Alarms blared across the entirety of Shrek Academy.
Through the window, Su Wen saw countless figures shooting up from the direction of the Sea God's Pavilion and converging in the sky. A single glance told him they were almost all experts above the Soul Douluo level. Du Weilan and several inner court teachers had all turned out in force.
"What's…"
Lou Yingying and Song Lei stopped hammering, staring blankly up at the sky.
"An enemy attack?!"
Shrek Academy had long been domineering across the continent. As a top-tier power, both its prestige and strength were peerless in this age. For any force to dare invade so brazenly—who could they be?
"Stay here. I'm going to take a look."
Frowning, Su Wen gave the three a quick instruction, then flashed away into the distance.
After leaping past several teaching buildings, he simply rode the clouds, steering a misty bank toward the Sea God's Pavilion.
Meanwhile, an angry shout rolled across the sky.
"Old poison, did a donkey kick your brain? You dare cause trouble at Shrek Academy?!"
A signature, earthy-yellow soul power flared around Xuan Zi as he appeared at the fore of Shrek's assembled experts, gourd in hand, gaze dark as he stared at Du Busi. He knew Elder Mu was still recuperating, and seeing the malicious intent of their opponents—if it really came to a fight, Shrek might be at a disadvantage…
"Heh. I won't waste words. Hand over that hundred-thousand-year embryo! Otherwise I'll tear Shrek Academy down today!" Du Busi snorted coldly.
"A hundred-thousand-year embryo?!"
Xuan Zi's brow furrowed, while the people behind him looked completely at a loss.
The elders exchanged glances. The other side had shown up in force demanding some hundred-thousand-year embryo—but if Shrek Academy had something like that, wouldn't they know?
Unless…
Everyone looked toward Xuan Zi.
"Ahem. That embryo came from the Extreme North. In the middle of the Star Luo Empire's auction, Xiao Wen reached a deal with Xu Jiawei: the embryo would go to the Extreme North in exchange for benefits to Star Luo… and Snow Empress…" Xuan Zi looked slightly embarrassed. He had genuinely forgotten, and in his eyes the matter wasn't even as important as a jar of aged wine.
"Not important!"
Elder Song snorted, glaring at Du Busi. "Whatever treasure it is, we acquired it through an open and aboveboard transaction—not like you bandits who rob and loot. I don't know who gave you the confidence to run wild at Shrek Academy, but get out. If you don't retreat, we go to war!"
She had always had a fiery temper.
Of course, she was also certain the other side wouldn't dare truly start a fight.
Du Bisi had perished in that battle decades ago. Now, the Body Sect's mainstay was only Du Busi. Judging by the situation, he hadn't broken through his limit. He was at the same realm as Elder Xuan. That made matters manageable.
They came in menacingly but with an empty core.
…
Sea God's Pavilion.
Su Wen slipped inside.
Elder Mu sat in a golden wheelchair, silently watching the scene unfolding in the distant sky from the top floor. Seeing Su Wen barge in, he smiled. "You're here?"
"You… recovered?!" A flicker of surprise passed through Su Wen's eyes.
But Mu En shook his head. A gray figure appeared at his side. "In these days, the murderous intent within him has been completely purged. Next we just need to infuse him with Life Gold to restore about seventy percent of his strength. With the Golden Tree and Life Gold nurturing him thereafter, he'll be fully recovered in three to four months. As for the dragon core… I still need to study it. With just this remnant body of mine, evolving that dragon core will be challenging."
Elder Yi said lightly, "We were just one step away, and those guys in the sky interrupted it."
"That's good."
Su Wen nodded slightly.
Elder Mu could now straighten his waist. That was the biggest change—the malignant aura clinging to his spine had been dispelled. His vitality and spirit had transformed, from a dying, terminally ill old man to a vigorous elder.
"A hundred-thousand-year soul beast embryo?" Mu En looked gently at Su Wen.
"It's like this…"
Su Wen explained briefly.
Mu En nodded. "He probably never imagined that the so-called hundred-thousand-year embryo was the Snow Empress—and that she has already… devoted herself to you."
"It wasn't a sacrifice."
A graceful figure, the Snow Empress, appeared at the side, giving Electrolux a faint glance, a trace of surprise flickering in her white eyes.
"My mistake," Mu En said cheerfully.
"I don't like that person…" The Snow Empress cast her gaze skyward, a hint of chill in her tone.
"This is Shrek Academy's territory. These juniors increasingly forget us old bones exist. They really think we're all dead." Mu En chuckled.
The smile faded from the old man's face.
"In that case, it's time to knock them down a peg…"
…
Midair.
Du Busi wore a roguish smirk. "This is your Shrek Academy, Song Yunzhi. Think it through. We don't mind if we really fight, but your Shrek Academy might be leveled."
"You—!" Elder Song's teeth ached with anger, but the other side had her by the throat.
Elder Mu's condition was uncertain.
If a real fight broke out, perhaps…
"Senior Du, that hundred-thousand-year soul beast embryo was never in Shrek's hands. It concerns the Extreme North. Because Shrek Academy has a good relationship with the Snow Empress of the Extreme North, the Star Luo Emperor entrusted Shrek to return it."
In front of dozens of top experts, Su Wen's figure slowly appeared by Xuan Zi's side. He looked at Du Busi opposite him and spoke loudly.
The clear voice of a youth fell.
A wave of exclamations rose from below Shrek Academy.
Clearly, many recognized Su Wen's voice.
At this "big scene" level, even many outer court teachers were nervous and sweating. Yet Su Wen could already step forward and steady the situation?
This outer court demon king's growth was astonishing.
"You are…"
Du Busi raised an eyebrow.
His dark green pupils sized Su Wen up.
Where did this boy get the guts to be so calm before a crowd of Soul Douluo and Title Douluo? Putting it on? With his seasoned eye, he could see the youth's genuine composure.
He hesitated for just a second before a voice transmission seemed to reach his ear. Surprise flashed in his eyes. "Su Wen? The little monster who led Shrek to win the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament this year?"
"Yes."
Su Wen nodded.
"Hahahaha, not bad. Boy, I like you…" Du Busi laughed heartily.
"If you're willing to come with me and become my Body Sect disciple, we'll let bygones be bygones, and my Body Sect will withdraw immediately. How about it?"
"Don't you only accept Body Martial Souls? What, you don't mind anymore?" Xuan Zi narrowed his eyes, subtly shielding Su Wen.
"Heh, for a monster talent like this, I can make an exception. I'm not some rigid, old-fashioned type," Du Busi grinned.
"You jest, Senior."
Su Wen's expression didn't change. He spoke calmly: "You're unwilling to leave?"
"Hand over the hundred-thousand-year embryo and I'll naturally leave. Or let us search the Sea God's Pavilion. If we don't find it, we'll withdraw." Du Busi kept his rogue posture, shameless and stubborn, hands on his hips, betting Shrek couldn't do anything to them.
"Heh. Dream on."
The smile faded from Su Wen's face.
"If you won't leave, then stay…"
"Hmm?"
Du Busi had just arched a brow when his pupils shrank sharply.
Behind the youth, the distant Golden Tree suddenly rippled in concentric waves, as if overturning the sky like a bowl over a hundred-li radius. Most terrifying of all was the aura emanating from within the Golden Tree.
"An Ultimate Douluo?!"
In an instant, Du Busi's scalp tingled. His throat bobbed. He stared fixedly at the Golden Tree.
"Mu En… you're not dead!"
An existence at that level could keep them here.
"Sect Master, should we retreat?"
A black-robed elder behind him spoke in panic.
"Retreat my ass—can we even get away?!" Du Busi gritted his teeth. His face was so dark it could drip ink.
His earlier shamelessness had relied on confidence in his strength. Now… he couldn't laugh.
Buzz!
As Du Busi's expression shifted, he suddenly roared in midair. His muscles swelled, dark green soul power surged around him, and he transformed into a massive ink-black giant.
But in the next instant, he spat a mouthful of blood.
He stepped back several paces on the air, eyes horrified.
"Elder Mu, I was wrong!"
"…"
After a long moment, a faint "Scram" drifted from the Golden Tree.
"Yes!"
Du Busi received amnesty at once.
As the golden hue drained from the sky, he and his dozens of subordinates fled in disarray, a stark contrast to their earlier arrogance.
"Elder Mu has recovered?"
Xuan Zi whispered, face full of delight.
To injure Du Busi with a flick—Elder Mu absolutely couldn't have done that in the past, even with the Golden Tree's power…
Su Wen shook his head, looking into the distance.
"Hall Master Hongchen, the Pavilion Master invites you."
Everyone looked bewildered, searching around, yet none could sense anyone where Su Wen was looking.
Su Wen's eyes narrowed.
The scene froze.
Several minutes later—
Space twisted. A short, stout figure darted out, dusted off his sleeves with a flourish, and laughed heartily. "Hahahaha, to think the Pavilion Elder still discovered me. Worthy of an Ultimate Douluo! All right, all right—I'll go."
This left Shrek's elder council stunned.
Jing Hongchen, wearing a pasted-on smile, greeted everyone and sighed inwardly before following Su Wen toward the Sea God's Pavilion.
"My Meng Hongchen's been thinking about you since she got back. She praised you as a heroic figure who saved Shrek's shattered team from the fire and water. Seeing you now, you truly are a young hero, hahahaha." Jing Hongchen sidled up to Su Wen, whispering.
"I just don't know what the esteemed Pavilion Master wants me for?"
"…"
Su Wen's lips curved. "Naturally, to invite the turtle into the urn…"
"…" Jing Hongchen's smile stiffened.
"Just a joke. Hall Master Hongchen wouldn't take it seriously, right? Shrek's not like those Body Sect ruffians. We reason things out." Su Wen smiled.
"Haha, is that so?" Jing Hongchen's smile looked more like a grimace. Why did Shrek feel more like a bandit den…
Leading Jing Hongchen into the Pavilion, Su Wen poured tea, then stepped back behind Elder Mu.
He watched quietly as the two old foxes sparred.
Exquisite tug-of-war, not a single dirty word, yet barbs flew…
At last, they reached the topic both factions had long wanted but had repeatedly failed to conclude for various reasons—exchange students.
"My Mingde Hall is willing to send Zhang Mingyue, Liang Long, and my two grandchildren as a show of sincerity," Jing Hongchen said earnestly.
"Rest assured, when we exchange in Maple Leaf City, Shrek Academy's lineup will match your Sun Moon Empire," Elder Mu tapped the armrest of his wooden wheelchair, pondering.
"In that case…"
Jing Hongchen was about to take his leave when Mu En stopped him. The old man smiled. "Hall Master Hongchen, aren't you going to pay an admittance fee? Not just anyone gets into my Sea God's Pavilion. Take Du Busi—he was driven away."
"As expected!"
Jing Hongchen's body stiffened.
…
"Hongchen's Blessing."
Su Wen examined the crimson metal chip in his palm. So it ended up with him after all.
"As for the exchange student slots, I'd like to hear your thoughts." Elder Mu's tone was gentle.
An elder and a youth stood at the top-floor edge of the Sea God's Pavilion. A breeze drifted by. The entire Sea God's Island spread before their eyes, a serene scene. Electrolux waited silently, not joining their discussion—more like a surgeon gripping his scalpel, ready to wheel the patient in once the family finished their last words.
"If we want to study battle armor, we first have to understand soul tools," Su Wen said after a long pause.
"Though the Sun Moon Empire is dangerous, Shrek's soul tool knowledge isn't enough for me to develop battle armor. Also… I need to find a way to get my hands on a human-shaped soul tool mecha."
He had discussed his battle armor concept with Elder Mu before the latter went into seclusion.
"You've drawn me a big pie as well, hahahaha," Elder Mu laughed heartily. "Since you're willing, this old man will pave the way for you."
"Go without worry. This trip will be safe."
"Oh, and in three days, I'll be out of seclusion!" Joy was hard to hide at the corners of Mu En's mouth.
To regain vitality and return to his prime, like Xuan Zi's middle age—
It was something he hadn't even dared to dream of. Now, it seemed just a step away.
"…"
As the two elders' figures faded, Su Wen exhaled a long breath.
There were still six months before the exchange. Before that, he had to visit the Sunset Forest. The immortal herbs Tang San had left there were still quietly waiting for a "fated one" to pick them.
"Bring the Silver Dragon King. The two dragon skeletons buried beneath the springs might be useful to her."
…
"That hundred-thousand-year soul beast embryo definitely exists!"
Deep underground, Mingde Hall.
Jing Hongchen's angry voice echoed.
"What nonsense about old ties with the Extreme North? Would someone of the Snow Empress's caliber shake hands and make peace with humans? What a load of crap! Do they take me for a fool?!"
The black-robed figure beside him focused elsewhere. "You're saying Mu En is still alive?!"
"Yes—but he's not much different from dead." Jing Hongchen sneered. "On his last legs. Hah, he even gave me a fright at first. Turns out he borrowed the Golden Tree's power—and only for an instant. His internal hidden injuries are hard to suppress. While talking to me, he nearly lost control several times."
"With half his body in the grave, he won't live many years."
"Hmm…"
The black-robed man was silent for a while. "I see."
They knew a bit about Mu En's battle with Du Bisi decades ago. That war had widespread fallout. Du Bisi died not long after returning. Mu En was heavily wounded. His current state was likely backlash from that battle.
If so—
Then they were willing to fight for that hundred-thousand-year soul beast embryo.
And sending Mu En on his way wouldn't be out of the question.
"And forget underground infiltration," Jing Hongchen said, seeing the bait had taken. He suppressed his inner delight and explained earnestly, "The Body Sect bought a large batch of earth-boring soul tools from me, but they couldn't even drill into Shrek City. That Golden Ancient Tree is something else. Even I can't see how far its roots extend. So if you want to attack, you'll have to do it head-on."
"I can also draw you the internal layout of the Sea God's Pavilion."
"…"
The black-robed man glanced at Jing Hongchen. "Want to be the oriole? Careful you're the mantis…"
With that, he vanished, leaving Jing Hongchen standing there alone.
…
"What are we going to the Sunset Forest for?"
Gu Yuena asked in puzzlement.
The girl wore a school uniform and black leather shoes, her long silver hair draped over her shoulders. Her pupils looked as if she wore colored contacts, with a pale silver hue and a cool indifference that gave her the air of an iceberg goddess.
But in truth, those who knew Gu Yuena understood this was her "happy" state.
Especially the way she was fishing for conversation—every few minutes, a robotic little question—showed how quietly nervous she was.
"There are two Dragon King skeletons there—water and fire. If I remember right, they were once the Dragon God's sons, pillars of the dragon race. Unfortunately, they fell in the war to stop the Dragon God," Su Wen explained.
"Of course, my goal isn't the bones, but the immortal herbs cultivated upon them."
"Water and Fire Dragon Kings?"
Gu Yuena looked at Su Wen in surprise.