Zhang Lexuan approached the barely breathing Silvermoon Flood Dragon Emperor with a complicated expression. Her eyes flickered with hatred, murderous intent, and sorrow.
Even in its dying state, the silver dragon still looked elegant and mysterious, which made her remember the junior brothers and sisters who were mercilessly killed by this beast.
Unable to hold back any longer, a flash of silver light passed through her hand, and the Silvermoon Flood Dragon Emperor's head was cleanly severed. A red soul ring slowly emerged and hovered in the air.
She had given it a swift end and didn't vent her hatred by torturing it. That wasn't her nature—she wasn't the type to enjoy tormenting enemies.
Looking at the red soul ring before her, Zhang Lexuan turned her head to glance at Ji Lin, then sat cross-legged and began guiding the soul ring with her soul power, initiating the absorption process.
While Zhang Lexuan was absorbing the soul ring...
Elder Xuan, accompanied by the three injured inner court students, finally arrived at Shrek City. As a Level 98 Super Douluo, he had pushed his limits to get them back before their injuries worsened. After handing the three over to the healing-type soul masters, he sat in a daze on the steps.
A few hours later.
Elder Xuan, now disheveled and drinking heavily, sat on the same steps. Footsteps came from behind as a white-clothed elder approached.
"How are things?"
The white-robed elder respectfully stopped behind Elder Xuan and said, "Their conditions have stabilized. You brought them back just in time. Their lives are no longer in danger."
Elder Xuan exhaled a mouthful of alcohol and sighed. "That's good."
At that moment, another person entered the courtyard—it was Yan Shaozhe, Dean of the Martial Soul Department at Shrek Academy.
"Elder Xuan, the Sea God Pavilion meeting you requested is ready. Shall we begin?"
When Elder Xuan handed the injured students to the healers, he had also used spiritual voice transmission to inform Yan Shaozhe to gather the Sea God Pavilion members for a meeting.
"Let's go." Elder Xuan rose, his figure noticeably weary.
Yan Shaozhe followed silently, sighing inwardly. The recent incident clearly dealt a heavy blow to Elder Xuan, and he didn't know how to offer comfort—after all, he was also heartbroken. Eight inner court students had died—those were the future pillars of Shrek Academy.
"Elder Xuan, you shouldn't blame yourself completely. No one could've predicted they'd encounter a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in the mixed area. Under any other circumstance, they would've made it out."
Elder Xuan said nothing and simply shook his head.
Sea God Pavilion
Everything appeared as usual for a Sea God Pavilion meeting, but the atmosphere was far more somber. At the head of the room, Elder Mu remained reclined in his chair, his appearance still obscured.
Elder Lin and Elder Xuan sat on either side. The four vice deans of the Martial Soul and Soul Tool departments sat respectfully at the lower ends.
Elder Mu's gentle voice spoke: "Go ahead, Xuanzi. What's the reason for calling this meeting?"
Elder Xuan nodded and slowly stood. In a low voice, he said, "Everyone here knows what happened. Twelve inner court students, eight dead, three critically injured and unconscious. Only Lexuan survived. If not for the appearance of Chi Yuan Douluo from the Star Luo Empire's Worship Hall, who just happened to be hunting soul rings nearby and saved Lexuan in time, we might have lost her too."
He paused, then continued, "As the one who led the team, I bear undeniable responsibility. Therefore, I've decided to resign from my post as Deputy Commander of the Shrek Monitoring Group and withdraw from the Sea God Pavilion. I'll remain as just a regular elder of the academy."
His words shocked everyone. Elder Xuan held the second-highest position in the academy, only below Elder Mu. A true veteran, his strength was almost on par with Elder Mu's.
If Elder Mu were to pass, Elder Xuan would be the first in line to lead the Pavilion—only after him would Elder Lin be considered.
He had mentored the academy's best inner court disciples for the past fifty years. For him to suddenly resign from all positions was nothing short of astounding.
Yan Shaozhe exclaimed in alarm, "Elder Xuan, you can't do this! Everyone makes mistakes. No one could have predicted the appearance of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Lexuan and the others were more than capable against any lesser threat. The academy can't lose someone like you!"
Elder Xuan sighed and said, "Shaozhe, enough. If I had stayed by their side the whole time, this wouldn't have happened. My martial soul makes me unsuitable for this role. I've made up my mind. Eight dead students... My heart aches. I must give their families and the academy a proper explanation. This burden falls on me."
Xian Lin'er, head of the Soul Tool Department, added, "Elder Xuan, please reconsider. Your martial soul, the Gluttonous Divine Ox, may require constant eating, but that doesn't diminish your strength.
Your contributions to the academy are unparalleled. We're all saddened by the loss, but sacrificing you would be an even greater loss."
Elder Xuan gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "If not for luck, Lexuan would've perished as well. She was in a death trap. Had Chi Yuan Douluo not intervened, we would've lost even the next candidate for Sea God Pavilion leadership.
Such a grievous mistake—how can I show my face here again? You don't need to persuade me. I've decided. I'll visit the families of the fallen students to help ease their grief. Farewell."
With that, he stood and began walking away.
"Come back."
A calm but authoritative voice rang out. Though it was soft, it carried a force that made Elder Xuan stop cold.
"Elder Mu… I truly can't stay," Elder Xuan said, his body trembling.
"I told you to come back. Didn't you hear me?" Elder Mu's voice deepened.
Elder Xuan flinched. How many years had it been since Elder Mu last spoke with emotion? Eighty? A hundred?
Though reluctant, he finally turned back and returned to his seat. The others, sensing Elder Mu's anger, all sat up straight and dared not utter a sound.
Among the elders present, Elder Xuan and Elder Lin held the highest seniority. Yet even they were one generation below Elder Mu. Elder Mu had been the last and youngest disciple of Elder Xuan's master, making him Xuan's martial uncle despite being only ten or so years older. But in terms of contribution and strength, Elder Mu was undeniably the number one figure at Shrek Academy.