Douluo, my clone Groudon

Chapter 281 Winning over
Beside him was Ya Li, the Holy Spirit Douluo.

Her gentle eyes sparkled with surprise, and she couldn't help but softly praise, "Brother Ming was right about him. This child has pushed the potential of his martial soul to its limit, making him virtually invincible among his peers. With him here, Shrek Academy's defensive foundation is secure."

She looked at Yun Ming, her eyes filled with love, "Brother Ming, it seems that supporting Gula against all odds was the right thing to do."

On the other side, Zhuoshi couldn't help but connect to the communicator, his signature loud voice filled with barely suppressed excitement as he slapped his thigh vigorously:

"Hahaha! That's exhilarating! So exhilarating! Bai Yuan... that kid... he's got my blood pumping! This is the real Shrek Academy kid! What a load of crap, the Sun Moon Royal Academy, they're all just paper tigers in the face of true strength! Gula, that kid, has a sharp eye and ruthless methods!"

Unlike Zhuo Shi, Cai Yue'er was not agitated. She crossed her arms and scanned the arena with sharp eyes to prevent Sun Moon Academy from influencing public opinion.

She gave a soft snort, but her tone lacked its usual harshness: "Hmph, although I still dislike that Gula, I have to admit that the ones he brought... are indeed monsters. Bai Yuan's devouring ability, Mu Yi's defense... are all beyond the normal range. However..."

She changed the subject, her voice coming through the communicator, "Sect Leader, their power is so strangely strong, and their origins are so mysterious, there's probably something fishy going on within the academy..."

Yun Ming raised his hand, gently interrupting Cai Yue'er. His gaze remained fixed on the light screen, lingering on Mu Yi's profile as he turned to leave, a profile that seemed to have everything under control.

"Power itself is neither good nor evil. It is good when used for good, and evil when used for evil."

Yun Ming's voice, calm yet powerful, echoed in the secret chamber, soothing the slight worry in Cai Yue'er's words.
"Bai Yuan's devouring, though seemingly domineering, did not harm the opponent's life force; Mu Yi's defense stemmed from the ultimate development of his martial soul, and was aboveboard; Liu Niandao's spiritual power was pure and vast. What they displayed was potential, talent, and even more so... a protective heart that erupted under pressure."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over every elder of the Sea God Pavilion present, before finally settling back on the small yet indestructible image of the Shrek team on the light screen.

"Shrek has never been a place that only cultivates well-behaved geniuses. Its purpose is to be inclusive, to guide, and to allow every seed with unlimited potential to find the right direction, grow into a towering tree, and protect the surrounding area."

Yun Ming's voice carried a power that transcended time and space, "Their power may be special, and may make people wary, but what are they protecting in today's battle? The honor of Shrek Academy! The safety of their comrades! They have proven their stance with their actions."

The image on the screen finally froze on the deathly silence of the Sun Moon Academy's audience seats and the Shrek Academy team's calm departure.

"As for its origins..." Yun Ming's deep gaze seemed to pierce through the fog, "Time will tell. And what we can do is to give trust and guidance, just as the sages of the Sea God Pavilion have done throughout the ages. Shrek's foundation does not lie in adhering to old rules, but in... believing in hope and believing in the future."

He slowly stood up, a soft golden light flowing around him, bringing a comforting warmth.

"Seeing them makes me very happy." Yun Ming's voice was filled with sincere emotion. "The flame of Shrek has never been extinguished. The brilliance of this new generation is forging a new legend. The glory of ten thousand years has successors."

His final words were like a stabilizing force, temporarily suppressing all doubts and worries, leaving only unwavering confidence in the future.

Long Yeyue stood a little behind, looking at Yun Ming's tall and straight back, and then at the young but already promising figures in the light screen. On her face, which was marked by the passage of time, a long-lost, heartfelt smile appeared.

She murmured to herself, a hint of emotion in her voice: "Yes... a thousand years of glory, passed down from generation to generation. With them here, Shrek's sky... will never fall."

Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the golden light seemed to shine even brighter, reflecting the satisfaction and anticipation on the faces of every high-ranking member of the Sea God Pavilion.

That victory, far away in the Sun Moon Empire, not only deterred foreign enemies and stabilized its crumbling prestige, but also acted as a shot in the arm for Shrek Academy's top decision-makers.

……

The clamor and humiliation of the Sun Moon Academy arena had not yet completely subsided. Mo Hongchen suppressed his turbulent emotions and, after the match, deliberately found an excuse to invite the Shrek Academy group to visit the Sun Moon Academy's "proud" Soul Guidance Technology Center. Ostensibly a visit, it was actually a test and an attempt to entice them.

In a confidential exhibition hall displaying models of the latest level-nine soul guidance device's core array, isolated from outside view, the heavy weariness on Mo Hongchen's face was replaced by a profound composure. His gaze was intense, especially fixed on Mu Yi and Bai Yuan.

"Young friend Mu Yi, young friend Bai Yuan,"

Mo Hongchen's voice carried a deliberate slowness and sincerity, "Shrek Academy certainly has a profound foundation, but if I may be so bold, with the talent and strength you two have shown, I'm afraid Shrek Academy's current resources may not be able to fully match your future growth needs."

He paused for a moment, observing Gula's reaction. "The Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy has always spared no effort in investing resources."

"Especially for true geniuses, we can provide top-tier custom-made soul tools, the rarest natural treasures, and even personal guidance at the level of a Title Douluo… Everything is negotiable. As long as you are willing to stay, or consider developing your career at Sun Moon Academy in the future, we can meet any condition." The temptation he offered was undeniably alluring; top-tier soul tools, natural treasures, and Title Douluo guidance—it was practically the limit of what resources could be offered. Mo Hongchen believed that for any ambitious young soul master, this was an irresistible offer.

Gula listened quietly, his face expressionless, but his mind was racing.

Sun Moon Academy is indeed a good stepping stone, with abundant resources, a large influence, and relatively "clean," unlike the Holy Spirit Cult which is completely opposed to the continent.

But Gula's goal is to stir up trouble, to climb higher, to overthrow the old order. The seemingly calm waters of Sun Moon Academy are actually a bit too much for him to handle.

However, he currently cannot locate those hidden, truly high-ranking evil spirit masters, preventing Yin Wansheng from acquiring more core resources and power. Sun Moon Academy, ostensibly the cradle of the Federation's vital forces, is clearly a suitable breeding ground.

"I appreciate Dean Hongchen's sincerity," Gula transmitted telepathically. Bai Yuan bowed slightly, his tone calm yet distant. "Shrek has treated me well and has no intention of switching allegiance for the time being. However..."

He changed the subject, and Mo Hongchen's eyes immediately lit up.

"I do know someone whose talent and potential are no less than mine or Mu Yi's, and in some aspects... he may even surpass them."

Bai Yuan was selling an avatar of equal status to himself for the first time, and a subtle, enigmatic smile appeared on his lips. "This person is named Yin Wansheng. His martial soul is extremely special, and his potential is limitless. However, at present... he lacks a platform like the Sun Moon Academy that can provide top-tier resources."

"Oh?" Mo Hongchen's spirits lifted. "Yin Wansheng? What a fine name. May I ask where this young friend is now? And what kind of martial spirit does he possess?"

"I cannot elaborate on the specifics of the martial spirit, but its potential is absolutely worth the full investment of Sun Moon Academy."

Bai Yuan downplayed the issue, saying, "As for his whereabouts, I can make an introduction on his behalf. If Dean Hongchen trusts me, perhaps he could send someone to secretly contact and investigate him? I'm sure it won't disappoint you."

Mo Hongchen's eyes gleamed. Bai Yuan had rejected him, but instead offered Yin Wansheng. Although the information was vague, Bai Yuan's displayed strength and cunning made him wary of this recommendation. Someone who could earn such praise from Bai Yuan was worth a try! Even if it was just a smokescreen, Sun Moon Academy could afford the loss.

"Very well! I will trust young friend Bai Yuan this once!" Mo Hongchen clapped his hands. "I will arrange for people to handle this matter secretly. What I said today will not be spread to outsiders."

A tacit agreement was reached. Gula successfully handed over the troublesome "Yin Wansheng," or rather, the future undercover agent, to the Sun Moon Academy, allowing them to invest resources in his training. In return, Gula could use this channel to secretly observe the strength of the Sun Moon Academy, while simultaneously buying time for Yin Wansheng to develop.

Having gained one person, Mo Hongchen was somewhat satisfied, but seeing the four of them standing together, his eyes flashed, and he looked at Mu Yi and Gula with a vengeance.

"My three young friends..."

Gula shook his head, readily offering his reason: "My master is the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo."

Mu Yi followed suit: "My master's style is based on Mu Ye."

Liu Niandao remained expressionless. Since his main body hadn't yet assigned him a teacher, he simply said, "I plan to join the Tang Sect."

Hearing the previous two's remarks, Mo Hongchen was not worried but happy, after all, neither of them were direct descendants of Shrek Academy, but then anger arose in his heart.

Well done, Shrek Academy!

For a mere bit of empty fame, they actually sought outside help!
shameless!
Even if they are Shrek Academy students, it's still not allowed!
Thinking of the talents of the others, Mo Hongchen's desire for the title of the continent's number one academy grew even stronger, but he knew he couldn't rush it. So he suppressed his thoughts of poaching talent and looked at Liu Niandao:

"The names of the two seniors are renowned."

"However, young friend, why are you so fixated on the Tang Sect? My Sun Moon Soul Guidance Academy has the Federation's most advanced soul guidance technology and also has a cooperative relationship with the War God Temple. Why not consider Sun Moon Academy?"

Unfortunately, Liu Niandao was determined, and Mo Hongchen could only express his regret.

(End of this chapter)