[DD2]: 115

"I understand, Teacher. We will bring back the championship," Yan Shaozhe assured. Now that Xiao Tao's demonic fire had been temporarily suppressed, the Shrek representative team was back in full form. With this lineup, he couldn't even imagine how they could lose. Winning the championship? It was practically in the bag.

"As long as you have confidence, that's good."

"Alright, everyone, disperse now. The earlier battle may have caused some unease. Go back and reassure the teachers and students in the academy," Mu En waved his hand and instructed.

"Yes, Elder Mu," the other elders responded in unison and slowly left the room. Only Yan Shaozhe remained behind.

"Shaozhe, do you have something else to say?"

Mu En asked.

"Teacher, I know where we can find someone powerful enough to suppress Elder Xuan's bloodline," Yan Shaozhe said after a moment of hesitation.

"Oh?"

"Then why didn't you mention it earlier?"

Mu En turned to look at him, puzzled.

Yan Shaozhe explained, "Because this individual has a special status and an arrogant personality. I fear they won't be easy to approach. If I had recklessly told the other elders, it would have been of no use. This is a force we should avoid provoking for now."

"Who exactly is this person you're referring to?"

Mu En pressed further.

"The Grand Protector of the Ice God Palace, Mu Wu," Yan Shaozhe said, emphasizing each word.

Mu En's expression froze.

"The Ice God Palace? The Ice God Palace again?"

Last time, the Ice God Palace had taken their dragon pill. Now, it seemed they were the only ones who could resolve this problem. The mere mention of the Ice God Palace gave Mu En a headache. This force, devoted to a deity, was so deeply rooted in power that even someone like him had to tread cautiously around them. As someone in Mu En's position, he was aware of some secrets about the Ice God Palace—such as their terrifyingly powerful priests. Each of these priests was so strong it sent chills down one's spine.

"What is this Grand Protector's martial soul?"

Mu En asked after a moment of silence.

"Ba Xia!"

"Ba Xia, one of the nine sons of the dragon?"

Mu En was stunned.

"Are you certain it's Ba Xia?"

Yan Shaozhe nodded solemnly.

"Yes, it's a pure Ba Xia martial soul, unlike Elder Xuan, who only possesses a bloodline related to Ba Xia. I'm confident that with Mu Wu's Ba Xia martial soul, he can completely suppress Elder Xuan's bloodline."

Indeed, Ba Xia could rival the real gluttonous beast. No matter how much Elder Xuan's taotie bloodline was stimulated, it was still not the real deal. It was a step below Mu Wu's pure Ba Xia martial soul. Combined with Mu Wu's strength, which surpassed Elder Xuan's, suppressing the taotie bloodline would not be a difficult task.

"A person with a truly pure dragon martial soul... That's truly astonishing," Mu En murmured. Shrek Academy had people with divine beast bloodlines, like Elder Xuan with his godly taotie bloodline and Xu Sanshi with his Black Tortoise bloodline. However, they were only partial bloodlines. The difference between them and a pure divine beast was enormous. The Ice God Palace having someone with a pure dragon martial soul was beyond shocking.

"Indeed, it is remarkable. Moreover, this Grand Protector's soul ring configuration is six black and three red—utterly astounding," Yan Shaozhe added in admiration. The impression Mu Wu had left on him was indelible. Shrek Academy had a tradition of respecting the strong and disdaining the weak. Since Mu Wu's strength far surpassed Yan Shaozhe's, Yan held him in the highest regard.

"Six black and three red... Truly extraordinary," Mu En remarked with a wry smile.

"But the Ice God Palace's true powerhouse isn't him—it's their High Priest, Ice Emperor Hai Bodong. Now he is the real super-strong one." Like Dragon Emperor Douluo Long Xiaoyao, Mu En also knew of Hai Bodong's reputation. When the Douluo Continent merged with other realms, some of Hai Bodong's background had been integrated into the consciousness of top experts in the continent.

"The Ice Emperor Hai Bodong? Teacher, do you know this High Priest?"

Yan Shaozhe asked eagerly.

Mu En shook his head.

"No, I've only heard of his name. Rumor has it that he is reclusive and unyielding in personality, but his strength is unparalleled. Among human soul masters, he might well be the strongest. However, he is as elusive as a dragon, and ordinary people can never meet him. His unique Ice Emperor martial soul represents the pinnacle of extreme ice."

"If he were to act, he could undoubtedly cure Xiaotao's demonic fire with ease. But I'm certain he won't. That's why I didn't mention it before—because the world knows he is unapproachable and aloof." Mu En sighed softly.

Yan Shaozhe nodded in agreement. To him, the people of the Ice God Palace were all exceedingly cold and distant. They were arrogant, spoke little, and acted with a domineering style. If the subordinates were like this, one could only imagine what Hai Bodong was like. In Hai Bodong's eyes, Shrek Academy probably wouldn't even warrant a second glance.

After thinking for a moment, Yan Shaozhe said, "Precisely for this reason, I've never considered seeking their High Priest. I think the Ice God Palace's Young Master might be a better breakthrough point. Young people are less mature and more approachable."

"If we can form an alliance between Xiaotao and the Young Master of the Ice God Palace, not only would Xiaotao's demonic fire issue be resolved, but Shrek Academy could also forge an alliance with them. Then, even if someone wanted to plot against us, they would have to consider the consequences of facing two superpowers united."

"Additionally, if Xiaotao were truly together with the Young Master, resolving Elder Xuan's issue might become feasible. Otherwise, I can't think of any other way to persuade Mu Wu to act. Those people from the Ice God Palace don't even treat treasures as treasures."

"This is also why I didn't immediately reveal Mu Wu's information earlier. I was worried the elders wouldn't be able to handle it."

Yan Shaozhe said with a bitter smile. The Ice God Palace was outrageously wealthy—to the point that even dragon pills didn't seem to matter much to them. Now, with Elder Xuan losing control, they couldn't even take him out of the Sea God Pavilion. This meant that Mu Wu would have to come to them. How great a price would they have to pay to make that happen? Yan Shaozhe didn't know, but he was certain it would bleed Shrek Academy dry. The Ice God Palace folks weren't ones to help without exorbitant compensation. Yan Shaozhe, frugal by nature, considered losing his treasures akin to losing his life. The last time they gave up the dragon pill, it had almost cost him his soul. He wasn't eager for a repeat. Thus, he had turned to a more unconventional plan. If it worked, it would be a win-win-win situation.

"Shaozhe, your idea is sound and reasonable. But have you considered—do you even know where to find the Ice God Palace's Young Master? How can you make him notice Xiaotao and fall for her? You have to prepare for all possibilities; you can't just cling to wishful thinking," Mu En sighed and said.

"Teacher, then what should we do?"

Yan Shaozhe was at a loss. Truthfully, there wasn't a solution. Otherwise, he wouldn't want to spend all day daydreaming either. Didn't he know how difficult this matter was?... But there was no alternative. Could Shrek Academy endure another massive expenditure? Hopefully not—after all, Shrek Academy didn't have much to spare. For Ma Xiaotao, he had been willing to part with the dragon pill reluctantly, but Xuan Zi… honestly, he didn't want to pay such a high price. It didn't seem worth it. Of course, he didn't dare voice this thought aloud, knowing how much the teacher valued Elder Xuan.

"Alas!"

Mu En sighed again and said, "For now, we can only suppress Xuan Zi temporarily. On one hand, let's have people in the Academy gather information and see if there's any news about the Ice God Palace's Young Master. On the other hand, we need to send someone to the Ice God Palace to subtly inquire about what price we'd have to pay for their Grand Protector to step in and help."

"But unless it's necessary, don't reveal Xuan Zi's condition—unless you're certain the negotiations will succeed and that Xuan Zi can be healed. Otherwise, the information mustn't leak. Shrek Academy can't handle any further instability."

Mu En's expression was tinged with sorrow. Shrek Academy was already on the brink of a crisis.

"I understand, Teacher," Yan Shaozhe nodded in response.

"Alright, go." Mu En waved him off.

Yan Shaozhe bowed and took his leave. After Yan Shaozhe left, Mu En's body trembled slightly, nearly losing his footing. Hunching over, he leaned against the wall, his clouded eyes reflecting a complex emotion.

"This repeated suppression of Xuan Zi has taken a heavy toll. I don't know how many more years this old body of mine can hold out. Shaozhe, you must work hard. The millennium-old legacy of Shrek must not falter."

Mu En murmured softly, his expression gradually firming. For Shrek Academy, he had to persevere. For its prosperity, he was willing to give everything.

"Let's hope everything goes smoothly…"

Mu En muttered, his eyes deep with contemplation.

Meanwhile, after leaving the Sea God Pavilion, Yan Shaozhe entrusted his tasks to his wife, Cai Meier. Cai Meier, Vice Dean of the Inner Court Martial Soul Department, was a 94th-level Titled Douluo. In his youth, Yan Shaozhe had been involved in a love triangle with Xian Lin'er and Cai Meier. Later, Xian Lin'er, displeased with Yan Shaozhe's indecisiveness, married Qian Duoduo out of anger. Yan Shaozhe, on the other hand, married Cai Meier. Although Cai Meier's strength wasn't extraordinary, she was still one of the top-ranking powerhouses in Shrek Academy. Temporarily standing in for Yan Shaozhe was no issue for her.

After entrusting his affairs to Cai Meier, Yan Shaozhe led Shrek Academy's representative and reserve teams toward the Star Luo Empire.

At the same time, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy also dispatched a team heading toward the Star Luo Empire.

...

In the mountains of the Star Luo Empire, Yan Shaozhe stood tall, with over a dozen figures behind him. Among them were members of Shrek Academy's representative and reserve teams, as well as their accompanying teacher, Wang Yan. Yan Shaozhe suddenly turned to the young men and women before him.

"I've already explained the purpose of the Shrek Inspection Team to you before. Our Inner Court takes responsibility for overseeing soul masters and even officials across the continent. Whenever soul masters commit atrocities or corrupt officials abuse their power, it's our duty to uphold justice and act on behalf of the heavens. To maintain peace across the continent, many Inner Court students sacrifice their lives every year. Now, tell me: are you still willing to join the Shrek Inspection Team, even at the risk of your own lives?"

"Yes!"

As soon as Yan Shaozhe finished speaking, a chorus of determined voices resounded. For the glory of Shrek, and the continuation of its legacy, they would not back down, no matter how dangerous.

"Good. You haven't let me down. You're all exemplary," Yan Shaozhe smiled.

"Next, before we participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, we have an inspection mission to complete."

"Xiaotao, explain the mission to them. Wang Yan, distribute the Shrek Inspector equipment to them."

"Yes," Wang Yan replied, taking out rings from his storage soul tool and handing them to the reserve team members. The rings had silver-white metallic bands set with emerald-green gemstones the size of a fingernail. The gems were vibrant, exuding life energy. Each ring bore Shrek's emblem, making them highly recognizable.

After everyone received their equipment, Ma Xiaotao said, "Keep these safe. These are the symbols of our identity as Shrek Inspectors—exclusive to us. You'll need to drip a drop of blood on the gem to bind it to you. Once bound, you can use your inspector ring to verify another inspector's ring to confirm their identity. The ring is also a storage soul tool containing our exclusive gear. You can check it now. It includes our uniforms, masks, cloaks, and a rescue flare. When carrying out inspection missions, you must conceal your face, so the mask is mandatory. The flare is even more crucial. If any inspector encounters danger, releasing it will summon aid from any Shrek student nearby, whether from the Inner or Outer Court. Its effectiveness is far greater than you might imagine."

Ma Xiaotao then continued, "Our mission this time is to locate and eliminate a band of bandits in a mountainous area near the border between the Star Luo and Sun Moon Empires. With the tournament approaching, we must complete this mission within three to four days."