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Xuan Zi returned to Shrek Academy in a daze, barging directly into the Sea God Pavilion.
Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the light was soft, and the Golden Ancient Tree's branches emitted pure light elements. The layout had not changed much since the Legend of the Dragon King era.
Around an ancient round table sat several profoundly powerful Sea God Pavilion Elders. At the head of the table sat Dragon God Douluo Mu En, whose presence, though weakened by age, still exuded supreme authority.
Though nearing the end of his life, Mu En did not face the same constraints as the later-generation Atlas Douluo Yun Ming. He held absolute authority within the Sea God Pavilion, with his word being final.
When Xuan Zi, reeking of blood and despair, hoarsely reported the tragedy in the border cave—Yao Haoxuan's death, Xixi's leg severed, Gongyang Mo's arm lost, Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and others suffering internal injuries—the entire Sea God Pavilion fell into a heavy silence.
In Mu En's cloudy yet piercing eyes, a mix of disbelief and sorrow flared.
"Xuan Zi! Again… you…" Mu En's voice carried suppressed anger and disappointment.
"The last time, due to your negligence, seven or eight elite Inner Court disciples perished. The Sea God Pavilion considered your past contributions and spared you! And now, so soon?!"
"You've been negligent again, causing such a catastrophe! Yao Haoxuan… and Xixi and Gongyang Mo—they're crippled, which is crueler than death. How will the academy explain this to their families?!"
Mu En's words struck like a hammer, hitting Xuan Zi and the other elders deeply.
Yan Shaozhe quickly interjected, attempting to divert attention from Xuan Zi: "Yao Haoxuan came from humble origins; his family isn't influential, so they can be appeased. But Xixi and Gongyang Mo… their families hold considerable sway in the Tian Hun Empire. This matter must be handled carefully, or it will harm the academy."
"What else can we do?!" Another elder sighed. "We'll announce they were killed by evil soul masters. Offer their families the highest compensation and resources… After all, dying while fighting evil soul masters makes them heroes of Shrek. Should we demand Xuan Zi's life?"
This statement revealed the harsh reality of the Sea God Pavilion. Xuan Zi, the Level 98 Taotie Douluo, could not be easily punished. He was the strongest figure representing Shrek Academy and the only one after Mu En capable of reaching Limit Douluo status and shouldering the Sea God Pavilion's future.
With Mu En's life nearing its end and Shrek facing a leadership vacuum, even an incompetent Xuan Zi was indispensable.
Xuan Zi painfully closed his eyes, his voice hoarse: "Pavilion Master, esteemed elders, I know my sins are grave. I am unworthy of my position as Deputy Master of the Sea God Pavilion and Commander of the Inspection Corps. Please allow me to resign from all duties and reflect in solitude."
"No," Yan Shaozhe immediately intervened, "Elder Xuan, this is a critical time for the academy. The Inspection Corps cannot function without your leadership. One mistake does not justify abandoning responsibility."
"Yes, Elder Xuan, one error does not mean…" Other elders chimed in with consoling words.
Just as Xuan Zi's mistakes seemed about to be brushed aside, Mu En slammed his armrest, releasing an invisible wave of pressure that silenced the entire Sea God Pavilion.
"Enough!"
He glared sternly at Xuan Zi: "Xuan Zi! Do you think stepping down absolves you of responsibility? Or eases your guilt? That's the act of a coward. What Shrek needs now is for you to step up, not hide away!"
Mu En's voice carried deep fatigue and helplessness.
He didn't want to let Xuan Zi off lightly, but reality was coldly pragmatic. Was Shrek's ten thousand year old glory now sustained by repeatedly covering up mistakes and sacrificing young lives?
He surveyed the elders, seeing their acknowledgment of Xuan Zi's irreplaceability, and felt a surge of sorrow.
"Punishment must be meted out," Mu En declared firmly, making the final decision. "Xuan Zi, effective immediately, you are relieved of your position as Commander of the Inspection Corps, to be temporarily replaced by Yan Shaozhe. You are also stripped of your role as Deputy Master of the Sea God Pavilion, pending further review. Additionally…"
Mu En's gaze sharpened like a blade: "You are forbidden from drinking alcohol and must strictly control your food intake. For the remainder of my life, if I detect even a trace of alcohol on you or hear of you losing control due to your Taotie Bloodline… I will personally destroy your cultivation and expel you from the Sea God Pavilion!"
"Forbidden from drinking… controlling food…" Xuan Zi's body trembled violently.
For someone with the Taotie Bloodline, this punishment was akin to torture. The insatiable hunger and craving for wine would torment him ceaselessly.
But compared to Yao Haoxuan's cold corpse and the despair in Xixi and Gongyang Mo's eyes, this suffering was nothing.
"I… accept my punishment." He bowed his head heavily, his voice raspy.
After the punishment, Xuan Zi brought up the tournament: "Pavilion Master, the main team has suffered heavy losses. Should we urgently recruit reinforcements from the Inner Court? Now, only a group of youngsters remain…"
Mu En waved his hand wearily, a complex look flashing in his eyes: "No need. Let them go. Have you not realized… that Shrek Academy has been shackled too tightly, too heavily, by these words—ten thousand year old glory'?"
"Every tournament feels like gambling the academy's fate and countless children's lives… Is this glory worth it?"
His words reflected deep introspection about the academy's current state. However, the other elders, including Yan Shaozhe, showed dismissive expressions.
To them, maintaining Shrek's undefeated myth was the highest mission! Glory could not be abandoned lightly.
Mu En looked at their reactions, sighed deeply, and fell silent. He knew his words, though sincere, were unwelcome advice no one understood or could act upon.
…
Meanwhile, under the shadow of the cave, the team was enveloped in an atmosphere thick with grief, anger, fear, and disappointment in Xuan Zi's "desertion."
Yet, they rallied their spirits, carrying the wounded and Yao Haoxuan's remains, continuing toward Star Luo City.
Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and others' wounds appeared to have stopped bleeding, but their internal organs were traumatized, and their soul power was chaotic. Without timely treatment, they risked permanent damage, affecting their foundations.
At this moment, Xiao Xiao's importance became undeniable. Her Azure Phoenix martial soul, infused with the Nine-Headed Phoenix soul and close to Ultimate Wood, displayed astonishing support capabilities.
Though she lacked direct healing skills, she could convert her pure soul power into a gentle yet abundant life force, continuously channeling it into the injured.
While not as immediately effective as professional healing skills, this life force was persistent, gentle, and nourishing to their roots.
Ma Xiaotao and others felt a cool, vitalizing warmth flow through their bodies, soothing internal burns and tears. Their chaotic soul power gradually stabilized under the life force's guidance.
The recovery speed far exceeded expectations.
When Xuan Zi, accompanied by his newly appointed successor, theoretical teacher Wang Yan, caught up with the group in a panic, the sight before him brought immense relief.
Though Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and others remained pale and their breathing was uneven, they could move without issue, indicating their injuries were under control. With proper rest, they would regain most of their strength.
"Thank goodness, thank goodness."
Wang Yan adjusted his glasses, overwhelmed with excitement. Thrust into the role of leader, he had feared Shrek's failure in the tournament after hearing of the tragedy.
Now, hope remained.
Especially with Gu La, a powerhouse comparable to a Soul King, and Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's fusion skill combination. With proper tactics and time for Ma Xiaotao's team to recover, they could still uphold Shrek Academy's honor.
Upon entering Star Luo City, all participating academies were housed in the city's most luxurious hotel.
After settling in, Shrek's group immediately focused on healing and preparing for battle.
Wang Yan worked tirelessly, meeting with every team member to understand their martial souls, soul skills, and coordination habits, aiming to devise the most effective tactics in the shortest time.
"Gu La, regarding your abilities and role…" Wang Yan approached Gu La, ready to discuss arrangements.
"Teacher Wang," Gu La interrupted calmly, "you have a general understanding of my abilities. As for tactics, I'll follow orders. I'm going out for some fresh air."
He saw no point wasting time on meaningless tactical discussions. If needed, he would naturally contribute to the fight.
He didn't inquire about Xuan Zi's punishment, knowing it wouldn't be severe, and decided to take a walk.
Wang Yan paused, looking at Gu La's calm eyes and imagining his presumed grief over Yao Haoxuan's death and the tragic scene. He nodded reluctantly: "Alright, return soon and stay safe."
Others assumed Gu La was troubled by Yao Haoxuan's death and needed solitude, so they didn't stop him.
Gu La left the hotel, blending into the bustling crowd of Star Luo City. He wasn't grieving; he simply found staying in the hotel boring.
As the empire's capital, Star Luo City was teeming with geniuses and factions from across the continent due to the soul master tournament, creating a vibrant and chaotic atmosphere.
Gu La wondered if his protagonist-level luck might uncover something valuable.
He strolled leisurely, scanning the crowded streets and shops.
As for the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion's left arm bone and Snow Empress embryo rumored to appear at the auction, he had no interest. They were incompatible with his attributes, and he wasn't interested in interfering with Huo Yuhao's destiny.
Passing a lively street corner, two exceptionally tall and muscular young men in rough clothing caught Gu La's attention. They drank and ate heartily, their loud voices and sharp gazes exuding raw, primal strength.
"Body Sect."
Gu La's eyes flickered as he instantly recognized their origin.
Their unique blood fluctuations and perfect control of every muscle marked them as Body Martial Soul users.
Watching the two boisterous Body Sect disciples, Gu La's lips curved into a sly smile.
"The Body Sect… a bunch of brute-force worshippers led astray by the Du Brothers. No brains whatsoever. Perfect… boredom calls for entertainment."
He turned and walked directly toward their table.
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