The Burden of Being First

"This just got even harder," He Caitou muttered. Jiang Nannan also wore a worried expression. "Can we really do this?" Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao exchanged glances, clearly sensing each other's tension.

Lin Qianyi, who had remained silent all along, suddenly spoke. "We haven't even stepped onto the field yet. Doubting yourselves here and now is the real defeat."

"But..." Wang Dong had just begun to speak when Lin Qianyi cut her off. "So what if defeat is certain? The situation is indeed difficult, but the match hasn't begun yet. Victory and defeat are still unknown. Sister Xiaotao and the others can't compete, so it's our turn to step up. If we don't even have this much confidence, then we truly are doomed to lose."

A flicker of approval passed through Ma Xiaotao's eyes. She walked over and gently patted Lin Qianyi on the shoulder. "Well said! Little Qianyi, what you said reminds me of my younger self." Wang Yan nodded from the side as well, secretly admiring this seemingly delicate girl. The courage and sense of responsibility she displayed in adversity far surpassed what someone her age should have possessed.

Within Shrek Academy's solemn council chamber, Xuan Zi announced the convening of the Sea God Conference with a grave expression. Mu En's gaze darkened slightly. "Xuan Zi, why have you called such an important meeting at this time?"

Xuan Zi's tone was filled with deep self-reproach. "Everyone, I bear full responsibility for this incident. Though it did not result in the catastrophe of lifelong disability, one student has left us forever, while six others were seriously injured. As vice commander of the Shrek Inspection Corps, I failed to protect the Academy's children. From today onward, I have decided to withdraw from the Sea God Pavilion."

His words struck like a thunderclap, leaving everyone present stunned.

Yan Shaozhe hurriedly rose to his feet, his face filled with anxiety. "Elder Xuan, how can you take all the blame? This was purely an accident. Besides, Lin Qianyi's plan was already the best possible choice under such desperate circumstances. Avoiding any lifelong disabilities among our students was a blessing amid misfortune. Those Evil Soul Masters were extraordinarily cunning—how can you take every fault upon yourself?"

Xuan Zi merely gave a bitter smile. "Shaozhe, I appreciate your intentions, but my mind is made up." He paused. "I still need to visit Yao Haoxuan's home and comfort his family. Let that be it. Farewell." With that, he turned to leave.

Just then, Mu En shouted in a deep voice, "Come back!" Xuan Zi paused slightly, his voice low. "Elder Mu, I truly cannot remain here any longer."

"Didn't you hear me tell you to come back?" Mu En's voice carried unquestionable authority. Left with no choice, Xuan Zi slowly turned around and returned to his original seat. The council chamber fell silent, with only everyone's complicated gazes intertwining.

Mu En looked deeply at Xuan Zi. His tone carried a hint of reproach, yet was full of concern. "You're nearly two hundred years old, yet at the slightest trouble, you want to withdraw. Aren't you afraid of losing that old face of yours?" The moment he said this, the tense atmosphere was instantly broken, replaced by a burst of soft laughter. Xian Lin'er could barely hold it in and nearly laughed out loud.

Xuan Zi's face reddened slightly. He cleared his throat and was about to defend himself, but Mu En waved a hand. "Enough. It isn't entirely your fault either. If you mention withdrawal again, I definitely won't let you off lightly. This incident was truly an accident. It is already fortunate that everyone escaped without lasting harm.

As for the one who sacrificed himself..." Mu En's voice lowered several degrees as he continued, "Though Lin Qianyi is talented at analysis, even she could not have foreseen the Evil Soul Masters' scheme. All she did was minimize the losses. Had they truly gone deeper in, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Mu En turned his gaze toward Yan Shaozhe, Qian Duoduo, Cai Mei'er, and Xian Lin'er, saying sternly, "Your two departments must cooperate!" Yan Shaozhe frowned slightly. "Teacher, the Soul Tool Department's research is certainly outstanding, but Soul Tools require at least seven rings of cultivation to unleash their full offensive power, while the Martial Soul Department's advantages..."

Xian Lin'er shot Yan Shaozhe a glare and interrupted, "Elder Mu, why do you say that?" Mu En's expression was grave as he spoke slowly. "If I am not mistaken, the continent will descend into great chaos ten years from now. A few years ago, I visited the Sun Moon Empire. The buildings there were extraordinary, and there was even a Soul Tool that made me feel my life was under threat."

Everyone was shocked by those words. Yan Shaozhe's eyes widened. "What? Teacher, you are already a Level 99 Ultimate Douluo. There is actually something capable of threatening your life?"

Mu En nodded. "That is why I say that the Martial Soul Department and Soul Tool Department must coexist in harmony. The Martial Soul Department should add Soul Tool Department courses to its curriculum, and in the future, we must implement a dual-cultivation system." Yan Shaozhe and the others answered in unison, "Yes, Elder Mu."

At that moment, everyone understood that though the road ahead was filled with uncertainty, under Mu En's leadership, they would surely advance hand in hand and face the coming challenges.

Xuan Zi asked softly, "Elder Mu, regarding the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament..."

Cai Mei'er could not help voicing her concern. "Yes, relying solely on the Reserve Team to win the championship is nearly an impossible task. Those children are outstanding, but compared to the very best, they are still far behind."

Yan Shaozhe pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "There are indeed several fairly capable students in the Inner Court who could fill in..."

Following his gaze, Xuan Zi looked toward Mu En. "If we begin preparing now, there should still be time to adjust the lineup."

However, Mu En shook his head firmly. "There is no need. Let the Reserve Team compete."

Xian Lin'er's eyes widened in disbelief. "Elder Mu! You know that although the Reserve Team children are exceptionally talented, their chances of winning in a tournament of this level are simply too low!"

Mu En's gaze became deep and kindly. "Is victory or defeat truly that important? What I value more is these children's growth. These eight children may well be Shrek Academy's future stars of hope. Letting them temper themselves in the tournament will be more meaningful than any training."

Yan Shaozhe frowned. "But Shrek Academy has always been the continent's number one institution for ten thousand years! This reputation..."

Mu En interrupted him, his tone calm yet powerful. "Shaozhe, we have been bound by the position of 'number one' for far too long. Rankings are certainly important, but is blindly pursuing them truly meaningful? If failure this time can bring growth and experience to the children, it may not be a bad thing."

The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament was about to begin. This grand event was not only thrilling, but also ignited blazing fighting spirit in the hearts of countless students. Contestants from major academies gathered in the capital of the Star Luo Empire, while Shrek Academy's group rented several hotel rooms as their temporary lodging.