Inside Shrek Academy's Inner Court, a gentle breeze brushed across the shores of Sea God Lake, stirring up ripples and carrying a few withered leaves into the distance.
Beside a secluded pavilion, the rather slovenly figure of Xuan Zi slowly came to a halt. His gaze swept past a row of emerald weeping willows, finally landing on a slender figure not far away.
That was the Inner Court's senior sister, Zhang Lexuan.
She sat quietly on a bench by the lake. Her hair, as black as ink, cascaded down her shoulders to her waist, swaying gently in the breeze. Her clear, dark eyes were bright and wise, and her delicate face was as fair and flawless as suet jade, exuding an air of tranquility and gentleness.
Yet, even on this peaceful afternoon, a faint trace of sorrow lingered on her smooth forehead, unable to be brushed away.
Sensing someone approaching, Zhang Lexuan turned her head slightly. Seeing it was Xuan Zi, a polite smile appeared on her cold, beautiful face. She stood up and bowed slightly to him.
"Elder Xuan, why have you come here yourself? Is there something you need me for?"
Xuan Zi did not answer immediately, instead glancing left and right with a nervous expression. His shifty-eyed appearance was completely at odds with his usual image as a high-and-mighty vice-captain.
After repeatedly confirming that there was no one else around, he quickly walked over to Zhang Lexuan.
He forced a kind expression onto his old face and spoke earnestly.
"Lexuan, the truth is, I came here today because there is an extremely important matter I need your help with."
Watching Xuan Zi's solemn demeanor, a trace of doubt arose in Zhang Lexuan's heart, but she nodded gently nonetheless.
"Elder Xuan, please feel free to speak. As an Inner Court disciple and a member of the Inspection Team, I will certainly do my utmost to help if I can."
Hearing Zhang Lexuan agree so readily, Xuan Zi was immediately overjoyed. He chuckled twice, his previously gloomy mood seemingly improving significantly.
"Actually, it is not a big deal. I just intend for you to go undercover at a Counterfeit Shrek Academy for a while."
"Go undercover?"
Hearing these words, Zhang Lexuan's beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly, her eyes revealing deep confusion and surprise.
She truly could not understand the meaning behind Xuan Zi's actions.
Given Xuan Zi's fiery temper, if anyone on the Douluo Continent dared to impersonate the name of "Shrek Academy," Xuan Zi should be the first person to lash out and directly lead people to smash up the other party's establishment.
Yet now, not only did Xuan Zi not bring troops to suppress them, he actually wanted her to sneak in and go undercover. This was simply too abnormal, making her feel that there must be a secret hidden within.
However, on second thought, Zhang Lexuan was, after all, a backbone of the Shrek Inspection Team. Executing missions, infiltrating, and stealing intelligence were her duties. Since this was an order issued personally by Vice-Captain Xuan Zi, she naturally had an obligation to cooperate.
Therefore, after a moment of thought, Zhang Lexuan spoke to Xuan Zi.
"Since it is your arrangement, Elder Xuan, I will naturally accept the order. Once I go to the Sea Gods Pavilion to report to and bid farewell to Elder Mu En, I will immediately head to the academy you mentioned."
"Hey! No! Do not go!"
Hearing Zhang Lexuan mention Mu En's name, Xuan Zi jumped up abruptly and blocked her path, his hurried tone filled with panic.
Seeing this, Zhang Lexuan's confusion deepened, and she asked in bewilderment.
"Elder Xuan, why is this? Can this matter not be told to Elder Mu En?"
Xuan Zi's old face flushed, and he scratched his head awkwardly, lowering his voice to say.
"Lexuan, to tell you the truth, this matter is something I am conducting secretly behind Elder Mu En's back. If he finds out, he might not allow this operation."
Zhang Lexuan shook her head, her dark eyes fixed on Xuan Zi, revealing a sense of determination.
"Elder Xuan, I think it would be safer to let Elder Mu En know. If we act on our own and something goes wrong, the consequences could be unimaginable."
Seeing Zhang Lexuan's unyielding attitude, Xuan Zi became completely anxious.
He took a deep breath, his eye sockets instantly turning slightly red, and he directly played the "pity card" in front of Zhang Lexuan.
"Lexuan, do you still remember the great mistake I committed back then?"
Xuan Zi's voice became somewhat hoarse, his tone carrying a deep sense of self-reproach and sorrow.
"Back then, I took you, who had just reached level 80, along with a group of Inner Court elite disciples to the forest to hunt for Spirit Rings. Because of my momentary negligence and carelessness, you all suffered heavy casualties in that disaster. So many excellent children were just gone... I even left you with such a huge psychological trauma, causing you to remain depressed all these years."
Speaking to this point, Xuan Zi actually managed to squeeze out two turbid tears. He raised his sleeve to wipe his eyes, looking much older.
"After that incident happened, I should have resigned in disgrace. If it hadn't been for you kneeling for a long time and begging me to stay, I would have resigned long ago. Every time I think about it, I regret it deeply. Why was I not fulfilling my duties as a teacher back then, but instead became a beast thinking only of eating and drinking? Now I am old and don't have many years left to live. Before I die, I just want to make one last contribution to the academy within my power."
Listening to these old stories, the softest part of Zhang Lexuan's heart was severely touched.
That tragedy back then was indeed an eternal pain in her heart. Her former companions had suffered heavy casualties because of Xuan Zi's alcoholism and gluttony. How could she not have any resentment towards Xuan Zi in her heart?
However... Mu En and Shrek Academy had been kind to her, and she also understood that Shrek Academy could not lose Xuan Zi now, which was why she had done those things to make Xuan Zi stay.
Seeing that the timing was right, Xuan Zi struck while the iron was hot and continued.
"The so-called Counterfeit Shrek Academy I discovered, although not famous, has a group of powerful people. They possess a heaven-defying technology capable of overturning the Spirit Master's world—the technology to alter Spirit Ring ages!"
"Lexuan, do you know? The teachers in that academy all have a Spirit Ring configuration of three purple, three black, and three red! If we can master these technologies, Shrek Academy will surely usher in new glory! If it weren't for the fact that I previously had a falling out with that Counterfeit Shrek Academy, I would never have troubled you with this. After this matter is perfectly completed, I will personally report it to Elder Mu En and record a great merit for you!"
Hearing these words from Xuan Zi, coupled with his expression full of self-reproach, Zhang Lexuan's heart finally softened. She sighed softly and nodded slightly to Xuan Zi.
"Elder Xuan, I understand. Leave this matter to me."
Seeing Zhang Lexuan finally relent and agree, the sorrowful expression on Xuan Zi's face vanished without a trace, replaced by the wild joy of a scheme succeeding.
He slapped his thigh abruptly and said ecstatically.
"Good! That's great! Lexuan, I knew you were a child who considers the big picture! There is no time to lose, let's go now, lest there be complications!"
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A/N:
5 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
2 Reviews = 1 Extra Chapter
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