The ultimatum, transmitted through a soul powered loudspeaker, turned into rolling sound waves that spread across the entire sky above Shrek City, breaking its silent atmosphere.
"All teachers and students of Shrek Academy. The Federation has obtained conclusive evidence that Shrek has colluded with external enemies, endangered Federation security, and committed unforgivable crimes."
"In consideration of the innocent people within the city, the Federation offers one final opportunity. Lay down your resistance and accept Federation investigation and reorganization."
"You have fifteen minutes. If there is no clear signal of surrender after fifteen minutes, the Federation army will launch a full-scale attack. At that time, you will bear the consequences."
The voice echoed, clearly reaching every corner of Shrek City.
Inside Shrek City, most of the civilians had already left through the Federation's blockade. Those who remained people with deep connections to Shrek. Upon hearing the final notice, they fell into chaos. Some looked around confused, some looked toward Shrek Academy, hoping the Sea God Pavilion would make a decision.
Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the atmosphere was suffocatingly heavy.
The echoes of the ultimatum from outside still lingered, yet within the pavilion, there was only dead silence. Several elders' gazes focused on Yun Ming, who stood with his back to them, gazing out the window.
Yun Ming's back was straight, yet it carried an indescribable loneliness and determination.
"Pavilion Master, the Federation's ultimatum." An elder could not help speaking.
Yun Ming raised his hand, interrupting him.
"Act according to your own wishes. You do not need to worry about the true god's opinion. I will bear full responsibility. Those who wish to leave can depart with the two of you through the planar passage afterwards."
"But I hope you understand. Once you leave, the Federation will have no place for you."
At this moment, the aura emanating from Yun Ming suddenly changed. It became sharp and overwhelming, pressing down on everyone.
Even Cai Yue'er and Long Yuye dared not oppose Yun Ming in such a state.
After giving a deep look at some of the elders, Yun Ming turned his gaze to a man with a deep aura.
Emotionless Douluo Cao Dezhi's gaze briefly met Yun Ming's, a complex and unclear look flashing in his eyes.
"Duoqing sent word to me."
Cao Dezhi's voice was low. "He said he had accommodated me all these years. Now, it is my turn to accommodate him."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the varied expressions of everyone in the Sea God Pavilion, finally settling back on "Yun Ming," carrying a worldly detachment.
"In the end, I will contribute my strength to Shrek Academy and settle this Karma. After this battle, whether I live or die, I will owe nothing to Shrek. We will each go our separate ways."
With that, he said no more. He was the first to turn and walk out of the Sea God Pavilion with steady steps. His back carried a hint of desolation, yet also the ease of having unburdened himself.
Ever since learning of the Abyss matter, he had spent much of his time with the Blood God Legion guarding the Abyss passage.
There were two reasons for this. First, he wanted to avoid Duoqing. He felt he could not handle staying with him all the time. By going directly to the military, Duoqing, hindered by past events, would not follow him. After all, Duoqing's own departure from the military made him feel quite awkward when facing the Federation military now.
Second, he also understood the relationship between Shrek and the Federation. He wanted to ease the tension by helping the Federation guard the Abyss, setting an example for Shrek students to participate and further ease the antagonism between Shrek and the Federation.
The principle of justice was timeless. Unfortunately, only a few at Shrek had seized this opportunity.
And because of the previous theft of the Eternal Heaven, they had also been affected, with their positions temporarily revoked by the Federation. But the Federation and the Blood God Legion's evaluations of them all acknowledged their contributions to justice and their outstanding service to the Federation.
The Federation's revocation of their positions was more out of scrutiny of Shrek's overall stance, rather than negating their personal achievements and character. As long as they made their choice, the Blood God Legion would still welcome them.
So Cao Dezhi could frankly say that, in both public and private matters, he had a clear conscience.
"Zhuoshi was tricked into leaving. I will go check on him." Feng Wuyu also stood up and followed Emotionless Douluo.
Besides him, another elder followed as well.
Outside the Sea God Pavilion, some inner courtyard students, Shrek graduates, and those connected to Shrek saw the three and chose to follow.
Arriving at the wall of Shrek City.
The Federation army formation outside the city was clearly visible. Cao Dezhi could clearly see the imposing figures of Limit experts like Divine Brush Douluo Yu Guanzhi.
Taking a deep breath, Cao Dezhi circulated his spirit power within his body. The vast aura of a Limit Douluo was no longer concealed, surging into the sky.
"I am Cao Dezhi, former Sea God Pavilion elder of Shrek Academy. I have come as promised by Duoqing."
"However, having received the nurturing and protection of Shrek, it is ultimately difficult to completely sever ties."
Cao Dezhi's gaze was like lightning, sweeping over the several imposing Limit Douluo at the front of the Federation formation, finally settling on one person.
"Today, I am willing to use my cultivation to put a period to this Karma. I also hope the Federation will give me this opportunity to fulfill my bond with Shrek."
His figure stood straight as a spear. A resolute and sharp sword intent shot into the sky, as if to pierce the heavy sky.
"Your Excellency Yuetian, would you be willing to fight me?"
Those who knew Guan Yue's identity frowned, instantly understood Emotionless Douluo's meaning.
Although Guan Yue was from the War Temple, he was born in Shrek. Now caught in the middle, his position was the most difficult.
Emotionless Douluo's proactive challenge spared Guan Yue from standing at the forefront of the formation attacking his alma mater, trapped in a dilemma. This battle, for Guan Yue, was both a challenge and a relief, freeing him from personally participating in the attack on Shrek.
And for Emotionless Douluo, he had also fulfilled his earlier words, blocking a Near Divine for Shrek and settling his Karma.
At the same time, this also removed an unstable factor for both the Federation and Shrek. After all, neither side could be certain that, having reached this point, Yuetian Douluo would definitely help them.
Many people secretly nodded, quite approved of this approach that benefited both sides.
As the Central Army Corps commander and the commander of this operation, Divine Brush Douluo stepped forward and said loudly, "The Federation has always acted fairly. Since you are willing to make a clean break with the past, the Federation will naturally honor your request."
He then turned his gaze to Guan Yue, his tone inquiring, "Yuetian Douluo, are you willing to accept this?"
Yuetian Douluo looked at Emotionless Douluo with complex eyes, a hint of gratitude in them.
"It is my wish. I dare not decline."
Guan Yue clasped his fists, his voice firm.
"Brother Cao, please."
"Please." Cao Dezhi returned the greeting, his eyes clear.
The next moment, both figures disappeared from their spots.
High above, the Emotionless Sword Domain unfolds, sword energy flowing in all directions. Four giant swords hung across the sky, dividing the four directions of space, as if to drag everything within.
Opposing it was the silver white Yuetian Spear Domain. Spear light fell like falling stars, sharp and unmatched, carrying the will to pierce all obstacles and reach the nine heavens.
The two domains collided. There was no earth shattering roar, only a grating sound. Space, like a crumpled scroll, twisted violently. Light shattered and refracted within, forming a bizarre and terrifying region.
Within the domains, the true bodies of Cao Dezhi and Guan Yue were already difficult to capture with the naked eye. Only flashes of sword light and silver white spear light could be seen, colliding with each other at speeds beyond thought. Each collision stirred countless sparks of energy.
But from Huo Yuhao's observation, it was clear that Guan Yue was more at ease.
After all, there was a gap in their cultivation levels.
However, the outcome of this battle was not important. It could only be considered a spar.
After watching for a while, the Limit Douluo turned their attention to the others who had emerged from Shrek. Divine Brush Douluo spotted among them the Blood God Legion soldiers whom the Federation had asked him to watch for, and nodded silently.
It seemed they, like Emotionless Douluo, had no intention of fighting the Federation to the end.
In that case, let them fulfill their bond with Shrek, so they could better serve the Federation in the future.
With this thought, Divine Brush Douluo arranged for some people to engage in a unique sparse with them, then stopped paying attention.
These battles were not the most urgent.
His focus was on the Sea God Pavilion. From there, a terrifying aura had been brewing for some time, making his heart pound.
Could this be the so called true god?
But why did he sense Atlas Douluo's aura within it?
...
Beside the Golden Tree, Yun Ming stood, watching the battle between Emotionless and Yuetian.
"This is good. At least it saves Guan Yue from doing anything foolish."
Behind Yun Ming, Cai Yue'er's eyes were complex.
"Are you truly staying?"
"Yes. If you want to leave, prepare in advance."
Cai Yue'er's expression changed. She snorted coldly. "I will live and die with Shrek."
Upon hearing this, Yun Ming glanced at her indifferently, did not respond, and turned his gaze to Long Yuye on the other side, handing her an item.
"Elder Long,I will leave this to you."
The Vast Sea Universe Cover?
Seeing the object in her hand, Long Yuye's eyes widened. She looked at Yun Ming in disbelief.
As if unburdening himself, Yun Ming said candidly, "From now on, I will no longer be the Sea God Pavilion Master. It is better that this token, which in a sense represents the Pavilion Master's authority, not remain with me."
"To be honest, I was not a qualified Sea God Pavilion Master. I lacked the courage to correct Shrek's mistakes, nor the ability to turn the tide. In handling the relationship between the Federation and Shrek, I was far inferior to Emotionless. No wonder he was the captain of our generation's Shrek Seven Devils, while I was just one of the seven."
"Perhaps if he had succeeded as Pavilion Master back then, the situation would be somewhat better now."
At this point, Yun Ming paused, looking at Long Yuye. "Your choice to carry out the Sea God's great plan is not something I can criticize. But I hope you will not add another stain to Shrek's name."
His voice grew deeper, carrying a weary sense of solemnity. "Shrek's glory should not exist in a distorted form. The price of past mistakes has already been paid. Do not repeat them."
Long Yuye frowned deeply and shook her head helplessly.
"Yun Ming, are you saying Shrek's ancestors were wrong? That the Sea God was also wrong? How could that be? What is wrong are those in Xingluo who betrayed tradition and ingratitude, and those who slander Shrek. When the Sea God's Ten Thousand Year Plan succeeds, Shrek will be Reborn from the Ashes, Wash Away Its Disgrace, and Return to the Peak of Glory."
Yun Ming looked at her. The last trace of "Yun Ming's" complex emotions in his eyes faded, leaving only a nearly empty calm.
"Perhaps." Yun Ming no longer argued, as if Playing the Lute to a Cow. "Everyone has their own choices. My choice is to stay here, with this city, to witness the end together."
"Elder Jin, finally, I entrust this to you."
The leaves of the Golden Tree rustled slightly, as if nodding.
Seeing this, Yun Ming turned back to the Golden Tree, gently pressed his palm against the rough bark, and closed his eyes. Golden patterns began to spread from his palm, quickly crawling up his arm and spreading to his entire body.
All the plants on Sea God Island turned gold. It looked like an island forged from gold.
A green spirit ring appeared quietly beside Yun Ming, eventually integrating into his body. As that green divine ring, containing vast life and natural energy, completely integrated into Yun Ming's body, his aura underwent an earth shattering transformation.
Using the Semi Divine Seat he had comprehended from a fragment of the Sea God's divine persona as a guide, Yun Ming absorbed the Golden Tree's energy, far surpassing that of a Limit Douluo, and touched that boundary.
A pressure far more vast and condensed than a Limit Douluo's, carrying clear divine aura, slowly rose within him like an awakening deity.
Space groaned under the strain. The air grew thick. Light twisted.
Yun Ming felt the power flowing within him. It was a power far beyond the limit, touching a higher level of law. The power of a true god. The properties of his divine body and divine power were rapidly climbing and condensing. Added to his already attained Divine Origin realm.
Now, he was a true god.
The cost was naturally enormous. This forced fusion and elevation came at the price of the Golden Tree's origin, overdrafting himself, and the complete dissipation of that Semi Divine Seat. The duration would certainly not last long. After it ended, he would be completely exhausted, perhaps even his soul would scatter.
But for him, that was enough.
At the last moment, Yun Ming suddenly spoke, "Elder Jin, are you also like them, a backup plan left by the Sea God? Your essence is definitely not something that can be judged by a Limit Douluo. Those life energies even give me the feeling of directly facing a plane. Originally, the plane's suppression and lightning punishment that should have come when I reached this level also disappeared because of that energy."
Within the Golden Tree, A Yin's heart skipped a beat. She fell silent.
And this silence seemed to make Yun Ming understand something. He smiled bitterly.
Success by the Sea God, failure by the Sea God.
Shrek had given birth to a legend, yet could not escape the legend's influence.
"After today, you will also leave, will you not?"
Murmuring to himself, Yun Ming shook his head.
"Nevertheless, thank you for your gift."
Yun Ming withdrew his hand. Spirit rings gradually appeared around him.
Black, black, black, black, red, red, red, orange, orange, green gold.
Ten rings. A true god.
...
Before the Federation formation, Yu Guanzhi, Chen Xinjie, and all the keen experts instantly felt a pressure wash over them.
An astonishing aura rose from the direction of Shrek Academy.
High above, Cao Dezhi and Guan Yue, who were still "sparring," simultaneously stopped, looking toward Sea God Island in shock.
They could clearly sense the source of that aura. It was Yun Ming.
"A true god. He actually." Guan Yue murmured in disbelief.
Cao Dezhi knew more. His gaze was complicated and eventually turned into a heavy sigh.
He wanted to ask, "Why did you have to?"
But he could also understand Yun Ming's thoughts.
Yun Ming could not truly break through to true god. His reaching the true god level now must have come at a cost, perhaps even his life.
With the true gods under the Sea God's command intervening, what could better deter others than the fall of a true god?
Even if he broke through to true god, if he fell before the Federation, it would be a powerful deterrent to those connected to Shrek. It would completely win over those Shrek affiliates who had joined the Federation but still harbored discontent, preventing future trouble. It would allow the Federation to better digest Shrek's legacy and cut off certain people's hopes of "Rising Again."
To put a period to Shrek's distorted ten thousand year myth with the most glorious "Divine Fall," and at the same time serve as the most solid foundation for a new order. This was probably the only way Yun Ming could think of to give both Shrek and the Federation, and even himself as the Sea God Pavilion Master, a sense of "closure."
"Since I cannot give Shrek a dignified end, let it be a grand farewell."
With a murmur, Yun Ming's figure had already arrived above Shrek City, facing the Federation.
"I am Yun Ming, the Sea God Pavilion Master. Who will step forward to add a stroke to this final chapter?"
***
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(End of Chapter)