"Phew…"
Mu En let out a long breath of turbid air. His once-straight back hunched again, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.
He wanted to rush to Star Luo City, grab that good-for-nothing Xuan Zi, and give him a few hard kicks.
But he couldn't.
He lowered his head and looked at his palms, dry and withered like dead wood, sensing the faint life force within him—no more than a candle flame flickering in the wind. A deep sense of helplessness and sorrow flashed through his eyes.
"This broken body… has already reached its limit…"
If not for the life force sustained by the Golden Tree, he would have long since gone to meet Shrek's ancestors.
Over the years, the reason he had repeatedly tolerated Xuan Zi—turning a blind eye to many major matters—was not because he had grown senile, nor because he favored him.
It was because… Shrek truly had no one else.
The gap between generations weighed on Mu En's heart like a mountain.
Aside from Xuan Zi, who in today's Shrek could truly hold the line? Who else could intimidate those restless, ambitious figures?
Yan Shaozhe? Xian Lin'er?
They were outstanding, but still one step short of that level.
"If Liu Yuan were still here… if that child hadn't been forced away…"
Mu En closed his eyes. Descriptions of Liu Yuan from the intelligence reports surfaced in his mind one by one.
Terrifying strength and talent. A mind far beyond his peers. Leadership qualities that even Jing Hongchen had praised…
"If it were him… even if this old man had to burn away the last remnants of his soul, I would protect him and pave the way to the peak."
"If only he were given ten years…"
"Once he matured, I could finally let go of this burden, hand everything over to him, and die in peace…"
"What a pity… what a pity…"
Mu En shook his head painfully. A trace of tears appeared in his cloudy eyes.
One wrong step—and every step after was wrong.
Xuan Zi's decision back then had not only ruined the future of a peerless genius, but also severed Shrek's hope for tomorrow.
That beautiful future could now only remain an illusion—nothing more than empty fantasy.
"Leave… let this old man be alone for a while."
Mu En waved his hand weakly, his voice hoarse and exhausted.
The guard did not dare say another word. He bowed respectfully and withdrew in silence, leaving the elderly man at the end of his life alone beneath the ancient Golden Tree, tasting endless regret and solitude.
…
Star Luo City, Star Luo Plaza.
Though it was still early morning, the plaza—capable of holding hundreds of thousands—was already packed to the brim, the noise surging skyward like rolling thunder.
Although Xuan Zi's arrest the previous night had become a popular topic, everyone's attention was now firmly fixed on the upcoming match.
Shrek Academy versus Chiyan Academy!
As the defending champion, every Shrek match drew immense attention—especially since Chiyan Academy was also a long-established powerhouse.
Inside the rest area.
The Shrek team sat together, making their final preparations.
"Elder Xuan."
Ma Xiaotao, who had been silent until now, suddenly stood up. Her red robes blazed like fire, and her eyes burned with fierce battle intent.
"For today's match, I request to go first."
"And… I want to fight the entire match."
The moment she spoke, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and the others froze.
Xuan Zi also looked at her in surprise. "Xiaotao… you mean you want to sweep all seven?"
"Yes."
Ma Xiaotao nodded firmly, her expression resolute.
"These past few days, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy has taken far too much of the spotlight."
"Especially that Liu Yuan—single-handedly defeating seven opponents. It's shaken Shrek's standing."
"There are already rumors saying Sun Moon might defeat us, that Shrek's position as overlord is no longer secure!"
At this point, pride—and a hint of anger—surfaced on her exquisite face.
"I refuse to accept that."
"Shrek's glory was forged through the blood and sweat of countless predecessors. I will not allow anyone to trample on it!"
"If Liu Yuan could achieve a one-versus-seven sweep, then so can I!"
"And not only that—I'll win more cleanly, more decisively than he did!"
"I want the entire continent to see clearly: Shrek is still the invincible Shrek. Our position cannot be shaken!"
Her words rang out powerfully, igniting the blood of everyone present.
"Well said!"
Dai Yueheng was the first to stand in support. Though he often clashed with Ma Xiaotao, they were united when it came to defending the academy's honor.
"Xiaotao is right! We can't let Sun Moon take all the glory!"
"Exactly!" Xu Sanshi shouted, clenching his fist. "Let them see Shrek's true strength!"
Bei Bei smiled and nodded. "Senior Sister Xiaotao, since you're confident, we'll back you completely. Show them what Shrek stands for."
This was precisely what Xuan Zi had been considering as well, so he made the decision immediately.
"Good! Since everyone is of one mind, it's settled!"
"First match—Ma Xiaotao steps out! Objective: a one-versus-seven sweep!"
…
"Next, please welcome the representative teams of Shrek Academy and Chiyan Academy onto the stage!"
With the announcer's booming voice, both teams stepped onto the competition platform.
On Chiyan Academy's side, the competitors looked eager and prepared, clearly hoping to capitalize on Shrek's recent bad press by stepping on the giant.
But when they saw who walked out first from Shrek's side, their expressions instantly darkened.
Clad in fiery red combat attire, tall and striking, an aura like a dormant volcano radiated from beneath her beautiful features.
It was the Shrek team captain—Ma Xiaotao, the infamous "Flame Madwoman."
"What?! Shrek sent Ma Xiaotao out first?"
"Isn't she their strongest trump card? Shouldn't she be saved for later?"
"Don't you get it? Shrek's trying to copy the Sun Moon team—going for a one-versus-seven sweep too!"
The stands erupted into excited discussion.
"Damn! This is the pride of a true powerhouse!"
"Sun Moon just pulled off a one-versus-seven, and Shrek immediately answers back? This is a real showdown!"
"Haha, this is what I live for! This tournament just keeps getting better!"
Amid the roaring cheers, Ma Xiaotao stood proudly at the center of the platform. Her cold gaze swept across the Chiyan Academy members, her lips curving into a confident, domineering smile.
Liu Yuan—what you accomplished, I can accomplish too.
And I'll show you who the real number one genius is.
"The match begins!"
At the referee's command, Ma Xiaotao let out a sharp cry. A pair of enormous crimson wings unfurled behind her, and terrifying Phoenix Flames surged skyward, dyeing half the heavens red.
At that moment, she was like a queen reborn from fire—announcing Shrek's return to the entire world.
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