Inside the Sect Master Hall, Du Busi's exclamation echoed through the vast hall, making the chandelier overhead sway slightly.
The Level 98 Super Douluo strode quickly to Liu Yuan's side, his dark green eyes gleaming with the fervor of someone who had discovered an unparalleled treasure.
"Level 27? Just how did you cultivate, kid?"
Du Busi looked Liu Yuan up and down, unable to resist reaching out to test the condensed Soul Power barrier.
In just one month, after already gaining entry into the Body Secret Technique, he had risen another two levels. That kind of speed could no longer be described as "genius." It was simply monstrous.
Liu Yuan felt his master's somewhat "perverted" gaze and sighed inwardly, though he maintained a humble expression and bowed slightly.
"Master, while cultivating the secret technique, I happened to gain some insight. With the abundant spiritual energy at Tingtao Pavilion, along with the high-grade soul beast meat you provided, I was fortunate enough to break through."
"Stop trying to fool this old man!" Du Busi burst into laughter again, heavily patting Liu Yuan on the shoulder.
"Your talent is truly remarkable, kid. You're even more outstanding than Aotian—or than I was back then! Hahaha, the Body Sect has truly found a treasure this time."
At that moment, his heart was filled with joy.
After Du Busi's round of praise, Liu Yuan steadied himself, his expression turning serious as he got to the point. "Master, why did you summon Senior Brother and me today? What important matter do you need to entrust to us?"
Du Busi's smile faded, and he exuded a dignified, profound aura as he said slowly, "Since you two have both achieved something in your cultivation, it's time for you to go out and see some blood. I have a sect mission that I intend to send the two of you to lead."
"A sect mission?" Liu Yuan's heart stirred.
Although the Body Sect was currently regarded by the outside world as a reclusive sect, he knew full well that it had always been the guardian deity of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Their seclusion was meant to allow them to focus on cultivation and avoid unnecessary disputes. It did not mean they ignored worldly affairs. Rather, they had always secretly protected the Heaven Dou Empire's borders and peace.
Therefore, most Body Sect missions involved eliminating hidden dangers that threatened the empire's rule or the safety of its citizens, such as hunting Evil Soul Masters who roamed the Heaven Dou Empire committing crimes.
That sounded somewhat similar to Shrek Academy's Inspection Team.
But in Liu Yuan's view, the two were fundamentally different.
Shrek's Inspection Team championed an almost saintly form of "unrewarded justice," sustained entirely by passionate conviction.
The Body Sect, however, had exceptionally deep ties of interest with the Heavenly Soul Royal Family, so its sect missions were more like elite training assignments with rewards.
As disciples, completing missions was their duty as members of a sect that protected the nation. Afterward, they could not only receive rare resources from the sect, but often also gain noble titles, honors, or lavish rewards from the Heavenly Soul Royal Family.
This model of effort being rewarded and tied to political interests was clearly more realistic and sustainable in Liu Yuan's eyes than Shrek's approach.
"Master, please instruct me. What exactly is this mission?" Liu Yuan asked in a low voice.
With his hands behind his back, Du Busi pointed to the map of the Heaven Dou Empire hanging on the wall. "On the empire's western frontier, there is a small border city named Yaluo City."
"Recently, a group of Evil Soul Masters has appeared there. Their methods are ruthless—burning, killing, looting, and pillaging. Several villages have already suffered, leaving the local people in a state of panic. I have already sent the sect's hidden scouts to gather information."
At that, Du Busi paused, his gaze sharpening. "There aren't many of them, around five or six. Judging by their auras, they should all be Soul Grandmasters in their twenties. Though their levels are not high, Evil Soul Masters have strange methods. Do not underestimate them."
"For this mission, Aotian will lead and take overall responsibility, while Liu Yuan will assist." Du Busi looked at the two of them.
"Besides you two, you will bring Chen Lü, Gu Tong, and Wang Yanfeng from the sect. Vina and Mu Xue will also accompany you. This will be a collective trial for your younger generation as well. Understood?"
"Vina and Mu Xue are going too?" Liu Yuan appeared somewhat surprised.
Vina was, after all, a princess of the Heaven Dou Empire, while Mu Xue, as her study companion and guard, possessed no ordinary status either.
He truly had not expected a princess to be sent to the front lines for such an unpredictable battle as suppressing Evil Soul Masters.
Du Busi saw through Liu Yuan's thoughts at a glance and said evenly, "Though Vina is a princess, as long as she remains in the Body Sect, she is a disciple of the Body Sect."
"Moreover, because of her special status, she must lead by example and become a model for the empire's soul masters."
"Thus, while she does not spend much time in the sect, she has carried out quite a few sect missions. Her practical combat experience may even be richer than yours."
Only then did Liu Yuan nod in understanding. "This disciple understands. I will certainly give my all and assist Senior Brother in completing the mission."
Soon afterward, Liu Yuan and Long Aotian bowed to Du Busi together, then turned and left the Sect Master Hall. They prepared to gather Chen Lü and the others before meeting at the mountain gate to depart.
As the spirited backs of the two Gold Grade disciples gradually vanished at the end of the corridor, the majesty on Du Busi's face slowly faded, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.
He lightly clapped his hands. From the shadows of the previously empty, silent hall, two figures emerged soundlessly like ghosts.
They were two old men. One was gaunt and skeletal, with sinister eyes.
The other had fiery red hair and a wild, unrestrained aura.
Neither deliberately released any pressure, yet the taut space around them proclaimed their identities—Title Douluos.
"Sect Master." The two respectfully bowed to Du Busi.
Du Busi looked at them and instructed them coldly, "I am having you two follow them, but you must not let Liu Yuan, Aotian, or the others notice your presence."
"The reason I am not telling them is because I want to give them a true opportunity for training. No matter how beautiful flowers raised in a greenhouse may be, they cannot withstand great storms."
Du Busi turned around and said word by word, "But remember this: Liu Yuan and Long Aotian are my personal disciples, and the other disciples are also the future hope of the Body Sect."
"No matter what, you must ensure their safety. If an accident occurs that even you cannot control..."
A trace of resolve appeared in Du Busi's eyes. "Even if you must sacrifice yourselves, you must bring every one of them back! Nothing must happen to them!"
"We obey the Sect Master's sacred command!" The two Title Douluos accepted their orders in grave voices, their figures once again sinking into the shadows as though they had never appeared.
In the empty hall, Du Busi let out a long sigh. Looking at the rolling sea of clouds beyond the window, he murmured, "Young eagles must eventually spread their wings..."
"Children, grow up soon..."
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