Douluo Dalu 2: Unrivaled Tang Sect

Chapter 129. Shrek's Seven Monsters

Yan Shaozhe nodded his head and said, Its been tough on the both of you this time. Go back and rest. Remember to keep everything youve seen in the Sea Gods Pavilion a secret. Yueheng, youve completed sufficient policing work. You can start preparing for the inner courtyard test.

Yes. Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochen left the Sea Gods Pavilion after they respectfully bade their farewells.

The two of them only relaxed after they had left. Although the elders present didnt say anything, they still felt the immense pressure at the long table. They were clearly aware that all the elders were Titled Douluo! And most of them were even

Although they didnt really receive any important rewards, they werent really punished either. At least the tournament was over. As for Dai Yueheng, it also meant that he was going to graduate from Shrek Academys inner courtyard since Yan Shaozhe told him to prepare for the test. He could return to his empire after that. After cultivating tirelessly for more than 10 years, he could finally embark on a new journey. He was extremely anxious now.

Only Wang Yan, Bei Bei, He Caitou, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Xiao Xiao, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were left in the Sea Gods Pavilion right now.

Their excitement had died down after Yan Shaozhe reprimanded both Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochen. They were even a little discomforted now.

Yan Shaozhe turned to them and smiled. He said, Whats wrong? Do all of you think that the academy is being too strict on them? I have to say that these are the academys requirements of all our inner courtyard students. The academy has used various forms of resources to nurture the inner courtyard disciples, thus its natural that our requirements are high too. Youre also going to be part of the inner courtyard in the near future. All of you will understand then. Alright, its time for your rewards. Teacher Wang.

Dean Yuan. Wang Yan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Yan Shaozhe said sincerely, Although we didnt have all our team members around four official team members couldnt compete, and three of the others were even injured, and yet you still managed to lead the team to victory in the tournament. All of us can see how capable you are. You shall be promoted to Shrek Academys top-ranked teacher of the inner courtyard.

Wang Yan said hurriedly, Dean, I dont want any reward. Its not really my effort that won us the tournament. Its all because of these kids hard work. They gave their all and came back from the dead more than once. If the academy really wants to reward someone, they should reward all of them handsomely.

Dai Yueheng and Ling Luochens treatment left Wang Yan frightened that the academy would neglect these kids hard work!

Yan Shaozhe smiled slightly and answered, Theyll be rewarded too. So will you. What I just mentioned wasnt even considering your reward yet. Its only just a normal promotion. The real reward for you is that the Sea Gods Hidden Beach will be open to you for a year. You are allowed to read anything you want within this year, but you can only read and research within the Hidden Beach.

What? After hearing his reward, Wang Yan didnt conceal his emotions in front of all the elders. He was so excited that he jumped up, and his face turned red from agitation.

What was in the Sea Gods Hidden Beach? There were countless solitary copies of books, out-of-print collections and resources. At least in Wang Yans eyes, it was the greatest wealth that Shrek Academy possessed! Even the Sea Gods Pavilion elders had to go through complicated administrative processes to enter the Hidden Beach to read. One year of access to the Hidden Beach was extremely valuable to Wang Yan.

Yan Shaozhe smiled upon seeing Wang Yans excited behavior. He said, Teacher Wang, this is the reward that you deserve. We can see your contributions to the academy, as well as your persistence and hard work in your research. I hope that you can learn more from the Sea Gods Hidden Beach over the next year.

Thank you Dean, thank you elders. Wang Yan was so excited that he almost bowed all the way to the ground. He wouldve never have imagined that he would be given access to the Sea Gods Hidden Beach!

All the elders smiled and nodded their heads at him. In Shrek Academy, only the best were valued. This was applicable even in the aspect of theoretical research, which was considered crucial in the academy. There was one seven-ringed elder in the Sea Gods Pavilion who specialized in theoretical research. But he didnt have such a long lifespan compared to the Titled Douluo. That was why such individuals tend to be lower in numbers in the Sea Gods Pavilion.

Yan Shaozhe turned to Huo Yuhao and the rest and he said, Its all of your turns.

Kids, I can only express my astonishment and awe regarding your performances. Shrek Academy has emerged champions in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament several thousand times. But I am certain that this is one of the most meaningful triumphs that we have achieved, and it deserves to be recorded in our history. Shrek will remember the contributions that all of you have made. All of you are the academys true heroes.

Everyone was moved when they heard Yan Shaozhes words. They didnt expect such an appraisal from the academy. It was glorious to be recorded in Shreks history! Everyone suddenly started to feel passionate.

Yan Shaozhe said, The academys senior management are aware of what all of you have done. All of you have shouldered Shreks shining glory. In a tournament that was supposed to merely be training for all of you, you fought unyieldingly, and attained the championship through your efforts. Your brilliance has left all of us astounded. After a conference here in the Sea Gods Pavilion, weve decided to award two different rewards to all of you. The academy was given three soul bones and one extra one as the champions. The extra one is suitable for Huo Yuhao. The academy has also decided to offer three more soul bones, so that each one of the rest of you can receive one soul bone each. All of you will be allowed to choose based on your abilities and special characteristics too.

Another three soul bones? Everyone was delighted. If each of them was given a soul bone each, there wouldnt be much of a choice anyway. The reward offered by the academy was comparable to the Star Luo Empires!

But they would be even more shocked by what was to come.

Yan Shaozhe said in a deep voice, The soul bones are used to encourage all of you for your efforts in the tournament. But the academy is also going to credit all of you for protecting the academys glory. From this moment onwards, the academy shall name the seven of you Shreks Seven Monsters.

He stopped for a moment before saying seriously, For life.

Ah

Huo Yuhao and the others couldnt help but exclaim in shock after they heard those last two words. They stared at Yan Shaozhe with their eyes and mouths wide open. They felt as if their spirits had left their bodies at this moment.

Shreks Seven Monsters. While these words sounded simple, they held a deep meaning to Shrek Academy, and even the entire Douluo Continent! Ever since the glory held by the first generation of Shreks Seven Monsters, this name continued to represent greatness up till now. There were only two instances so far in Shreks history that anyone possessed this name for life. They were only conferred to inner courtyard disciples that had contributed greatly to the academy. The soul bones were already a huge surprise to all of them, but this lifetime Shreks Seven Monsters title conferred onto them was much more meaningful!

The glory that belonged to Shrek would be imprinted onto their bodies and spirits from this moment onwards. They were going to shine for life under this glory that had been shared with them.

This reward brought such a shock to all of them that it couldnt be described in words. Huo Yuhao and the rest were all speechless. They finally understood why Yan Shaozhe was so determined to let Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan follow them to the Sea Gods Pavilion. He didnt just want to censure them, but to give them the opportunity to claim their rewards personally! This was an extremely important moment in all their lives. They would regret it for life if they missed this moment!

Yan Shaozhe said in a deep voice, The Sea Gods Pavilion discussed the matter for an entire day before we came up with this reward. It was only decided after a round of voting by the elders and a final decision by the Master. But I must clarify one thing first. To ensure the smooth progression of your studies in the academy, this will not be publicized. It will even only be recorded in our history. Before all of you graduate, only all of you will be privy to this. Please dont make it public.

They could understand this restriction they had to face. If news of this spread, they would be put into the limelight. This would then affect their normal cultivation and studies.

As their team leader, Bei Bei could not help but ask, Dean Yan, does lifetime refer to the time we spend in the academy or

Yan Shaozhe smiled and replied, What? Is it so difficult to understand? Its called lifetime because itll be with all of you for your entire lives. Furthermore, this title will not be given to anyone else as long as one of you is still alive. Thats why all of you need to work hard at your cultivation and try to live longer. This glory will then stay with all of you for a longer period of time.

Bei Bei was delighted, and used his eyes to gesture to the rest. He bowed respectfully towards the four deans and the elders present.

The others understood him and followed his lead, as they bowed respectfully too.

Yan Shaozhe stepped to one side and said respectfully to someone at the head of the table, Teacher, do you have any other instructions?

Everyone just now realized that there was someone half-lying on the other side of the table. They couldnt see what he looked like because of their perspective.

Kids, your performances were beyond what I expected.

Thats why these rewards are what all of you have earned. But its important to realize that this doesnt mean you will be forever successful. All of you must live up to the name of Shreks Seven Monsters. I hope that all of you can work hard to preserve Shreks glory just like you did before. Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan and He Caitou, the four of you are already beyond soul ancestors. I grant special permission to the four of you to go take the inner courtyard test after this academic year ends. After passing the test, the four of you shall continue to learn in the inner courtyard. The difficulty level of your tests will remain the same.

Bei Bei and the other 3 looked at one another. Right now, they were all nervous. The test choked many external courtyard disciples, and there were very few who could really be admitted to the inner courtyard. It was impossible for them not to feel anxious, as they were about to undergo the test earlier than was required.

The frail, elderly voice continued, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao, the three of you shall remain on the Sea Gods Island temporarily and cultivate alongside me. The three of you will only return to the external courtyard when I think that its time. Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi shall be guided by Little Xuan, while Jiang Nannan shall be guided by Cai Meier. More effort has to be placed on Lin Er, Duo Duo, Fan Yu and He Caitou too. If they dont pass the test, you will be punished as teachers.

Although this elderly voice sounded very gentle and benevolent, his words left everyone convinced, and no one doubted his words. All the Sea Gods Pavilion elders and four deans stood up together and bowed towards Elder Mu respectfully.

Meeting dispersed. Elder Mus voice became more peaceful.

All the elders seemed to instantly disappear. The new Shreks Seven Monsters didnt even notice their movements clearly.

Elder Xuan, the four deans and Fan Yu remained.

All of you can go too. Its fine if only Huo Yuhao and the other 2 remain here. Elder Mu waved his hand.

Yes. Yan Shaozhe replied respectfully and left with everyone quietly. Bei Bei and He Caitou lifted both Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan as they left too. They all glanced at Huo Yuhao as they left. They gave him an encouraging look.

The Sea Gods Pavilion quieted down. Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao were nervous. The Master of the Sea Gods Pavilion who was half-lying on the main seat was even Dean Yan Shaozhes teacher! He was the greatest authoritative figure in Shrek Academy.

Kids, come over. Elder Mu gestured towards the three of them.

Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao walked around the long table quickly and came beside Elder Mu. They all lowered their heads slightly and looked a little nervous.

Why? Did the three of you managed to defeat your opponents like this in the tournament? Whats there to be nervous about in front of me when all of you are fearless in front of your opponents? Lift your heads. Were old friends. Elder Mus gentle voice sounded very inspirational.

Huo Yuhao and the others lowered their heads subconsciously. All they saw was an elder who was in his declining years, but had a face that wore a slight smile and was filled with tenderness.

Its you? The three of them exclaimed at the same time. They even stared at him directly.

They wouldnt have gotten it right even if they had 10,000 guesses. The elder who always laid down leisurely in front of the freshmen dorm was actually the Master of the Sea Gods Pavilion in Shrek Academy! The three of them were so shocked that they became speechless.

Elder Mu smiled and said, Its weird, isnt it? All of you are right, I am that old man! Although I control the Sea Gods Pavilion, Im unwilling to stay here. Its too boring. How can it be as bustling as your freshman dorm? I can feel the youthful aura, which makes me feel younger too. Sensing all of your vitality and vigor can also prolong my lifespan by a few years.

You, you Huo Yuhao discovered that he was stuttering. Whether it was him, Wang Dong or Xiao Xiao, they couldnt draw the connection between this frail elder and his identity as Shreks master.

Elder Mu lifted one hand and said, Help me up.

Huo Yuhao rushed forward and lifted Elder Mus hand. Elder Mus actions were very slow, just like an old man who had one foot in his grave. He stood up from his lying position slowly. But his back continued to be bent at a 90 degrees angle, which was a sorrowful sight.

Elder Mus arms were very delicate. While they felt very warm, they were extremely bony and rigid.

Elder Mu chortled and said, Im not trying to be ostentatious by lying over here. When I was younger, I was injured, and I never recovered from that injury. Thats why I can only bend my back like that. They felt bad for me, so they prepared a reclining chair for me. As he spoke, he lifted his hand and pointed in a direction. Huo Yuhao carefully supported him as they advanced. Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao followed behind. Even now, their eyes were still filled with surprise.

Elder Mu laughed slightly as he walked, Huo Yuhao, I noticed you the first time you entered the freshman dorm. Thats because you are one of the rare few kids who greeted me actively. Youre very courteous. Every time you entered the freshman dorm, you greeted me. Thats very good.

Thats what younger ones like me should do. Huo Yuhao replied in a low voice. Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao lowered their heads in guilt. They were normally all so focused on learning and cultivating in the external courtyard. How could they be bothered to notice an elder in front of the freshman dorm?

Huo Yuhao supported Elder Mu all the way to the front of a wall. Elder Mu lifted his hand and pointed out. A streak of golden light suddenly lit up, and everything around them seemed to turn illusory. An intense golden halo surrounded Huo Yuhao and the other two instantly. They only felt that it was extremely bright in front of them. They quickly shut their eyes. There was nothing beneath their feet. When they stepped forward in the next moment, the surrounding golden light had already disappeared.

The Sea Gods Pavilion had disappeared. To their horror, they discovered that they were in a vast hall. This hall seemed to be 100 meters long, and was squarish in shape. Its surface area was similar to the competition stage of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament.

There were several tunnels at the sides of the hall that led to unknown places. There were no windows and everything was enclosed, but the air was very fresh. There was several statues erected inside the hall. They were similar to the ones in Shrek Academy after one entered the academy. Shreks founder, the Golden Triangle, and the first-generation Shreks Seven Monsters. But there were more statues here, and these statues seemed to be made of wood.

Elder Mu smiled, Arent you all curious as to why the Sea Gods Pavilion doesnt seem grand? But did any of you realized that the Sea Gods Pavilion wasnt constructed, but carved out?

Carved out? Huo Yuhao and the other 2 were stunned. They didnt understand the meaning behind those 2 words.

Elder Mu said, The Sea Gods Pavilion was originally a huge tree, a golden tree that was rarely seen in the world. It was a tree that contained an aura of light and life. The earlier generations used this golden tree as the foundation, and carved out the Sea Gods Pavilion without affecting the life of the golden tree. Thats why the Sea Gods Pavilion doesnt seem to have been put together, while the various decorations and statues in the Sea Gods Pavilion were made by the wood that was dug out during the carving process. This golden tree can be said to be the root of Shrek Academy. The three of you will understand its significance in the future.

Wang Dong, go to the first tunnel on the right. At the 10-meter mark, there should be a door. Push the door open and enter the room behind it. Sit on the prayer mat and cultivate there.

Wang Dong was stunned and hesitated for a moment. Huo Yuhao nodded his head at him hurriedly, and he then followed Elder Mus instructions. He naturally knew that Elder Mus instructions were for his own good, but he was unwilling to be separated from Huo Yuhao.

Xiao Xiao, take the third tunnel to the left and enter the second door. Cultivate there too. Whenever the two of you recover from your fixed state, you can return to the external courtyard.

Yes. Xiao Xiao answered hurriedly. Her huge eyes blinked, and she walked to the other side.

Only Huo Yuhao was left with Elder Mu after the two of them left.

Elder Mu smiled and said, You can go too. Walk to the end of the first tunnel to the right. There will be a door to a room. Enter the room and start to meditate. Youll have your answer when you come out.

Yes. Thank you, elder.

Elder Mu smiled and said, My surname is Mu. You can call me Elder Mu.

Alright, Elder Mu. Huo Yuhao answered. But he didnt leave. Elder Mu, do you need me to take you somewhere to rest first?

Elder Mu was a little stunned as he twisted his head to look at him. He could only see Huo Yuhaos sincerity and naturalness from his eyes. There was no deliberate intention at all.

After patting Huo Yuhaos hand, he smiled and said, I can still walk. Go. This closed-door cultivation will be important to all of you. Relax and go over everything that has happened. I believe that you will gain something from this.

Yes. Huo Yuhao only let go of his hand now and walked towards the first tunnel to the right. When he reached the opening of the tunnel, he stopped in his tracks subconsciously and turned back to look at Elder Mu. Elder Mu was also looking at him. Huo Yuhao didnt know that Elder Mu was sure this concerned look of his proved that his words previously didnt contain any other intentions.

Wang Dong was the first to reach his destination - the first door at the end of the first tunnel to the right.

The door was wooden, and appeared to be made from the golden tree wood that Elder Mu had mentioned. As he lifted his hand to push at the door slightly, the door opened easily. It was as if it had just unlatched.

Wang Dong felt a strong aura of light engulfing him as he opened the door, which almost caused him to suffocate. In the next moment, a wave of suction force appeared and dragged his body into the room.

Wang Dongs gaze turned lifeless as he walked into the room. The room was around 10 square meters large. Countless rhizomes hung from the ceiling and covered the entire four walls, as well as the floor. He wouldnt be so shocked if they were just stems. He was shocked because these rhizomes were entirely yellowish-golden. The strong aura of life came from these rhizomes.

In the center of this room, there was a circular mat that subtly shone with a golden radiance. The strong aura of light spread out from above it.

The concentration of the light element was so great that it almost assumed liquid form.

Wang Dong only felt that his heart had been cleansed. He even had the same feeling he had experienced when he had first bathed in the golden light before he came to the Sea Gods Pavilion. He understood that the golden light he was being bathed in belonged to the power of the golden tree! But he didnt know who guided it.

This wasnt just a stroke of luck, but fortune. Wang Dong was also very intelligent. He walked forward rapidly and sat cross-legged on the mat.

A strong wave of light aura suddenly soared up from underneath him. His entire body instantly turned a smooth gold. His soul power circulated, and he didnt even need to do anything before he entered meditation. He wasnt absorbing the light element now, but the light element was surging into his body.

His head became unprecedentedly clear. The light element flowed naturally, and his soul power circulated at high speed. His spirit was flushed with vigor, and all types of thoughts now seemed very clear in his mind. Different types of sentiments also arose. In just a matter of breaths, he entered the deep meditative state that he once admired Huo Yuhao for.

It was different from an ordinary meditative state. His mind was working at great speed now, and he began to master the various abilities and experiences that he had as he understood them.

Wang Dong. A gentle voice rang in Wang Dongs heart just as he was experiencing the brilliance of this deep meditative state. The sudden appearance of this voice caused his senses to be jolted.

Elder Mu? Wang Dong thought to himself.

Continue to meditate without messing up your thoughts. Listen to me, you just need more time to comprehend things. Your twin martial souls are the Radiant Butterfly Goddess and the Clear Sky Hammer. Theyre two outstanding martial souls. The former is more of an element-type, while the latter is more of a strength-type. Both martial souls are suitable to be your main martial soul. It seems like you chose the former. You should have learned in the external courtyard that different martial souls will lead to different results when mastered in different environments. Its more beneficial to a soul master if he cultivates in an environment most suited to his martial soul.

All of you are in the Sea Gods Pavilion Underground World. There are 108 rooms here, and they cover almost all the environments suited for all types of martial souls. Every inner courtyard disciple has a chance to undergo deep meditation here. Although the few of you arent inner courtyard disciples yet, Ive granted permission for the few of you to undergo deep meditation here beforehand on account of your contributions to the academy, sufficient experience in the tournament and your gifts of twin martial souls. Your efforts will reap greater rewards here, and this experience will be be very valuable to your future cultivation. But its not just about your cultivation here. More importantly, you have to find your path here.

Wang Dong was jolted once again as he heard Elder Mus words. He seemed to understand some things.

Elder Mu said, Every soul master has a path he needs to take. Assault, agility, control, auxiliary these are only the shallowest things. Achieving more requires one to find his path accurately and precisely. No one can tell you how to walk this path. You can only discover it for yourself. For individuals with twin martial souls like yourself, its even more important to discover your own path. Never hesitate, or doubt the path you chose. Try your best to finish walking that path. Youll succeed no matter what the path is if you can do this.

Elder Mus guidance stopped here, and his voice also disappeared completely. In the other 2 rooms, Xiao Xiao and Huo Yuhao also heard the same things.

Xiao Xiao was in a special room. There were no rhizomes in this room. There was only a huge bell. Firstly, Xiao Xiao felt a heaviness that almost suffocated her. When she made an effort to sit down on the mat, she only heard a loud boom. Everything around her disappeared, and the only thought in her head was that she was trapped in a bell.

Huo Yuhao was in the most special room. When he entered, it was pitch-black. The entire room was silent.

He subconsciously wanted to unleash his martial soul when he entered the room. With his Spirit Eyes and Purple Demon Eyes, he could see everything clearly even if there wasnt any light.

But he suddenly felt a great distortion in the space where he was standing at this moment. It was as if the entire area around him had twisted tremendously, and his mind seemed to enter a trance.

He staggered forward two steps, and countless yellow spots lit up around him. It was as if many pairs of eyes were staring at him. A quiet chamber that was also 10 square meters in size also lit up.

What was this?

When Huo Yuhao looked at what was on the walls around him, he was shocked. He wanted to escape immediately. But he soon found out to his horror that he couldnt locate the door. Even though he unleashed his Spirit Eyes and used his Spiritual Detection to search for the door, he still couldnt find it.

The same type of bone was hung on the four walls and the ceiling. This bone didnt belong to a human, but was instead a triangular skull that was. There was a huge gap for the eyes, and the bottom of the skull was sharp. The yellow lights were shining from the eye sockets, which appeared to be balls of flames.

Ah. Huo Yuhao groaned. His body shook, and he almost fell to the ground. He only felt like a huge cage formed by immense spiritual power was trapping him within, and it was even caving in towards him.

He did not just feel tormented. He was even fearful. His Spiritual Sea also started to writhe tremendously, as if it was about to be torn apart by the frightening spiritual power outside.

But the Skydream Iceworm, Ice Empress and Electrolux didnt react at this point. He was the only one bearing all this.

If this was Huo Yuhao before the tournament, he wouldnt have been able to do anything except panic. His Spiritual Sea would even be on the brink of collapse. But torment and pain allowed one to grow. Furthermore, he was even nourished by the Life Gold before.

After panicking momentarily, he calmed himself down. He resisted the strong spiritual power and sat down on the mat in the room. He gathered his mind and focused so that he could calm down. He also controlled his own spiritual power and skin to act as defensive barriers. He laid layers and layers of spiritual barriers around and on himself to resist the violation of the external spiritual power.

His Spiritual Sea had become extremely resilient after he had trained it for so long. He quickly calmed down and stabilized his condition. The external spiritual power also became less intense at the same time.

Elder Mus voice resonated at this moment.

Huo Yuhao, tell me: what is spiritual power?

Huo Yuhao was different from both Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao in that he was already used to spiritual interaction. He immediately used his Spiritual Sea to reveal his answer.

Spiritual power is will.

Elder Mu said, Thats right, spiritual power is will. And the key to training ones spiritual power is through resistance and pressure. Your spiritual power is much stronger than I had imagined. Theres no other way to describe it other than the fact that you have an unusual gift. Since you have twin martial souls and the Ultimate Ice as one of them, can you tell me why you didnt choose the Ultimate Ice to be your main martial soul, but instead chose your Spirit Eyes?

Huo Yuhao replied, Thats because the Ice Jade Scorpion is too powerful. Its powers can only be fully unleashed when the soul rings on it are stronger. Thats why I hope to use the Spirit Eyes to accumulate sufficient strength, and ensure that the soul rings on the Ice Jade Scorpion are at least ten thousand years and above.

Elder Mu laughed suddenly. Little fellow, whats the level of your Ice Jade Scorpions first soul ring?

This Huo Yuhao turned anxious. He realized that he couldnt lie to Elder Mu.

Hundred thousand year soul ring, am I right? Elder Mus words were like a Class 9 soul tool cannon shell as they struck Huo Yuhao.

Elder Mu said, In fact, youve concealed it very well. You managed to conceal your second martial souls first soul ring with your Spirit Eyes second soul rings Imitation. Others cant tell, but its different for me. Do you know why?

Huo Yuhao didnt say anything. He was only very tense at this moment. The Skydream Iceworm and Ice Empress were the two most important secrets on him! He was filled with fear at this moment.

Elder Mu followed with, Thats because the domain-type soul skill that you displayed before exposed the capability of your Ice Jade Scorpions first soul ring. I have a domain-type soul skill too. They are usually hundred thousand year soul skills, unless there are special circumstances involved.