"Teacher, Huo Yuhao is the future of our Shrek Academy. Are you sure it's safe to send him to the Sun and Moon Empire…?"
Yan Shaozhe's expression was uneasy. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke.
Ever since his disciple, Ma Xiaotao, had been abducted by the Evil Soul Masters, his heart had been in agony. She was the student he'd personally raised and guided since childhood — their bond was deep.
Her abduction meant that they might never see each other again in this life, and it was also a huge loss for Shrek Academy.
Now, with Huo Yuhao — another possessor of an Ultimate Attribute — Shaozhe could not help but feel protective. Losing him would be an even greater blow to Shrek.
"Besides," he added reluctantly, "Yuhao's just a twelve-year-old child. His mind's not fully mature. What if he's tempted or deceived while in the Sun and Moon Empire and decides to stay there? What then?"
He paused, his tone turning awkward.
After all… he himself hadn't been able to resist temptation in his youth.
"Stop talking nonsense. Yuhao is not like you were."
Mu En's face darkened as he reprimanded him.
If Yan Shaozhe hadn't wasted his youth chasing women, he wouldn't have been stuck at Rank 96 all these years, unable to advance.
"Sigh… Shaozhe's heart and perspective are still too narrow. It'll hold him back for life."
Mu En shook his head slowly, sighing inwardly.
Yan Shaozhe's talent was nothing short of exceptional — among the best of his generation. Even with his indulgent younger years, he'd still managed to become a Super Douluo.
But once one reached that realm, each level was a vast leap apart. Beyond talent, one's temperament mattered most — and that was where Shaozhe had fallen short.
"Exactly. Shaozhe, you're just too much of a flirt," Xuan Zi said with a chuckle, taking a swig of wine.
"If only you were a bit more flirtatious," Mu En shot back at Xuan Zi, "I'd worry less. You haven't even passed down your martial soul."
Xuan Zi choked, shrinking his head and falling silent.
Yan Shaozhe laughed awkwardly. He didn't regret it, though.
After all, what's youth without a little passion?If you don't live freely when you're young, are you supposed to start when you're old?
Otherwise, you'd end up like Elder Xuan — too old to be romantic even if you wanted to be.
Looking at the two of them, Mu En's brows furrowed again. Neither ever gave him peace of mind.
"Still, Xuan Zi has matured quite a bit lately. If I pass away, the position of Sea God Pavilion Master can safely go to him."
Thinking of Xuan Zi's recent reliability eased Mu En's heart somewhat. If he were to die, at least someone capable would take the helm.
If Xuan Zi continued to act responsibly, the Pavilion Master's seat would be his.
Then, once Xuan Zi took over, Mu En could designate Zhang Lexuan as successor-in-waiting. When Huo Yuhao or Bei Bei grew strong enough, Shrek Academy would rise again and remain glorious for another century.
"Teacher, is there truly no room for negotiation?"
Yan Shaozhe asked again, still uneasy.
"None!"
Mu En's tone was firm.
"Soul-guiding technology is the trend of this era — and of the future. Our Shrek Academy has fallen far behind in this field. And when you fall behind… you get beaten."
"Look at what happened to Sea God Island — isn't that the clearest lesson?"
His expression was grave, his voice steady.
"The three former empires are too weak. Without Shrek Academy maintaining balance, they wouldn't stand a chance against the Sun and Moon Empire."
"If those empires fall, where will Shrek's new blood come from?"
Mu En's eyes gleamed with shrewd light.
Right now, the fact that the Sun and Moon Empire and the three former empires stalemated each other was exactly what he wanted.
If the continent were ever unified under a single power, Shrek Academy would lose its autonomy — and inevitably become a thorn in someone's side.
That was absolutely not what he wanted. Shrek must remain aloft, above all factions, standing as one of four equal powers — a balance of four pillars.
That was in the Academy's best interest.
"As for Yuhao," he continued, "there's no need to worry. I plan to take him as my final disciple. That'll deepen his loyalty to Shrek Academy. After all…"
"After all, he has no parents or family ties! Brilliant move, Teacher!"
Xuan Zi interrupted, eyes lighting up, giving Mu En a big thumbs-up.
This way, Huo Yuhao would be tied completely and permanently to Shrek's chariot.
"..."
Mu En fell silent, his cloudy eyes fixed on Xuan Zi.
Realizing his mistake, Xuan Zi scratched his head and gave an awkward grin.
"Remember," Mu En said quietly, "Shrek Academy must be Yuhao's warm home from now on. Don't ever say things like that again."
He paused, his voice softening.
"Also… my life force has been greatly depleted. I might only last another year."
"Teacher…"
Yan Shaozhe trembled, eyes reddening with grief.
"Enough. You may go. I need to rest."
"Shaozhe — make sure the exchange program with the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy proceeds smoothly."
Mu En waved his hand tiredly, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.
"Elder Mu…"
Xuan Zi looked at the frail old man — and for some inexplicable reason, he suddenly thought he smelled wonderful.
A faint, primal urge to devour began to stir inside him.
"What is it, Xuan Zi? Do you have something else to say?"
Mu En asked curiously, seeing him stand frozen.
"Gulp…"
Xuan Zi swallowed hard as his stomach growled.
"N-no, nothing! I'll take my leave. You rest well, Elder."
Without another word, he hurried out, leaving Mu En puzzled by his odd behavior.
Once the two had gone, a flash of white light appeared in Mu En's hand — revealing a smooth, pearl-like orb.
Delicate golden patterns laced its surface, radiating a soft, warm light that filled the entire room. But beneath that gentle glow lay immense, restrained power.
"Ah… the Dragon Core," Mu En murmured. "I'm not destined to use you. I just don't know whom to pass you on to…"
"Bei Bei? Or Huo Yuhao?"
He gazed at the Dragon Core, eyes filled with mixed emotions.
It was this Dragon Core that had crippled him.
He had discovered it many years ago and carefully nurtured it with his soul power to purge its violent energy so it could one day be safely absorbed.
After his battle with Du Busi, he'd planned to use that chance to absorb the Dragon Core and break through to Limit Douluo.
But he hadn't expected the lingering ferocity within the Core to strike back, paralyzing him mid-breakthrough.
At least now, after all those years of purification, the Core's hostility was completely gone — and it had become an unimaginably precious treasure.
"Enough thinking. Let it be. Whoever proves worthy between the two shall inherit it."
Mu En sighed softly, shaking his head. Then he closed his weary eyes.
(End of Chapter)