The Undercurrents Finally Subside, Dragon and Phoenix Rely on Each Other

'Is this... a spatial-attribute soul skill?' Ma Xiaotao's heart jolted. Beyond the six known ultimate attributes, he had actually mastered the power of space? Could he even control time...?

She dared not move a muscle, terrified that her interference might cause him to suffer a backlash. She could only hold his trembling body more firmly, her breathing subconsciously softening.

The entire process lasted only two or three seconds. As the last wisp of silver light faded from Long Jinyu's fingertips and his hands dropped limply, the final shred of strength in his body seemed to be drained away. His head lolled to the side, and he collapsed completely into her arms, falling into a deep coma.

Before sinking into darkness, Long Jinyu's last blurred thought was: 'System Treasure... are there... any more...'

[Rest easy, Host. This Treasure guarantees, there are absolutely none left! Shall I transmit a message to Mu En for you?]

'Heh... ZZZ...'

"Little brat!" Ma Xiaotao hurriedly checked his breathing and pulse. Only when she confirmed he was merely exhausted from overexertion did her suspended heart settle slightly. An incredible guess surfaced in her mind: 'Could it be... that he used his final strength to resolve those bombs that even Elder Mu couldn't locate?'

This thought made her entire body stiffen. If that were true, then not only had he stood his ground at the Medical Pavilion, but while on the verge of his own limits, he had silently eradicated the greatest hidden threat to Shrek Academy!

A complex surge of emotions flooded her heart—annoyance at his recklessness, shock at his capabilities, and an irrepressible ache, along with... a certain indescribable flutter.

She tightened her arms to let him lean more securely, reached out, and used her fingertips to gently brush away the strands of hair stuck to his forehead by sweat, whispering a reproach: "What a... reckless idiot."

Meanwhile, inside the Sea God Pavilion, the atmosphere was heavy.

The Evil Soul Master sat with his legs crossed, sipping tea leisurely, his tone arrogant: "There is an old saying in Douluo: Xixi material~ Wei Junjie. One hundred million Gold Soul Coins, a set of top-tier soul bones, a one-hundred-thousand-year soul ring... whatever cultivation resources you have, This Seat wants them all."

His cold, sinister gaze swept over Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe, and he chuckled: "Oh, right, a reminder to you all: those few who are sneaking around watching me outside, you'd best not have any crooked ideas. I've set these as timed bombs; even if I die right now, they will still go 'boom'! You will never know where they are hidden, so just wait to collect the corpses of those commoners!"

Xuan Zi's knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists, his chest heaving violently.

Yan Shaozhe's face turned ashen, and he gritted his teeth: "Fine! As long as you reveal the location of all the bombs, we will... do our best to satisfy your conditions!"

The Evil Soul Master was immensely smug: 'Shrek is nothing more than this! The bombs given by the Holy Son are truly divine objects; they actually make these high-and-mighty old things grovel before me! This is enough for me to brag about for a lifetime!' Outwardly, however, he feigned suspicion: "Oh? So straightforward? Really?"

"Really," Yan Shaozhe gritted out, "but gathering these items takes time."

"Since you have such 'sincerity'..." A lecherous glint flashed in the Evil Soul Master's eyes as he pushed his luck, "Then this master must add one more condition! After all, resources alone are boring, aren't they? I hear Shrek has countless talented young girls? Pick a few dozen of the fresh ones and send them over to serve this master well! If you serve me comfortably, perhaps I'll be happy and tell you everything? Hahaha!"

"You—!" Xuan Zi stood up abruptly, nearly losing control.

At the core of the Golden Tree, Mu En sat withered like a mountain. His vast, ocean-like spiritual power, aided by the strength of the Golden Ancient Tree, swept across the entirety of Shrek City again and again.

He could clearly sense something "filthy" lurking in the city like a tumor, bringing a faint sense of unease, yet no matter how he searched, he could not lock onto its specific location.

'Even the Golden Ancient Tree cannot pinpoint it...' Mu En's brows were locked tight, his wrinkled face full of confusion and gravity. 'Such concealment methods are unheard of. Where exactly does the problem lie?'

This feeling of having power but nowhere to apply it, a state of near "blindness," was a first since he became the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion.

Outside the pavilion:

Elder Song, Elder Lin, and other senior elders, along with members of the Supervision Group, were secretly searching the academy and the city while evacuating the public;

Xian Lin'er led the elites of the Soul Tool Department, racing against time to analyze the remains of the dismantled bombs;

A massive intelligence network was also working at full capacity to dig up the background and weaknesses of this Evil Soul Master...

Inside the pavilion:

At the negotiation table, Yan Shaozhe and Xuan Zi were still struggling to maneuver and bargain, desperately stalling by claiming that "gathering and persuading the talented young girls takes time."

The Evil Soul Master's patience, however, was fading along with the inexplicable red glow appearing in the distant sky—a signal that might have come from his accomplices.

"My patience is limited! Once the deadline passes, if I don't see beauties and resources, the next bomb might just detonate in the most crowded market! Hehehehe—" He let out a harsh, eerie laugh.

Yan Shaozhe's expression "changed drastically," and he hurriedly "soothed": "Don't be agitated! Everything is negotiable!"

The deadline set by the Evil Soul Master was approaching.

A flash of resolve crossed Mu En's clouded eyes. He was prepared to make the most difficult decision: gather all high-level combatants, gamble on the potential casualties, and strike several of the most suspicious areas simultaneously, with Elder Song moving to execute the villain instantly! This was a desperate act of cutting off one's own arm to survive, and a heavy sense of sin already weighed upon his heart.

Just at this critical juncture—

From the direction of the Shrek Academy gates, a rich and familiar life force rippled outward. Although it felt somewhat weak, it was undeniably the power of Long Jinyu.

'Is it Little Yu? Is he saving people? Xiaotao has returned as well, and her condition seems quite good...' Mu En's thoughts stirred.

Immediately following, something even more unbelievable happened—those "filthy things" that had been pricking at his senses like thorns vanished in an instant, without warning! As if they had never existed!

Just as he was filled with doubt, a clear, elegant, and slightly hurried telepathic message rang directly in his mind, the voice identical to Long Jinyu's, yet carrying the unique conciseness of the system:

"Teacher: The flick of a finger brings thunder; the hidden peril is removed. The dust is swept away, and the city is secure once more. Senior Sister Xiaotao is unharmed. This disciple is exhausted and will recover after a brief rest. Details to follow."

Mu En's pupils contracted sharply!

Resolved? The crisis that even he was helpless against had been silently solved by his youngest disciple, who had only just returned and seemed to be participating in rescue efforts outside the gates? And judging by this, Xiaotao's injuries were also...

Though hard to believe, the sense of crisis that had been lingering in his heart had indeed vanished into thin air.

A tremendous sense of joy and the relief of knowing there was a successor instantly dispelled the previous gloom.

He immediately condensed his voice into a line and transmitted it to the ears of Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe.

Upon hearing this, the two were stunned for a moment, then exchanged a glance, their faces simultaneously breaking into "kind" smiles.

The Evil Soul Master, still unaware that disaster was imminent, sat there impatiently tapping the table, urging for progress and beauties.

Suddenly—

"SLAP!"

A crisp, resounding slap struck his face. The immense force sent him and his chair tumbling backward, and half his face swelled up instantly.

The Evil Soul Master was stunned. Clutching his face, he pointed at Xuan Zi in a mix of shock and fury: "You! You have some nerve! Aren't you afraid I'll detonate it?!"

"SLAP!"

Another, heavier slap followed, knocking several of his teeth out.

The Evil Soul Master panicked completely, assuming Shrek had been pushed to the brink and was ready to go down with them. He roared with a hollow, desperate bravado: "Fine, fine, fine! You brought this on yourselves! Go collect the corpses of the civilians outside!"

He frantically tried to trigger the Soul Tool, but the earth-shattering explosion he expected never came.

He refused to believe it and tried again.

Once, no response.

Twice, still silence.

Three times... his expression shifted from ferocious to bewildered, finally settling into a deathly gray.

"Impossible... absolutely impossible! How could you possibly have found it...?"

"Click..."

Watching the cold-eyed Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe slowly closing in, he seemed to see his own miserable end, and his crotch wet instantly.

Outside the Shrek gates, the rescue work was nearing its end.

Ma Xiaotao sat on a temporarily moved wooden chair, holding Long Jinyu. She used a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, her fingertips occasionally poking his pale yet still handsome cheek; she seemed unable to tear herself away.

Liu Tao finished arranging the transport of the wounded and walked over to suggest softly: "Miss Ma, Dean Long has overexerted himself and needs quiet rest. Shall I take him back to the Medical Pavilion for proper care?"

"Very well," Ma Xiaotao nodded immediately. "I will go with you."

Though Liu Tao didn't know the full story, he had guessed from the previous scene that the two shared a deep bond, so he naturally agreed: "Of course, Miss Ma, please."

Just then, two figures descended: Yan Shaozhe and Life Douluo Elder Zhuang.

"Little Liu, it has been a long time," Elder Zhuang said gently.

Liu Tao hurriedly bowed: "Elder Zhuang, Dean Yan."

Yan Shaozhe stated his purpose directly: "Dean Liu, to be honest, Jinyu is the closing disciple of my master, Mu En. My master is worried about his condition and wishes to take him back to the Sea God Pavilion to oversee his treatment personally. I wonder..."

Liu Tao looked surprised: "Dean Long is actually a high disciple of Mu En?" He pondered for a moment. Although he knew his superior seemed to distrust Shrek, he couldn't stop the master himself from asking for someone. He carefully handed Long Jinyu over to Yan Shaozhe and said solemnly: "Since Mu En is taking action personally, we are naturally relieved. Please, everyone, ensure Dean Long's safety."

"Dean Long?" Yan Shaozhe and Elder Zhuang caught the title simultaneously, looking surprised.

Liu Tao nodded: "That is correct. Dean Long has successfully solved the three inheritance puzzles of my Medical Pavilion and has officially succeeded to the position of Dean."

Yan Shaozhe exclaimed: "He is also proficient in medicine?"

Elder Zhuang's eyes narrowed, thoughtful: "Those three puzzles... they are vastly different from ordinary medical arts, practically heavenly books. For this little one to solve them... truly remarkable." He looked at Liu Tao: "Little Liu, when the Medical Pavilion was attacked earlier, we were held back by villains and couldn't assist, and instead, we relied on your support. I am ashamed. I would like to return to the Medical Pavilion with you to do what little I can."

"Elder Zhuang is too kind, I would be honored."

Yan Shaozhe said to Ma Xiaotao: "Xiaotao, let us take Jinyu back to the Sea God Pavilion as well."

Ma Xiaotao stood up holding Long Jinyu, her movements gentle. Yan Shaozhe watched her cautious posture and recalled that when Long Jinyu held her earlier... it seemed to be the same.

The urge to play matchmaker surfaced again, only to be suppressed by Mu En's warnings, leaving him with nothing but a complex sigh.

Back at the Sea God Pavilion, Xuan Zi saw Ma Xiaotao carrying Long Jinyu inside. Seeing her expression was normal, even more radiant than when she was carried away during the day, he couldn't help but be suspicious: "Xiaotao, are you alright? This kid... he didn't do anything to you, did he?"

Yan Shaozhe also realized the situation and grew nervous: "Yes, Xiaotao, Jinyu didn't... take advantage of you, did he?"

Ma Xiaotao was instantly displeased upon hearing this, glaring at her two mentors: "Teacher! Elder Xuan! What are you two imagining?! Is Long Jinyu that kind of person?"

She looked down at the youth in her arms, her eyes softening involuntarily, and added softly: "He exhausted himself like this just to save me and help the academy... and you two are actually...!"

Yan Shaozhe: "..."

Xuan Zi: "..."

Ma Xiaotao ignored them, gently placing Long Jinyu on a soft couch. She pulled up a chair and sat right by the edge of the couch, her gaze barely leaving Long Jinyu's pale face.

Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe watched her, exchanging a look that held the same helplessness and a hint of... realization. Xuan Zi wanted to ask more, but Yan Shaozhe stopped him. It was clearly not the time to press for details.

Mu En appeared silently in the pavilion. His gaze fell first on Long Jinyu, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation and a touch of heartache.

He walked slowly to the side of the couch, placed his withered but warm palm gently on Long Jinyu's forehead, and pure, gentle soul power flowed like a trickling stream into Long Jinyu's parched meridians and exhausted Spiritual Sea.

"Mu En..." Yan Shaozhe and Xuan Zi bowed hurriedly.

Mu En nodded slightly, his gaze remaining on Long Jinyu: "I know the situation. This time, we owe it all to Jinyu."

A moment later, he withdrew his hand and said gently to the anxious Ma Xiaotao: "Rest assured, he has only overdrawn both his soul power and spiritual power. His foundation is unharmed. After a sleep and a few days of proper rest, he will recover."

Ma Xiaotao finally let out a long sigh of relief, her tense shoulders slumping.

Mu En turned to Yan Shaozhe and Xuan Zi, his tone turning serious: "That Evil Soul Master, what did you get out of him?"

A flash of anger appeared on Yan Shaozhe's face: "He is tight-lipped! He only claimed he was ordered by the Holy Spirit Cult Holy Son to create chaos and make demands. He knows nothing about the source of the bombs or how they were planted, only that the items were given by the Holy Son and they were just following orders. He has a stubborn spine; even after using some methods, he didn't spit out any more core intelligence."

"Holy Son..." A cold glint flashed in Mu En's eyes. "It seems the tentacles of the Holy Spirit Cult have reached further than we imagined, and their methods are even more devious. If not for Long Jinyu this time, the consequences would have been unthinkable."

His gaze swept over the unconscious Long Jinyu once more, filled with deep contemplation. "He was able to unravel the mystery of the Yanhuang Lingyun inheritance, simulate such a terrifying aura despite being only a Soul Ancestor, and eliminate the hidden danger at the critical moment in a way we cannot comprehend... This child holds more secrets than we ever imagined."

"Teacher, do you mean..." Yan Shaozhe looked thoughtful.

"Do not probe further, and certainly do not let this spread." Mu En's tone was resolute. "Since he is a student of Shrek and my disciple, all we must do is trust and protect him. Pass down the order: no one is to leak a single word regarding Long Jinyu repelling the enemy at the Medical Pavilion or the events that followed!"

"Understood!" Yan Shaozhe and Xuan Zi replied solemnly. They both understood that the abilities Long Jinyu displayed today were far too shocking; once word got out, it would inevitably attract countless covetous eyes, and the Holy Spirit Cult would surely mark him as a primary target for assassination.

"Also..." Mu En pondered for a moment. "Has he not been searching for his lost 'family'? Use all the academy's resources to increase the scale and scope of the search. Furthermore, once he wakes up, the Sea God Pavilion Library is to be opened to him unconditionally. How far he can go will depend on his own fortune..."