In the main hall on the first floor of the Sea God Pavilion, the six elders of the Sea God Pavilion, including Xuan Zi, and the four deans, including Yan Shaozhe, were seated in an orderly fashion around the oval table, expressions of solemnity on their faces.
This was the core of Shrek Academy's power. Every person present was a key figure in Shrek Academy. The six elders were all powerhouses at the Super Douluo level, and among the four deans of the Martial Soul Department and Soul Tool Department, who were seated at the lowest positions, there were also two Super Douluo and two Title Douluo.
Eight Super Douluo and two Title Douluo—this was the strongest foundation that allowed Shrek Academy to stand proudly above all others.
Yan Shaozhe and Cai Meier, the vice dean of the Martial Soul Department, sat at the far left, while across from them were Xian Lin'er, the dean of the Soul Tool Department, and Qian Duoduo, its vice dean.
At this moment, everyone was silent, quietly waiting for Dragon God Douluo Mu En, the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, whose cultivation reached level ninety-nine, to speak from his reclining chair at the head of the long table.
"Since everyone is here, let's start the meeting. Little Song, you lead it."
Suddenly, a gentle voice rang out, and many of the elders straightened up slightly.
Yan Shaozhe and Xuan Zi exchanged an almost imperceptible glance, both seeing the confusion in the other's eyes.
Usually, at this time, Elder Mu would have Yan Shaozhe, his direct disciple, preside over the meeting. Why the change today?
However, Elder Song's strength and seniority were top-notch, so he was certainly qualified to be the host. Neither of them questioned it.
Elder Song, seated at the second-in-command position on the right side of the long table, rose with a smile, nodded to everyone, and then began to speak slowly:
"Everyone, Elder Mu has convened this special meeting of the Sea God Pavilion to discuss the cultivation of three students. Their talents are exceptional, and they all have the potential to become Super Douluo."
Hearing this, the confusion in Yan Shaozhe's and Xuan Zi's eyes deepened. Weren't there only Le Xuan and Bei Bei? Why is there an extra one?
"Bei Bei just enrolled last year. In the first year, no one except Xu Sanshi can compare to him. Could it be Xu Sanshi?"
As the dean of Shrek Academy's Martial Soul Department, Yan Shaozhe was well-versed in the talents of the Outer Court. He immediately thought of Xu Sanshi, the only one in the Outer Court who could contend with Bei Bei.
One was a powerful attack-type, the other a defense-type. They dominated their respective fields, creating a magnificent sight like two stars shining brightly together. Both had been admitted as core disciples of the Martial Soul Department, and he had high hopes for them.
But... remembering his experience with the Xuanming Sect, Yan Shaozhe's gaze darkened slightly, and his right knuckles tightened.
"The first child is our Inner Court's current top genius, Le Xuan. Everyone has watched her grow up. She comes from a clean background, is pure and upright, one of our own, and will undoubtedly become a pillar of Shrek Academy in the future."
Elder Song smiled as he praised Zhang Lexuan, and everyone present, including Xuan Zi, smiled in agreement.
When it came to background, no other academy student deserved the honor of being a Shrek person more than Zhang Lexuan. Even Bei Bei had the mark of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.
"During the trip to Star Luo, Le Xuan found fortune in disaster, absorbing a 100,000-year eighth spirit ring and a 100,000-year spirit bone. She is certain to become a Super Douluo in the future; her talent is unparalleled.
The academy will also hunt for the most suitable spirit ring for her when she breaks through to ninety levels. This way, as long as she has enough time, cultivating to ninety-eight levels will be a matter of diligent effort, and there's a strong hope for ninety-nine levels."
"Therefore, Elder Mu and I both believe that she can be cultivated as an heir to the Sea God Pavilion Master. Today, we will first nominate her as a probationary member of the Sea God Pavilion. Once she becomes a Title Douluo, she will formally enter the Sea God Pavilion. Please raise your hands to vote."
All ten people raised their hands, passing it unanimously.
"Very good. Let's move on to the next topic." Elder Song nodded, smiled at Mu En in the reclining chair, and continued:
"The second topic is about pre-designating two members of the generation after next for the Shrek Seven Devils.
As you may know, last year, two exceptionally talented young geniuses emerged from the Shrek Outer Court: one is Bei Bei, whom everyone knows, and the other is Xu Sanshi, a direct disciple from the reclusive Xuanming Sect..."
Here it comes! It really is Xu Sanshi!
Yan Shaozhe frowned deeply, his knuckles tightening as a dark cloud gathered in his heart.
If not for the previous incident, he would have been happy to see two pre-designated Seven Devils among his core disciples in the Martial Soul Department. But now, he had to intervene.
"These two young geniuses not only have excellent cultivation talent and strong martial souls, but they also possess unique abilities. Their martial souls both have the potential for temporary evolution, making it possible for them to fight above their level. Therefore, Elder Mu and I both believe..."
"Elder Song, and Teacher, shouldn't we reconsider this matter?"
Yan Shaozhe raised his hand and stood up, bowing respectfully to Elder Song, Xuan Zi, and the six elders, interrupting Elder Song's words.
"Mmm??"
The six elders, including Xuan Zi, all cast questioning gazes, and the three deans, including Yan Shaozhe's wife Cai Meier, all felt a moment of doubt:
Has Yan Shaozhe lost his mind?
"Old Yan, did you take the wrong medicine these past few days? What nonsense are you spouting? Bei Bei is one of our own, pure and upright. Aren't you going to apologize to Elder Mu and Elder Song right now?"
Qian Duoduo winked at Yan Shaozhe, the first to scold him.
Everyone knew whose idea it was for Bei Bei to become a pre-designated Seven Devil. Even if you were Elder Mu's direct senior disciple, could you stop Elder Mu from cultivating his great-grandson? Wasn't this just asking for trouble?
Yan Shaozhe shook his head, enduring the pressure from the elders and his colleagues, and continued:
"Of course, I'm not opposing Bei Bei. We've all watched Bei Bei grow up. I absolutely agree with him becoming a pre-designated Seven Devil.
I oppose Xu Sanshi. Although his talent is good, he comes from the Xuanming Sect. I believe it's inappropriate to rashly give him a pre-designated Seven Devil position and invest a large amount of precious resources in him. We cannot guarantee that our investment will yield returns.
After all... even the geniuses of Xiao Tao and Yue Heng's generation weren't pre-designated as Seven Devils. In terms of background and loyalty to Shrek, Xiao Tao and Yue Heng are much safer bets than Xu Sanshi."
As Yan Shaozhe's words fell, much of the doubt in everyone's eyes immediately vanished. That's more like it. The usually astute Shaozhe wouldn't make such a basic mistake.
Xuan Zi coughed twice, the first to voice support, "I believe what Shaozhe said is a mature opinion. Although Xu Sanshi's talent is good, he is far from being as well-known as Bei Bei. Even if we're to give him a pre-designated Seven Devil position, we could observe him for a few more years."
"After all, this matter is of great importance. It not only symbolizes honor but also means a higher level of resource cultivation and the academy's trust and expectations for them, compared to core disciples.
Even the descendants of two of the Original Seven Devils' ancestors didn't receive it, yet Xu Sanshi, a child who has only been at Shrek for a year, is getting it. It's indeed not very appropriate."
Yan Shaozhe's eyes lit up. Elder Xuan is truly Elder Xuan. He never gets confused when it comes to major matters. This provided an out for everyone.
As expected, after Xuan Zi finished speaking, more than half of the elders present showed expressions of agreement, and even Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo seemed thoughtful, feeling it was feasible.
The Shrek Seven Devils symbolized the academy's highest honor. Countless geniuses would fight tooth and nail for a spot, so pre-designations had to be handled with extreme caution.
At this point, Old Lin, Lin Huiqun, who was seated across from Xuan Zi, spoke up, expressing a different opinion:
"Everyone, the selection for the inner Seven Devils is based on talent. Xu Sanshi has more than enough talent, so why can't he be given this qualification? Is there anyone else in his generation who could possibly push him out of the Seven Devils? There's no real difference between giving it to him now or later."
This swayed some of the elder council members, gaining their approval or making them reconsider.
Yan Shaozhe frowned and murmured, "But Old Lin, I don't think the Xuanming Sect holds our academy in very high regard. We don't have the same close relationship with them as we do with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family or the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile School. It's very likely Xu Sanshi will return to his sect after he finishes his studies here."
"Doesn't that just further prove that we should properly cultivate this child to mend our relationship? We truly did wrong by Yue Heng's girl," Old Song retorted, shaking his head.
Xuan Zi's expression darkened. Yan Shaozhe was about to speak again but was interrupted by Old Lin, who smiled and said,
"Shaozhe, I know you've had some grievances with the Xuanming Sect, but it wouldn't be good if this matter escalated. Shrek Academy still needs to do business with the Xuanming Sect."
Old Lin's voice was gentle, yet her words were shocking, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Old Lin gave a kind smile to everyone. She managed Shrek City's Treasure Pavilion and oversaw Shrek City's external economic affairs, so she was very familiar with major pharmaceutical businesses like the Xuanming Sect.
Shrek City was autonomous and had the right to collect its own taxes. The Xuanming Sect's Black Tortoise Merchant Guild was a major taxpayer.
"Don't think I, Lin Huiqun, am speaking on behalf of outsiders. It's just that over the years, I've dealt quite a bit with the Black Tortoise Merchant Guild, which is controlled by the Xuanming Sect, and I've come to understand them better."
"To my knowledge, the Xuanming Sect has more than just Xu Xiaoyun, that old monster. They probably have around three Super Douluo and over ten Title Douluo. Their strength is paramount among all the hidden sects.
The Profound Tortoise Martial Soul, passed down in their sect, is the ultimate defensive martial soul. None of us here can claim our martial souls are stronger than theirs. With such power, we cannot afford to be careless."
As she spoke, she glanced at Old Song beside her, her tone becoming much more serious as she said,
"I once met another old fellow from the Xuanming Sect whose cultivation was no less than mine, possibly close to Old Song's. Therefore, the Xuanming Sect absolutely should not be underestimated."
Possibly close to Old Song!
This statement echoed around the Sea God Pavilion. The eyes of the centenarian elders suddenly became clear and bright, as if they had shed several years off their age.
Old Song was Shrek Academy's third strongest cultivator in the Sea God Pavilion, surpassed only by Mu En and Xuan Zi. His cultivation reached level 97, and he possessed the Azure Shadow Divine Eagle martial soul, making him arguably the top agile assault type expert in the world.
To be close to Old Song meant being at least a level 96 peak expert, and a tough, old tortoise at that.
A level 98 Xu Xiaoyun, several Super Douluo, and over ten Title Douluo—setting aside Old Mu—this level of strength was enough to put the Sea God Pavilion on high alert.
But given Old Mu's current condition, how could they easily make a move?
Mu En lay motionless on the Golden Tree chair, his eyelids half-closed, not fully shut. He hadn't offered any opinions from beginning to end, as if completely uninterested.
Old Lin looked at Mu En with respect, then continued:
"Furthermore, the Xuanming Sect excels at alchemy. I'm sure you all know the reputation of their most famous Mystic Water Pill and Black Tortoise Divine Pill.
Although they are reclusive, they've used these methods to build many connections within the Heavenly Soul Empire. The Black Tortoise Merchant Guild also has a presence in Dou Ling and Star Luo. The power they have hidden beneath the surface should not be underestimated."
"If we were to fall out with them over some minor grievances... forgive my bluntness, but it would probably be inappropriate. After all, we're not truly in the right regarding this matter. Cultivating Xu Sanshi is an excellent opportunity to mend our relationship."
"As for Shaozhe's matter, we can take our time with that."
With the discussion reaching this point, the choice of the many elders was clear. Shrek Academy was the spiritual leader of soul masters across the land, and its foundation lay in its relationships with major aristocratic families and sects.
They had always sought to befriend sects and nobles. When had they ever actively fallen out with a major noble family or sect? Not to mention, the incident with Xuan Zi would be a huge scandal if it got out.
"Heh heh, you've all said pretty much everything there is to say. Let this old man add one more thing."
Just then, Mu En, who had been as steady as a mountain, finally spoke slowly. Everyone held their breath and watched.
"As far as this old man knows, Xu Sanshi's mother, the wife of the Xuanming Sect Master, is the eldest princess of the Dou Ling Empire and the aunt of the new Dou Ling Emperor. Hmm, that's all."
Mu En's words sealed the decision. All doubts vanished, and the motion passed with all ten votes.
Even though the Dou Ling Empire was the weakest of the three empires, it was still a nation, after all.
As for Shaozhe's matter... well, they couldn't beat Old Monster Xu, and Xuan Zi couldn't easily intervene. It was best to wait for Shaozhe to grow stronger and settle it himself.
As the meeting adjourned, Mu En called out to Yan Shaozhe, who looked quite displeased. "Shaozhe, stay behind. I have something to tell you."
"Yes, Teacher."
Yan Shaozhe, who was about to leave, paused. Looking like a good child ready to listen intently, he dejectedly and obediently walked towards Mu En.
Hearing this, Qian Duoduo turned back and chuckled, a hint of schadenfreude in his expression.
"Oh, Yan Shaozhe, you even dare to defy Old Mu's intentions. Now you're in for it. Oh, my, what a beautiful day it is..."