A Good Bird Chooses Its Tree, Xuanzhen Number One Under Heaven, Angel Music

Chapter 47: A Good Bird Chooses Its Tree, Xuanzhen Is Number One Under Heaven, Angel Le Zhengyu, Ben Ti Secret Technique (4K)

"Shrek Academy has stood on the continent for twenty thousand years. Under the leadership of the Sea God Ancestor, Spirit Ice Douluo, and generations of Shrek Seven Devils, it has made indelible contributions to the prosperity of Douluo Continent."

At the classroom podium, Shen Yi narrated Shrek's ten-thousand-year glory with deep emotion, her reverent radiance infecting Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi, who nodded along, immersed in her words.

"The academy has established a special class, Zero Class, meaning the Poseidon Pavilion holds great expectations for you. It hopes that one day you will enter the Inner Court, take up the torch of the Shrek Seven Devils, uphold the will of your predecessors, burn yourselves, and guard the peace and tranquility of Douluo Continent.

That concludes today's lesson. Tomorrow is a practical class. Your opponents will be people you wouldn't expect, so you can look forward to it.

Class dismissed."

Shen Yi picked up her ancient books and left leisurely. The four little ones remained in the classroom, splitting into two factions based on their reactions to the first lesson of the semester.

Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er breathed a sigh of relief. Shrek's Zero Class was, in nicer terms, small class teaching and special training. Pull back the loincloth, and it was point-to-point, relentless brainwashing. The two had barely endured the entire morning.

In stark contrast to Xuan Na, Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi were beaming, their faces full of lingering satisfaction, as if they were already ready to shine and give their all.

Teenagers' minds are easily shaped. That was precisely why so many Shrek students who graduated and joined the Eight Great Legions, the Federation's War God Hall, or various soul master sects still held Shrek Academy close to their hearts.

"Zhao Xuanzhen, what do you think... of the academy?"

Ye Xinglan spoke up of her own accord for the first time, a trace of hope for approval flickering in her azure eyes.

This action made Xu Lizhi's heart skip a beat. He couldn't help recalling that night at the Tianhai Hotel. Ye Xinglan's wounds had split open, her delicate body trembling, her lost and desolate expression unbearably sorrowful.

Xu Lizhi didn't want Ye Xinglan to have anything to do with Zhao Xuanzhen from the bottom of his heart, but he had no ability to change Ye Xinglan, and he was afraid she would drift away from him. A simp who loses his goddess becomes a homeless stray dog.

"As expected. Fits the stereotype." Zhao Xuanzhen said calmly.

Ye Xinglan's brow furrowed. A week ago, she would have already drawn the Star God Sword and demanded Zhao Xuanzhen apologize. After suffering a crushing defeat, her mentality had grown considerably. She asked calmly:

"I don't understand. What stereotype?"

"Do you really not understand?" Zhao Xuanzhen countered. "Some voices have already appeared. You just turned your nose up at them in the past. Shrek Academy has its own set of rules. In the past, it ignored the Three Great Empires. Now, it oversteps the Sun Moon Federation.

The academy has swelled to this point. An explosion is bound to come sooner or later."

Ye Xinglan didn't realize that the so-called explosion was a literal, physical one. Her brow furrowed even tighter: "That... that's Shrek fulfilling its own responsibilities. It has to step over the rules."

"Then let me ask you, what is Shrek Academy's responsibility?"

"Cultivating talent, exterminating evil, and guarding the continent!"

This time, Ye Xinglan's tone was resolute.

Shrek wasn't foolish enough to shout in class that the academy's honor was above all else. The most brilliant tactic was to make students identify with Shrek's ideals—like the academy being the continent's guardian—and then spontaneously uphold the ten-thousand-year glory.

"Exterminating evil, guarding the continent—everyone in the righteous factions of Douluo Continent has that duty." Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled lightly. "Shrek is, after all, an academy. It can't look after the entire continent. Why not let the super geniuses of the Inner Court freely join the Federation, the Spirit Pagoda, and other powers, while also dispelling those rumors from the outside world?"

"Geniuses trained by the academy leave the academy to join other powers..." Ye Xinglan's eyes went wide as saucers. "Isn't that forgetting one's roots?"

Zhao Xuanzhen tapped the wooden desk lightly: "Guarding the continent isn't limited to one place. An academy's duty is to cultivate talent. Shouldn't the continent's number one academy set an example?

Shrek should return to normal. It starts with you and me. After graduation, leave the academy and join the great powers to guard the continent's peace. This isn't forgetting one's roots at all. In fact, it's continuing the twenty-thousand-year glory.

From now on, everyone on the continent will only praise Shrek's noble character. Every student who walks out will be a pillar of the nation."

Fragments of warm golden sunlight slipped through the window lattice. Ye Xinglan's knuckles unconsciously tightened. Surging waves churned in the young girl's heart.

Just as Zhao Xuanzhen had said, Ye Xinglan had seen arguments refuting Shrek as a country within a country. Especially after Shrek's first public defeat, those arguments had sprung up like bamboo shoots after rain.

If leaving Shrek Academy could also be a ten-thousand-year glory, what choice should she make...

Ye Xinglan left the classroom lost in thought. Xu Lizhi scurried after her.

"You're amazing!"

After the two left, Na'er gave a thumbs up, genuinely impressed: "Shrek brainwashes us, and you counter-brainwash your classmates."

"Just a convenient thing."

Zhao Xuanzhen waved dismissively, then fixed his gaze on Na'er, putting on a serious face: "Classmate Na'er, first lesson was loyalty, second lesson was forgetting one's roots. Tell Teacher Zhen, what's the third lesson?"

"Betraying one's own!" Na'er answered without hesitation.

"Fourth lesson?"

"Backstab!"

"Good heavens, classmate Na'er, I've never heard such a satisfying answer. Your IQ must be over one-sixty!"

"Of course! I'm wicked smart!"

Na'er stabbed twice with a "Hey Ha," her little tail practically pointing to the sky.

"Ding-dong—"

The Soul Guide Communicator suddenly rang. Zhao Xuanzhen glanced at the message and a smile spread across his face:

"Teacher says to come home for dinner tonight. She's giving each of us a Phoenix Pendant."

"Aunt Leng is so nice. Next time Silvermoon Douluo tries to be disgusting, let's see if his Three-Word Battle Armor can block two Sky Phoenix True Fires!" Na'er grinned mischievously. "No class this afternoon. Head back to the Spirit Pagoda early?"

Zhao Xuanzhen shook his head, his tone faint: "No, I'm going to Spirit Ice Plaza."

"What for?"

"To reach the top."

Shrek Academy Outer Court, Spirit Ice Plaza.

Spirit Ice Plaza was located at the heart of the Outer Court, built to commemorate Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao. The spray from the fountain splashed in the sunlight, blooming with a dazzling seven-colored luster, as Shrek students passed by in an endless stream.

"Missing a stage..."

The bluestone path lay flat and smooth. Zhao Xuanzhen sized up the fountain beside him, his eyes turning a mysterious deep blue.

The next second, a thunderous roar erupted from the fountain. Eight water jets shot into the sky, reflecting sunlight into an icy blue radiance.

Frost spread outward from where Zhao Xuanzhen stood. The water solidified into a crystal-clear layer of ice, with eight ice pillars standing at the edges, exuding a chilling cold.

The last few wisps of lingering water vapor locked into the ice. When Zhao Xuanzhen stood at the center, flicked his sleeve, and turned, an Ice Arena had taken shape!

The Ice Arena instantly drew the attention of the Shrek students. They halted their hurried steps, their gazes locking onto the youngest youth in the entire Shrek Academy.

Na'er tilted her head, a clever idea striking her. The Silver Dragon Spear flashed into existence, her delicate form like a silver phantom. The spear's edge carved into the ice pillars, sending ice shavings scattering down. Two lines of bold, gleaming characters emerged, shining brightly!

A Good Bird Chooses Its Tree!

Xuanzhen, Number One Under Heaven!

"Ahem!"

Na'er cleared her throat, then cupped her hands around her mouth like a trumpet and shouted, "Zhao Xuanzhen, ranked fifth on the Young Genius List, sets up a stage to challenge the Young Genius List students of Shrek Academy!

If you're not convinced, come fight! Priority to the top three!"

"Boom—"

The crowd erupted. In an instant, it became a sea of noise. Although Shrek Academy encouraged battles, setting up a stage in Spirit Ice Plaza with such arrogance was a first since the dawn of time!

"Taiji Zhao Xuanzhen, Silver Dragon Na'er!"

Their highly recognizable, heaven-defying looks and the explosive popularity on the Soul Net had the Shrek students buzzing with discussion.

"At the Tianhai Alliance Competition, they led the East Sea to defeat the academy. Zhao Xuanzhen stepped on Yu Yuanheng to climb to fifth on the Young Genius List!"

"The academy issued a statement inviting them as exchange students. Didn't expect them to arrive so fast."

"Number One Under Heaven? What big talk! Do they think Shrek has no one?"

"Brother's right! Go up there and teach that kid a lesson!"

"Just talking big. I got beaten by Yu Yuanheng before. Not going up to embarrass myself..."

Gathering to watch a spectacle was human nature, and Shrek students were no exception. Spirit Ice Plaza quickly gathered a dense crowd, yet no one stepped up to accept the challenge.

The video of Zhao Xuanzhen brutally beating Yu Yuanheng had spread far and wide. These people weren't stupid. Students weaker than Yu Yuanheng had no reason to go up and make fools of themselves.

The older students, over eighteen, saw Zhao Xuanzhen's young face and felt it was beneath them to bully the younger. Besides, he was challenging the Young Genius List; they were old-timers, no longer considered youths...

"What's with all the cowardice? I'll go!"

A clear, long cry rang out from the crowd. Everyone followed the sound to see a youth in a white formal suit, handsome features, golden short hair slicked back with hair wax, immaculate and shiny. He pushed off lightly with his legs and leaped onto the Ice Arena.

"Tenth on the Young Genius List, Angel Le Zhengyu."

Le Zhengyu announced himself loudly. The Holy Angel clan loved showing off in front of others. Zhao Xuanzhen setting up a stage at the number one academy under heaven had hit his sweet spot!

On the Douluo Continent, strength reigned supreme. What kind of soul master cowered and hesitated? Geniuses were geniuses because they should be spirited and fight across the world!

Others feared the fifth rank, but Le Zhengyu scoffed at it. Holy Angels often fought above their level. He was going to take down the fifth!

Zhao Xuanzhen gave a slight nod. He wouldn't refuse any challenger. This afternoon, he had only one goal: to reach the top of the Young Genius List!

The blazing sun hung high at noon. The Ice Arena refracted shards of light in the sunlight, cold air steaming from the ice surface. Two youths stood facing each other.

Martial Soul True Self activated. A strand of black hair at Zhao Xuanzhen's forehead turned pale white. Three Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Rings appeared. Black and White Qi Flow coiled around his wrists. The Taiji Diagram slowly rotated, emitting a profound, abyss-like aura that forced the nearby watching students to step back involuntarily.

Le Zhengyu spread a pair of pure white Angel Wings. Three purple soul rings circled his body. His second soul ring flashed, and a golden holy sword appeared in his hand.

"Watch out!"

The Holy Angel's first soul ring blazed brightly. Holy Light Shines Everywhere!

A waterfall of light poured from the sky. The Ice Arena instantly took on a molten gold hue. Holy flames scorched black marks onto the ice surface.

Zhao Xuanzhen pressed his palms down gently. Qi Follows the Heart, reversing and grinding like a millstone, twisting the blinding flames into firefly-like Light Shavings. Yin and Yang Dual Qi surged abruptly. Qi wrapped around his fists as he struck out in succession!

"Boom—"

Holy Light Shines Everywhere condensed into a barrier before him. Le Zhengyu reacted extremely quickly, but the gap in raw strength was clear. The light shield shattered in an instant. He was blasted back seven steps by the airwave, carving two deep grooves in the ice. He only managed to steady himself after a frantic beat of his wings.

"This freakish attack power... The Young Genius List really isn't ranked for nothing..."

Feeling the stinging pain coursing through his body, Le Zhengyu sucked in a sharp breath. Seeing the figure opposite charging at him, he dared not stay on the ground. He slammed his wings down hard, and the Holy Angel soared straight up!

Looking down from above, Le Zhengyu gazed at the tiny figure on the ground. This was the aerial advantage of a flying Martial Soul. His third soul ring blazed with intense light. Holy light condensed. He was going to poke Zhao Xuanzhen hard!

"Can't fly? Then face judgment!"

Holy Angel's third soul skill, Light Judgment!

The holy sword raised high, drawing upon the Light Power. Light gathered in the clouds into a massive Judgment Light Pillar.

Just as Le Zhengyu thought victory was assured, the spine on Zhao Xuanzhen's back suddenly tore through his clothes. A pair of Black and White Wings spread open, the wing membranes covered in Blood Vessel-like veins. As he flapped, a Sonic Boom echoed far and wide. He shot up like a black-and-white meteor, chasing the Holy Angel!

"You... you can fly!?"

Le Zhengyu's voice cracked from excitement, his face a picture of utter shock.

"Flight isn't exclusive to angels."

Ben Ti Secret Technique, Wing Transformation!

The Secrets of Ben Ti that Muye had given Zhao Xuanzhen recorded countless secret techniques of the Body Sect. Wing Transformation was a technique created by a Trunk Super Douluo, altering the form of ribs to construct wings!

Zhao Xuanzhen's series of flashes left dazzling afterimages in midair. Le Zhengyu's hair stood on end—this guy flew faster than a Holy Angel. He instantly realized he had no choice. Pointing his holy sword forward, he swept out a Judgment Light Pillar!

"Qi Dong Shan He, suppress!"

The phantom of the Taiji Diagram expanded continuously. Light Judgment was ground down inch by inch by the Yin and Yang Dual Qi. The brilliant gold was devoured by black and white. The Taiji Diagram's power undiminished, it pressed the Holy Angel down from the sky!

The Holy Angel crashed onto the Ice Arena. The ice layer collapsed, and the terrifying destructive force split the ice surface into over a dozen massive cracks, spreading wildly outward.

The residual power faded, revealing Le Zhengyu's figure. His Angel Wings were tattered, one knee on the ground as he barely supported himself with his sword. The holy sword was covered in dense cracks.

Zhao Xuanzhen folded his Black and White Wings and slowly descended on the floating Taiji Diagram. The watching Shrek students wore solemn expressions, silently calculating whether they could block that Qi Dong Shan He if they were in his place. And even if they could block it, what then?

Golden Awakening, three ten-thousand-year soul skills, Darkgold Fearclaw, Ben Ti Secret Technique... A sense of powerlessness suddenly rose in their hearts.

"Shrek's geniuses truly are as numerous as carp crossing the river!"

Le Zhengyu stood up, his eyes burning as he stared at Zhao Xuanzhen. He had left the Angel Legion only to train, and on his first day of enrollment, he had met a monster younger and more talented than himself. He felt he had made the right choice!

The Angel Clan was proud and aloof, that was true, but they absolutely respected strength. Le Zhengyu clasped his fists in salute: "I lost this time. I'll take a leave from school to return home and absorb the Angel Clan's Inheritance Soul Spirit. Then we'll spar again!"

"Good. Next young genius, please."

At these words, the students below flickered their eyes. The tenth-ranked had no power to resist, proving the gap between them was like a Natural Barrier. Perhaps only the top three could face Zhao Xuanzhen head-on!

Among the watching students, a young girl with Chestnut Red short hair burned with Fighting Spirit. She stepped toward the Ice Arena. Her features were stunningly beautiful, her complexion pale, and her figure was more curvaceous than her age suggested.

Halfway there, she suddenly thought of something and stopped in her tracks.

"Forget it. I'm a Work-study Student. I don't enjoy Shrek's free cafeteria and benefits. I need to find a way to support myself. I'll look for a job first..."

Life was greater than everything. The eighth-ranked young genius on the Young Genius List turned and left regretfully.

"Boom, boom, boom—"

Heavy footsteps rang out. A young man steadily ascended the stage. He was tall and sturdy, exuding an unmovable, mountain-like authority, as if he were a giant pillar holding up the sky.

"Based on Yu Yuanheng and Mo Jue's descriptions, I probably can't beat you," the young man said in a deep voice.

"But you still came," Zhao Xuanzhen said.

"I'm the Class Monitor of Class One, Second Year. Over a dozen of my classmates have been soundly defeated by you. I have a responsibility to step up and reclaim the class's dignity.

Besides, you've set up this challenge against us. As third on the Young Genius List, my pride is no less than anyone else's. I will never allow myself to shy away from a fight.

A person can lose, but they must not retreat.

Bu Po Li Qiankun, please enlighten me!"