Zhu Ziyang and the other four traveled in starts and stops until evening, when they arrived at a wide-open plain. This was the only stretch of open land between Shrek City and Star Luo City — the only path connecting the two.
Upon entering the plain, Zhu Ziyang clearly felt that Elder Song's aura was slowly rising. On either side of him, Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er had already adjusted their states to peak readiness, fully prepared for any ambush that might occur at any moment.
Suddenly, Elder Lin, who was walking in the lead, came to a halt. Without any warning, the Heavenly River Umbrella appeared in his hand. With a light wave, a gigantic version of the umbrella instantly opened up and enveloped the entire group.
At that exact moment, countless soul tool shells rained down from above like a celestial blossom storm. The shells struck both the Heavenly River Umbrella and the ground surrounding it. Dust flew up, winds howled, and shrapnel exploded in every direction — but not a single person under the Heavenly River Umbrella was harmed.
"They're here!" Elder Lin, Elder Song, Xian Lin'er, and Cai Mei'er exchanged glances. A mix of excitement and seriousness flickered in their eyes. Elder Lin said, "Lan'er, stay close to Ziyang and protect him. Lin'er, Mei'er — follow my commands. Be ready to act at any moment!"
"Understood!" The three immediately nodded in agreement.
"Ziyang, if a fight breaks out, you must stay close to Elder Song. Do you understand?" Elder Lin warned. "This is likely only the first wave. More forces will definitely follow. You must not act alone!"
"I will, Elder Lin!" Zhu Ziyang nodded seriously.
Once the bombardment ended, the Heavenly River Umbrella vanished. Silence returned to the open plain. Surprisingly, aside from that first wave of soul tool artillery, the enemy made no further moves.
And yet, the auras hiding in the shadows not only didn't fade — they intensified. Elder Lin, gripping the umbrella, let out a cold snort and said, "Cowards hiding in the dark — come out!"
His mockery had no effect. The hidden enemies had clearly resolved not to reveal themselves. Then, a voice of indistinguishable gender echoed across the plain through a loudspeaker.
"Your Excellency Dragon Emperor, we leave it to you!"
The voice traveled far — all the way to the horizon where the plain met the sky. Elder Lin and the others all looked visibly shocked. Zhu Ziyang could clearly feel the unease growing in Elder Song. The title "Dragon Emperor" — could it really be that person?
All questions were soon answered. A figure slowly appeared at the far end of the plain. As the setting sun bathed the land in golden light, the figure's appearance was revealed.
He was an old man with a full head of neatly combed silver hair. His complexion was ruddy, not showing any sign of age. Two long eyebrows hung down past his cheeks, and his tall, stately figure radiated grace. Dressed in flowing black robes, he had the bearing of an elegant gentleman.
"It really is you!" Elder Lin's expression was one of utter disbelief, and even a hint of awe. "Brother Xiaoyao!"
"Hahaha, it's been so long, A-Qun." The elder smiled warmly. He had actually addressed the over-two-hundred-year-old Elder Lin as "A-Qun", revealing his superior seniority. "I never thought we'd meet again under these circumstances."
Zhu Ziyang immediately knew who this man was.
Long Xiaoyao!
One of the twin Holy Dragons — the Dark Holy Dragon. A Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo. The Dragon Emperor Douluo — Long Xiaoyao!
"Brother Xiaoyao, why are you involved in this?" Elder Lin asked in confusion. Long Xiaoyao was a close friend of Mu En. Elder Lin had even been guided by him in his youth. He had never imagined their next encounter would be as adversaries. As far as he knew, Long Xiaoyao was from the Dou Spirit Empire, but had no ties to the royal family.
"Sigh. A debt from my youth — never thought it would be called upon for something like this." Long Xiaoyao replied with a bitter smile.
Hearing this, Elder Lin immediately understood — this situation could not end peacefully. Long Xiaoyao was a man of his word. Even though they were acquaintances, their relationship was not deep enough for him to break a promise on his behalf. Elder Song, Xian Lin'er, and Cai Mei'er also sensed the gravity of the situation. They all recognized Long Xiaoyao — and none of them ever expected him to involve himself in this matter.
"Relax," Long Xiaoyao saw through their thoughts and smiled. "I won't harm any of you. Just hand over that boy named Zhu Ziyang, and let him come with me. I believe Mu En will come pick him up."
"No!" Elder Lin refused without hesitation. "Brother Xiaoyao, let me be honest — Ziyang is Elder Mu's final disciple. We absolutely cannot allow you to take him."
"Why must it come to this?" Long Xiaoyao sighed. "I truly don't wish to fight — and I definitely don't want to hurt you. But please, let me take the boy. Shrek Academy is already powerful enough. If this child continues to grow under Shrek's guidance, many will lose sleep over it."
"You worry too much, Brother Xiaoyao." A voice answered before Elder Lin could. A hunched old man suddenly appeared in front of Elder Lin, while four more elders appeared behind Zhu Ziyang and the group.
The moment the hunchbacked old man appeared, the overwhelming pressure from Long Xiaoyao vanished. Faces brightened with joy as everyone looked toward this bent but unshakable figure who stood like a pillar holding up the heavens.
"Teacher! (Elder Mu!)" the group cried out with excitement.
That's right — the man who had suddenly appeared before them was none other than the Light Holy Dragon of the twin dragons — the Dragon God Douluo, Mu En!
They had known Mu En was coming, but the moment he truly stood before them, joy and reverence filled their hearts.
"Hahaha, Brother Mu, it's been a long time!" Long Xiaoyao greeted him warmly, not the least surprised.
"Indeed, it has been too long, Brother Xiaoyao," Mu En replied with a smile. "You're still so full of spirit, but I can hardly keep myself standing these days."
"Then why go through all this trouble?" Long Xiaoyao frowned. "Wouldn't it be better to rest peacefully on Sea God Island? Or… are you looking to take a few people with you to the grave?"
"Haha, nothing like that," Mu En chuckled. "I just want to do more for the younger generation. That way, their path will be smoother. I didn't expect my actions to disturb you, though."
"Tch, you sly old fox!" Long Xiaoyao scolded playfully. "You're on death's door and still trying to set everyone up. Looks like I really threw a wrench in your plans."
His gaze swept over the people behind Mu En. Aside from Zhu Ziyang, he gave each one an equal three-second appraisal. Inwardly, he marveled at Shrek Academy's strength. Eight Super Douluo mobilized at once — only the Holy Spirit Cult could possibly withstand that!
"It doesn't matter. There will always be another opportunity," Mu En said with a relaxed smile. In his eyes, Shrek could afford to lose many battles — but those who opposed Shrek only had one chance.
"Heh." Long Xiaoyao chuckled and looked at Zhu Ziyang. "So this is the child?"
"Yes!" Mu En's face glowed with pride as he called out, "Ziyang, greet your Dragon Uncle."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ziyang stepped forward, stood beside Mu En, and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Dragon Uncle. I am my teacher's final disciple — Zhu Ziyang."
"Hahaha! Good boy!" Long Xiaoyao laughed. "What a pity this isn't the right occasion. Otherwise, I would've prepared a proper meeting gift for you."
Then he turned to Mu En with a look of envy. "Brother Mu, I truly envy you — even in your twilight years, you've taken on such a remarkable student. Ultimate Light… why couldn't it have been Ultimate Darkness instead?"
"Don't be in a rush, Brother Xiaoyao," Mu En chuckled, proud and yet sympathetic to his old friend. "You still have plenty of time. One day, you'll find the disciple you're meant to teach."
"Ah, it's not that easy," Long Xiaoyao sighed. "Only someone with an Ultimate Darkness martial soul is worthy of being my disciple. But such martial souls… you might not even see one in a hundred years."
"That's true," Mu En agreed.
And so, the two Ultimate Douluo stood in the middle of the vast plain, reminiscing.
None dared interrupt them.
The hidden enemies, growing more anxious by the second, had no way to intervene. They had already paid a steep price to invite the Dragon Emperor Douluo — how could they dare to push him?
All they could do now was pray. Please, Dragon Emperor, act quickly. Stop chatting with Mu En already!
(End of Chapter)
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