Chapter 229 – Mu En's Final Decision
Hearing that Mu En said he would back them up, everyone was shocked—especially Du Bu Si and Xuan Lao, who truly understood Mu En's strength. The two of them were even more shaken.
"Mu Lao, it's not that serious. There's only Jing Hongchen, and at most, Xiao Qiang's combat strength—but he's only close to a Super Douluo at best. You mustn't get involved with these two, especially considering they're heading to the Far North. After retrieving the 100,000-year-old soul beast, it's hard to say whether they'll retain the power of a Level 97 Title Douluo. The Far North is known as a forbidden zone for humans—its ice and snow more dangerous than the Star Dou Great Forest."
Xuan Lao spoke with urgency. On one hand, he had faith in his own strength. On the other, he knew Mu En's current condition meant he absolutely shouldn't act again.
Because Mu En had not personally intervened when the Holy Spirit Church kidnapped Ma Xiaotao and the others, he now had a few years left to live. Compared to the original timeline, he had already outlived himself by one extra year. If he remained inactive, Mu En could live another three to five years. But once he took action, even once, especially outside the Sea God Pavilion, his life would immediately begin its final countdown—perhaps only a few hours or even minutes remaining, and no one could save him.
While Mu En still lived, Shrek had a sky-piercing pillar that deterred any hostile force. After all, the final counterattack of an Extreme Douluo wasn't any easier to deal with than fighting one directly. What's more, if such a counterattack came with the resolve to die together, it was entirely possible that both would perish.
That was the power Mu En's life represented—far more threatening than his death. So naturally, Xuan Lao and the elders of the Sea God Pavilion did not want Mu En to act. But Mu En simply waved his hand and said:
"I've made up my mind. Moreover…"
Mu En opened his aged, but still-bright eyes and looked toward Xuan Lao and Du Bu Si.
"Jing Hongchen's strength is in no way inferior to either of you. He might not be able to defeat you, but he certainly could retreat with a few people if he wished."
"But this time, the two of us will strike together, and with the extreme conditions of the Far North, Jing Hongchen won't be able to maintain his full combat strength," Xuan Lao added anxiously.
"Xuan Zi, you're right. Under normal circumstances, that would be true. But what if things aren't normal?"
"What if Jing Hongchen really does get lucky? What if he finds an injured and isolated 100,000-year-old soul beast in the Far North and captures it without expending any strength? Or, what if their target is merely an 80,000-year-old soul beast?"
"Teacher, what you're saying are all low-probability events. In the Far North, such things are nearly impossible," Yan Shaozhe said, brows furrowed.
"Shaozhe, you're absolutely right. But what if the impossible actually happens?"
Xuan Lao was silent for a long time. "If Du Laogui and I attack together, with the support of Tianyang Douluo, the probability of successfully stopping them is… 98%."
Mu En nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Xuan Zi, I know you and Shaozhe are worried about me, and I believe in that 98% success rate you've calculated. But… what if that 0.2% really comes to pass? What then?"
"Will we get another chance? If we fail this time, will they become more cautious? Will we have to wait until they're deep within the Sun Moon Empire next time? That might be years away. How much more advanced will the Sun Moon Empire's technology be by then? How much stronger will Xiao Qiang become?"
"Three years ago, when I visited the Sun Moon Empire, there was already a soul tool that made me feel that death was inevitable. If we don't eliminate the threat now, and next time they use that soul tool against us… what then?"
"They can't possibly carry that soul guide around at all times. This is our last chance. I'm going to die eventually anyway. If it's for Shrek—for the Douluo Continent—what does it matter if I die two years early?"
Du Bu Si stepped forward and bowed deeply to Mu En. "My brother died because of you. Logically, I should hate you. But… Senior, your righteousness deserves my respect. I promise, as long as Shrek does not provoke us first, the Body Sect will never act against you—even if mediocre fools insult us."
"Old Mu…"
"Teacher…"
"That's enough. No more discussion. Follow the plan. Everyone is dismissed."
As Mu En gave the order, everyone began to leave one after another. Once the non-Shrek personnel had departed, Mu En quietly asked someone to summon Bei Bei.
"Xuanzu, you called for me?"
"Level 57? Not bad, not bad."
Bei Bei dropped to his knees with a thud. "Xuanzu, I'm sorry. If I hadn't lost the Dragon Pill—"
Before he could finish, Mu En cut him off. "That was the Sun Moon Empire's cunning. It wasn't your fault. That's not why I called you. Come closer."
"Xuanzu, you mean…"
Before Bei Bei could ask further, Mu En placed his hand on his shoulder. A surge of immense soul power burst from Mu En's body and flooded Bei Bei's limbs and bones, causing his soul power to grow wildly.
"Bei Bei, I didn't have much faith in Shrek's chances in the upcoming All-Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. But thankfully, the Sun Moon Empire made a crucial mistake—letting Xiao Qiang and Meng Hongchen remain on Douluo Continent. Xiao Hongchen and Nana are still strong, but I believe you can lead us to victory."
"There are still two years left. I will help you stabilize your bloodline and elevate your soul power. Your martial soul will soon evolve into the Holy Dragon of Light, and your soul power will break through Level 60. I may not return alive, but if you bring Xiao Qiang back, you will gain an over-80,000-year soul ring for your sixth ring. You will become a Soul Saint and carry Shrek's glory into the future."
"Xuanzu!"
"Don't cry. I'm glad I can still do something for Shrek before I die. The only regret I have… is not being able to visit the Golden Tree to meet Shrek's ancestors. But at least, I won't let Shrek's legacy die in my hands. That is enough."
…
At the same time, while Mu En was helping Bei Bei purify his bloodline and amplify his soul power, Xu Jiujiu, Vina, and Xue Lingxun delivered the shocking news to their respective emperors—that Mu En was going to act personally.
And in response, the emperors of the three nations gave the same order:
"Send more Title Douluo, and make sure to leave a good impression on Senior Mu!"