Chapter 98: Final Decision
Inside the Sea God Pavilion.
The discussions were like waves, rising and falling. The elders' faces were tense, their eyes full of contemplation.
Mu Lao sat upright in the main seat, his posture straight, though his face revealed the years that had passed.
He quietly listened to everyone's speech, absorbing their words and weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
The soul ring age-up card was not only related to an individual's strength but also tied directly to Shrek Academy's future path.
After a long while, Mu Lao raised his hand, which was covered with wrinkles but still had strength. He gently waved.
In an instant, it felt as though the pause button had been pressed within the Sea God Pavilion. All sound ceased, and the place fell into a deep silence, like the surface of a lake at night.
Everyone's gaze was fixed on Mu Lao, waiting for his key decision.
"Everyone has valid points," Mu Lao's voice was deep and powerful, echoing through the spacious Sea God Pavilion.
"But we must also consider the academy's long-term development. Xuanzi has strong strength and rich experience. If we can increase his soul ring age, it will benefit the academy greatly."
"Moreover, Xuanzi, you have the ability to maximize the potential of this card. With it, you might be able to break through to a new level and reach the Ultimate Douluo realm."
"At that time, our academy will have another Ultimate Douluo strongman, and in our confrontation with the Holy Spirit Sect, we'll have more confidence. So, I believe this card should be given to Xuanzi."
Mu Lao's tone was firm, each word like it had been forged through countless trials, unquestionable.
He was well aware of his current physical condition. The battle with Zhong Li Wu had exacerbated the hidden injuries he had carried for years.
At this moment, he could clearly feel his life slipping away like sand through an hourglass, quietly flowing by. His time was running out.
In these limited days, he had to make full use of Shrek Academy's precious resources and strive to cultivate a new Ultimate Douluo in the academy.
Only then, after his departure, could Shrek Academy continue to stand proudly at the top of the continent, unassailable by any other forces, avoiding potential crises.
After hearing Mu Lao's words, although some still had different opinions, they all knew that Mu Lao had devoted his entire life to the academy.
This decision must have been made after careful consideration.
Thus, no one spoke further and simply suppressed their thoughts.
Xuan Lao slowly stood up, his expression troubled, his eyes full of hesitation and helplessness.
"Mu Lao, but my physical condition..."
He knew full well that he had been stuck at the peak Douluo level for many years. The reason he couldn't break through wasn't due to insufficient soul power but because he couldn't complete the crucial step from the peak to the Ultimate level.
Over the years, he had tried countless methods, constantly exploring the path of cultivation, only to fail time and time again at the gap in front of him.
His heart was full of helplessness and regret.
"For the next month, I will assist you, and we will try our best to break through that step, using this soul ring age-up card to see if we can reach the Ultimate Douluo level."
Mu En looked at Xuanzi with a determined gaze, his voice filled with encouragement and trust.
He knew Xuanzi's potential. Over the years, he had witnessed Xuanzi's efforts and persistence in the cultivation path and believed that with his help, Xuanzi had the chance to make this major breakthrough.
In the current Shrek Academy, Xuanzi was almost the only one with a chance to break through to the Ultimate Douluo level.
Time was of the essence.
They had to push forward the plan as quickly as possible to enhance the academy's overall strength and prepare for the coming battle.
"Yes, Mu Lao!"
Xuan Lao sighed as he heard the decision.
It was done, and nothing could change it now.
He made a silent vow that he must break through the current bottleneck and not let the academy's precious resources go to waste on him.
He would not leave the closed-door cultivation space until he reached the Ultimate Douluo level.
"During the time that Xuanzi and I are in closed-door cultivation, you all must ensure the safety of the academy," Mu Lao said after making all the necessary arrangements. His eyes scanned all the elders in the Sea God Pavilion, speaking seriously.
In such a critical time, any small oversight could bring great disaster to the academy.
"Yes!"
Everyone nodded solemnly, their expressions grave.
They all knew that there could be no room for negligence this time; they had to be fully alert and protect the academy's safety.
Thus, with the soul ring age-up card's final decision made, the Sea God Pavilion meeting came to an end.
Afterward, Mu Lao and Xuan Lao left the Sea God Pavilion and walked toward a wooden house on the Golden Tree.
That wooden house was about to become their place of closed-door cultivation.
In the days to come, Xuan Lao would give his all in that place, attempting to break through to the Ultimate Douluo level.
...
On the winding corridors of Shrek Academy, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er were walking side by side.
"Wang Dong, are you planning to leave the academy tomorrow?" Huo Yuhao turned to Wang Dong'er and softly asked.
"Yes, the academy is on break, so I plan to go back home tomorrow."
Wang Dong'er nodded gently, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Just in time, when I get back, I'll ask about the Starry Auction House. If necessary, I hope my family can participate in the auction held by the Starry Auction House."
"Not to mention whether the Starry Auction House is good or bad, but the things it brings out are indeed rare treasures on the Douluo Continent."
"Alright."
Huo Yuhao sighed after hearing this answer.
He felt a bit reluctant, but he was also curious about the forces behind Wang Dong'er.
"Could it be the Haotian Sect? But Wang Dong'er's surname isn't Tang..."
The thought flashed through his mind, recalling that one of Wang Dong'er's martial souls was the Haotian Hammer, the inherited martial soul of the world's number one sect, Haotian Sect.
However, as far as he knew, all Haotian Sect disciples had the surname Tang, which made him feel puzzled.
But soon, he shook his head and dismissed these jumbled thoughts.
He believed that with time, he would eventually learn about Wang Dong'er's true identity.
"And you? Do you have any plans for the holiday?" Wang Dong'er stopped and looked at Huo Yuhao, softly asking.
Upon hearing this question, a trace of sadness appeared in Huo Yuhao's eyes, and his mother's face unconsciously appeared in his mind.
But soon, he calmed himself, took a deep breath, and slowly spoke.
"I won't be going back. I plan to study soul tools with Teacher Fan Yu."
"The academy previously obtained a fifth-level soul tool blueprint from the Starry Auction House, as well as a ninth-level soul tool. I'm going to study advanced soul tool knowledge."
His eyes revealed determination. With the turbulent situation on the continent and the Starry Auction House's appearance, the situation was growing increasingly complex.
He knew that only by quickly improving his soul power while also learning about soul tools and developing stronger soul tools would he be able to secure a foothold in future challenges.
Especially with the Martial Soul Copying Mirror previously showcased by the Starry Auction House—he was very eager for it.
"Tch, always studying. Don't turn into a bookworm. Since that's the case, let's meet again when we're back for the holiday."
Wang Dong'er clenched her fists against her chest and snorted in mock anger, but a slight smile couldn't help but appear on her lips.
Then, the two continued walking side by side, the warm glow of the setting sun gently bathing them, adding a touch of warmth to their parting scene.
(END CHAPTER)
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