Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King-Chapter 212: [DD2]:

Credits: daxterdaxter

Yan Shaozhe suppressed the displeasure in his heart and asked, "So why exactly is Su Yu unwilling to join the exchange program? Is there something about Shrek Academy that he doesn't like?"

Jing Hongchen chuckled and replied, "Not at all. It's just that the boy has his plans. A while back, he requested a leave of absence for two to three years, saying he wanted to travel the continent and gain experience. As of now, even I don't know where he is."

What Jing Hongchen said was true, but to Yan Shaozhe, it sounded like an excuse.

Take leave right before the exchange program starts. And for two to three years, when the exchange only lasts two and a half years? How coincidental is that?

There was no way Yan Shaozhe would believe it. He strongly suspected that Jing Hongchen was deliberately withholding Su Yu from participating, afraid that Shrek Academy might poach him.

Yan Shaozhe, judging others by his intentions, felt certain that his suspicions were justified. However, he couldn't openly challenge Jing Hongchen. The exchange program was still important for the academy, and despite his frustration, he had to prioritize the bigger picture.

Having made up his mind, Yan Shaozhe said, "If that's the case, I suppose it's a pity. Nevertheless, please let Su Yu know that the doors of Shrek Academy are always open to him."

"Of course, of course," Jing Hongchen replied with a polite smile, though who knew what he was thinking?

After a few more polite exchanges, Yan Shaozhe took to the skies, his figure disappearing as if walking on air. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy students followed, using their flight soul tools to ascend into the sky.

"Show off," Jing Hongchen muttered disdainfully at Yan Shaozhe's display as he turned and led his group back toward the Sun Moon Empire.

After a long flight, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy students, exhausted and nearly at their limit, finally reached Shrek City. The city was vast and bustling, rivaling the grandeur of Star Luo City, though still a step behind the Sun Moon Empire's Radiant City.

The group entered through the eastern gate and soon arrived at Shrek Academy, which was located in the eastern part of the city. There, Du Weilun, the teaching director of the outer courtyard of Shrek Academy's Martial Soul Department, took over Yan Shaozhe's responsibilities and began guiding the Sun Moon Academy students.

Yan Shaozhe himself headed straight for Sea God Island.

...

Sea God Pavilion.

Mu En lay in front of the pavilion, basking in the sunlight. The golden rays illuminated his aged face, which resembled weathered bark. His hair was completely white, and his eyes, slightly squinted, appeared dull and cloudy, like a flickering candle nearing its end.

A faint rustling sound announced Yan Shaozhe's arrival. He stood respectfully before the reclining elder and addressed him, "Teacher."

Mu En slowly opened his eyes, his gaze weak but sharp. "You're back?"

Yan Shaozhe nodded. "The exchange delegation from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy has arrived, but Su Yu is not among them."

"Hm?" Mu En's previously dim gaze sharpened. "Why is that? What did Jing Hongchen say? As I recall, we specifically requested his participation."

Yan Shaozhe's tone turned indignant. "Jing Hongchen's explanation was utterly dismissive. He claimed that Su Yu refused to join the exchange program and even requested a two-to-three-year leave of absence before it began, citing a desire for personal experience and training.

"Frankly, it's absurd. What kind of student would take such a long leave of absence, especially right before such an important event? His excuse is far too convenient. I suspect that Jing Hongchen deliberately avoided involving Su Yu, afraid that we might sway him to join Shrek Academy."

Yan Shaozhe's voice was filled with conviction, leaving no room for doubt in his mind.

Shrek Academy, after all, was the greatest academy on the continent, at least when it came to their Martial Soul Department. Although they had lost in the last Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, Yan Shaozhe didn't see it as a loss to the Sun Moon Academy itself, but to the individual talent of Su Yu, who had connections to the Ice God Palace. (TL: Ngl, What he said is true.)

In his view, Su Yu's abilities and upbringing aligned perfectly with Shrek Academy's prestigious legacy. He believed Su Yu would undoubtedly be drawn to their academy's strength if not for Jing Hongchen's interference.

Seeing his disciple's frustration, Mu En's fingers lightly tapped the armrest of his chair. "Your suspicions aren't entirely unfounded. It's plausible that Jing Hongchen withheld information about the exchange program, fearing that Su Yu might transfer to Shrek Academy. However, it's also possible that Su Yu genuinely requested leave. The Ice God Palace's members are known for their eccentricity, and their behavior often defies convention."

Even Mu En shared his student's confidence. After all, such pride and self-assurance were part of Shrek's legacy.

Yan Shaozhe asked, "So what should we do now, Teacher?"

Mu En narrowed his eyes slightly and redirected the topic. "How is Ma Xiaotao's condition?"

Yan Shaozhe answered, "Her situation is stable for now, but she's mentioned that her cultivation doesn't feel as smooth as before. At times, she experiences a sense of restlessness when circulating her soul power."

Mu En sighed lightly. "It seems the seal set by the Grand Guardian of the Ice God Palace is nearing its limit. For now, ensure that Ma Xiaotao ceases all cultivation. At her Soul Sage level, any further training will only accelerate the seal's deterioration. If her Evil Fire rebounds, the consequences will be dire."

Ma Xiaotao, blessed with extraordinary talent, had reached Rank 71 Soul Sage within just two years, rising from Rank 67 Soul Emperor. Though the advancement might seem modest, it was already exceptional at her level.

But these were four levels from Soul Emperor to Soul Sage, not to mention the bottleneck at level 70. The further one progresses, the slower the increase in soul power. Advancing a single level later on is more challenging than advancing multiple levels in the earlier stages.

Ma Xiaotao's progress was already significant.

"I doubt Xiaotao will listen to me," Yan Shaozhe said with a wry smile. How could he not know his disciple's temperament? Stubborn, competitive, and hot-tempered—it would be difficult to restrain her. Stopping her from cultivating would likely be a struggle.

"She has no choice but to listen. Her life is more important," Mu En replied calmly. "Have her stop cultivating immediately, and also send someone to contact the Ice God Hall. Find out Su Yu's exact whereabouts. He must be located at all costs. Even if we have to plead, we must get Su Yu to come here.

"If it takes offering more compensation, the academy still has some trump cards."

"But last time, the reward was a Dragon Pill. Does the academy even have anything more valuable than that?" Yan Shaozhe muttered under his breath.

Mu En: "..."

If you're so good at talking, why don't you just say more? And by the way, who was the wastrel that gave away the Dragon Pill?

"First, get him here. We'll discuss the rest afterward. If necessary, this old man will negotiate with him."

"Understood, teacher. I'll make the arrangements immediately," Yan Shaozhe replied hastily, realizing he'd spoken out of turn. He promptly got up and left.

Mu En gazed at the brilliant morning sun, a faint gleam flashing through his clouded, aged eyes.

"Ultimate Ice, Ultimate Wind, Twin Martial Souls... You understand ice, but what about wind?"

"With this condition, you shouldn't be able to refuse."

Closing his eyes again, Mu En continued basking in the sunlight.

...

Meanwhile, under Du Weilun's guidance, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy team completed their tour of the outer courtyard and ascended to Sea God Island.

Sea God Island was vast—this was the domain of Shrek Academy's inner courtyard. Every member of the Sun Moon delegation hailed from Illustrious Virtue Hall, with the weakest among them being Soul Kings, so they naturally wouldn't be studying in the outer courtyard.

They were to spend their entire two-and-a-half-year exchange in the inner courtyard.

Flying over the sparkling, mirror-like Sea God Lake, Meng Hongchen couldn't help but feel a flood of emotions.

They had finally arrived at Shrek Academy.

"Yu, where are you now?"

Her ice-blue eyes glimmered as her thoughts drifted to her beloved.

Separation during the height of romance—how could a lovestruck Meng Hongchen not miss him?

It had only been two months since Su Yu's departure, but she already missed him terribly.

"Yu, where are you? What are you doing now? Are you thinking of me as much as I'm thinking of you?"

Placing her jade-like hand on her chest, her eyes sparkled with affection.

"Yu, I... really miss you."

...

...

"AHHH!!!"

Deep beneath the Life Lake, a once-serene underground space was now filled with cries of anguish.

The agonized screams seemed to accuse someone of heinous brutality.

Like a ragdoll, Su Yu was being mercilessly beaten by Gu Yuena, unable to fight back in the slightest.

"Master, Di Tian requests an audience," a commanding, majestic voice echoed through the subterranean space.

Gu Yuena frowned slightly, her tone impatient. "What is it?"

"I thought I heard the Young Master's screams... Is everything alright?"

"It's none of your business. Leave," Gu Yuena snapped.

"Uncle Di Tian, save... save me!" Su Yu called out desperately as if grasping at his last hope. "Nana's trying to murder me!"

"Uh..." Di Tian broke into a cold sweat. That statement contained way too much information.

"Master..."

"Do you still have something to say?" Gu Yuena's tone was frosty, her patience wearing thin.

Even Di Tian was taken aback by the sheer intensity of her anger—this was the first time he had seen Gu Yuena so furious.

What could the Young Master possibly have done to provoke her like this?

But Di Tian, loyal to a fault, was genuinely worried that Gu Yuena might take things too far. After all, Su Yu was the hope of the Soul Beast race.

"Master, the Young Master may be mischievous and have overstepped, but he's still young and immature. I beg you to show some mercy."

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"Young?" Gu Yuena scoffed. "Di Tian, let me say this once: don't meddle in matters that don't concern you. Leave now."

"But Master..."

"Get out!"

With that one word, Gu Yuena's fury reached its peak.

Sensing the danger, Di Tian didn't hesitate. He turned and left immediately, his instincts screaming at him that staying any longer might cost him dearly.

As for Su Yu, he'd have to fend for himself... probably.

"Uncle Di Tian? Uncle Di Tian...?"

Su Yu called out in vain.

"He left...?"

"Don't count on Di Tian. He can't save you," Gu Yuena said icily. "We're not done here."

"You said I don't appreciate you, right? Today, I'll show you just how much I care for you."

"Nana, this is domestic violence! Do you even realize that?" Su Yu protested.

"Is it?"

"I don't think so."

With an emotionless expression, Gu Yuena resumed her lesson, leaving Su Yu howling in pain.

Even Snow Empress, hidden inside the Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, couldn't help but cover her ears. Gu Yuena's methods were downright terrifying.

"Gu Yuena—ow!"

"You little sadi—ow!"

"One day, I'll have my revenge! Ow, ow, ow!"

By the time Gu Yuena's anger subsided, Su Yu was left swollen like a pig. His backside, in particular, was significantly plumper—a testament to Gu Yuena's handiwork.

Of course, Su Yu hadn't sustained any internal injuries; it was all superficial. As furious as she was, Gu Yuena wouldn't harm him seriously.

"Have you learned your lesson?" she asked coldly.

"Lesson, my foot."

"If you've got the guts, just kill me. I'll keep liking human girls! I'll find even more!" Su Yu shot back defiantly.

Her fists clenched once more.

Gu Yuena's eyes narrowed dangerously, and Su Yu braced himself for yet another round of affectionate discipline.

By the time she was done, his already swollen backside had doubled in size.

Lying on the ground, Su Yu gasped, "Those who do not understand true pain can never understand true peace."

"Nana, today you abuse me because I'm weak. But when I become a God King, I'll make sure you pay!"

Gu Yuena scoffed. "If that day ever comes, I'll let you do whatever you want with me."

"Su Yu, do you even know why I'm angry?"

"You're jealous," Su Yu replied bluntly.

Gu Yuena froze.

That one statement hit her right where it hurt. She instinctively wanted to deny it, but the words wouldn't come out.

She stood there, momentarily stunned, as a sudden realization began to dawn on her... Could it be...?