The defeat of Shrek undoubtedly allowed the audience on-site to witness the end of a legendary era; a glory that had persisted for ten thousand years was finally terminated.
The invincible Shrek had fallen after all...
Precisely because Shrek had pocketed the championships of every previous tournament, this particular defeat left an even deeper impression on the world.
Don't forget, just as no one would bet on the national football team winning the World Cup, in Star Luo City—where gambling is permitted—a significant portion of the audience had habitually bet their money on Shrek Academy.
The odds, of course, weren't very high, so there was certainly a profit to be made, but force of habit made them certain that Shrek would win.
With the Star Luo National Academy suddenly becoming the champions, it meant the assets of these people were about to...
...
"Is Shrek even worthy of us?! [Expletive], give us our money back!"
"I even mortgaged my house on them, are they worthy of us? Are they worthy of us!"
...
The audience was already in a state of chaos. Some loyal Shrek fans dressed in poop-green school uniforms were shouting even louder, even looking as though they might rush the competition stage.
In the end, it was Shrek's leading teacher, Wang Yan, who quelled this farce.
At a time like this, only Wang Yan could take the stage. Could they really let Mu En or Xuan Zi go out to give a speech?
He took off his glasses, tears flowing before he could even speak.
First, he acknowledged that Shrek had lost this battle fair and square, and then he explained the reason why Shrek's camp only had three Inner Court disciples.
In passing, Old Wang played a game of wordplay; he only mentioned the crusade against evil soul masters, but didn't mention that the evil soul master was merely a Soul King.
Uh, as long as one is human, they wouldn't have the face to say that out loud, right? Regardless, they were evil soul masters; in the eyes of the gossiping masses, what difference is there between a Titled Douluo and a Soul King?
Sure enough, Old Wang's "deeply emotional" performance instantly won the sympathy of the audience.
The Shrek sympathizers immediately understood—had an accident not occurred, Shrek would certainly have been able to take the championship as always. Wang Yan stood in the center of the ring, continuously bowing toward the spectator stands. The entire Star Luo Plaza resounded with the crowd's understanding cries of "Long live Shrek!" At this moment, Wang Yan's limelight even overshadowed the Star Luo National Academy that had actually won the championship.
All of this was witnessed by the Star Luo Emperor, Xu Jiawei.
His eyes narrowed into a dangerous slit, his fingers tapping restlessly on the railing of the armrest.
Yes, he had once gone to Shrek Academy to study under a pseudonym, and could be considered a "spiritual Shrek person."
But that did not mean he wanted Shrek's status to transcend his own imperial power... or rather, no monarch would want any power to stand above their own.
What he desired more was to master the power of Shrek Academy, the strongest combat force on the continent!
"Prime Minister."
Xu Jiawei spoke indifferently.
Not far below his seat, an elderly man who looked quite shrewd and capable immediately stood up, turned around, and bowed respectfully to Xu Jiawei.
"I am here."
"From now on, for trade dealings with Shrek City, impose an additional 30% tariff on them. No city within the borders of the Star Luo Empire is allowed to send eligible talents or letters of recommendation to Shrek City again. Violators will be dealt with as having committed treason!"
A strange look flashed in the Prime Minister's eyes. He subconsciously glanced at several high-ranking officials behind him who were also currently cheering "Long live Shrek."
These were all heavyweights of the court, and likewise, they were graduates of Shrek Academy.
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
...
"In the end, are you still leaving, you brat?"
In front of the Star Emperor Hotel, looking at Huo Yuhao—who had shed the Shrek school uniform and changed into a blue and white martial outfit, his expression full of ease—Zhang Lexuan sighed. Her voice was soft, carrying a thick sense of reluctance.
She knew that Shrek was not the boy's home, but rather a shackle that bound him. Leaving now meant a fish returning to the ocean or a bird taking to the clear sky, no longer held back by ties.
But... she couldn't bear to let go. Huo Yuhao smiled gently and stepped forward to hug Zhang Lexuan's soft, elegant body.
"It's not like we won't see each other again. Whenever I have time, I will definitely come back to see Teacher Lexuan."
Zhang Lexuan looked at the boy's somewhat immature but increasingly exquisite features, pursed her lips, and also reached out to hug Huo Yuhao, resting her chin on his shoulder while feeling his warmth. Huo Yuhao whispered.
"Teacher Lexuan, won't you really consider it? With your talent and ability, you would be highly valued regardless of which organization you joined. Why waste time at Shrek?"
Zhang Lexuan sniffled and said crossly, "I really don't know whether to call you smart or naive... do you think the high-level officials of Shrek will let you leave so easily?"
Huo Yuhao blinked a few times, but couldn't help but complain.
"...I'm starting to doubt whether Shrek is an academy or a religion now. Is it really necessary?"
Zhang Lexuan snorted through her nose, "You and that Lan Xuan'yu seem to have quite a grudge, don't you? Although I don't think that mysterious kid can threaten you, there's also that one named Wang Dong; one look and you can tell he has ulterior motives toward you."
"Regardless, by staying at Shrek, I should be able to block a lot of trouble for you."
Huo Yuhao pursed his lips and unconsciously held Zhang Lexuan's slender waist tighter, leaning into her ear and whispering.
"...Teacher Lexuan, if you don't want to stay at Shrek anymore, I will come to get you. It won't take more than a few years for me to establish an organization; when that time comes, I'll need Teacher Lexuan to help me."
Zhang Lexuan said sourly, "Oh? You have such great capability? You haven't hooked up with that rich princess Xu Jiujiu, have you?"
Huo Yuhao's mouth twitched, and he gently pushed a short distance away from the beauty in his arms to look directly into her eyes.
"That's not it. It's just that my goals are related to all soul masters and soul beasts. I'll certainly have to deal with those national powers. You'll know when the time comes, Teacher Lexuan."
Zhang Lexuan tilted her head. "I am actually quite curious about what kind of organization you'll build?"
Huo Yuhao smiled softly and didn't say anything specific, but solemnly urged: "Teacher Lexuan, please believe me. When you reach Level 90, do not go to the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts. I will help you solve the problem of your ninth soul ring."
Regarding Huo Yuhao's words, Zhang Lexuan naturally trusted him. "It seems you really do have some secret method. Then I shall look forward to it with all my heart."
Having said that, Zhang Lexuan leaned close to Huo Yuhao's ear and turned her head.
"!!!"
Huo Yuhao only felt a sensation of warmth and moisture on his cheek, accompanied by a lingering fragrance.
"I'll be waiting for you..."
The beautiful woman was no longer in his arms; only the faint scent from her body and those four words, poured full of complex emotions, remained in the air. Huo Yuhao stared into the distance, biting his lip.
He still had to go say farewell to Sister Xiao Tao...