The legends circulating within Shrek Academy depicted the original Shrek Seven Devils as incredibly gifted prodigies, each a monster among monsters.
But witnessing them firsthand completely shattered her illusions.
Whether it was Tang San, the most famous among them, or Ma Hongjun, her nominal ancestor, their talent might be considered decent, but they were not just a mile, but an unfathomable distance away from the monstrous level she had imagined.
In her view, people like Lu Jingming, Firefly, and Robin were the real monsters.
Compared to these individuals, the original Shrek Seven Devils were simply too unremarkable to mention.
Setting aside an entity of Lu Jingming's transcendent scale, even the students in Shrek's Inner Court during her time, like Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi, were likely no weaker than them at the same age, and might even be stronger.
While factors like historical periods and differing resources might play a role, it was asking too much for the arrogant Ma Xiaotao to genuinely feel admiration for a group of people she perceived as weak.
During the previous assembly at the Star Luo Imperial Palace, she had merely maintained basic courtesy out of necessity for the occasion.
Now, in private, facing Han Ruoruo, who was like a sister to her, she had no need to pretend, instantly revealing her true thoughts.
Ma Xiaotao scoffed, her tone growing sharper: "Even if we take a step back and assume that the person standing before me was a genuinely historic ancestor from our world, should I simply bow down and surrender my right to compete for a heaven-defdefying opportunity like a Divine Position inheritance? I, Ma Xiaotao, cannot do that!"
Her gaze suddenly became incredibly intense, as if two clusters of Phoenix flames were blazing within them.
"I will strive for it—openly, and by my own merit. If this 'ancestor' is not strong enough and loses to me in a fair competition, it only proves he is unworthy of this opportunity; it proves he is too weak. In this world, the Soul Master world, it is ultimately strength that reigns supreme, the survival of the fittest."
Recalling her own martial soul, Ma Xiaotao's voice involuntarily carried a trace of long-held resentment and coldness, a bitterness left behind by prolonged torment.
"As for the Evil Fire Phoenix inheritance? It has never brought me any damn glory or gratitude. Before meeting Senior Jingliu and gaining complete control over this flame, who among you can truly understand the torment of the Evil Fire, which was like a sickness attached to my bones, burning and corroding my heart day and night? That pain was worse than death itself. For me to be grateful for this so-called 'ancestral bloodline' that brought endless suffering? It's the most ridiculous joke in the world."
Her voice was laced with indifference.
"Furthermore, I, Ma Xiaotao, have never had much of a family to speak of. As far as I know, the Evil Fire Phoenix lineage probably only has me left as the sole descendant in this generation. I was found by my teacher outside, brought back to Shrek Academy, and raised by the Academy. Shrek Academy is my only home."
Her gaze was resolute as she looked at Han Ruoruo and Aglaia, her tone conclusive and beyond doubt.
"The ancestor's name is worthy of being enshrined in Shrek Academy's Hall of Honor and respected by future generations. But some things should never be unconditionally or unreservedly given up just because of a respected name. The Divine Position, I will certainly fight for it. No one can stop me."
Ma Xiaotao's declaration was the most naked, purest pursuit of power and survival logic.
She had a far greater-than-normal desire to achieve godhood. This was not only for self-transcendence, but also for a deeper reason: she watched Lu Jingming grow stronger at an alarming rate, leaving her further and further behind.
She was happy for him, but deep down, she felt immense resentment.
She refused to be an eternal admirer, a mere foil; she refused to let the distance between them grow until he was entirely out of reach.
This resentment transformed into the most fervent thirst for power.
Han Ruoruo quietly listened to Ma Xiaotao's undisguised declaration, showing no surprise. She knew Ma Xiaotao's fierce character and unique experiences too well.
She nodded slightly, agreeing:
"My thoughts are consistent with yours, Xiaotao. Old Xuan likely intends the same. Our accidental arrival in this world is a crisis, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we can achieve godhood here, it will not only grant us personal transcendence but also provide unparalleled assistance for the Academy's future development and the challenges our world may face."
She paused, calmly analyzing Xuan Zi's strategy:
"Old Xuan chose to reveal the information about the 'future' in the Star Luo Imperial Palace probably because he harbored the intention of 'using their strength against their strength.'"
"Otherwise, relying solely on us outsiders, unfamiliar with the people and places, searching for the elusive Sea God Island in the vast ocean would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Moreover, our ultimate goal is to find a stable spatiotemporal passage to return to our own world, which also requires leveraging the information and resources of this world's native powers. Publicizing partial information in exchange for their full assistance is a risky move, but it is currently the most effective strategy."
Aglaia had been listening quietly, her eyes calm and unwavering.
She was already accustomed to the various calculations and struggles between mortals driven by desire and power. Her long life made it difficult for her to maintain much interest in such matters.
To be able to cross time and space, arrive in a new world, and personally observe and experience entirely different civilizations and rules was already a huge satisfaction and gain for her.
Han Ruoruo was her Master, with whom she had signed a contract. Until the contract ended and this journey to another world concluded, she would abide by the spirit of the contract, using her strength and wisdom to assist her Master in achieving her goal.
An unspoken understanding had been reached between the three of them.
In this parallel world full of crisis and opportunity, they would stand together for their common goal—power and a path home—calmly assessing everything and decisively seizing every possible chance.
The so-called ancestral halo seemed utterly pale and powerless in the face of tangible self-interest and the pursuit of power.
In another secluded courtyard provided by the Star Luo Empire, the candlelight flickered, stretching the silhouettes of the group onto the walls, weaving a slightly tense pattern.
Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, Flender, as well as Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Dugu Bo, whom Tang San considered a crucial helper, were gathered here.
Compared to the mixed atmosphere and hidden agendas in the Imperial Palace hall earlier that day, the atmosphere here was more private, yet it felt heavier due to the gravity of the future decisions they faced.
Yu Xiaogang's brows were deeply furrowed. His fingers unconsciously traced the rough surface of the wooden table, as if he were strategizing an invisible game of chess.
He was the first to break the suffocating silence, his voice low and hoarse, filled with pervasive worry:
"What Senior Xuan Zi said today was incredibly informative, especially the matter regarding the Divine Position inheritance; it truly gave us a direction. However..."
His tone suddenly sharpened. The eyes that appeared extraordinarily deep from years of theoretical research keenly scanned every familiar face in the room, his voice conveying intense caution.
"Everyone, calm down and think carefully. His unreserved revelation of such shocking, continent-shaking information—in front of the Star Luo Emperor, the various Sect Masters, and numerous individuals with ulterior motives—is this 'generosity' not somewhat... too unconventional, or even... dangerous?"
Flender pushed up his iconic, highly polished crystal glasses. The eyes behind the lenses now shone not with a merchant's cunning, but with the shrewdness and seriousness of someone who understood the ways of the world.
He immediately chimed in, his voice carrying his usual pragmatic analysis, yet cutting straight to the core:
"Xiaogang's concern is precisely what troubles me. Speaking as a businessman, there is no free lunch in the world. Senior Xuan Zi and his group come from Shrek ten thousand years in the future, and that connection is undeniable. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the rescue, and we remember it."
"But the word 'Godhood' is too heavy. By so openly throwing out this bait that can drive everyone mad, he instantly puts us at the center of the storm, making us the fat meat in the eyes of all ambitious people."
"We... are very likely to become not just the target of public criticism, but also the pawns he uses to draw in both overt and covert attacks."
After all, in the original history, the ones who obtained the Divine Positions were their seven Shrek Academy students.
Knowing this, no one would ignore them. They would become targets for every interested party.
"Enough!"
Liu Erlong's fiery temper instantly flared. She slammed her palm onto the table. The sturdy wooden table groaned under the strain, and the teacups rattled violently.
"I don't care about schemes or calculations. Since we know about the existence of the Divine Positions, and they are clearly opportunities for you, Xiaosan, then we will fight for them, we will snatch them! Anyone who dares to block our path or stick out a claw, I will use this Vermilion Dragon True Fire to burn them until not even ash is left."
Though angry and rough in speech, she precisely hit the core point—when faced with an opportunity to defy fate, retreat was impossible. They could only strive for it with all their might.
Tang San, sitting beside Xiao Wu, had been listening silently like a deep pool. He slowly lifted his head now.
In his azure eyes, which inherited his mother's bloodline, there was no youthful, impulsive fervor, only a cold calm and profundity, like something distilled after enduring great hardships.
"Teacher, Dean, Teacher Erlong, your worries are precisely what I have been pondering over and over."
His voice was unusually steady, betraying little emotion, yet it carried a determination, as if he had made a certain resolution.
"Senior Xuan Zi himself may not harbor ill will, but in the face of the ultimate temptation of 'achieving godhood,' which transcends the mortal realm, the test of human nature will far exceed imagination. We cannot, and absolutely dare not, fully entrust our own fate and the hope of revenge to the goodwill and promises of others. We must have our own plan, our own trump cards, and the strength to deal with any unforeseen circumstances."
His gaze swept across every partner present, his look silently confirming their shared conviction. He continued, his voice resolute.
"Since the position of Sea God historically belonged to me, then this time, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, no matter how many people covet it, I, Tang San, am still determined to obtain it. This is not only for the pursuit of greater power but also to exact our blood debt from the Spirit Empire, for the Douluo Continent, and to... protect every important person by my side, to lose no one again."
The heavy resolve and burden of responsibility in his words deeply resonated with everyone present.
"Before we officially set out for Sea God Island, I will race against time, using all the materials I can gather, to forge as many of the Tang Sect's most powerful and deterrent mechanical hidden weapons as possible."
Tang San's eyes became extremely focused, as if he could already see those ingenious killing tools.
"For instance, the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus, which has the ultimate area-of-effect damage, the Peerless Overlord, which is an unrivaled single-target defense breaker, and the unpredictable, impossible-to-guard Peacock Plume. With these by our side, we will have greater self-preservation capability and the power to launch a counterattack capable of turning the tide of battle when facing the Spirit Empire's encirclement, or... when certain seemingly friendly 'allies' suddenly turn against us."
Upon hearing this, Dai Mubai's tiger eyes flashed with sharp light. He abruptly stood up, his tall frame radiating dominance and determination.
"Xiaosan is absolutely right. In this chaotic world, the only unchangeable truth is the power held firmly in your hand. Don't worry, I will immediately inform my father, the Emperor, and mobilize the power of the Star Luo Imperial Family to search for and provide all the rare metals required to forge these hidden weapons, no matter the cost. This Divine Position must be ours, and only ours."
What he demonstrated was not just brotherhood, but the mettle of a prince of a nation.
Oscar rubbed his hands. Although his face still held a hint of nervousness about the unknown, he mostly wore a forced look of optimism and resolve:
"Hehe, God of Food... that sounds right up my alley. Achieving godhood without having to fight and kill—how great is that? Don't worry, Third Brother. My Copy Mirror Sausage has recently improved in soul power control, and its effect is more lasting and stable. It will definitely be useful at critical moments. When have we Shrek Seven Devils ever backed down? Brothers united, our strength is unstoppable."
Ma Hongjun scratched his short, fiery red hair with some frustration, saying sullenly:
"God of the Phoenix... the title sounds pretty grand and imposing. But looking at that girl, Ma Xiaotao, she seems to be more than a little stronger than me. That flame is so pure... sigh!"
He sighed, but then his gaze hardened as he looked at Tang San, his chubby face showing loyalty.
"I don't care about it! Third Brother, I'm with you. What are descendants and predecessors compared to the bond we brothers share from fighting together? Anyone who wants to snatch what belongs to us will have to ask if my Phoenix Flame agrees first."
In his heart, Tang San's position was far superior to that of a suddenly appearing, unknown powerhouse who was supposedly his descendant.
Just as he finished speaking, Ma Hongjun seemed to suddenly remember something. He rubbed his hands, his face showing a mixture of shyness, curiosity, and eagerness, and he lowered his voice to ask:
"Oh, right, the setting wasn't right before, so I didn't feel comfortable asking... who exactly is my future wife? Which girl is it? And she actually left a bloodline for this Fatty here..."