The conversation with the Hongchen siblings unfolded like a slowly revealing scroll of mystery. Through their exchange, the siblings' understanding of Shrek Academy's profound heritage deepened even further.
Zhou Sicheng casually brought up topic after topic, his words half true and half false—like a fog that clouded their thoughts, leaving the siblings subtly disoriented.
Yet, behind his seemingly aimless chatter, Zhou Sicheng was quietly collecting information. Piece by piece, he was forming a clearer picture of Mingde Hall.
After all, the Sun Moon Empire was the forefront of Soul Tool development. There was no shortage of Rank 9 Soul Engineers, and the number of talented researchers in the field was as numerous as the stars in the night sky.
Although the Hongchen siblings were tight-lipped and did not reveal any core secrets, Zhou Sicheng still managed to glean something crucial from their offhand remarks—Mingde Hall had achieved a new breakthrough in Soul Tool technology.
That discovery stirred a faint unease within his heart. He began contemplating what that might mean for Shrek Academy's future competition in the Soul Tool domain.
While Soul Tools above the God-rank had limited use, one could never underestimate their significance on the Douluo Continent.
After all, battle armor had evolved directly from Soul Tools—equipment capable of reaching god-slaying power.
When Zhou Sicheng finally returned to the hotel, the night had already fallen.
The city glowed like a sea of lights beneath the dark sky. As he entered, he noticed that everyone else had already finished packing; tomorrow, they would begin their journey home—returning straight to Shrek Academy.
The moment he entered his room, Zhou Sicheng found Ye Guyi quietly waiting for him.
Her silhouette looked especially gentle under the warm lamp light. The moment she saw him, Ye Guyi stood up gracefully and said, "The three soul bones have already been distributed. No one had any objections."
Zhou Sicheng nodded slightly, recalling the three soul bones they had received as tournament rewards. Elder Xuan's trust in him genuinely touched his heart.
At this point, Elder Xuan truly regarded Zhou Sicheng as Elder Mu's successor. In his eyes, Zhou possessed not only exceptional leadership but also a deep loyalty to the academy. For him, Elder Xuan was willing to entrust not just a few soul bones—but anything, no matter how precious.
Zhou Sicheng's distribution of the three soul bones was far from random; each choice had been carefully deliberated.
The recipients were Gongyang Mo, Cao Jinxuan, and Xu Sanshi.
Each selection had its reasoning.
In this year's tournament, both the main and reserve members had fought side by side, dedicating themselves fully for Shrek's honor.
They had shed sweat on the training grounds and blood on the battlefield—each one contributing everything they had.
Even those who didn't receive a soul bone could understand Zhou Sicheng's decision. None felt resentment.
Many of the main team members even guessed his reasoning.
Among them, all but Gongyang Mo already possessed at least one soul bone. That detail wasn't known to the reserves—but every main member understood it clearly.
Thus, giving one to Gongyang Mo made perfect sense.
Not only did it strengthen his foundation, but it also deepened his loyalty toward Zhou Sicheng.
Gongyang Mo had never expected to receive a soul bone reward. The unexpected gift filled him with gratitude and unwavering devotion.
As for Xu Sanshi, Zhou's decision to grant him one was also deliberate.
Throughout the tournament, the reserve team had worked just as hard as the main one. No matter who received it, none would object.
But Zhou's reasoning had two layers: first, one of the soul bones' attributes and abilities were practically tailor-made for Xu Sanshi.
Second, Zhou wanted to strengthen their relationship.
He knew Xu Sanshi's background was far from ordinary—not only a genius of the Xuanming Sect, but also someone with a special identity within the Dou Ling Empire.
Even if that connection might not be useful now, it could one day become invaluable. The soul bone would serve as an unspoken bond between them.
When the time came that Zhou needed Xu Sanshi's help, he would surely remember this favor.
As for Cao Jinxuan, his case was even simpler.
Helping one's own brother was only natural—and the seventy-thousand-year-old left arm bone suited Cao Jinxuan's martial soul perfectly.
With its power, Cao Jinxuan's strength would undergo a qualitative transformation. His soul power control, skill execution, and combat efficiency would all reach a higher level, granting him far greater potential in the future.
Zhou Sicheng sat beside Ye Guyi, his eyes soft with concern as he asked gently, "Where's Xiao Tao? How's she doing?"
Ye Guyi gave him a playful glare, pretending to be annoyed. "Hmph, you just got back, and the first thing you ask about is Ma Xiaotao?"
Zhou chuckled helplessly and lightly patted her shoulder. "Don't tease. Her martial soul evolved that day, but her condition wasn't completely stable. It's not easy to fully control the Ultimate Fire. Even though I helped her stabilize it, whether she can truly master it is still uncertain. I'm just worried about her future cultivation."
Ye Guyi's expression softened at his sincerity. "She's fine now. She's been cultivating in her room. Her Fire Phoenix bloodline has stabilized—she just needs to follow her routine training to master that state completely."
Hearing this, Zhou Sicheng nodded with relief.
He recalled the finals, when Ma Xiaotao's Phoenix Flame transformed into Ultimate Fire—a power so fierce it seemed capable of burning the world itself.
Yet back then, her state had been unstable, like a ship caught in a violent storm, at risk of capsizing at any moment.
If she could now maintain that power steadily, with her current seven rings, she could already contend with a Titled Douluo.
That was the terrifying strength of an Ultimate Attribute martial soul—once fully controlled, it could shake the entire Soul Master world.
"Good. Rest well tonight. We leave for the academy first thing in the morning," Zhou said softly, squeezing her delicate hand, his gaze filled with warmth.
Ye Guyi snorted lightly, feigning seriousness. "Cultivate."
At dawn, as the sky lightened, the Shrek group quietly departed the city under Xu Jiawei's secret arrangements.
Their departure was silent, unnoticed—like shadows melting into the dark.
Once they left Star Luo City, Elder Xuan led them straight toward Shrek Academy.
Because of their discreet travel, no ambushes or accidents occurred; the journey was unexpectedly smooth.
Three days later—
At Shrek Academy's main gate.
It was near noon, and sunlight gleamed upon the golden gates.
Classes were still in session, so the area was unusually quiet. Only a few birdsong notes broke the silence.
The usual street vendors were absent. Before the grand gate stood five figures—waiting.
At the forefront were Dean Yan Shaozhe of the Martial Soul Department and Dean Xian Lin'er of the Soul Tool Department.
Behind them stood Deputy Deans Cai Mei'er and Qian Duoduo, along with the newly promoted Vice Dean of the Soul Tool Department, Fan Yu.
All five stood together—each a Soul Douluo of at least eight rings—forming a powerful and imposing lineup. Their gazes turned skyward, filled with expectation.
Finally, several dark specks appeared on the horizon, growing larger as they descended gracefully like homing birds.
"They're back," Yan Shaozhe said with a warm smile, relief and pride in his eyes.
Xian Lin'er stepped forward eagerly. "Those little monsters finally made it back!"
For once, she didn't argue with Yan Shaozhe—their usual rivalry forgotten in the shared pride of seeing their students return victorious.
Moments later, figures landed softly before them.
At the lead was Elder Xuan, tall and kind-eyed as ever.
Behind him stood Shrek's fourteen main and reserve team members, each wearing bright smiles, radiating confidence—the aura of champions.
After the trials of the tournament, a new maturity shone in their eyes—the brilliance of victory.
Seeing them, the deans couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Shrek Academy had defended its championship countless times before, but rarely had it been so effortless.
And thanks to Zhou Sicheng, this time they had also secured cooperation with the Star Luo royal family—a benefit that thrilled even the Titled Douluos among them.
It meant unprecedented resources and opportunities for the academy's future.
"Children, welcome home," Yan Shaozhe said warmly as the five deans stepped forward.
After paying their respects to Elder Xuan, they turned toward the returning champions.
Zhou Sicheng smiled humbly. "Senior brother, you really didn't need to come out personally. We're flattered."
Yan Shaozhe laughed heartily, patting Zhou's shoulder. "Nonsense! You brats fought your way to victory and brought supreme honor to the academy! Of course, we're here to greet you ourselves!"
Then he turned to face the entire team, his voice loud and resonant:
"Champions of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament! After deliberation by the Sea God's Pavilion, your rewards will be presented on Sea God Island itself! Your teacher is waiting for you there—follow me!"
The students froze in shock.
Their eyes widened with disbelief and excitement.
Sea God Pavilion—!
To every Shrek student, it was a sacred, mysterious place.
It was not only the academy's highest decision-making chamber, where every meeting shaped its destiny, but also its greatest treasure vault—housing precious Soul Tools, rare Soul Bones, and ancient cultivation manuscripts.
Ordinary students, even inner court disciples, were never permitted to set foot there.
Being invited inside was one of the highest honors imaginable.
Aside from Zhou Sicheng and Ye Guyi, none of them had ever even heard of students being granted entry before.
Not even the previous generation of tournament champions had received such privilege.
Even they, who had brought glory to the academy, could only stop outside its gates—except for the special case of Beibei.
For the rest, especially the reserve team, the Sea God Pavilion was a legend more than a place.
Now, to be allowed entry—it was a dream come true.
Even Wang Dong, usually calm and composed, couldn't suppress her curiosity.
She furrowed her brows slightly, imagining what the Pavilion might look like.
Was it more majestic than the Clear Sky Castle of her clan—or did it hold a more mysterious beauty of its own?
But beyond their fascination with the Pavilion itself, one thing burned even brighter in their hearts—the identity of the "teacher" Yan Shaozhe had mentioned.
The students began whispering among themselves.
To be his teacher… what kind of person could that be?
Yan Shaozhe's prestige and power within Shrek were unmatched. His knowledge, teaching, and insight into Martial Souls commanded respect from all.
For him to have a teacher meant someone even greater—someone far beyond ordinary comprehension.
They thought of Elder Xuan, a Rank 98 Super Douluo whose presence alone anchored the academy like a divine pillar.
Yet even he wasn't Yan Shaozhe's teacher.
Then who could it be?
A Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo? Or someone with power even more unfathomable?
The young champions followed their dean with growing anticipation.
Their hearts raced with curiosity and awe—eager, nervous, and aflame with expectation.
Who exactly was the teacher waiting for them inside the Sea God Pavilion?
****
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