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That night, Sea God Pavilion hall.
Because this meeting concerned matters of great importance, Shrek Academy had arranged for representatives from all major powers to enter the Sea God Pavilion.
A glance revealed at least a hundred people present.
The number of Titled Douluos was terrifying—but those twenty-plus figures were merely the tip of the iceberg.
Besides the representatives, many students and Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect disciples also stood in the hall's corners. Without exception, all had experience contracting soul spirits.
Only Chen Junting stood beside Ning Bowen.
"Elder Xuan."
For unknown reasons, Elder Mu had not appeared in person. Instead, he had Elder Xuan replace him to host this crucial meeting.
The importance of the talks had transformed Elder Xuan's usual slovenly appearance—he wore simple cloth robes, his wild hair combed back neatly, looking unusually dignified. As Du Busi would put it...
"Even a beggar can look presentable."
"Old Poison, don't make me attack you here!"
Elder Xuan restrained his urge to act, waving impatiently under Ye Xuanji's amused expression and the other powers' pretense of seeing nothing.
"Shaozhe, you speak."
Hearing this, everyone immediately focused. This was out of respect for Yan Shaozhe's status and strength, but also to prepare for securing more benefits in the upcoming negotiations.
"I believe everyone has at least guessed why we gather here today—to discuss the future of soul masters. Through cooperation between the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and our academy, a relatively perfected soul spirit contract method is ready to be revealed to the world."
Yan Shaozhe's words made everyone's hearts race!
The main event had begun!
Many also glanced toward Ning Bowen, surprised to learn of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's involvement.
With the atmosphere properly set, Yan Shaozhe called forward Inner Court students who had already contracted soul spirits. Under flashing soul rings, various soul spirits emerged from their rings, presenting themselves to the representatives.
The method of human-beast coordinated combat was thus demonstrated.
Seeing this, the three great empires' representatives showed the most excitement! If military soul masters contracted soul spirits, their empires' strength might multiply several times over. Against the Sun Moon Empire's soul engineering corps, their disadvantage might not be so severe.
Other powers also showed interest, but none valued soul spirits as highly as the three empires.
It wasn't until Yan Shaozhe's next words that representatives' eyes burned with fervor, their restraint completely broken.
"Do you think soul spirits are limited to this?"
Yan Shaozhe's gaze swept the crowd. "If so, we wouldn't have convened this meeting under the Sea God Pavilion's name. The true value of soul spirits lies in their ability to provide different numbers of soul rings based on their cultivation years."
"Theoretically, a ten-year soul spirit can provide one soul ring, a hundred-year soul spirit can provide two, a thousand-year soul spirit can... a ten-thousand-year soul spirit... and so on."
Whoosh—
A wave of murmurs erupted through the crowd!
Burning gazes fixed on Yan Shaozhe, even Du Busi dropped his careless attitude, staring seriously at Xuan Zi seated to his left.
"Xuan Zi, this isn't a joke."
"Do you think the Sea God Pavilion makes empty claims?"
Would they?
Of course not!
The Sea God Pavilion's reputation was unquestionable.
Hearing the exchange between Du Busi and Elder Xuan, all representatives gasped inwardly, shocked beyond words!
Hiss—
If this were true, it would truly change the continent!
And calculating further... the number of soul beasts a soul master needed to kill to become a Titled Douluo could theoretically drop from nine to four—or even fewer.
For soul beasts, this meant reduced slaughter and more breeding opportunities. Their descendants might avoid the no-rings-left scenario for another ten thousand years.
As for what came after...
Trust in future generations' wisdom!
"Elder Xuan, Dean Yan—we've seen soul spirits. But claims about them producing soul rings lack verified cases."
"That's right."
"That's right."
"..."
Watching everyone's excited yet cautious skepticism, Yan Shaozhe looked at the composed Ning Bowen. Exchanging smiles, Ning Bowen slowly stood. "Please wait a moment. Regarding this, our Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has prepared in advance. But first, we must await one important person."
Important person? Could it be...
Everyone's gazes turned toward the main seat.
That empty position unquestionably demonstrated this powerhouse's strength. With Level 98 Super Douluos on either side, what level was the one mentioned? Level 99?
Just then, gentle golden light appeared.
At the hall's main seat, golden light coalesced into a human form. Mu En's aged body gradually materialized.
Seeing Mu En, the younger generation remained clueless, but older figures were shocked!
"Dragon God Douluo!" Behind Xu Jiujiu, an elderly man on the verge of death recognized Mu En's title.
Soon, everyone learned Mu En's identity and his Limit Douluo cultivation from their elders.
"Hehe, I'm not today's honored guest."
While everyone reeled, Mu En remained calm. Smiling gently, he said: "But I personally invited him. He should arrive soon. Let us all go and welcome him together."
His body floated up from the chair.
In a flash, he stood outside the Sea God Pavilion.
Others dared not delay—they followed Elder Xuan outside the Sea God Pavilion to wait. In their hearts, they couldn't help but wonder who this "important guest" might be.
But soon, they knew the answer.
The previously clear blue sky was suddenly covered by dark clouds. The entire Shrek City seemed swallowed by darkness. Only the Sea God Pavilion's golden light remained—a lighthouse in the night.
"This aura is..."
Du Busi squinted at the clouds. Remembering something, his expression darkened. Even this fearless man showed a flicker of fear in his eyes.
He stared at Mu En in shock.
"Dragon God Douluo—you actually summoned Di Tian!"
His words sent shockwaves through everyone!
The name Beast God Di Tian thundered in their ears!
If debate existed over who was humanity's strongest on the continent, none questioned who was the continent's absolute strongest. Di Tian was the undisputed answer.
Before they could react, the inky black clouds churned violently. A colossal dragon—its size indiscernible—wove through the darkness. Its body covered in black scales, it emitted deep purple light amid the clouds.
"Di Tian—we've awaited your arrival for a long time."
Mu En's friendly voice echoed through heaven and earth, his peaceful aura calming the unease throughout Shrek City.
The giant black dragon circling in the clouds paused. Two golden lights flashed brightly—his eyes.
Then, massive wings folded. Upon entering Sea God Island's territory, Di Tian's body rapidly shrank.
Soon, he took human form.
Simply standing there, Di Tian radiated pressure that far surpassed Mu En's—pressure no one could match.
But humans weren't the only ones feeling pressure—Di Tian felt it too.
When he looked at the Sea God Pavilion, deep wariness flickered in his eyes. This building carved from the Golden Ancient Tree was left by Shrek's god—likely containing that deity's safeguards.
If not for the soul beasts' future, he would never have ignored Myriad Demon King and other fierce beasts' warnings to attend alone.
"Hmph—Du Busi!"
Di Tian shifted his gaze from the Golden Ancient Tree to Du Busi, who had first called his name. His cold snort carried genuine killing intent!
Pressure crashed down on the Body Sect members. The Body Sect's mass hunting of hundred-thousand-year soul beasts remained fresh in memory—the last beast tide had started because of them.
"Di Tian!"
Du Busi showed no fear this time. With his martial soul attached, he forcibly withstood Di Tian's overflowing killing intent.
Fortunately, a golden light brushed past, dispersing it.
This move made Di Tian look at Mu En—who had also dared enter the Star Dou Forest alone to invite him.
Hands behind his back, Di Tian fully displayed the Beast God's majesty.
"Dragon God Douluo Mu En—I've come to your feast."
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