Chapter 12: Xu Xiaoyun — “I Just Want to Ask… Is Xuanzi a Mole from the Holy Spirit Cult Inside Shrek?”

Mingdu, Sun-Moon Empire — dawn.

Xu Xiaoyun, dressed in a cross-collared long robe, strolled alone along a broad stone-paved avenue. On both sides stretched endless rows of towering buildings—most more than five stories tall, some over ten.

As he walked through the greatest city on the continent, ripples stirred in his calm eyes, his expression complex.

In terms of land area, even combining the former capitals of the three Douluo Continent nations wouldn't make up half of Mingdu's size. Only Shrek City could barely compare—and as for prosperity, it was no contest.

Along the way, Xu Xiaoyun had already seen several civilian-use soul tools. Try as he might to stay loyal to tradition, even he had to admit—soul-powered heaters were just objectively better than fireplaces.

"Over four thousand years... Traditional soul masters still couldn't withstand the impact of soul tools. You can't reject new things forever."

Surveying his surroundings, Xu Xiaoyun felt a heavy weight in his chest. The future of traditional soul masters worried him.

Even among top-tier soul engineers, Ultimate Douluo-level figures had emerged. That meant traditional soul masters no longer held absolute superiority at the highest levels of power. If things continued like this, perhaps the soul master's role itself would become obsolete.

Maybe... even the Xu Clan had reached a point where change was inevitable.

"Come have a look! Grilled meat, fragrant and sizzling! A century-old brand—"

"Fresh steamed buns! Three copper coins apiece! Come try them!"

Voices of vendors hawking breakfast filled his ears. The rich scent of beef wafted past his nose, making him gulp.

Turning, Xu Xiaoyun strode directly into the barbecue shop.

"Well, since I'm already here… might as well eat first."

"Waiter! Bring me all your best grilled meat! Lamb, beef, whatever—make it tasty, no holding back. Money's not a problem!"

He took a seat at an empty table, pulled out a gold soul coin card, and gave a grand wave of his sleeve. True to the reputation of the Xuanming Sect, famed for its pills and elixirs, Xu Xiaoyun had no concept of financial restraint.

"Understood! Would you like some ale to go with that? We've got a regular customer about your age—he always enjoys his meat with a drink."

The waiter jotted down the order, then suggested kindly.

"It's too early for alcohol," Xu Xiaoyun said after some thought, shaking his head. "These old bones can't handle it. Just bring me some juice."

"Got it! And may I ask how I should address you?"

"Just call me Grandpa Xu," he chuckled. "It's rare for an old man like me to visit."

He smiled kindly, like a rich but humble elder—not a trace of the imposing aura one might expect from a powerhouse.

Suddenly, his smile froze, then quickly returned. He glanced toward the entrance, his eyes sharpening as they landed on a tall silver-haired elder who'd just entered.

The silver-haired man's hair was meticulously combed. His face was rosy as a child's, long eyebrows draped down either cheek, exuding a stately air, with a faint smile on his lips.

Even a Super Douluo would feel a chill under Xu Xiaoyun's gaze—but this man didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled and walked directly to Xu's table.

"Came a bit late today—no good seats left. Mind if I join you?"

Without waiting for a reply, he sat down as if it were perfectly natural.

Xu Xiaoyun glanced at the many empty tables nearby but didn't object. He turned to the waiter and said,

"Make my order a double. And forget the juice—bring several jugs of ale. Don't hold back; this old man isn't short on coin."

The waiter clearly recognized the silver-haired elder and didn't answer Xu directly. Instead, he looked questioningly at the newcomer.

"Grandpa Long, shall we?"

"Grandpa Long" laughed and waved him off.

"Hey, someone's offered to treat us—just go with it. This Grandpa Xu is a generous fellow. It's not every day we get such esteemed company. Make sure you do your best!"

The waiter, now even more puzzled but tactful, didn't pry and headed off to alert the chef to break out their best recipes.

Once the waiter had gone, the silver-haired elder smiled warmly:

"This place really does have the best barbecue in Mingdu—rich flavor, juicy texture. You've got a good nose."

Xu Xiaoyun sniffed proudly, lips twitching with pride.

"Of course. I've tasted the best of the best—Imperial kitchens from all three empires. I can tell quality from a single whiff."

"Not to boast, but when it comes to food, even you, Long Xiaoyao, can't match me."

Indeed, the silver-haired man was none other than Dragon Emperor Douluo, Long Xiaoyao. He didn't argue—only raised a thumb in admiration:

"That's true. I still remember your seafood dishes back in the academy days—had everyone drooling.

The eldest son of the Xuanming Sect—first in defensive martial souls, a master chef, handsome and rich—no wonder the girls adored you."

Xu Xiaoyun gave Long Xiaoyao a sideways glance, slightly surprised.

"You still remember something from over two centuries ago? Impressive."

"How could I forget? I love meat, and your grilled dishes were the best I've ever had."

The two locked eyes—then burst out laughing in unison. Though old, their voices were strong and full of vitality, like youthful brothers reminiscing.

The waiter returned with jugs of ale and quietly left again—better not to interrupt old men reminiscing.

Clink—!

Both men popped open their bottles, skipped the cups, and knocked their drinks together before chugging.

After a round, the atmosphere lightened.

Long Xiaoyao spoke first, smiling:

"I sensed a trace of your aura outside the Evil Demon Forest last night. What were you doing there?"

Xu Xiaoyun snorted.

"What else? Hunting soul beasts. You think I went to fight the Evil Sovereign for fun? Or to brawl with your ex? I'm not suicidal."

"Fair enough."

Long Xiaoyao laughed, realizing it was a dumb question, and changed the subject:

"The Evil Demon Forest mostly holds spiritual-type soul beasts. When did the Xuanming Sect produce a genius in need of one? Worth sending you, no less."

The Holy Spirit Cult, a faction of evil soul masters, had its headquarters in that very forest. While wandering the woods last night, Long Xiaoyao had faintly sensed his old friend's presence, which instantly set him on alert.

At the Ultimate Douluo level, one could merge with the heavens and perceive only the few who posed a real threat. Xu Xiaoyun was one of them.

It wasn't that Long Xiaoyao feared Xu would expose him—he was worried Xu would get righteous and throw his life away.

Xu Xiaoyun didn't answer right away. He opened another bottle, took two swigs, then sighed deeply. His face turned somber.

"It's for my poor great-grandson. Just lost his mother recently. His martial soul awakened and mutated in a completely unexpected way… truly a cursed fate.

His mother was my youngest disciple. She died in the Star Dou Forest. That's on me.

Thankfully, the mutated spiritual martial soul isn't bad—so I want to find him the best possible soul ring."

Long Xiaoyao nodded. Though he had no descendants, he understood.

"With your power, how did an accident happen? Was it a fierce beast? The Crimson King couldn't stop you. Was it Bear Lord? Myriad Beast King? Di Tian?"

Xu Xiaoyun raised his eyes, smiling faintly.

"What? The Dragon Emperor wants to avenge me?"

Long Xiaoyao chuckled.

"You're making it sound too formal. We were comrades once—fought side-by-side, even battled Shrek Academy together, hunted soul beasts in Star Dou.

Not many of my old friends are still alive—only Mu En and you. I'm ashamed to face Mu En, so you're all I have left.

If it wasn't Di Tian who harmed your disciple, then I'll come with you—what do you say?"

He added:

"Di Tian wouldn't help even if he wanted to—he completely suppresses my martial soul. Even if we went together, we'd be walking to our deaths. But I doubt it was him."

Xu Xiaoyun nodded, eyes sharpening:

"Of course it wasn't Di Tian. Just a gluttonous old fool who botched everything. But that guy's under Mu En's protection.

I can't kill him—he's the new Pavilion Master of the Sea God's Pavilion now."

Long Xiaoyao's face changed.

"You mean... Xuanzi?"

"Yes. My disciple led a group of inner court students to hunt in Star Dou. They encountered a 100,000-year soul beast.

But Xuanzi—their instructor—showed up late because he was eating.

By the time he arrived, eight out of twelve students were dead.

Every time I recall it, I burn with rage. I wish I could strike him down with one palm!"

His voice was heavy, filled with barely restrained fury. Then he looked straight at Long Xiaoyao, tone deadly serious:

"Since we've met today, there are two things I need to ask you. Interested?"

"Go ahead."

"First question:

Is that bastard Xuanzi… a mole planted in Shrek by your Holy Spirit Cult?"

Long Xiaoyao:

"...(⊙_⊙)?"