"Cry—!"
A loud, melodious phoenix call echoed across the entire Inner Court. Everyone instinctively turned toward the source. Golden-red light illuminated half the sky, and a majestic, divine phoenix burst forth from the Golden Ancient Tree. It unfurled its golden-red wings, flames seemingly rising from its feathers. Its long, gorgeous tail shimmered with golden patterns, forming a breathtaking emblem of fire.
Behind the Fire Phoenix trailed nine soul rings—six black and three red—signifying her highest status among humans: a Title Douluo.
"Whoosh—" "Whoosh—"
Several figures flashed from within the Inner Court and landed beside Zhu Ziyang.
"Ziyang, is that…?" Xuanzi's eyes sparkled with joy and excitement. Though the identity of the Fire Phoenix was already obvious, he still habitually asked.
"Mm, it's Sister Xiaotao," Zhu Ziyang replied with a cheerful smile. "I think Tianyuan Pavilion should consider conferring a title upon her now."
"It really is Xiaotao!" Yan Shaozhe was visibly thrilled—that was his disciple! The thought that his student had reached Title Douluo at just twenty-four made his heart surge with pride. "There's no need to think of another title, right? I think 'Phoenix Douluo' is perfect!"
"Yes, yes!" Cai Meier echoed in agreement, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
The Elders present all offered their opinions, and everyone agreed that 'Phoenix Douluo' suited Ma Xiaotao well. It would also serve as a legacy title for her bloodline.
Ma Xiaotao, being a descendant of the first-generation Shrek Seven Devils' Phoenix Douluo Ma Hongjun, came from the Ma Clan—historically one of Shrek Academy's most important lineages. However, due to a flaw in their martial soul, their numbers had dwindled over generations. By Ma Xiaotao's time, she was the only one left.
Compared to the question of her title, her eye-catching soul ring configuration was almost secondary. After all, the Elders already knew that Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, and Jiang Nannan were blessed by the gods. As such, their soul rings were naturally seen as fitting.
The matter of their divine blessings had already been discreetly shared with the Elders after Zhu Ziyang returned from the Wuhun Continent and assumed leadership of Tianyuan Pavilion. The Elders were thrilled, feeling fortunate to witness the most glorious era in Shrek Academy's history.
To the Elders, even the worst-case scenario would leave Shrek with three Ultimate Douluo—a record-breaking feat. Given the trio's talent and potential, there was a high chance they would all ascend to godhood. So, despite Zhu Ziyang only being around twenty, the Elders—who were all nearing a century old—were more than willing to follow his lead.
"Cry—!"
The golden-red Fire Phoenix swooped down from the sky, landing before Zhu Ziyang and the others. Its form rapidly shrank until it transformed into a charming and graceful woman—Ma Xiaotao.
"Xiaotao, congratulations!" Yan Shaozhe and Cai Meier stepped forward together to offer their blessings.
"Teacher, Mistress!" Ma Xiaotao greeted them with joy glowing on her face. "Hehe, how about it? Didn't I make you proud?"
"Mm!" Yan Shaozhe nodded vigorously. Since leaving seclusion, he hadn't been this happy. His face was flushed with excitement, joy, and pride all at once.
"Xiaotao, have you thought about your title?" Elder Lin asked. "We old folks think 'Phoenix Douluo' fits perfectly. Do you have something else in mind?"
"My title, huh…" Ma Xiaotao paused. She truly hadn't considered it before. Instinctively, she looked at Zhu Ziyang for help, but he only smiled at her, clearly encouraging her to decide for herself. Left with no choice, she lowered her head in thought. "Let me think…"
"No rush, take your time," the Elders said patiently. Time was on their side. While Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao were about to leave for the tournament in Mingdu, what was a competition compared to something as momentous as a title conferral?
"Sigh, forget it. I'm too lazy to think—let's go with Fire God Douluo!" Ma Xiaotao blurted out after thinking for only thirty or forty seconds, already growing impatient.
"Fire God Douluo?" The Elders' expressions turned a bit odd, but none voiced any objection. After all, the title was a personal matter, and since Ma Xiaotao was the Fire God's chosen, the name was entirely reasonable.
"Hahaha, great! Fire God Douluo it is!" Xuanzi laughed heartily. "We have Dragon God Douluo before, and now Fire God Douluo. Truly, the heavens bless Shrek Academy!"
Thus, Fire God Douluo Ma Xiaotao made her grand debut.
Her coronation didn't take long. Since all the Elders were present, there was no need to wait for others. The ceremony was held on the spot. Yan Shaozhe personally crowned his prized disciple, the Elders congratulated her, and then an announcement was sent to the three great empires, proclaiming the birth of Shrek's newest Title Douluo.
Once the coronation concluded, it was time to move to more pressing matters. According to the prior plan, Elder Xuan and Ma Xiaotao would lead the team to Mingdu. Ma Xiaotao would be the official representative and team captain, while Zhu Ziyang remained the true commander. Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo would lead the support team assisting Zhang Lexuan and Elder Song. The two teams set off at the same time but acted independently.
"Everyone, the fate of the continent lies in our hands. Let us rise to the occasion!" Zhu Ziyang declared with solemn determination before departure.
"Yes!" The Elders' blood surged like they were young men once more.
After that, Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, and Elder Xuan arrived at the Inner Court's training grounds. Jiang Nannan, Qian Lingyi, Diwu Huan'er, and the rest of the thirteen team members—main and reserve—were already waiting.
"Sister Xiaotao, you broke through?" Diwu Huan'er immediately ran up and clung to Ma Xiaotao's arm, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Mhmm!" Ma Xiaotao smiled and patted Huan'er's head. "Your big sister is now Fire God Douluo Ma Xiaotao. From now on, no one will dare bully you!"
"Yay!" Diwu Huan'er happily clung to her arm. Her little nose twitched as if she caught a scent, and her face turned slightly red. She gave Zhu Ziyang a shy glare.
Unfortunately, Zhu Ziyang didn't catch her look—or he might've pulled her into his arms and teased her. Instead, he looked at the group and said, "Alright, let's move out!"
No further words were needed. Zhu Ziyang took the lead, Jiang Nannan and Qian Lingyi followed, and the rest fell in behind. Everyone had their own thoughts—but without exception, all of them revolved around Ma Xiaotao. They'd all seen the heavenly phenomenon during her breakthrough. They knew their Senior Sister traveling with them to the tournament was a true Title Douluo—at only twenty-four years old.
Even with the monstrous Zhu Ziyang ahead, Ma Xiaotao's breakthrough stirred even more feelings. After all, most of the team members were under twenty. Reaching Title Douluo by twenty might be impossible, but by twenty-five? Maybe not!
As for Jiang Nannan and Qian Lingyi—their thoughts were simpler. Jiang Nannan thought: How hateful! She actually succeeded! Qian Lingyi thought: How annoying! Why am I always one step behind? Qian Lingyi, you'd better step it up!
The Shrek Academy representative team left the academy, speeding westward across the continent. Their goal was clear: the Sun Moon Empire, Mingdu!
Not long after their departure, another group of around ten also left Shrek City. They were all young—around twenty—and without question, they were the Tang Sect team, led by Huo Yuhao, Tang Ya, and others.
Though nominally two separate teams, the Shrek and Tang Sect teams did not move together to maintain appearances. However, behind the scenes, everything had already been decided: while they'd compete separately, outside the tournament, the Tang Sect team would follow Zhu Ziyang's command—for they were not just Tang Sect disciples, but also Inner Court disciples of Shrek Academy!
(End of Chapter)
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