Chapter 234: The 2000th Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival
After introducing Pururu as the new member of the restaurant, Qi Han carefully brought out three servings of "Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth" and three small bowls of "Qing Dynasty Blessed Pork Meat."
Before the three women could react, a vast amount of energy from the heavens and earth suddenly surged in, forming six extraordinary phenomena that appeared in the restaurant.
Centered around the Small Shop, the natural energy across the entire Shrek City was disturbed in an instant.
When a phenomenon manifests, it pulls energy from the surrounding area, creating something like a low-pressure zone in an otherwise high-pressure environment. Even though this low-pressure area is small, it can still cause airflow over a wide radius.
On a regular day, a single phenomenon could impact up to a tenth of Shrek City, not by draining all of the natural energy in that area, but by creating an unusual fluctuation that would be noticeable to anyone sensitive to the flow of energy.
But with six phenomena appearing simultaneously, their effect wasn't a simple addition—it multiplied, covering the entirety of Shrek City.
From Sea God Pavilion, Shrek City Auction House, Shrek City Great Spirit Arena, Tang Sect Shrek City Branch, and even the City Lord's Mansion on the other side of the city—wherever people keenly attuned to natural energy resided—they all sensed the disturbance.
Dozens of Titled Douluo, including some Spirit Douluo with eight rings but a heightened sensitivity to energy, paused what they were doing and looked in the direction of the Small Shop with sharp eyes.
Yes, Shrek City, as a city, does have its own city lord.
Since Shrek City is fully managed by Shrek Academy, its city lord is a powerful representative of the Academy and also a member of the Sea God Pavilion.
Has Small Shop… reopened?
In the next moment, a gathering of these formidable individuals appeared at Small Shop's doorstep.
At the front stood Tang Qianqiu in his golden robe, alongside an elderly man who looked like an ordinary farmer.
Behind them were dozens of elite powerhouses, each of at least eight-ring level.
These experts, familiar faces around Shrek City, many of them even martial brothers, began communicating with each other telepathically. Soon, odd expressions crept across their faces.
"Oh, you came too?"
"Yep, I'm here too."
"What are you here for?"
"I'm here for a meal. Gotta get back to work soon… how about you?"
"Same…"
The first people who sensed the fluctuation and rushed to Small Shop's door were, unsurprisingly, long-time regulars. But normally, they wouldn't have all shown up at once. After all, everyone had their own schedules, and on an average day, only a few might have time to dine at Small Shop.
But today was different.
Small Shop had been closed for a month, and even those usually indifferent to food cravings were feeling the effects by now. So, even if they had to set aside their current tasks, they were determined to savor this long-awaited meal.
The two Limit Douluo standing in front naturally couldn't help but comment.
"I've never seen the Sea God Pavilion all come out like this—not a single person left behind, it seems. Even during the Great Star Dou Forest beast tide, they didn't respond this enthusiastically," Tang Qianqiu muttered with an odd tone.
Casting a subtle glance at Tang Qianqiu, Qi Poxiao replied nonchalantly, "It's only a meal—it won't take long."
He lowered his gaze, already beginning to think about who he would pull aside for a sparring session once they returned.
"It seems they're getting a bit too relaxed," Qi Poxiao observed with a hint of resolve. "We need to put them through some rigorous training."
"Enough about that. How are the preparations going for the other matter?" Qi Poxiao changed the topic as he asked.
Tang Qianqiu's expression grew more serious. "You're aware of the situation—Evil Spirit Masters are becoming a significant force. We'll need to adjust our strategies in our upcoming efforts to eliminate them."
"The proposal you made the other day was excellent," Tang Qianqiu continued. "I've quietly issued orders across all Tang Sect branches on the Douluo Continent to form monitoring squads in their respective regions. These teams are tasked with locating and eradicating Evil Spirit Masters."
Tang Qianqiu shook his head. "For Shrek City, the monitoring group is under the management of Niu Yue. So far, they've only found one trace of Evil Spirit Masters, and the so-called Holy Spirit Cult remains completely elusive. The monitoring teams in the other branches are just getting started, and we haven't yet received reports on the situation in those areas."
"Weren't you also planning to form monitoring squads with the inner disciples?" Tang Qianqiu turned to Qi Poxiao with a hint of accusation.
The Tang Sect's monitoring teams had already been set up for two days, while Shrek had yet to mobilize. Were they planning to let the Tang Sect handle all the dirty work?
"Ahem." Qi Poxiao looked somewhat embarrassed; indeed, he was in the wrong. "I originally intended to form the squads immediately, but with the annual Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival on Sea God Lake coming up, I figured these kids could use a break. I thought I'd let them enjoy the Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival before they join the monitoring teams."
Tang Qianqiu hesitated.
As a former inner disciple of Shrek, he knew all about this tradition.
The so-called Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival was essentially a matchmaking event within the inner academy of Shrek.
Shrek's inner disciples were all exceptional, but their dedication to rigorous training left little time for personal matters.
Thus, almost two thousand years ago, when Shrek Academy was divided into inner and outer academies, this unique event came into being.
In line with the idea of keeping talents "within the family," the Sea God Pavilion took an interest in the personal lives of its inner disciples.
Over time, this event became an annual highlight for inner disciples.
Though it was a matchmaking event, it was witnessed by all the members of Sea God Pavilion and the entire Shrek inner academy, blessing any couples that formed during the ceremony.
Sighing lightly, Tang Qianqiu nodded. "Alright. But in exchange, after the Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival is over, my Tang Sect disciples deserve a break. Then the Shrek inner disciples can take over."
As a member of the Sea God Pavilion and the Tang Sect leader, Tang Qianqiu had to look out for his disciples.
"Deal." Qi Poxiao readily agreed, then added, "Oh, by the way, this year's Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival has a special significance—it's the 2000th edition."
"The 2000th…" Tang Qianqiu's eyes widened in surprise, and he turned to Qi Poxiao. "What are you suggesting?"
"I was thinking that from now on, we could allow outer disciples to observe the event as an incentive. And since this year is especially significant, why not open it to the public? It would give Shrek Academy a chance to showcase its strength. What do you think?" Qi Poxiao seemed enthusiastic about the idea.
"Aren't you worried that exposing so much will provoke the two empires?" Tang Qianqiu raised an eyebrow.
"Even if Shrek remains concealed, would they cease to be wary?" Qi Poxiao shook his head. "Shrek has grown into a colossal presence over millennia. My role is simply to keep it on the right path."
Tang Qianqiu fell silent.
For centuries, the Tang Sect and Shrek Academy had been deeply connected. Many powerful Douluo in the Tang Sect also served as elders of the Sea God Pavilion, and many promising Shrek graduates were recommended to join the Tang Sect, providing fresh talent.
The Tang Sect's headquarters remained in Heaven Dou City, but its branches now spanned the continent, establishing it as a similarly neutral force.
"Fine, go ahead. A show of strength could be beneficial," Tang Qianqiu agreed.
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