Chapter 486: Destructive Healing, Part 3
In Xuanzi's gaze flickered a hint of suspicion.
So he likes to show off, does he? Just look at him, pretending to care! Clearly, he's looking for an excuse to wipe us out. I won't let him get the chance! Xuanzi thought, his mind racing with paranoid scenarios. Begrudgingly, he reached into his storage soul device and pulled out a drumstick, chomping on it fiercely while keeping his wary eyes locked onto Ye Wen. He maintained his full body soul armor, his vigilance apparent.
It was Ma Xiaotao who finally broke the tense silence.
"Senior, I don't know what exactly you're here for," she said urgently, "but I'd really like to get my classmates back to Shrek for treatment as soon as possible. Their injuries can't wait." Her voice carried the desperation of someone who'd seen close friends suffer.
Xuanzi blinked, shocked by this unexpected plea from the usually sharp witted Ma Xiaotao. Hadn't he just set up a perfect excuse to delay Ye Wen? How could she have thrown it all away so quickly?
Ye Wen chuckled, pleased that someone had at last shifted the conversation in a useful direction. Resuming where he'd left off, he addressed Xuanzi and Ma Xiaotao, "Taking them back to Shrek isn't going to fully heal them. I know the limits of Shrek's best healing type Titled Douluos."
After a pause, he added, "And with all this wasted time and the depth of the poison in their systems, it's possible that some may not make it even if they reach Shrek."
In truth, if Ye Wen hadn't intervened, their treatment might have taken time, but they would ultimately recover. Still, he subtly exaggerated the gravity of their condition to strengthen his position.
For Xuanzi, this only deepened his suspicions. He even knows the limits of our Titled Douluo healers? And he claims he's not a threat to Shrek?
Dai Yaoheng, quick witted as ever, picked up on the implications behind Ye Wen's words. "Are you saying, Senior, that you can help us heal them? If so, please assist us, and we'll make sure you're well rewarded afterward whether by Shrek Academy or the White Tiger Duke's estate."
As Dai Yaoheng spoke, he was already devising ways to distribute the rewards. Shrek had the highest stake in saving these promising students, as they were the academy's future. And with the White Tiger Duke's recent blunders, mending the strained relationship with Shrek would only benefit them.
But then Xuanzi interrupted, his voice firm. "No. That's out of the question!"
Everyone turned to Xuanzi in shock.
Ye Wen's gaze was one of weary exasperation what strange reasoning could this man possibly have now? The injured inner court students, however, were dumbfounded. Here was someone offering the help they desperately needed, yet Xuanzi was rejecting it.
Xuanzi felt a pang of guilt. How could he explain to these students that he distrusted this man who had just offered them salvation?
Just then, Ma Xiaotao muttered something to herself. "Tianxing Douluo... the name sounds familiar."
As part of Shrek's inner court, Ma Xiaotao spent most of her time training or managing her martial soul's evil fire rather than staying updated on external affairs, so she hadn't initially recognized Ye Wen. But hearing her, Ling Luochen recalled details about this formidable powerhouse.
Ling Luochen, understanding that the person before them was no ordinary Titled Douluo but a peerless Rank 99, felt a surge of trust. Seeing her companions suffering from injury and poison, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
"Elder Xuan, we can't delay any longer. If this Senior can help us, we should accept it. Shrek and our families will certainly repay him in full."
Ling Luochen's words felt like a hammer striking Xuanzi's resolve. He was left tongue tied, unable to refuse any further.
Sensing the perfect moment, Ye Wen took a step forward. "Relax, Xuanzi. You're right I do have my own interests in mind by saving them, but you don't need to be so defensive. If I wanted to harm Shrek, don't you think I'd already be in the Sun Moon Empire?"
He strolled past Xuanzi, patting his shoulder as he walked by.
Watching Ye Wen's relaxed demeanor, Xuanzi's expression became a mix of frustration and confusion.
As Ye Wen turned his gaze to Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yaoheng, and the rest, he said, "Bring the wounded students here in a line, even the one who has... already passed. One of my soul skills happens to have a resurrection effect. We may as well revive him, too."
Ye Wen's casual words sent a jolt of shock through everyone present.
Resurrection was a legendary feat, and hardly any soul skill in recorded history had been able to accomplish it. Only the spirit fusion skill performed by the first generation of Shrek's Seven Monsters specifically, the Nine Colored Douluo and the Food God Douluo was said to have revived the Sea God Tang San himself.
But Ye Wen wasn't interested in their shock. He was only here to plant a cover for his future plans. He wanted Shrek preoccupied with what he'd implied about the Sun Moon Empire and the Holy Spirit Cult.
When all seven students were in position, Ye Wen, under Xuanzi's complicated yet astonished gaze, summoned nine spirit rings each one a radiant red representing a 100,000 year spirit beast. In his hand, he conjured an orb of glistening energy.
One by one, his spirit rings activated, sending streams of vibrant light into each of the injured Shrek students. The green tinge of poison faded from their faces, replaced by the warm flush of life. Their injuries mended as though time had turned back, and the student who had fallen completely began to breathe again. With the revival complete, Ye Wen stepped back.
For a moment, Xuanzi watched in disbelief. Perhaps, just perhaps, Ye Wen's intentions toward Shrek weren't so hostile.
With a deep sigh, Xuanzi thought, Maybe Tianxing Douluo doesn't mean us harm...
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Chapter 487: Final Explosion
Xuanzi shook his head fiercely, dispelling the dangerous thought that had briefly crossed his mind. Impossible! There's no way! This man must be plotting something I don't know about, he reassured himself.
But then his gaze softened as he saw Ma Xiaotao and the others now fully healed and breathing steadily. For once, he had avoided the tragedy that had haunted him from his past.
Ye Wen gave a slight nod, appearing quite pleased with his handiwork. He glanced at the group and said, "Take a moment to check yourselves over. Let me know if anything still feels wrong."
It was the finishing touch to his role, and Ye Wen always saw things through. The group looked at him, still stunned, and then began their checks.
It's good to be alive, Ma Xiaotao thought, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Senior, for saving us."
The others quickly followed, expressing their gratitude. But Ye Wen waved them off, saying matter of factly, "No need for thanks; my help wasn't without strings attached."
Hearing this, Xuanzi's cautious gaze sharpened. Did Ye Wen intend to use this debt of gratitude to pull these promising students away from Shrek? Not a chance! Xuanzi told himself, his mind racing. These are the pillars of Shrek's future.
Xuanzi swiftly stepped in front of the students, blocking them protectively. "Tianxing Douluo, what do you want?"
Ye Wen sighed, seeing the tension in Xuanzi's clenched fists. "When did you become so paranoid? Payment for services rendered is standard. There's no need for theatrics."
Xuanzi blinked in surprise. "Payment?" he asked, still wary.
Ye Wen gave a dismissive look over the group. "Every one of them, apart from the White Tiger Duke's son, is probably a future Titled Douluo candidate for your Sea God Pavilion. Am I wrong?"
Xuanzi remained silent, nodding heavily. Ye Wen had assessed them precisely.
Ye Wen raised a finger. "One hundred million gold soul coins per person. That's my rate."
A stunned silence fell over the group. They stared in disbelief, momentarily silenced by the sum before the stench of blood and dust forced them to breathe shallowly again.
"I know it's a high price," Ye Wen continued, his gaze unyielding. "But each of them has the potential to become a Sea God Pavilion elder one day. If Shrek can loan inner court students funds to support their growth, you're well aware of their worth."
He narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me Shrek can't afford it. If that's the case, I might be tempted to make a scene."
Xuanzi's brow glistened with sweat. He knew Ye Wen wasn't bluffing. Finally, he nodded in defeat. "Alright, Shrek will cover it. But it's an enormous sum… We'll need time to gather it."
Reluctantly, he asked, "Could we pay in installments?"
Ye Wen considered, and then nodded. "Fine. Two hundred million annually, over four years. Total: eight hundred million gold soul coins. Agreed?"
Though dismayed, Xuanzi knew Ye Wen's terms were hardly unreasonable, and he nodded, signing the debt contract.
Ye Wen's lips curled slightly as he pocketed the promissory note. This debt would ensure that Shrek's resources took a steep hit, potentially impacting their entire operations. Perhaps they'd even pass some of the cost on to students Flander's legacy was, after all, making sure students "invested" in their futures.
With the matter settled, Ye Wen turned to leave the cave. Ma Xiaotao and her companions exchanged anxious glances. First they'd faced near death; now they'd been left with an unfathomable debt hanging over their heads.
Yet for Ma Xiaotao, the loyalist who considered herself a devoted part of Shrek, the responsibility wasn't overwhelming. For those like Ling Luochen and Dai Yaoheng, however, whose family resources weren't tied to Shrek, the pressure was immense.
As they left the cave, both Dai Yaoheng and Ling Luochen recalled their injuries had been relatively minor. Would they have to shoulder the same debt despite being less affected? The thought made them uneasy, and they turned to Xuanzi with their concerns.
Xuanzi, who'd only just left the cave himself, was beginning to see the larger implications of this debt. He realized the trap he'd fallen into; Ye Wen had evenly divided the costs among all students, not just those in critical need of healing.
But the agreement was signed; there was no way out. Xuanzi clenched his fists. Such a sly move, Tianxing Douluo. If I make the students shoulder this cost, they'll resent Shrek, even turn against it. A clever scheme.
But in the next instant, a resolute gleam appeared in Xuanzi's eyes.
You miscalculated, Tianxing Douluo. Shrek's legacy won't crumble under a mere seven hundred million debt. I'll use this to strengthen their loyalty to Shrek.
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Chapter 488: The Second Deal (Part 1)
Ye Wen had no idea what strange assumptions Xuanzi was spinning in his mind. Ye Wen's only real aim was to build up resources for Huo Yu´er in advance, so she wouldn't face financial struggles in the future. I'm truly a thoughtful master!
Believing he had "uncovered" Ye Wen's schemes, Xuanzi quickly reassured the inner court students. Though Dai Yaoheng and the others were initially ready to shoulder part of the debt, they were relieved when Xuanzi wiped away their obligation. Young hearts are simple they were just glad no one was going to be collecting payments from them.
The Shrek team soon regained their usual camaraderie, though Xuanzi's face darkened again as he realized Ye Wen hadn't left and was instead sitting around the fire, joining them for a barbecue. For the inner court members, violence was routine, so after the recent shock, they were ready to indulge and ease their minds by devouring food in excess.
The scene would have been perfectly normal if not for Ye Wen's presence.
"Your Grace Tianxing, may I ask why you're still here?" Xuanzi asked politely, his discomfort evident.
The students, meanwhile, were eating in silence. They had quietly exchanged information and now knew the unassuming young man in front of them was the newly famous 99th level Peerless Douluo from the mainland.
Ye Wen smirked. "Are you that afraid of me?"
Xuanzi's pride would never let him admit such an embarrassing truth. As a proud 98th level Glutton Douluo, he couldn't afford to lose face. So he chose silence.
Unbothered, Ye Wen took another bite, his voice floating softly as he chewed. "Don't worry; I mean no harm to Shrek. The truth is, I've ventured out because my sect has been hidden for too long. If I don't pass down its name and teachings, Tianxing Sect will vanish completely. Not that you'd know it."
Seeing Xuanzi tense, Ye Wen added, "Instead of watching me so closely, perhaps you'd do better to focus on the Sun Moon Empire. From what I know, the Holy Spirit Cult has almost completely infiltrated it. They've even got a Peerless Douluo there an old enemy of yours."
The look of shock in Xuanzi's eyes was almost amusing.
"Wait, the Holy Spirit Cult is in the Sun Moon Empire!?" Xuanzi exclaimed.
Ye Wen continued nonchalantly, flipping the meat skewers. "Didn't you know? I thought Shrek's intelligence network was good. A whole organization of evil spirit masters can't hide without a national cover. Right now, only the Sun Moon Empire lacks top level Spirit Masters and is willing to shelter them.
"It's not a hard conclusion to reach. Just the other day, I decided to explore the empire out of boredom, and I found quite a few evil spirit masters," Ye Wen explained with a shrug. "I didn't interfere, though. As things stand, it would look bad."
Ye Wen took another bite and clapped Xuanzi on the shoulder. "Keep it up, Xuanzi. If you don't reach level 99 soon, Shrek might be in real trouble seeing as you're the champions of justice and all."
Xuanzi's entire body tensed. The message was too clear. Reaching level 95 as a Titled Douluo marked a Spirit Master as exceptional, and anyone beyond that, like Xuanzi or Du Busi, possessed a Super Spirit. At such a level, every advantage counted.
Without Mu En, Shrek Academy would be vulnerable. For years, Shrek had made enemies of evil spirit masters, and Xuanzi realized the inevitability of their retaliation if Mu En were to pass away. It was no longer about whether Tianxing Academy would replace Shrek; this was a matter of life and death for the academy itself.
"Shrek cannot be left to fall in my hands…" Xuanzi resolved, deciding to inform Elder Mu of this development immediately.
As though reading his thoughts, Ye Wen added, "Seems you've thought it through. So do your best."
Xuanzi nodded. Oddly, he even felt grateful; Ye Wen had shielded their conversation with spirit power, ensuring this sensitive information wouldn't spread. If the inner court students learned how powerful the opposition was, would they still be willing to stand with Shrek?
With their conversation complete, Ye Wen dispelled the shield and returned to eating his barbeque. As he continued, he glanced at Ma Xiaotao, an idea forming.
The Shrek students all noticed the look, but for Ma Xiaotao, the gaze felt different almost intense. Why is he looking at me like that? Could he be interested in me?
In her mind, Ma Xiaotao started to spiral. If he does pursue me… should I accept?
Ye Wen, sensing her turmoil, raised a brow and sent out a pulse of spiritual energy. What's wrong with her? That evil fire effect is inconvenient for sure, especially on a girl.
He silently simulated a sliver of Ultimate Ice, allowing him to gently press his finger against Ma Xiaotao's forehead.
"Ah "
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Chapter 489: Second Deal (Part 2)
Ma Xiaotao's first thought was, "So cold!" But then she noticed something strange once again, it was her evil fire acting up.
After sensing that the evil fire was now under control, Ye Wen withdrew his hand, offering Ma Xiaotao a chiding glance. "Now that you know your martial soul's weakness, stop filling your head with nonsense. That only makes you more vulnerable."
Ye Wen's habitual tone as a teacher made him scold Ma Xiaotao automatically, though he soon remembered he wasn't her teacher and held back the rest of his rebuke, turning instead to Xuanzi.
"Xuanzi, from what I can see, only a handful of your inner court students have the potential to be Sea God Pavilion's future Master after you, that is. What do you say? Want to make another deal? One that could give Shrek a chance at having an additional Peerless Douluo in the future."
Xuanzi's eyes betrayed his inner conflict. He knew Ye Wen likely had his own motives, but this was about a potential future Peerless Douluo a chance no academy leader could easily turn down. Presently, only two people in Shrek qualified for such a lofty future.
One was Elder Mu's grandson, Bei Bei. While he'd recently been distracted due to his romantic troubles, if Mu En were to give him a boost through certain methods before passing, Bei Bei would likely become a Peerless Douluo. The other promising candidate was Zhang Lexuan, Bei Bei's childhood friend, an extraordinarily gifted Spirit Master who had reached the rank of Spirit Douluo by age 24.
But Zhang Lexuan's case was complex. While Shrek's inner leadership understood her loyalty, her lunar martial soul linked her to the royal family of the Sun Moon Empire. This connection cast a shadow over her allegiance.
Shrek's truest hope for a future Peerless Douluo fell on Bei Bei, despite his inconsistencies, which left Xuanzi deeply concerned. If they could add a new candidate to that pool, Xuanzi would want it to be Ma Xiaotao, who, despite her tragic past, carried the bloodline of the original Shrek Seven Devils. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "What do you want?"
Ye Wen smiled. For the time being, Tianxing Academy didn't lack money or talent; what they needed was time to develop. This deal was mostly an improvised decision on his part. He handed Xuanzi a contract he had drafted.
Xuanzi's expression soured as he watched Ye Wen write. Even someone as easygoing as him knew that terms on paper could bind tighter than tangible losses. He also knew, though, that no matter what was written, if it came down to it, he wouldn't hesitate to disregard it for Shrek's benefit.
However, as he skimmed the contract, Xuanzi's face grew skeptical. "Your Grace Tianxing… aren't these conditions a bit too lenient?"
The terms required nothing tangible no funds, no goods. They only stipulated that Shrek would not obstruct Tianxing Academy's commercial activities, academic exchanges, or the career choices of graduates in the future.
Ye Wen knew that Shrek's powerful network of connections was still one of the strongest on the continent. If they ever targeted Tianxing Academy, neither the academy nor the Heavenly Soul Empire could fend off their influence. However, Xuanzi seemed oblivious to this reality.
Munching on a kebab, Ye Wen said, "Relax. There's no hidden agenda here. This trade was only meant as a courtesy; I told you, I'm no enemy of Shrek."
Xuanzi remained silent for a long time before bowing his head in thanks. Surprisingly, it was Ma Xiaotao who appeared most anxious about the deal. After all, no one wanted to live under constant torment from chaotic desires.
Ye Wen gestured for her to come over, and Ma Xiaotao eagerly obeyed. "Sit down. I'll help you address the martial soul defect."
Ma Xiaotao complied, sitting cross legged in an uncharacteristically obedient manner. Her usual fiery, rebellious spirit had given way to a more subdued side.
Ye Wen found it curious after all these generations, the evil fire in Ma Hongjun's Phoenix martial soul should have been eradicated. Not only had he achieved godhood, but Ma Xiaotao was also the only one left bearing the Phoenix bloodline. How did the evil fire still exist?
To Ye Wen, it seemed almost intentional, as if certain factors beyond this world had orchestrated it. Could it be that even now, Tang San is meddling?
Despite its drawbacks, the Phoenix martial soul was still the only extreme fire spirit Shrek had retained over millennia. In contrast, Tang San had discarded his own Blue Silver Grass as soon as the opportunity arose, favoring a divine path aligned with his true power, the Clear Sky Hammer. If Ma Hongjun's descendants had developed unimpeded, his bloodline would have created a new generation of powerful Spirit Masters capable of dominating the continent.
Who would have thought? Of all people, Ma Hongjun would've held the most powerful legacy.
As Ye Wen lightly placed a hand on Ma Xiaotao's forehead to examine her, he realized that her inner flame her extreme fire far surpassed Ma Hongjun's. Though Ma Hongjun had ascended to godhood, his spirit had not reached the true pinnacle of the extreme fire. In contrast, Ma Xiaotao had inherited and refined his flame to the point of extreme purity, despite the evil fire that had seeped in over the generations.
It was now apparent to Ye Wen that Ma Xiaotao's martial soul bore traces of an external evil force a toxic remnant poised to degrade her extreme fire's purity if left unchecked.
What a shameful manipulation, Tang San…
Fortunately, Ye Wen knew how to cleanse her spirit and fully restore her fire's purity.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 490: Evil Fire
Ma Xiaotao felt a rare sense of comfort usually, her body was constantly overheated, leaving her feeling drowsy and irritable. To avoid worrying others, she forced herself to stay strong. But recently, she could barely muster that strength.
Though she shared Ma Hongjun's extreme fire attribute, her Spirit Emperor level made it harder to control the evil fire that tainted her flames. Each training session felt like it was pushing her closer to death. She had come too far to give up, however, so she persisted, often relying on Ling Luochen's ice attribute to suppress the fire as she continued her arduous training.
Still, even Ling Luochen's help had been losing its effectiveness, and her teacher Yan Shaozhe had finally forbidden her from training, warning that she might otherwise die from spontaneous combustion. Ma Xiaotao, clinging to her desire to improve, reluctantly agreed to stop only after this one last Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament.
After the devastating fight with the evil spirit masters, she had felt hopeless, as if her last chance at the spotlight had been lost until she met that man.
Time passed, and when she finally opened her eyes, her fiery red irises were calm and clear, a hint of pink around the edges. A playful voice broke through her thoughts.
"Congratulations, you're now a lovely young man."
Ma Xiaotao was startled, looking down quickly. Of course, she couldn't see anything out of place.
Fuming at what she took as an ill spirited joke, she was about to snap back but caught sight of Ye Wen's amused expression and Elder Xuan's concerned face, reminding her of everything that had just happened.
"How do you feel, Xiaotao? Do you still sense the evil fire?" Elder Xuan asked.
Ma Xiaotao blinked, then closed her eyes to examine her spirit power. The restlessness that had plagued her was gone, replaced by pure fire coursing through her body. Hope bloomed within her, and even someone as tough as Ma Xiaotao felt tears welling up.
"It's gone, Elder Xuan. It's really gone," she whispered, voice breaking.
Elder Xuan was just as relieved, seeing the renewed hope for Shrek's future a future rooted in an extreme martial soul. In the world of Spirit Masters, an extreme martial soul was practically unbeatable against opponents of the same level.
Watching this unfold, Ye Wen felt that his work was done here. The entire procedure had been a controlled use of his spirit power, simulating extreme ice to cleanse her without drawing attention. If he'd used celestial herbs, Tang San's influence would've likely tipped off the god king, risking his exposure. In the original timeline, Huo Yuhao's attempt to treat Ma Xiaotao with extreme ice had fallen short, requiring her to later consume the Blaze Gel as a corrective measure Ye Wen's precision now bypassed such errors. With all complications resolved, the atmosphere grew lively again.
Ma Xiaotao celebrated briefly with her friends before slowly approaching Ye Wen, face blushing faintly. Ye Wen, however, chuckled inwardly. Ma Xiaotao's bold personality was admirable, but not exactly to his taste plus, he was old enough to be her ancestor.
"Is something wrong, Ma Xiaotao?" he asked, nibbling on his roasted meat.
Caught in the moment, Ma Xiaotao struggled to form her words, her newfound gratitude and admiration making her act impulsively. Elder Xuan took one look and resumed eating, certain that Ye Wen, an esteemed Douluo, wouldn't be interested in such trivial matters. Besides, Ye Wen clearly understood how important an extreme martial soul would be for Shrek's future. He wouldn't risk such a valuable relationship by acting inappropriately.
At a loss for words, Ma Xiaotao's mind raced. Eventually, she came up with a question. "Your Grace Tianxing, is your academy planning to participate in the tournament?"
No sooner had she asked than she regretted it, realizing she had just emphasized their differing statuses. She wondered what else she could say to keep the conversation going.
Ye Wen responded casually, "Yes, we'll be participating. My five disciples are the main team, and you may even recognize some of them."
Startled, Ma Xiaotao hadn't expected that answer. For an academy so new to compete at the highest level was audacious. Still, Ye Wen's incredible strength gave her a sense of urgency. "Your Grace must have quite talented students to compete already," she said.
Shrugging, Ye Wen replied, "They're decent. The strongest one is a Spirit Ancestor, but I'm confident in them. If you encounter them, be prepared."
Hearing that the strongest among his disciples was only a Spirit Ancestor, Ma Xiaotao felt a hint of disdain; her extreme fire would overwhelm a mere Spirit Ancestor. Yet, she was curious about his earlier comment.
"Why did you say that I might recognize someone? Could you tell me who?" she asked, shifting slightly closer, her eyes lingering on his calm, refined face.
Ye Wen thought it over briefly, figuring there was no harm in mentioning it. "You may not know the younger disciples, but there are two older ones you'd recognize Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya. They were well known at Shrek, weren't they?"
Ma Xiaotao recalled them Jiang Nannan, one of the most beautiful faces in the outer court, and Tang Ya, the infamously unlucky misfit. But while she pondered, two others nearby froze, then immediately stepped forward, eyes wide with surprise.
(End of Chapter)
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