Cleansing Shrek

After Zhongli Wu and the others retreated.

The air inside and outside Shrek City's northern walls still reeked of blood and the scorched aftermath of violently unleashed Soul Power.

Chen Xuan did not leave immediately.

He stood silently beside the half-collapsed wall, gazing into the northern night sky without moving for a long time.

"Elder Xuan." Xian Lin'er walked over slowly, putting away her Azure Flame Dragon Spear as she called out loudly.

"We had a huge victory tonight! We killed three Titled Evil Soul Masters. That's more than enough to make them furious!"

Yan Shaozhe stood not far away, one hand behind his back while the other gently held Cai Mei'er's hand.

Cai Mei'er said nothing. She merely squeezed his fingertips lightly in reassurance.

Yan Shaozhe looked toward the northern sky, now silent and dark once more, and sighed softly.

"Furious? We're the ones who should be furious."

His voice was low, carrying a piercing chill.

"The strength they revealed today is already a threat to the entire continent.

We thought it was merely other forces trying to undermine Shrek, but we never expected to uncover such a massive hidden danger.

And clearly, they have already formed a complete organization. Otherwise, they could never have obeyed orders so strictly or advanced and retreated with such discipline."

He paused slightly, his tone growing increasingly grave.

"No one expected this pack of vile people to have long since banded together and lain dormant.

And there is a ninety-percent chance that an Ultimate Douluo is backing them.

Otherwise, with Teacher's insight and strength, he would never have allowed them to retreat.

Just now was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We had every chance to keep that rank ninety-eight Evil Soul Master here."

Elder Song and Xian Lin'er exchanged a glance, then both fell silent, unable to refute him.

Chen Xuan remained quietly where he was, his expression calm and unruffled, though stormy waves had already risen in his heart.

These Evil Soul Masters were far more rampant than he had imagined. They had actually been secretly gnawing away at Shrek from within, and they had even dared to launch a direct assault on Shrek.

They had most likely taken root in Shrek long ago. If I hadn't suddenly begun investigating them, I never would have discovered them.

After the battle, the entire academy must be thoroughly investigated. Every hidden agent and danger must be purged. These threats cannot be allowed to lurk beside us.

His gaze fell upon the heavy northern sky, and a cold gleam flashed through his eyes.

Originally, I estimated that this hidden Evil Soul Master faction would not fully emerge and confront us head-on for at least another twenty years.

I never expected this upheaval to erupt early, with conflict descending so suddenly.

Fine. It's better for it to erupt early than to keep feeding a tiger in secret until it becomes a disaster.

I know their background and methods, while they know nothing about me.

Since we've clashed ahead of schedule, then I'll keep them company to the bitter end.

Chen Xuan took a deep breath, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his heart before turning to the others.

"Enough. Stop standing here in the wind. Those who need to clean up the aftermath, do so. Those who need rest, rest.

"At dawn tomorrow, I will personally report back to Elder Mu."

Everyone acknowledged the order and dispersed.

Only the disciples and stewards on watch remained atop the wall, clearing the rubble.

Chen Xuan stood alone upon the high wall, looking down at the collapsed masonry, the scattered stones, and the crisscrossing scorch marks. His fingers slowly curled into a fist.

"But this battle wasn't a loss. I hope they like the surprise I gave them."

With that, he turned and headed into the city, his upright figure swiftly melting into the deep night.

By the time Chen Xuan returned to the Sea God Pavilion, dawn had yet to break.

He sat down in the quiet room and first poured himself a cup of cold tea, swallowing it in one gulp. Only then did the bloody taste in his throat fade somewhat.

The scrapes on his body were not serious. With the physique of a rank ninety-eight Soul Master, he would recover completely in less than two days.

"Surprise." He set down the cup and quietly repeated what he had said atop the wall. Then he suddenly laughed.

"Just wait. Did you really think I captured so many of your people just to make some noise?"

That night, the disturbance north of Shrek City was contained within its high walls.

The Sea God Pavilion stewards worked through the night, taking stock, while the Inquisitorial Legion's dungeon suddenly gained more than a dozen prisoners.

Elder Lin's people did not rest. Elder Song personally oversaw the operation as well, while Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er each led a team that turned the warehouses and civilian homes along the route upside down.

Just after dawn, the first preliminary report arrived on Chen Xuan's desk.

He flipped through two pages, then tapped one particular line with his finger.

"Gray Harrier escaped, but Ghost Blade remained," he muttered to himself.

"But it doesn't matter. He can't leave the continent. Once I have time to spare, I'll deal with him slowly."

What concerned him more was the list of names on another page.

Among those captured last night were two Inner Court stewards, and one was even a minor logistics supervisor from the Outer Court.

Their positions were not high, but they all occupied crucial posts.

"What deeply planted nails." He narrowed his eyes. "No wonder the Inquisitorial Legion has become more and more crooked over the years. The rot began at the roots."

Chen Xuan closed the dossier and rose to walk to the window.

Morning light crossed Sea God Lake, illuminating half the quiet room.

He looked at the glittering fragments of gold spreading across the distant lake and fell silent for a while. In his mind, he had already arranged everything that needed to be done next.

First, thoroughly investigate the academy and root out every hidden agent. Leave none behind.

But it can't be done openly. It has to be handled in secret, or we'll alert the enemy.

Second, the Inquisitorial Legion will remain suspended.

They will not be deployed again until their equipment is complete and their people have trained enough. I don't care who comes begging.

Third, the Soul Tool Department must receive the money and resources it needs.

Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo are trustworthy, but we must still guard against others sabotaging them.

Fourth, I need to make a trip myself. We can't wait any longer regarding Zhang Lexuan.

If my timing is right, her family will meet with disaster within the next year or two.

If I can't take her in beforehand, then once something truly happens, it will be too late to protect her.

But before I leave, I need to give Yan Shaozhe and Cai Mei'er a reminder.

After Feng Ling's little outburst, those two won't be feeling good.

Cai Mei'er isn't petty, but Feng Ling's words, "Come with me," would be a thorn in any woman's heart.

Just as he was thinking, footsteps sounded outside the door.

"Elder Xuan, are you awake?" It was Xian Lin'er's voice.

"Come in."

Xian Lin'er pushed open the door and entered. She had changed into a neat green narrow-sleeved outfit and had clearly barely slept all night.

She bowed and said, "Elder Mu already knows. He said that once you woke up, you should go see him."

Chen Xuan nodded. "Perfect. I also have something to discuss with him."

He put on his elder's robe and headed toward Mu En's quiet room together with Xian Lin'er.

At the entrance, Xian Lin'er stopped. Chen Xuan raised his hand and knocked, and Mu En's gentle yet weary voice soon came from within.

"Come in."

Chen Xuan pushed the door open and entered.

Mu En reclined halfway on the couch, with the window open as the lake breeze drifted inside.

He looked even older than he had the night before. The wrinkles on his face seemed to have been deepened by the night wind.

Yet his eyes remained clear and bright, like an undying lamp left burning after a long night.

"Elder Mu." Chen Xuan sat beside the couch.

"Speak." Mu En did not exchange pleasantries.

Chen Xuan recounted everything that had happened the previous night from beginning to end, saying what should be said and what should not have been said as well.