Xuan Zi's already crimson and ghastly face now twisted into an even more ferocious expression.
"Shut up! Shrek does not tolerate such insults from a nobody like you!"
"Oh? So according to your logic, if I were famous, I could insult Shrek at will? Hahaha, your words truly lack thought. I'm starting to question Shrek's teaching abilities now," Ye Wen mocked mercilessly.
In the Douluo Continent, strength was everything, and virtues took a backseat.
Similarly, the reason these individuals became Elders of the Sea God Pavilion wasn't because they were particularly virtuous or respected—it was simply because they were powerful.
"You—!"
Xuan Zi's mind was in disarray as he tried to argue further with Ye Wen.
But at this moment, a gentle voice drifted over from nearby.
"Enough, Xuan Zi."
Xuan Zi opened his mouth to retort but turned to look at the newcomer. Instantly, his face darkened, and he lowered his proud head.
Ye Wen also turned his gaze toward the newcomer and calmly said, "Dragon God Douluo, Mu En."
Mu En, now stooped with age, floated over with a kindly smile. "I never expected that after so long in seclusion, there would still be people who remember me. May I ask who you are, esteemed sir? Could you release Xuan Zi for my sake?"
Ye Wen didn't wish to escalate tensions with Shrek Academy further. With a flicker of thought, he tossed Xuan Zi back to the other elders.
Mu En seemed to sense that Ye Wen harbored no real hostility. Moreover, he was unclear about the events that had transpired. As a rational individual, he asked in a conciliatory tone, "Thank you, esteemed sir. Might you enlighten me on what exactly happened here?"
A disdainful smirk briefly crossed Ye Wen's lips, though no one present caught it clearly in his current state.
"What happened? I didn't expect the Dragon God Douluo to ask such a question. It seems the Sea God Pavilion isn't entirely filled with useless fools, given how quickly they called for my blood."
Upon hearing this, Mu En frowned. Though the man before him didn't seem intent on opposing Shrek, it was clear he held significant resentment toward Xuan Zi's earlier actions. Coupled with the overwhelming power Ye Wen had displayed in subduing Xuan Zi almost instantly, Mu En dared not treat him lightly.
"If there's anything on your mind, please speak freely. You've heard of my reputation, Mu En—I am not one to cause trouble without reason. If Shrek is at fault, we will take responsibility. But we will not tolerate anyone defiling Shrek's honor either."
This righteous stance would have moved anyone unaware of the truth.
However, in Ye Wen's eyes, Mu En, despite appearing magnanimous, was cut from the same cloth as the other elders.
The glory of Shrek.
What an inspiring phrase, but was Shrek truly glorious? Beneath the surface of influential connections and powerful individuals, Shrek was nothing more than a group of bullies preying on the weak.
Just like the Shrek of ten thousand years ago—powerful, yet devoid of virtue.
Ye Wen saw no point in arguing further and directly addressed Mu En. "You might as well ask this Gluttonous Douluo what he did earlier. I didn't utter a single word, yet he charged at me with murderous intent. Quite the show of arrogance, wasn't it?"
From these few words, Mu En already grasped the gist of why tensions had escalated so sharply. He couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
"This Xuan Zi… Sigh, how can I possibly entrust Shrek to him?"
Reflecting further, aside from Xuan Zi, Shrek didn't even have another 98th-level Titled Douluo. This realization only deepened Mu En's distress.
An inheritance without a suitable heir—a problem any leader of a major faction would find troubling.
After some thought, Mu En realized that Shrek's current situation was not conducive to further conflict. Moreover, his own life was being artificially sustained by the Golden Ancient Tree on the Sea God Island, making it unwise for him to engage in reckless action.
"For Xuan Zi's rashness, allow me to apologize on his behalf," Mu En said solemnly.
As his words faded, Xuan Zi, who had been feigning death, lowered his head even further, feeling utterly humiliated.
But Ye Wen hadn't taken Xuan Zi's attack to heart in the first place. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he said, "No harm done. However, I hope the Dragon God Douluo can provide an explanation for another matter."
At this, Mu En recalled that Xuan Zi's reckless charge wasn't the real issue. The true problem was the powerful surge of soul power that had alarmed the elders of the Sea God Pavilion, prompting their arrival.
Mu En's worries deepened. Why were there so many incidents lately? Couldn't this old man catch a break?
"May I ask what matter requires Shrek's explanation?" Mu En asked gently.
Ye Wen had initially intended to bring up Er's corpse, but then realized it had been obliterated by the residual force of Xuan Zi's soul power during the earlier battle.
But strong individuals needed no evidence. Ye Wen directly stated, "Someone attacked my daughter on Shrek's grounds. What do you think Shrek owes me in recompense?"
At this moment, soul power began to emanate slowly from Ye Wen's body. Though seemingly calm, it carried a bone-chilling killing intent.
Mu En furrowed his brows. Setting aside Ye Wen's circumstances for now, as Shrek's de facto leader, Mu En was well aware that many factions across the Douluo Continent harbored resentment toward Shrek. Thus, he speculated—was this an attempt by those factions to test Shrek's resolve?
Though Shrek wasn't the mastermind behind this incident, it had occurred on their territory—the safest place on the entire continent. Shrek bore undeniable responsibility.
Mu En spoke gravely, "What do you require of us?"
Ye Wen scanned the surroundings, then slowly raised a finger.
"I understand that Shrek cannot be blamed entirely for this matter. Therefore, I'll make a concession. Face me in one move, and I will leave."
A glimmer of understanding flashed in Mu En's eyes.
At this moment, Mu En revealed his true colors as a cunning and formidable leader.
"Very well, come!"
As soon as the words left his lips, Ye Wen wasted no time. He thrust his index finger directly at Mu En!
In the next instant, a colossal finger materialized out of thin air, hurtling straight toward Mu En.
Mu En, who had been fully prepared, paled dramatically. This seemingly ordinary finger exuded an aura akin to the return of the Dao, filling Mu En with an unprecedented sense of dread.
"This… This man is no mere 98th-level Super Douluo! He's a Supreme Douluo, just like me!"
With no time to think, Mu En instinctively unleashed his full defensive power.
"Roar!"
Blinding golden light erupted at this moment, accompanied by a resounding dragon's cry that pierced the heavens. A hundred-meter-long Holy Light Dragon descended once more!
The colossal finger clashed fiercely with the dragon's claw, neither side yielding!
Another surge of overwhelming soul power swept through the area. The already devastated commercial street suffered even greater destruction, its damage multiplying several times over.
Moments later, the battle ceased. Mu En stood solemnly in place, gazing at Ye Wen from afar.
"Esteemed sir, your skills are remarkable. Might you reveal your name?"
------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to our new Patrons: Jose Carrillo, Jean C, Aaron Gurrola, It's_Bleau and mason gerken! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to 'Chapter 865: Undermining the Foundation - Part 16' on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed.