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"Xie Xie and Yuanen Yehui, Le Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan, Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi—is every generation of Shrek's Seven Monsters like this?" Gu Yue couldn't help but wonder. If she had followed the original plot, she would currently be accepting Tang Wulin's confession.
"Pretty much." Bai Xu sighed. Unlike in the original story, Xie Xie wasn't "taking responsibility for seeing someone's body"—instead, he had gradually fallen for Yuanen through their daily interactions.
"Speaking of which… you're not really the type to confess in public, are you?" Gu Yue had a feeling Bai Xu wasn't that kind of person. He didn't seem to enjoy being the center of attention. Standing quietly on the sidelines, watching everything unfold, suited him just fine.
"Yeah, I think so too." Na'er chimed in.
"The Sea God's Fate Matchmaking Festival is for matchmaking, but marriage is marriage. Rather than confessing here, I'd rather say those words to you both at our wedding." Bai Xu smiled.
Gu Yue and Na'er looked at his expression, their lips curling up unconsciously as they teased, "You've already thought about marriage?"
"I've gotten used to planning ahead, thinking before acting. Since things have already changed, I have to take responsibility for you both. I don't like tragic endings. Life is bitter enough—there's no need for the final chapter to be sad."
Gu Yue and Na'er stared at him in silence. Bai Xu always gave off an air of reliability, making it hard not to rely on him. Stripping away the aura of someone who could see through past and future, standing on equal ground with him, they realized just how precious he was.
There was nothing more fulfilling than sharing the same future goals with the person you loved and working toward them together.
Bai Xu stood up, extending his hands to the two girls. Instead of answering Na'er's question, he said meaningfully, "The reason I could guide you before was because I was an outsider. But now, I'm part of the game. Let's break this deadlock together, shall we?"
"Of course!"
Gu Yue and Na'er exchanged a glance, smiling as they placed their hands in his. Without another glance at the Sea God's Fate event, the three walked away side by side in comfortable silence.
Bai Xu had considered many possible endings. His presence had made the situation even more unpredictable. Combined with the words of the other Bai Xu, it was possible that the will of the universe itself might intervene. But Bai Xu didn't have time. To cultivate strength comparable to the entire universe, he would need at least the late stages of the fourth layer of Divine Prohibition—or even the fifth.
Perhaps he wouldn't reach that level by the final battle. That was exactly why the other Bai Xu had left him a lifeline.
Whether the ending would be a happy one depended entirely on whether he could seize that chance.
---
A Few Days Later.
The Sea God's Fate event had ended, and all the students had left.
Sea God Island.
The inner court disciples, led by Shrek's Seven Monsters, had gathered here. Xie Xie had finally returned to normal, and Tang Wulin's comeback had reignited the group's confidence—the kind of unshakable bond where, as long as the seven of them stood together, no challenge seemed insurmountable.
But now… they were facing Bai Xu.
Atlas Douluo had also appeared, watching the duel between Bai Xu and Tang Wulin with a resigned expression. It was obvious to him who held the upper hand.
"Ming, what are you sighing about? Hoping Tang Wulin wins so Na'er stays?" Yali chuckled, as if seeing right through Yun Ming's thoughts.
Yun Ming shook his head. "According to the Tang Sect's intel, Tang Wulin disappeared into a pocket dimension for three years. His cultivation hasn't improved much—he's even fallen slightly behind the rest of Shrek's Seven Monsters. But with his formidable bloodline, he might still surpass them. As for Bai Xu… his growth over the past two years has become increasingly unfathomable. My divine sense tells me his entire body seems to radiate brilliance, as if all life bows before him. I've never seen such a perfect aura before. But he's definitely hiding his true depth—no less than Tang Wulin."
"You think highly of both of them." Yali stood beside Yun Ming, both gazing toward the distant arena.
Tang Wulin and Bai Xu stood facing each other—this was far from their first confrontation.
Yun Ming paused before adding, "It's hard to say who will win. Tang Wulin underwent the Golden Tree's baptism and even produced an unprecedented emerald gold soul ring. The Golden Tree lost thirty percent of its life energy because of it—an enhancement that could turn an ordinary person into a Titled Douluo. Yet Tang Wulin only broke through to five rings. Both of them have unknown variables. The outcome is uncertain."
"Moreover, Tang Wulin likely carries the bloodline of the Asura Tang San, who ascended to godhood twenty thousand years ago. To be honest, I'm slightly leaning toward him."
As the two on the platform discussed, Bai Xu was also communicating with the World Spirit:
"He became the Child of Nature?"
"Yes, my lord. The Ancient Tree of Life has placed its bet on him. His fifth soul skill should allow him to control surrounding plants, drawing life energy from them. However, because of this, the Ancient Tree has fallen into slumber."
"Oh? So that means I can fight him properly?"
"Yes."
For the first time in a while, Bai Xu felt a flicker of interest. Back then, why had he used the Wood Element to deduce the countless possibilities of the Blue Silver Grass, evolving it into Blue Silver King, Blue Silver Emperor, and even ventured into the Spirit Ascension Platform to study the primal forests? The reason was self-evident.
Watching Tang Wulin, brimming with newfound confidence, Bai Xu settled into his stance.
Gu Yue and Na'er sat in the spectator stands. Na'er asked, "Brother seems to have gained significant progress from the Ancient Tree of Life, jumping straight to Soul King rank. Combined with his Golden Dragon King bloodline, he still shouldn't be able to defeat Bai Xu, right?"
Gu Yue was relaxed. "Don't worry. Bai Xu has already mastered the Wood Element—in fact, he started with it two years ago. Maybe he foresaw this day. What was that move called again… the 'Azure Emperor's Divine Wood Technique'? But Na'er… the Child of Nature and the mastery of creation are not the same."
---
"Bai Xu! If you want to take Na'er away, you'll have to defeat me first!"
Tang Wulin roared, his Golden Dragon King bloodline erupting. The Golden Dragon Spear pointed forward as a massive golden dragon phantom materialized behind him, exuding overwhelming pressure.
Bai Xu drew his white sword, meeting him with an even more imposing aura. A single slash sent Tang Wulin stumbling back over a dozen steps before he regained his footing.
The gap in cultivation was absolute, and even in raw physical strength, Tang Wulin couldn't gain an advantage. He had the feeling that even his Golden Dragon Claws might not overpower Bai Xu in a direct clash.
How could a human reach such heights in physical prowess?
He's not a spirit beast, nor does he have a bloodline.
Tang Wulin lamented inwardly: "If only I could use my fifth soul skill… Even with all that life energy replenishing me, I still can't win against Bai Xu."
"Fine, I admit defeat!" He gave up. There was no point in continuing.
Perhaps only after fully unlocking the Golden Dragon King's seals and transforming into a Golden Dragon would he stand a chance against Bai Xu.
"Hm?" Bai Xu was taken aback. He hadn't expected Tang Wulin to surrender so easily. He had been looking forward to testing some other techniques.
But since the match was over, there was no need to press further.
Gu Yue, Na'er, and the rest of Shrek's Seven Monsters approached. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Bai Xu left with Gu Yue. It was unlikely they would return to Shrek Academy anytime soon.
Tang Wulin, having drained a third of the Golden Tree's energy, would face punishment from the academy—enlistment in the military.
---
Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
Gu Yue's Private Office.
Leng Yaozhu sat in the room, having come to discuss something with her disciple. But today, Gu Yue was out, so she remained seated in contemplation.
Regarding Gu Yue's future career, if she was willing, Leng Yaozhu could pass her position as Deputy Pagoda Master to her. As for the Pagoda Master title, that belonged to Qiangu Zhangting—no one could contest the Qian Family's absolute authority within the Spirit Pagoda.
Anyone who coveted that position would have to face the entire Qian Family. Moreover, Qiangu Dongfeng had privately approached her, expressing great interest in Gu Yue's research. If she could successfully develop and mass-produce artificial ten-thousand-year spirit souls, the Spirit Pagoda's influence among the people would reach new heights.
Additionally, Qiangu Zhangting had returned. Despite his youth, he had already broken through to Titled Douluo, with the potential to reach Half-God level in the future.
Qiangu Dongfeng's idea was to arrange a gathering for the younger generation, allowing them to network. The future belonged to them—the elders would step back after ensuring stability for the new generation.
The sound of footsteps approached. Gu Yue and Bai Xu's conversation grew clearer as they entered. Seeing her teacher in the room, Gu Yue was surprised. "Teacher?"
Bai Xu, standing behind her, nodded slightly. "Greetings, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo."
"Hm. I heard you went to Shrek?" Leng Yaozhu asked.
"Yes, Teacher. We visited the academy." Gu Yue didn't hide it.
"Heh, there's nothing wrong with nostalgia." Leng Yaozhu stood up, not dismissing Bai Xu as she continued, "I came to inform you about something. Pagoda Master Qiangu recently approached me. His grandson, Qiangu Zhangting, has returned from his training. They plan to host a gathering for the younger generation of the Spirit Pagoda—a chance to network. He specifically requested your presence, Gu Yue."
"Me?" Gu Yue feigned confusion.
"Your research is crucial to the Spirit Pagoda. I've heard even the veteran researchers working on ten-thousand-year spirit souls can't compare to a young girl like you. The higher-ups value you greatly and are willing to invest in you. This gathering is also a way to pull you into their circle."
Leng Yaozhu glanced at Bai Xu before adding, "Of course, these gatherings also serve as matchmaking events. The major families within the Spirit Pagoda often arrange marriages. But since you already have a lover, attending as a formality is fine. In an organization as vast and complex as the Spirit Pagoda, some things are unavoidable."
After a few minutes of silence, Gu Yue replied, "Alright, Teacher. I'll go."
Leng Yaozhu smiled. "Don't worry. No one can force you if you're unwilling. I'm not just a figurehead in the Spirit Pagoda, after all. Now, go comfort your little boyfriend. I'll take my leave."
Heavenly Phoenix Douluo departed, leaving only Gu Yue and Bai Xu in the room.
"Thinking about it now… after merging with Na'er, I probably met Qiangu Zhangting in the original future. I wonder if I approached him or if he became infatuated with me." Gu Yue murmured, recalling the original timeline.
Then she asked, "Do you think… since I haven't merged with Na'er, Qiangu Zhangting would still fall for me?"
"Probably not." Bai Xu guessed. The future had already changed, and the plot was spiraling beyond control. He was no longer an observer but a participant.
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course."
---
Spirit Pagoda's Highest Floor.
"Grandfather, I've told you—I don't want to attend some gathering. Why force me? I'd rather spend that time cultivating!" Qiangu Zhangting complained. He had just broken through to Titled Douluo and needed to stabilize his realm.
"Foolish!" Qiangu Dongfeng scolded. "This is about securing your future as Pagoda Master! On the table are the profiles of the Spirit Pagoda's most outstanding young talents. Use this gathering to network—better yet, recruit them. Understood?"
Zhangting scoffed. In his eyes, strength was everything. What did he care about being Pagoda Master?
Before he could retort, Qiangu Dongfeng handed him a file. "Pay special attention to this one. Do whatever it takes to bring her to our side."
"What?" Zhangting took the file, frowning. "Gu Yue? Who's that?"
"Leng Yaozhu's disciple. She's currently leading the research on artificial ten-thousand-year spirit souls. I've privately consulted the researchers—this girl possesses unparalleled talent. Her work has made groundbreaking progress. It's highly likely she'll succeed in creating ten-thousand-year spirit souls in the near future. By then, her reputation within the Spirit Pagoda might even surpass yours! That's why you must act."
Qiangu Dongfeng sighed. "Unfortunately, she already has a lover. Otherwise, I'd say she's worthy of being your wife."
"I would never fall for a girl over a decade younger than me! Grandfather, just—" Zhangting's protest died as he noticed the one black mark on Gu Yue's profile.
Her secretly kept lover within the Spirit Pagoda—Bai Xu.
Zhangting's lips twitched. What kind of game is this?
Still, objectively speaking, the girl's appearance didn't match his standards. His future wife would be a peerless beauty—Gu Yue wasn't even close.
"Regardless, Zhangting, you must do this. Use whatever means necessary to pull her to our side. Your future as Pagoda Master depends on it." Qiangu Dongfeng spoke gravely. His grandson seemed to lack tact—perhaps spoiled by the Qian Family's indulgence.
Zhangting flipped through the files, memorizing the faces grudgingly. Networking at the gathering wouldn't hurt.
"Grandfather, why isn't there any information on this Bai Xu?" Zhangting asked.
"Him? He's just a secretary. His soul power is—" Qiangu Dongfeng paused. Now that he thought about it, Bai Xu was too low-key. He had been overlooked subconsciously—even his martial soul was unknown.
His expression darkened. "Secretary, come in!"
"Yes, Pagoda Master."
"Investigate this Bai Xu. Compile a detailed report on him. Even if he's just Gu Yue's secretary, the fact that he's her lover means he must have some exceptional qualities. Hurry."
Zhangting rolled his eyes. He had only asked offhandedly—it didn't matter either way. Still… skimming through the rumors about Gu Yue and Bai Xu in the files, he mused, "If their relationship is real, what if I send her a few men more attractive than Bai Xu? Would she take them? That counts as recruitment, right?"
"You—" Qiangu Dongfeng didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Don't take the files at face value. They're definitely close, but there haven't been any excessive displays. Human hearts are hard to read—gossip spreads easily. If it were too outrageous, the Spirit Pagoda would've expelled him long ago."