Chapter 88: Swapping the Prince—How Will You Stop This, Tang God King?
Master Cen Yue continued speaking at the front of the hall.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen poked Gu Yue's arm and whispered, "You're competing in the blacksmith tournament too?"
Gu Yue nodded slightly. Becoming a blacksmith hadn't been part of her original plan, but she wouldn't pass up a chance to increase her reputation. Every accolade brought her closer to her goal—becoming the future master of the Spirit Pagoda.
She simply wanted more leverage when the time came.
Jiang Chen wanted to tell her that if she really wanted the title of Pagoda Master, there'd be no problem.
Once she reached the level of Limit Douluo and gained half-divine strength, with the support of the soul beast kings behind her, not even the legends of the Qian Family—four Limits in one clan—could rival her.
But then again, who could ever understand the so-called "peerless wisdom" of the Dragon God?
He gave up thinking about it and stayed quiet.
The rest of the meeting was dull—just the usual talk about competition rules and formalities.
Tang Wulin, now officially a Rank-4 Blacksmith, was qualified far beyond the youth division. At his age, it was outrageous—no contest at that level. As the disciple of a Saint Craftsman, the pressure was on him to live up to that name, so he was bumped up into the adult category instead.
Even there, Rank-4 blacksmiths were rare—Eastsea City only had two: Tang Wulin and Tang Wenhao. Many other cities didn't have even one.
In the youth division, though, Jiang Chen's proteges—Huo Yun'er and the disguised "innocent" Silver Dragon King—would easily sweep the competition.
"Well... maybe I'll show off a little too," Jiang Chen mused.
He may have only registered as a Rank-2 Blacksmith, but that didn't reflect his true skill.
"Guess I could put on a little display of strength."
Afterward, the meeting ended, and everyone went back to their rooms.
Inside theirs, Jiang Chen turned toward Tang Wulin. "Wulin, how's your first soul spirit doing these days?"
Tang Wulin blinked. He'd almost forgotten his soul spirit, since it hadn't matched any of his soul skills.
"Oh, right. Come out, Little Gold!"
A flash of light filled the room as his spirit emerged—a dragon-shaped wisp, once violet-gold, now pure gold.
"Roar!"
The dragon's cry echoed loudly, brimming with energy.
The aura didn't faze Jiang Chen, who only smiled approvingly. "Not bad. Fat and healthy. Perfect for… harvesting later."
At that, the Golden Night Dragon stiffened, its golden scales tingling with instinctive dread.
"Time to sleep, Tang Wulin. Turn off the lights."
Meanwhile, far away in the outer courtyard of Shrek Academy in Heaven Dou City…
The once-glorious Tang Sect headquarters had been transformed into Shrek's new auxiliary campus. Since the Tang Sect and Shrek were practically one entity, this change was only natural. The Tang Sect had fallen—but Shrek was determined to rebuild and reclaim its old glory.
Today marked a significant moment—the day their gifted disciples set out to compete across the Federation, showcasing Shrek's pride to the world.
On the main square stood a striking woman: graceful yet fierce.
Cai Yue'er, one of the Sea God Pavilion's elders and the Dean of the Outer Court. Martial soul—Silver Moon. Title—"Silver Moon." A Power Attack Type Super Douluo and Three-Word Armor Master, renowned across the continent.
Before her stood rows of young prodigies, each chosen carefully to represent Shrek in various regional tournaments.
"This time, you fight not for yourselves," she declared, her voice ringing loud and proud, "but for the honor of Shrek Academy!"
"Prove to the entire continent that Shrek remains the strongest!"
"For tens of thousands of years, Shrek has stood unshaken upon this land. It is through generations of our students' courage and devotion that we exist today!"
"Our academy's legacy is one of eternal glory!"
"It is worth dying to defend!"
"Now go, my students—fight with your lives if you must!"
On a high balcony above, Na'er stood silently beside a younger girl who looked unimpressed.
"Good grief. This is more brainwashing than our Star Luo Royal family ever managed to pull off," Dai Lingyu muttered.
Watching the dean nearly drive her students mad with patriotic fervor, she rolled her eyes.
"If it were me, I wouldn't go that far. Why risk my life over some school reputation? It's not life or death—it's just a competition!"
Na'er stayed quiet but gave a faint, knowing smile. Only after becoming Yun Ming's disciple had she truly understood Shrek's madness—and its power.
"There are only a few sane people left in this academy," she murmured softly.
"Thankfully, our master is one of them."
Na'er nodded.
"Come on then," Dai Lingyu said. "It's time. Next stop—Tianhai City!"
At dawn the next day, the national teams from across the Federation gathered in the grand arena. The colossal Tianhai Stadium could hold tens of thousands; every seat was filled.
The competition now drew not just the five major cities, but smaller ones as well.
As the host stood at the center of the field, microphone in hand, his voice boomed across the arena.
"This year's Tianhai Tournament holds a special surprise!" he announced excitedly. "For the first time ever… Shrek Academy has sent an official team!"
"Let's welcome—Shrek Academy!"
Even though the conflict between Shrek and the Federation still ran deep, public respect demanded the organizers give them face.
After all, that "ten-thousand-year Shrek honor" still carried enormous weight.
The crowd erupted in cheers as two young girls entered the stadium, radiating composure beyond their years.
"Please welcome—the Sea God Pavilion Master's disciple, Na'er, and Princess Dai Lingyu!"
The roar that followed shook the arena like a tidal wave.
For the first time in history, Shrek Academy was competing in a Federation tournament.
The other teams were stunned.
We're… supposed to fight Shrek Academy?
Was that even allowed?
In the Eastsea delegation, Tang Wulin froze.
"Na'er?"
Wasn't she with the Spirit Pagoda?
Why was she suddenly representing Shrek—and as a disciple of the strongest man alive?
And she hadn't even told him?
Mu Xi noticed his dazed expression and asked curiously, "Wulin? What's wrong?"
"N-nothing," he stammered.
But as he rubbed his eyes, the truth didn't change—Na'er looked exactly the same as ever.
"She lied to me all this time?" he thought bitterly.
Jiang Chen was speechless too.
Wait, you actually came? That wasn't an invitation—that was sarcasm!
He quickly looked toward Gu Yue, whose gaze had gone sharp and intense.
Panicking, he grabbed her hand before she could do anything reckless in public.
Gu Yue narrowed her eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"You think I'm a fool?"
She leaned closer, voice like ice. "Now explain to me—why is Na'er here?"
Her eyes burned as she asked slowly, "And one more thing, Jiang Chen... between her and me—who matters more?"
(END CHAPTER)
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