Douluo Continent: The Ruler of Time, Reigning Supreme

Chapter 167 Let nature take its course
Whether Xuanzi can break through that final step and become the new Limit Douluo is anyone's guess.

He himself probably doesn't even have confidence.

As for their generation...

Thinking of this, a barely perceptible hint of shame flashed across Yan Shaozhe's face.

Although they were all renowned titled Douluo on the continent, in the eyes of true peak experts, they were ultimately lacking.

No one showed the potential or the courage to shoulder the responsibility of leading the entire academy.

If it weren't for Zhang Lexuan, Shrek Academy's future would truly be in a precarious state, lacking a clear successor.

Even Ma Xiaotao, whose talent surpassed Zhang Lexuan's, was destined by everyone to become a powerful combatant who would need to be watched over for life, and would never inherit the throne, because of the damned flaw in her Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul.

And now, Yin Chen has appeared.

The twin martial souls are, one with the mysterious and unpredictable attribute of time, and the other, the legendary ultimate ice.

His fourth spirit ring was already ten thousand years old, and his temperament, wisdom, and combat ability all received the highest praise in Zhang Lexuan's report.

This is practically the perfect template for an heir.

Yin Chen is fully qualified to be cultivated by Shrek Academy as the next generation, or even the next generation, candidate for the Sea God Pavilion Master, just like they are cultivating Zhang Lexuan now.

"Dean Yan is right."

Elder Lin Huiqun spoke in a deep voice, breaking the silence.

“We must not let such a child go. Shrek Academy must find a way to keep him.”

"good."

Another elder nodded in agreement.

“I believe that as long as we show enough sincerity, Yin Chen will make the right choice himself, stay at Shrek Academy, become a member of the Sea God Pavilion in the future, and even have the opportunity to take charge of the entire academy. Isn’t that much more attractive than going back to the Star Luo Empire and becoming a royal retainer who is subject to the constraints of others?”

The old man's words were full of confidence.

This stems from Shrek Academy's absolute confidence as the number one Soul Master holy land on the continent.

They believed that for a true genius, the allure of power and wealth was far less important than the path to the pinnacle of power.

Yan Shaozhe, the dean of the Martial Soul Department, was so excited that his face turned red, while Xian Lin'er, the dean of the Soul Guidance Department, let out a barely audible snort.

She glanced at Yan Shaozhe sideways, her heart filled with disdain.

'Look at his impatient manner, where is even a trace of the composure of a martial arts department dean? Isn't it all for his precious disciple, Ma Xiaotao? How pathetic.'

'However… Ultimate Ice is indeed a genius worth recruiting. It would be great if he could join the Soul Guidance Department.'

The moment this thought crossed her mind, she saw Yan Shaozhe give her a wary look, as if he had guessed what she was thinking.

Xian Lin'er glared back defiantly, and Yan Shaozhe immediately looked helpless and avoided her gaze.

The atmosphere in the attic became lively again as everyone discussed it.

Just then, Moon's aged and calm voice rang out again.

"There's no need to rush this."

Those few simple words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing everyone's enthusiasm.

Everyone looked at Elder Mu in confusion.

Moon leaned back in his chair and said slowly:

“Yin Chen is only eleven years old this year. There is still a very long time before he graduates. There are too many variables in the future.”

"What we need to do now is not to use various conditions to bind him and force him to stay in the academy, but to provide him with the best resources and the best teaching so that he can develop a true sense of belonging to Shrek."

“When he truly considers this place his home, even if you try to kick him out, he won’t leave.”

"let it go."

Moon's gaze was deep and distant.

"I believe that the child will make the choice that is best for him." Old Master Mu made the final decision, and no one else, no matter how anxious they were, dared to say anything more.

They all understood that Elder Mu saw further than they did.

Forced fruit is never sweet. For geniuses with minds far beyond the ordinary, any coercive methods will only backfire.

"All right."

Moon waved his hand gently.

"That concludes today's meeting. Everyone, please leave."

"Yes, Mr. Mu."

Everyone stood up, bowed respectfully, and then left the Sea God Pavilion in turn.

Yan Shaozhe was the last to leave. He looked back every few steps, his face full of resentment, but in the end he sighed helplessly and disappeared out the door.

Soon, only Mu En and Zhang Lexuan, whom he had deliberately left behind, remained in the vast Sea God Pavilion.

The atmosphere in the attic changed from solemn and dignified to gentle and peaceful.

Mu En's gaze fell on Zhang Lexuan, and the sharpness faded, replaced by the loving and gentle gaze of an elder towards a younger person.

"Girl."

he called softly.

"Mr. Mu."

Zhang Lexuan stood there respectfully.

"Thank you for your hard work on this mission."

Looking at her slightly pale face, Moon said softly.

"Having suffered such severe injuries in the far north, don't push yourself. Go to the Golden Tree and cultivate in seclusion for a while to recuperate properly, lest it leave any hidden dangers in your body."

The Golden Tree is the core of Shrek Academy, possessing immense and unparalleled life force.

For ordinary inner court disciples, there is only one opportunity to enter the Golden Tree for cultivation, cleanse themselves, and consolidate their foundation when they have just entered the inner court.

But Zhang Lexuan is different.

She is not only the chief disciple of the inner academy, but also one of the future candidates for the Sea God Pavilion, and one of the future successors personally selected by Mu En.

She possesses the privilege of entering the Golden Tree for cultivation multiple times.

"Yes, Elder Mu, thank you for your concern."

Zhang Lexuan nodded, a warm feeling welling up inside her.

However, after agreeing, she did not leave immediately. Instead, she stood there, her lips slightly moving, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

She was going through a fierce internal struggle.

'Should we tell Elder Mu?'

A thought kept swirling in her mind.

She actually helped Yin Chen conceal some things.

Some things that she considered more important and more contrary to common sense than the ultimate ice and the second martial soul.

The elders of the Sea God Pavilion, including Elder Mu, all seemed completely captivated by the 'Ultimate Ice'.

They believed this was Yin Chen's greatest value, and the hope for Shrek Academy's future.

'But...they were wrong.'

Involuntarily, Zhang Lexuan recalled the indescribable composure and power displayed by the silver-haired boy facing the Ice Emperor on the far north ice plains.

(End of this chapter)