Li Changsheng fell silent for a moment, his fingertips lightly tracing the patterns on his cuff. Mu En's proposal clearly tied Shrek Academy's resources to his relationship with Ma Xiaotao, but what concerned him more was the true weight behind that bond.
"Old man."
He suddenly looked up, his gaze sharp as a blade, and asked a crucial question. "If one day, Sister Xiaotao and I truly become Dao companions, or even marry... would that mean Shrek Academy could also become a force under my control?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Sea God Pavilion fell silent. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice onto Mu En's aged face. A flicker of surprise crossed his cloudy eyes before giving way to deep contemplation. This boy's ambition was even greater than he had expected.
Mu En remained silent for the time it took to brew half a cup of tea before slowly speaking, his voice carrying the weight of countless years. "If you possess the strength to defeat Elder Xuan, then you will not need Xiaotao's connection at all. The position of Sea God Pavilion Master can naturally be inherited by you. By then, you will be qualified to lay your hands on all of Shrek Academy's authority."
He paused, his tone growing heavier. "But there is one condition—you must be one of Shrek Academy's people."
"Elder Xuan is currently a rank ninety-eight Taotie Douluo, just one step away from becoming a Peerless Douluo. His martial soul, the Godly Taotie Bull, possesses defenses considered among the continent's best. When he fights with all his strength, even a rank ninety-nine powerhouse would not find it easy to defeat him."
Mu En looked at Li Changsheng and explained, "To take control of the academy, either you become an academy disciple, or you form