Chapter 70: The Cost of Glory
"Evil Soul Master!"
Ning Tian's voice trembled as he instinctively covered his mouth. Unlike Huo Yuhao in the original events—who was often kept in the dark despite his rising importance—Ning Tian, as the young master of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, was deeply aware of what an evil soul master represented.
As an auxiliary-type soul master, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of all soul master types was essential for survival. Without such knowledge, one might not even understand how they died in battle.
So the moment Elder Xuan uttered the term "evil soul master," a cold sweat instantly broke out across Ning Tian's back.
"Elder Xuan, are you sure we're going to destroy the evil soul masters?" She blurted. Aren't they the ones who should be destroying us? she thought inwardly, but dared not say it aloud.
"Huh. Scared?" Elder Xuan glanced sideways at her.
Ning Tian stayed quiet. She was only at the Soul Elder level, a third-ring auxiliary-type soul master. Of course she was afraid—but she couldn't afford to show cowardice in front of Elder Xuan.
"Master Xuan, they're all just students from the outer courtyard," Wang Yan interjected, trying to ease the tension. "It's normal for them to be afraid of evil soul masters."
Elder Xuan glanced at him, then said nothing more about the matter. Instead, he let a faint wave of spiritual pressure wash over the group, calming their unease and refocusing their minds. His expression turned solemn, and it was clear he intended to reveal something far more serious.
"Listen up, reserve team. What I'm about to say concerns your future in the academy."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the students. "Shrek Academy has a history spanning more than ten thousand years. A powerful soul master can typically live for two hundred years, or even longer. Every year, some students pass the assessment and enter the inner courtyard, yet… there are fewer than a hundred inner court disciples remaining at any given time. Do you know why?"
(This information was once mentioned by the Supreme Elder, as the true number of inner courtyard students has always been a mystery.)
Xu Sanshi raised his hand and replied, "Because the seniors in the inner courtyard have all graduated?"
Elder Xuan shook his head slowly. "That's partially correct. Some did graduate and left. But what I'm talking about today are those… who never did."
There was a faint sorrow in his voice. "They were good children. Though they never officially graduated, their names remain forever inscribed in Shrek's records. They made the academy's ideals their own—not because they lacked strength to graduate, but because they died upholding those ideals."
His words struck like a silent thunderbolt.
"There are many outer courtyard students strong enough to enter the inner court, but they choose to leave after graduation. Entering the inner court isn't just about better instructors or higher status—it means accepting great responsibility. The academy respects each student's choice… but those who stay—those who step into the inner court—are heroes."
"Not just heroes of Shrek. Heroes of the entire Douluo Continent."
A heavy silence followed. Elder Xuan's words weighed on the hearts of everyone present. Ning Tian frowned faintly, deep in thought.
Died for Shrek's ideals? Forever recorded in the roster? That's it? They all became heroes… but were there no practical benefits for their families? Did Shrek compensate them or their clans?
Unable to hold back her curiosity, Ning Tian waited for Elder Xuan to finish cautioning everyone to keep this information confidential before she raised her hand.
"Elder Xuan… may I ask something? Other than having their names recorded in the academy's annals, does Shrek offer any concrete benefits to the families of those who died for the academy?"
The moment the words left her lips, Elder Xuan's expression visibly stiffened. His eyes turned toward Ning Tian.
"They became heroes—heroes of the entire continent. They are Shrek's pride. Their stories will be passed down, inspiring countless generations of soul masters. Isn't that… enough?"
The edge in his voice was sharp. Sensing his displeasure, Ning Tian quickly composed herself and bowed slightly.
"It is enough. Shrek is the holy land of all soul masters. To my Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Shrek is like a father. When I was sent to the academy, my father—the Sect Master—told me to always treat Shrek as such. The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will, of course, support all of Shrek's decisions."
Elder Xuan's expression softened. He nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied with her answer.
But inside, Ning Tian's thoughts were anything but calm.
Ten thousand years ago, our Nine Treasures Glazed Sect assisted Tang San in defeating Spirit Hall. Two Titled Douluos died in that battle. Our sect's wealth was nearly wiped out—reduced to a mere tenth of what it once was. Yes, we became renowned… but we gained no real benefits.
After Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo died, the Tiandou Royal Family began to suppress us. In the past, with those two Titled Douluos supporting us, the emperor would greet our sect master personally, even have princes serve him fruit. But once they were gone, we were targeted relentlessly.
Once, our sect could afford to hunt 100,000-year-old soul beasts for our allies. Our Sect Master's auxiliary ability could attract top-tier talent, and soul masters aiming for Titled Douluo would seek us out for support. It was a golden age. But after Jian and Gu passed, even Soul Douluos and Soul Saints started drifting away.
The strength of the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect had always depended on its alliances and support from powerful individuals. Without them, the sect slipped to the lower tier of second-rate factions.
If not for its exceptional auxiliary capabilities and its ability to earn wealth through other channels, the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect might've ended up like the Tang Sect—faded and forgotten.
The Tiandou Royal Family's suppression nearly crushed them, and that period of pressure still defined the sect's decline.
We're not like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with inherently powerful martial spirits. We depend on generations of cultivation, accumulating strength through reputation and alliances…
Ning Tian's thoughts suddenly paused.
Wait a second…
The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect once thrived because of the presence of Titled Douluo. They could assist others in obtaining powerful soul rings, which brought in wealth, talent, and influence—forming a cycle of growth.
Shrek now has powerful Titled Douluo as well. But unlike us, they don't have an inheritable martial spirit. Instead, they attract top talents from all over and groom them under the banner of ideals. These people then help develop Shrek even further. Doesn't that sound… familiar?
No martial spirit legacy. Just fame. And a continuous stream of geniuses. The same method of strengthening by borrowing outside power, building layer upon layer…
It's true that Shrek had inherited the knowledge of the Spirit Hall. But over ten thousand years, they hadn't surpassed the old Spirit Hall. Instead, they constantly clashed with the Body Sect and Mingde Hall for dominance.
If the Sun Moon Empire is the new transcendent power—like Spirit Hall once was—then what does that make Shrek Academy?
A chill ran down Ning Tian's spine.
Shrek isn't eating away at the Spirit Hall…
They're eating away at us.
———-
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