Mingfeng Steps Down as Dean, Xuan Zi Takes on a Heavy Burden

The strange phenomena on Sea God Island appeared suddenly and disappeared just as quickly.

After the sky-covering Fire Phoenix transformed into a shower of flames and dissipated, the crimson sky gradually returned to its original azure, as if the earth-shattering confrontation had never happened.

The surface of Sea God Lake returned to calm, with only the fine, ripple-like waves stirred by the breeze, shimmering like scattered gold in the sunlight.

The teachers and students of the Outer Court were still gathered on the shore of Sea God Lake, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks to look in the direction of Sea God Island, discussing in twos and threes the spectacular scene of the two Phoenix phantoms confronting each other.

None of them noticed that while they were having a heated discussion, two figures had quietly left Sea God Island, silently crossed the lake, and disappeared among the layers of buildings in the Outer Court.

An unusual silence fell over the area around Yan Shaozhe's Small Courtyard.

The teachers and students from the Inner Court who had gathered around were still standing in place, their expressions varied.

Entering Shrek Academy's Inner Court has always been the greatest honor for every student.

They were proud to be members of Shrek, and proud of their status as the best academy on the continent. They even walked with their backs straighter than others.

However, after witnessing that scene firsthand, everyone had a thought that they had never had before.

That was the original Shrek Academy; it didn't seem so impressive after all.

Even the so-called number one academy on the continent must bow down in the face of absolute power.

Even Dean Yan had to bow his head and admit his mistake to that Limit Douluo in front of everyone.

Shrek's aura, it turns out, isn't omnipotent.

Mu En's gaze slowly swept across his surroundings, looking at each face and seeing confusion, bewilderment, and something that was loosening and collapsing.

He knew what it was; it was arrogance, the arrogance that Shrek Academy had accumulated over generations and was deeply ingrained in its very bones.

What happened today may not necessarily be a bad thing.

He spoke slowly, his aged yet steady voice not loud, but clearly reaching the ears of everyone present. "Since everyone is here, I'll speak frankly."

Everyone raised their heads, composed themselves, and looked at the Sea God Pavilion Master, who usually lived a secluded life.

Mu En paused, a heavy look flashing in his cloudy yet still sharp eyes. "In recent years, the atmosphere in the academy has become somewhat abnormal. I hope everyone present will reflect on what happened today."

His voice wasn't loud, but every word struck the hearts of everyone like a heavy hammer. "Shrek Academy is not invincible. This reputation was earned by our predecessors with their lives, not for us to use to be arrogant."

"So from today onwards, everyone should put away that inexplicable arrogance in their hearts. True strength doesn't need pride to prove anything."

After he finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent.

No one refuted or echoed, but almost everyone wore a thoughtful expression.

Seeing that everyone was deep in thought, Mu En knew that they had at least taken some of what he said to heart.

He said no more, only waved his withered hand, his tone returning to its usual calm. "Alright, everyone disperse."

After everyone left, only four people remained in the Small Courtyard.

A gentle breeze rustled through the broken flowers and grass, making a soft, whispering sound that only amplified the oppressive stillness of the place.

Mu En stood there with his back straight, looking at Yan Shaozhe. A rare seriousness gradually appeared on his aged face.

Looking at his prized disciple whom he had personally nurtured, a hint of undisguised disappointment flashed in his eyes.

"You don't want Huo Yuhao to leave the academy?"

Mu En spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable sense of pressure.

Yan Shaozhe looked up at the sound of her voice. He sensed the disappointment in his teacher's tone and panicked. He quickly explained, "Teacher, you know Huo Yuhao's talent. The academy shouldn't give up on such a genius so easily."

"I admit that my approach was a bit hasty, but my initial intention was all for the good of the college."

He carefully observed Mu En's expression and added, "Huo Yuhao's growth rate is too fast. If he becomes an enemy of the academy one day, it will be absolutely disastrous for the academy."

"The reason I want to keep him in the academy is to keep him firmly tied to our cause, so that he won't..."

He didn't finish his sentence because he saw the growing disappointment in Mu En's eyes.

Shrek is just an academy.

Mu En interrupted him, his voice even deeper than before. "It seems you've completely forgotten the academy's original purpose."

"When did Shrek need to use threats and coercion to retain its students?"

"When did we become afraid that the geniuses we nurtured would become our enemies in the future?"

"Your mind is no longer on teaching and imparting knowledge; you are no longer suitable to be the dean."

Upon Yan Shaozhe's eyes widened suddenly, his pupils contracted sharply, and he seemed to have been struck by lightning.

He never expected that his teacher would want to dismiss him from his post.

The teacher actually wants to remove him from his position just for Huo Yuhao?

Mu En ignored his expression and turned her gaze to Cai Mei'er, who was standing to the side.

Looking at his disciple, who had always silently stood by Yan Shaozhe's side and acted fairly, the old man's tone softened slightly. "Mei'er, from now on, you are the Dean of the Shrek Academy."

Cai Mei'er was also startled upon hearing this, and opened her mouth as if to say something.

But when he met Mu En's unwavering gaze, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue, and simply nodded slightly with a complicated expression.

Mu En then looked at Yan Shaozhe again, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. "As for you, Yan Shaozhe... stay on Sea God Island and reflect on your actions. Come back to me when you've figured things out."

After saying this, Mu En turned his gaze to Xuan Zi, who had been standing silently to the side.

His expression grew more somber, and he said earnestly, "Xuan Zi, my days are numbered; you must also strive."

Upon hearing Xuan Zi, Xuanzi's rugged face froze for a moment.

Mu En didn't wait for his response and continued speaking, his voice carrying a desolate feeling of having seen through the impermanence of life.

"After I leave, if Shrek Academy doesn't have Limit Douluo in charge, it might be the beginning of its decline."

"I don't want history to record that Shrek Academy perished because of us."

"This burden will ultimately fall on your shoulders."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mu En's figure seemed to be gently blown away by a breeze, disappearing from the three people's sight without warning.

Xuan Zi opened his mouth, but it was as if something was blocking his throat, and he couldn't say anything.

Mu En's words just now felt like a mountain pressing down on his shoulders, so heavy that he could hardly breathe.

The difference between Level 98 and Level 99 may seem like just a step, but if that step were so easy to cross, he wouldn't have been stuck at this threshold for decades without making any progress.

In everyone's eyes, he was Level 98 Super Douluo, second only to Mu En, and one of the very few people standing at the very top of the continent.

But only he knew how impenetrable that final barrier was; it was a barrier that diligence and effort could not overcome.

That requires opportunity, insight, and a spark of inspiration from God.

He waited for decades, but that glimmer of inspiration never came.

After a long silence, Xuan Zi sighed heavily.

That sigh carried helplessness and weariness, yet also a hint of resolute determination.

He didn't utter any grand words; he simply said to himself, "That's all I can do."