I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the fragrance of agarwood slowly drifted through the air, yet it failed to ease the tension gripping everyone's nerves.
Long Yeyue's bony fingers tapped rhythmically against the table, each dull thud echoing like a hammer blow on the hearts of the elders present.
"We must admit, this is a good solution."
Feng Wuyu's voice broke the silence. He stroked his crimson beard, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes. "At the very least, it can salvage some of our reputation. After the exchange match, we can attribute the previous failure to Tang Wulin and his team being overly eager for quick success. This storm will naturally subside."
Ya Li lightly furrowed her brows, her emerald-like eyes clouded with worry. "But the Sun Moon Academy likely won't agree easily. They've coveted the title of the continent's top academy for years. Now that they've finally seized the opportunity…"
"Hmph! They have no choice!"
Long Yeyue suddenly sneered, slamming her bony palm onto the table with such force that the teacups clinked loudly. "If they refuse, I'll personally visit Mingdu and make them agree!"
Yun Ming coughed softly, his long fingers unconsciously rubbing the armrest of his chair. "Master's Wife, it's best not to escalate things to that point. Winning one match isn't enough. The Sun Moon Academy might press their advantage and even preemptively accept our challenge."
"They don't deserve it!"
A fierce glint flashed in Long Yeyue's cloudy eyes. "Yun Ming, what happened to the boldness you showed when you stormed the War God Hall to rescue Ya Li?"
Her piercing gaze swept across the assembled elders. "That settles it. As for Tang Wulin and the others… we'll deal with them later. For now, let's discuss who from the outer court can lead the exchange team?"
Zhuo Shi opened his mouth, his Adam's apple bobbing as he struggled to speak, but ultimately said nothing. He thought of his prized disciple, Tang Wulin, and could only sigh inwardly.
"Gu La."
Elder Lin was the first to break the silence, his branch-like fingers tapping lightly on the table. "That boy absorbed two-tenths of Elder Tree's energy. It's time he contributed something to the academy."
"Exactly!" Another elder immediately chimed in. "Not counting battle armor, his strength is unmatched in the outer court. He's the most suitable candidate to lead the team."
When Bai Yuan was mentioned, several elders exchanged subtle glances.
"That child's martial soul, if exposed now, could cause unnecessary trouble. However, since no abyssal martial soul has ever been recorded, it can be disguised as a dark-type martial soul."
Long Yeyue narrowed her eyes, softly repeating the two names. Though aged, her memory remained sharp. "The boy who absorbed two-tenths of the Golden Tree's energy? Fine, count him in."
She abruptly stood up, her gaunt frame radiating an astonishing presence. "Shrek's twenty-thousand-year glory cannot be defiled. It must be defended with absolute strength!"
At that moment, Yun Ming received a message from Shen Yi. Moments later, Shen Yi led Gu La's group into the Sea God Pavilion.
Long Yeyue paused mid-step, curious to see the two individuals the Sea God Pavilion's higher-ups had placed their hopes on.
Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, falling on the youths. Gu La stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his dark golden eyes flickering with dancing flames.
"Master, the assessment team has returned," Shen Yi bowed respectfully.
Yun Ming's gaze lingered on Gu La for a moment, a flicker of admiration crossing his eyes. "You've returned just in time. After discussion in the Sea God Pavilion, it has been decided that you will represent Shrek Academy and head to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy to restore Shrek's honor."
Wu Sido's almond-shaped eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting slightly. "Us? But we're only first-years, and the Sun Moon team has two Spirit Fusion Techniques…"
"You are the most outstanding first-year students in Shrek's history," Yun Ming interrupted gently but firmly. "More importantly, you were not involved in the previous failure, making you the most suitable candidates."
Gu La's lips curved into a faint smile as he stepped forward. "I'm willing to accept this mission."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable force. "To fight for Shrek and defend the honor of the continent's top academy."
After a pause, he added, "However, Master Yun, would you like us to win in a more impressive fashion?"
A flicker of understanding passed through Yun Ming's eyes. He knew Gu La wouldn't follow conventional paths. "What's your idea?"
"I encountered some opportunities during the assessment."
Gu La raised his hand, and a vortex of pure soul power suddenly condensed in his palm. "I've already formed a soul core."
"If possible, I can defeat the Sun Moon Academy's six-person team alone."
"Moreover, Bai Yuan and the others are close to breaking through to Level 50 and need spirit souls to advance. If the academy can provide high-quality spirit souls, they can all join the fight to help defend the academy's honor."
Gu La began ticking off on his fingers. "Yin Wansheng can't participate directly, but if we include his spirit soul, that makes four ten-thousand-year spirit souls required as payment for my efforts."
Seeing the shocked expressions around him, he continued, "If the academy can provide high-quality spirit souls to help Bai Yuan and the others break through, I can guarantee—"
He held up four fingers. "Four one-versus-six battles. Enough to make Shrek's name resound across the continent once again."
The Sea God Pavilion fell silent, save for the rustling of the Golden Tree's leaves outside, as if bearing witness to this audacious declaration.
The atmosphere inside the pavilion suddenly froze.
"Outrageous!" Long Yeyue slammed her palm down on the table, leaving five distinct fingerprints on the agarwood surface. "As Shrek students, it is your duty to shoulder the academy's burdens!"
Zhuo Shi's expression darkened. "Gu La, don't forget that you absorbed two-tenths of the Golden Tree's energy. Such a favor…"
"A favor?"
Gu La suddenly laughed, a hint of mockery flashing in his dark golden eyes. "That energy was freely given to me by Elder Tree. You can't treat him as some unconscious property just because he resides within Shrek Academy."
He glanced around, meeting each elder's gaze briefly. "Moreover—"
He calmly removed the Shrek badge from his left chest, revealing the six-pointed star emblem of the Spirit Pagoda beneath it. "I am first and foremost a disciple of the Spirit Pagoda. My time at Shrek is merely for exchange and learning. Fighting for the academy is acceptable—it's repayment for the platform provided—but…"
He deliberately dragged out his words, imbuing them with deeper meaning.
"I expect compensation. Surely you don't expect me to offend the entire Sun Moon Academy and the city of Mingdu for free."
"Just four ten-thousand-year spirit souls. I'm sure that's nothing for Shrek Academy."
"Of course, if you'd rather offer a hundred-thousand-year soul bone instead, I wouldn't object."
Gu La shrugged, adding a joke. Unfortunately, no one found it amusing.
"Arrogant!"
"Overestimating yourself!"
Several elders erupted in anger simultaneously. Elder Lin's teacup cracked with multiple fine lines.
Yun Ming raised his hand to silence the rebukes, his deep gaze locking onto Gu La. "Are you not afraid of your true identity being exposed?"
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