This...
The expressions of Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo froze instantly.
They thought they had finally found a lead, but what was the result?
Just this single sentence.
Just as the two exchanged bewildered looks and turned their gazes to Elder Song, she pulled her thoughts back from her musings and spoke slowly.
"Regarding the Demon Empress, although she attacked Shrek City back then, our academy actually doesn't know much about the specifics. After being repelled, she vanished without a trace. As a sea spirit beast of the Deep Sea Devil Whale's caliber, she should have retreated to the ocean. Your Sea God Family has deep roots and numerous informants in the sea; do you really not have any more direct clues?"
Sea Shark Douluo shook his head helplessly, a hint of bitterness touching the corner of his mouth, but before it could fully show, he instantly retracted it.
"Senior, she is definitely no longer in the sea."
Definitely no longer in the sea...
Hearing this, Elder Song's heart jolted.
They were both Titled Douluos; they wouldn't just speak carelessly. Furthermore, as enshrined elders of the Sea God, if they dared to be so certain, they must have a way to verify it. If that was the case...
This is bad!
Doing a quick mental calculation of the current deployment of top experts on the battlefield, if the Demon Empress intervened on either side, and no other variables arose, it would absolutely turn the tide of battle for that faction.
No! We have to notify them.
And also...
Her face remained expressionless, but the corner of Elder Song's eyes had already swept over the still-clueless Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo.
At this moment, Elder Song nodded slightly, as if expressing her understanding of their predicament: "In that case, you might as well stay at the academy for a few more days. We will also mobilize the academy's resources to help you gather information about the Demon Empress. Perhaps with clues pooled from various sources, we can help you find a breakthrough."
"However..."
Faced with Elder Song's promise, the two were simultaneously delighted. But upon hearing the two words trailing at the end...
"Does Senior have any difficulties?"
Perhaps because they had stayed by the seaside for too long and hadn't had much contact with the outside world, Sea Shark Douluo completely failed to understand the concept of "persistence makes you cheap." In an instant, he handed the conversational opening right over to Elder Song.
"The Demon Empress is on the continent; she is not isolated."
Elder Song spoke fluidly: "As far as I know, the Demon Empress is cooperating with the Holy Spirit Cult and the Sun Moon Empire. These two factions are incredibly powerful, and they are currently waging a prolonged, deadlocked war against our three Douluo Empires."
Oh?
Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo were slightly startled inwardly. They hadn't expected that the raging flames of war on the continent were actually inextricably linked to the Demon Empress. As for the underlying meaning of Elder Song's words, they more or less guessed and understood it by now.
"These two factions are strong?"
Elder Song nodded slightly, her tone quite sincere. "Clouded with experts."
Following that, she added Kong Deming, Zhongli Wu, Ye Xishui, the Evil Emperor, and the very Demon Empress they were looking for into the equation.
In the ears of Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo, this essentially meant that alongside the Demon Empress on the same front, there were four other Ultimate Douluos. One among them was also a spirit beast, whose cultivation and combat power were enough to rival their own Clan Leader when not wielding divine artifacts.
If they calculated it this way...
Cooperation is a must!
If we don't cooperate... We won't be able to take down that remnant relying on just the two of us!
Watching the subtle changes in the expressions and eyes of Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo, Elder Song knew her goal had been achieved.
"Since that's the case..."
The two exchanged glances. Sea Shark Douluo, who was in charge of making decisions, pondered for a moment before saying, "We'll go back and consult our Clan Leader's opinion. If he agrees, we can cooperate to take down the remnant of the Deep Sea Devil Whale King. Mhm..." Staring directly at Elder Song, Sea Shark Douluo paused slightly before quickly adding the second half of his sentence. "Along with the accomplices with that remnant."
"That would be for the best."
Elder Song nodded slightly. "So, what are your plans next? If it doesn't inconvenience you, you are welcome to stay in Shrek for a few days."
"There's no need for that."
Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo refused aloud. Having obtained news about the remnant, they should hurry back to report it.
"In that case, I won't insist you stay."
Elder Song and the two men stood up one after another. Since an agreement had been reached, Sea Shark and Sea Serpent Douluo prepared to leave the Sea God Pavilion.
Under Elder Song's escort, they departed along the path they had come from. However, while passing through the inner courtyard, they encountered a young girl...
At this moment, Wang Dong'er was strolling leisurely, but the thoughts in her heart were vastly different from her calm exterior.
I wonder how Yuhao is doing...
Wang Dong'er was not unaware of the plan to surprise attack Mingdu. In fact, when she first learned of this plan, she had wanted to submit an application just like Ma Xiaotao and Zhang Lexuan.
But before she could even put it into practice, she was rejected. The one who rejected her was undoubtedly Chen Junting. Because their destination was Mingdu, and to the west of Mingdu was the Qiankun Love Asking Valley. Out of consideration for this, and knowing Wang Dong'er's personality, Chen Junting had preemptively rejected her application in his letter.
Although Chen Junting knew that his actions couldn't obstruct Tang San's plans, delaying it even for a little while was better than nothing.
Of course, he didn't explain the reason. After all, it was in a letter, which could easily be seen by others.
However, right at this moment...
When Wang Dong'er sensed the auras of other people, she subconsciously looked back. Her gaze intersected with Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo. And at that exact moment, a sudden mutation occurred...
Deep within her Spirit Sea, blue and golden light erupted wildly. The hidden trident mark on her glabella instantly lit up, releasing a soft yet dazzling blue light that rippled outward like a wave.
At this moment, the trident on her brow gave Wang Dong'er a noble bearing filled with majesty. Even though she was merely standing there, the trident carried an aura of looking down upon all living beings.
At the same time, the Sea God Lake boiled!
Instantly, the lake water surged into waves dozens of meters high, shooting straight up into the air while erupting with an intense, misty blue light.
At this very moment, the black star marks on the glabellas of Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo also seemed to be summoned by some mysterious power. They shone brightly, resonating from afar with the trident mark on Wang Dong'er's brow, forming a bizarre yet harmonious synchronization.
This sudden scene not only caught Elder Song off guard, but Sea Shark and Sea Serpent Douluo's expressions also changed drastically in an instant. Immediately following that, an unprecedented shock surged into their eyes.
In the long, ten-thousand-year history of the Sea God Family, they had never imagined that on the Sea God Island of Shrek Academy, they would meet someone who resonated so strongly with the God's Examination mark. Looking throughout history, this was an unprecedented event!
What on earth is going on!?
But when they clearly saw the trident mark on Wang Dong'er's brow, "This... how is this possible?! It's actually...!" The two Douluos widened their eyes, first in confusion, and then in wild ecstasy. In each other's eyes were nothing but excitement and reverence.
Almost at the same time, they hurriedly stepped in front of Wang Dong'er without hesitation, dropping to one knee in an incredibly pious posture.
Wang Dong'er hadn't even recovered from this sudden change before being startled by their actions! "Who are you? What are you doing?"
Out of upbringing, Wang Dong'er was just about to reach out to help them up, but Sea Shark Douluo raised his head a step ahead, his eyes full of veneration: "Respected Inheritor, we are the Sea God Enshrined Elders of the Sea God Family, Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo. We never expected to have the honor of seeing your true face here. We earnestly request you to return to the Sea God Family with us. That is where you belong; it is the sacred ground for you to begin your great inheritance."
As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Dong'er's outstretched hand instantly froze.
Sea God Family?! Isn't that...
An unprecedented disgust and resistance filled her heart. From what Brother Junting had told her, she already knew the truth of her origins. Towards that Sea God, Tang San—whom she had never met but who, by blood relations, she should call "father"—her heart was filled with repulsion, and her conflicting emotions churned like a violent tidal wave.
But on the surface, she absolutely could not show it.
As for her inner feelings...
It's fine! It's basically no different from constantly pretending anyway.
She just quietly retracted her arm and said, "I won't go back with you. First, I don't know you. Second, other than the light just now, I haven't received any news about an inheritance."
Wang Dong'er's tone wasn't cold, but it was firm. By the looks of it, she seemed to have found a good excuse. As for her gaze... she was looking at Sea Shark and Sea Serpent as if they were creepy uncles.
However, fate seemed to love adding fuel to the fire at critical moments. Just as Wang Dong'er's voice faded, the mark on her brow flared brilliantly, and a grand, mysterious voice echoed in her mind: "Participate in the Sea God's Nine Examinations, First Examination—Crossing the Sea God's Light." The voice seemed to transcend endless time and space, carrying majesty and mystery, shaking Wang Dong'er's soul. In an instant, her heart sank to the bottom of the valley.
And regarding this examination, it didn't just sound in Wang Dong'er's mind; Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo similarly received a piece of information related to this examination in their own minds.
In an instant, wild joy surged onto their faces.
Sea Serpent Douluo said excitedly, "Inheritor, this is the summons of the Sea God! This examination can only be fulfilled within the Sea God Family, in the sacred ground that carries our family's inheritance. Only our Sea God Family possesses the pure Sea God's Light."
At this time, Elder Song had recovered from her initial shock, but the alarm in her heart was still churning like a stormy sea, difficult to pacify.
Shrek Academy has actually produced another God's Examination candidate. Not only is she an inner courtyard disciple, but the godhood is also that of the Sea God!
But when Elder Song heard clearly that Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo wanted to take Wang Dong'er away, her expression instantly turned severe.
They want to take Wang Dong'er back to the Sea God Family? Don't even think about it!
Elder Song stepped forward and reached out to block Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo. "You two, Wang Dong'er is a disciple of our inner courtyard." Though she didn't spell it out, her intent to refuse was obvious.
Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo exchanged a glance. "Senior, the God's Examination requires the Sea God's Light, which only our family possesses." Their tone was resolute, allowing no room for doubt.
"Is that so?"
Elder Song's gaze shifted to the Golden Ancient Tree. "The Golden Ancient Tree on our island was left behind by Lord Sea God ten thousand years ago. It can also draw forth the Sea God's Light, so Shrek is not entirely without options."
"You are mistaken!"
Seeing that Elder Song intended to fight them for the God's Examination candidate, Sea Shark Douluo's aura faintly flared up. But hindered by Elder Song's overwhelming power, the aura he leaked was forcefully suppressed back down. Since he couldn't use physical force right now, he could only refute her with words.
"Even if you possess the Sea God's Light, the God's Examination consists of more than just one test. For the subsequent examinations, only the Sea God Family can fulfill the requirements."
At this moment, both sides stuck to their own arguments, neither willing to yield. The originally friendly atmosphere gradually became tense, as if a hint of gunpowder was permeating the air. Even Elder Song's cultivation base faintly pressed down upon the two men.
Ultimately, Sea Shark Douluo sighed helplessly. He looked at Wang Dong'er, then at Elder Song, and said, "Since this is the case, it is inconvenient for us to force a decision. After all, the candidate's own will is of the utmost importance. Miss Wang Dong'er, the right to choose is now in your hands. You decide whether to return to the Sea God Family with us. Whatever choice you make, we will respect your decision."
At this moment, all three pairs of eyes landed squarely on Wang Dong'er, and Elder Song's eyes softened from severe to kindly.
"Dong'er, actually, what they say is not false."
This sudden change in topic and tone left the still-indignant Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo dumbfounded.
Weren't you just arguing with us to the death? How come you're suddenly speaking up for us?!
However, their confusion didn't stop Elder Song.
"Actually, I just thought about it, and they are right. If you choose to leave, just remember to come back and visit. If you choose to stay, the academy will do everything in its power to help you pass the God's Examination and become the first to attain godhood in ten thousand years. As for which path to take, give me your answer based on your own wishes."
Hearing Elder Song's words, Wang Dong'er's tangled thoughts were instantly illuminated. Without hesitation, she said, "Elder Song, I plan to stay at the academy for now."
Wang Dong'er's eyes were firm. "Unless it's truly impossible to conduct the examination anywhere but the Sea God Family, it won't be too late for me to go there then."
Hearing this, Elder Song froze for a moment! Then, she nodded kindly.
"That works too."
Elder Song gently patted Wang Dong'er's shoulder, her eyes full of affection and encouragement. "Child, no matter which path you choose in the future, our Shrek Academy will forever be your solid backing."
Sea Shark Douluo and Sea Serpent Douluo exchanged a glance. Though unwilling, they still kept their promise and simultaneously came to a decision.
"Since that's settled, one of us will stay in Shrek City for a while longer to wait for you to complete your first examination. As for what comes after, our Sea God Island will await your arrival."
Wang Dong'er nodded slightly, accepting this. But obviously, she wasn't very enthusiastic about the God's Examination.
She knew very well that this was merely a stopgap measure.
She didn't want to go to the Sea God Family. Once she went there, she truly wouldn't be able to control her own fate.
But there was nothing she could do about it. Even if she didn't go, she couldn't withstand the fact that the exam setter and the proctor were the exact same person. She had no room to resist.
All she could do now was stall for time.
As for how long she could stall...
For as long as she possibly could.
(Wang Dong'er: I think I can stall for at least a year!)
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