For a long time, Xu Jiujiu, Wei Na, and Xueying couldn't help but twitch their eyebrows and eyes upon hearing these words.
Who would dare to tamper with the academy's quota?
Especially the quota for Liyue?
The Heavenly Soul Empire wouldn't dare, nor would the Douling Empire or the Star Luo Empire!
As for whether the Sun Moon Empire would dare, they had no idea.
After all, they had come today precisely to invite Liyue to participate in the competition!
Under the protection of the Martial God Zhongli, Liyue was a small nation that transcended the three great empires of Douluo.
This small nation possessed a god, and its status on the entire Douluo Continent was far from being just a small nation.
At least for now, no empire dared to break ties with Liyue!
"Martial God, we have come precisely for this matter," Xu Jiujiu stood up and cupped her hands towards Zhongli. "Although Liyue was established not long ago, it has already gathered a large number of young talents."
"As the future of the Douluo Continent, they should enjoy the same treatment as other geniuses."
"This competition is an opportunity for them to prove themselves and make a name for themselves."
"We cannot let this generation of youths lose such an opportunity because of the quota..."
There was one thing everyone remembered clearly: Martial God Zhongli had once said that he respected human choices!
Since he respected human choices, what should be done if these young people wanted to participate in the competition but had no quota?
Simple, they were here to deliver the quota!
Hearing this, a trace of surprise flashed across Zhongli's face, but it was quickly concealed.
Indeed, for the young soul masters of the Douluo Continent, this competition was of utmost importance. Even at a great cost, they had to achieve good results.
This wasn't a mindset that had been instilled in them overnight but one that had persisted for over ten thousand years!
Under such circumstances, how could they remain calm and not participate in the competition?
In the original timeline, due to Xuanzi's actions, the main members of Shrek Academy were all injured, with some even dying.
Even when only the substitute members were left, they still chose to take the field, no matter the cost, to secure victory, even if it meant breaking the rules!
Huo Yuhao and the others had broken the rules more than once or twice, providing support both on and off the field, yet they didn't find it shameful.
"Martial God, you need not worry about the competition quota..."
When Xueying said this, Wei Na and Xu Jiujiu glared at her, causing her to pause. After exchanging glances with the two, she suddenly understood.
Since no one could gain an advantage alone, why not move forward together?
"Martial God, the three of us have agreed to provide Liyue with a special competition quota."
There had been no prior agreement, but the fact that the three of them were sitting here together meant that an agreement had already been reached.
They had all come with competition quotas in hand. If the other two hadn't come, they could have individually gained some connection with Zhongli.
But since the other two had come, it was impossible for them to monopolize the opportunity.
Hearing this, Zhongli stroked his chin, a glimmer of light flashing in his amber eyes.
After a while, he cupped his hands and said, "Then I thank the three princesses."
It was indeed necessary to provide such a stage for the young soul masters of Liyue. As for whether they would participate or who would go, that would be up to them to decide.
With such a stage to showcase themselves, they wouldn't be left with regrets.
"No need to thank us, it's only right!"
The three quickly waved their hands, smiling as they spoke.
Indeed, Zhongli was a god who respected the choices of others and wouldn't hinder their wishes.
He really was... so good!
Yes, the three princesses looked at Zhongli with a certain longing in their eyes, yet they were helpless.
If he were just an ordinary person... given their status, they wouldn't have taken an interest in an ordinary person.
If he were just a genius, a prodigy, or a hero, they could have begged their emperors for a marriage arrangement to fulfill their wishes.
Of course, the premise was that their marriage would bring benefits to the empire; otherwise, it would be impossible!
Such was the plight of being born into an imperial family.
While they enjoyed resources, they also had to take responsibility for the entire royal family.
This was a "fair trade," something many women could only dream of.
After a short while, the three princesses left behind some "documents" and gifts before taking their leave.
Zhongli didn't try to keep them, instead sinking into thought.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, Zhongli's eye twitched, and he looked somewhat astonished.
Had these people... come to an agreement?
At the port of Liyue, a young man of extraordinary bearing stood with his hands behind his back, surveying his surroundings as if waiting for something.
After a moment, Jing Hongchen arrived from a distance and cupped his hands towards the young man. "Tia... Tianran, I've already sent that fisherman home. I believe the Martial God won't blame the empire for this matter."
When traveling outside, they were not to address this young man as "Crown Prince," but as "Tianran."
This was Xu Tianran's own request.
Hearing this, Xu Tianran nodded and said, "When you mentioned this, I was quite shocked."
"A soul master, able to cross the seas from the far east to the far west... this is something even a Title Douluo would find difficult to accomplish!"
Xu Tianran wasn't exaggerating. Even now, humans knew little about the ocean. How many terrifying beings lurked beneath the waves remained a complete mystery!
This was also why none of the Ten Great Fierce Beasts were sea soul beasts.
After chatting with Jing Hongchen for a while longer, Xu Tianran's expression turned serious, a hint of fervor in his eyes. "Let's go. I can't wait to meet this Martial God!"
The most powerful healing-type Title Douluo in the world couldn't heal his injuries, but for a god, it would be a trivial matter.
Xu Tianran, who was known for forgetting his roots once he achieved success, dared not show the slightest disrespect towards Zhongli!
In his darkest hour, it was Zhongli who had given him a glimmer of hope, becoming his guiding light. Once, he hadn't believed in such things as "white moonlight," but Zhongli had become his white moonlight!
The so-called "forgetting his roots" referred to Xu Tianran's cooperation with the Holy Spirit Cult. Once he became emperor, the first thing he would do was eradicate the Holy Spirit Cult...
"Yes, Tianran!"
Jing Hongchen quickly cupped his hands and replied.
Crown Prince Xu Tianran's attitude towards Zhongli relieved Jing Hongchen. Based on his understanding of Xu Tianran, this crown prince was no pushover!
If, by some chance, the crown prince acted foolishly and did something irrational or ungrateful, Jing Hongchen truly wouldn't know what to do!
Fortunately, Xu Tianran was perfectly normal, showing no signs of crossing the line, and he held the Martial God Zhongli in the highest regard.
After a short while, Xu Tianran and Jing Hongchen arrived at Zhongli's residence.
As they stopped, they happened to see two people walking out of Zhongli's residence.
The four of them exchanged glances, momentarily stunned.
"Xiao, Meng, what are you doing here?"