Chapter 242: Shrek Academy Is No Worse Than Douluo University!
At Shrek Academy, a full council meeting of the Sea God Pavilion was underway.
Even the Pavilion Master himself, the Light and Darkness Douluo Long Yeyue, and the reclusive Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li—who almost never attended—were all present.
The only ones absent were those guarding the exchange students currently studying at Douluo University.
Even the young candidates for future Pavilion membership, Lan Muzi and Tang Yinmeng, had been invited to join this meeting.
The reason was simple—Shrek's leadership needed to determine the academy's next course of development.
"The Golden Tree is thriving again," said one elder solemnly. "Though it will never regain its former glory, at least it still lives."
The Golden Tree, which housed the souls of Shrek's ancestors, was considered the academy's lifeblood. They would prioritize its preservation no matter the cost.
"The first phase of reconstruction is complete, and the second is halfway through. It's time we start re-establishing the Outer Court," the Pavilion Master declared.
The proposal met no objections. Having settled firmly on the Star Luo Continent, it was only natural for the academy to expand fully.
Yet the real concern loomed larger—how Shrek could rival the rising Douluo University.
It was humiliating enough that Shrek had been forced to relocate to Star Luo. Losing the title of "Number One Academy on the Continent" was unthinkable.
"Our Shrek Seven have surpassed their peers in every way," said one elder proudly, "but even Douluo University has produced a figure able to match Long Yue."
The name "Long Yue" hung heavily in the room.
Ever since the day Shrek discovered that his martial soul was the Mountain Dragon King, they had designated him as the direct heir to Yun Ming's legendary legacy—
a prodigy who would one day stand among the pantheon of Shrek's greatest heroes.
With the right guidance and resources to mend the weaknesses of his martial soul, he was destined to become another Yun Ming—or even surpass him.
But now, there was someone else on the continent who could fight him to a draw.
Long Yeyue examined the dossier before her and finally said, "The heir of the Spirit Pagoda, Qian Gu Zhangting—descendant of a lineage of three Limit Douluo. If he didn't have this strength, that would be the real disappointment."
She continued, "And truth be told, that tie was only because the boy's battle armor was a level higher than Long Yue's. Strip the armor and fight evenly, and he wouldn't stand a chance. Our training strategy is perfectly sound."
Yun Ming sighed silently.
Here we go again.
"Take away this, ignore that," he thought in exasperation. "Armor is part of a soul master's strength! Why do they act like it doesn't count?"
He didn't bother arguing further. You can't wake people pretending to be asleep. Or rather—a group of them.
Meanwhile, Lan Muzi presented a detailed comparison between the two institutions, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
"Here's the situation," he said. "Douluo University now stands on the original Shrek grounds. It's expanded several times larger than our old campus. Even after completing our third phase of reconstruction, our total area still won't match theirs."
"Based on available intelligence, their teaching model far exceeds our traditional single-focus training system. It combines multiple disciplines—clearly aiming not merely to rival us, but to surpass Shrek Academy entirely."
"Also, remember that Douluo University was jointly founded by the Federation's Royal Soul Engineering Academy and the Spirit Pagoda's own academy. It enjoys federal policy backing and near-limitless funding. When it comes to resources, we can't compete head-on. So—we need alternative strategies."
Resources.
Academics.
Prestige.
In all of these, Shrek was losing ground.
As for the so-called "ten-thousand-year foundation," well… it fooled outsiders, but not themselves.
Did Shrek have heritage?
Yes.
But not as much as everyone believed.
Its reputation had been built over millennia—teaching generations of elite soul masters, some of whom became gods.
But elite talent would thrive anywhere with proper training, not just at Shrek.
Having studied Douluo University's methods, even the Pavilion elders had to admit—
Shrek's age-old teaching systems were starting to show cracks.
Granted, they would never say so outright; the Pavilion loathed the word "reform."
"Put plainly," said one elder grimly, "our situation is not encouraging."
Long Yeyue's gaze swept the table. "We're not here to complain about difficulties. We're here to find solutions. Suggestions?"
Lan Muzi and Tang Yinmeng exchanged glances, both shaking their heads.
Lan Muzi finally ventured, "Perhaps… we could reform certain aspects of the academy first?"
"Absolutely not!" Long Yeyue snapped.
Her answer was sharp and immediate.
A thousand-year institution couldn't simply change on a whim.
Hadn't even the current Pavilion Master faced resistance just for proposing a soul engineering department?
Touching the core martial disciplines was completely unthinkable.
And if they did adopt Douluo University's system, wouldn't that be admitting Shrek Academy was inferior?
Never.
Lan Muzi sighed. "Then there's nothing we can do."
Truth be told, in every measurable way, Douluo University outshone them.
Shrek could boast about absorbing Star Luo's Monster Academy talents, sure—but how could they compare to a Federation-backed institution built by the Spirit Pagoda's wealth and expertise?
The uncomfortable truth was that Shrek's glory as the "Continent's Number One Academy" had faded long before their relocation.
They had become legendary in name only.
"Feng Wuyu," Long Yeyue said at last, "you're the Outer Court Dean. What's your view?"
Feng Wuyu rose, calm and proud.
"On paper, Shrek Academy may appear suppressed in every aspect," he began. "But never forget what we possess—our foundation."
"Our institution's traditions are one thing," he continued, "but our true strength lies elsewhere."
"Even here on the Star Luo Continent, our legacy endures—
the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well,
the Valley of Love and Suffering,
the Devil's Island, and countless other sacred grounds."
He looked around the hall with quiet confidence.
"In short—Shrek Academy is no worse than Douluo University."
(END CHAPTER)
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