Chapter 186: For the Injustice Against Shrek Academy—Ye Xinglan Strikes!
"This trip to Douluo University may be called an exchange event, but in truth, it's a competition—a measure of both academies' strength."
"You must go all out this time."
"Of course, even if you lose, don't let it trouble you. Though Shrek Academy is known as the number one academy on the continent, it cannot possibly gather every single young genius under the heavens. The world of soul masters is vast and full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. And with the Douluo Federation and the Spirit Pagoda pouring endless resources into building that university, even defeat would not be shameful."
Zhuo Shi was no Cai Yue'er—he wouldn't risk lives merely to preserve Shrek's ancient glory.
These chosen few were personally selected by the Sea God Pavilion, considered from all aspects, and confirmed as future candidates in the Godhood Ascension Project.
Victory and defeat are both part of growth. Though Shrek's immortal prestige was precious, they couldn't even safeguard their own city anymore—that itself was already shameful enough.
But once they achieved godhood, all past humiliation could be washed away.
Zhuo Shi's gaze sharpened. "Do you understand?"
"Understood!"
Meanwhile, on another side of Shrek Academy, chaos erupted.
"Teacher! Why can't I join the exchange group to Douluo University!?"
Ye Xinglan's voice trembled with rage as she confronted Cai Yue'er.
She had never imagined that when the list for the exchange program was released, her name would be absent.
The moment she saw it, she realized—Shrek no longer saw her as important.
But Ye Xinglan was not someone who would quietly accept defeat.
Inside the office, her eyes blazed with frustration and defiance.
Just because she lost once?
"Please, Teacher! Give me another chance! I won't lose again!"
"I've already reached the fourth ring! Whatever the academy lost before, I'll win it all back!"
Her spirit trembled, her pride refusing surrender.
Cai Yue'er, however, continued tending her flowers, trimming the stems and watering them softly.
Since being removed from her position as Dean of Shrek's Outer Court, she had long since given up struggling.
Having lost both love and ambition, she'd chosen peaceful retirement. She was simply tired.
Yet Shrek could not afford to let such a capable teacher idle for long, so they reassigned her to the Inner Court as an instructor.
And it was in that office that Ye Xinglan now stood burning with outrage, demanding an explanation.
Why was Yuanen Yehui—another competitor who had also lost at the Tianhai Tournament—permitted to go, yet she was not?
"Enough. Stop this nonsense."
"The Academy has its reasons. Don't cause trouble. It's better to spend that energy improving yourself."
"'Nonsense'?" Ye Xinglan's entire body trembled.
Born in humble circumstances, she had fought all her life, blazing her path with the blade of her Star God Sword.
She came to Shrek Academy for knowledge and strength.
Failure she could accept—there would always be someone stronger.
But she was not lazy. Not for a single day.
She had always given her all.
And yet now, this pre-decided selection list made her realize something cruel: even hard work couldn't win her opportunity.
"No!"
"Teacher, I can! I'm strong! I'm every bit as good as they are!"
"Please—just give me a fair chance. Let me prove to the Academy that I'm no worse than them!"
"Enough!"
Already in poor spirits, Cai Yue'er's patience snapped.
"If the Academy didn't pick you, maybe you should look at yourself. Have you truly done enough?"
"Don't blame the Academy for everything—it sees everyone's effort."
"Go back, Ye Xinglan. Focus on cultivating. That's what matters most."
With a flick of her hand, she dismissed Ye Xinglan entirely.
"I—?"
"I wasn't diligent enough?"
Her body shook violently.
"Teacher… is this because of my background? Because I lack noble lineage, I can't even compete?"
"Does that mean… I'm not really one of Shrek's students?"
Her voice cracked, filled with despair.
Na'er—the direct disciple of the Sea God Pavilion's Master, successor to the Sky Douluo's legacy.
Dai Lingyu—a twin martial soul user, princess of the Star Luo Empire.
Wu Duosi—also with twin martial souls, descended from the Zhu Clan of the imperial family.
Yuanen Yehui—another twin martial soul holder, heir to the Yuanen family.
Long Yue—bearer of the mighty Mountain Dragon King martial soul, student of the Monster Academy's Dean, Imperial National Advisor, Temple Master of Star Luo's Royal Worship Hall, and a Rank 99 Limit Douluo of half-divine power.
Dai Yueyan—fourth prince of Star Luo, crown heir to the empire.
Ye Zhi—direct scion of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
And she?
She was no one.
A girl with no background.
"So that's it," she whispered bitterly. "Because I lack status… I'm discarded."
"No! I refuse!"
"Xinglan-sis, wait—don't do something reckless!" Xu Lizhi had been listening outside, unable to stand still any longer.
His heart ached with understanding.
After all, everyone knew the limits of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—its soul power maxed out at rank seventy-nine. Even as an innate full-soul-power food-type spirit master, he hadn't been chosen.
It was obvious—this selection reeked of politics.
It was because of Star Luo.
Though lazy by nature, Xu Lizhi was far from foolish.
He knew very well the academy wouldn't change its picks now. Especially since they hadn't seen Na'er or Yuanen Yehui in days—they were likely deep in special training already.
He quickly stepped in front of Ye Xinglan, trying to stop her from acting rashly.
"Calm down, Xinglan! This won't solve anything!"
"Then tell me—what should I do!? Move!"
The Star God Sword flashed, cold light kissing Xu Lizhi's throat. Her eyes had gone icy, hand trembling as her rage barely stayed contained.
Why?
Why could they go to represent Shrek while she could not?
She would prove she was the stronger one.
"Move," Ye Xinglan said coldly. "If you keep blocking me, don't blame me for disregarding old friendship."
Feeling the frost of her sword against his neck, Xu Lizhi could only sigh bitterly and step aside.
"Xinglan… please, don't act on impulse."
"Hmph!"
She ignored his warning completely.
Once she crushed the others, the results would speak louder than any politics.
If she lost, she would bear it.
But she would never accept being dismissed without a fight.
This was injustice!
"Shrek Academy student—Ye Xinglan! I challenge you all!"
At the training ground, Long Yue stood alone at one end, his Mountain Dragon King spirit soaring behind him, its weight unshakable even under a storm of attacks.
Dai Lingyu, Wu Duosi, Yuanen Yehui, Dai Yueyan, and Ye Zhi fought together in a combined assault—but not even five against one could force him back a single step.
"Dragon freak! You're too powerful—it's unfairly strong!"
(END CHAPTER)
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