Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

"The academy's current situation doesn't allow us to act recklessly—you should know this."

Mu En looked at Yan Shaozhe and issued a warning. If it were an ordinary sect, that might be one thing but was the Clear Sky Sect any ordinary sect?

"The Clear Sky Sect was once the number one sect on the continent. Even though they've been in seclusion, their strength remains formidable. Even the Body Sect might not compare to the Clear Sky Sect. Back when the academy was at its peak, it might not have been able to surpass them either. Let alone now. Making an enemy of the Clear Sky Sect is far from a wise move. Within the Clear Sky Sect, there are powerful individuals whose strength is on par with mine."

Mu En sighed. The Clear Sky Sect is still the Clear Sky Sect. Seclusion doesn't mean their influence has diminished. A sect once number one on the continent didn't earn that reputation without reason. And being the sect where the Sea God originated, who knows what hidden cards they might have? Demanding accountability from the Clear Sky Sect? That's not something a smart person would do.

"Teacher, are you saying there's someone in the Clear Sky Sect with strength equal to yours?"

Yan Shaozhe's heart skipped a beat. The Ice God Palace has Ice Emperor Haibodong, whose strength dominates the continent. Now the Clear Sky Sect also has Ultimate Douluo-level powerhouse? Since when did Ultimate Douluos become so common? Yan Shaozhe felt his worldview being reshaped. He realized the world was far deeper than he had imagined. Once, he thought Shrek Academy was the strongest force under heaven. How glorious is Shrek, with its ten-thousand-year history? Even though sects of old had grand reputations, he had never taken them seriously. After all, this was Shrek Academy—who could they possibly fear? They were the continent's number one academy, possessing their city, complete autonomy, and even the authority to oversee the entire continent. Their position was at least equal to the three great empires.

But reality now told him he had overthought it. Shrek Academy was not invincible. Aside from the Body Sect openly opposing them, there were plenty of others who didn't give Shrek a face. Ever since Xuan Zi was crippled, the arrogance in Yan Shaozhe's heart had diminished significantly. First, it was the Ice God Palace, whose unfathomable foundation shook him. And now, the Clear Sky Sect—another force with Ultimate Douluo. It was clear these were not entities Shrek Academy could afford to offend lightly. This left Yan Shaozhe feeling uneasy. Once, Shrek Academy could act without so many considerations.

Mu En sighed softly and said, "The Clear Sky Sect is incredibly strong. Their foundation is even deeper than one might imagine. Yes, they have Ultimate Douluo. Therefore, forcing accountability is not feasible. I don't think things are as bad as they seem. The Clear Sky Sect is, after all, the sect where the Sea God originated. The likelihood of them siding with the Sun-Moon Empire is extremely low. Historically, the Clear Sky Sect has maintained good relations with Shrek Academy. There's never been any conflict between us. Previously, the Clear Sky Sect even hinted that they might send their disciples to study at Shrek Academy. It's unclear why they suddenly changed their stance. There must be a reason behind it, but suggesting that the Clear Sky Sect has aligned with the Sun-Moon Empire might be an overreach."

Mu En paused, then continued, "How about this: I'll personally visit the Clear Sky Sect and see how they respond."

"Teacher, that's too dangerous!"

Yan Shaozhe's face changed as he objected. He hadn't worried before because he didn't know the Clear Sky Sect had Ultimate Douluo. After all, Mu En's strength was unquestionable—there was no need for concern. But now, knowing the Clear Sky Sect had such a powerhouse changed everything. Although Mu En was also Ultimate Douluo, his body had suffered severe injuries, greatly affecting his combat abilities. Against a fully capable Ultimate Douluo, Mu En might not stand a chance. If the Clear Sky Sect harbored ill intentions and attacked Mu En, the consequences would be disastrous. Mu En's health was already fragile; if he sustained further damage in a fight, it could significantly shorten his lifespan, which would be a tremendous loss for Shrek Academy.

Thinking of this, Yan Shaozhe quickly said, "Teacher, let me go instead. I am the dean of the Martial Soul Department and your disciple. I can represent the academy sufficiently."

Mu En considered this for a moment before nodding.

"You may go, but be mindful of your words. The temper of the Clear Sky Sect members is not much better than that of the Ice God Palace."

"Don't worry, Teacher, I've gained experience," Yan Shaozhe assured him. He had visited the Ice God Palace and returned safely. Surely this trip to the Clear Sky Sect wouldn't be an issue. The Clear Sky Sect wouldn't be as unreasonable as the Ice God Palace, would they? At worst, he'd just endure any difficulties with patience. He wasn't too worried about the Clear Sky Sect attacking him. After all, his position in Shrek Academy wasn't the highest. There were still elders and teachers above him. Attacking him wouldn't bring much benefit but could completely anger Shrek Academy. Yan Shaozhe believed the Clear Sky Sect wouldn't make such a foolish move.

"Very well. As long as you understand. Take this letter with you; I doubt the Clear Sky Sect will trouble you unnecessarily."

As Mu En spoke, his figure flickered and disappeared. Moments later, he reappeared, holding a sealed letter in his hand.

"Go, and return quickly."

Mu En handed the letter to Yan Shaozhe.Yan Shaozhe accepted the letter, bowed respectfully to Mu En, and left the Sea God Pavilion. He swiftly departed from Shrek Academy, heading toward the direction of the Heavenly Soul Empire. Watching Yan Shaozhe's figure disappear, Mu En let out a quiet sigh.When his figure reappeared, he was already on the top floor of the Sea God Pavilion. There, a golden bed radiated brilliance, and on the bed lay a figure. Golden rings of light with strange patterns covered the figure's body. The figure appeared calm, but at the center of its brow was a dark red mark, ominous and fierce. From that mark emanated an aura of bloodlust and violence, making it terrifying to behold.

Looking at the figure, Mu En sighed deeply.

"Xuanzi, Xuanzi… do you realize how much trouble your incident has caused the academy? If you were still well, the academy wouldn't be in such an awkward situation now."

Mu En's tone was melancholic. If Xuanzi were still intact, Shrek Academy would still have some leverage. Whether against the Ice God Palace or the Clear Sky Sect, Shrek Academy would at least have the power to stand as equals. Xuanzi was only at the ninety-eighth rank, but after his death, Mu En could have passed on his power to help Xuanzi break through to the Ultimate Douluo stage. By creating a fully-fledged Ultimate Douluo, and with the Golden Tree's power, Shrek Academy would fear no storms. But now, things were different.

Xuanzi had fallen into madness, and Mu En himself was gravely injured, like a flickering candle in the wind. Shrek Academy could no longer withstand significant turmoil. Facing forces like the Ice God Palace and the Clear Sky Sect, it couldn't afford to offend even slightly. The consequences would be dire. Such humiliation was something Mu En was painfully aware of.

Ultimately, it all came down to insufficient strength.

"Sigh, I hope Shao Zhe's trip goes smoothly. Clashing with the Clear Sky Sect is not a good idea," Mu En murmured to himself.

"And as for Xuanzi's situation... I can only hope Shao Zhe's previous plans come to fruition. Otherwise, we might end up having to rely on the Ice God Palace, and the price for their help won't be a small one."

"Sea God Ancestor, I beg of you, watch over the academy from the heavens and help us through this difficult time."

Mu En silently prayed...

...

In the Divine Realm, Tang San, who was healing, suddenly sneezed. His already disfigured and battered face twisted into an even more frightening grimace.

"Third Brother, are you okay?"

Ning Rongrong, who was tending to Tang San's injuries, immediately asked with concern.

"It's nothing, Rongrong. Keep going with the treatment," Tang San replied.

Ning Rongrong bit her lip slightly and said, "Third Brother, your injuries are too severe. The destructive power has spread throughout your entire body. Even if I use all my strength, it will take at least a month for you to recover."

"A month?"

Xiao Wu exclaimed in alarm.

"That's way too long!"

Tang San's heart sank as well. One day in the Divine Realm equals one year in the mortal world. A month here would mean over thirty years in the human realm. By then, the Child of Destiny would likely have already ascended to godhood, and they'd miss their opportunity to intervene.

This Child of Destiny bore immense fortune gathered from the entire Douluo Continent. Their talent and opportunities were unparalleled, and once they became a god, they could very well ascend directly to the level of a Divine King. If Tang San didn't guide this individual's growth, they might spiral out of control or, worse, fall prey to the God of Destruction's influence. For the sake of the Divine Realm, he had to ensure the Child of Destiny followed the path he envisioned. Only this way could they bring long-term prosperity to the Divine Realm. The thought of taking a whole month to recover felt unbearable to Tang San. He had to heal quickly, so he could intervene if the Child of Destiny strayed from his intended path.

"Rongrong, is there no faster way?"

Tang San asked urgently.

Ning Rongrong shook her head.

"Third Brother, you know I'm only a second-tier god. Even if Oscar joined me, we wouldn't make much of a difference. Your injuries are too severe, especially with that high-level destructive power. It's incredibly hard to remove."

"Third Brother, forgive me for asking, but... was it the God of Destruction who did this to you?"

"Hmph!"

Tang San snorted coldly.

"Who else could it be?"

"He wasn't happy about the God of Kindness and the God of Evil handing the Divine Realm Core over to me. Because our philosophies differ, he deliberately schemed against me. If I hadn't let my guard down, how could he have injured me?"

"This grudge won't go unsettled. Once I recover, I'll settle accounts with him. His extreme nature has become a major threat to the Divine Realm, and he must be disciplined."

Tang San spoke with righteous indignation, portraying himself as the paragon of justice.

"The God of Destruction, acting so domineering and righteous, turned out to resort to such underhanded tactics. It's truly despicable!"

Ning Rongrong exclaimed, her indignation palpable.

"Third Brother, I support you! If you need us, Oscar and I will stand by your side!"

"Good, Rongrong. You truly are our little sister," Tang San said approvingly. Ning Rongrong beamed with a bright smile before adding, "Third Brother, I think we should ask the Goddess of Life for help. Her life energy is the perfect counter to destructive energy. If she intervenes, your recovery would be much faster."

"But the Goddess of Life is the God of Destruction's wife. Would she help us?"

Xiao Wu asked hesitantly.

"No, Xiao Wu, you're mistaken," Tang San corrected.

"The Goddess of Life is fair and just, and she values the Divine Realm's stability above all else. As long as we appeal to her with reason and sincerity, she will help."

"Then I'll go ask her now!"

Xiao Wu said, ready to act.

"No, Xiao Wu, wait. Hear me out first," Tang San stopped her.

"When you approach the Goddess of Life, tell her that the destructive power has left me gravely injured, rendering me incapable of managing the Divine Realm Core. Say that I wish to transfer the core's responsibilities to her. This will surely move her to act."

Tang San understood the Goddess of Life's temperament and knew how to phrase things to prompt her action. Though Xiao Wu didn't fully understand the reasoning, she trusted Tang San implicitly. Whatever her Third Brother decided, she would follow.

"Then, Third Brother, should I accompany Xiao Wu?"

Ning Rongrong asked.

"Yes, Rongrong, go with her," Tang San affirmed. With that, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu set off toward the Goddess of Life's domain.

...

At the Palace of Destruction, the God of Destruction's face softened at the sight of the approaching figure.

"Sheng Ming, what brings you here?" he asked, his tone unusually gentle. The visitor was none other than his wife, the Goddess of Life.

"Hui Mie, I heard you seriously injured Tang San. Is that true?" the Goddess of Life asked directly.

The God of Destruction was taken aback.

"Didn't Tang San get struck by lightning? What does that have to do with me?"

He had heard about Tang San being struck by lightning and had even found it amusing. But now, his wife was accusing him of orchestrating it. He felt utterly absurd.

"In the Divine Realm, the only one capable of injuring Tang San is you," the Goddess of Life said firmly.

"The new Gods of Kindness and Evil are too young and inexperienced to pose a threat. I am not a combatant, so it couldn't have been me. That leaves you as the only possible culprit."

"Hui Mie, I know you and Tang San have differing philosophies, but surely you wouldn't stoop to such tactics. We're all working for the Divine Realm's future. Please don't let your differences lead you astray."

The God of Destruction: ???

Listening to his wife's accusations, the God of Destruction was utterly baffled. What kind of logic was this? If no one else did it, it must be me? What kind of injustice was this?