CHAPTER 71: The True Meaning Behind Shrek’s Motto

Chapter 71: The True Meaning Behind Shrek's Motto

Ning Tian felt something was wrong, but at this moment, she could only suppress the unease in her heart. After all, the current Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was no longer the same as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect of ten thousand years ago.

Seeing that no one openly objected to what Shrek was offering, Elder Xuan continued, "The Douluo Continent has always been vast, but after colliding with the Sun and Moon Continent, it became even larger. Although there are no full-scale wars at present, disputes are happening all the time. If it's just ordinary people quarreling, the damage is limited. But if it's soul masters involved, the consequences can be disastrous."

"Not all soul masters are kind. Many become arrogant the moment they gain power, believing themselves to be above the world. They kill without reason, slaughtering forests of soul beasts just for sport, or wiping out villages because a meal didn't suit their tastes. This kind of cruelty happens far too often on this continent."

"At Shrek Academy, we do not claim to represent righteousness. But we do believe in preventing such tragedies. That's why, six thousand years ago, the Academy was divided into an inner and outer courtyard. You all know the outer courtyard well enough. The key difference with the inner courtyard is this: every inner courtyard student must serve as a supervisor."

"I am the deputy head of the Shrek Supervisory Group," Elder Xuan said, his voice heavy. "Every inner courtyard disciple has to complete thirty supervisory missions before being allowed to graduate. These missions are not just about testing your strength, but about testing your soul. Understand this well: we are not only supervisors, but law enforcers. What we deal with is dangerous—sometimes even involving Titled Douluo-level enemies. It is not uncommon to lose one's life. Therefore, you must think carefully before deciding to join the Supervisory Group."

As he spoke, a heavy atmosphere fell over the reserve team. Elder Xuan had given the same speech countless times before, but because Ning Tian earlier asked if their families would gain any benefits if they died, this time his words stirred doubts in their hearts.

After my death, my parents wouldn't even receive compensation?

Work hard without any reward?

Who could accept such a thing?

"Master Xuan, if we have to complete thirty missions, will we still have time to study and enjoy the inner courtyard's resources?" Zhu Lu asked weakly. She didn't personally care about resources, but her fiancé, Dai Huabin, certainly did. He would need every advantage he could get to compete with Dai Yuheng for the Duke's position in the future.

If Dai Huabin asked the question himself, it might offend Elder Xuan, but if Zhu Lu asked on his behalf, the risk was much lower. Her talent was average anyway; extra resources wouldn't dramatically change her future. Thus, she asked without hesitation.

Upon hearing the question, Elder Xuan sighed heavily, disappointment flickering across his face.

"I had thought that this year's Shrek Seven Devils would be the best yet," he said slowly, "but I didn't expect you to care only about immediate benefits. Truly disappointing. Since you are unwilling to become disciples of the inner courtyard, then the Shrek Seven Devils—"

"No, Elder Xuan, we are willing! We are very willing!" Dai Huabin interrupted hastily, covering Zhu Lu's mouth and bowing slightly in apology.

He couldn't afford to lose this opportunity. If his brother became one of the Shrek Seven Devils while he did not, how could he ever compete for the Duke's position?

The others quickly nodded in agreement.

The title of Shrek Seven Devils was too prestigious to give up. Even being an ordinary inner courtyard student meant a bright future; being one of the Seven Devils would open countless doors.

Thus, with everyone's consent, they officially became the new Shrek Seven Devils and set off on their first mission: to destroy an evil soul master.

During their journey, both Zhu Lu and Dai Huabin grew increasingly uneasy.

Dai Huabin couldn't help but think, I've been at Shrek Academy for a whole year now. Without the special anomalies like Huo Yuhao from the original timeline, I easily won the freshman competition. Yet despite my success…

Why don't I feel that Shrek's education is that extraordinary?

"Brother," Dai Huabin asked during a break, "what's so great about Shrek's inner courtyard? I still don't feel that the training here is better than what I could get at home. Is it really necessary for us to be here? And about the Supervisory Group… how many people have they gathered?"

Dai Yuheng smiled faintly and patted his younger brother on the shoulder.

"Of course, it's necessary," he said. "Shrek may not care that you once attended if you leave, but they will definitely remember if you refused them. As for the Supervisory Group…"

He paused meaningfully. "If you understand Shrek's motto, then thirty missions will feel like nothing."

"Motto?" Dai Huabin frowned, recalling the words carved into the academy's entrance:

Those who dare not cause trouble are mediocre.

"Brother, what do you mean by that?"

Dai Yuheng leaned closer and lowered his voice. "The Shrek Supervisory Group has both judgment and law enforcement authority. Remember the man who competed with our father for military command at the Western Base?"

"You mean General Ma? The one who lost eleven sixth-level soul guide aircraft and was exposed for colluding with evil soul masters?"

"Exactly. He wasn't a Shrek graduate, nor did he have Shrek ties. So when Shrek requested soul guide resources, he refused."

Dai Yuheng smirked slightly. "This time, we're heading to meet Father. We'll be 'borrowing' soul guides from someone much more cooperative."

Those related to Shrek had their resources 'borrowed'; those without ties to Shrek were 'requisitioned.'

In an instant, Dai Huabin understood.

"And General Ma was executed for collusion with evil soul masters, right?" Dai Huabin asked.

"Technically, yes," Dai Yuheng said, chuckling. "But what truly sealed his fate was embezzling twenty-three copper soul coins. Shrek is particularly harsh toward corruption."

Dai Huabin felt a weight lift from his chest. "So our mission this time…?"

"It's different," Dai Yuheng said, his expression turning serious. "This time we're targeting a genuine evil soul master."

"But don't worry—Master Xuan is with us," he added reassuringly. "He's the second strongest person in Shrek Academy, even stronger than Dean Yan Shaozhe. Facing a five-ringed evil soul master is nothing for him. Even if we were up against a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast from the Star Dou Great Forest—"

Dai Yuheng's words stopped abruptly. His whole body froze.