Zhu Ziyang and the other four traveled, stopping along the way, and by evening, they entered an open plain. This was the only plain between Shrek City and Star Luo City, and also the only route between the two cities.
After entering the plain, Zhu Ziyang clearly felt Old Song's aura slowly rising, while Xian Lin'er and Cai Meier on either side had already adjusted their states to their peak, preparing for any ambush that might appear at any moment.
Old Lin, who was walking at the very front, suddenly stopped. The Tianhe Umbrella appeared in her hand without warning. Then, with a gentle wave, a giant Tianhe Umbrella appeared, instantly enveloping everyone.
Along with the giant Tianhe Umbrella, countless soul-guided cannonballs rained down from the sky. These cannonballs, like scattered flowers, struck the Tianhe Umbrella and the ground around its edges. Immediately, dust rose everywhere, sand and stones flew, and shrapnel scattered, yet none could cause the slightest harm to the people inside the Tianhe Umbrella.
"They're here!" Old Lin, Old Song, Xian Lin'er, and Cai Meier exchanged glances, a mix of joy and solemnity flashing in their eyes. Old Lin said, "Lan'er, protect Ziyang well. Lin'er, Meier, listen to my command and be ready to act at any time!"
"Yes!" The three, Old Song, Xian Lin'er, and Cai Meier, immediately nodded in agreement.
"Ziyang, if a fight breaks out later, you must stick close to Old Song, understand?" Old Lin said, "This might only be the first wave; there will definitely be people from other forces later, so never act alone!"
"I will, Old Lin!" Zhu Ziyang nodded very seriously and said.
After the bombing ended, the Tianhe Umbrella disappeared, and the empty plain fell silent again. To everyone's surprise, the opponents, apart from a round of soul-guided cannonball bombardment, made no further moves.
However, the hidden auras in the dark increased rather than decreased, which greatly displeased Old Lin, who held the Tianhe Umbrella. She let out a cold snort and said, "You cowardly scoundrels, come out!"
Old Lin's taunt had no effect. These people seemed determined not to show themselves. A voice, whose gender could not be distinguished, spread across the plain through a loudspeaker. It shouted, "Dragon Emperor Douluo, we beg of you!"
The voice traveled very far, reaching the horizon where the plain met the sky. Old Lin and the others showed surprise and doubt. Zhu Ziyang could clearly feel the unease in Old Song's heart, wondering if the Dragon Emperor Douluo mentioned in the voice was truly that person?
All doubts quickly dissipated. A figure appeared at the end of the plain, slowly revealing his true appearance under the setting sun. This was an old man with neatly combed silver hair and a ruddy complexion not typical of an old man. Two long eyebrows hung down the sides of his face. He had a tall, elegant build, and his black robe exuded a dashing demeanor.
"It really is you!" Old Lin's face showed great surprise, with a hint of disbelief. She said, "Elder Brother Xiaoyao!"
"Hahaha, long time no see, A-Qun," the old man said with a smile to Old Lin. He actually called the over two-hundred-year-old Old Lin "A-Qun," which showed his high status. "I never thought we'd meet again under such circumstances!"
Zhu Ziyang could already confirm the identity of this old man.
Long Xiaoyao!
One of the Black and White Holy Dragons, the Dark Sacred Dragon, a Level 99 Limit Douluo, the Dragon Emperor Douluo, Long Xiaoyao!
"Elder Brother Xiaoyao, why are you involved in this matter?" Old Lin was very puzzled. Long Xiaoyao and Mu En were close friends, and Old Lin had received his guidance when she was young. She truly hadn't expected that when they met again, they would be in an antagonistic state. However, as far as she knew, although Long Xiaoyao was from the Tianhun Empire, he had no ties to the imperial family, right?
"Sigh! A favor owed in my youth, I never thought it would be used for this matter!" Long Xiaoyao's face showed a bitter smile as he replied.
Upon hearing this, Old Lin immediately understood that the current situation could not be resolved peacefully. Long Xiaoyao was a man who valued his promises greatly. Although they were acquaintances, their relationship had not reached a level where he would betray his word! Her expression became extremely solemn, as did Old Song, Xian Lin'er, and Cai Meier behind her. They all knew Long Xiaoyao. None of them had expected Long Xiaoyao to intervene in this matter!
"Hehe, no need to be nervous." Long Xiaoyao saw through the thoughts of Old Lin and the other three and said with a smile, "I won't make things difficult for you. As long as the child named Zhu Ziyang comes with me, that's fine. I think Mu En should come to pick him up."
"No!" Old Lin firmly refused, saying, "Elder Brother Xiaoyao, I won't hide it from you. Ziyang is Elder Mu's closed-door disciple. We absolutely cannot let you take him away."
"Sigh! Why bother?" Long Xiaoyao sighed and said, "I don't want to fight, and I certainly don't want to hurt you all. Let me take that child. Your Shrek Academy is already strong enough. If this child is allowed to grow up in your Shrek Academy, many people won't be able to sleep!"
"Brother Xiaoyao, you worry too much." Long Xiaoyao did not get an answer from Old Lin, because at this moment, a hunchbacked old man appeared out of thin air in front of Old Lin, and behind Zhu Ziyang and the others, four more old men appeared.
After the hunchbacked old man appeared, Zhu Ziyang and Old Lin and the others clearly felt the pressure from Long Xiaoyao disappear. Their faces showed joy as they looked at the old man in front of them, who, though hunched, was as steady as a pillar supporting the sky.
"Teacher! (Elder Mu!)" Several people shouted excitedly.
That's right, this hunchbacked old man who suddenly appeared in front of them was none other than the Light Holy Dragon among the Black and White Holy Dragons, the Dragon God Douluo, Mu En!
Although they had long known of Mu En's arrival, when he truly appeared in front of everyone, they couldn't help but feel joy and excitement in their hearts.
"Hahaha, Brother Mu, long time no see!" Long Xiaoyao was not surprised to see Mu En and greeted him happily.
"Yes, it has been a long time, Brother Xiaoyao." Mu En also smiled broadly and said, "You are still so vigorous, but I can't hold on much longer!"
"Then why do you still make such a big fuss?" Long Xiaoyao heard this, his face showing confusion, and said, "Wouldn't it be better to stay on Sea God Island and enjoy your golden years? Or do you want to take some people with you to your grave?"
"Haha! That's not it." Mu En said with a chuckle, "I just want to do more for the younger generation so they can have an easier future. I just didn't expect to disturb your esteemed presence, Brother Xiaoyao!"
"Heh, you've got a good plan there!" Long Xiaoyao couldn't help but laugh and curse, "You're about to die, and you're still planning to trick these people. It seems I've messed up your plans!"
Long Xiaoyao's gaze swept over the people behind Mu En. Except for Zhu Ziyang, everyone received an equal three seconds. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart, the foundation of Shrek Academy, eight Super Douluo moving at the same time. This lineup, perhaps only the Holy Spirit Church could withstand it!
"It doesn't matter much, there's always a chance!" Mu En saw things very clearly and said with a chuckle. In his opinion, Shrek Academy could lose many times, but those who opposed Shrek Academy only had one chance.
"Hehe!" Long Xiaoyao naturally understood. He smiled and looked at Zhu Ziyang behind Mu En, saying, "This child must be Zhu Ziyang!"
"Yes!" Seeing Long Xiaoyao mention Zhu Ziyang, a strong sense of pride rose on Mu En's face. He called out, "Ziyang, greet your Martial Uncle Long."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ziyang immediately stepped forward, walked to Mu En's side, and respectfully bowed to Long Xiaoyao, saying, "Hello, Martial Uncle Long, I am Teacher's closed-door disciple, Zhu Ziyang!"
"Hahaha, good child!" Long Xiaoyao laughed heartily and said, "It's a pity the occasion isn't right today, otherwise I would definitely prepare a welcoming gift for you!"
After speaking, he looked at Mu En again, envying him, "Brother Mu, I truly envy you. In your old age, you can still take on such an excellent disciple! Ultimate Light, sigh, why isn't it Ultimate Dark?"
"Brother Xiaoyao, you don't need to be anxious!" Mu En, hearing Long Xiaoyao's envy, felt pleased in his heart, but also couldn't help but care about his old friend's legacy issue. He comforted him, "Your life is still long, and one day you will meet a disciple to your liking!"
"Hey! It's not that easy!" Long Xiaoyao said helplessly, "The only one qualified to be my disciple would be someone with Ultimate Dark, but an Ultimate Spirit is truly a rare sight in a century!"
"That's not false!" Mu En also agreed.
The two Limit Douluo thus reminisced on this plain. No one dared to disturb them.
Those hidden in the dark could only fret, having no other options. They had already paid too much to invite the Dragon Emperor Douluo; how could they dare to tell him what to do?
Now they could only pray that Long Xiaoyao would act quickly and stop talking to Mu En!