Watching the departing crowd, Huo Yuhao and the other six immediately lined up, their gazes turning toward Xuanzi.
Xuanzi faced away from them, letting out a sigh for no apparent reason."Do you know why the selection tournament is structured as a free-for-all?"
Huo Yuhao knew, but he did not speak. As for Beibei and the others, they had no idea.
Xuanzi took another gulp of wine and, without turning his head, said,"A few years ago, some Inner Academy students were on a mission to the Star Dou Great Forest. During the mission, twelve of them and their leader got separated and accidentally encountered a hundred-thousand-year-old Soul Beast."
"Ultimately, eight of the twelve students died in battle. By the time the leader arrived, the remaining four were all severely injured, three of them near death. But under such extreme circumstances, they still managed to defeat the hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast. The student who was slightly less injured absorbed the hundred-thousand-year Soul Ring and Soul Bone."
"I tell you this because I want you to understand that danger can come at any time. You must have the awareness to face life-or-death crises without fear. Those four students back then are now all Douluo-level experts. Even when facing ordinary Title Douluo alone, they have the strength to fight."
Hearing Xuanzi's words, everyone except Huo Yuhao felt a heavy weight in their hearts. Inner Academy students carried a single description across the continent: the cradle of the strong.
Anyone graduating from the Inner Academy would, at minimum, become a Douluo-level expert. But according to Elder Xuan, eight of them died in that mission—a truly tragic scenario.
If those eight had survived, with their ability to contend against a hundred-thousand-year-old Soul Beast, it would have been no problem for them to become Title Douluo in the future. They were eight successors with innate Title talent.
In a place unseen by Beibei and the others, a glimmer of tears appeared in Xuanzi's eyes. The leader back then was him—it was he who caused the most tragic student death incident in Shrek Academy's history.
Even to this day, he still regretted it.
Like a personal demon, it trapped him at the ninety-eighth level, never able to breakthrough.
Taking a deep breath, Xuanzi said in a solemn voice,"There are some things you will only understand after joining the Inner Academy. Only then will you realize the true meaning of being a Shrek student."
Following that event, his words hit Beibei and the others like a heavy hammer. Beibei knew the weight of being an Inner Academy student, frowning deeply. The other five didn't, but it seemed Inner Academy students were always in danger.
No wonder their abilities were so formidable—it was all forged through death and blood.
Huo Yuhao's eyes showed some disdain. He was speechless at Xuanzi's handling. As a Super Douluo, he could actually get separated from his students instead of staying nearby to observe.
In his view, Xuanzi probably drank too much at the time. Otherwise, with the perception of a Super Douluo, it would have been nearly impossible for a group of Soul Saint students to get separated.
How did he know Xuanzi's drinking caused the trouble? Simple. Later, when eliminating the Reaper Envoy Evil Soul Masters, Xuanzi was again drinking merrily. Only when Yao Haoxuan lost half his body in an explosion did he arrive.
Regretful? He should have changed, but he didn't. Words were easy; action wasn't.
Also, since Shrek Academy had no other ninety-eight-level Super Douluo besides Xuanzi, otherwise, with Moon's strength, Xuanzi would have faced severe punishment.
Moon knew he didn't have much time left and needed someone to take charge after his death. Xuanzi wasn't suited to be the eldest brother, but since he was the strongest, there was no choice.
"Now it's just the seven of you left, so it's time to tell you what the selection tournament is really for." Xuanzi steadied his emotions, turned, and looked at everyone.
"You probably already know that the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Douhun Tournament, held every five years, is about to start. This time, the host empire is the Xingluo Empire."
"The selection tournament is to choose seven students as a reserve team to follow the main team to Xingluo City for the competition."
Hearing this, everyone except Huo Yuhao, Beibei, and Xu Sanshi was slightly shocked—they hadn't expected the selection tournament to serve this purpose.
Xuanzi said calmly,"You are the reserve team. Your chances to compete are limited. The main goal is to gain experience and prepare for the competition five years from now. At that time, you will become the main team. Being in the main team also means you will be granted the honorary title of the Shrek Seven Devils."
Whoosh.
At the mention of the Shrek Seven Devils, everyone except Huo Yuhao widened their eyes.
Huo Yuhao, as a transmigrator, remained calm about the title. But for Beibei and the others, natives of the Douluo Continent, the title carried unparalleled prestige.
Throughout history, the Shrek Seven Devils' fame and honor were top-tier, coveted by every Shrek student.
And now, that title lay before them.
"Exciting, isn't it?" Xuanzi smiled slightly. "But this title is temporary. The last permanent Shrek Seven Devils title appeared four thousand years ago."
Hearing this, they felt no disappointment—being temporary was still remarkable.
"Cough cough." Xuanzi cleared his throat, disturbing their thoughts. His voice grew solemn."Although as a reserve team, your chances to compete are limited, they are not zero. However, the team you must pay attention to is only one: the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Instructor Academy."
"Elder Xuan, why is that?" Beibei asked, puzzled.
Others also looked over, curious.
Xuanzi said gravely,"Four thousand years ago, the Sun-Moon Empire dominated the three original Douluo Continent nations. If not for the Shrek Academy director of that generation leading sixty Title Douluo in a counterattack, the Douluo Continent would likely have been renamed the Sun-Moon Continent."
"Even if they failed back then, compared to the constantly chaotic original three Douluo nations, the Sun-Moon Empire never abandoned their ambition. They've been lying low, continually strengthening themselves."
"If the Shrek Academy hadn't been positioned on the continental plate, the Sun-Moon Empire would have launched a new war long ago. Now, they dare not test us with a continental war, but they can use an academy competition to probe our strength. Hence, the Douhun Tournament is the perfect platform."
"Since allowing the Sun-Moon Empire to participate three thousand years ago, the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Instructor Academy has always placed second, behind only Shrek Academy. With Soul Guides added to the rules, their strength has grown, closing the gap. When they defeat us in the tournament, the Sun-Moon Empire's ambition will fully erupt."
"Victory in the tournament will greatly inspire the Sun-Moon Empire. Our job is to suppress them. Even if you are not the main team, you won't meet them in the tournament. But five years later, at the tournament in the Sun-Moon Empire, you will be the absolute core."
"So, this is a heavy responsibility. I hope you can bear it."
Xuanzi's tone grew more serious. It felt as if a weight had truly fallen upon them. Xiaoxiao and Wang Dong's legs trembled—they were just thirteen-year-old girls.
Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan exchanged looks, each with different emotions.
Huo Yuhao was already thinking about strategies for five years later.
Xuanzi continued,"During your time in the reserve team, you must keep everything secret. If anyone leaks information, their qualification will be immediately revoked, along with the title of Core Disciple. Every week, you must train with me for one day. The main team will arrive as well, so you can get to know them."
"All right, go rest. Huo Yuhao, stay."
Xuanzi gestured for the others to leave.
Just as everyone turned to go eat, Huo Yuhao spoke up, interrupting them,"Elder Xuan, I have a question. You mentioned three spots will be selected from eliminated students. What does that mean?"
Everyone paused and looked silently.
Xuanzi chuckled lightly."For the tournament five years from now in the Sun-Moon Empire, the academy leaders plan to add three more students from your cohort, as a rotation. Injuries are inevitable, so this is to ensure continuity."
Huo Yuhao's eyes flickered slightly—this was not in the original story.
Xuanzi's gaze fixed on Huo Yuhao.This spot is gifted to you by Elder Mu. Don't waste it.
After the others left, Xuanzi grabbed Huo Yuhao's shoulder."Let's go. It's time for you to act."
Before Huo Yuhao could react, he felt the world spin. The next moment, he was already in the scenic Inner Academy.
"Follow me." Xuanzi set down his wine gourd and roasted chicken leg.
Huo Yuhao turned and saw the words Sea God Pavilion.
He raised a brow—why bring him here?
But upon entering the first-floor hall of the Sea God Pavilion, he froze.
Besides Xuanzi, several others were present.
Elders Song, Lin, and Zhuang—all three of the remaining elders.
Even his teacher Yan Shaozhe and his teacher's wife Cai Meier were there.
What was going on? Huo Yuhao wondered, but he respectfully saluted everyone.
"Elder Mu, I have brought Yuhao."
Xuanzi respectfully spoke to the figure behind the curtain.
Huo Yuhao's gaze followed as the curtain was pulled back, revealing Mu En's aged face.
"You've arrived," Mu En said with a smile. "Shaozhe, as his teacher, you explain."
Yan Shaozhe nodded solemnly, looking at Huo Yuhao."Yuhao, teacher has a task for you. Your Heavenly Eye can absorb and contain special energy, correct? Teacher hopes you can try to absorb the Sha Qi in your Grandmaster's body."
Huo Yuhao's mind stirred—he now remembered Mu En's disability was caused by Dragon Dan, which constantly ravaged his body. This explained why Mu En's lifespan was far shorter than Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui's.
The battle with Poison Bishi caused pain at most, but never disability.
"Are you willing to try?" Yan Shaozhe asked gently."Teacher can use Soul Shattering as a safeguard. You will face no life-threatening danger, though the dispersing Sha Qi will cause pain."
No one present had absolute confidence that Huo Yuhao's Heavenly Eye could truly absorb the Sha Qi—they just wouldn't let the opportunity slip.
Shrek Academy cannot lose Elder Mu, just as the 3D district cannot lose…
The White Dragon Wing…
Huo Yuhao suddenly remembered the White Dragon Wing Soul Bone he had absorbed not long ago.
At that moment, enlightenment struck—he immediately understood why the Treasure Reward Pavilion had this special Soul Bone.
Mu En's Dragon Dan came from a White Dragon.
It perfectly matched the White Dragon Wing.
The setup had been laid here all along.
You give me a peach, I return a plum.
Without hesitation, Huo Yuhao replied,"I am willing."
Seeing this, everyone smiled.
"Good, good."
Yan Shaozhe smiled, patting Huo Yuhao's shoulder.
Mu En, Yan Shaozhe, and Huo Yuhao entered a special light barrier together.
When Huo Yuhao reopened his eyes, he saw a vast golden space, soft and gentle, with a faint golden glow.
"This is the Soul Force space of the Golden Ancient Tree," Mu En said gently, leaning on his cane."Earlier, Shaozhe said you absorbed Xiao Tao's evil fire. I wanted to ask for your help. I had concerns before, but after inspection, we found a way that won't harm you, so I ask for your assistance."
"Grandmaster, you honor me," Huo Yuhao smiled. "If I'm correct, that White Dragon Wing is the key to avoiding harm, right?"
Mu En smiled, impressed by his insight."You are indeed clever. The White Dragon Wing Soul Bone is crucial. Whether it can be utilized successfully depends on you."
Mu En glanced at Huo Yuhao mysteriously.
Huo Yuhao's mind focused on one element—the White Dragon Soul.
"But why didn't you use the White Dragon Wing yourself, Grandmaster?" Huo Yuhao asked.If it could negate the Sha Qi, this step wouldn't be necessary.
"You already had a bonded external Soul Bone in that position. After years of integration, it became a true Soul Bone—unchangeable," Yan Shaozhe explained.
Huo Yuhao understood immediately. With Elder Mu's setup, no Soul Bone was wasted.
"Grandmaster, let's begin."
Huo Yuhao wanted to see if the Heavenly Eye could absorb Sha Qi—if successful, he might even trigger the First Star Ring power early.
At that moment, golden light appeared at his forehead as his Heavenly Eye activated.
"Good, let's not waste time," Mu En said, eyes fixed on Huo Yuhao's Heavenly Eye.
"Yuhao, guide the process of absorbing Sha Qi," Yan Shaozhe said sternly.
"No problem," Huo Yuhao nodded."Grandmaster, you release the Sha Qi from your body. I'll use my Heavenly Eye to pull it in. Teacher, if possible, please use the Light Phoenix to protect Grandmaster. Since the Sha Qi has been suppressed for so long, I fear an uncontrolled outburst that could harm Grandmaster."
Hearing this plan, Mu En and Yan Shaozhe's eyes brightened.This boy not only planned the process but even thought of this detail.
"I'll follow your lead," Yan Shaozhe nodded.
"Grandmaster, let's start." Huo Yuhao's gaze was serious.
Mu En no longer spoke. A terrifying aura erupted, making Huo Yuhao gasp. If the aura were hostile, it could have killed him instantly.
At the same time, a high-pitched dragon roar filled the Golden Ancient Tree's Soul Force space. Mu En radiated pure light. Behind him, a colossal Light Saint Dragon appeared, emanating oppressive power.
Nine Soul Rings rose at his feet: Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red, Red.
Three hundred-thousand-year Soul Rings in total.
"Yuhao, here it comes," Mu En said seriously. Dark red energy began condensing across his body, converging toward his chest.
Mu En trembled slightly, enduring bone-deep pain, yet didn't frown.
Yan Shaozhe placed his palms in the air, generating a strong Light Phoenix force, protecting Mu En.
As the dark red Sha Qi intensified, Huo Yuhao acted.
He pointed at Mu En's chest, focusing his mind. His Heavenly Eye released terrifying suction, golden light blazing like solar fire.
The Sha Qi seemed to sense a terrifying presence and attempted to disperse.
Seeing this, Yan Shaozhe and Huo Yuhao were astonished.
Yet the Sha Qi had not escaped. The Solar God Pillar in Huo Yuhao's Spirit Sea captured it, forcibly pulling it from Mu En's body.
Dark red energy streams, resembling dragon forms, were violently extracted, roaring and struggling—a stark contrast to the White Dragon's beauty.
Death, slaughter, destruction—this was what Huo Yuhao sensed from the Sha Qi.
Behind him, the White Dragon Wing stirred but did not automatically release.
Huo Yuhao smirked—apparently, the Solar God Pillar claimed the Sha Qi for itself.
Solar God Pillar: "I'm on it, stay out of the way."
White Dragon Wing: "…"
Mu En and Yan Shaozhe hadn't expected such dominance from Huo Yuhao's Solar God Pillar.
The Sha Qi on Mu En's body was sucked into the Heavenly Eye like dust into a vacuum.
This Sha Qi was far stronger than Xiao Tao's evil fire, but the stronger it was, the more the Solar God Pillar relished it, making the Heavenly Eye's suction far greater than before.
Mu En's dark red body rapidly returned to normal.
Huo Yuhao felt no pain, as the Heavenly Eye blocked all Sha Qi attacks.
Thus, the absorption continued, time flowing slowly…
In terms of talent, Xuanzi was slightly stronger than Mu En, according to Mu En himself—but he might have been modest.
.....
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