The moment Yun Ming appeared, all the hidden Elders of the Sea God Pavilion revealed themselves one after another. Clearly, this was no longer a situation they could afford to just observe.
"Yali!"
After shielding Cai Yue'er from the final blow, Yun Ming softly called out a name. And this name, of course, was one Heita couldn't possibly not recognize.
Saint Spirit Douluo Yali, known as the most beautiful and kind-hearted woman on the entire continent, was also the only healing-type Level 98 Super Douluo.
"Yue'er's fine, just a few minor injuries." Yali simply glanced at Xiao Yue'er before releasing her martial soul and beginning treatment.
At the same time, Yun Ming turned to face the source of all this chaos—Heita.
> "The waves behind drive on the waves before; each new wave stronger than the last!"
Looking at the incredibly young yet overwhelmingly powerful Heita before him, Yun Ming couldn't help but sigh in amazement.
Yun Ming was regarded as the strongest being on the Douluo Continent. Although he didn't fully agree with that title himself, there was no doubt he was at least among the top two. Yet now, from this twelve-year-old girl with only Spirit Power Level 70, Yun Ming actually felt threatened?
Initially, when they heard the reports about Heita, the Elders of the Sea God Pavilion had only planned to observe. But now, it was clear—they had miscalculated!
And even worse, they had offended Heita, which could spell disaster for the future relationship between Shrek Academy and the Spirit Transmission Tower, where Heita held a powerful position.
> "I used to think I was one of a kind—a once-in-a-generation genius. Turns out, I was just born earlier… I apologize for Yue'er's previous behavior, Heita."
Unlike Cai Yue'er's earlier arrogance, Yun Ming now appeared much more composed and even-tempered. And as the Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion, he actually bowed and apologized to Heita?
This move didn't just shock the surrounding Elders—it also made Yali, who was still healing Cai Yue'er, widen her eyes in disbelief. She clearly hadn't expected Yun Ming to do this.
But how could Heita not see through this guy's intentions?
If she used the computational ability of the Scholar Sovereign, Heita could control the entire situation in seconds. But now, that wasn't even necessary.
Her former self—as a clone—had to grow and learn slowly. But the current Heita was a rising force. She didn't need to waste power on trivial matters like this.
Yun Ming's so-called apology was merely a strategic move—a retreat to advance. He planned to offer resources under the guise of compensation, using them to lure Heita into staying at Shrek Academy.
Heita knew herself well. If they didn't know her potential, fine. But once they did, there's no doubt they'd do everything to make her stay.
The process didn't matter. What mattered was that Heita stays at Shrek Academy.
But wasn't that also part of Heita's own plan?
All that remained was to see if Yun Ming could offer something satisfactory. If not, Heita would simply leave. After all, if they couldn't even show sincerity, why should she stay?
Even combined, these Sea God Pavilion Elders couldn't stop her. But if Yun Ming could offer enough, she might consider staying a while.
> "No need for apologies. I've already vented my anger on that old witch," Heita waved her hand dismissively. "Since this matter's settled, I'll just return to the Spirit Transmission Tower. What a pointless trip…"
> "Didn't expect a titled Douluo in the nineties to be no match for me. I guess the rest of you are about the same?"
Her final words were said lightly—but everyone present was a Sea God Pavilion Elder, their power all above Titled Douluo. Not a single one of them missed her words.
What was this supposed to mean?
Some Elders' faces immediately turned red. Heita's comment was practically an outright insult, implying that they were all worthless.
At this crucial moment, Yun Ming spoke again—the only one who truly understood Heita's strength.
> "Heita, although your Spirit Power is only Level 70, the fact that you've touched the threshold of godhood at the Soul Sage level… In this world, I'm afraid you're the only one."
> "Ordinary Titled Douluo naturally aren't your match."
His words left the surrounding Elders frozen in place, looking at him in shock. What did he just say?
> Threshold of godhood?
At Level 70?
No wonder Cai Yue'er lost so decisively earlier. So this girl's talent was that monstrous? Even Yun Ming in his youth hadn't achieved what Heita had now! If she were allowed to grow, she'd undoubtedly dominate the soul master world for centuries to come!
Thanks to Yun Ming's words, the Elders all reached a shared conclusion:
> A genius like this must not be allowed to leave!
> "From what I know, you're the Deputy Tower Master of the Spirit Transmission Tower, disciple of Sky Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu—is that correct?"
> "That's right. What are you getting at?"
Seemingly intrigued, Heita paused and turned back.
> There's hope!
> "I just want to offer some thoughts. What you decide is still up to you. Since you've reached the threshold of godhood at Level 70, ordinary Titled Douluo are likely already unable to guide you."
> "Even someone who is a Level 99 Limit Douluo and a Four-Word Battle Armor Master may no longer be of much help. Just like your teacher, Sky Phoenix Douluo, right?"
Though Yun Ming's talent couldn't match Heita's, his own strength had reached quasi-god level. His understanding of godhood far surpassed that of any half-god.
He knew very well: in this world, those who could guide Heita on the path to godhood could be counted on one hand. And he himself was one of them.
If used wisely, this might be his chance to bring this unrivaled genius over to Shrek Academy's side.
> "So, what you're saying is—you can help me?"
> "Of course! I'm the so-called 'Number One on the Continent, after all—and one of the very few to truly touch the divine!"
Yun Ming didn't particularly like the title of "Number One," but even he couldn't deny—it came in handy at times.
> "If I were to guide you, I could definitely help pave your future path to godhood. So… interested?"
The God Realm was gone now, so becoming a god might no longer be possible. But Yun Ming still chose to say this—after all, grand promises were a Shrek Academy tradition.
> "Then what about Aunt Leng…"
> "Leave that to me!" Yali stepped forward at this moment. "I haven't had a chat with Her Excellency Sky Phoenix in a long time."
> "I'm sure it'll be a very pleasant conversation!"