Chapter 52: A Small Shrek Shock for Xingluo
The Death God's Envoy stared at Tang San, puzzled. "Evil soul beasts? Since when do soul beasts have a concept of good and evil?"
In his understanding, soul beasts were nothing more than sources of soul rings and soul bones. How could there be a distinction between good and evil among them?
"They do exist. You're simply too ignorant to realize it. Ordinary soul beasts are one thing, but evil soul beasts must be eradicated." Tang San's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
A thin golden light shot out from his body, landing directly on the Death God's Envoy.
This was a seal he had placed. Its effects were simple
First, it prevented the Death God's Envoy from speaking of Tang San's existence.
Second, it restricted him to absorbing only the energy of evil soul beasts for cultivation.
Just as he once vowed to Xiao Wu, he would only hunt evil soul beasts.
Moreover, under the influence of this seal, the Death God's Envoy's personality would gradually change, becoming as upright and righteous as Tang San himself.
This way, there would be no risk of him returning to the path of using human blood and souls for cultivation.
Having completed his task, Tang San's figure vanished into thin air.
The Death God's Envoy suddenly felt something foreign settle into his mind.
Looking around at his undead minions, a wave of disgust arose within him.
Instinctively, he activated his soul skills and obliterated the very creatures he had created himself.
Then, he quickly left
Setting his sights on Star Dou Forest, the largest soul beast habitat in Douluo Continent.
Perhaps there, he could rapidly grow stronger.
Elder Xuan's Choice
Far in the distance, Elder Xuan was closing in fast.
Seeing the Death God's Envoy escaping, he roared in frustration.
But then
His eyes landed on Wang Dong, unconscious on the ground.
For a moment, he hesitated
And ultimately chose to rescue Wang Dong instead of giving chase.
If he continued pursuing the Death God's Envoy, and something happened to the survivors back in the cave, it would be an even bigger disaster.
Carrying Wang Dong, he returned to the cave, reuniting with the others.
After a quick assessment of their injuries, he spoke grimly
"Many have died today. The blame rests solely on me."
"The academy doesn't have time to recruit replacements for the upcoming tournament. That means the responsibility falls on you."
"Even though Dai Yueheng, Ma Xiaotao, and Ling Luochen are injured, for the sake of Shrek's glory, they must rotate in and fight when needed."
There were only six lightly injured reserve team members left.
That meant they were still one person short.
They had no choice but to pick someone from the main team to fill the gap.
Zhu Lu's Refusal
Zhu Lu's face darkened, and she snapped coldly
"Elder Xuan, I'm withdrawing from the tournament."
"With Huabin gone, I have no reason to compete."
"Find someone else."
Elder Xuan froze for a moment, a complicated expression flashing across his face.
He couldn't force her to fight.
After all, he knew how close she had been to Dai Huabin.
Sighing deeply, he relented.
"Fine. You can withdraw."
Then, he turned to Wang Yan.
"Wang Yan, you will lead the team to the tournament. I will return to Shrek Academy with the bodies and accept my punishment from the Sea God's Pavilion."
"Remember fight for Shrek's millennia of glory!"
Wang Yan's Outrage
Wang Yan stiffened, then erupted in fury.
"Elder Xuan! How am I supposed to fight for Shrek's so called 'millennia of glory'?!"
"You know what condition our team is in!"
"And yet, you expect us to win the championship with this broken lineup?"
"Ma Xiaotao and the others need rest, not a suicide mission!"
Elder Xuan's face darkened.
"I understand your frustration, Wang Yan, but you have a duty as the team's teacher."
"Shrek's honor cannot be lost!"
"I know they're injured, but I'm not asking them to fight at full strength. I just need them to fill in the numbers."
"**I am ordering you, as an Elder of the Sea God's Pavilion, to meet with Emperor Xu Jiawei. Explain our situation and have him secretly adjust our matchups."
"Right now, Shrek needs weaker opponents to get through the first rounds."
"If we lose the first match, Shrek Academy's millennia of glory will be ruined!"
"You and I will be forever remembered in disgrace."
"Don't worry Shrek Academy has the Emperor's full support. He won't refuse us."
"As long as we get past the first few rounds, Shrek's deep foundations will carry us through."
Having said his piece, Elder Xuan turned and left, taking the bodies with him.
Zhu Lu's Plea for Revenge
Meanwhile, Zhu Lu had already rushed to find Dai Hao.
Tears streaming down her face, she recounted everything that had happened.
"Uncle Dai… That's what happened…"
"Huabin… He's gone!"
Dai Hao's face turned deathly grim.
As the White Tiger Duke, he had trusted Shrek Academy.
After all, the legendary Evil Eyed White Tiger, Dai Mubai, had come from Shrek Academy.
As his descendant, Dai Hao had always held Shrek in the highest regard.
But now…
This?
Dai Hao's Painful Decision
His voice trembled as he asked
"Where is Huabin's body?"
Zhu Lu hesitated before taking out a storage soul tool, gently placing Dai Huabin's broken remains before him.
Dai Hao stared at his son's lifeless form, his breathing ragged.
Tears welled in his eyes as he knelt, clutching Dai Huabin's cold hand.
"Shrek Academy…"
"Elder Xuan…"
"A Rank 98 Super Douluo couldn't even protect my son from a Soul King?"
"What a joke."
"A Super Douluo could annihilate an ordinary Titled Douluo with ease."
"Yet he couldn't even save Huabin?"
Zhu Lu's Demand for Revenge
Zhu Lu's voice was hoarse from crying.
"Uncle Dai, Huabin was murdered."
"You have to avenge him!"
Dai Hao clenched his fists…
Then, after a long silence, he shook his head.
"Others… may demand justice from Shrek."
"But I cannot."
"I am Xingluo's White Tiger Duke."
"I must look at the bigger picture."
"The relationship between Xingluo and Shrek Academy must not suffer."
"When Shrek sends envoys to apologize, I must accept their apology."
"Xingluo still needs Shrek's support."
"If we lose their backing, and war breaks out, Sun Moon Empire will crush us."
"But one thing is clear "
"Xingluo must break free from its dependence on Shrek!"
"This cannot happen again!"
Xu Jiawei's Shock
A few days later, in Xingluo's royal palace.
Emperor Xu Jiawei watched Dai Hao leave, his expression troubled.
"So… that's how Huabin died?"
"Elder Xuan… was this careless?"
"Can he really lead Shrek… or even the continent on the right path?"
Just then, a guard announced an arrival.
"Your Majesty, Shrek Academy's team leader, Wang Yan, requests an audience."
Xu Jiawei's brows furrowed.
"…Shrek?"
"Let him in."
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