Chapter 144: A Willing Surrender
As long as Mu En lived, his authority in Shrek Academy remained unshakable. No one dared defy his orders—not even covertly.
Even Xuan Zi had fallen in line.
Though resentful and reluctant to part with the 100,000-year spirit bones, Mu En's command left no room for negotiation.
"Understood, Elder Mu!"
Yan Shao Zhe cast a complicated glance at Zhang Lexuan before sighing deeply and heading toward the Golden Tree's deepest level.
He understood Mu En's intent—to strip him of his deanship and confine him to the Sea God Pavilion was a lesson. Mu En wanted him to change.
But change was difficult when Shao Zhe didn't believe he'd done anything wrong.
Over a hundred years old, yet still so shortsighted.
He'd inherited Ye Xishui's Bright Phoenix martial soul, but his temperament mirrored the Dark Holy Dragon and Blood Soul Puppet—shadowed and selfish.
Perhaps this was fate.
Xuan Zi remained a gluttonous enforcer. Lin Huiqun went to select the spirit bones. Yan Shao Zhe entered seclusion. Cai Mei'er shed her "vice" dean title.
And Zhang Lexuan?
Her status shifted from inner court's senior sister to outer court vice-dean, doubling as an inner court instructor—from student to teacher, with authority surpassing even Du Weilun.
Dazed, Lexuan stepped out of the Sea God Pavilion, squinting at the blazing sun, her thoughts in turmoil.
Just as she'd grown disillusioned with Shrek, Mu En had pulled her back from the brink—again.
The first time, when her family was slaughtered, Mu En avenged them and brought her to Shrek.
This time, when the elders sought to trade her like chattel, Mu En shielded her.
"Elder Mu… how can I ever repay you?"
She turned back, gazing at the Golden Tree's radiant glow, biting her lip.
Memories of the meeting resurfaced.
Truthfully…
The elders weren't entirely wrong. Using herself to secure Lin Yun was the optimal solution.
The immortal herb was secondary. The real prize was binding Lin Yun to Shrek—gaining not just Ma Xiaotao (Ultimate Fire) but also him (Ultimate Strength).
Two Limit Douluos with Ultimate attributes could safeguard Shrek's supremacy for another five centuries.
Enough time to close the soul tool gap with the Sun Moon Empire.
"Elder Mu… if preserving Shrek is your wish, let this body serve as the price to recruit a future titan."
A soft laugh escaped her as she strode away, light-footed.
The figure occupying her heart shattered quietly.
She severed her lingering attachment to Bei Bei, steeling herself to genuinely love Lin Yun.
Bei Bei had moved on—holding Tang Ya's hand, introducing her as his love. Each encounter had twisted Lexuan's heart further.
She was no longer the 'Lexuan-jiejie' he'd once clung to, begging her to marry him.
She'd merely clung to denial, unwilling to release the only warmth she'd known upon arriving at Shrek.
But now?
This was her chance to let go.
"As vice-dean, I'll use my position to understand him properly."
Unbeknownst to Mu En—who believed his intervention had spared Lexuan further pressure—she'd already resolved to weaponize her own emotions, willingly becoming a pawn to win Lin Yun over.
Such was fate's irony.
Even someone as formidable as Mu En couldn't foresee everything. He'd assumed his authority would prevent major upheavals, underestimating Lexuan's stubborn devotion.
Obsession.
How many from Shrek were truly mentally sound?
At her core, Zhang Lexuan was a romantic idealist. Why else would she imprison herself as Bei Bei's "child bride," engraving his shadow onto her soul?
Repaying kindness?
No.
She'd simply clung to Shrek's last shred of warmth.
Now, she'd release it.
Even if Mu En had silenced the elders, their words had carved wounds too deep to heal.
You wanted me to seduce Lin Yun?
Fine.
I'll exceed your expectations.
For Mu En's grace. For Shrek's nurture.
A soul master who'd reached Soul Douluo before thirty, with a 100,000-year eighth ring—did she lack pride?
Hers surpassed most. Her resolve outstripped many.
Bei Bei didn't need her. Shrek had proven willing to discard her for gain. Mu En's time was limited.
Once he's gone, where in this vast academy will I belong?
"Lin Yun…"*
A single immortal herb had stirred unimaginable turmoil in Shrek.
If Lin Yun's initial goal was to exploit Shrek's greed, he'd already succeeded—beyond expectations.
Mu En's influence was potent but finite.
If a mere scolding could reform Shrek's elders, would the academy have been obliterated in Douluo Dalu 3?
Destruction never stems from external foes—only internal arrogance.
This time, under Mu En's guidance, Shrek chose correctly.
Next time?
Uncertain.
Fortunately for Lin Yun, he had plenty of time to outmaneuver Shrek's fossilized leadership.
(End of Chapter)
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