Chapter 12 A disgruntled Moon: Find him right now!
After parting ways with Liu Yuan, Bei Bei, Tang Ya, and Huo Yuhao did not linger in the Star Dou Great Forest, but instead headed straight for Shrek Academy.
Despite the hardships of traveling and sleeping outdoors, the group was in relatively good spirits.
Huo Yuhao, in particular, was filled with anticipation for his upcoming academy life.
A few days later, the magnificent Shrek City finally came into view.
For Huo Yuhao, this was his first time in Shrek City.
Everything in the city felt very new to him.
Once inside the academy, Bei Bei efficiently helped Huo Yuhao complete the tedious registration procedures.
"Yuhao, here are your dorm key and school uniform." Beibei handed the items to Huo Yuhao, smiling as she gave him instructions.
"Xiaoya is a little tired, go back to the dormitory to rest first."
"I also have some urgent matters to attend to. You can go to your dorm and settle in first. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me."
"Okay, thank you, Senior Brother!"
Huo Yuhao nodded obediently, hugged his newly received items, and ran excitedly toward the freshman dormitory building.
Watching Huo Yuhao's departing figure, Bei Bei's smile gradually faded.
Instead of returning to his dormitory, he turned and walked towards Poseidon Lake.
That place is the core forbidden area of Shrek Academy—the Sea God Pavilion.
...
Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the light was rather dim.
An elderly man, nearing the end of his life, was reclining in a deckchair with his eyes slightly closed, as if he were dozing off.
His aged face was covered with wrinkles, like dried orange peel, and he didn't exude any aura of a strong person. He looked like an ordinary old man in his twilight years.
But he is the strongest person in the Douluo Continent today, the Dragon God Douluo, Mu En.
At this moment, a staff member was standing respectfully to the side, quietly reporting on the major and minor events that had recently occurred within the college.
"...The preliminary list for this year's Inner Court selection competition has been drafted, and Dean Yan is currently reviewing it..."
"...The Soul Guidance Department has applied for increased funding. Dean Qian said that the research on the latest core magic array has reached a critical stage..."
Moon listened to these reports calmly, occasionally nodding slightly.
Although he has been out of the public eye for many years and has delegated power to Yan Shaozhe, Xuanzi and others, he is still the head of the Sea God Pavilion and needs to keep an eye on the general direction of the academy.
However, when the reporter mentioned the next message, Moon's eyes, which had been slightly closed, suddenly opened a crack, and his brows furrowed slightly.
"In addition, the child of Liu Zong and Xie Ting from the inner courtyard... has been expelled from Shrek Academy according to Elder Xuan's instructions."
The reporter glanced cautiously at Moon and continued:
"What Elder Xuan means is that although the couple sacrificed themselves during the inspection team's mission, the academy has already done more than enough for that child over the years..."
"Elder Xuan believed that the child's martial soul was ruined and he was not worthy to continue staying in Shrek Academy, so he let him go."
"Xuanzi…"
Moon sighed deeply, his tone tinged with helplessness and disappointment.
"He's still so impulsive in his work, and his mind is still too narrow."
Moon remembered that child.
It's not just because of his talent, but also because of his special circumstances.
After all, the child's parents died in the line of duty during their mission with the Shrek Surveillance Team, a rare occurrence even within the entire Shrek Academy.
Therefore, when Moon continued speaking, his tone even carried a hint of dissatisfaction:
"Even if that child's martial soul mutates and he can't become a soul master in the future, or even becomes a cripple, so what?"
"My Shrek Academy is a large and wealthy family. Can't we even afford to raise a child?"
"Why be so ruthless? It's disheartening..."
"Where is the child now?" Moon asked.
"Reporting to the Pavilion Master, that child left the academy on the same day he received the notification, and now... his whereabouts are unknown."
"They're gone..." A hint of regret flashed in Moon's eyes.
...
Just then, a soft footstep sound came from outside the door.
"Ancestor Xuan." Bei Bei's voice rang out from outside the door.
"Come in." A kind smile returned to Moon's face as he waved to the reporter. "You can go now."
After the disciple left, Beibei pushed open the door and quickly walked to Mu En's side, skillfully massaging his legs.
"How was it? Did the trip with Xiaoya go smoothly?" Mu En asked gently.
"It went very smoothly, Xuanzu," Beibei said with a smile.
"Xiaoya has successfully obtained her third spirit ring and advanced to the Spirit Master level. Moreover... this time in the Star Dou Great Forest, we unexpectedly gained a new disciple for the Tang Sect."
"Oh?" Moon became interested. "Someone you've taken a liking to must be a little monster, right?"
"He is indeed a very promising talent." A hint of admiration flashed in Bei Bei's eyes. "His name is Huo Yuhao. He is an orphan, and his martial soul is an extremely rare spiritual attribute physical martial soul—the Spirit Eye."
"A spirit-attribute martial soul?" Mu En nodded slightly. "Indeed rare. Although spiritual cultivation is not easy, if properly nurtured, its future achievements are limitless."
"Yes," Bei Bei said, massaging her legs, "but… compared to Huo Yuhao, we actually encountered another even more amazing genius this time. It's just a pity…"
"What's a pity?"
"It's a pity he didn't want to join the Tang Sect, nor did he want to come to Shrek Academy." Bei Bei sighed, the image of that boy appearing in her mind. "He also possessed a Body Martial Soul, and a more unique one at that—double pupils. His second spirit ring alone had already absorbed a thousand-year-old level spirit ring, and what's even more terrifying is... his abilities are incredibly powerful!"
Beibei gave a brief overview of Liu Yuan's specific abilities.
Laser eyes.
Immortal Rebirth.
Even Moon couldn't help but sigh after getting a general understanding of the ability.
"Oh? In that case, this child is indeed very outstanding!"
But he quickly asked, "Then why doesn't he want to come to Shrek?"
"He said… Shrek Academy is good, but in terms of developing the Body Spirit, it's not as good as the Body Sect." Bei Bei said with a wry smile, "He's going to find the Body Sect."
"Noumenon Sect..."
Moon remained silent.
After a long silence, he slowly nodded, his tone complex: "What he said... isn't wrong. Everyone has their own expertise. For that level of Body Martial Soul, those lunatics from the Body Sect are indeed better at dealing with it than we are."
"It's just a pity…" Moon shook his head, "Such a talented and beautiful person is not meant for Shrek Academy."
Seeing that Mu En looked tired, Bei Bei didn't bother him any longer. After chatting for a few more minutes, she took her leave and departed from the Sea God Pavilion.
Silence returned to the room.
Moon lay alone on the recliner, staring at the dim ceiling, his brow furrowed.
Although he felt a little sorry for the genius boy that Beibei mentioned, Moon had seen plenty of geniuses and wouldn't hold a grudge because one genius hadn't joined.
What he cared about more was Liu Yuan, who had disappeared after being expelled by Xuanzi.
He still wanted to find him.
From a sentimental standpoint, his parents died for Shrek, so it's perfectly reasonable for Shrek to support him for life.
In terms of reputation, if his actions were exposed and outsiders knew that Shrek Academy treated the orphans of meritorious individuals in this way, Shrek Academy's reputation would be ruined.
So after some thought, he quickly called a few more people in.
"I think we still need to find that child..."
"Xuanzi has handled this matter improperly. If he is not careful, he could put Shrek Academy in an unjust situation. Go and bring him back."
"yes..."
...
at the same time.
On the outskirts of the Starry Sky Forest, on the banks of an unnamed river.
The night was as dark as ink, dotted with countless stars.
A campfire crackled and burned by the river, dispelling the chill and darkness of the surroundings.
Liu Yuan sat cross-legged by the fire, holding a branch with two plump, grilled fish skewered on it, sizzling and dripping oil.
"Sizzle—"
He skillfully used the grilling fish technique he had "stolen" from Huo Yuhao, and immediately, a rich aroma wafted over.
Since leaving Beibei and the others, Liu Yuan has embarked on a journey to the Heavenly Soul Empire alone.
To reach the Heavenly Soul Empire, one must traverse the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest.
For safety reasons, he did not venture deeper, but instead proceeded cautiously along the outermost perimeter.
"Ah...smells so good."
Liu Yuan blew on the hot fish, tore off a piece of fish, put it in his mouth, and squinted his eyes in satisfaction. "Huo Yuhao's grilling skills are truly superb. Luckily, I'm smart enough to have learned the method."
A gentle night breeze rustled through the river, which flowed softly.
Just as Liu Yuan was preparing to enjoy this rare peaceful dinner.
rustling...
A very faint rustling sound of grass blades suddenly came from a bush not far away.
The sound was very soft, but it was particularly jarring in the quiet night.
Liu Yuan's chewing motion stopped instantly.
brush!
He suddenly turned his head, his double pupils instantly glowing with a ghostly light as he stared intently at the dark patch of grass.
"who?!"
(End of chapter)