Whether Xuan Zi can make the Breakthrough to that final step and become a new Limit Douluo is something no one can say for sure.
Even he himself likely lacks the confidence.
As for their generation...
Thinking of this, a trace of imperceptible shame flashed across Yan Shaozhe's face.
Although their generation are all renowned Titled Douluo on the continent, in the eyes of true Peak powerhouses, they are ultimately lacking.
Not a single person has displayed the potential and spirit to shoulder the burden of the entire academy.
If not for the appearance of Zhang Lexuan, the future of Shrek Academy could truly be described as facing a shortage of successors and being in a precarious state.
Even Ma Xiaotao, whose talent is even above that of Zhang Lexuan, was—because of that damned Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul defect—defaulted by everyone before Caelus appeared as having a best outcome of merely becoming a powerful combatant who needed to be supervised for life; it was impossible for her to inherit the mantle.
But now, Caelus has appeared.
twin spirits, one with the mysterious attribute of time, and the other, even more so, the legendary Ultimate Ice.
His fourth spirit ring is already ten-thousand years old, and his Mind and nature, wisdom, and combat ability have all received the highest evaluation in Zhang Lexuan's report.
This is simply the perfect template for a successor.
Caelus is fully qualified to be cultivated by Shrek Academy as a candidate for the master of the sea gods pavilion for the next generation, or even the generation after that, just as they are currently cultivating Zhang Lexuan.
"Dean Yan is correct."
Elder Lin Huiqun spoke in a deep voice, breaking the silence.
"Such a child must absolutely not be let go; we, Shrek Academy, must find a way to keep him."
"Indeed."
Another elder nodded in agreement.
"I believe that as long as we show sufficient sincerity, Caelus himself will make the right choice to stay at Shrek, and in the future become a member of the Sea Gods Pavilion, and even have the opportunity to take charge of the entire academy. Isn't this far more attractive than returning to the Star Luo Empire to be a royal retainer restricted by others?"
This elder's words were filled with confidence.
This stems from the absolute confidence of Shrek Academy as the continent's number one Soul Master Holy Land.
They believe that for a true Genius, the temptation of power and wealth is far less important than the path leading to the Peak of power.
The Dean of the Martial Soul Department, Yan Shaozhe, was flushed with excitement, but the Dean of the Soul Tool Department, Xian Liner, let out a barely audible cold snort at this moment.
She glanced sideways at Yan Shaozhe, her heart filled with disdain.
'Look at his impatient appearance; where is there any remaining composure of a Dean of the Martial Soul Department? Isn't it just for his precious Disciple Ma Xiaotao? What a disgrace.'
'However... Ultimate Ice is indeed a Genius worth winning over; it would be great if he could join the Soul Tool Department.'
As soon as this thought arose, she saw Yan Shaozhe look at her vigilantly, as if he had guessed what she was thinking.
Xian Liner glared back without showing any weakness, and Yan Shaozhe immediately revealed a helpless expression, avoiding Xian Liner's gaze.
The atmosphere in the pavilion became heated again because of everyone's discussion.
Just then, Mu En's aged and calm voice sounded again.
"There is no need to rush this matter."
These simple words were like a basin of cold water, instantly extinguishing everyone's enthusiasm.
Everyone looked at Elder Mu in confusion.
Mu En leaned back in his chair and slowly said:
"That child Caelus is only eleven years old this year. There is still a very, very long time before he graduates, and there are too many variables in the future."
"What we need to do now is not to kidnap him with various conditions and force him to stay in the academy, but to provide him with the best resources and the best instruction, allowing him to develop a true sense of belonging to Shrek."
"When he genuinely treats this place as his home, even if you drive him away, he won't leave."
"Let nature take its course."
Mu En's gaze was deep and distant.
"I believe that child will make the choice that is most suitable for himself."
Elder Mu had the final say, and even if the others were anxious, they dared not say anything more.
They all understood that Elder Mu saw further than they did.
A forced melon is not sweet; for a Genius with a Mind and nature far exceeding ordinary people, any coercive means will only be counterproductive.
"Alright."
Mu En waved his hand gently.
"Let's end today's meeting here. Everyone, dismissed."
"Yes, Elder Mu."
Everyone stood up one after another, bowed respectfully, and then left the Sea Gods Pavilion one by one.
Yan Shaozhe was the last to leave. He looked back every few steps, his face full of unwillingness, but in the end, he sighed helplessly and disappeared outside the door.
Soon, in the large Sea Gods Pavilion, only Mu En and Zhang Lexuan, whom he had specifically asked to stay, remained.
The atmosphere inside the pavilion changed from the previous solemnity to something gentle and quiet.
Mu En's gaze fell on Zhang Lexuan, the sharpness fading away, turning into the loving kindness of an elder looking at a Junior.
"Girl."
He called out softly.
"Elder Mu."
Zhang Lexuan stood there respectfully.
"Thank you for your hard work on this mission."
Mu En looked at her slightly pale complexion and said softly.
"Having suffered such heavy injuries in the Extreme North Land, do not force yourself. Go to the golden tree and enter seclusion for a period of time to recuperate properly, so as not to leave any hidden dangers in your body."
The golden tree is the core of Shrek Academy, possessing vast and unparalleled power of the Origin of life.
For ordinary Inner Court Disciple, only when they have just been promoted to the Inner Court do they have a single opportunity to enter beneath the golden tree to Cultivate, cleanse themselves, and consolidate their Foundation.
But Zhang Lexuan is different.
She is not only the chief Inner Court Disciple but also one of the candidates for the future master of the sea gods pavilion, and one of the future successors personally selected by Mu En.
She possesses the privilege of entering the golden tree to Cultivate multiple times.
"Yes, Elder Mu. Thank you for your concern, Elder Mu."
Zhang Lexuan nodded, and a warm current surged in her heart.
However, after agreeing, she did not leave immediately but stood in place, her lips moving slightly, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Her heart was in the midst of an intense struggle.
'Should I tell Elder Mu?'
A thought circled repeatedly in her mind.
She had actually helped Caelus conceal some things.
Some things that, in her view, were even more important and more subversive to common sense than Ultimate Ice and the Second Martial Soul.
'The elders of the Sea Gods Pavilion, including Elder Mu, all of their attention seems to have been completely attracted by the
Ultimate Ice
".'
'They believe this is the greatest value Caelus possesses, and the hope for Shrek's future.'
'But... they are wrong.'
In Zhang Lexuan's mind, the image of that silver-haired youth on the Extreme North Ice Plain, facing the Ice Empress, and the indescribable composure and power he displayed, could not help but surface.
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