or the Star Luo Empire. By dismantling one of them completely, you can redirect their energies to exposing and eliminating the threat from the soul beasts."

"Yang Potian, that's easier said than done!" Qian Renxue argued. "Both empires command millions of soldiers. Our Spirit Empire is constantly under threat from them, and you think we can just crush one of them?"

Yang Potian looked around at the assembled members of the Spirit Empire with a hint of exasperation. "I thought I was dealing with some of the most intelligent figures in the Spirit Empire, but it seems I was mistaken. You're focusing on your weaknesses, not your strengths."

Several people's expressions darkened at this comment. As high-ranking Titled Douluo, they were not accustomed to such criticism.

Qian Renxue bristled. "You're oversimplifying things! I spent years in the Heaven Dou Empire, and I've seen firsthand the depths of their influence."

Yang Potian shook his head. "You're playing right into their hands. The Spirit Empire has fifteen or sixteen Titled Douluo, more than the combined strength of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires. You could gather every Titled Douluo, along with dozens of Spirit Douluo and hundreds of Spirit Sages, and strike at Heaven Dou City or Star Luo City directly. Without their royal families, both empires would collapse—those armies would be leaderless."

The room fell silent as everyone considered this bold approach. With their combined forces, taking down one of the empire capitals could indeed be achievable.

Qian Daoliu spoke up, his tone cautious. "We originally had an agreement with the two empires not to strike directly at their capitals. It's an unspoken rule within the spirit master world."

Yang Potian looked at him in disbelief. "Do you think the empires would show you mercy if they had the power to storm Spirit City and destroy the Angel Clan?"

"The truth is, rules don't govern power. The history of the world is written by the victors. If the Spirit Empire were to fall, the empires would rewrite your legacy as one of 'evil'—regardless of the services you provide for spirit masters and the battles you've fought against evil spirit masters."

Qian Renxue looked at him, intrigued. "Is that why you're willing to work with the Spirit Empire?"

Yang Potian nodded. "That's right. Whatever darkness you've had to confront, the Spirit Empire has given ordinary spirit masters a path to power and self-respect. The noble clans and the empires only see common spirit masters as pawns to serve them. They would never give them a true path to power."

A tense silence filled the room as everyone absorbed this. Most of the Spirit Empire's members came from commoner backgrounds and had no illusions about the barriers they would have faced outside it.

Even Bibi Dong's expression softened slightly. She, too, had come from humble origins, and the Spirit Empire had given her the means to rise.

Qian Daoliu still wore a pensive look. "Your logic makes sense, but how can we be sure that the fierce beasts won't come to the Clear Sky Clan's aid? What if they set a trap for us?"

Yang Potian sighed. "Do you really think the beasts would dare expose themselves so openly? If they make a move, then you simply declare that the Clear Sky Clan has betrayed the human race by allying with beasts. Even the two empires wouldn't dare protect them after that."

"Besides, the beasts don't care about the Clear Sky Clan; their focus is on Tang San. While he's still on Sea God Island, you have the perfect opportunity to eliminate the Clear Sky Clan."

"And if you're so wary of Di Tian, why not target Star Luo City instead? The fierce beasts have no protection there."

Qian Daoliu fell silent, realizing the potential in Yang Potian's strategy.

Yang Potian continued, "If you're still worried, place a few of your Titled Douluo around the Clear Sky Clan territory as a feint. If Di Tian doesn't show up, you can move in with overwhelming force. Even if he does react, it would be too late."

He added with a smirk, "And should you encounter one or two lesser fierce beasts, you could seize them for their valuable spirit rings and bones."

Hearing this, Bibi Dong's eyes gleamed. "Excellent! I'll lead the charge against Heaven Dou City myself and show these beasts the Spirit Empire's might."

Yang Potian rolled his eyes at her eagerness but said nothing.

Qian Renxue eyed him suspiciously. "All of this benefits you, doesn't it? You're using the Spirit Empire to eliminate the Clear Sky Clan while keeping yourself out of harm's way."

Yang Potian shook his head. "My Tianxing Academy doesn't have the strength to fend off a full-scale beast assault if the beasts retaliate. This way, if a beast tide does emerge, we're not the first ones in its path."

Qian Renxue was furious. "So, your Tianxing Academy fears a beast horde, yet you think our Spirit Empire wouldn't fear it?"

Yang Potian looked at Qian Renxue with disdain. "Miss Qian Renxue, what are you thinking? The Angel Clan is supposed to be the leader of the spirit master world. It was precisely because your ancestors brought peace to the continent that the Angel God ascended, solidifying the Angel Clan's respected position."

"If the soul beasts dare to launch an attack on the Spirit Empire, wouldn't that be an opportunity to reinforce your leadership over spirit masters?"

"Besides, with Angel God's blessing, Spirit City can draw on divine power. Even if the beasts came in full force, they would only be delivering free spirit rings and spirit bones to your doorstep."

"And you, as the inheritor of Angel God, should show some of Angel God's spirit. With such little resolve, how do you expect to become a god?"

Qian Renxue's face darkened at his words, nearly spitting blood from anger. Meanwhile, Bibi Dong spoke up, unexpectedly agreeing with Yang Potian. "He's not wrong. As the leaders of the spirit master world, the Spirit Empire has a duty to rally humanity against the soul beasts. Otherwise, we're unworthy of the Angel Clan's status."

Listening to this exchange, Yang Potian thought to himself: These two seem more like enemies than mother and daughter. They're always ready to undermine each other.

Qian Renxue's eyebrows twitched as if she were about to retort, but Qian Daoliu quickly cut in. "Yang Potian, let's hear this third strategy of yours. Perhaps it'll give us some additional options."

Yang Potian glanced at Bibi Dong and said, "Empress Bibi Dong, you should send a skilled agility-type Titled Douluo to investigate the Star Dou Forest. Find the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python. These two beasts are extremely close to Tang San and Xiao Wu and are likely intended to become spirit rings and spirit bones for Tang San."

"We can strike before Tang San returns. With swift and decisive action, we can kill these two beasts and disrupt the beasts' plans. This would also slow Tang San's progression."

Bibi Dong's expression turned cold. "So these are the two hundred-thousand-year beasts you mentioned, where you keep the spirit bones?"

Yang Potian shook his head. "I know you've already sent people to find these two spirit beasts, but sending regular Spirit Saints would be futile. Ghost Douluo or Leopard Douluo should go—they're skilled enough to retreat if they encounter Di Tian."

"And time is of the essence. If Tang San returns from Sea God Island, these two beasts will almost certainly sacrifice themselves for him. Then, you'd have done all that work only to help the enemy."

Qian Daoliu's expression grew serious. "Empress, is it true that these two beasts have such a close relationship with Tang San? Could they really strengthen the enemy?"

Bibi Dong nodded. "When I sent people to capture Xiao Wu, these two beasts risked everything to protect her."

"But tell me, Yang Potian, last time we tried this, our forces were disrupted by one of the fierce beasts. How can you guarantee we won't be interrupted this time?"

Yang Potian smirked. "The fierce beasts would never openly oppose god candidates; they fear drawing the gods' attention. If you lead the mission yourself, and Miss Qian Renxue and I accompany you, no beast would dare interfere."

Bibi Dong nodded thoughtfully. "Very well. I'll have Ghost Douluo track down these hundred-thousand-year beasts in the Star Dou Forest. As for your other two strategies, we'll consider them carefully."

Yang Potian nodded. "With that settled, Empress, it's time you took us to the Rakshasa Realm. After that, Miss Qian Renxue and I will tend to my task."

"And what about the immortal herbs? When will you deliver them?"

"That can wait. I've shown my sincerity, and once I've completed my business, I'll hand over the herbs to Miss Qian Renxue."

"Don't forget, one of those herbs is for Nana."

"Empress, do you really think I'd go back on my word after all this?"

Bibi Dong gave a reluctant nod, while Qian Renxue's expression was far less agreeable.

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