When everyone had gathered on the square in front of the new Sea God Pavilion, the meeting that would shape Shrek Academy's future officially began.
The first order of business was a moment of silence for the victims of the recent Evil Soul Master attack. Yun Ming, as the master of the Sea God Pavilion, took primary responsibility for the tragedy. This gesture was, of course, meant to console the bereaved families.
Given Yun Ming's status and position, he could have easily distanced himself from blame—no one would have faulted him, as he had already done more than enough. But Yun Ming was, after all, Yun Ming. His sense of responsibility would never allow him to shift the burden of guilt onto others.
Thus, the second agenda item was naturally brought forward.
"Everyone standing here on the new Sea God Island must have already noticed that the Golden Ancient Tree, once the symbol of Shrek Academy, is no longer with us," Yun Ming said solemnly. "The Golden Tree has existed since the founding of Shrek Academy. Having weathered twenty thousand years of trials, it had long become an indelible emblem of our institution.
The fact that we can all stand here today owes much to the Golden Tree. It sacrificed itself to protect the academy. As its beneficiaries and descendants, forgetting it would be an affront to heaven and earth.
Therefore, in my capacity as master of the Sea God Pavilion, I propose renaming the new Sea God Island as Golden Island, to commemorate and honor the Golden Tree's immense contribution to our academy!
What does everyone think?"
"I agree!" Ya Li immediately responded. "The Golden Tree's significance to the academy far surpasses its physical existence. Every one of us has directly or indirectly benefited from it. Now that it has fallen to protect us, renaming the new Sea God Island as Golden Island will ensure future generations remember this great predecessor who made such a tremendous sacrifice."
"I also agree," Jing Shaoyu, the heir to the Pavilion Master, added from beside Ya Li.
His eyes were filled with emotion. In truth, Yun Ming had discussed the renaming with Ya Li and him beforehand. Jing Shaoyu understood perfectly well that Yun Ming intended to use this opportunity—the reconstruction of the Inner Academy—to initiate a reformation of Shrek Academy, aiming to minimize Poseidon's influence within the Inner Academy as much as possible.
Renaming Sea God Island was merely his first step.
"The Golden Tree was not just a symbol of Shrek Academy—it was also the resting place of my husband and my ancestors. Its fall grieves me deeply. We must never forget it, and I believe renaming the new Sea God Island as Golden Island is most fitting," Long Yeyue declared. "As for the name 'Sea God Island,' let it fade into history alongside our revered Golden Tree."
With the agreement of both deputy Pavilion Masters and the heir apparent, the other Elders naturally raised no objections. Neither the faculty and students of the Inner Academy nor those of the Outer Academy dissented, so the proposal passed smoothly.
From this day forth, Sea God Island would cease to exist, and ascending Golden Island would become the new aspiration of Shrek's students.
Yun Ming's eyes flickered slightly as he continued, "With the Golden Tree gone, the Sea God Pavilion built upon it has also been destroyed. Though we have erected a new Sea God Pavilion, I believe its name warrants reconsideration."
"At the very least, it's no longer suitable to continue using the name 'Poseidon.' Therefore, I propose renaming the new Sea God Pavilion as the 'God of Battle Pavilion,' signifying that we stand above Douluo yet beneath the gods. This will inspire everyone to strive diligently, just like the revered sages in Shrek Academy's history who ascended to divinity and achieved their Divine Thrones."
"I agree," Ya Li spoke up again in support of Yun Ming. "When the first-generation Pavilion Master established the Sea God Pavilion, it was to confront the Sun Moon Empire and strengthen the unity and confidence of the three Douluo nations, hence the name 'Poseidon.'"
"Later, the Spirit Ice Douluo emerged, accomplishing the magnificent feat of ascension once more. Though we do not know the name of his deity, the fact of his divinity is undeniable. By then, the number of deities who emerged from the academy had reached eight."
"Now, we no longer need the name 'Poseidon' for unification purposes. Renaming the Sea God Pavilion as the God of Battle Pavilion is, in my opinion, perfectly fitting. It not only highlights the academy's glorious history but also inspires us, the younger generation, to forge ahead with determination."
"Agreed," said Jing Shaoyu.
His gaze was clear, but inwardly, he felt a surge of excitement. Shrek Academy could be considered the foundation and symbol of Poseidon worship. Now, by voluntarily shedding the name 'Poseidon,' it would undoubtedly plunge the entire Douluo Continent's faith in Poseidon into decline.
After all, Poseidon was too distant for the people of Douluo. Their belief in him largely stemmed from Shrek Academy's exemplary influence. With the academy abandoning the promotion of Poseidon worship, faith in the deity would quickly wane across the continent.
If Shrek Academy once needed Poseidon worship to expand its influence, now it was Poseidon who needed the academy to sustain and extend his worship. Once Shrek Academy chose to forsake Poseidon, the only steadfast believers left on the Douluo Continent would likely be the Poseidon family led by Chen Xinjie.
They were the true beneficiaries of Poseidon worship.
The decline of Poseidon worship on the Douluo Continent was a great boon for Jing Shaoyu—it would significantly reduce the difficulty of reclaiming his authority over the seas.
"God of Battle Pavilion, God of Battle Pavilion," Long Yeyue murmured, her eyes gleaming. "A fine name. I agree."
The other Elders had no objections either. Whether it was the Sea God Pavilion or the God of Battle Pavilion, it made no substantial difference to them.
As for whether Yun Ming's actions would affect Poseidon worship—who cared? Worshipping Poseidon paled in comparison to worshipping Yun Ming, who at least genuinely protected them in times of danger.
Thus, from this day onward, the renowned Sea God Pavilion of the continent ceased to exist, replaced by the God of Battle Pavilion.
Seeing his first two proposals pass smoothly, Yun Ming looked relieved and seized the moment to press on. "Now that the new Sea God Island and new Sea God Pavilion have new names, I suggest we also change the name of the new Sea God Lake. My idea is to rename it 'Shrek Lake.' What do you think?"
"Of course, if anyone has better suggestions, feel free to share them. Let's pool our wisdom."
Hearing that Yun Ming intended to rename the new Sea God Lake as well, those present finally understood—this had been his plan all along.
"Shrek Lake, hehe~" Ya Li gave Yun Ming a somewhat helpless look and said, "But it shouldn't share the same name as the academy. In my opinion, why not call it Lake of Life like the inner lake?"
"No no, two lakes should have two different names," Long Yeyue said. "How about Lake of Divine Spirits? To commemorate the deities in the academy's history."
"I think Sky Pillar Lake would be nice," Cai Yue'er suggested. "The academy survived two level-12 Fixed Soul Guided Cannon Shells largely thanks to the Golden Tree and the Pavilion Master. Since we're using Golden Island to commemorate the Golden Tree, naming the lake to honor the Pavilion Master's contributions would be perfect!"
Cai Yue'er's proposal immediately gained most people's approval. Indeed, Yun Ming's current prestige was such that even if Poseidon himself were to appear, he might not surpass it. Thus, when Cai Yue'er suggested renaming the new Sea God Lake as Sky Pillar Lake, nearly all the students supported it.
However, Yun Ming objected. "No. I'm still alive and well—no need to commemorate me yet. Save it for after I'm gone. Next proposal."
"How about Lake of Blessing Spirits?" Jing Shaoyu proposed. "'Blessing' for sacrifice, 'Spirits' for the heroic souls. Lake of Blessing Spirits would be a lake honoring the departed—not just those lost in the attack, but also all the past sages and predecessors of Shrek Academy. Moreover, the main part of this lake was formed by the bomb crater. Naming it after heroic spirits would also serve as a warning."
Hearing Jing Shaoyu's suggestion, Yun Ming's eyes lit up. "Lake of Blessing Spirits—that's a good name. What do you all think?" He looked at the others.
Ya Li nodded. "I think it's good too."
"Mm, acceptable," Long Yeyue said.
The Elders, led by Cai Yue'er, also had no objections.
"Good, then it's decided—the new lake shall be called Lake of Blessing Spirits!" Yun Ming finalized the decision.
Thus, Lake of Blessing Spirits became Shrek Academy's new landmark and scenery, with the surrounding forest named Forest of Blessing Spirits.
After completing the three major reforms, Yun Ming moved on to the third matter. In his capacity as Shrek Academy's dean and Sea God Pavilion Master, he decided to erect a memorial in Shrek City to honor the Shrek students and faculty, Tang Sect members, city defense forces, and residents who perished in the attack.
Despite the efforts of several Limit Douluo and many Titled Douluo to minimize the damage, nearly five thousand lives were still lost in the terrorist attack. Ninety percent were Shrek City residents, while the academy itself lost nearly a hundred, including one Elder at the Titled Douluo level.
Such casualties were undoubtedly the worst Shrek Academy had suffered in nearly five thousand years. The last time losses were this severe was during the beast wave from Star Dou Great Forest ten thousand years ago, which was why Yun Ming felt deeply remorseful.
Jing Shaoyu offered no comment on this, as he knew full well that these casualties were the best possible outcome for Shrek Academy. The academy had neither suffered critical damage nor lost ninety percent of its mid-to-high-level combat strength as in the original timeline, where it was essentially annihilated.
This was already an immense stroke of luck.
"The last matter," Yun Ming's tone remained serious after the previous three items, but his expression had relaxed considerably. Yet, it was with this very relaxed demeanor that he dropped a bombshell on everyone present. He said, "This is something I decided long ago, and I might as well take this opportunity to settle it now.
Since the Sea God Pavilion no longer exists, there's no need for me, its master, to remain in this position. Therefore, I propose that Jing Shaoyu be appointed as the first master of the God of Battle Pavilion!"
As soon as these words were spoken, not just the others, but even Jing Shaoyu himself widened his eyes in disbelief, staring at Yun Ming. This was a complete ambush—Yun Ming hadn't discussed it with him at all!
However, Ya Li beside Jing Shaoyu remained perfectly calm. Clearly, Yun Ming had spoken to her beforehand, so she wasn't the least bit surprised.
"Teacher, I..." Jing Shaoyu instinctively wanted to refuse. He had considered becoming a pavilion master before, but not at this moment. With Shrek Academy in its current state, Yun Ming's leadership was crucial. How could he just step down now?
But as soon as he opened his mouth, Ya Li tugged at his sleeve, stopping him from speaking.
"Yun Ming, shouldn't we reconsider this?" Long Yeyue frowned. "Shaoyu is indeed outstanding, but he's still too young, and his strength has only just reached the Soul Saint level. Shouldn't we wait another two years?"
Long Yeyue understood Yun Ming's intentions but didn't support his approach. After the recent attack, Shrek Academy needed a strong helmsman like Yun Ming to steer its course. For him to retreat now seemed far too selfish.
"That's right, Oldest," Cai Yue'er, Zhuo Shi, Feng Wuyu, and the other Elders also chimed in, trying to persuade him.
They acknowledged Jing Shaoyu's talent, but the problem was, they were all counting on Yun Ming to lead the charge. For him to suddenly pass the torch to a junior—how could that be acceptable?
Yun Ming's resolve, however, was unshakable. With a wave of his hand, he silenced everyone, whether they were speaking or about to speak. "There's no need for further discussion. My decision is final. After this meeting, I will go into seclusion to attempt a breakthrough to the divine level. Jing Shaoyu will succeed me as the master of the God of Battle Pavilion and also assume the role of Shrek Academy's dean. Day-to-day academy affairs will be overseen by Deputy Pavilion Master Ya Li."
His words were absolute, leaving the Elders no choice but to comply. At least Yun Ming had given them some buffer time.
Jing Shaoyu would become the master of the God of Battle Pavilion and the dean of Shrek Academy, but the real authority would lie with Ya Li—akin to a young emperor ascending the throne while the empress dowager holds the reins of power.
"Shaoyu, come here," Yun Ming called, beckoning to Jing Shaoyu.
Jing Shaoyu immediately rose into the air and flew to Yun Ming's side. Smiling, Yun Ming patted his shoulder and said, "Go on, show everyone your Soul Rings."
"Alright." Jing Shaoyu nodded, understanding Yun Ming's intent. Without hesitation, he summoned his Martial Soul and Soul Rings.
When six orange-gold Soul Rings and one radiant golden Soul Ring emerged from behind Jing Shaoyu, hovering above his head, everyone finally understood why Yun Ming was in such a hurry to elevate him.
A golden Soul Ring—the legendary God-level Soul Ring. In the entire history of the Douluo Continent, it had only appeared twice before: once 20,000 years ago and again 10,000 years ago. Both times, the emergence of a golden Soul Ring heralded the birth of a deity.
Now, the golden Soul Ring had reappeared in the mortal world. What this meant was crystal clear to every teacher and student of Shrek Academy present.
It meant they were about to witness the birth of a god. It meant they would have a divine Pavilion Master. Though Yun Ming was the closest to godhood, in the eyes of Shrek Academy's faculty and students, his chances of ascending paled in comparison to Jing Shaoyu, who possessed a golden Soul Ring.
A golden Soul Ring—a God-level Soul Ring—carried that kind of credibility.
Among the Shrek teachers and students below, some had seen a golden Soul Ring before—Tang Wulin's Blood Energy Soul Ring. Only now did they realize how shallow their previous understanding of golden Soul Rings had been. How could a Blood Energy Soul Ring compare to a true God-level Soul Ring?
The sheer energy radiating from the God-level Soul Ring alone was incomparable to Tang Wulin's Blood Energy Soul Ring, which barely emitted any Soul Power fluctuations at all.
In any case, the moment Jing Shaoyu's golden Soul Ring appeared, the doubts among Shrek's faculty and students about his qualifications as Pavilion Master diminished by ninety percent. The remaining dissent came only from a few stubborn old-timers, but they had already been surpassed by Yun Ming once before. Being surpassed by Jing Shaoyu now hardly mattered to them.
(End of Chapter)