As for whether Shrek, with its ten-thousand-year legacy, fell or survived, it meant nothing to these youngsters.
They had come here only to cultivate, grow stronger, and secure a future for themselves. They had never come to protect a decaying academy.
There were better choices ahead. That was enough.
Xu Yanli withdrew his gaze, turned, and walked toward the already half-withered Golden Ancient Tree.
Behind him, the former Shrek members, their Martial Souls utterly crippled, lay sprawled on the ground. Some sobbed quietly; others stared blankly into space. As they watched him walk away, their feelings were too complicated to put into words.
Once, they had been mighty Titled Douluo and Super Douluo. Now, they didn't even have the strength to stand. Without their Martial Souls, they were left with nothing.
At the foot of the tree, Xu Yanli raised his head and gazed at the sacred tree that had taken root on Sea God Island for ten thousand years.
"Elder Jin."
The aged golden figure appeared once more from the treetop, his face wearing a gentle smile.
"What does my lord command?"
"Shrek has fallen," Xu Yanli said coolly. "What do you intend to do with this ten-thousand-year-old tree?"
Elder Jin fell silent for a moment, his tender gaze sweeping over the land beneath his feet, where he had dwelled for ten thousand years.
He had witnessed ten thousand years of rise and decline here. Every blade of grass, every tree, every clod of earth, every stone had long since been engraved upon his soul.
But ten thousand years at one another's side had been enough.
"This old servant wishes to follow my lord, to the ends of the earth. I will go wherever you go." Elder Jin lifted his head, relief filling his eyes.
Xu Yanli nodded slightly.