Chapter 481: Dai Hao
It was a well known fact: only the sharpest minds could advance to become high ranking soul masters. Even the notoriously reckless evil soul masters had tempered their erratic behavior after learning that Ye Wen a fully active Supreme Douluo at the peak of his power was now stationed in the Heavenly Soul Empire. Their once bold actions had grown increasingly covert. Though Ye Wen successfully cleared three evil soul master hideouts, the movement of these elusive enemies had become more hidden. For over a month now, he hadn't tracked down a single one.
At this moment, Ye Wen sat in a modest, little known city, in a residence prepared by the local city lord, savoring fine wine as he watched the distant sunset.
"Heh. I suppose some things don't change across worlds," Ye Wen mused to himself. "There's never absolute light, and never absolute darkness. Powerful as they are, evil soul masters often serve as the dirty gloves of nobility. And in turn, those nobles act as their shields."
Finishing his wine, Ye Wen rose, expressionless. This world was already riddled with decay, but the time to act was not yet at hand.
The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament was coming soon, but Tianxing Academy was still new, with barely any competent fighters to speak of. His handpicked disciples and Electrolux brought the team's total to a mere six.
Du Busi had suggested a promising young soul master named Long Aotian from the Body Hall as a potential disciple for Ye Wen. But…although Long Aotian's name was fit for a protagonist, his martial soul was merely skin, and his dual awakening had reached only the silver level far from impressive.
On the other hand, he was an agreeable young man, and Ye Wen wouldn't mind seeing him betrothed to Wei Na, just as he had in the original timeline. Of course, this was only if Wei Na herself was still interested a possibility made unlikely by recent events.
Because of Ye Wen's interference, it looked like fate was already shifting. Besides, under the increasing dominance of Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Academy, most Douluo academies lacked elite talent and would often fill their tournament teams with former Shrek outer court graduates under different names to compete.
"Tch. Prestige driven institutions seem to be the same everywhere."
But for Ye Wen, none of that mattered. He was more curious to see whether Shrek's team, missing Huo Yuhao, would still fall victim to a devastating attack by evil soul masters.
Actually, "devastated" would be an understatement. In the original timeline, without Electrolux's intervention, Shrek Academy's team would've been annihilated. Heh, and to think Xuanzai is leading them… you deserve what's coming to you.
If Shrek lost this cohort of gifted students here, the academy's future would be bleak. The group's bright legacy could disappear entirely, even without Ye Wen needing to lift a finger.
It didn't take long for Ye Wen to reach the Star Luo Empire. Unlike the rear guard Heavenly Soul Empire, Star Luo had an air of militarized vigilance, marred by broken structures and permeated with a battle worn spirit. Understandable, given its position as the frontline battleground. Everyone knew the Sun Moon Empire would return to wage war, so they could never let down their guard.
Ye Wen wasn't in any hurry to seek out the Shrek contingent. Instead, he went to the Star Luo Empire's military camp, content to wait patiently. After all, one of the participants in the tournament was none other than Dai Yaoheng.
Although Dai Huabin had committed grave errors, his older brother, Dai Yaoheng, had long since advanced to the inner court and was already quite powerful, possessing both high level cultivation and an overblown sense of noble duty. Given his popularity within Shrek, there was no way they'd expel him for his brother's actions.
As Ye Wen wandered around the Star Luo camp, he even caught a glimpse of Dai Huabin. Compared to his previously pampered self, the younger Dai was now bronze skinned, his once casual gaze sharpened by life in the military. He seemed almost like a different person. Ye Wen's opinion, however, remained unchanged.
"No amount of remorse can erase the mistakes you've made. After all, you still have the chance to repent, whereas Huo Yuhao's mother is forever gone," Ye Wen muttered to himself. "Though she might be brought back, that's only due to my intervention. Best prepare yourself for Huo Yuhao's revenge."
He cast Dai Huabin a cursory glance, dismissing him as nothing more than another antagonist foolishly challenging the protagonist. He was more interested in watching the impending events play out.
Finally, after several days, Ye Wen saw the people he'd been waiting for.
A small group made their way into Dai Hao's command tent.
"A tent for the highest ranking commander, just like that, open to any guest?" Ye Wen shook his head in exasperation. This was exactly why Shrek was so widely disliked. Arrogant and overly self righteous, they barged in wherever they pleased, believing their reputation would shield them from repercussions. Such behavior was what led Shrek Academy to be increasingly isolated.
Inside, Dai Yaoheng leaned close to the White Tiger Duke, whispering in his ear. Dai Hao immediately rose, bowing slightly out of respect.
Ye Wen watched the display with detached amusement. Over the past few days, he'd had ample opportunity to observe Dai Hao's true nature.
His assessment? Five words: "born to be an actor."
Dai Hao may have seemed the picture of a kind, empathetic leader, sharing meals and quarters with his soldiers, yet he was a ruthless commander behind the scenes, issuing orders without hesitation. Ye Wen knew well that Dai Hao was the one responsible for the death of Juzi's father years ago.
But after seeing so much life and death, Ye Wen felt nothing in particular about Dai Hao's role. Survival of the fittest was the way of the world, and he didn't intend to go against it.
However, he knew that Dai Hao was fated to meet his end at the hands of a Chosen One someday. That was none of Ye Wen's concern; he was merely a teacher, after all. >3<
This time, Shrek's oversight team was officially led by Wang Yan, one of the academy's rare teachers who truly excelled at imparting knowledge.
Wang Yan gave Dai Hao a polite smile. "No need for formalities, Duke. We're only here to fulfill our mission. Please simply instruct your subordinates to provide us with the necessary information. We won't keep you any longer."
Surprisingly, despite Wang Yan's blatant impoliteness, the White Tiger Duke did not display the slightest displeasure. Instead, he graciously arranged everything the Shrek students would need.
Once they'd gathered the information they came for, the Shrek team settled briefly in meditation, then departed swiftly.
Ye Wen didn't follow. He was more interested in watching Dai Hao's response.
Sure enough, the White Tiger Duke's gracious expression faded immediately after they left.
"Yaoheng is useless," he muttered coldly. "Failed to secure command of the team. Those two brothers are equally unreliable. I thought he would do well in the inner court, gain some strong allies, and strengthen the family. But apparently, I expected too much."
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 482: A Killing Blow
Nearby, one of Dai Hao's personal attendants quietly observed him, unfazed by the Duke's attitude. He had clearly seen this many times before. Dai Hao took a deep breath, collected himself, and returned to his official duties. Dai Hao had long known he could only rely on himself, fueling an intense desire for control and power.
Ye Wen, who had been observing these details, carefully recorded everything. Over the past few days, Ye Wen had documented Dai Hao's routines, all in preparation for the day Huo Yuhao would carry out his revenge. He wanted to ensure there would be no hesitation in Yuhao's heart when the time came.
After all, patricide was no trivial act, and Huo Yuhao would undoubtedly face a storm of internal conflict. But Dai Hao had never been a father to Yuhao. He hadn't even acknowledged Huo Yun'er as anything more than a fleeting pleasure. Having acted so callously toward a Chosen One, Dai Hao had signed his own death warrant. With Tang San out of the way and Ye Wen stirring the pot, the Dai family's downfall was now only a matter of time.
Trailing behind the Shrek group, Ye Wen saw them resting again. Dai Yaoheng and Ma Xiaotao were deep in conversation nearby. The fierce, untamed Ma Xiaotao, who had always respected strength, seemed intrigued by Dai Hao's reputation as Dai Yaoheng recounted tales of his father's rise.
As Dai Yaoheng told it, Dai Hao's journey began humbly, rising from the rank of a foot soldier to become a figure so distinguished that even the Star Luo Emperor took notice. Dai Hao had supposedly been recognized and honored as a member of the Dai clan after being noticed by the emperor himself, due to his striking resemblance to his grandfather.
Ye Wen, eavesdropping, could hardly suppress a snicker at such an overly dramatic tale.
"He really expects people to believe that someone with no background or allies rose to the rank of commander on sheer talent alone?" Ye Wen thought, amused. "There had to be some underhanded dealings involved. But Ma Xiaotao caged in Shrek as she is wouldn't know about that side of the world."
Ye Wen then noted Ma Xiaotao's eyes, which glowed a fierce crimson. Perhaps the evil fire within her was finally clouding her judgment. With Huo Yuhao absent, and no chance encounter with his Ultimate Ice, Ma Xiaotao's ailment was going untreated. Shrek's storied history could only go so far in resolving such a fundamental problem without the right cure.
Ye Wen's musings turned back to the God Realm as he recalled how Ma Hongjun, despite ascending to godhood, had ultimately failed to protect his family. Unlike Tang San's relatives, who enjoyed the luxuries of the Divine Realm, Ma Hongjun's descendants suffered through ordinary struggles back on Douluo.
"Why did Ma Hongjun get such a raw deal?" Ye Wen wondered. "Was it because of some slight against Xiao Wu? Or maybe his godhood came with strings attached... Hmm, I should've investigated the inner workings of the God Realm more thoroughly bet there's a lot of drama up there."
Just then, Dai Yaoheng's words pulled him back to the present, almost making Ye Wen laugh out loud.
"My grandfather always said my father's talent was on par with that of the original Shrek Seven Devils. Father is forty three this year and has led our forces for over thirty years. You know the strength of the Sun Moon Empire, yet my father has defended our western borders, keeping them safe all this time. If anyone in the Star Luo Empire deserves the title of 'hero,' it's him!"
"Please. With the way they fight wars here on the continent?" Ye Wen sneered. "Any half witted soldier could manage those borders as long as they stick to protocol. Besides, Dai Hao has orchestrated conflicts to prove his worth, ensuring he won't be reassigned to the rear."
The most laughable part, though, was Dai Yaoheng's over the top praise for his ancestor.
"Dai Mubai the 'leader' of the Shrek Seven Devils? The real leader was Tang San, everyone knows that! Dai Mubai only had a spot because he was the oldest, and he wasn't some prodigy his talent was mostly thanks to the Celestial Chrysanthemum, and that barely boosted his physical strength, let alone his spirit power. Back during the soul master tournament, his spirit power was already lagging behind Tang San's."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Ye Wen took out a soul guide recorder to capture the conversation. He had a feeling there'd be more gems like this coming.
Ma Xiaotao, meanwhile, blinked in admiration. "So, how many wives does your father have?"
Dai Yaoheng looked momentarily stunned, his expression turning slightly awkward. "Uh… just my mother. I only have one brother Huabin. My father is very disciplined when it comes to women. He always says that a man who can't control his desire will never achieve greatness. But… why do you ask?"
Ha! Ye Wen could barely suppress a laugh. This little tidbit would be the perfect fuel for Yuhao's wrath.
At the same time, Dai Yaoheng was beginning to feel nervous. Did his goddess… have a thing for older men like his father? No! That couldn't be!
Ma Xiaotao noticed the strange look in Dai Yaoheng's eyes, and her cheeks flushed red. She rolled her eyes at him. "What? Can't a girl admire someone? Your father is a real man. You could learn a thing or two."
Ye Wen watched, thoroughly entertained by the awkward exchange. Dai Hao, a "hero" by his son's account, had somehow produced two utterly ineffectual heirs: one an overly attached admirer, and the other an entitled failure.
Then again, Ye Wen thought, harming a Chosen One was always a recipe for misfortune. Without Tang San's divine interference, the Dai family was practically destined for ruin.
After a while, Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng continued their chat, but soon enough, Wang Yan called the students together to discuss their plans.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 483: Muscle Brains
Although Wang Yan was well qualified, he was, after all, only an Outer Court teacher and had a mere Soul King level cultivation, comparable to that of his students. Because of this, many of the gathered students appeared somewhat impatient.
Seeing this, Ye Wen, hidden in the shadows, shook his head in disapproval.
"These students can't even show basic respect for their teacher," he mused. "It says a lot about their own moral integrity or lack thereof."
Justice without integrity it was almost laughable.
Wang Yan was clearly a talented educator, though perhaps born in the wrong era. If Yu Xiaogang had possessed half of Wang Yan's competence, he wouldn't have needed Tang San's fame to rise. Ye Wen paused, briefly considering Wang Yan's rare intelligence in this age.
"Should I recruit him to act as Yuhao's advisor?" the thought crossed his mind briefly. However, he quickly dismissed it.
Wang Yan seemed the type to adhere to his principles, and with Shrek still standing strong, it was unlikely he'd leave, especially without facing some life altering crisis. It was the classic case of "there's no place like home," especially when that home is a diamond studded kennel like Shrek.
Ye Wen decided to let things play out naturally.
At this point, Wang Yan pulled out a branch and began explaining his deductions in great detail. But it was soon clear that most of the students, including Ma Xiaotao, were more muscle than mind; they looked increasingly confused.
"Mr. Wang, what exactly are you trying to say with all that?" Ma Xiaotao asked, frowning.
Wang Yan's enthusiasm faded momentarily, as though he'd been abruptly cut off. But he composed himself; after all, he knew his place, and offending any of these students could lead to severe consequences. He cleared his throat and explained more succinctly.
"I was saying that the enemy is most likely a group of evil soul masters. This also means they are nearby."
Ma Xiaotao nodded thoughtfully, but her frown soon returned. "Mr. Wang, I get the part about the enemy being evil soul masters. But why are you so certain they're close?"
Happy to delve into his expertise, Wang Yan proceeded to explain, using examples from the local vegetation to support his point. The students, though initially puzzled by his complex analysis, found themselves impressed.
Gaining confidence, Wang Yan began to outline their next steps. "The sun has just set, so conventional wisdom says we wouldn't typically move around at this hour. Following that logic, the enemy probably won't expect us to make a move either. So if we carefully search for traces, we should be able to locate their exact position and catch them off guard."
Ye Wen, observing this exchange from the shadows, looked bewildered.
"What? I just finished praising you as a potential advisor, only for you to backstab me with this? Fine, I'm officially striking you off Yuhao's list of potential mentors."
"Seriously, you already know this is the enemy's base, and you suspect they're harvesting rare plants from the area, which means they know it well. That's exactly the situation where you wait for them to make a move and follow quietly for a surprise attack," Ye Wen thought, exasperated.
In the original timeline, they had managed to locate the evil soul masters thanks to Huo Yuhao's mental detection, but without Yuhao, Shrek had lost that advantage. Despite his usual wisdom, Wang Yan had devised an overly reckless plan.
Or was it arrogance?
In the darkness, Ye Wen's gaze shifted to Xuanzi, who sat nearby, devouring a drumstick.
"Does he really think having a Titled Douluo as backup means they can do whatever they want?" Ye Wen thought. With any other Elder, the group might have been fine, but with Xuanzi, there was bound to be trouble.
But for now, that didn't concern Ye Wen. He was here to observe.
Following the plan, the fourteen Shrek team members, led by Ma Xiaotao, spread out and began searching for traces of the evil soul masters. Despite Wang Yan's reckless plan, his information was accurate, and their targets' base was indeed only a few hundred meters away.
The Shrek students refrained from charging in immediately. Instead, they regrouped to discuss their next steps.
Ma Xiaotao asked, "Mr. Wang, what's the plan now?"
Wang Yan stood thoughtfully, examining the cave at the bottom of a nearby slope. At the Soul King and Soul Emperor levels, even a casual move from a soul master could be devastating in such confined quarters, where the enemy would have a home field advantage.
"This is tricky," Wang Yan said, frowning.
But then his confidence returned. The members of Shrek's Inner Court were all seasoned veterans, having completed dozens of missions with the Shrek Inspection Group.
"The intel is solid, and with our Inner Court students, we should be fine," Wang Yan reassured himself. Thoughts of Xuanzi's backup strengthened his resolve.
"All right. Full frontal assault it is!"
He turned to Ma Xiaotao and the others. "You're all experienced enough that I don't need to spell it out. Just go in there and confirm the enemy's identity. If they're evil soul masters, attack immediately. The backup team and I will stay outside to support you."
Hidden in the shadows, Ye Wen rolled his eyes. "So that's the 'plan'? Just brute force and muscle."
But despite the simplistic approach, this plan was precisely what appealed to muscle brained warriors like Ma Xiaotao.
At least they displayed proper battle preparation. The students checked their equipment carefully before entering. But Ye Wen couldn't help but grimace at their standard issue armor.
"Arrogance is truly the bane of survival," he thought.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 484: Total Annihilation, Part 1
At that moment, Ma Xiaotao and her team strode confidently into the cave, making no effort to hide their presence.
Although there was only one evil soul master within the enemy group, and he was merely a Soul King, such casual bravado still bordered on recklessness.
Ye Wen, concealed on a nearby mountaintop, discretely scanned each member of the group, logging their conditions in preparation for possible intervention. The slight tremor beneath his feet told him the battle had already begun.
Suddenly, Ye Wen's thoughts took an odd turn as he recalled Tang San's "Manual of Poisons" hidden away in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Not only had Tang San once wiped out Spirit Hall's bloodline, but his Tang Sect's methods had also led to many dead ends across the continent. Tang San might have been right to hide the poison manual, as if that knowledge had spread unchecked, the continent's ignorance and arrogance would undoubtedly have led to countless brutal poison massacres.
That said, if Spirit Hall could poison an entire city silently, why hadn't Shrek learned to use poison against enemies in close quarters, like those in this cave? Then again, perhaps it was naive to expect Shrek to learn from Tang San's own hypocritical combat techniques.
The trembling beneath Ye Wen's feet soon escalated into violent, continuous shocks. Explosions reverberated, shaking the mountain itself.
"Shrek's so called prodigies, a squad of seven Soul Emperors, getting crushed by a single evil soul master who hasn't even reached the Soul Emperor level... What a farce," Ye Wen mused, shaking his head. "Is their disdain for soul tools really so absolute? Even if they don't want to rely on soul tools offensively, would carrying an invincible shield to avoid death hurt them?"
In the distance, Xuanzi, still sipping his wine, froze. His expression changed to one of horror, and he shot toward the cave as a streak of light.
Ma Xiaotao and the others' arrogance was matched only by Xuanzi's own. He hadn't anticipated that even a lowly evil soul master without a ten thousand year spirit ring could pose a real threat. But now, his overconfidence had backfired spectacularly.
"Bwahaha! How do you like the taste of my Corpse Explosion?" cackled the Death God Emissary, a classic villain sneer on his face. "No matter how powerful you are, my chain explosions mean certain death! If you survive the blast, you'll die from the poison!"
Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng, as the strongest of the group, had managed to activate their defensive spirit abilities in time, avoiding contact with the corpse poisoned blood but they were both severely injured.
Lin Luocheng, Ma Xiaotao's close friend, had fared slightly better thanks to her defensive ice spirit, which absorbed most of the impact. However, the other four were in much worse shape.
These seven Inner Court students, originally selected for the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, were now either grievously injured or fatally poisoned. One of them had already died.
At this moment, Xuanzi finally arrived, his eyes filling with rage as he took in the bloody scene, painful memories of past failures haunting him.
"Aaaargh!" Xuanzi let out an anguished roar as his spirit power erupted in a furious wave.
"You bastard! You're dead!"
With a burst of spiritual power, Xuanzi locked onto the evil soul master and snatched him into his grasp, immobilizing him completely. Although, in the original timeline, this soul master had been a critical figure in Huo Yuhao's awakening of his third spirit, an enraged Xuanzi wasted no time snapping his neck.
A terrifying display of power.
Ye Wen was somewhat amused; in the original timeline, this Soul King level villain had somehow managed to evade Xuanzi's grasp, even taking Huo Yuhao hostage. This was almost certainly due to an author's oversight. Xuanzi was indeed a pitiful figure, often portrayed as the failed hero among the Absolute Douluos.
But killing this soul master had solved nothing. Xuanzi now stood amidst the carnage, his eyes filled with grief and remorse.
Ma Xiaotao, in turn, struggled to her feet, her expression blank as she took in the devastation. As a direct descendant of Ma Hongjun, her only hardship had been controlling her Evil Fire, but this… this was her first time experiencing real loss.
"Elder Xuan…" Ma Xiaotao wanted to say something but found herself lost for words. She could only stand there, stunned.
This mission's failure was secondary; the loss of her friends people she had shared her days with was a blow she hadn't anticipated. For the first time, Ma Xiaotao was confronted with the pain of loss.
Dai Yaoheng, likewise shaken, surveyed the scene. But unlike Ma Xiaotao's emotional response, his inherited cold blooded instincts kicked in.
"Elder Xuan, there's no time to waste. The soul master said his spirit ability was poisonous. We need to treat the others immediately!"
Dai Yaoheng's words jarred Xuanzi back to reality.
"Y Yes… healing! They need healing!"
In a panic, Xuanzi fumbled through his storage tool, retrieving antidote pills and forcing them down the throats of the survivors. But Xuanzi, despite his immense strength, was no healer; the pills had only a limited effect. The real danger lay in the students' mortal injuries, which grew worse by the moment.
Realizing he couldn't save them here, Xuanzi tried to suppress the poison with his spirit power. "This won't work… I have to get them back to the Academy for treatment."
Finally accepting reality, Xuanzi prepared to carry the students back. But just as he moved to lift them, he froze, his gaze locked onto the cave's entrance.
Soft footsteps echoed from the passageway, incongruously calm amidst the carnage.
Instantly, Xuanzi was on high alert.
Everyone looked toward the newcomer and saw a refined, handsome young man in a plain, crescent white coat.
"You!" Xuanzi exclaimed, horrified.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 485: Crushing Power, Part 2
At first, Xuanzi grew tense as he took in the state of the injured Shrek Academy students before him. The sight of Ye Wen approaching only heightened his anxiety. When he saw that the person drawing near was indeed Ye Wen, Xuanzi felt as if he'd been struck in the chest.
Ever since Ye Wen's presence had been revealed, culminating in that brutal defeat, Xuanzi had not ceased to keep tabs on him. Although Xuanzi wasn't the brightest, he sensed the ambition behind Ye Wen's actions: to replace Shrek.
Since that realization, Xuanzi had viewed Ye Wen with intense wariness. If he could, he would gladly take him out on the spot. However, the difference in power between them was a chasm. Faced with Ye Wen, he was more concerned with his own survival, as Shrek was already about to lose Mu En. Without Xuanzi, their only remaining Rank 98 Titled Douluo, Shrek Academy could plummet from a top tier force to a mere first rate one.
Ma Xiaotao, nervous and anxious, noticed Xuanzi's tense stance and called out to him urgently.
"Elder Xuan!"
Startled from his thoughts, Xuanzi raised a hand to silence Ma Xiaotao and the others behind him. His serious posture communicated the level of threat posed by the approaching figure.
Seeing Xuanzi, usually carefree, adopt such a defensive stance, Ma Xiaotao couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "But…this guy doesn't look like a bad person." Her eyes wandered over Ye Wen, whose bearing was nothing short of captivating.
Xuanzi, oblivious to Ma Xiaotao's instant infatuation, regarded Ye Wen with apprehension. If he'd known that she was already abandoning caution, he'd have leapt with fury at her lack of judgment.
"Lord Tianxing," Xuanzi said cautiously. "Let's speak plainly: you aren't here by chance, are you? State your demands. All I ask is that you spare these students."
This reaction stunned Ma Xiaotao even more. To her, Xuanzi was always the carefree, playful elder. Yet here he was, looking more anxious than any suitor who had ever tried to win her over.
Ye Wen had no desire to exploit Xuanzi's unease, as he had already dealt with countless people of far greater stature over the years.
"Xuanzi, calm yourself. You know my strength. If I'd truly wanted to harm you, it would have been over by now." Ye Wen's words were blunt, but this straightforwardness actually relieved Xuanzi. A man of Ye Wen's power had no need to lie to him.
What mattered now was ensuring the injured students received treatment as soon as possible. Xuanzi said with urgency, "Yes, yes, you're right, Lord Tianxing. These students are seriously wounded, as you can see. If you have other matters to discuss, could you allow me to bring them back for treatment first? They are running out of time."
Ye Wen sighed as Xuanzi's mind went into overdrive.
Ye Wen's gaze hardened slightly. "You're not going to get far taking them back to Shrek Academy. They "
But Xuanzi didn't let him finish. Before he even heard Ye Wen's response, Xuanzi's spirit surged as he leapt forward, soul rings flashing, his Beast Spirit Armor activating. Behind him appeared the spectral form of his martial soul, the gluttonous Taotie Bull a creature with the body of a sheep, bizarrely placed eyes, and monstrous features.
"Over my dead body!" Xuanzi's voice was sharp and resolute. Charging forward, he hoped to force Ye Wen back and relocate the fight to protect the students from further harm.
"Run!" Xuanzi called to Ma Xiaotao and the others. "Don't worry about me! I'll buy you time!"
Understanding the order, Ma Xiaotao and her team immediately grabbed their fallen comrades, preparing to flee as chaos erupted.
Ye Wen sighed. Reasoning with someone so utterly stubborn and single minded was clearly futile. What made someone who couldn't even withstand a single blow think he could stop him? Ye Wen's gaze turned icy as he snapped his fingers. In an instant, Xuanzi disappeared from the cave.
The scene left the Shrek students, who had been preparing to run, staring in disbelief.
Now what? Ma Xiaotao's mind went blank.
Ye Wen smiled gently, as if he hadn't just made a seasoned warrior vanish into thin air.
"Calm down," he said softly. "If I wanted to harm you, I could have brought this whole mountain down on top of you from outside the cave. Why would I bother coming down here myself?"
Ma Xiaotao blushed, her thoughts now a blur. With her mind no longer stabilized by extreme ice, her head was already muddled by chaotic thoughts.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen hadn't sent Xuanzi far just outside the cave. Xuanzi, completely bewildered, quickly grasped the vast gap in their power. Yet, the students weighed heavily on his mind, so he rushed back in.
This time, he didn't attack but instead spread his arms protectively in front of Ma Xiaotao and the others.
"Take me instead!" he pleaded. "They're only children!"
Ye Wen pressed a hand to his forehead in exasperation as Ma Xiaotao and the others looked away, feeling second hand embarrassment. Ye Wen had barely done anything, yet Xuanzi was caught up in his own dramatic performance.
Ma Xiaotao and the others were too polite to criticize an elder, but Ye Wen decided to cut in.
"What are you going on about?" he said. "Is your martial soul affecting your mind again? Eat something and get a grip, and perhaps I'll wait for you to recover. Otherwise, I may end up killing you."
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