Chapter 87: Mu En's Consideration
"I think what Shaozhe said is correct. What does the Soul Guidance Department know about teaching Ultimate Ice? The Martial Soul Department should take charge."
Xuanzi spoke vaguely, holding a greasy chicken leg, his mouth still half-full.
Shortly after, the other elders voiced their agreement one after another.
Seeing this, Xian Lin'er was furious. She could only turn her attention to the hunched figure seated at the head: "Old Mu, do you think so too?"
As soon as she spoke, everyone turned their eyes toward that figure.
No matter how intense the current debate was, once this man voiced his opinion, all earlier discussions would become irrelevant.
Lying on the recliner, the hunched Elder Mu slowly opened his eyes, meeting everyone's gaze. He said in an unhurried tone, "There's no such thing as irreconcilable paths, nor is there a need to choose. Let the child practice both simultaneously."
Practice both?
No one expected Old Mu to offer such a solution.
Yan Shaozhe frowned slightly. "Teacher, that may not be wise, don't you think?"
"Human energy is limited. Training in both areas could lead to mediocrity in both."
Mu Lao glanced at him calmly. "There's no harm in trying. Don't you still have Ling Shuang and the girl with extreme power in the Martial Soul Department? Even if you lose a twin martial soul with Ultimate Ice, it won't shake your foundation."
Hearing this, Yan Shaozhe fell silent and spoke no further, silently acquiescing.
Because of Ling Shuang—a top-tier genius—he had little personal attachment to Huo Yuhao. The reason he called this Sea God Pavilion meeting was purely to ensure that the Martial Soul Department didn't lose any valuable talent.
Since Mu Lao had spoken, he had no reason to push further.
As Mu En had just said even if Huo Yuhao doesn't rise, they still have the dazzling brilliance of Ling Shuang.
"Anything else?" Mu En looked around at those present.
No one spoke.
"In that case, let's end the meeting," Mu En announced the conclusion of the Sea God Pavilion session.
"By the way, Xuan Zi, stay behind," he added suddenly.
Although Elder Xuan didn't know why, he nodded in agreement.
Everyone stood and began to leave.
On her way out, Xian Lin'er stomped viciously on Yan Shaozhe's foot.
Yan Shaozhe didn't retaliate. He merely gave a bitter smile.
It was all the romantic debt he had racked up in his youth.
Suddenly, Yan Shaozhe thought of Ling Shuang again.
That child's entanglement with the opposite sex was even more complicated than his own past. Who knew where it would all lead?
Thinking about the mess Ling Shuang might face in the future, Yan Shaozhe's mood inexplicably lifted. He chuckled and walked off.
Indeed, nothing lifts the spirits more than knowing someone else is in deeper trouble than you.
Soon, only Mu En and Xuanzi remained in the Sea God Pavilion chamber.
"Do you know why I let Huo Yuhao cultivate both martial soul and soul guidance systems?" Mu En asked lightly.
Xuan Zi thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't know. Personally, I believe that someone with twin martial souls and Ultimate Ice should naturally remain in the Martial Soul Department. But since you've made the call, there must be a reason."
In Shrek Academy, there was almost no one Xuanzi would obey—except the hunched old man before him.
Mu En looked at the sloppy old man and shook his head slightly, his eyes growing deeper.
"Yes, under stable circumstances, fully focusing on martial soul cultivation would indeed be the most efficient path."
"But I have greater expectations for him. That's why I want him to walk a path that almost no one dares to tread like the Sun Moon Empire."
"This is for the sake of Shrek's inheritance."
"But don't we already have Ling Shuang?" Xuanzi asked in confusion.
"You think twin martial souls and Ultimate Ice are enough?"
Mu En shook his head. "If they were, I wouldn't need to take such a risk with Huo Yuhao."
"Twin martial souls, Ultimate Ice each alone is a once-in-a-century talent."
"Under normal circumstances, someone with both would unquestionably become the leader of his generation."
At this point, Mu En paused. He sighed softly, that sigh carrying immense complexity.
"But in this era, there exists a monster like Ling Shuang who doesn't even belong on the same level as other so-called geniuses."
"That boy's talent is the most terrifying I've seen in my life. Even across the history of the Douluo Continent, there may never have been another like him. Compared to him, even twin martial souls and Ultimate Ice seem dim."
Hearing this, Xuanzi grew even more confused. In that case, wasn't Ling Shuang more suited to inherit Shrek?
He asked, "Then why did Elder Mu—"
"Why did I choose Huo Yuhao as Shrek's heir, right?" Mu En cut him off.
"Because of his identity."
"Ling Shuang's talent is beyond dispute. But his background is far too mysterious—even I can't see through it."
"It's fine to let him study in the academy, even join the inner courtyard. But to let him inherit Shrek? That's not acceptable."
"And I've observed Ling Shuang doesn't have a deep sense of belonging here. To him, Shrek is just a place to learn."
"He's not the kind of person who'd shoulder the future of the academy."
Mu En's voice was filled with regret.
If not for this flaw, Ling Shuang would have been his ideal successor—without question.
Now, he could only settle for the second-best and choose Huo Yuhao, whose talent was only inferior to Ling Shuang.
"Huo Yuhao is an orphan. That's been verified. He's also a disciple of the Tang Sect his background is clean and his ties to the academy are strong. He's clearly more suitable."
"That's why I want him to take the path of dual cultivation. Only by doing so can he have a chance to stand on the same level as Ling Shuang."
Xuanzi finally understood.
As for why Mu En hoped Huo Yuhao could rival Ling Shuang—he had no doubts.
Since he was to be Shrek's heir, he had to be unmatched.
"Old Mu… in that case, why not simply take Ling Shuang…" A cold glint suddenly flashed in Xuanzi's eyes.
"Don't act recklessly!" Mu En instantly shouted, reading his intent.
"That child's origins are too complicated. We mustn't make an enemy of him. It's already a great fortune if he remembers the kindness of the academy."
"I asked you to stay behind just to make this clear never act on your own. Do you understand?"
Mu En's tone grew stern gone was the gentle elder from earlier.
Xuanzi had never seen Mu En so serious before. He nodded repeatedly.
Seeing this, Mu En finally looked away.
Outside the window, night had already fallen.
Stars filled the sky, yet none were as bright as the moon.
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