Word Count: 2,815 Words
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"Elder Mu, I'd like to ask you a question."
Ling Bai did not immediately give him an answer but changed the subject instead. "Shrek Academy has already decided to fully commit to inviting Huo Yuhao to join. Why make such a significant promise to me?"
"Because of time."
Elder Mu's voice carried a hint of melancholy. "When a Spirit Master reaches the realm of Limit Douluo, they develop a mysterious intuition about the future.
Within ten years, Shrek Academy will face a great catastrophe, perhaps even complete destruction.
Yuhao is an unpolished gem that requires meticulous carving. His spirit power hasn't even reached Rank 30 yet, and his Ultimate Ice attribute will slow his cultivation speed. It would be a great fortune if he could reach Spirit Saint in ten years. How could he possibly resolve the academy's crisis?
Originally, I planned to leave behind one last contingency after my death and push Xuan Zi to the position of Sea God Pavilion Master. My contingency would trigger the Taotie bloodline within his Godly Taotie Bull. Even if Di Tian, the leader of the Ten Great Beasts, came, he wouldn't gain any advantage. But ever since Xuan Zi's mental state was damaged and he fell to Rank 98, this plan fell apart…
I lie awake night after night. Shrek has endured for ten thousand years. How can I ensure its survival through the coming decade of upheaval? As I pondered this question, your name suddenly came to mind."
Elder Mu paused for a moment. His gentle voice carried the weariness of an old man nearing his end and the worry of someone unable to let go of unfinished affairs. He said earnestly, "Ling Bai, I have two reasons for choosing you.
First, Jiren has cultivated you exceptionally well over these years, especially your temperament. Children like Ning Tian, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong all need to meditate beneath the Ancient Golden Tree to find their own paths, but you don't need that at all. From the first second you entered that room, I understood that you had long since planned your future path. I hope to carve Shrek Academy's name onto that path.
Second, the Seraphim possesses the light attribute, so you can fully inherit my legacy. Ten years from now, even in the worst case, your achievement will be at least a Rank 95 Titled Douluo. With the might of the Seraphim, a God-level Martial Spirit, and three 100,000-year spirit rings, you could absolutely safeguard Shrek Academy."
Ling Bai understood Elder Mu's predicament. The elder's days were numbered, and looking around, he found no reliable successor among his inner circle. He was forced to swallow his pride and place his hopes on an outsider.
"I'm sorry, Elder Mu, but I can't bear the responsibility of protecting Shrek Academy." Ling Bai's expression was as firm and serene as a golden statue in a Buddhist temple.
Elder Mu sighed. He had anticipated this outcome but couldn't help giving it one last try. He asked softly, "Is it because of Jiren?"
"Yes."
In this life, Ling Bai felt immeasurable gratitude toward Jianmu Douluo. Even if Jianmu Douluo himself came and enthusiastically supported him becoming Elder Mu's disciple, which would allow him to openly absorb the Ancient Golden Tree's energy to address his Death Abyss Spider Emperor, he refused to let anyone stand alongside Jianmu Douluo in his heart. He would rather take a longer, more circuitous path.
"Since you're unwilling, I can't force you to become Sea God Pavilion Master."
Elder Mu gave a wry smile. "I fear if Jiren heard about this, he might come to Shrek in a rage to set off fireworks…"
Ling Bai blinked. Setting off fireworks? Did he mean the explosive kind of 'BOOM' he was thinking of?
Elder Mu continued, "Let's discuss your reward instead. Half the credit for Shrek's victory in the Spirit Master Tournament belongs to you, and the academy won't treat you unfairly.
I initially thought to bestow upon you the lifelong title of 'Shrek Seven Monster,' but the Seven Monsters have always been a single entity, and you don't seem to care about empty titles. After much consideration, I decided to offer compensation in another form.
Your tournament reward is rather special, Ling Bai. It's the most precious treasure Shrek Academy has ever prepared for a student. Winning the championship alone isn't enough to earn it; I must set you a challenge. Pass it, and the treasure is yours. Fail, and your reward will be downgraded to a 50,000-year spirit bone."
"Please tell me the details."
"Survive in the Core Region of the Star Dou Forest for one and a half years."
Elder Mu's eyes flickered from his reclined position. "The Inner Courtyard has little left to teach you. Battle and bloodshed are what truly temper a Spirit Master. The Core Region of the Star Dou Forest teems with 10,000-year spirit beasts. Within your time there, you must slay ten 50,000-year spirit beasts and return with parts of their bodies as proof."
"When do I leave?" Ling Bai asked directly.
"Recently, two girls from the Outer Courtyard reached Rank 30. One is Xiao Xiao, who possesses Twin Martial Spirits, and the other is Wu Feng, a branch disciple of your Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. When Xiao Xiao won the freshman examination championship, the academy promised her a spirit ring of exceptional age and quality. I've asked Xiao Song to accompany them and help Wu Feng hunt for a ring as well. The academy has let Wu Feng down regarding the reserve team matter. You can accompany them and simply remain in the Star Dou Forest afterward."
"Understood."
Ling Bai naturally had no objections. He needed the Ultimate Light of the Emperor Destiny Beast, and Elder Mu's challenge aligned perfectly with his intentions. Only the duration seemed a bit odd. It wasn't one year or two years, but precisely one and a half years, which seemed a little too specific.
Elder Mu's voice faded away, and Ling Bai immersed himself in cultivation. The room once again fell silent.
...
Golden spirit power surged into Ling Bai's body like streams of flowing silk. The golden radiance from the Ancient Golden Tree and the Holy Unicorn rose like flames around him. Bathed in this luminous fire, his entire being resonated with light.
The suspended horn at the center of the room gradually dimmed. The Holy Horn was the most important part of the Holy Unicorn, containing all its holy essence. Now, it was clearly more than half absorbed.
Ling Bai's eyes suddenly flew open. A golden shockwave swept outward in all directions, and the golden depths of his gaze shone even more brilliantly than the Ancient Golden Tree itself.
He did not need to worry about searching for his own path. All he had to do was wholeheartedly absorb the holy power of the 100,000-year Holy Unicorn. Furthermore, being underground at the roots of the Ancient Golden Tree provided an immense amount of the purest light attribute energy. A single meditation session had increased his spirit power by two entire ranks, leaping from Rank 56 to the peak of Rank 58.
"Snow Empress, how long have I been cultivating?"
A cold voice resonated in his Spiritual Sea the next moment: "Thirty-five days and two hours. That human powerhouse came to observe you five times during this period."
"Hmm… 'human powerhouse'? You seem pretty respectful toward Elder Mu."
"He's a Limit Douluo and deserves my respect."
Snow Empress answered calmly. Humans had the natural advantage of condensing a second spirit core through Resonance, while spirit beasts could only attempt the extremely dangerous Yin-Yang Complement. Having failed to create dual spirit cores, she had chosen to rebuild herself in human form. Setting combat power aside, her realm was slightly inferior to Elder Mu's.
Ling Bai smiled, stood, and stretched. He immediately felt incredibly light, as though light elements flowed with each breath. The surface of his jade-white skin had a kind of translucent luster.
He pushed open the door, walked slowly along the passage, and glimpsed Elder Mu reclining in a chair at the center of the Ancient Golden Tree's underground space. Nearby, Ning Tian, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong were seated cross-legged, absorbing their spirit bones.
"I seem to be the slowest," Ling Bai said with a smile.
"No, this simply indicates your exceptional compatibility with what was in that room."
Elder Mu smiled and shook his head. The two men behaved as if their previous conversation had never occurred, tacitly agreeing to set aside the matter of the Sea God Pavilion's succession.
"I'm pleased that these three children have all found their own paths."
Elder Mu said. "Ling Bai, what's your path? Can you share it with me?"
"Of course."
Ling Bai raised a slender finger and traced several lines in the empty air. Those dazzling golden eyes took on a molten red color as a murderous and domineering aura emanated from him. Then he casually turned and left.
Elder Mu watched his retreating figure silently. The glow of the Ancient Golden Tree cast his silhouette large upon the ground, like sweeping wings that obscured the sky and spread over the land, disseminating an absolute will and judgment from on high. In the air, amidst the vision of armored soldiers and galloping horses, eight golden words shimmered brilliantly:
Slaying Gods and Vanquishing Evil, All Taboos Broken!
"Truly… an extraordinary path…"
…
After more than thirty days without a drop of water or a grain of rice, even a Spirit Master would be famished. The first thought that popped into Ling Bai's mind upon emerging from beneath the Ancient Golden Tree was to find food and gorge himself on three big bowls!
He unfurled his angelic wings and headed toward the Inner Courtyard's dining hall. A few minutes later, a graceful figure suddenly appeared in his line of sight.
"Elder Sister."
Ling Bai landed in front of her. That figure was none other than Han Ruoruo. The moment Han Ruoruo saw him clearly, not having seen him for over two months, a spark of excitement lit her eyes. She rushed over in a few quick steps:
"You've been back so long and finally came out of seclusion? Let me look. You've grown taller, and your skin's even fairer now!"
Han Ruoruo first compared their foreheads; Ling Bai was now about half a head taller than her. Then she poked the back of his exposed hand. That skin, even fairer and smoother than a girl's, made her feel a bit envious.
The two walked side by side. Han Ruoruo's eyes held a gentle smile as she said, "When Gongyang Mo and the others returned with serious injuries, we were all worried sick. Winning or not winning the championship was secondary; just seeing you all return safely was a victory in itself.
How have you been during this time? Has that… thing… acted up at all?"
"Don't worry, Elder Sister. Everything's the same as before."
"That's good then."
Han Ruoruo exhaled a soft sigh of relief. Sometimes knowing another person's secret could be a form of burden. She never ceased to worry about Ling Bai's condition.
"I heard from the newly admitted Inner Courtyard student Xu Sanshi that you were the biggest reason we managed to claim the championship. But it seems the academy didn't give you any tangible rewards?"
Ling Bai explained, "Elder Mu's intention is for me to train in the Core Region of the Star Dou Forest for a year and a half, and he'll give me a big gift when I return."
"Leaving again…"
Han Ruoruo's willow brows knit slightly, her expression showing a hint of conflict. Ling Bai's identity was too special. She feared that one day he would fall and become an Evil Spirit Master, bringing harm to living beings. She wished she could watch over him every minute of every day.
"It's alright. It's become far more stable."
Ling Bai reassured her. "So, Elder Sister, has anything major happened in the Inner Courtyard while I was in seclusion?"
"Indeed, quite a few things."
Han Ruoruo counted on her fingers. "Dai Yueheng completed his Inner Courtyard graduation examination and returned to the Star Luo Empire to help the White Tiger Duke reorganize the army.
Ling Luochen, Yao Haoxuan, Gongyang Mo, and Xi Xi are diligently cultivating. The four of them seem to be preparing to follow you. I don't know what kind of brainwashing potion you fed them."
She cast a playful, reproachful glance his way and continued, "After the Spirit Master Tournament ended, Ma Xiaotao inexplicably advanced to become an Ultimate Fire Spirit Master. We were all so envious. She doesn't have to suffer the drawback of slow cultivation from Spirit Ancestor to Spirit Saint due to the ultimate attribute, and she can enjoy the benefits of the super-strong combat power of an Ultimate Martial Spirit.
Dean Yan almost went crazy with joy. He called on the other three Deans and Beast King Gong Changlong, so four Titled Douluo in total accompany Ma Xiaotao to the Blazing Volcano to hunt a 100,000-year Fire Phoenix bloodline spirit beast."
"Have they returned yet?" Ling Bai inquired.
"Not yet. Capturing a 100,000-year spirit beast isn't that easy."
"True…"
Ling Bai felt a flicker of disappointment; it meant no sexy time tonight. He then asked, "Elder Sister, is the Treasure Gathering Pavilion selling spirit bones to the public right now?"
"They are. Besides hosting Treasure Appreciation Gatherings for the Inner and Outer Courtyards, the Treasure Gathering Pavilion mainly sells items related to Spirit Masters on regular days. What kind of spirit bone are you looking for?"
Han Ruoruo was curious why her Little Junior Brother, who held a young master's status in the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, suddenly wanted to buy a spirit bone.
"I need a 10,000-year secret method right arm spirit bone."
Ling Bai hoped to quickly fuse the 10,000-year Blazing Bone Dragon Vulture and the 90,000-year Heavenly Dragon Horse right arm bones. Secret method spirit bones had about a ten percent chance of appearing when a hundred spirit beasts were slaughtered within one hour using a secret method to extract the spirit rings. A large trading house like the Treasure Gathering Pavilion would certainly have them, but his requirements were strict; he needed specifically a 10,000-year right arm bone.
"Hold on."
A bright glimmer flickered in Han Ruoruo's eyes. She rummaged through her Storage Spirit Guidance Device for several seconds before producing a right arm spirit bone that emanated a faint purple glow.
"If I recall correctly, this is precisely a 10,000-year secret method right arm spirit bone. Lexuan and I obtained it during a surveillance assignment where we eradicated an Evil Spirit Master faction. This came from their leader, an Evil Spirit Saint.
Secret method spirit bones are relatively low quality and not worth occupying a precious slot for capable Spirit Masters. It's been sitting in my Storage Spirit Guidance Device all this time. Since you need it, consider it a gift from your Elder Sister."
Although secret method spirit bones were cheaper than most, a 10,000-year spirit bone could easily sell for 500,000 spirit gold coins. Han Ruoruo didn't come from a particularly wealthy background. Ling Bai felt it wouldn't be right to take something so precious to her without compensation. He immediately took out a one million spirit gold coin card issued by the Star Luo Empire, accepted throughout the Douluo Continent, and stuffed it into her hand.
However, Han Ruoruo relied on her advantage in spirit power to forcefully stuff both the card and the spirit bone back to him. She pouted and pretended to be angry. "Why are you being so formal? Hurry and take it!"
"Eating soft rice and being a pretty boy all the time is pretty embarrassing…" Ling Bai said glumly.
Han Ruoruo burst out laughing. "Being a pretty boy's a skill in itself. I wouldn't offer this to just anyone.
If you really feel bad about it, help me with something tomorrow. Recently, a teacher has been coming to the Library and sitting there all day. I think he was just promoted to Special Grade Teacher by the Dean."
"Wang Yan?" Ling Bai blurted out.
"Yes, that's the name. Little Junior Brother knows him?"
"He was our lead teacher for this year's Spirit Master Tournament…"
"Usually, only you and I visit the Library, but after you began your seclusion beneath the Ancient Golden Tree, he started appearing. The moment he sits down, he tries to engage me in Spirit Master theory discussions. I just want to read in peace. He's getting rather annoying."
Ling Bai pondered. Dear Elder Sister, might there be a possibility that his intentions have nothing to do with academic discussions?
"Tomorrow, you'll accompany me and lead him away!"
"Ah… well… um… no problem…"