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Ye Wen eventually left, but not before being seen off by the respectful gazes of Shrek's future seeds. Among them, three love-struck individuals were particularly fervent.
But once bitten by a snake, one fears even a rope for ten years.
Though Xuan Zi was eager to return to Shrek Academy immediately to have an in-depth discussion with Mu En, he couldn't bring himself to leave these pillars of Shrek's future unattended. He personally escorted them to the site of the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament—the imperial capital of the Star Luo Empire—before departing.
Although the Star Luo Empire's capital couldn't compare to Shrek Academy, it was still guarded by a 97th-level Super Douluo, which put Xuan Zi at ease.
Mu En, whose life was nearing its end, often liked to sit in a reclining chair at the entrance of the new students' dormitory for the entire day. It allowed him to feel the vitality of youth.
At this moment, a flicker of surprise crossed Mu En's aged face.
"Why has Xuan Zi returned?"
Mu En initially felt a bit uneasy, but soon relaxed when he noticed that Xuan Zi's aura was steady. There were no signs of turmoil caused by emotional instability, so it seemed that the students hadn't gotten into trouble again.
Hmm? Why "again"? Xuan Zi was the future Elder of the Sea God Pavilion—he deserved more trust.
Looking at the disheveled Xuan Zi standing before him, Mu En couldn't help but sigh. He was already over a hundred years old and set to become the next Elder of the Sea God Pavilion, yet he remained so unkempt. Could Shrek Academy's future really be entrusted to him?
But there was no other choice—Shrek Academy was currently facing a generational gap.
Collecting his thoughts, Mu En calmly asked:
"Xuan Zi, why have you returned instead of staying to guide those youngsters? Is there something urgent?"
Unlike his usual carefree demeanor, Xuan Zi was unusually serious as he spoke gravely:
"Elder Mu, this matter is quite serious. We need to convene a meeting of the Elders to discuss it."
Seeing Xuan Zi's seriousness, Mu En set aside his usual playful attitude.
"Is it truly that serious?"
"Yes."
Without hesitation, Mu En used a special method to summon Shrek's top forces. Together, they convened a meeting in the Sea God Pavilion.
This meeting wasn't just attended by the elder council members; the deans of both the inner and outer courts were also present.
However, with his formidable cultivation at the 98th level, Xuan Zi became the only Titled Douluo seated beside Mu En.
"Xuan Zi, everyone is here. Speak your mind."
Xuan Zi nodded. He appreciated straightforwardness without unnecessary complications.
"Based on reliable intelligence, the Holy Spirit Sect is now operating within the Sun Moon Empire, and they have a 99th-level Supreme Douluo among them."
Instantly, the previously silent meeting room fell into a deathly hush. All the Titled Douluos present wore grave expressions.
Only those who had reached the Super Douluo realm understood how vast the difference between each rank truly was.
For instance, Xuan Zi wouldn't last five moves under Mu En's assault before being utterly crushed.
If this situation had occurred several years ago, no one from Shrek would have been worried. But now, Mu En had reached a point where even the life energy of the Golden Ancient Tree could no longer extend his lifespan.
The people in the room were all intelligent. They could imagine the unprecedented crisis Shrek would face once they lost Mu En, their stabilizing force. After all, the enmity between Shrek and the evil soul masters couldn't be summed up in just a few pages—it was a matter of life and death.
And…
"The Sun Moon Empire?" Mu En murmured.
Xuan Zi noticed that Mu En didn't seem surprised and instinctively asked:
"Elder Mu, did you know the Holy Spirit Sect was in the Sun Moon Empire?"
Mu En didn't deny it. "I suspected as much, but given my current condition, I haven't dealt with it. You know the state of Shrek right now, Xuan Zi—you don't have much time left."
Hearing this, Xuan Zi's weathered face flushed red. With his simple mind, he had always believed Mu En to be someone who abhorred evil. The reason he hadn't launched an attack against the Holy Spirit Sect must have been due to some hidden hardship.
But what Xuan Zi didn't know was that Mu En shared a significant history with the current leader of the Holy Spirit Sect.
The self-proclaimed righteous Shrek Academy? They were nothing more than opportunists who used the chaos caused by evil soul masters to elevate their own status.
In the face of absolute strength, all schemes appeared laughable. Among the gathered Titled Douluos were several 97th-level Super Douluos, and even Xuan Zi, a 98th-level Super Douluo, felt powerless against a Supreme Douluo. At this moment, no one spoke. The silence in the meeting room was deafening.
However, Mu En's eyes subtly lingered on Yan Shaozhe, the dean of the Soul Martial Department.
Finally, Mu En spoke: "There's no need to be overly anxious. My body can hold out for another five or six years, which should be enough time for Xuan Zi to break through to the 99th level."
Pausing briefly, Mu En continued:
"If worst comes to worst, Shrek can take a step back and let Tian Xing Douluo deal with the Holy Spirit Sect. I've seen his strength—it's no less than my peak condition."
"But…"
"Elder Mu… this…"
"Sigh~"
For a moment, the meeting room reflected a myriad of emotions. Though they were determined to uphold Shrek's honor, they knew Mu En's decision was the right one.
The most heartbroken was Xuan Zi. With a pure heart, he was wholly committed to protecting Shrek's honor. Clenching his fists tightly, he declared solemnly:
"Leave it to me, Elder Mu. I will protect Shrek's honor no matter what."
A flicker of skepticism passed through Mu En's eyes. After all, the Holy Spirit Sect's 99th-level Supreme Douluo was none other than his former friend, the Dragon Emperor Douluo. His Dark Holy Dragon, though slightly inferior to Mu En's Light Holy Dragon, was undoubtedly stronger than Xuan Zi's Taotie Divine Ox.
Still, Mu En outwardly nodded in approval.
"The future of Shrek rests in your hands, Xuan Zi. But remember, the survival of Shrek is far more important than mere honor.
If things get dire, seek aid from Tian Xing Douluo. It's not shameful. After all, the conflict between the Sun Moon Empire and the three nations of the Douluo Continent has never been solely Shrek's responsibility."
Xuan Zi nodded in agreement, though deep down, he remained stubborn in his resolve.
After some thought, Mu En added: "Since Xuan Zi's advancement is critical, we'll need someone else to oversee the upcoming Soul Master Tournament. Any volunteers?"
The elders exchanged glances, ultimately deciding to send two 97th-level Super Douluos.
Throughout history, there had been instances of hostile factions attempting to assassinate rival prodigies after the conclusion of the Soul Master Tournament. However, beings at the 98th or 99th level rarely intervened unless under extreme circumstances.
Once hostilities escalated to that level, it would benefit no one.
Finally, Xuan Zi relayed information about Ye Wen's dual martial souls and his terrifying "intelligence," significantly increasing the mental strain on Shrek's elite forces.
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