But these noble families were merely appetizers.
The true target Tang Wulin wanted to recruit had never been them.
These people were nothing more than cannon fodder for the future.
---
Shrek City –
Having lost the aura of being the top academy, the millennia-old Shrek Academy began its decline.
Once bustling with activity, Shrek City now appeared desolate. Many shops had closed their doors, posting laughable "For Rent" signs.
After all, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that Shrek's economy was in shambles.
But none of this mattered to Tang Wulin. With his exceptional strength, he ignored Shrek City's no-fly zone and flew straight toward the inner courtyard.
However, as he approached the inner courtyard, Tang Wulin refrained from barging in recklessly.
Such an act would be too disrespectful to Shrek.
Since he had come seeking assistance, Tang Wulin wasn't foolish enough to antagonize the other party before even beginning negotiations.
"Junior disciple Tang Wulin requests an audience," he said, bowing slightly.
Under the ancient golden tree, Xuan Zi—who was gnawing on a chicken leg—looked conflicted. But considering Tang Wulin's identity, he sighed helplessly in the end.
"Come in."
When they met, Tang Wulin was no longer the boy he once was, but Xuan Zi appeared far more haggard and aged. There was no trace of the once-mighty Limit Douluo who had reached Level 99 through cultivation.
Though Shrek Academy's decline wasn't directly due to Tang San, their years of unwavering support for Tang Wulin without any reward spoke volumes about their lack of gratitude.
Tang Wulin and the Hao Tian Sect had earned Xuan Zi's disdain.
"Speak your business," Xuan Zi said, his face expressionless.
Tang Wulin showed no hint of awkwardness, still wearing a confident smile. He lightly cupped his hands and said:
"I've come to ask Elder Xuan to lend me your aid."
Xuan Zi's chewing abruptly halted, and his gaze sharpened as he looked at Tang Wulin.
"Lend my aid? What kind of aid?
This is the era of the Tian Xing Soul Masters. Even if I were to step in, what difference could I make?
Listen to me, boy. Focus on your cultivation. With your backing, you have an eighty percent chance of ascending to godhood. Stop chasing these pointless daydreams."
Though Xuan Zi's tone was indifferent, Tang Wulin could clearly sense the underlying frustration in his words.
After all, Xuan Zi hadn't said it was the era of the Tian Xing Federation but the era of the Tian Xing Soul Masters—just as the Douluo Continent had once belonged to Shrek and Mu En.
Seeing that the person before him wasn't completely useless, Tang Wulin dropped the pretense.
A powerful aura erupted from Tang Wulin's body. The trident symbol, which he had previously concealed, emerged on his forehead. Behind the trident, there seemed to be the faint outline of a small rabbit.
"This!?! What is this!?" Xuan Zi's eyes widened as he shot up from his chair, staring at Tang Wulin in disbelief.
At this moment, Tang Wulin radiated confidence and arrogance. Summoning the Sea God's Trident, he slammed it into the ground, causing cracks to form on the steel-like surface reinforced by the ancient golden tree.
"Just as you imagined, Elder Xuan. I am now the inheritor of the Sea God's legacy. In the near future, I will ascend to the Sea God's divine position, ruling over the Douluo Continent just as my ancestor Tang San did ten thousand years ago."
But after hearing Tang Wulin's words, Xuan Zi calmly sat back down.
This sudden reaction left Tang Wulin stunned. What was going on? Wasn't his display impressive enough? Shouldn't Xuan Zi have bowed in submission?
After a brief emotional fluctuation, Xuan Zi's eyes returned to their previous calm.
"Boy, I admit you have some potential. But don't think that becoming a god will make you truly invincible.
Your Hao Tian Sect has existed for over ten thousand years. Haven't you studied the records of the past god wars?
Even gods can be killed.
And do you really think you're the only one who has received a divine inheritance?"
By the end of his speech, Xuan Zi smirked faintly at Tang Wulin.
Although Shrek had declined, it wasn't on the verge of extinction. However, getting involved in a god war was another matter entirely.
After all, the Tian Xing Academy had already produced several divine inheritors, while Tang Wulin stood alone.
Shrek could no longer withstand major upheavals. Xuan Zi sighed deeply.
"Boy, go back. I'm just an ordinary Level 99 Title Douluo. I have no place meddling in your future god wars.
Let me give you some advice: if you can ascend to godhood, do so quietly. Don't provoke conflict with the Tian Xing Academy—or you might end up like those two who were killed in the Spirit Hall's battle."
Xuan Zi's refusal caused Tang Wulin's brow to furrow slightly.
But after years of managing the Tang Corporation, Tang Wulin had developed a degree of patience. He didn't storm off simply because his request was denied.
In negotiations, interests came second; winning hearts came first.
After a brief moment of thought, Tang Wulin said:
"Elder Xuan, are you truly content with Shrek Academy being reduced to a second-rate institution?"
Xuan Zi took another swig of alcohol and shrugged indifferently.
"It won't fall to second-rate status. After all, Shrek's connections accumulated over thousands of years aren't meaningless."
Though Shrek had declined, the vast network of relationships built over ten thousand years wasn't easily erased. It had formed a massive interest group. While the number of students had decreased significantly compared to its peak, the academy wouldn't collapse or become second-rate.
Moreover, though Xuan Zi appeared to be slacking off, he was aware that if Shrek continued on this path, it truly would decline. Thus, years ago, he had tightened teaching standards, kicking out incompetent teachers like Zhou Yi and sending them to Lin Fan's side as mere ornaments.
All in all, Shrek was still a giant among dwarfs.
As long as they didn't make reckless moves, Shrek's accumulated reputation over the years would prevent it from falling into obscurity.
But Tang Wulin, who had come well-prepared, wouldn't let Shrek off so easily.
"Elder Xuan, why deceive yourself like this?
Without the great ancestor Tang San, where would Shrek's glory be today?
Let me be frank with you. The great ancestor Tang San has decided to initiate a god war and bestowed numerous divine positions upon the Hao Tian Sect. Right now, our sect is amassing strength, preparing to overthrow the Tian Xing Federation.
No matter the outcome, Elder Xuan, do you really believe that Shrek Academy—built on the foundation of the Tang family—can remain unscathed?"
Xuan Zi fell into a long silence.
The benefits of divinity weren't so easily obtained. Even after ten thousand years, every action carried consequences.
If Tang San prevailed in the future, Shrek could return to its former glory. But if Tang Wulin failed, Shrek would face collective punishment.
As Tang Wulin had said, Xuan Zi had been deceiving himself earlier.
"Fine. Tell me your plan, boy."
------------------------------------------------------
400+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)