"Get up."
Mu En's voice remains calm.
"Mu En!"
Xuan Zi grabbed the ground with his head and cried bitterly.
"I asked you to get up and wipe away your tears. What would you say if other elders saw you like this? How unbecoming it would be!"
Mu En slammed the armrest of the chair, and a rare look of anger appeared on the old face that was always calm.
Dragon God Douluo, who had never shown his emotions in the past hundred years, actually got angry at this moment.
"Why are you so irritable when you are over two hundred years old? Everyone will desert after making a mistake like you, so we Shrek Academy don't have to do it anymore."
"If you keep talking nonsense to me, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of my deceased senior brother."
Xuan Zi was stunned by Mu En's scolding. The majesty he had accumulated for nearly a hundred years and had never shown to Xuan Zi was revealed at this moment.
He didn't dare to say another word, so he stood up obediently and wiped the tears from his face with his sleeves.
"What happened this time is not your fault." Mu En's voice softened a bit, but was still heavy. "You became greedy and lazy because of Martial Soul. That was not your subjective choice. It was the influence of Martial Soul and had nothing to do with you."
"What's more, the situation this time is special. Who would have expected that a mere five-ring Evil Soul Master could actually master the level of damage Soul Skill like Corpse Explosion Technique?"
"And the cockroach Soul Beast that you mentioned suddenly appeared. Not to mention you have never seen it before. Even in all my years of living, this is the first time I have heard that there is such a cockroach Soul Beast in the Douluo Continent that can walk upright, use weapons, and deal with you head-on."
"Just hearing you describe that image gives me goosebumps."
Mu En said, his eyes falling on the stab wound on Xuan Zi's back that was still bleeding.
Although the wound was not deep, the traces of the curse remaining on the edge have not completely dissipated.
Level 98's Taotie Douluo was slashed by a cockroach until his armor was bleeding. No one in the entire continent would believe this if he told it.
"Just one knife can cause you this level of damage. This cockroach Soul Beast is conservatively estimated to have at least 300,000 years of cultivation, and has a very high level of combat intelligence."
"You said it would retreat when you were protecting the students, split up its forces to harass you when you were chasing it, and turn around to attack you when you were least prepared. This kind of tactical prowess cannot be explained by Soul Beast's instinct. This is a super Soul Beast with a human-level IQ, and it is extremely hostile to us."
"This is no longer an ordinary Soul Beast, we must strike hard!"
Mu En narrowed his hazy eyes and his voice became colder. "Also, we need to dig deeper into the relationship between the five-ring Evil Soul Master and the cockroach Soul Beast."
"A Evil Soul Master who masters Corpse Explosion Technique, and a cockroach Soul Beast who has a cultivation level of at least 300,000 years but has never been recorded in any ancient books. It is unlikely to be a coincidence that these two appear at the same time."
"If they were accomplices, why did the cockroach intercept Death Messenger before Xuan Zi? If they were not accomplices, why did the cockroach eat all the corpses in front of Xuan Zi and then attack the living people?"
Xuan Zi shook violently all over.
Dig deep?
How to dig deeper?
That cockroach has disappeared without a trace, and Death Messenger is also missing. With the only information they have now, searching for the target of cockroach Soul Beast on the mainland is tantamount to finding a needle in a haystack.
"Could it be that Mu En you----" Xuan Zi suddenly raised his head and looked at Mu En with an unbelievable look.
"I'm getting older, and I'm running out of time." Mu En's voice was still calm, as calm as if he was talking about something that had nothing to do with him, "There are too many people looking forward to my early death, and every one of those old guys hiding in the dark is looking forward to my death."
"But they all seem to have forgotten one thing. Before I died, I was still Dragon God Douluo, still Tsukumo-level Limit Douluo, and I still had the ability to pull many people to death together."
"Whoever wants to break ground on the Shrek Academy's head must be prepared to pay the bill with his own life."
"Mu En!"
Xuan Zi was anxious and was about to speak to dissuade him, but Mu En raised his hand to stop him.
"Since that evil Soul Beast cockroach has been born and has shown such high hostility and combat effectiveness in the battle, it will definitely leave traces in other places."
"Xuan Zi, this task is left to you. Find it, get rid of it at all costs, and avenge the students. Can you do it?"
"Put it on me." Xuan Zi's voice was firm. Tears were still hanging on Just now's face, but the raging anger had rekindled in those muddy old eyes.
"I will fight it until death! It crippled Bei Bei in front of me, chopped me, and even ate the bodies of five of my students. I, Xuan Zi, will get back this blood debt even if I risk my life!"
"Very good." Mu En nodded, with a hint of coldness in his voice, "Those Evil Soul Masters had better understand that they have nothing to do with that cockroach."
"If they are really accomplices, then don't blame me for cleaning up the garbage on this continent before I die, huh!"
This cold snort fell, and the entire surrounding space trembled violently.
The floor beneath his feet was cracked, and the air in the room instantly became several times heavier. Xuan Zi felt that his heartbeat was slowed down by this invisible pressure.
Level 99 Limit Douluo Even though he is about to die, he is still the top being on this continent, and he can change the color of the world with just a thought.
"Mu En Please calm down and don't get angry."
Xuan Zi spoke worriedly.
He is very aware of Mu En's physical condition.
The reason why Mu En does not have any mood swings on weekdays is to preserve the little vitality left.
Every time he gets angry, every time he releases pressure, he is using his limited lifespan to maintain the majesty of Shrek.
In the recent period, Mu En has experienced more emotional fluctuations than in the past few decades combined: first, he went out to convince Du Busi, then he had to decide on Sea God Pavilion Meeting's strategy to deal with Lu Ren, and now he was angered twice by this series of bad news.
Every time he gets angry, Mu En is one step closer to death.
At this time, no one among these two top Shrek experts suspected that the cockroach had anything to do with Lu Ren.
Lu Ren is in Mingdu, and Death Messenger is in the mountains on the border of the Star Luo Empire. The two places are thousands of miles apart. It is impossible for a young Soul Master to control a super Soul Beast level existence across such a long distance.
What's more, there is no intersection between Lu Ren and Death Messenger----
This is the scariest thing about Cursed Spirit Manipulation.
Thousands of miles away, take a person's life and then walk away without leaving even a trace.
No one would associate that cockroach with Lu Ren, because logically there is no possibility of any connection.
"It's just the next game, what should I do?" Xuan Zi couldn't help but ask this question out loud.
Five of the seven regular members died, Bei Bei, the strongest member of the reserve team, was also wiped out with one blow, and the rest were all defeated soldiers. How could such an incomplete team compete in the highest-level competition in the continent?
What to use against those Soul King or even Soul Emperor opponents?
What's more, there is Lu Ren, that Monster, opposite, a boy who can make Xuan Zi kneel down in public. His growth rate cannot be described as a thousand miles a day. A few months ago, he could fight with Xuan Zi for seven minutes, but now?
Mu En was silent for a long time.
A rare hint of fatigue appeared on that wrinkled face.
Then he took a deep breath, exhaled it slowly, and his voice returned to its usual calmness. "The bet between you and Lu Ren is still in effect, and Martial Soul has sworn that the two of you have been firmly bound."
"Then no matter what means are used, for the glory of the Shrek Academy and for you, this game must be won."
He looked straight at Xuan Zi: "Go to the inner courtyard immediately, screen out all the students who meet the competition conditions as quickly as possible, and send them to Star Luo City overnight. Be sure to make all preparations before the competition officially starts."
"What if we still lose?" Xuan Zi's voice was dry and hoarse.
"If you lose, just go to the appointment honestly and give him Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone. This is a bet, and you can't default on it."
Mu En waved his hand, but then his tone suddenly dropped. "Soul Bone can give it, but it cannot be given in vain. After the bet is over, Lu Ren must be won over at all costs, whether it is resources, status, or favors. As long as he is willing to join Shrek, any conditions can be negotiated. If he still doesn't agree--"
Mu En's voice turned cold. "Then kill him and recycle Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone."
"Such a genius cannot be allowed to stay in the Sun Moon Empire. Sun Moon Empire already has the strongest Soul Tool army in the continent. The gap between Original Three Nations and Soul Tool Technology has become so big that even Shrek feels troublesome."
"If monsters like Lu Ren are allowed to grow again, and when Sun Moon Empire launches a full-scale unification war, what will we, who are already at a disadvantage, do to fight them?"
"Allowing such a talented genius to completely turn to the Sun Moon Empire is equivalent to adding an unsolvable problem to Original Three Nations on the future battlefield."
Xuan Zi felt a chill running down his spine.
He has known Mu En for so many years, but he has never heard such strong murderous intent in this old man's tone.
Mu En ignored the change in Xuan Zi's expression and continued to issue orders in a calm and almost cold tone, "After many years, we Sea God Pavilion haven't made any big moves for a long time."
"It's time for Yan Shaozhe and the others to go out and walk around and get some experience."
Xuan Zi lowered his head and said solemnly, "I understand."
At this moment, he finally realized clearly that Sea God Pavilion was really serious this time.
It's not the small fight before, but the entire Shrek Academy, from the inner courtyard to the Sea God Pavilion, twisting all their forces into one rope to deal with this game that is no longer limited to Arena.
And Lu Ren will be the first person to enjoy this kind of treatment since the founding of Shrek.
If he ultimately refuses to join Shrek, the only outcome waiting for him is death.
After watching Xuan Zi leave, Mu En leaned on the recliner alone, slowly raised his hazy eyes and looked at the dome above his head.
"Star Luo City is the turning point."
His old voice echoed gently in the empty Council Chamber, as if he was whispering to some invisible existence.
"Maki hopes that all future developments will be beneficial to Shrek.
Behind him, the branches and leaves of Golden Ancient Tree silently lit up with a soft golden halo.
Golden light poured down from the branches and leaves of Ancient Tree, slowly falling on Mu En's old and stooped body, shrouding his whole body in a faint golden light curtain.
That was Golden Ancient Tree using his original vitality to nourish the almost exhausted body of Dragon God Douluo. This nourishment could not restore his youth, but it could at least keep him going for a while.
"Shrek ancestors, please protect us."
Mu En slowly closed his eyes, completely opened his broken body, and began to accept the baptism from Golden Ancient Tree.
The golden light rain blended into his Meridians like a trickle, and every ray of light slowed down the loss of his life source.
How long he can hold on, he doesn't know.
But Mu En knew that he had to hold on until Continental Tournament ended, and until Lu Ren gave the final answer.
Before that, the God of Death himself couldn't take him away even if he came.
The team of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy is dining together in the banquet hall on the top floor of Star Emperor Hotel.
As the second place winner in the last competition, the best restaurant in the entire hotel was specially allocated for their use. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can overlook the entire Star Luo Plaza night view, and the meals on the table are all Star Luo Empire's top delicacies.
Lu Ren was sitting by the window, putting food into his mouth and said casually, "I won't go to the opening ceremony tomorrow."
He is now the captain of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy reserve team.
According to the convention of the competition, at the opening ceremony, the official teams and reserve teams of each major college need to line up to enter the venue and accept the review of the organizer and the entire audience.
In a sense, missing the kick-off ceremony is disrespectful to the host country, but Lu Ren said this in a very calm tone.
"Why?"
The captain of the official team, Ma Rulong, put down the knife and fork in his hand and frowned slightly.
His attitude towards Lu Ren has always been complicated. On the one hand, he is in awe from the bottom of his heart. The record he created on the first day of enrollment is still a myth that no one in the entire academy can break.
But on the other hand, Lu Ren's arrogant style of doing things is always a little out of place for Ma Rulong, who is used to teamwork.
"Because it's unnecessary and a waste of time."
Lu Ren put a piece of perfectly roasted meat into his mouth, chewed it twice and then added slowly, "It takes half a day to stand there and listen to a group of people I don't know taking turns to deliver speeches. If I have this time, I might as well practice in the room for a while."
"It's the kick-off ceremony anyway, one less person won't affect the progress of the game."
Everyone looked at each other.
That was the opening ceremony to meet the Star Luo Empire Emperor. All the Soul Master Academys in the entire continent were trying to get a front position, but in the end it was a waste of time when Lu Ren said it?
As expected, he was as arrogant as the rumors said and ignored any authority.
Ji Juechen sat directly opposite Lu Ren and swept away the mountain of food in front of him at a speed far exceeding that of ordinary people.
For him, eating is a waste of time, so finishing the meal as quickly as possible is the right answer.
After swallowing the last piece of meat steak, Ji Juechen raised his eyes and stared at Lu Ren with burning eyes, as if staring at a piece of prey that has been waiting for a long time. "When can we spar?"
"Why are you so impatient all of a sudden?"
Lu Ren put down his chopsticks happily and looked at Ji Juechen's face with a rare eager expression with interest.
"Lu Ren, don't you know yet?"
Meng Hongchen, who was sitting on the other side of Lu Ren, opened his eyes wide with a hint of surprise in his tone.
"Yesterday this guy found a Soul Douluo level expert and asked for a spar, and he successfully challenged him!"
"So strong?"
Lu Ren immediately looked at Ji Juechen with admiration.
Level 66 Soul Emperor defeated a level 81 Soul Douluo head-on, crossing an entire realm.
This kind of achievement is a feat worthy of being recorded in school history in any era.
Ji Juechen This guy's potential is much higher than he expected.
This guy is also a supermodel weirdo. He comes to compete with him every day, no matter whether he wins or loses. When Lu Ren won, he asked him if he lost, but Ji Juechen said he had enlightened.
Then I will challenge and discuss again next time, and Ji Juechen will become stronger again.
As for this guy, just hit him. He will make no sound every time he hits him. His growth rate is A.
"So this is why you are anxious to challenge me? Do you think you have finally found a chance to win?" Lu Ren added with a smile.
"Yes." Ji Juechen's answer was still as concise as cutting tofu with a knife, but his eyes were burning with a fiercer fighting spirit than ever before.
"Thanks to your help, my field has been completely formed."
"This is also the reason why I can defeat that Soul Douluo. Although he is only level 81 and can be regarded as the weakest Soul Douluo, he is Soul Douluo after all. Soul Power's cultivation level is a whole realm higher than mine. Without the power of the domain, I would not have been able to defeat him beyond the level."
"It turns out that the realm is completed, so no wonder."
Lu Ren nodded.
On the Douluo Continent, the field itself is an extremely rare top ability. Let alone Soul Emperor, even most Titled Douluo may not be able to touch the threshold of the field in their lifetime.
Ji Juechen can create a complete domain on his own with a level 66 cultivation level. This talent is enough to put geniuses across the continent beyond their reach.
"Then what is the name of your complete domain? It's not still called Ji, right?"
Faced with Lu Ren's question, Ji Juechen smiled for the first time, "It's confidential."
"Tsk, who did you learn it from?" Lu Ren did not continue to ask about the name of his field.
"You."
Ji Juechen's answer made Lu Ren almost choke to death.
When did he pass the Riddler?
But Meng Hongchen pursed his lips, with a hint of self-deprecation in his tone. "Sure enough, you traditional Soul Master are pure enough."
"I also went to watch that battle, and it turned out that I couldn't even keep up with your speed with my eyes during the whole process, let alone Self-Created Domain."
"I can't even touch the edge of the field. I'll probably have nothing to do with the words Self-Created Domain in this life, right, brother?"
Xiao Hongchen is sitting next to him, his head has been lowered since just now, not daring to look in the direction of Ji Juechen.
His usual Pride look with eyes above his head was gone at this moment, replaced by a complex expression mixed with unwillingness and powerlessness.
Xiao Hongchen finally gritted his teeth and said in a suppressed voice that was slightly trembling, "Sometimes I really wonder if you Monster are the same age as us."
"I call myself the number one genius in the history of the Sun Moon Empire, and I have been praised by everyone since I was a child. Ji Juechen is only in his early twenties, a few years older than me, but he has already been able to defeat Soul Douluo head-on, while I am still complacent about breaking through Soul King."
"The gap is so big that I can't even be jealous."
"Is Ji Juechen already so strong?" Ma Rulong and other official team members looked at Ji Juechen one after another, their eyes filled with wonder, and then a trace of regret.
"It's a pity that his age has exceeded the upper limit of twenty years old stipulated in the competition. Otherwise, with Ji Juechen here, our overall strength this time would be more guaranteed."
"It's okay, Lu Ren is the same here, he is now level 62." Meng Hongchen quickly added, with a bit of natural pride in his tone.
"That's what I said."
Ma Rulong turned his gaze to Lu Ren, his expression becoming serious.
"Lu Ren, the hall master specifically told us before departure that all the tactical arrangements for this competition will be under your full command."
"Everyone in the official team and reserve team must obey your orders. Although I am the captain of the official team, I have no objection on this issue."
"If you have any ideas, we will fully cooperate with you.
Lu Ren waved his hand and said in a very casual tone, "Don't be so rigid. Shrek Academy is just like that. It's not worth taking seriously. Just play normally and fight how you want."
"Shrek is not worth taking seriously?"
The other team members exchanged subtle glances.
Shrek Academy, the absolute overlord of Thousand-Year who has won the most championships in a row, all Shrek Seven Devilss in the past are Monster among Monsters.
And Lu Ren's understatement when talking about Shrek was like evaluating a third-rate college.
Then aren't their Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy even more rubbish?
Ma Rulong didn't speak any more, just sighed silently in his heart.
This guy's strength is indeed unfathomable, but his arrogance is also too strong.
Although the hall master had specifically told him before setting off that he must obey everything Lu Ren said, but when he saw with his own eyes Lu Ren's attitude of not taking Shrek seriously at all, he still couldn't help but raise a question mark in his heart.
I hope I can really defeat Shrek this time, otherwise this arrogance will only become the laughing stock of others in the future.
At this moment, a harsh taunting sound came from the entrance of the restaurant, "Hey, isn't this the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy of Wannian Lao Er? You are here to participate in the competition this year, and you are here to compete for the runner-up place?"
Everyone turned around and saw a group of students wearing Shrek Academy uniforms strutting into the restaurant.
At the head were several unfamiliar faces, all in their twenties, exuding the Soul Power wave of Soul King level.
Behind this group of people, there were several familiar faces, including members of the reserve team such as Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Wang Dong'er, and Huo Yuhao walking at the end of the team.
"These people are so strange. I have never seen these people in the last competition." Ma Rulong raised an eyebrow, "Shouldn't the captain of the team led by Shrek this time be that guy Dai Yueheng?"
Hearing this, Lu Ren chuckled and said in a low voice, "They should be the new substitutes and the regular team members. I don't know if they will suffer this time."
"What happened?" Meng Hongchen asked in a daze.
Lu Ren snapped his fingers, "Of course it was an accident. How about we guess how many Shrek people will die this time?"