After Ning Fengzhi and his group joined Heavenly Academy, Yang Podi returned to his usual leisurely days. Apart from cultivating and planning his next steps, he spent time fostering his relationship with Ye Lingling, occasionally guiding the cultivation of others or sparring with them.
During this short period, the entire continent underwent tremendous changes.
The Spirit Empire's soul-hunting operation was a gamble, eliminating nearly all of their opposition on the continent.
After annihilating the royal families of the two empires, most military leaders and nobles were also eradicated. Without leadership, the millions of troops became headless flies, floundering aimlessly.
The two empires fragmented rapidly without their royal authority. Various provinces, kingdoms, and duchies essentially became independent, with no clear leader to unify them.
Bibi Dong, capitalizing on this situation, mobilized her ready-to-strike armies. Each division was accompanied by Spirit Empire elders. With Titled Douluo overseeing operations and under the Spirit Empire's intimidating military might, the territories of the two empires fell rapidly. Many regions surrendered without resistance, choosing to pledge allegiance to the Spirit Empire.
At this rate, within six months to a year, the Spirit Empire could unify the Douluo Continent. If not for the continent's vast size, this timeline might have been even shorter.
It became increasingly apparent that the continent was on the verge of its most significant unification in millennia. The Spirit Empire was poised to reach unprecedented heights of power, and Bibi Dong seemed destined to become the first Empress to rule the entire Douluo Continent.
Those who once resisted the Spirit Empire, including soul masters and various factions, now lived in constant fear. Faced with such an overwhelming force, resistance seemed futile.
In a short time, the Spirit Empire's ranks of soul masters swelled dramatically. At this pace, nearly eighty percent of the soul masters on the Douluo Continent would eventually join their cause.
Currently, only a few places on the continent remained outside the Spirit Empire's grasp. These included the Almo Mountain region near the Extreme North and Vast Sea City near the ocean.
However, judging by the situation, it seemed only a matter of time before the Spirit Empire targeted Vast Sea City.
As for Heavenly Academy, one of the most prominent soul master factions on the surface, the Spirit Empire's attitude was ambiguous. They neither sought to recruit nor suppress it, leaving the academy in a seemingly neutral position.
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi and his group gradually adapted to life at Heavenly Academy.
Ning Fengzhi had abandoned his former luxurious robes for simple attire, fully embodying the appearance of a refined teacher.
Bone Douluo, however, faced some challenges. His bony armor replaced with regular clothes, combined with his towering skeletal frame and protruding facial bones, made him look somewhat out of place and even capable of scaring children.
Sword Douluo, on the other hand, maintained a dignified appearance. Clad in a long robe with flowing white hair, he exuded the aura of a master.
Yang Podi paid little attention to these minor matters, preferring to spend his free time with Ye Lingling.
Two months later, an unexpected guest arrived at Heavenly Academy.
This person wore a golden robe, carried a golden sword on her back, and was exceptionally beautiful, with a stunning figure that could make anyone turn their head. She was none other than Qian Renxue.
Throughout her life, Qian Renxue rarely revealed her true face to outsiders. Even during the coup at Heaven Dou Palace, only a handful, such as Tang San, had seen her real appearance.
Upon her arrival, Qian Renxue immediately demanded to see Yang Podi, leaving everyone at Heavenly Academy bewildered.
Yang Wudi and the others observed her proud demeanor and couldn't help but murmur among themselves: "Where did this stunning young lady come from? And why is she looking for Podi? When did he attract someone like this?"
Niu Gao, puzzled, stepped forward. "Podi is currently in seclusion. Miss, may I ask why you're looking for him?"
Qian Renxue's brows furrowed coldly. "Niu Gao, don't try to fool me. Yang Podi is waiting for my news here. How could he possibly be in seclusion? Call him out immediately."
Despite being a Titled Douluo, Niu Gao found Qian Renxue's imperious tone testing his patience. "Young lady, I don't know what business you have with Podi, but I will inform him. Please wait here for now."
Qian Renxue's expression turned icy. "This Yang Podi dares make me wait? How audacious!"
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi and his group, who had heard the commotion, approached. Upon seeing Qian Renxue, they immediately guessed her identity.
"You're Qian Renxue of the Spirit Empire, aren't you?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Qian Renxue smirked coldly. "Teacher, long time no see. Who would've thought we'd meet at Heavenly Academy? And to think that you've joined them. The mighty Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is no more."
Her words ignited the anger of Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo. The very person responsible for their clan's destruction had dared to appear before them—it was infuriating.
Sensing the rising tension, Yang Wudi quickly intervened. "Everyone, this is Heavenly Academy. Fighting here would be inappropriate."
Given Qian Renxue's unique status, Yang Wudi knew he couldn't allow a confrontation to break out.
"Miss Qian Renxue, may I ask what business you have with Podi? Perhaps we can relay the message."
Qian Renxue's gaze turned sharp. "I'm here to settle a score with Yang Podi. That guy has been avoiding me ever since borrowing my sword."
Yang Wudi and the others were speechless.
After a brief discussion, they decided to escort Qian Renxue to the Almo Mountain summit, given her special identity.
By sheer coincidence, Yang Podi was there with Ye Lingling, standing by a cliff, admiring the snow.
Seeing this, Qian Renxue became furious. "Yang Podi, weren't you supposed to be in seclusion? Turns out you're here leisurely enjoying yourself with your girlfriend!"
Yang Podi looked at the suddenly arriving Qian Renxue, utterly baffled. "Miss, I don't recall offending you recently. How is it that your temper has become so volatile after just a few months?"
Qian Renxue's face darkened. "You still have the nerve to speak! If it weren't for you causing the evil energy to invade my body back then, how could I have ended up in this state? And yet, you simply walked away without a care."
"Didn't I already tell you? As long as you use the Angelic Shrine and the Angelic Holy Sword, a bit of evil energy shouldn't be an issue."