The farewell ceremony ended, a cool night breeze blew, and starlight shone down. Huo Yuhao knew that this time, it was truly time for him to leave.
Bibi Dong stood quietly in place, her purple eyes reflecting the boy's slender figure, her gaze filled with indescribable emotions—reluctance, melancholy, and a touch of tenderness that even she herself was unaware of.
Huo Yuhao looked at her, a slight smile playing on his lips. His previously complex gaze gradually softened into a clear, gentle one, like a tranquil spring under the moon.
"All good things must come to an end," he said softly, his voice like fragments broken and gently pieced back together by the night wind. "This parting may be the last... Luo Dong, take care."
Bibi Dong paused for a moment, then nodded slightly, her voice softer than usual. "Yes, come back soon, I'll be waiting for you here." She paused, then whispered, " Hao Yi, take care."
Huo Yuhao smiled, said nothing more, and turned to step into the night. Actually, there was still some time before his departure, but he knew that lingering would only make the parting more difficult. It was better to turn around decisively now and let the memory remain at its most beautiful moment.
Bibi Dong watched his figure gradually disappear into the darkness until he was no longer visible, yet she remained standing there, motionless for Jiujiu.
He was like a sudden dream, barging into her world without warning and leaving without a trace, leaving her momentarily wondering if it had ever truly happened.
She looked up at the night sky, where the bright moon shone exceptionally brightly, so full it seemed unreal. She realized that even at the moment of parting, the moonlight could be so dazzling, as if it wanted to illuminate every unspoken word, leaving no room for concealment.
People experience sorrow and joy, separation and reunion; the moon waxes and wanes...
Her fingertips unconsciously brushed against her long hair. Separated by time and space, they could only entrust their longing to the same bright moon. Perhaps, when he looked up at the night sky again one day, the moonlight shining on him had once gently caressed her brows and eyes as well.
"Though we've parted ways, we've weathered storms together; I gaze at the bright moon, and the bright moon, too, gazes at you."
She gently closed her eyes, letting the night breeze caress her cheeks. What she didn't know was that this boy named " Hao Yi " was not from this world—he came from the future, ten thousand years in the future, traversing the river of time, only to rewrite her predetermined destiny.
Little did she know that, far away, Huo Yuhao was also gazing at the same bright moon, a slight smile playing on his lips, his eyes reflecting starlight.
"One day, we will meet again... Bibi Dong."
When Huo Yuhao returned to the original timeline, he was surprised to find that nearly a year had passed on the Douluo Continent in the original timeline.
He had just steadied himself when the bells of the Sea God Pavilion rang out in a deep, solemn tone, as if announcing the end of an era— Mu En, your time has come.
The news swept through the Shrek Academy like a whirlwind. Everyone, from the old and new Shrek Seven Devils to the elders of the Sea God Pavilion and the deans of various departments, rushed over. Sea God Pavilion, everyone stood solemnly, the air thick with heavy sorrow, even breathing felt oppressive.
Huo Yuhao stood at the edge of the crowd, his expression cold and his eyes devoid of any emotion. He had long since seen through the pain of separation and death. In his previous life, Mu En had been kind enough to teach him, and he had fulfilled his promise—to protect Shrek and revive the Tang Sect.
In this life, he no longer owes anyone anything. Whether it's the Tang Sect or Shrek, they are all just things of the past to him.
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao's eyes reddened; after all, Mu En had personally guided their cultivation, and they shared a deep bond. Bei Bei, as Mu En's great-great-granddaughter, knelt beside the chair, tears silently streaming down her face, her voice choked with sobs. " Progenitor Xuan..."
Although everyone was surprised by Bei Bei's identity, no one questioned it at this moment; only silence and sorrow prevailed.
Mu En smiled weakly, a look of relief appearing on his aged face. "Children, don't cry. I have lived for over two hundred years, which is more than most people have lived."
"Speaking of which, I've lived a long life. I'm truly happy to have watched batch after batch of you grow up at the Shrek Academy." His gaze slowly swept over everyone, finally settling on Huo Yuhao.
"I am old, but you are young, and you have so much more potential. Although I am leaving this world today, I can die in peace."
Zhang Lexuan could no longer contain her emotions, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Mu En had intended to give his final instructions, but when he saw Huo Yuhao's indifferent expression, he changed his tone and said softly, " Huo Yuhao... you are the child who left the deepest impression on me. From the first time we met, I felt that there was a connection between us..." He sighed slightly, "I really hoped that one day I could take you as my disciple... but unfortunately, that hope is gone in this lifetime."
Huo Yuhao's expression remained unchanged; he simply replied, "Is that so?"
Since his rebirth, he no longer lets superfluous emotions control him. He has repaid all the kindness from his previous life; in this life, he owes neither Mu En nor Shrek any debts.
He will no longer be moved by anyone.
Sea God Pavilion, sunlight streamed through the colorful stained-glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the ancient wooden floor. Mu En leaned back in a specially made recliner, his pale face appearing exceptionally serene in the light. He slightly raised his hand, signaling for everyone to be quiet.
"In the end..." the old man's hoarse voice echoed in the silent room, "May I ask you two things? Consider them... my last wishes as an old man."
Huo Yuhao stood at the boundary between light and shadow, his Golden Pupils revealing no emotion. He nodded slightly. " Mu En, please speak."
All eyes in the Sea God Pavilion were focused on this young man. Bei Bei gripped Tang Ya's hand tightly, Zhang Lexuan unconsciously held her breath, and even the usually lively Ma Xiaotao quieted down.
Mu En took a deep breath, his withered fingers tapping lightly on the armrest:
"First, I hope you can protect Shrek Academy; second..." A trace of reminiscence flashed in the old man's eyes, "... to rebuild the glory of the Tang Sect."
He slowly recounted the events of ten thousand years ago, his voice weak yet full of strength. " The Tang Sect was founded by our ancestor Tang San, and it once flourished to the fullest. It can be said that... without the Tang Sect, there would be no Shrek today."
At this point, Mu En trembled as he took out an exquisite jade box from his bosom. The moment the lid was opened, a powerful dragon's might spread out, causing all the Beast Martial Soul owners present to tremble.
"This is a Dragon Core..." the old man held up the jewel radiating a golden glow, "Containing the power accumulated by a 100,000-year-old dragon-type Soul Beast throughout its life. If you grant my request..."
Before he could finish speaking, a violent cough interrupted him. Bei Bei rushed forward, but was stopped by Mu En's wave. The old man looked directly at Huo Yuhao, his eyes filled with an unprecedented earnestness:
"Child... I'm begging you."
The entire Sea God Pavilion fell into a deathly silence, everyone waiting for Huo Yuhao's answer.
"I don't want to."
These four simple words struck like a thunderbolt. Bei Bei looked up abruptly, Tang Ya covered her mouth, and Zhang Lexuan's face turned deathly pale. Even the usually composed Yan Shaozhe couldn't help but frown.
No one expected that Huo Yuhao would refuse Mu En's request at this moment.
" Huo Yuhao!" Zhang Lexuan was the first to break the silence, her voice trembling with shock, "You... you're trying to make Mu En die with his eyes open in disbelief?"
Huo Yuhao's expression remained unchanged, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone present. "What do I care about the rise and fall of the Tang Sect? Whether it prospers or declines, survives or perishes, I don't care..." His voice was as cold as ice, "What I care about is that those around me are safe from harm. That's all."
He turned to Zhang Lexuan, a sharp glint in his Golden Pupils: "Senior Zhang Lexuan, I have the right to choose, I have the right to refuse. If I am ostracized like this because of my refusal, then I would rather leave this place."
Everyone remained silent, including Zhang Lexuan, because Huo Yuhao was right.
These words silenced the entire Sea God Pavilion. Zhang Lexuan staggered back half a step, the anger in her eyes gradually turning into shame. She bowed deeply. " Huo Yuhao... I apologize for my slip of the tongue. You're right... I was presumptuous."
To everyone's surprise, Mu En smiled. The old man weakly waved his hand, "No need to force yourself... Student Huo has his own path to walk." He gently closed the jade box, "Consider this Dragon Core... a parting gift from this old man."
Huo Yuhao ignored Zhang Lexuan's apology, his gaze remaining fixed on Mu En. A subtle, complex emotion flashed in his Golden Pupils.
" Mu En," his voice was calm to the point of indifference, "I've never had any grand ambitions. Since you value these things so much, why don't you... accomplish them yourself?"
These words caused an uproar. Bei Bei clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, but she dared not interrupt.
Huo Yuhao stepped forward slowly, a faint icy blue glow emanating from his fingertips. "The malevolent energy of the Dragon Core has eroded your meridians, coupled with the old injury in your waist..." His gaze swept over the old man's hunched body, "This should have been an injury that even a god couldn't heal."
The Sea God Pavilion suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone held their breath, staring at the usually aloof young man.
"But I can extend your life by more than ten years." Huo Yuhao's voice remained calm, yet it made everyone present's heart skip a beat. "I will bear the resentment within you. As for the damage to your essence... that depends on whether the life force here can sustain it."