Chapter 277: Mu En's Decision
"And not only did you fail in your ambush, but you also exposed your true identity just to escape? Xuanzi, the war hasn't even begun, and yet you're already tarnishing the academy's reputation."
Mu En's gaze toward Xuanzi grew even more disappointed. As an Ultimate Douluo with a failing body, he had long prepared to entrust the future of the Sea God Pavilion to Xuanzi.
After all, among all of Shrek's powerhouses, Xuanzi was second only to him, standing just a step away from becoming an Ultimate Douluo.
But Xuanzi's repeated foolish decisions made him hesitate.
If he handed the Sea God Pavilion to Xuanzi, would Shrek's future fall into decline?
Xuanzi looked at Mu En, his expression filled with defeat. His eyes welled with tears.
"Elder Mu… I made another grave mistake."
"I failed the students… and I failed you, as well as the trust of my fellow elders."
"A mistake is a mistake I won't make excuses. I am no longer worthy of my position as a Sea God Pavilion Elder."
"Please expel me from the Pavilion."
Before Mu En could respond, Qian Duoduo slammed the table in rage.
"Xuanzi, do you call this taking responsibility?!"
"This is nothing but cowardice!"
"My Soul Tool Department finally nurtured a group of promising students, and because of your negligence, they died before they could return home!"
"If you hadn't left the team, even with those three evil soul masters there, do you think this tragedy would have happened?!"
Everyone knew the truth.
Mu En wouldn't actually expel Xuanzi.
Shrek Academy still needed him to carry the mantle.
To Qian Duoduo, Xuanzi's dramatic resignation was just a cheap act because Mu En would surely step in to retain him.
After all, in the entire history of the Sea God Pavilion, no elder had ever failed like Xuanzi.
A Rank 98 Super Douluo, and yet three times in a row, he had failed to protect Shrek's students leading to countless young geniuses perishing under his watch.
Had it not been for Xuanzi's clean background, Qian Duoduo might have even suspected he was an undercover agent for the evil soul masters.
Xuanzi froze, his face filled with sorrow.
He let out a deep sigh.
"…Then tell me, Qian Duoduo how should I be punished?"
"Whatever punishment you suggest, I will accept it."
Qian Duoduo was at a loss for words.
Punishment was Mu En's decision, not his.
Even though he desperately wanted Xuanzi to suffer the consequences, he knew Mu En wouldn't impose a punishment that was too severe.
Mu En spoke calmly.
"Xuanzi, you are aware that my time is short. When I pass, Shrek Academy will need you to take up my responsibilities."
"You are the second strongest in our academy it is your duty to inherit the position of Sea God Pavilion Master."
Xuanzi fell silent for a moment before replying, "Elder Mu, I believe Shaozhe would be a far more suitable successor."
"He is wise and level headed if he inherits the Pavilion, it would be a far better choice than me."
Mu En shook his head.
"Shaozhe is not as strong as you. You must bear this responsibility."
"But… you must be punished for your mistakes."
"From now on you are forbidden from leaving the Sea God Pavilion."
"You will reduce your drinking and cut back on your roasted chicken legs."
"You will remain in seclusion under my personal supervision."
"You will not be allowed to leave… until you become an Ultimate Douluo."
"Elder Mu!"
Xuanzi's face twisted in despair.
The loss of alcohol and chicken was already torturous but seclusion?
Seclusion was pointless.
Becoming an Ultimate Douluo was far too difficult.
"Enough," Mu En said, waving his hand.
"Xuanzi, go into seclusion."
"Shaozhe, stay behind."
"Everyone else, go handle the arrangements for the families of the deceased."
Xuanzi let out a deep sigh, then left the meeting, finding an empty room to begin his seclusion.
Meanwhile, Yan Shaozhe remained seated.
As the other elders filed out, he felt a knot in his stomach.
What was Elder Mu planning?
Mu En activated a soundproof soul tool, ensuring absolute privacy.
Then, he gazed at Shaozhe, his expression serious.
"Shaozhe, you must prepare to inherit the Sea God Pavilion."
Shaozhe's eyes widened in shock.
"Elder Mu… I thought Xuanzi was your successor?"
Mu En sighed.
"Xuanzi has repeatedly failed. I no longer have confidence in him."
"For now, I must keep him in line but I fear that if he becomes the Sea God Pavilion Master, he will only cause greater disasters."
"Shrek's thousand year legacy must endure. It cannot fall apart."
Shaozhe hesitated.
"But Elder Mu… I lack the strength to be Pavilion Master."
"I am only a Rank 95 Super Douluo compared to Xuanzi, I am far weaker. If I take over, wouldn't that be a terrible decision?"
Mu En shook his head.
"That doesn't matter."
"I will personally transfer my remaining essence to you."
"With it, you will grow stronger."
Shaozhe's expression changed.
"Elder Mu… Are you saying… you'll burn away your life force to pass your power to me?"
"But… what about your soul?"
"Aren't you supposed to merge with the Golden Tree, like every Pavilion Master before you?"
Mu En was silent for a moment.
Then, he nodded.
"I have made a decision that defies our ancestors."
"But I have my reasons."
"When my time comes, I will reveal the truth to you."
Shaozhe saw the resolve in Mu En's eyes and knew he would not get an answer today.
Instead, he asked:
"…Elder Mu, is there truly no way to heal you?"
Mu En let out a deep sigh.
"If there were, do you think I would be in this state?"
"Shaozhe, you are far more meticulous than Xuanzi. That is why you are the better choice."
"I will ensure that when I pass, you will be Shrek's strongest force."
In Mu En's mind, his original plan had only been to transfer what remained of his power.
That alone would not be enough to make Shaozhe a Rank 98 Super Douluo.
After all, he was already at the end of his life, far from his former peak.
But if he combined his power transfer with the Dragon Pill, then he had absolute confidence in raising Shaozhe to Rank 98 and even preparing him to become an Ultimate Douluo in the future.
Of course, the Dragon Pill was dangerously potent.
Mu En had spent years refining it, ensuring that a non dragon martial soul user could absorb it.
Fortunately, Shaozhe's Light Phoenix martial soul was still a close enough match.
(End of chapter.)
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