By his side stood the Holy Spirit Douluo, Ya Li.
Her gentle eyes sparkled with delight, and she couldn't help but softly exclaim, "Brother Ming was right about him. This child has pushed the potential of his martial soul to its limits—unmatched at this level. With him here, Shrek's defensive foundation is secure."
She looked at Yun Ming, her eyes brimming with love. "Brother Ming, it seems your decision to support Gu La despite opposition was the right one."
On the other side, Zhuo Shi couldn't resist making a call on his communicator. His booming voice, filled with unrestrained excitement, echoed as he slapped his thigh enthusiastically:
"Hahaha! What a thrill! Such a thrill! Bai Yuan… that kid makes my blood boil! That's the kind of prodigy Shrek produces! What nonsense is this Sun Moon Royal Academy? In the face of true strength, they're nothing but paper tigers! Gu La's got sharp eyes and even sharper methods!"
Cai Yue'er didn't share Zhuo Shi's enthusiasm. She crossed her arms, her sharp gaze sweeping over the arena to ensure the Sun Moon Academy didn't manipulate public opinion.
She let out a soft humph, though her tone lacked its usual sharpness. "Hmph, though I still don't like that Gu La, I can't deny that the ones he brought are… monsters. Bai Yuan's devouring, Mu Yi's defense—they've exceeded normal limits. But…"
Her tone shifted, her voice transmitted through the communicator. "Pavilion Master, their powers are so strange and strong, and their origins mysterious. Internally, the academy might…"
Yun Ming raised his hand, gently interrupting Cai Yue'er. His gaze remained fixed on the screen, frozen on Mu Yi's departing figure, which exuded an air of complete control.
"Power itself is neither good nor evil. It depends on how it is used."
Yun Ming's voice was calm yet powerful, resonating in the chamber and soothing the lingering worry in Cai Yue'er's words.
"Bai Yuan's devouring may seem domineering, but it hasn't harmed the opponents' foundations. Mu Yi's defense stems from the ultimate development of his Body Martial Soul—open and aboveboard. Liu Niandao's spiritual power is pure and vast. What they've shown is potential, talent, and… a heart of protection that erupts under pressure."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over every Sea God Pavilion elder before returning to the small yet unshakable image of the Shrek team on the screen.
"Shrek has never been a place that only nurtures rule-abiding geniuses. Its purpose is to embrace, guide, and allow every seed of infinite possibility to find the right path, grow into towering trees, and shelter those around them."
Yun Ming's voice carried a timeless resonance. "Their powers may be unusual, perhaps even intimidating, but what did they defend today? Shrek's honor! Their comrades' safety! They've proven their stance through action."
The screen finally froze on the silent despair of the Sun Moon Academy stands and the calm departure of the Shrek team.
"As for their origins…" Yun Ming's deep gaze seemed to pierce through the fog. "Time will reveal the answers. What we can do is offer trust and guidance, just as the predecessors of the Sea God Pavilion have always done. Shrek's foundation lies not in clinging to old rules, but in… believing in hope, believing in the future."
He slowly rose to his feet, golden light flowing gently around him, radiating a comforting warmth.
"Seeing them fills me with reassurance," Yun Ming's voice carried genuine emotion. "Shrek's flame has never been extinguished. This new generation's brilliance is forging a new legend. Ten thousand years of glory will live on."
His final words acted like a stabilizing force, temporarily quelling all doubts and concerns, leaving only unwavering confidence in the future.
Long Yeyue stood slightly behind, gazing at Yun Ming's upright figure and the young yet already remarkable figures on the screen. A rare, heartfelt smile graced her weathered face.
She murmured softly, tinged with emotion, "Yes… ten thousand years of glory, passed down like a torch. With them, Shrek's sky… won't collapse."
In the Sea God Pavilion, the golden light seemed to grow brighter, illuminating the relief and anticipation on every elder's face.
That victory far away in the Sun Moon Empire not only intimidated external threats and stabilized their wavering reputation—it also served as a shot of adrenaline straight into the hearts of Shrek's highest decision-makers.
---
The noise and humiliation of the Sun Moon Academy arena had yet to fully dissipate. Mo Hongchen suppressed his turbulent emotions and, after the match, found an excuse to invite the Shrek delegation to tour the academy's "proud" Soul Technology Center. Ostensibly for a visit, it was actually a subtle attempt at recruitment and persuasion.
In a confidential exhibition hall displaying the latest model core arrays of ninth-level soul-guided devices, shielded from outside eyes, Mo Hongchen's weariness gave way to a deep, calculating demeanor. His intense gaze focused particularly on Mu Yi and Bai Yuan.
"Young Master Mu Yi, Young Master Bai Yuan,"
Mo Hongchen's voice carried deliberate sincerity, softened and measured.
"Shrek's heritage runs deep, but forgive me for speaking frankly—your displayed talents and strength may surpass what Shrek's current resources can fully support for your growth."
He paused, observing Gu La's reaction. "The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy spares no expense in resource investment."
"Especially for truly unparalleled geniuses, we can provide top-tier customized soul-guided devices, the rarest natural treasures, and even personal guidance from Title Douluo-level masters… Everything is negotiable. If you're willing to stay or consider joining us in the future, any condition can be met."
The temptation he offered was undeniably enticing—top-tier soul-guided devices, rare treasures, and Title Douluo mentorship, pushing resource allocation to its limits. Mo Hongchen believed that for any ambitious young soul master, these were irresistible incentives.
Gu La listened quietly, his expression unchanging, while his mind raced with calculations.
The Sun Moon Academy was indeed a solid stepping stone, rich in resources and influence, and relatively "clean," unlike the Holy Spirit Sect, which stood completely opposed to the continent.
But Gu La's goal was to stir chaos, climb higher, and overturn the status quo. The seemingly calm waters of the Sun Moon Academy felt too restrictive for his ambitions.
However, he hadn't yet located the hidden upper echelons of the true evil soul masters, meaning Yin Wansheng couldn't yet access more core resources and power. On the surface, the Sun Moon Academy, as the cradle of the federation's forces, seemed like fertile ground.
"President Hongchen's sincerity is deeply felt." Gu La transmitted his thoughts telepathically. Bai Yuan inclined his body slightly, his tone calm yet distant. "Shrek has treated me well; I have no intention of switching allegiances. However…"
He shifted his tone, and Mo Hongchen's eyes immediately lit up.
"There is another individual I know whose talent and potential rival mine and Mu Yi's, and in some aspects… surpasses us."
For the first time, Bai Yuan mentioned an incarnation of equal standing, a faint, enigmatic smirk playing on his lips. "This person's name is Yin Wansheng. His martial soul is extremely unique, with limitless potential. He simply lacks a platform like the Sun Moon Academy to provide top-tier resources."
"Oh?" Mo Hongchen's spirits lifted. "Yin Wansheng? A fine name. Where might this young friend be now? What kind of martial soul does he possess?"
"I'm afraid I cannot divulge specifics about his martial soul, but his potential is absolutely worth the Sun Moon Academy's full investment."
Bai Yuan skillfully avoided the main topic. "As for his whereabouts, I can arrange an introduction. If President Hongchen trusts me, why not send someone to discreetly assess him? I assure you, you won't be disappointed."
Mo Hongchen's eyes gleamed with interest. Bai Yuan had rejected him but offered a "Yin Wansheng." Though vague, Bai Yuan's demonstrated strength and cunning made Mo Hongchen take this recommendation seriously. A person who could earn such praise from Bai Yuan was worth investigating—even if it turned out to be a smokescreen, the Sun Moon Academy could afford the loss.
"Very well! I'll trust you this one time, Young Master Bai Yuan!" Mo Hongchen clapped his hands. "I will personally arrange for someone to handle this matter discreetly. Rest assured, today's conversation will remain confidential."
An unspoken deal was struck. Gu La successfully offloaded "Yin Wansheng"—a troublesome entity or potential mole—to the Sun Moon Academy, allowing them to invest resources in his cultivation. Meanwhile, he could use this channel to secretly observe the academy's strengths while buying Yin Wansheng time to develop.
With one recruit secured, Mo Hongchen felt somewhat satisfied but, seeing the four stand united, pressed further, turning his gaze toward Mu Yi and Gu La.
"Young Masters…"
Gu La shook his head, his excuse ready: "My master is the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo."
Mu Yi followed suit: "My master is Mu Ye of the Body Martial Soul Sect."
Liu Niandao, expressionless, had yet to be assigned a teacher, so he simply stated: "I plan to join the Tang Sect."
Upon hearing the first two responses, Mo Hongchen's initial irritation turned to delight—they weren't direct disciples of Shrek Academy. But then anger flared within him.
Damn you, Shrek Academy!
For the sake of a hollow reputation, you bring in outsiders!
Shameless!
Even if they are Shrek students, it's unacceptable!
Thinking of their immense talent, Mo Hongchen's desire for the title of the continent's top academy grew stronger. But he knew better than to rush. Suppressing his urge to poach talent, he turned to Liu Niandao:
"The names of your two masters are legendary."
"But why cling to the Tang Sect, Young Master? Our Sun Moon Soul Engineering Academy boasts the federation's most advanced soul technology and collaborates with the War God Hall. Why not consider us?"
Unfortunately, Liu Niandao's resolve was firm, leaving Mo Hongchen to express his regret.
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