Douluo: Peerles Moon God [ 18 ]

"A Sea God Pavilion meeting? It doesn't seem like it's time for the annual scheduled meeting yet. Was this one called as an emergency by Elder Mu?"

Elder Xuan, his hair a wild mess like a bird's nest, sat on the steps. He glanced up at Yan Shaozhe, whose entire demeanor radiated weakness, and a trace of clarity finally emerged in his muddled eyes.

The Sea God Pavilion meeting was the highest-level assembly of Shrek Academy, responsible for deciding all major affairs. Even someone as inebriated as Elder Xuan sobered up for a brief moment upon hearing those words.

But only for a moment. Without waiting for Yan Shaozhe to reply, his gaze dropped back to the chicken leg and wine gourd in his arms. He lifted the gourd and took a fierce swig, then tore off a large bite of meat, as if only by doing so could he ease the pain in his heart.

"Yes," Yan Shaozhe replied in a low voice, full of sorrow as he looked at the disheveled and nearly ruined figure before him—the second strongest individual in Shrek Academy. "I heard from the teacher that it's being held for Lexuan and Beibei, to discuss the nurturing of the next generation of Sea God Pavilion members."

How long had it been? Just two months ago, Elder Xuan had returned from the Star Dou Forest full of pride and vigor, brimming with energy. He was without a doubt the number one genius of Shrek Academy, the feared and respected Gluttonous Douluo, the undisputed successor to the Dragon God Douluo.

After that mission, he had been set to take over the teacher's position. If nothing had gone wrong, he would now be the new Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, allowing his lifelong mentor to finally step down and rest.

But now… everything had changed.

Yan Shaozhe didn't blame Elder Xuan—he only hated that damn ten-thousand-year-old beast. Why couldn't it stay in its own territory and devour whatever soul beasts it wanted? Why did it have to attack Shrek Academy's inner court disciples!?

Every inner court disciple was a priceless treasure to the Academy. Although their own carelessness had played a significant role in the incident, the result—four dead and four severely injured—was something Yan Shaozhe, as the Martial Soul Department Dean, could never accept.

Aside from one Soul Tool Department disciple, all the victims had been from the Martial Soul Department—Shrek's elite, including two generations of Shrek Seven Devils, whom he took great pride in.

Eight severely wounded, four of them dead. The rest were bedridden, two of them missing limbs. Only Zhang Lexuan, who had consumed the Black Tortoise Divine Pill, was in slightly better condition.

The only thing worth celebrating was that Zhang Lexuan had absorbed the soul ring and soul bone of that beast, becoming the youngest Soul Douluo in Shrek Academy's 3,000-year history—a clear prodigy with the potential to reach Limit Douluo.

Even if she couldn't break through to Limit Douluo in the future, reaching level 98 was almost guaranteed, which would ensure the orderly continuation of Shrek's hierarchy of top-tier powerhouses.

However… the moment Yan Shaozhe thought about Zhang Lexuan's 100,000-year eighth ring, he immediately recalled the greatest humiliation he had ever suffered—just a short time ago. His eyes darkened with resentment.

That old bastard also had a 100,000-year eighth ring. Though he couldn't take revenge just yet, he was determined to see whether, once that old man passed away, the Xuanming Clan would still be able to produce any impressive talents.

Using his higher cultivation to oppress others so shamelessly—utterly despicable! Hmph!

Elder Xuan, buried in meat and wine, naturally failed to notice the change in Yan Shaozhe's expression. He stripped the meat off the chicken leg in a few large bites, then casually wiped his greasy hands on his sleeve. With his eyelids drooping, he swayed unsteadily to his feet and staggered off toward Sea God Lake.

Once he left behind the wine and chicken leg, he seemed to regain a bit of his aura as one of the continent's top experts. After walking for a while, he turned to Yan Shaozhe and said:

"Lexuan and Beibei are children we watched grow up. They're loyal disciples of the Academy, the pride of our Martial Soul Department now and in the future. Since this meeting concerns them, we must fight to win them the greatest possible benefits."

"Naturally. I believe that's what teacher is thinking as well," Yan Shaozhe replied respectfully. He followed Elder Xuan closely, step by step, until they reached the shore of Sea God Lake. The hazy silhouette of Sea God Island emerged before them through the mist.

A small boat was already docked there. The two men boarded casually, and with a gentle infusion of soul power from Yan Shaozhe, the vessel glided steadily toward Sea God Island.

Seeing that Elder Xuan still looked dispirited, Yan Shaozhe sighed deeply and said in a low voice:

"Elder Xuan, this accident wasn't your fault—you shouldn't blame yourself so much. Didn't Lexuan already ask you, on behalf of the others, to pull yourself together and stay in the Sea God Pavilion? None of us ever wanted something like this to happen."

Elder Xuan's figure looked desolate. He shook his head in pain and said,

"Shaozhe, there's no need to comfort me. Every time I see that child Lexuan now, I can't help but think of the nightmare from two months ago."

"Eight fully trained Inner Court disciples—just like that, they died before my very eyes. Two others were left with lifelong disabilities, and Lexuan and another disciple were severely injured as well."

"Shrek invested countless resources and effort into nurturing them into what they were. Several of them came from powerful families too. The losses this time were simply too great. This is a responsibility only I can shoulder—and I can't bring myself to forgive myself for it."

Yan Shaozhe's expression changed. Grasping Elder Xuan's hand, he said emotionally:

"But Elder Xuan, no one can avoid mistakes forever! The moment those disciples entered the Inner Court, they should have been prepared to face life and death. Every year, some of their classmates suffer accidents during Enforcement Corps missions. Can all of that be blamed on you?"

"Besides, this incident wasn't entirely your fault either. Hexi, Lexuan, and the others were careless too. And that hundred-thousand-year soul beast was incredibly powerful—two Title Douluo might not even have been enough to bring it down. This just shows how unlucky they were."

"You've already paid a heavy price for this. If it weren't to answer to those families and the fallen disciples, you wouldn't have refused to take on Teacher's position as Head of the Sea God Pavilion. Elder Xuan, you are the backbone of this Academy—you must pull yourself together!"

Elder Xuan let out a long sigh and said,

"Shaozhe, you don't need to say any more. Since that child Lexuan went so far as to kneel in front of me for so long, how could I bear to hurt her further? Don't worry—these old bones can still fight. I can hold out until you're strong enough to take over the Sea God Pavilion yourself."

"What I can do now… is to preserve this body burdened with guilt, and contribute as much as I can to Shrek and to future disciples. Only then might I make up for the mistakes I've made."

"It's wonderful that you're thinking that way!"

Yan Shaozhe was overjoyed. Elder Mu had long since withdrawn from active duties, and Elder Xuan was now the face of the Martial Soul Department. As long as Elder Xuan—the continent's second strongest—remained, no internal or external force could shake Shrek's Martial Soul Department.

As for that old monster Xu… he was just a rogue cultivator after all. How could he possibly compare to Elder Xuan, Shrek's number one genius?

Elder Xuan had received personal guidance from Elder Mu for many years, nurtured by Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year foundation. With the Gluttonous Divine Bull as his martial soul, there was no way he could lose to their so-called divine beast, the Black Tortoise!

As for that boy Xu Tianxi… come to think of it, Beibei was a few years older than him. He had followed Teacher in cultivation since childhood and now already showed glimpses of the strength Teacher had in his youth. Xu San Shi, Tianxi's older brother, had cultivated here for a full year just to barely match Beibei.

"Let's hope that boy has a bit of self-awareness and stops foolishly dreaming of stepping into this supreme holy land of soul masters. Otherwise, he'll learn just how pale and laughable his words questioning Shrek's glory truly are…"

Thinking of Xu Xiaoyun and then Xu Tianxi, Yan Shaozhe stared at the Sea God Island just within reach, a trace of mockery surfacing again on his sallow face.

"Summer insects cannot discuss ice." That immature brat truly didn't know the immensity of the heavens.

Still, as the dignified Dean of the Martial Soul Department, lowering himself to fuss over a child would be undignified. Perhaps he could have Du Weilun inquire about the boy's current situation. Most likely, he should be awakening his martial soul around now…

---

Meanwhile, deep within Sea God Island, inside the Sea God Pavilion—a three-story building styled like a small tower…

Zhang Lexuan, her complexion significantly better than it had been half a month earlier but still unnaturally pale, crouched respectfully beside a golden long bench. In a soft voice, she was speaking to the white-haired elder half-reclining on it.

"…Elder Mu, Lexuan swears on her martial soul that everything she just said is true. Although Sister Xiyue's child disrespected his elder and struck Dean Yan, perhaps Dean Yan's words toward the boy were somewhat excessive as well."

"Lexuan dares not criticize Dean Yan's efforts to uphold the Academy's honor. It's just… these sacred ideals might be difficult for a child who has just lost his mother to understand. What he did in a moment of anger is, perhaps, forgivable."

"Lexuan has long since sworn to protect Shrek for life. But back in the Star Dou Forest, had it not been for Sister Xiyue's desperate protection, I would've already been killed by that soul beast. Therefore, Lexuan boldly begs Elder Mu to show mercy for the child's sake."

"Please, Elder Mu—don't direct your wrath toward a boy who's yet to fully mature. If Dean Yan must have someone held accountable… Lexuan is willing to take Tianxi's place and bear the responsibility."

After she finished speaking, Zhang Lexuan didn't wait for Mu En to respond and was about to kneel down before him.

However, before her knees could touch the ground, a gentle surge of light-attribute soul power lifted her body, preventing her from kneeling and gently guiding her to stand up.

Mu En's half-reclining body also quivered slightly under the effect of the soul power, revealing an aged, candle-flickering face—yet it was filled with a warm and gentle smile.

"Child, what are you thinking? This matter… it is indeed we who have deeply wronged them. I had Shaozhe go to offer a personal apology precisely to ease the resentment of the Xuanming Sect. How could I possibly blame a child who has just endured such a great tragedy?"

"When your Senior Sister Xiyue first came to the Academy, the ancestor of the Xuanming Sect even personally spoke to me about it. Thinking back now, we truly let them down. I only didn't go apologize in person because of my frail condition. Otherwise—never mind Shaozhe being hit—if that child had hit me instead, there would've been nothing to say."

Mu En's voice was gentle and warm, and every word was filled with deep care. It had a soul-cleansing quality to it, causing Zhang Lexuan's eyes to moisten. She choked up and said:

"Elder Mu, how could this matter be your fault? No one could have predicted such a thing would happen…"

"Sigh… I won't deny it. The primary responsibility lies with Elder Xuan. As the leading teacher of the mission, it was his complete dereliction of duty that led to such tragedy. But… I no longer have the time or strength to impose any serious punishment. I truly am… powerless…"

Mu En sighed deeply, his face full of helpless melancholy. Then, he raised a hand and said:

"Lexuan, help me up."

Zhang Lexuan immediately stepped forward and took his hand. Mu En moved very slowly, no different from any elderly man in his twilight years. With her help, he slowly rose from his wheelchair—his back still hunched, nearly at a ninety-degree angle.

Mu En gazed quietly out the window into the distance, as if he could already see Xuan Zi, Yan Shaozhe, and the other elders and deans making their way toward the Sea God Pavilion. In a soft voice, he said:

"Lexuan, my time is truly running out. At most, I have twenty years left before I must leave this world. When that time comes, the only one in the Sea God Pavilion who can succeed me and safeguard Shrek Academy… is Xuan Zi."

"If Heaven could grant me another fifty years, enough to fully train you, Shaozhe, and Beibei, then I would not have overlooked the grave mistake Xuan Zi made. But time is not on our side. For now, Shrek must rely on his strength."

"I'm sorry, child…"

Zhang Lexuan could no longer hold back her tears. She bowed her head, weeping silently as she wiped her eyes.

Mu En sighed and continued:

"At this Sea God Pavilion meeting, I will propose you as a candidate for Sea God Pavilion membership. Once you reach your ninth ring, you will officially join the Pavilion and be trained as a future Pavilion Master. You and Beibei are like my own children—I look forward to your growth more than anyone."

"When the day comes that you possess strength surpassing Xuan Zi, and become the Sea God Pavilion Master, if you wish to hold him accountable for his past mistakes, then that will be your decision. But for now…"

"Please don't say anymore, Elder Mu. I understand. I truly understand. I will train diligently… and protect Shrek with all my heart…"

Mu En gently patted Zhang Lexuan's forehead with fatherly affection and sighed:

"Child, push me forward. Let's go begin the meeting."

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