Confrontation

"It had indeed been a long time."

Mu En had long anticipated this moment. He sighed softly, but his entire body remained tense, ready to meet the challenge at any moment.

Seeing this, Xuan Zi hurriedly shielded Bei Bei and Huo Yuhao behind them.

His movements were swift and decisive.

"Mu En, you should know why I'm here. Hand over that Ultimate Fire Martial Spirit, and we'll offer appropriate compensation."

Long Xiaoyao did not beat around the bush with Mu En and spoke bluntly.

An Ultimate Martial Spirit was such a powerful and rare existence that even as a Limit Douluo Expert, he would be lying if he claimed not to be tempted. It was a perfect opportunity to raise one's strength to another level.

Mu En calmly shook his head, a serene smile appearing on his face. This gesture was clearly a rejection of Long Xiaoyao's proposal.

That smile seemed to say that no one would take Shrek Academy's possessions so easily.

"Mu En, for the sake of our past friendship, I do not wish to fight you."

"You know your own physical condition very well. With Xishui and me together, refusing to hand over the Ultimate Fire Martial Spirit will do neither you nor Shrek Academy any good."

Long Xiaoyao spoke in an even tone, but the warning contained within his words was like an icy blade, making everyone sense that the atmosphere had turned wrong.

"Let me make this clear: within the Starry Sky Auction House, no one is permitted to use force. Otherwise, bear the consequences yourselves!"

Hearing their conversation, Ling Yun's originally gentle eyes turned incomparably sharp.

Boom!

The power of a Limit Douluo erupted from within her in that instant. That immense energy surged like raging tides, filling the entire Auction Pavilion.

Behind her, an ancient Life God Tree, emerald-green and radiating the aura of Ultimate Life, seemed to emerge from the void in an instant.

The Divine Tree stood tall and straight, its branches and leaves lush and flourishing. Every leaf glimmered with the light of life.

At the same time, nine Soul Rings suddenly appeared around her—six black and three red. Her formidable presence instantly drew the attention of every expert present.

"That Soul Ring configuration... how is that possible?"

Mu En, Long Xiaoyao, and Ye Xishui were immediately stunned by that powerful Limit Douluo aura.

When they clearly saw the ratio of Ling Yun's Soul Rings, all their pupils constricted, and disbelief filled their faces.

A configuration of six black and three red Soul Rings!

How could a Soul Master possibly absorb a Soul Ring over ten thousand years old as their first Soul Ring?

No matter how one looked at it, it was utterly inconceivable, as though it had shattered everything they knew about Soul Master cultivation.

This could not help but make everyone think of the Douluo Continent from ten thousand years ago, that mysterious and powerful era.

A trace of wariness arose in the hearts of Long Xiaoyao and the others. They began to wonder whether the Starry Sky Auction House had a God-tier expert behind it.

Considering that they could even put an Ultimate Fire Martial Spirit up for auction, it was very likely true.

Thus, everyone became even more curious about the Starry Sky Auction House. Just what kind of foundation and strength did this mysterious faction possess?

"A Limit Douluo Expert with the Ultimate Life Attribute!"

Jing Hongchen, Xu Tianran, and the others, who had not previously sensed Ling Yun's strength, all revealed shocked expressions.

Their mouths hung slightly open, their eyes filled with astonishment and fear.

They had initially believed that she was merely a top-tier Titled Douluo Expert, but they had clearly misjudged her. Their hearts could not calm down for a long time.

A Limit Douluo Expert with the Ultimate Life Attribute!

Too terrifying!

Experts of this level were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns across the entire Douluo Continent, possessing strength and status that inspired awe.

Upon hearing Ling Yun's words, no one continued pressing the matter, and they left the Starry Sky Auction House.

"Xuan Zi, once we leave the Auction Pavilion, you will be responsible for taking Yuhao and Bei Bei away as quickly as possible. I'll hold them off and first bring the Ultimate Fire Martial Spirit back to Shrek Academy."

Mu En realized the gravity of the situation ahead and immediately transmitted his voice to Xuan Zi, a trace of heaviness in his voice.

He knew that the situation was extremely critical. They had to send the Martial Soul back to the academy as quickly as possible and ensure its safety.

"No, Mu En. With your current physical condition, there is no way you can face Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao alone. I'll delay them with you. Given the timing, Shao Zhe and the others should arrive soon."

Xuan Zi hurriedly refused, determination and concern evident in his eyes.

Mu En was the pillar of Shrek Academy. Nothing could happen to him. Xuan Zi was willing to shoulder this risk alongside him.

Seeing this, Mu En sighed helplessly. He knew Xuan Zi's personality very well; once Xuan Zi made up his mind, it was difficult to change it.

They could only proceed according to the current plan.

The moment they left the Starry Sky Auction House, Mu En did not pause at all. With a wave of his hand, he transformed into a streak of golden light with Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei, rushing toward Shrek Academy.

They moved at incredible speed, like meteors streaking through the night sky, leaving behind only a golden afterimage.

Seeing this, Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui flashed forward and instantly caught up with Mu En's group.

"Grandfather, should we follow them and take a look too?"

Excitement gradually appeared in Xiao Hongchen's eyes as he watched the scene ahead with great interest.

His heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation. He wanted to witness this fierce clash with his own eyes.

"Leave quickly, lest we bring trouble upon ourselves."

"Neither Shrek Academy nor the Holy Spirit Cult is someone Mingde Hall can afford to provoke."

Jing Hongchen stared solemnly at the distant figures and shook his head.

Helplessness and vigilance showed in his eyes. He knew full well that in this world where strength reigned supreme, some conflicts were beyond their ability to participate in.

Without hesitation, he led Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen away from the area. Their steps were hurried, as if they feared being drawn into this dangerous dispute.

As for Xu Tianran, Xu Jiawei, and the others, they also left the auction venue one after another and returned to their respective empires. They had no desire to involve themselves in such matters either.

In this complicated situation, keeping a low profile was the wisest choice.

"Ah, why must you pursue us so relentlessly?"

A moment later, Mu En sensed that Ye Xishui and the others were still chasing them without rest. He immediately stopped, waved his hand, and directly sent Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei away from the area.

He and Xuan Zi remained where they were, waiting for the others to catch up.

Boom!

Golden light flashed in Mu En's eyes as he released the powerful aura of a Limit Douluo Expert. This aura carried boundless light, enveloping the entire area like brilliant sunlight.

Xuan Zi was no less willing to yield. He immediately unleashed his Gluttonous God-Ox Martial Spirit, and the aura of a Rank 98 expert spread outward like surging waves.

"There is no need to waste your breath. I will not yield this Ultimate Fire Martial Spirit to you."

"It just so happens that I also want to see what level your strength has reached after all these years apart."

The aura around Mu En changed completely. He had seemed like a frail old man before, but now, Mu En radiated an overwhelming presence.

At that moment, the invincible aura surrounding him was revealed without the slightest concealment.