The next day, escorted by Zhang Lexuan, Zhu Ziyang and the others left the Moon South Archipelago. Boarding a merchant vessel, they returned to the Douluo Continent. Without delay, the three traveled swiftly and soon arrived back at Shrek Academy, which they had left for over a year.
Zhu Ziyang's return was met with warm reception from the Elders of Tianyuan Pavilion, led by Xuanzi. Upon learning that Zhu Ziyang had reached the realm of Titled Douluo, Xuanzi immediately convened a council of the pavilion to carry out Mu En's second dying wish.
Soon, all the elders gathered in the pavilion: Elder Lin, Elder Zhuang, Xian Lin'er, Cai Meier, Qian Duoduo, and Yan Shaozhe—who had recently emerged from seclusion having reached level 98. All were delighted by Zhu Ziyang's return, their joy peaking when they discovered that he had indeed broken through to Titled Douluo at only nineteen years of age.
"Everyone, you are aware of Elder Mu's final wish," Xuanzi began amid the joyous atmosphere. "Now, Ziyang has lived up to Elder Mu's expectations. At just nineteen, he has reached the realm of Titled Douluo. This is an achievement worthy of the annals of Shrek Academy and Tianyuan Pavilion. Therefore, I declare that the seat of Pavilion Master shall be passed to Ziyang!"
No one was surprised. None objected. To enter Tianyuan Pavilion was to pledge absolute loyalty to Shrek Academy, and all recognized that Zhu Ziyang as Pavilion Master could only benefit the academy.
Thus, the vote was unanimous.
"Ziyang, come. This is where you belong," Xuanzi said without hesitation, leaving the head seat at the long table. He moved his own chair back to its place and set Mu En's old rocking chair at the head, gesturing for Zhu Ziyang to sit.
"Thank you, Elder Xuan." Zhu Ziyang bowed slightly in respect, then walked to the seat symbolizing Shrek Academy's highest authority. After a brief pause, he sat down.
As he did, the three elders and his four senior brothers and sisters all smiled warmly, filled with both relief and expectation. Only Xuanzi knew of Zhu Ziyang's divine inheritance, but his talent and strength alone promised a new future.
After the handover, at the suggestion of Xuanzi and Elder Lin, the elders discussed conferring Zhu Ziyang's title. With Spirit Hall long destroyed, no institution held more authority in such matters than Shrek Academy itself.
At Zhu Ziyang's request, his title was decided: Douluo of Resting Heaven.
Soon, news would spread through the intelligence networks of every power on the continent: Shrek Academy had gained another Titled Douluo. But like the Moon God Douluo, Zhu Ziyang's true identity remained hidden. To the world, these were mysterious names, not yet faces.
Though now Pavilion Master, Zhu Ziyang felt little change. He had no plans to meddle directly in academy affairs, leaving management to Xuanzi and Elder Lin—much to their frustration, though they could do nothing about it.
Truthfully, with the three major plans underway, there was little that required his hand. As Xian Lin'er put it, it was not yet time for him to act.
Thus, Zhu Ziyang enjoyed a carefree life. First, he returned home to spend seven peaceful days with his parents. Then he reunited with Tang Ya, Bei Bei, and his old friends.
From Tang Ya, he learned that Xu Jiujiu had left a month earlier, returning to the Star Luo Empire. The princess had departed reluctantly, looking back every few steps, hoping to see him one last time. But he had still been at sea then. For that, Zhu Ziyang could only feel apologetic.
Meanwhile, the Sun-Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy's exchange group, led by the Hongchen siblings, would remain for another six months. Afterward, Huo Yuhao and He Caitou would return to Shrek.
Speaking of Huo Yuhao, Zhu Ziyang could only marvel. Truly the child of destiny, Yuhao had thrived even on foreign ground, sending back vital intelligence—including confirmation of the Sun-Moon royal family's collusion with the Holy Spirit Cult.
A month after his return to Shrek, Zhu Ziyang departed again, this time with Qian Lingyi, heading toward the Icefire Yin-Yang Well to fulfill her promise with the Blazing Delicate Apricot.
In fact, Lingyi had broken through level 70 while they were still at sea. Four months had passed since then, and she now stood ready to claim her seventh ring. Would she awaken the Six-Winged Angel? Everything hinged on this.
The two entered the valley with ease and appeared beside the Blazing Spring. Zhu Ziyang asked softly, "Lingyi, are you ready?"
"Yes, Brother. Don't worry, I've been prepared for a long time," she said confidently, though the flicker of nervousness in her eyes did not escape him.
He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Alright then. Let's begin."
Their arrival immediately drew the attention of the immortal herbs. The Blazing Delicate Apricot rushed forward excitedly, calling, "Lingyi, you're finally here!"
"Yes, Jiao Jiao, I've come," Lingyi answered with a smile.
Without further words, she sat cross-legged by the spring as the herb hovered before her. Both turned to Zhu Ziyang, who solemnly began the soul spirit contract.
Scarlet light enveloped them, forming a large cocoon glowing red and gold. The other herbs at the Icefire Well had seen this ritual before. Each time, one of their companions was taken away. Though they feigned indifference, envy simmered beneath their calm.
Even the Peerless Qiluo Tulip pretended to sleep, unwilling to watch yet another immortal spirit depart.
Zhu Ziyang ignored it. Though he had plans involving the Sea God, now was not the time.
His gaze fixed on the scarlet cocoon around Lingyi. If she awakened the Six-Winged Angel, he would entrust her with the Angel God's godhood immediately. If not, she would have to wait until she reached Titled Douluo.
This had been Xiao Bai's suggestion. The Angel God position was created by the original Angel God, whose martial soul was the Six-Winged Angel. If Lingyi bore that same soul, her inheritance would be far smoother—perhaps even drawing the attention of the first Angel God to repair the godhood's damaged rank.
Her fate would be decided here.
Time passed slowly. Cracks appeared in the cocoon. With a soft sound, it shattered, revealing the girl within.
Her figure was graceful, her golden hair flowing down to her ankles like a radiant waterfall. From her back spread six wings—two pure white like clouds, two crimson like dawn, two golden like the blazing sun. Different, yet perfectly harmonious.
As the three pairs of wings unfurled, Zhu Ziyang's face broke into a joyous smile.
The Six-Winged Angel!
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