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Xie Xie's fists clenched unconsciously, the smooth stainless steel tabletop reflecting his ever-changing expression.
Just moments ago, he had witnessed Yun Ming, the master of Sea God Pavilion, personally extending an olive branch to Gu La—the Pavilion master of Sea God himself! An honor that soul masters across the entire continent dreamed of, yet that guy had casually brushed it off.
"What have I been doing…?" Xie Xie kicked a pebble at his feet with frustration. The stone struck the table leg, emitting a sharp sound.
He recalled how he had smugly skipped an hour of cultivation yesterday out of laziness, his nails digging deeply into his palm. Footsteps approached from behind, and he quickly wiped his face, putting on a carefree smile as he turned around.
Xu Xiaoyan was much simpler-minded, but even she felt the need to work harder in her cultivation. She couldn't afford to fall too far behind and quietly encouraged herself.
"It's almost time for class. Let's go."
Gu La's voice came from behind. Xie Xie saw the cold glow of the soul-conductor communicator spinning in Gu La's hand. That massive recruitment attempt that shook the entire academy seemed to him like nothing more than a trivial matter.
In fact, Gu La didn't take Yun Ming's overtures seriously at all. With the talent he had displayed, even Qiangu Dongfeng wouldn't abandon him without reason.
Similarly, setting aside the bond of teacher and disciple, Leng Yaozhu still needed Gu La as the representative of the Leng family in the next generation of Spirit Pagoda disciples—there was no way she would let him go.
The Sea God Pavilion's attempt to recruit him was simply a waste of time—a foolish daydream.
"Right, we shouldn't be late."
Na'er had already grown impatient, hiding behind Tang Wulin, her expression fearful.
If she had known earlier how strong Gu La was, she definitely wouldn't have provoked him.
Thinking about the peak of the Spirit Abyss Realm in spiritual power, Na'er inwardly screamed: Is he even human?
The group headed toward the classroom. Along the way, Tang Wulin asked in confusion, "Na'er, aren't you returning to the inner academy?"
He already knew that Na'er had become a disciple of Yun Ming and was part of the inner academy.
Na'er giggled, puffing out her chest. "Brother, from now on, I'll study in the outer academy—with you in the same class!"
Tang Wulin first smiled, then asked, "Won't this delay your cultivation?"
Na'er immediately assured him, "No problem. I'll return to Sea God Island to cultivate at night."
Gu La paid no attention to this. His fingertips rapidly tapped on the communicator, sending a message about Yun Ming's planned visit to Leng Yaozhu.
In less than three seconds, a reply lit up: [No need to bother]—four words, crisp and decisive.
Upon arriving at the classroom, Wu Zhangkong was already there. The atmosphere in the room subtly stiffened. The stern instructor's gaze lingered on Gu La for half a second before he sighed imperceptibly.
Cai Yue'er's furious roar from the office earlier still echoed in their ears: "That disrespectful brat!"
But Wu Zhangkong understood better than anyone else that in the face of overwhelming talent, any rules must yield.
Wu Zhangkong said nothing further, letting them take their seats.
This class was moral education.
"...Reviewing the glorious history of Shrek Academy, the most important thing is the academy's unwavering stance on the side of justice... The honor defended by generations of Shrek Academy predecessors with their blood..."
Wu Zhangkong's deep voice reverberated through the classroom. The lengthy lecture made Gu La drowsy, while others, intimidated by Wu Zhangkong's authority, dared not lose focus.
Gu La had no such concern. While clearly distracted, his consciousness was handed over to a mental clone to appear as if he were listening. On the surface, he seemed attentive, but internally, he was reflecting on the flaws in the illusion space he had constructed earlier.
---
Meanwhile, inside Sea God Pavilion, one of the fiercest debates in decades was erupting.
"Thirteen years old and already at the peak of the Spirit Abyss Realm!" Feng Wuyu's roar caused the crystal chandeliers to tinkle. His flailing arms nearly knocked over Zhuo Shi's teacup.
"Do you realize what this means? At that age, Yun Ming had only just entered the Spirit Sea Realm! Give him ten years, and he will undoubtedly become a Super Douluo!"
"Watch your words!"
Cai Yue'er interrupted coldly, but her trembling fingertips betrayed her unease.
Even though she disliked him in her heart, she couldn't deny Gu La's extraordinary talent in cultivation. His spiritual power, which slightly surpassed hers, was worth her swallowing her pride—for the sake of Shrek!
Long Yeyue, the Light and Dark Douluo, silently caressed her teacup, saying nothing. But her mere presence was a form of support for the other elder members.
The Spirit Abyss Realm was already the peak that mortals could reach. The Spirit Domain Realm was something unattainable for most. Achieving the Spirit Domain Realm allowed one to freely fuse with spirit souls without worrying about the mental burden they brought. Across the entire Doulu Continent, only a dozen people had reached this level.
Zhuo Shi rarely agreed with his arch-rival, but this time, he did. "It's impossible. We must bring Gu La into the academy. He's a future pillar who can extend Shrek Academy's glory for centuries."
Elder Lin maintained a calm and rational demeanor, lightly tapping his fingers on the table. "But Gu La is a core disciple of Spirit Pagoda. That girl, Leng Yaozhu, is extremely shrewd—she won't easily let go of her carefully cultivated disciple."
Cai Yue'er snorted disdainfully, her eyes flashing with contempt. "Both Gu La and Gu Yue are disciples of Leng Yaozhu, and both are once-in-a-century geniuses."
"No matter how abundant Spirit Pagoda's resources are, can they possibly provide the best cultivation for both simultaneously? Moreover, Leng Yaozhu isn't even the Tower Master of Spirit Pagoda."
"Let me say one thing," she continued. "Qiangu Dongfeng is narrow-minded. He would never allow both to become Spirit Envoys at the same time, dividing the Qian family's power. This is our opportunity!"
A flicker of emotion passed through Yun Ming's deep eyes—one of the reasons that intrigued him.
As the master of Sea God Pavilion, he understood better than anyone the immense resources required to cultivate two top-tier geniuses simultaneously. More importantly, he harbored a hidden thought: bringing Gu La in would allow him to keep the mysterious youth under close observation.
The meeting room fell into silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves outside the window.
Finally, Long Yeyue slowly rose, her voice soft yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Yun Ming, you personally visit Spirit Pagoda. If this succeeds, it will be a win-win. If it doesn't…" She scanned the group, "Shrek Academy has stood for twenty thousand years and will never stagnate because of the absence of anyone."
Her gaze finally settled on Cai Yue'er. "Yue'er, control your temper." After a pause, she added, "From now on, unless absolutely necessary, don't disturb me. You may decide on your own."
Before her words faded, Long Yeyue's figure had already vanished from her seat, leaving behind a faint trace of lingering fragrance.
Yun Ming watched his mentor leave with a soft sigh. "Let's adjourn."
---
Early the next morning, at the top floor of Spirit Pagoda headquarters.
Leng Yaozhu stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the rising sun bathe the clouds in golden light. She had already received the news and knew that distinguished guests would be arriving today. When she sensed the two familiar auras approaching, her fingers unconsciously tightened around the curtain.
"Two rare visitors." By the time she turned around, she had regained her composure. Her fiery red hair shimmered like flames in the morning light. "I already know the purpose of your visit."
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