Word Count: 2,966 Words
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On Sea God Island, beneath the Ancient Golden Tree.
The Sea God Pavilion was enveloped in a profound silence where even a pin drop would echo. Ten individuals were seated around an oval wooden table. The four Deans—Yan Shaozhe, Cai Mei'er, Xian Lin'er, and Qian Duoduo—occupied the lowest seats on either side with deference. In front of them sat six elderly, white-haired individuals, the true pillars of Shrek Academy.
A meeting would be convened in the Sea God Pavilion whenever Shrek Academy faced a significant upheaval. Thus, the Sea God Pavilion Meeting was the highest leadership assembly of Shrek Academy. Only the Deans and Vice Deans of the Martial Spirit and Spirit Guidance Departments, along with the resident elders of the Hall of Consecration, were qualified to participate. The future of the continent's number one academy was decided here by a show of hands.
There were two ways a Sea God Pavilion Meeting could be held. One was the periodic meeting that was held annually, while the other was an interim meeting. Setting aside the periodic meetings, every time an interim meeting was held, it signified that Shrek Academy was facing a major change. Historically, there were even instances where interim Sea God Pavilion Meetings altered the development trajectory of the Douluo Continent.
At the innermost position of the long table rested a reclining chair. Dragon God Douluo Elder Mu lay upon it and said gently, "Now that everyone is here, let's officially begin. Xuan Zi, as the initiator, please preside over the meeting."
"Yes, Elder Mu."
Elder Xuan had shed his usual slovenly appearance of holding a chicken leg in his left hand and a wine gourd in his right. His rare serious demeanor made the other elders secretly wonder what major event could have compelled this Taotie Douluo to put down his food and drink.
Elder Xuan spoke in a deep voice, "I have gathered everyone today to convene a Sea God Pavilion Meeting because of a matter that concerns whether the academy can maintain its transcendent position on the continent for the next few hundred years."
"What?!"
The elders were momentarily stunned before urging, "Explain in detail; don't keep us in suspense."
"The Grand Melee Selection has just concluded, signifying that this term's Shrek Seven Monsters Reserve Team is about to be officially established," Elder Xuan stated directly.
Elder Li, the head of the Surveillance Pavilion and chief of the Examination Hall, scratched his head in confusion. "Old Taotie, is a mere Reserve Team really that important? Isn't it just a few kids going to the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament to sit in the competitors' rest area, experience the tournament atmosphere and the glory of winning up close, enhance their sense of belonging to the academy, and make it easier for us to win them over while they're young and passionate?
This year's official Seven Monsters include Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, both Spirit Emperors. That kid Ling Bai is an even more concealed monster. To be honest, even if we tied up seven pigs as the Reserve Team, Shrek wouldn't lose the championship."
Elder Li thought that Elder Xuan implied the Reserve Team could potentially cause Shrek Academy to lose the championship of the Spirit Master Tournament for the first time in history, so he spoke up to ease his concerns.
Elder Xuan heard the underlying meaning in Elder Li's words and waved his hand. "The championship goes without saying; it will definitely belong to Shrek Academy. The key issue is that the members of this Reserve Team are vastly different from what we had previously envisioned!"
"What do you mean?"
Yan Shaozhe caught a whiff of danger and frowned, "Surely Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi, those Twin Stars, made it in, right? The number one assault-type Spirit Master and the number one defense-type Spirit Master in the Outer Courtyard, plus trump cards like the Holy Light Dragon and Xuanwu Awakening. I can't imagine anyone in the Outer Courtyard who could defeat them."
"Bei Bei made it."
The implication was that Xu Sanshi hadn't.
"What the hell!"
Yan Shaozhe slammed the table and exclaimed in shock, "Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi were the Martial Spirit Department's predetermined Seven Monsters from two years ago. Their relationship is as close as real brothers. It's only natural for them to team up in the Grand Melee Selection. How could Xu Sanshi be eliminated?!
Wait, could it be that Jiang Nannan turned against him?"
Xu Sanshi's simping deeds were well-known to everyone. Yan Shaozhe believed that only when facing Jiang Nannan would Xu Sanshi be tender-hearted and unable to act ruthlessly.
"Shaozhe, mind your manners," Elder Lin reminded.
"My apologies, esteemed elders," Yan Shaozhe said, apologizing. "I was too shocked for a moment. I've racked my brains but can't figure out why Xu Sanshi was defeated. Moreover, Xu Sanshi doesn't favor the Xuanwu Sect. The Martial Spirit Department has invested considerable resources in him over the years, all in hopes that one day he would join Shrek Academy like us and eventually become one of the Sea God Pavilion elders.
Xu Sanshi must be selected for the Reserve Team!"
"Elder Xuan, the matter of Xu Sanshi alone probably doesn't warrant you urgently convening a Sea God Pavilion Meeting," Xian Lin'er suddenly spoke up. "If I'm not mistaken... Yuhao didn't make it either, right?"
BOOM——
This time, the Sea God Pavilion elders collectively erupted. From Elder Lin and Elder Song to Qian Duoduo and Cai Mei'er, the scene of so many Titled Douluo simultaneously suffering a mental blow was terrifying. For a moment, the meeting room seemed to be engulfed in a howling gale that lasted for a long time.
"Calm yourselves."
Elder Mu's gentle voice soothed the elders' intense emotional fluctuations.
"Xuan Zi, please explain."
"Yes, Huo Yuhao did not make it into the Seven Monsters Reserve Team," Elder Xuan admitted.
!!!
Yan Shaozhe's eyes widened, Xian Lin'er sighed, Qian Duoduo was stunned, Cai Mei'er gritted her teeth, and the expressions of the other elders were even more colorful. The Sea God Pavilion Meeting suddenly turned into a facial expression competition.
"Elder Xuan, Twin Martial Spirits, Ultimate Martial Spirit, Body Martial Spirit, spiritual-type Martial Spirit, exceptionally talented plus being an orphan—Huo Yuhao is the hope for the future of our Shrek Academy..."
Yan Shaozhe said with trembling lips, "Especially since the academy didn't pay much attention to him last year, which has already caused him to feel discontent with the academy. A few days ago, I specifically sought him out to talk and made promises to mend our relationship. We are currently at a critical juncture!
In the past, the Shrek Reserve Team was selected from third-year students and above. This year, we made an exception to allow second-year students to participate in the Grand Melee Selection considering two points.
First, the overall talent of the second-year students is indeed outstanding. Dai Huabin, Ning Tian, Xie Huanyue, and Wang Dong—these four Spirit Elders are not a bit weaker than the Spirit Elders of the third and fourth years. They are qualified to participate in the selection as Reserve Team members.
Second, it was for Huo Yuhao to become part of the Reserve Team. I privately inquired and found out that Huo Yuhao is a disciple of the Tang Sect and a student of Fan Yu in the Spirit Guidance Department. In the Grand Melee Selection, he would be supported by Bei Bei, He Caitou, and Xu Sanshi—three Spirit Ancestors. He and Wang Dong also have the Spirit Fusion 'Golden Road'. His selection for the Reserve Team was certain!
The six years in the Outer Courtyard are the most crucial period for shaping a child's values and soul. If Huo Yuhao could personally experience Shrek's ten-thousand-year glory at the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament and lift the championship trophy in front of tens of thousands of witnesses, that peak sense of belonging, coupled with the academy's solemn promises, would definitely convince him to join the academy!"
Yan Shaozhe's voice grew louder as he spoke, but this time no one interrupted him. Many elders nodded their heads repeatedly, clearly agreeing with his words wholeheartedly.
Throughout Shrek Academy's history, only three Ultimate Martial Spirits had ever appeared. Ling Bai was the fourth, but the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had gotten to him first. Then, as if the clouds had parted to reveal another village, an orphan named Huo Yuhao appeared with an Ultimate and Twin Martial Spirits. Shrek Academy was grinning from ear to ear, wishing they could bring Huo Yuhao into their fold right away.
But meals had to be eaten one bite at a time; bribery was a last resort, while fostering a sense of belonging was the ultimate strategy. Unfortunately, the plan had run aground from the very start. Huo Yuhao actually didn't make it into the Reserve Team!
Out of the three predetermined Seven Monsters, only Bei Bei successfully made it. The elders felt a chill in their hearts.
"Elder Xuan, who are the other six people?"
Qian Duoduo was curious about which exceptional talents were powerful enough to squeeze out Xu Sanshi and Huo Yuhao.
"Spirit Ancestor Jiang Nannan with the Soft Boned Rabbit Martial Spirit; Spirit Elder Ning Tian with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda; Spirit Elder Xie Huanyue with the Rubber Elephant; Spirit Grand Master Wu Feng with the Red Dragon; and the twin Spirit Grand Masters Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo with the Hair Martial Spirit."
Silence, a long silence!
"How did those last three get in?"
Someone voiced the question in all the elders' minds.
Elder Xuan let out a long sigh and recounted the details of the Grand Melee Selection to everyone.
"This Ning Tian... is quite something!"
The elders all drew in sharp breaths. From Elder Xuan's account, Ning Tian's performance was ridiculously outstanding. Using the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—the world's number one auxiliary-type Tool Martial Spirit—she amplified ten Spirit Elders to besiege the three Spirit Ancestors. Two special Class 3 Spirit Guidance Devices exhausted He Caitou. By fusing her spirit rings and combining them with Medusa's Gaze, she intercepted the Golden Road, personally shattering Huo Yuhao's only hope of turning the tables.
"Her mother is that girl Fengya, isn't she?"
Elder Song's mind immediately conjured up an image of a graceful figure. With a helpless sigh, she said, "Back then, she was like a succubus, luring away many of Shrek Academy's elite disciples, including two of the Shrek Seven Monsters, Chang Qing and Xie Qin. Ning Tian indeed has inherited some of her mother's flair for stirring up storms."
Elder Xuan continued, "Since things have come to this, we must find ways to make amends as best we can. My idea is to replace certain people and let Huo Yuhao and Xu Sanshi take their places in the Reserve Team."
"That doesn't comply with the academy's regulations," Elder Lin objected. "It's an unwritten rule at the academy that the victors of the Grand Melee Selection become the Shrek Seven Monsters Reserve Team and participate in the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament. Of course, students with weaker backgrounds don't know this, but the heirs of ancient sects are well aware. We can't fool them."
"You're splitting hairs, Lin Huiqun," Elder Xuan chuckled. "An unwritten rule is just that—unwritten. Which of the academy's regulations clearly state, in black and white, that the victors of the Grand Melee Selection become the Seven Monsters Reserve Team?
What is clearly stipulated is that the seven victors of the Grand Melee Selection will jointly carry out a special mission. In the past, the special mission was participating in the Spirit Master Tournament. This year, we've changed it; the seven of them will team up to battle a 10,000-year spirit beast!"
Yan Shaozhe was overjoyed. The old ginger was indeed the spiciest!
Don't be fooled by Elder Xuan's usual drunken demeanor. When it came to critical moments, he was anything but sloppy. The old fox solved the problem with just a few words!
"If we follow Elder Xuan's suggestion, the flexibility in arranging the Reserve Team slots significantly increases!" Yan Shaozhe said excitedly. "We can't touch Ning Tian since she's the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan heir, but I feel the other five can all be replaced!"
That's right—five. Yan Shaozhe automatically excluded Bei Bei.
Who in their right mind would dare to mess with that young master!
"Our He Caitou is very outstanding!"
Qian Duoduo's eyes gleamed as he immediately seized the opportunity to heap praise: "Huo Yuhao is the executor of the Ultimate Soldier Plan, and He Caitou is his mobile arsenal. Both are disciples under Fan Yu in the Spirit Guidance Department; they're fellow disciples. They're highly suitable to join the Shrek Seven Monsters Reserve Team and fight together."
"Alright."
For the sake of Xian Lin'er and to prevent Qian Duoduo from causing trouble, Yan Shaozhe promptly agreed.
"Don't touch Jiang Nannan," Cai Mei'er, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Xu Sanshi is a predetermined member of the Shrek Seven Monsters. The academy's plan to secretly replace members can't be hidden from him. If we replace Jiang Nannan, the young man might act impulsively and leave Shrek to return to the Xuanwu Sect."
"Good, good! Mei'er is very thoughtful!"
Yan Shaozhe stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, He Caitou, Ning Tian, Huo Yuhao...
Who should we give the last spot to? Wu Feng is from a branch of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and has the deepest background. Xie Huanyue is a Spirit Elder and currently the strongest in terms of raw power..."
Elder Xuan chuckled, "Shaozhe, broaden your perspective. Don't just focus on the victors. There are other talented students in the second year of the Outer Courtyard. I think both Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong are quite good.
Wang Dong comes from the Clear Sky Sect, possesses Twin Martial Spirits—the Bright Goddess Butterfly and the Clear Sky Hammer—and has a Spirit Fusion with Huo Yuhao that's 100% compatible.
As for Xiao Xiao, she also has Twin Martial Spirits—the Three Lives Soul Sealing Cauldron and the Nine Phoenix Dancing Flute. Though her talent isn't as exceptional as Wang Dong's, her background is relatively modest. With future nurturing, she might be more inclined to join the academy."
Wang Dong revealed his second Martial Spirit, the Clear Sky Hammer, when Ling Bai swept through the 400 second-year students at Du Weilun's request. Xiao Xiao had openly used her Nine Phoenix Dancing Flute as early as the freshman examination.
"Elder Xuan, let's choose Wang Dong."
Yan Shaozhe suggested. Shrek Academy currently prioritized Huo Yuhao above all else. Wang Dong's Spirit Fusion with Huo Yuhao gave him an edge over Xiao Xiao. Moreover, the Clear Sky Sect had been reclusive for ten thousand years. Wang Dong was the first disciple from the Clear Sky Sect to enroll in Shrek Academy since Tang San. Shrek had to give the Clear Sky Sect this face.
"I have no objections."
Elder Xuan pulled out his chicken leg and wine gourd again, took a big bite of the chicken leg, and mumbled:
"The Shrek Seven Monsters are Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, Ling Bai, Ling Luochen, Xi Xi, Yao Haoxuan, and Gongyang Mo.
The Shrek Seven Monsters Reserve Team: Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, He Caitou, Ning Tian, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong.
In half a month, I'll lead the team to Star Luo City to participate in the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament!"
"You old rascal, the more you work, the more we can relax."
Just as the other elders began to joke with Elder Xuan, Xian Lin'er suddenly noticed that Elder Mu on the reclining chair was, at some point, staring fixedly at them. His eye sockets seemed like deep, dark abysses. Only by looking closely could one see the faint glimmer hidden deep within.
"Teacher..."
Xian Lin'er felt inexplicably at a loss.
"Oh, right. Elder Mu, what do you think of these two teams? If you're not satisfied, we can discuss it again," Elder Xuan said casually.
"Since you've all decided, what meaning would this old man's words have?"
Elder Mu said these words with an indifferent tone before slowly standing up from the reclining chair. His body was bent at ninety degrees as he walked step by step past the ten elders of the Sea God Pavilion. As he passed each one, he paused for a few seconds, his gaze carrying profound meaning.
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. The elders hadn't experienced the feeling known as 'nervousness' for over a hundred years. Yan Shaozhe tentatively said:
"Teacher, you..."
Elder Mu paid him no mind and silently left the Sea God Pavilion, walking toward the freshmen dormitory building of the Outer Courtyard. The icy, bone-piercing sea wind from Sea God Lake assaulted his face, penetrating his bones, heart, and soul.
Twilight had passed, and the sun had completely set. A point of starlight lit up from the distant black silhouettes of the Outer Courtyard buildings. Then, as if triggering a chain reaction, a golden giant python seemed to rise, a sight that symbolized the glory and nobility of the continent's number one academy.
Elder Mu returned to the reclining chair beneath the freshman dormitory building. It was as if he saw the splendor of Shrek Academy collapsing like the curtain falling on a grand play—the tiles falling, the walls crumbling. The flame burning in his soul was abruptly extinguished. In a murky, aged voice so faint it seemed it could be dispersed by the wind, he murmured:
"The four beams and eight pillars... have all rotted away..."