In the thirteenth spar between Mo Hentian and Lan Fozi, Lan Fozi ultimately emerged victorious with superior skill.
This wasn't surprising, given that Lan Fozi's Martial Soul possessed the Ultimate Water attribute. If she couldn't secure a win while also having higher Soul Power than her opponent, then such an Ultimate Soul wouldn't deserve the reverence it held in the world.
As for why Mo Hentian had previously managed to defeat Lan Fozi, the reason was simple—Lan Fozi had to maintain her persona by pretending to have insufficient mastery over her Ultimate attribute. Over time, as she deepened her understanding and control of the Ultimate attribute, her strength naturally advanced by leaps and bounds. For Mo Hentian to defeat her now would be exceedingly difficult.
All of this was Jing Shaoyu's speculation. While he couldn't be entirely certain, one thing was clear: the Ultimate Water Martial Soul was indeed formidable.
After returning to the academy for a month, Jing Shaoyu had grown familiar with the people, routines, and lifestyle of the Inner Academy. Compared to the tense and serious atmosphere of the Outer Academy, the Inner Academy was far more relaxed and cheerful. After all, students who entered the Inner Academy were, in essence, already true members of Shrek. Unless they chose to leave on their own, there was no overwhelming academic pressure.
Currently, the Inner Academy had fewer than a hundred disciples. The oldest were in their thirties or forties, such as Lan Muzi, Tang Yinmeng, and Wu Zhangkong, while the youngest were around sixteen or seventeen—Jing Shaoyu, Gu Yue, and a few others being among the youngest batch.
Since there were no fundamental conflicts of interest among the students, the overall atmosphere was harmonious, joyful, and warm. Any disputes between individuals were minor personal issues that didn't affect the general camaraderie. Most students treated each other like family, addressing one another as senior brothers, junior sisters, or senior sisters and junior brothers.
It was easy to understand why Inner Academy disciples rarely chose to leave voluntarily—Wu Zhangkong being the exception.
On this day, Jing Shaoyu finally saw Yun Ming and Ya Li again—his second time meeting them since his return. Ya Li, having resolved her inner turmoil and broken through to the Limit Douluo realm, had been in seclusion, while Yun Ming stood guard for her.
Now that Ya Li had emerged from seclusion, her first thought was to see her beloved godson, so Jing Shaoyu was summoned.
"Teacher, Godmother," Jing Shaoyu greeted. Although he had also acknowledged Yun Ming as his godfather, he habitually referred to him as "teacher." Yun Ming didn't mind, but Ya Li's eyes sparkled with excitement upon hearing Jing Shaoyu's address.
"My good son!" She embraced him with a radiant smile, her voice brimming with deep affection and joy.
Jing Shaoyu could sense the change in Ya Li. Before, though she had always smiled warmly and appeared gentle, there had been an underlying melancholy within her. Now, that heaviness had vanished entirely. She seemed to glow with vitality, exuding warmth and brightness like true spring sunlight.
He couldn't tell whether this transformation was due to Ya Li's ascension to Limit Douluo or the resolution of her inner conflicts, but one thing was certain—it was a positive change.
"Godmother, you've changed so much," Jing Shaoyu remarked in amazement.
"Hehe, all thanks to my wonderful son!" Ya Li replied cheerfully.
"Your godmother's promotion to Limit Douluo has transformed and refined both her origin energy and life force, so such significant changes are natural," Yun Ming said with an eye roll.
Jing Shaoyu nodded and asked, "Teacher, is the realm above Limit Douluo that of a god?"
"No," Yun Ming shook his head, glancing at Shaoyu. "You've reached the age where you should know these secrets, so I'll explain properly."
"Mortals always believe Limit Douluo represents the pinnacle for Soul Masters, unaware that even among Limit Douluo there are vast differences. Though all possess ninety-nine levels of Soul Power, their actual realms and cultivation vary dramatically. Specifically, it's divided into three tiers: Quasi-Demigod, Demigod, and Quasi-Deity."
"Take your godmother as an example. Not long ago, she was a newly advanced Limit Douluo—her realm, cultivation, and origin energy hadn't stabilized, her path wasn't firmly established, so she was considered a Quasi-Demigod."
"But now, her origin energy has consolidated. Her Martial Soul has begun evolving laws, her Soul Power is transforming into higher-level energy, and her life essence has transcended mortality. Thus, she can be called a Demigod."
"As for Quasi-Deity, as the name suggests, this realm is just one step away from true godhood. Soul Power is on the verge of becoming divine energy, law power is weaving into a divine core, and life level has reached the mortal world's absolute peak."
Shaoyu's expression turned solemn. "Teacher, you're currently at the Quasi-Deity realm, aren't you?"
"Mm," Yun Ming nodded. "Correct. I've been stagnant at Quasi-Deity for fifty years now, yet still haven't taken that final step. This step... is truly difficult!"
Yun Ming's tone grew melancholic, his face showing unwillingness.
Shaoyu couldn't help but think inwardly: If these words got out, veteran Limit Douluo would probably hang their heads in shame. Though Yun Ming claims it's difficult, he's likely already weaving his divine seat at this very moment.
Were it not for interference from those who appear human but act otherwise, Shaoyu believed Yun Ming would undoubtedly be the first in the post-Douluo era to create his own godhood—perhaps even surpassing the original Sea God and Angel God, since those two ascended without any Divine Kings suppressing them.
"Teacher, is advancing from Quasi-Deity to godhood really that hard? Then why did the Sea God and Spirit Ice Douluo achieve it so easily?" Shaoyu asked, his question carrying hidden implications.
"Ha!" Yun Ming gave a bitter smile. "I consider my talent no inferior to the Sea God or Spirit Ice Douluo, but the times are different. A millennium ago, the Douluo Continent already lost connection with the God Realm. The path of inheriting godhood like our predecessors is severed. Now, the only way is to emulate ancient deities—creating one's own divinity!"
"Ming, I believe in you. You'll definitely succeed!" At this moment, Ya Li grasped Yun Ming's hand, her expression resolute.
Clearly, Ya Li knew about Yun Ming's divine seat creation.
Shaoyu's mouth fell open in surprise—he hadn't expected Yun Ming to reveal such crucial secrets so casually. "Teacher, this..."
"Hahaha, surprised?" Yun Ming burst into laughter as he watched Jing Shaoyu's reaction. "It's only natural to be shocked. When I first heard this from your grand-teacher, I was just as stunned! This method of self-creating a godhood was discovered and first attempted by your grand-teacher. What a pity!"
Yun Ming's tone suddenly turned somber.
Grand-teacher—the former master of the Sea God Pavilion, the Heaven's Favored Douluo, Elder Bei. It was said he passed away prematurely. Well, though he was over a hundred years old when he fell, considering the lifespan of a Limit Douluo, it was indeed an early demise. From Yun Ming's tone, it seemed there was more to Elder Bei's untimely death.
"Back then, after your teacher advanced to Limit Douluo, Elder Bei went into seclusion to attempt self-creating a godhood and breaking through to the divine level. Unfortunately, he failed, suffered severe damage to his origin, and ultimately perished with regret," Ya Li explained in a subdued voice.
Jing Shaoyu fell silent upon hearing this. Well, his impression of Elder Bei had only been tied to Long Yeyue and Chen Xinjie's messy affairs. He hadn't expected the man to have such an admirable yet tragic ambition.
"Shaoyu, the reason I'm telling you this is simple," Yun Ming quickly regained his composure and patted Jing Shaoyu's shoulder. "Hurry up and become a Limit Douluo. That way, I can go into seclusion and focus on breaking through to the divine level!"
"Uh—got it!" Jing Shaoyu was momentarily taken aback but then answered with full confidence. "I'll train hard and become a Limit Douluo as quickly as possible!"
"That's the spirit," Yun Ming said with a laugh. "Follow me."
Yun Ming strode out of the room first.
"Let's go, A'Yu," Ya Li urged, quickly following Yun Ming.
Though puzzled, Jing Shaoyu immediately chased after them.
His thoughts were in turmoil as he debated whether to tell Yun Ming about the Holy Spirit Church's plan to bomb Shrek Academy.
But how should he phrase it?
He couldn't just blurt out that Qiangu Dongfeng, the master of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, was colluding with the Holy Spirit Church and planning to use three Godslayer Soul Missiles to blow up Shrek Academy, could he?
Even if he dared to say it, Yun Ming would have to believe him—because the whole thing sounded utterly absurd. To the public, Qiangu Dongfeng had no reason to do such a thing, not to mention that Godslayer Soul Missiles were exclusively owned by the Federation.
After racking his brain, Jing Shaoyu could only conclude that there was no solution.
Sighing inwardly, he muttered to himself, Forget it. I'll take it one step at a time. Worst case, once I ascend to godhood, I can just revive Yun Ming.
As the planet's spirit, the will of nature itself, reviving a lifeform below the divine level would be child's play, wouldn't it?
Lost in thought, Jing Shaoyu followed Yun Ming and Ya Li into the Sea God Pavilion's main hall. The hall was already filled with people—most of them white-haired and white-bearded.
These old-timers were undoubtedly the Elders of the Sea God Pavilion. Upon seeing Yun Ming and Ya Li enter, they all smiled warmly. When they noticed Jing Shaoyu trailing behind, their expressions turned equally welcoming.
Jing Shaoyu spotted Long Yeyue, Cai Yue'er, Feng Wuyu, and Zhuo Shi. The other Elders were unfamiliar—he had never seen them before.
"I've gathered everyone here today for two main matters," Yun Ming said bluntly as he took his seat at the head of the table.
Ya Li sat down as well, while Jing Shaoyu, at Yun Ming's gesture, stood behind him.
"The first matter is that Ya Li and I have decided to adopt Shaoyu as our foster son," Yun Ming announced.
Upon hearing this, the Elders of the Sea God Pavilion showed little surprise, as this was hardly unexpected news. They had all anticipated it to some degree, and each offered their congratulations with smiles.
However, Yun Ming's next words stirred excitement among them.
"Consequently, Ya Li's cultivation has broken through," Yun Ming said casually, his tone understated.
"Truly?" Long Yeyue turned to Ya Li in astonishment, her eyes alight with joy, though a trace of melancholy lingered. As a senior, being surpassed by one junior after another was a bitter pill to swallow.
"Yes," Ya Li replied with a gentle smile. "Thanks to A'Yu, I was able to resolve the knots in my heart, and my cultivation naturally advanced as a result."
"Wonderful!" Cai Yue'er clapped her hands in excitement. "This means our Shrek Academy now has two Limit Douluos—and one of them is the world's only healing-type Limit Douluo!"
"Exactly!" the other Elders chimed in enthusiastically.
What did a healing-type Limit Douluo signify? Only these seasoned veterans could truly grasp its profound implications.
"Now, for the second matter," Yun Ming continued, observing their excitement. "In my capacity as the Master of the Sea God Pavilion, I hereby formally designate Jing Shaoyu as the successor to the position."
This, too, was an expected development, and none of the Elders voiced objections, nodding in unanimous approval.
"Shaoyu, from today onward, you are a member of the Sea God Pavilion. Your foster mother will brief you on the relevant details later. For now, step forward and greet the Elders."
"Yes," Jing Shaoyu responded promptly, stepping forward and addressing the elderly figures before him with deep respect. "Greetings, Elders!"
"Good! Good! Good!" the Elders echoed in unison, their triple affirmation reflecting their high regard for Jing Shaoyu.
With his striking appearance naturally endearing him to elders and his exceptional talent further enhancing their favor, there was little for them to oppose.
"Shaoyu, this is Elder Long Yeyue, the Light-Dark Douluo," Cai Yue'er took it upon herself to introduce the Elders to him. "You've likely met before, so I won't elaborate."
"Heh," Long Yeyue offered a faint smile. "A pity you're now Yun Ming and Ya Li's foster son—I can't have you call me 'Sister Yue' anymore."
Her remark drew laughter from the assembled Elders.
Jing Shaoyu, however, sensed a flicker of displeasure in Long Yeyue's gaze. Was it his imagination?
Had he somehow offended this esteemed elder?
"Feng Wuyu and Zhuo Shi—you already know them, so I won't introduce them," Cai Yue'er skipped over the Twin Holy Dragons.
The two men were unbothered, each flashing Jing Shaoyu a roguish grin.
"This is Elder Mei Ruguo, the Heavenly Star Douluo. Ye Xinglan was once her nominal disciple," Cai Yue'er continued.
"Oh, how could I dare claim such a title?" Elder Mei, a refined elderly woman, responded with a touch of lament in her voice.
Yun Ming and Cai Yue'er exchanged awkward smiles.
Due to a decision by the Sea God Pavilion, Ye Xinglan had been accepted as a disciple by the Amorous Douluo on behalf of the Heartless Douluo.
Why the Amorous Douluo acting for the Heartless Douluo? Because the latter was occupied with a matter of great importance and could not spare the time.
At least, that was Ye Xinglan's explanation.
Elder Mei, having had a promising disciple she'd long set her eyes on snatched away without reason, was naturally filled with resentment. However, she'd recently taken a liking to another talented child and planned to take her as a disciple in a few days—this time, she absolutely wouldn't let anyone steal her away!
"This is Sugar Bean Douluo He Yiping, Elder He. He is currently the highest-leveled Food-type Soul Master," Cai Yue'er continued the introductions.
"Merely by luck," Elder He replied. He was a portly old man with a plump, jovial appearance, radiating an air of good fortune.
Cai Yue'er then introduced the remaining Elders whom Jing Shaoyu didn't know, one by one.
As he greeted them, Jing Shaoyu couldn't help but marvel inwardly. No wonder the Federation feared and worried so much about Shrek Academy, even resorting to the use of Godslayer Soul Missiles. Just these Elders present—if even one survived, they could turn the entire Federation upside down and plunge it into chaos.
In the end, Jing Shaoyu's position as the successor to
the Pavilion Master was firmly established. Should anything happen to Yun Ming in the future, he would rightfully become the next master of the Sea God Pavilion.
Though solidifying this title would still require his own strength, that was nothing more than a minor trial.
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