"Alright, the battle is over. The losing side must accept their punishment!" Xuan Zi said with a smile, his expression light-hearted.
"I am a pig!" Ma Xiaotao and the others, now accepting their defeat, immediately and without hesitation shouted out in unison.
"After two rounds of battles, you should have gained a preliminary understanding of each other's abilities," Xuan Zi continued, smiling. "Now, everyone, go pack your things. We leave early tomorrow morning. Meet at the academy gates for our departure to Star Luo City for the competition."
"Star Luo City?" Huo Yuhao's face shifted slightly, a hint of confusion in his voice. "What do you mean?"
Xuan Zi glanced at him before replying, "Is there a problem? The High Soul Master Tournament is held in different capitals across the continent each year, and this year, it's Star Luo Empire's turn. Naturally, we must head to Star Luo City for the competition!"
"No, no problem!" Huo Yuhao quickly shook his head, embarrassed. "I was just surprised."
"Ah, right," Xuan Zi chuckled, a light of realization in his eyes. "I forgot you're from the Star Luo Empire, Huo Yuhao."
"Okay then, go on, disperse!" Xuan Zi said, and with that, he disappeared in a flash.
After saying their farewells to the substitute team, Zhu Ziyang and the main team left the assessment area and flew toward Sea God Island. As they reached the shores of the Sea God Lake, Dai Yaoheng separated from the group, flying off in another direction.
Looking at Dai Yaoheng's retreating figure, Zhu Ziyang's expression flickered. He could guess what Dai Yaoheng was going to do—warn his foolish younger brother not to make any more mistakes.
But it didn't concern Zhu Ziyang. He smiled lightly and headed directly toward the Sea God Pavilion after reaching Sea God Island.
Early Morning, at Shrek Academy's Entrance.
The Shrek main team and substitute team gathered at the academy gates. Since they were in a hurry, no one wore their school uniforms; after all, Shrek Academy's uniforms were too eye-catching.
Soon after, Xuan Zi arrived, but to everyone's surprise, he was accompanied by a silver-haired old woman and a middle-aged man with an air of scholarly wisdom. Zhu Ziyang and the main team recognized the old woman, while Huo Yuhao and the substitute team members recognized the middle-aged man.
"Old Lin! Elder Xuan!" Zhu Ziyang and the others greeted the silver-haired old woman with respect. The substitute team, although unfamiliar with Old Lin, followed the main team's lead in greeting her. After all, anyone who could make Elder Xuan take a half-step back had to be someone of great importance.
"Hahaha! Hello, children!" Old Lin greeted them warmly, her face kind and full of wisdom. "I'm just accompanying you to Star Luo City, no need to make a fuss over me. As for the competition arrangements, you should listen to Elder Xuan."
Everyone nodded in understanding, but only Zhu Ziyang knew the real reason for Old Lin's presence.
Old Lin, formally known as Lin Huiqun, was a 98th-level Super Douluo and held the title of Heavenly River. She was the continent's number one control-type soul master, Mu En's senior sister, and the highest-ranking elder at the Sea God Pavilion. Her presence meant she had been tasked with protecting Zhu Ziyang and the others, while also supervising Elder Xuan.
This was a result of a previous incident that had left Mu En no choice but to send Old Lin, as he no longer trusted Xuan Zi alone with Zhu Ziyang's safety.
"Yuhao, isn't that the head of the Treasure Pavilion?" Wang Dong whispered to Huo Yuhao.
"Yes!" Huo Yuhao recognized Old Lin but was more focused on the middle-aged man, remarking, "Is that Teacher Wang Yan coming with us?"
"Yes, this is Wang Yan, a teacher from the outer academy and the team leader for your group during the competition," Elder Xuan explained in his usual lazy manner, though now he wasn't eating or drinking.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Wang Yan. Please take care of me," Wang Yan said with a smile.
"Mm!" Ma Xiaotao scrutinized Wang Yan before nonchalantly responding, "Alright."
Zhu Ziyang chuckled at Ma Xiaotao's response. It was clear she thought Wang Yan wasn't strong enough, but Zhu Ziyang was surprised. Was Shrek Academy really so busy that they had to send a teacher from the outer academy to lead them?
"Let's go!" Elder Xuan called out, leading the way.
The group moved out, with the main team in front and the substitute team following behind, making their way toward Star Luo City. Old Lin, however, vanished from their sight, though everyone knew she was nearby, watching over them.
"Ziyang, you should know why Old Lin is coming with us, right?" Ma Xiaotao walked beside Zhu Ziyang and whispered in his ear, completely ignoring Jiang Nannan's fiery glare. She remained unbothered as always.
"Mm," Zhu Ziyang nodded, his expression one of resigned amusement.
"Brother, I heard Old Lin is Mu En's senior sister. Is that true?" Jiang Nannan asked sweetly, hooking her arm around Zhu Ziyang's left arm. She gave Ma Xiaotao a playful glance before turning her attention back to Zhu Ziyang.
"Yes, that's true," Zhu Ziyang confirmed with a nod. "Old Lin is Mu En's senior sister, and she's also the youngest daughter of the previous Sea God Pavilion head. Not only is she Mu En's senior, but she's also Elder Xuan's teacher."
"I see, no wonder Elder Xuan always looks like a mouse caught by a cat when he sees her," Jiang Nannan chuckled.
"Exactly," Zhu Ziyang replied with a smile. "Elder Xuan's teacher was Old Lin's older brother. Plus, Old Lin is nearly fifty years older than Elder Xuan. When Elder Xuan was in the outer academy, Old Lin was the head of the teaching staff there."
Hearing this, Jiang Nannan and Ma Xiaotao burst into laughter.
Ahead, Elder Xuan heard their conversation but could only smile helplessly. He knew Zhu Ziyang spoke the truth, and since Old Lin was right behind them, he didn't dare act out. The shadow she cast over him was too great!
Naturally, the biggest reason was that Old Lin's martial soul, the Heavenly River Umbrella, was incredibly powerful at controlling enemies, making it nearly impossible for Elder Xuan's martial soul, the Gluttonous Divine Bull, to counter her. Every time they fought, he was always outmatched, and after so many defeats, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease whenever he saw her.
"Cough, cough!" Elder Xuan stopped walking and turned around, clearing his throat. "Everyone, gather around."
Zhu Ziyang immediately stopped talking and walked toward Elder Xuan, with Jiang Nannan and Ma Xiaotao following. The rest of the group quickly surrounded them, their attention focused on Elder Xuan.
Elder Xuan's expression turned serious, and his voice grew heavier as he said, "We're not far from the academy. There's something I need to tell you. The seven of you from the substitute team need to pay attention, as this concerns your future development at the academy."
Zhu Ziyang and the six other main team members had an inkling of what was coming, but the substitute team members, like Huo Yuhao and Tang Ya, were confused. However, seeing Elder Xuan's serious expression, they quickly paid attention.
Elder Xuan began, "Shrek Academy has a history of over ten thousand years. Typically, a Soul Saint can live up to two hundred years, and a Title Douluo can live up to five hundred years. Every year, many outer academy students qualify for the inner academy. But do you know why there are fewer than a hundred inner academy students still remaining at the academy?"
Xu Sanshi spoke up, "Because the older students graduate and leave, right?"
Elder Xuan shook his head. "That's true, but not everyone leaves. The ones who stay behind, even after graduation, are the ones who can't leave."
His tone grew melancholic but proud as he continued, "These are the best students. And you, as substitute team members, have one foot already in the inner academy. The other foot is up to you and your choices."
Zhu Ziyang and the main team understood what Elder Xuan was implying. Huo Yuhao and the others, however, were still puzzled.
Elder Xuan went on, "Every year, many outer academy students qualify to enter the inner academy, but only a few actually make it. Once you're in the inner academy, you'll bear a heavy responsibility. And that responsibility will sometimes require sacrifices."
"All inner academy students automatically join another important division of Shrek Academy—the Shrek Inspection Team!"
The words shocked everyone.
"The Shrek Inspection Team?" the substitute team asked in surprise and confusion.
Elder Xuan nodded and explained, "That's right. The Shrek Inspection Team is tasked with eradicating evil soul masters, punishing fallen soul masters, eliminating villains, and maintaining peace and justice on the continent. All inner academy students are members of the Inspection Team, called 'Inspectors.' Both Old Lin and I are Vice Directors of the Inspection Team."
"Do you understand?" Elder Xuan asked.
The substitute team was silent for a moment. Some, like Beibei and Xu Sanshi, quickly understood. But Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao only grasped the basics, still unsure of the full scope.
"Yes!" Beibei, Xu Sanshi, He Caitou, and Tang Ya, as seniors, understood the gravity of the situation and nodded.
"Good. Now I need to know your decision," Elder Xuan said, his voice solemn. "Are you willing to give your all to maintain peace and justice, even if it requires sacrifices? Are you willing to rid the world of evil, leaving no soul master behind? Are you ready to dedicate everything to Shrek Academy's grand plan?"
"Willing!" The substitute team members answered in unison, their expressions serious and resolute.
Zhu Ziyang watched this quietly, his heart unwavering.
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