Xie An's figure flickered, and in an instant, he had arrived at the outskirts of Sea God Island, home to Shrek Academy.
As if sensing Xie An's presence, the Golden Ancient Tree swayed gently, as though welcoming him.
Xie An glanced at the Golden Ancient Tree a few times. Somehow, it seemed to be drawing him toward it.
However, considering their current positions, Xie An chose not to approach.
After waiting for a few seconds, Yun Ming appeared before him in a flash.
Yun Ming was exceptionally handsome, appearing to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight. He had a refined air and a gentle gaze.
When Xie An saw Yun Ming arrive, a warm smile spread across his face.
"Sea God Pavilion Master, you're as distinguished as ever!"
Hearing Xie An's words, Yun Ming immediately understood.
"I wonder what brings the War God Temple Master here?"
"Are you going to leave the Sea God Pavilion Master standing here?"
Yun Ming gave him an apologetic smile.
"War God Temple Master, please, come to Sea God Island."
As he spoke, he gestured for Xie An to come inside.
Xie An shook his head, then followed Yun Ming to the guest reception room on Sea God Island.
Long ago, the only building on Sea God Island had been the Sea God Pavilion, standing all by itself.
Outsiders were not allowed to enter the Sea God Pavilion.
But as Shrek Academy expanded, the Outer Court and Inner Court continued to grow.
First, the Inner Court moved to Sea God Island. Then, as Shrek Academy's reputation continued to rise, all sorts of people began visiting the academy.
Guest reception rooms, accommodations, entertainment facilities, and the like consequently sprang up on Sea God Island.
After they reached the guest reception room, Yun Ming smiled and asked, "May I ask what brings the War God Temple Master here? Or does the Federation have some new policy?"
Xie An shook his head.
"It's nothing major. Are you familiar with the Skysea Alliance Grand Competition?"
Yun Ming paused briefly, but quickly understood.
"It's an alliance formed by five cities, including Skysea City and Eastsea City. They hold a competition every five years."
"If I remember correctly, the Skysea Alliance invites Shrek Academy to put on an exhibition match each time it's held."
"Why does the War God Temple Master bring this up?"
Xie An nodded.
"Sea God Pavilion Master, you do have an excellent memory."
"I came here to let you know that..."
"The next Skysea Grand Competition will be held in my hometown."
"And as War God Temple Master, I'd like to invite Shrek Academy to compete."
Yun Ming looked puzzled.
"Compete? Not put on an exhibition match?"
"That's right, compete. The participants can be first- or second-year students from Shrek Academy."
"Of course, Shrek Academy can also send a few upper-year students as a backup, if you're concerned."
Yun Ming thought it over, then said in a low voice, "I can't make this decision alone. Why don't you head back for now, War God Temple Master?"
"I'll give you an answer in a couple of days."
To be fair, given Yun Ming's position and strength, he could make a decision on his own.
The problem was that Shrek had not participated in small-scale competitions like this one—events hosted by a major city or a few cities—for a long time.
When it did compete, it represented the Douluo Federation, facing other countries such as the Star Luo Empire.
Yun Ming felt it was still necessary to discuss the matter with the members of the Sea God Pavilion.
Xie An smiled and nodded, indicating that he understood.
"Very well. I'll head back and await your answer."
With that, he left without a moment's hesitation, disappearing in an instant.
What surprised Yun Ming was that as Xie An departed, the Golden Ancient Tree seemed to wave goodbye to him.
Yun Ming shook his head and gave it no further thought. He prepared to convene a Sea God Pavilion Meeting.
Half a day later, one figure after another appeared inside the Sea God Pavilion.
Seated below Yun Ming was Ya Li, dressed in a green robe.
An elderly woman with silver hair sat nearby. Though her appearance had grown old, she had clearly been a beauty in her youth.
She was none other than Cai Yue'er, the Outer Court Dean.
Two or three more figures arrived in succession.
The last to enter was an old woman in plain clothes, her back slightly stooped.
Though she looked frail, her arrival brought even Yun Ming to his feet. Everyone waited until she had taken her seat before sitting down themselves.
She was none other than Light and Dark Douluo, Long Yeyue.
"I called everyone here today because the War God Temple Master—or rather, the Federation—has challenged us to a competition."
Yun Ming spoke, then passed around the invitation Xie An had given him.
Once everyone had read it, Yun Ming continued, "What does everyone think? Let's hear your opinions."
As soon as Yun Ming finished speaking, a cold snort rang out.
"Hmph! The world's really gone to the dogs. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to provoke Shrek Academy now."
"If you ask me, Yun Ming, you're far too timid as Sea God Pavilion Master."
"If it were up to me, I'd take down that War God Temple Master and the current Federal Council chairman myself."
Long Yeyue spoke without hesitation.
Yun Ming furrowed his brow slightly, about to say something.
"Elder Long is still so fond of joking."
Ya Li, seated below Yun Ming, noticed her husband's displeasure and spoke up to smooth things over.
"Elder Long, this isn't the time to get angry. We need to focus on finding a solution."
Cai Yue'er, the Outer Court Dean, chimed in as well.
"Still, Shrek Academy may have been dormant for too long, emboldening the Federation to make these kinds of petty moves."
"Since the Federation wants to test us, we can't back down."
Cai Yue'er added.
Long Yeyue nodded, accepting her point.
"Cai Yue'er, what do you suggest?"
Yun Ming's brow relaxed as he turned to Cai Yue'er.
"Pavilion Master, hasn't the Spirit Pagoda been compiling that Youth Genius Ranking in recent years?"
Yun Ming nodded to show he knew about it.
Seeing his agreement, Cai Yue'er grew even more pleased.
"Every single one of the top ten on that ranking has entered Shrek Academy."
"Didn't the War God Temple Master say the competition would be in three years?"
"I suggest we recruit the latest batch of young geniuses from the ranking..."
"Especially those with close ties to our academy who've already been earmarked for the Inner Court. We can bring them in early."
"We'll train them, and if they win the competition, promise them places in the Inner Court."
"That will demonstrate Shrek Academy's strength while also training the next generation."
"In this way, Shrek Academy is sure to rise to even greater heights!"
Cai Yue'er's voice grew more impassioned toward the end.
The others nodded in agreement.
A smile appeared on Yun Ming's face as well.
"I'd like to add one more thing. Didn't the Federation say we could send one or two people as a reserve?"
"Let Tang Yinmeng from the Outer Court fill that role."
"She's just reached the fourth ring. In three years, she'll probably be at the fifth ring."
"If the Federation doesn't resort to any tricks, Tang Yinmeng won't have to compete."
"If they try anything underhanded, Tang Yinmeng will be our trump card."
"That way, we won't seem to be throwing our weight around, and we can also guard against anything unexpected."
Yun Ming nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled. Does anyone object?"
When no one answered, Yun Ming turned to Cai Yue'er. "Cai Yue'er, sorry for the trouble. I'll leave you in charge of overseeing this personally."
"I'll follow your instructions, Pavilion Master."
Before you continue