Chapter 196: Don't Embarrass Us—Let Me Handle This!
"The Star Luo Federation's delegation will soon arrive at Douluo University, accompanied by students from Shrek Academy."
Two years had passed, and the old ruins of Shrek Academy had transformed beyond recognition. The ancient courtyards and timeworn towers were gone, replaced by sleek, modern buildings filled with vitality.
As the Shrek students walked across the soil where their predecessors had shed blood and tears—none of them felt much attachment to it.
After all, Long Yue and the others had come from Monster Academy, and Wu Duosi was newly recruited, never having spent much time within Shrek.
Only Na'er's expression was complex, her steps heavy with nostalgia.
"Welcome, students of Shrek Academy," said the university guide cheerfully. "Douluo University is a comprehensive institution established by the Federation to cultivate advanced talent."
While the others listened, Wu Zhangkong finally found an opening to speak privately with his mentor.
"Teacher!"
Zhuo Shi turned, his weathered eyes softening as he looked at his student—now already at Rank 79, soon to reach Soul Douluo. It seemed he had recovered from his past trauma.
"Good… very good."
To reach such a level within two years—truly the talent he'd always believed in.
"Longkong, will you come back to us someday?" Zhuo Shi asked quietly. His meaning was clear.
Wu Zhangkong smiled bitterly. "I'm sorry, Teacher. I have my path now. I can't leave."
He couldn't abandon his Douluo University students. And truthfully, he still carried shadows in his heart. Returning to Shrek meant reliving his memories with Long Bing—something that still pained him deeply.
"I understand," Zhuo Shi sighed. His apprentice's temper was as unyielding as ever. That same stubbornness had led to his expulsion years ago.
"The purpose of this exchange event," the host declared over the speakers, "is to celebrate Douluo University's founding alongside Shrek Academy. Together, we will cultivate talent, uphold justice, and protect peace across the continent!"
"This competition follows the spirit of friendship first, competition second! All matches will be overseen impartially by Shrek instructors—no intentional harm permitted!"
"Now then—who among you wishes to challenge Shrek Academy's prodigies?"
On the new Lingbing Plaza, a magnificent ring rose before the statue of the Spirit Ice Douluo.
Students swarmed around it, excited to witness the legendary Shrek geniuses.
Though the academy's glory had dimmed in recent decades, its title as the world's top school still commanded respect—no one could dismiss it outright.
"So, who's going first?" the Shrek team murmured among themselves.
Suddenly, a cool voice cut through the noise.
"I'll go."
It was Ye Xinglan—the substitute who'd come along with the team despite not being in the main lineup.
Since she hadn't been allowed into the team event, she refused to miss her chance in the open sparring matches.
Ye Zhi hesitated. "But what if things start off badly? The teacher said Douluo University has geniuses who can rival Long Yue and Na'er."
Ye Xinglan's grip on her Star God Sword tightened. "You… don't believe in me?"
"I never said that," Ye Zhi replied quickly.
"Enough bickering," another girl said. "I'll go."
Representing Shrek meant carrying its honor—they couldn't afford to lose face.
And the newest wave of students, all specially chosen, wanted to prove their worth.
When Long Yue stood up, everyone exchanged knowing looks—and a hint of pity for Douluo University.
Starting with a trump card this early… was that fair?
"Friendship first, competition second," said someone under their breath.
"For Shrek," Long Yue replied, flexing his wrist, "there is only first place."
He leaped into the ring in one dazzling motion.
"I am Long Yue, student of Shrek Academy. Who will challenge me?"
The Douluo University students glanced at each other nervously, whispering.
On the sidelines, Zhuo Shi's eye twitched when he saw who had stepped up first.
"What is it, Teacher?" asked Wu Zhangkong, puzzled.
"Nothing," the elder muttered, rubbing his temples. "Just… these kids really don't know how to show mercy."
Wu Zhangkong frowned in confusion.
He understood a moment later.
"Long Yue—Martial Soul: Mountain Dragon King. Soul Power: Rank 61—Soul Emperor!"
"And he's sixteen."
The crowd erupted in shock.
"He's a monster!"
"No wonder—Shrek Academy!"
"This isn't an exchange; it's an invasion!"
Hearing that, most of Douluo University's students instantly lost all desire to go up.
How were they supposed to fight that?
Wu Zhangkong blinked. "Long Yue? I've never heard of him."
He knew every promising soul master associated with Shrek—how could this name be unfamiliar?
Zhuo Shi smiled faintly. "A newly recruited genius, that's all."
He didn't mention that Long Yue had actually come from Monster Academy—the pride of the Star Luo Federation—before the merger. Saying so out loud would've been… less than glorious.
Give it another year, and he could proudly claim this monster as Shrek's own creation.
Wu Zhangkong nodded, still curious.
Then from the Douluo side, one young man clenched his fists.
"I'll fight!" said Le Zhengyu, unable to bear watching the arrogance any longer.
Soul Emperor or not, he wasn't afraid!
But before he could move, a hand clamped over his mouth.
"Mmph!—! What are you doing!?"
He struggled free and glared back at Qian Gu Zhangting, who looked exasperated.
"You're a four‑ring Soul Ancestor. What are you gonna do? Feed yourself to him?"
"You—underestimate me! I'll show you the might of my Holy Angel Spirit!"
Qian Gu Zhangting groaned. "Don't embarrass us."
That Martial Soul—Mountain Dragon King—wasn't just any dragon. It was the pinnacle, leader of dragonkind.
Even he, the Spirit Pagoda's young master, knew better than to take it lightly.
The Pagoda's deputy master was Di Tian himself—no one in the world understood dragons better than they did.
His own family had once tried to cooperate with Di Tian to "revive the dragon race," only to get his grandfather beaten half to death for the suggestion.
Taking a deep breath, Qian Gu Zhangting stepped forward.
"I'll go."
"Right now, only I can face him."
He launched himself into the ring.
"Qian Gu Zhangting, student of Douluo University—Rank 65 Soul Emperor!"
"Please, Shrek, grant me guidance."
Long Yue's face stayed calm, though his eyes sharpened.
Qian Gu Zhangting?
He'd seen no mention of this name in the intelligence files Shrek had provided before the exchange.
Someone his age—with higher soul power than his own?
And he'd endured intense training at the Dragon Valley!
"Then show me your strength," Long Yue said.
"Make your move!"
(END CHAPTER)
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