This Old Bastard Doesn't Play Fair!

Ma Xiaotao truly was not weak. In her current state, if she fought Dai Yueheng, another inner courtyard student, she could probably punch last night's dinner right out of him.

Even against Steward Zhao, whose strength surpassed hers at seven rings, she might not win, but she could at least hold her ground for a while.

Such strength fully deserved the title of genius.

But even among geniuses, there were differences.

Not long ago in the Evil Demon Forest, Xu Tianming's full-power Sinking Sun Slash, unleashed with the Judgment Sword, had nearly beaten a seven-ring evil soul master to death with a single direct hit. Ma Xiaotao, who had only barely reached rank sixty soul power through relying on her evil fire, was naturally in no position to compare.

The terrifying wave of flame seemed to freeze time in the instant before it struck Ma Xiaotao.

Sensing the dreadful power contained within that attack, the reason that had mostly been consumed by her evil fire unexpectedly regained clarity for a brief moment.

Before the threat of death, fragments of memories from her past surfaced before Ma Xiaotao's eyes without her knowing when.

Is my life really going to end here?

No, no! I refuse to accept this! This isn't how my life is supposed to end!

I don't want to die! I really don't want to die here! Save me! Can someone save me?!

Perhaps there truly were people in this world who could face death without fear, but Ma Xiaotao was certainly not one of them.

Before the crisis of life and death, the strength and pride that had once filled her eyes were gone. All that remained was terror so intense it was nearly overflowing.

Yet at that moment, an aged, deep voice rang out, one that everyone within the prince's residence could hear clearly.

"Ah, Xiaotao was merely exchanging pointers with you. Why must a young man like you strike so heavily?"

The instant those words fell, an indescribably terrifying power appeared, instantly wiping the wave of flames Xu Tianming had unleashed out of the air. If one had not witnessed everything firsthand, it would have seemed as though nothing had happened at all.

Then, an old man with a withered appearance and an utterly ordinary-looking face appeared out of thin air beside Ma Xiaotao, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

"E-Elder Mu... Is that really you?"

Having just walked away from the gates of the underworld, Ma Xiaotao could not stop trembling. Seeing her state, Mu En sighed softly, but still spoke in a gentle tone.

"It's all right, Xiaotao. Sleep first. Once you wake up, everything will be resolved."

With that, Mu En casually struck Ma Xiaotao's shoulder with his palm, causing her to lose consciousness on the spot and collapse into sleep.

After all, Ma Xiaotao's body had already suffered a complete backlash from the evil fire. For now, all he could do was use his overwhelmingly powerful soul power to temporarily suppress it. Once they returned to Shrek Academy, they could think of a way to resolve the problem.

Using his soul power to suspend Ma Xiaotao's unconscious body at his side, Mu En finally turned to look at Xu Tianming, whose eyes were filled with wariness toward him.

Although this boy had driven Shrek Academy's gifted student into a desperate situation, there was no blame in Mu En's eyes. Instead, they were filled with appreciation and regret.

An unexpected situation had arisen.

If not for Columbina's power supporting him, Xu Tianming likely would have been unable to remain calm by now.

Shrek Academy's guardian deity, the Dragon God Douluo Mu En, one of the three Ultimate Douluo of the present age, had actually appeared here!

It was no exaggeration to say that no matter what this old bastard wished to do today, the Sun Moon Empire would be powerless to stop him. The strength of an Ultimate Douluo was simply far too overpowered.

Still, since he was already here, Xu Tianming could only accept it.

One had to look on the bright side of things.

Since this old bastard had not attacked immediately after showing himself, it meant there was still room for negotiation.

With that thought, Xu Tianming took a deep breath before taking the initiative to speak.

"Shrek Academy certainly throws its weight around! First the young one came, and now the old one has shown up. You've infiltrated the capital of my Sun Moon Empire without a sound time and again. Are you trying to start a war with the Sun Moon Empire?"

Mu En did not grow angry at Xu Tianming's questioning. Instead, the smile on his face deepened.

"Not bad. At such a young age, not only do you possess formidable strength, but you can also remain so composed before this old man. Even by Shrek Academy's standards, you are a monster among monsters."

Being praised by one of the strongest people alive did not bring Xu Tianming any joy.

Because by normal logic, this old bastard's next words would most likely be:

What a pity that such a monstrous talent cannot be used by Shrek. In that case, it would be better to eliminate him early, lest he become a great disaster in the future and leave us with endless regret!

But Mu En seemed to have seen through Xu Tianming's apprehension.

"I suppose you are worried that this old man may personally act to eliminate you ahead of time?"

Though his thoughts had been exposed, Xu Tianming did not panic. Instead, with the attitude of someone who had nothing left to lose, he asked in return.

"Heh, the strongest expert of a force that can hardly be called friendly comes to my doorstep unannounced. Under such circumstances, are you expecting me to assume the best?"

Mu En was momentarily speechless, then laughed.

"That is indeed reasonable, but you have underestimated this old man's magnanimity."

Xu Tianming neither agreed nor disagreed with Mu En's words.

"So? What does an old fellow as magnanimous as you intend to do?"

"It is simple. This old man intends to invite you to study at Shrek Academy for a time. With your cultivation talent, remaining in the Sun Moon Empire is nothing but a waste of your gifts!"

Hearing Mu En finally reveal his true intentions, Xu Tianming understood what he was after.

Invite him to study at Shrek Academy?

It sounded pleasant enough, but wasn't this really just an attempt to turn him into a hostage they could control, making the Sun Moon Empire afraid to act rashly?

Xu Tianming could practically imagine it. If he truly went to Shrek Academy, those shameless people would definitely try every possible way to "brainwash" him, forcing theories such as the "Shrek's Glory" they worshipped deep into his heart.

And as long as he was influenced by that ideology even slightly, Shrek's scheme would be complete.

Looking throughout history, those whom Shrek had successfully brainwashed would never choose to become enemies of Shrek unless faced with extreme circumstances.

Therefore, Xu Tianming instinctively refused Mu En's "invitation."

"I appreciate your kind intentions, old man, but forgive me, I truly cannot accept. If there is nothing else, please leave the Sun Moon Empire as soon as possible, lest you deepen our empire's misunderstanding of Shrek Academy!"

Even though Mu En had an excellent temperament, Xu Tianming's consistently rude attitude finally provoked his displeasure.

"Young man, this old man has lived for so many years, yet you are the first person who has dared speak to me in such a manner. Are you not afraid of angering this old man and having me kill you on the spot to vent my anger?"