In the receding black car.
"My Lord, you..." The woman clad entirely in purple instinctively expressed concern as she noticed Gu Yue's unstable aura.
"Silence!" Gu Yue coldly snapped, her eyes flashing with silver light. A terrifying pressure emanated from her petite frame, akin to a colossal beast, causing everyone in the car to tremble.
Zi Ji, who bore the brunt of this pressure, turned pale, her body shaking uncontrollably. Her mind was filled with terror and confusion. As a Hell Demon Dragon, a branch of the Black Dragon Clan, Gu Yue's pressure was like the blazing sun to snowflakes. She felt incredibly fragile, as if she might be consumed by this overwhelming force at any moment.
"My Lord, please calm your anger!" Seeing Zi Ji on the verge of a mental breakdown under Gu Yue's pressure, Di Tian, who was driving, quickly interceded.
Gu Yue realized she had overreacted and coldly withdrew her pressure, closing her eyes to quietly regulate her breathing.
Zi Ji immediately gasped for air like a drowning person. Her eyes, filled with fear, also held deep reverence and admiration. She harbored no resentment towards Gu Yue's outburst. Bi Ji, sitting beside her, held Zi Ji's hand, soothing her with a gentle green light.
After seeing Gu Yue off, Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, and Wu Siduo headed to the Shrek Academy Soul Train Station to leave Shrek City.
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, on Sea God Island, within the Sea God Pavilion, a meeting was underway.
The Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, Sky Lifting Douluo Yun Ming, sat confidently at the head of the table, exuding a calm and relaxed demeanor, much like any ordinary yet self-assured young man.
To Yun Ming's left, in the first seat, was the elderly woman who had appeared during the disturbance of the Golden Tree. Her position was undeniably the second most important in the Sea God Pavilion, a role that, given her status, could be considered a demotion. Yet, she didn't mind. Her name was Long Yueyue, the eldest among the Sea God Pavilion Elders, and she was the Vice Pavilion Master, a level 98 Super Douluo with the title [Light and Darkness].
To Yun Ming's right, in the first seat, was Holy Spirit Douluo Yali, also a Vice Pavilion Master. Her cultivation level was second only to Yun Ming and Long Yueyue within the Sea God Pavilion, and she was the most likely candidate to become Shrek Academy's second Limit Douluo.
Apart from these three, the other Sea God Pavilion Elders present included Crimson Dragon Douluo Zhuo Shi, Blazing Dragon Douluo Feng Wuyu, and Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue'er.
"Boss, why have you summoned us at this time? Is there something major?" Feng Wuyu complained, "I still have a lot of things to attend to."
"Nonsense, you're just trying to slack off," Zhuo Shi retorted disdainfully.
"Both of you, mind the setting!" Cai Yue'er coldly reminded them as Zhuo Shi and Feng Wuyu were about to start bickering again.
Reluctantly, the two fell silent.
Yun Ming then spoke up, "I've gathered everyone here mainly because I've found a suitable successor. I wanted to inform you all and hear your opinions."
This statement immediately caused Cai Yue'er, Zhuo Shi, and Feng Wuyu to adopt serious and solemn expressions. Yun Ming's successor would be the heir to the Sea God Pavilion Master position, a matter of great importance to the fate of Shrek Academy, and not something to be taken lightly.
"Ha, Xiao Ming, you're already thinking about retirement? You're just like your teacher," Long Yueyue chuckled softly, her teasing words laced with a hint of nostalgia.
"It's mainly because that child is too outstanding, just like me," Yun Ming responded without any trace of annoyance, instead playing along with her words.
"Is that so?" Long Yueyue's expression brightened slightly as she asked, "Is it that new disciple of yours? What's his name? Shaoyu?"
"Jing Shaoyu," Ya Li gently reminded her.
"Ah, Jing Shaoyu. I've heard he's a handsome young man, though I haven't seen him myself," Long Yueyue said. Although she resided on Sea God Island, she rarely involved herself in the academy's affairs or appeared before the students, so she hadn't had the chance to meet Jing Shaoyu.
"When Shaoyu returns from his break, I'll definitely bring him to meet you," Ya Li said with a smile, her voice filled with pride and joy.
"That sounds good. I'd like to see just how exceptional this child is, to make Xiao Ming consider retirement," Long Yueyue replied.
"And what about you?" Yun Ming, now fully relaxed after sensing no clear objection from Long Yueyue, turned his attention to Zhuo Shi, Feng Wuyu, and Cai Yue'er. He was confident in Jing Shaoyu and didn't worry about him failing to gain Long Yueyue's approval.
The three exchanged glances, and then Cai Yue'er tentatively spoke up, "Isn't it a bit too early to appoint him as the successor to the Sea God Pavilion? He's only a first-year student."
"Yes, I know," Yun Ming nodded. "I just wanted to give you all a heads-up, so you can prepare yourselves. Besides, given the talent Jing Shaoyu has shown, it won't take more than three or four years for him to enter the Inner Academy."
"That's true," Cai Yue'er agreed with a nod, then asked, "What about the selection for this generation's Shrek Seven Monsters?"
"Let's build it around Jing Shaoyu. His team has a few promising talents," Yun Ming said. Though he was reluctant to admit it, it was the truth. His disciple might be a bit of a flirt, but his judgment was impeccable. The girls he was involved with were all top-tier in terms of talent, and the fact that they could perform Martial Soul Fusion Skills with him made it even more remarkable.
"Haha, the boss has a good eye!" Feng Wuyu laughed. "My precious disciple is definitely qualified to be one of this generation's Shrek Seven Monsters."
"Mo Hentian, with her Sky-Hate Hammer and Heavenly Fox Martial Souls, and already a fifth-level blacksmith at such a young age, indeed has a bright future," Cai Yue'er said. "But how do we explain her becoming one of the Shrek Seven Monsters to the Haotian Sect?"
"Screw the Haotian Sect!" Feng Wuyu immediately jumped to his feet, shouting, "The Shrek Seven Monsters are an internal matter of Shrek Academy. What does it have to do with outsiders?"
"Old Feng is right. This is an internal matter of Shrek Academy, and we don't need to consider outsiders' opinions," Zhuo Shi supported Feng Wuyu.
Yun Ming gave a light, indifferent chuckle. "Although the Haotian Sect is our ally, they have no right to interfere in our internal affairs. Yue'er, you don't need to worry."
"I understand," Cai Yue'er nodded.
The meeting within the Sea God Pavilion continued, while the world outside the Sea God Pavilion also kept moving forward, everything progressing in parallel.
Star Luo City.
Three young men and women stepped out of the soul train station. Their striking appearances and extraordinary demeanor attracted the attention of the travelers in the station.
"Maomao, are there any fun places in Star Luo City?" asked the sweet-looking girl with light blue hair, her voice as soft and endearing as her smile, naturally evoking affection.
"Many," replied the girl with chestnut-red hair, her figure graceful and her expression cool yet slightly annoyed, as she answered the sweet girl who had called her "Maomao."
Standing between the two girls was a black-haired boy with a calm and content expression, listening to their conversation with a smile.
These three were none other than Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, and Wu Siduo, who were on vacation.
They had taken the soul train directly from Shrek City to Star Luo City. Originally, Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan hadn't planned to stay in Star Luo City, but the anecdotes Wu Siduo mentioned along the way had successfully piqued Xu Xiaoyan's curiosity. Thus, Jing Shaoyu had no choice but to agree to Xu Xiaoyan's request to spend a couple of days exploring Star Luo City before returning to East Sea City.
"Young lady!" A black, extended luxury car had been waiting at the soul train station for quite some time. The Wu family's elderly butler, upon seeing Wu Siduo, immediately approached respectfully and called out.
"Uncle Wang," Wu Siduo nodded upon seeing her family's butler and asked, "How are Great-grandmother and Grandfather?"
"The Old Madam and the family head are both well. They miss you dearly," Uncle Wang replied respectfully.
"Mm. These are my classmates," Wu Siduo introduced Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan to Uncle Wang.
"Young Master Jing, Miss, welcome," Uncle Wang greeted Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan with respect.
"You know me?" Jing Shaoyu was slightly surprised, raising an eyebrow as he spoke.
"Four years ago, when Young Master Jing accompanied Lord of the Heavenly Phoenix to the White Tiger Manor, I had the honor of meeting you once," Uncle Wang replied with a smile.
"I see," Jing Shaoyu nodded, his gaze thoughtful. Four years ago, when he had come to the White Tiger Manor with Leng Yaozhu, he had only spoken to three people: Old Madam Qi, the Wu family head Wu Baining, and Wu Siduo. He hadn't paid attention to anyone else.
The three of them boarded the Wu family's private car and headed toward the White Tiger Manor.
At the Wu family, Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan received the highest level of hospitality. Normally, given their status and age, they shouldn't have been treated with such high regard. However, Old Madam Qi had watched their match against the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. With her sharp insight, she naturally understood what it meant, so she insisted on giving the two teenagers, aged fourteen or fifteen, the utmost respect.
In Qi Lingyun's eyes, this wasn't just hosting two juniors; it was hosting the future leaders of Shrek Academy.
Xu Xiaoyan's identity as a descendant of the Star Crown lineage also didn't escape Qi Lingyun's notice, but she had no intention of causing Xu Xiaoyan any trouble. After all, strictly speaking, both the Wu family and the Star Crown Xu family were losers and victims. One had lost the throne and the sect's legacy, while the other had lost their ancestors and family honor. There was really no need to harm each other further.
Perhaps out of a sense of shared adversity, Qi Lingyun treated Xu Xiaoyan with unusual kindness, almost as if she were his own great-granddaughter, which even made Wu Siduo a bit jealous.
Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan stayed in Star Luo City for five days before reluctantly embarking on their journey back to East Sea City.
Because it was just the two of them, they didn't take the soul train. Instead, Jing Shaoyu directly summoned the Zero Mech, which he had never used since acquiring it, and they drove all the way from Star Luo City to East Sea City.
"Ah, East Sea City, I'm back!" Xu Xiaoyan couldn't help but let out an excited shout as she saw the increasingly familiar scenery along the road.
Jing Shaoyu, looking at the excited Xu Xiaoyan, naturally understood her feelings. He himself was also somewhat stirred, as it had been nearly a year since he left home—how could he remain completely unaffected?
"Brother Shaoyu, I'll come find you to play in a few days!" After Jing Shaoyu dropped Xu Xiaoyan off at her doorstep, the girl first gave him a light kiss on the cheek, then flashed a mischievous smile as she spoke.
"Sure," Jing Shaoyu nodded. This time, he was very restrained, making no further moves, mainly because a young man was glaring fiercely at him from the Xu family's entrance, making it difficult for him to act too boldly. He simply chuckled and said, "Then I'll head back now."
"Goodbye, Brother Shaoyu," Xu Xiaoyan giggled.
As Jing Shaoyu drove away from the Xu residence, Xu Xiaoyu walked up to Xu Xiaoyan and, looking in the direction Jing Shaoyu had left, said, "Why did that kid leave so quickly?"
"It's because you were blocking the door and scared Brother Shaoyu!" Xu Xiaoyan shot Xu Xiaoyu a somewhat disdainful look as she spoke.
"That's impossible!" Xu Xiaoyu immediately retorted, "I think it's more likely that kid felt guilty and didn't dare to come into our house."
Xu Xiaoyan didn't bother responding to Xu Xiaoyu and simply ran inside.
Meanwhile, Jing Shaoyu drove at full speed and soon arrived home.
"Mom, Auntie, I'm back!" As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Jing Shaoyu shouted.
"Shaoyu's back!" Jing Ziyuan and Lin Xin immediately rushed out of the house, their faces filled with joy as they ran to his side, each hugging him tightly before starting to fuss over him.
"Are you used to life at the academy?"
"You've grown taller, that's wonderful."
"Mom watched your matches. You really showed those old relics from Mingdu who's boss—so proud of you!"
"Have you eaten? Your mom and I made a lot of your favorite dishes, just waiting for you to come back."
"..."
Only at home could Jing Shaoyu truly relax and let go of all his thoughts, enjoying the purest form of happiness and affection. Perhaps this was the true meaning of home.
For the first three days after returning home, Jing Shaoyu did nothing. He simply lounged around the house, not cultivating, not meditating, not studying—just quietly letting his mind wander, enjoying the utmost leisure.
After lazily spending three days, he began visiting the elders of East Sea City. Today he visited Ouyang Jian, tomorrow Ji Changming, and the day after, several senior members of the Mecha Association. Every day was packed with visits, leaving him no time to rest.
Thus, half of the one-month holiday quickly passed. On the fifteenth day of the holiday, in the evening at East Sea Park.
Jing Shaoyu stood in the area where the plant Soul Beasts were supposed to be, his expression unusually grim. Before him, there were no plant Soul Beasts to be seen; instead, there was only artificially leveled ground and newly planted vegetation. The ten plant Soul Beasts, led by the Great Camphor Tree, had all mysteriously vanished!
"What on earth happened?" Jing Shaoyu murmured, his emotions in turmoil.
His first thought was that the plant Soul Beasts had been exposed, discovered by nearby residents, and subsequently exterminated by the Soul Masters of East Sea City. However, he quickly dismissed this idea, as there would have been traces left behind if they had been eliminated by Soul Masters. After a thorough inspection, he found no such clues.
He then communicated with the surrounding plants through his Origin Elf Soul, and their feedback further negated his initial suspicion.
If the plant Soul Beasts hadn't been discovered by Soul Masters, then how had they disappeared?
Jing Shaoyu investigated once more but still found no leads. The plant Soul Beasts had vanished too cleanly—even the roots in the soil were completely gone. While the Soul Douluos of East Sea City had the capability to achieve such thorough physical elimination, they lacked the motive.
Could it be...? Jing Shaoyu narrowed his eyes, considering a possibility. After a moment of silent contemplation, he turned and left.
There was a ninety percent chance that the Great Camphor Tree and the others had been taken by Di Tian and his group. Although the Great Camphor Tree and its companions were of low cultivation, they were among the few remaining Soul Beasts on land, and plant Soul Beasts at that. If Di Tian and the other Ferocious Beasts had discovered them, they would have had no reason to overlook them.
Moreover, there was Gu Yue, Jing Shaoyu thought. Although Gu Yue was unaware of the Great Camphor Tree's existence, Na'er knew about it. In fact, Na'er had personally witnessed the transformation of the Great Camphor Tree and the others from plants into Soul Beasts.
A sense of relief suddenly washed over Jing Shaoyu. Fortunately, Na'er and Gu Yue were by his side; otherwise, he might have been the one abducted.
For now, the matter of the Great Camphor Tree had to be set aside. Until Gu Yue fully disclosed the truth to him, the whereabouts of the plant Soul Beasts
would remain an unsolved mystery.
With a heavy heart, Jing Shaoyu could only return home and wait for tomorrow to come.
Tomorrow, Na'er would be back.