Chapter 41: Holy Spirit Douluo Yali vs. Tian Feng Douluo Leng Yaoju, Agreement

Tianhai Grand Hotel, 88th floor.

Tianhai Grand Hotel is the most luxurious hotel in Tianhai City; both Shrek Academy and the Forge Master Association booked rooms here. Given Shrek Academy’s influence, investigating a room number was no problem.

Ye Xinglan stood before a door, her azure pupils shimmering as she took a deep breath to steady herself, murmuring: “Trouble born from me must end with me.”

“Knock knock knock—”

Bracing herself for utter humiliation, the girl clenched her fist and knocked on the door.

“Night snack’s here!”

Inside, Na’er’s delighted voice rang out; she leapt off the sofa, barefoot and rushing to open the door without even bothering to slip on her shoes.

“Hm?”

Instead of hotel staff or a laden food cart, Na’er saw Ye Xinglan’s cold, composed face. She froze, then stumbled back three steps, whirling around and shouting:

“Zhao Xuanzhen, grab your weapons! Shrek’s attacking again!”

“I’m not here to fight…”

Ye Xinglan tried to explain, but before she finished, Na’er had already drawn the White Silver Dragon Spear, and Zhao Xuanzhen had slowly approached.

Facing Na’er’s unmasked hostility and Zhao Xuanzhen’s probing gaze, Ye Xinglan said seriously: “I don’t want to fight. I only want to take responsibility for my own actions. Can you give me a chance?”

Seeing Ye Xinglan alone and not even reaching for the Star God Sword, Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er exchanged a glance, then said coolly:

“Say it here.”

“Thank you.”

Relieved they hadn’t immediately thrown her out, Ye Xinglan exhaled softly, pressed her crimson lips together, and suddenly slumped as if her shoulders had lost all strength, head bowed: “I’m sorry. It was my fault that day—I shouldn’t have doubted you without cause, or spoken those disrespectful words.”

“Huh!”

Na’er’s silver eyes widened in surprise—Ye Xinglan had come at night just to apologize? That wasn’t Shrek Academy’s arrogant style at all!

“Is there anything else?”

Zhao Xuanzhen sensed the girl was holding something back.

Ye Xinglan lifted her head, her fair, clean face filled with complex emotion, her voice strained: “Because of our defeat and our inappropriate conduct, Shrek Academy has been mocked and reviled across the entire continent these past days…”

“I beg you both to speak up for the Academy. You are the strongest representatives of Donghai Academy and one of the central figures in public opinion.”

“If you agree to help, the Academy’s pressure will ease significantly, and it will surely overcome this crisis.”

“I have committed a grave error—I’m willing to pay any price, to make up for you in every way I can…”

As she finished, a single tear slid down Ye Xinglan’s delicate nose, darkening the carpet into a round stain; more tears poured forth, her long lashes like butterfly wings dusted with morning dew.

To prove her sincerity, she forced her head up, letting the chandelier’s light cascade over her tear-streaked face, her spine rigid, her bandaged knees suddenly bending as she prepared to kneel.

But the instant her knees bent, two circles of ice rose from the floor, cradling her bent knees—the cold light reflecting off the ice pierced straight into her tear-filled eyes.

Ye Xinglan looked at Zhao Xuanzhen in confusion, not understanding why he stopped her from kneeling.

“Does Shrek Academy’s so-called honor require you to degrade yourself?”

Zhao Xuanzhen sighed deeply—he disliked kneeling, except in rare, prescribed circumstances.

Kneeling was an act of utter humiliation. His upbringing across two lifetimes taught him to stand tall. Now, the face of the continent’s top academy demanded a ten-year-old girl beg on her knees? How ironic.

“This matter has long surpassed ordinary battle outcomes. If resolution is to be discussed, it must be done by Shrek Academy’s high leadership—not you. You have no power to fix this, nor should you sacrifice yourself. Go back.”

“So it is…”

The door closed again. Ye Xinglan slowly straightened her knees, her heart a storm of emotions, her gaze blank as she leaned against the wall and stumbled away.

Her mind in chaos, she staggered back to the 66th floor; her injuries seemed worse—purple-red bruises glowed beneath her paper-thin skin, her knees swollen, fine beads of blood tracing down her thighs, forming beaded strings along her ivory-white calves.

“Xing… Xinglan-jie!?”

A cry echoed down the hallway, jolting Ye Xinglan from her daze. Xu Li rushed over, his fat body wobbling, heartbroken: “Xinglan-jie, your injuries!”

“It’s fine. It’s what I deserve.” Ye Xinglan bit her red lip. “Still won’t forgive me…?”

“Forgive?”

Xu Li seized on the word, staring at her glaring knees—crusted wounds split open, trailing thin, broken red lines.

Ignoring the knees, her eyes were swollen and red—clearly she’d just been crying. A thunderclap seemed to strike Xu Li’s plump face—he couldn’t help but think: Did Ye Xinglan go to Zhao Xuanzhen’s room last night!?

Very likely.

Ye Xinglan was stubborn and obsessive. Add Wu Yuanheng’s provocation and Shen Yi’s disappointed words, she probably blamed herself entirely—and of course she’d come to apologize in person.

The result? Her body and spirit were on the brink of collapse. The way she looked—like a victim of prolonged abuse—made Xu Li’s imagination spiral: What did Zhao Xuanzhen do to her when she showed up alone at night?

“Xinglan-jie, Xinglan-jie… No!”

As Xu Li’s heart ached, Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er were happily eating their night snack, the atmosphere peaceful and serene.

Na’er crunched on a sausage, muffled: “Zhao Xuanzhen, have you seen the news? The Soul Net is flooded with reports targeting Shrek Academy. Something’s off—just losing a demonstration match shouldn’t cause this much uproar.”

Zhao Xuanzhen took a bite of crab leg and nodded: “I’ve been watching. Some factions are using our victory to further their own interests.”

“Shrek’s first defeat in twenty thousand years shook everyone. The backlash keeps growing—behind it all, I suspect the Dayue Federation. As the official rulers of the Douluo Continent, stirring public opinion is their specialty.”

“Shrek’s reputation is badly damaged. To fully resolve this, high-level figures may be dispatched—I suspect a Sea God Pavilion Elder.”

“Huh?” Na’er’s eyes widened. “Sea God Pavilion Elders are at least Super Douluo. We’ll need to ask Master Divine Forger and Master Body to back us up.”

“No.” Zhao Xuanzhen shook his head. “Master Divine Forger is tied to the Forge Master Association—he can’t openly oppose the Sea God Pavilion. And the Body Sect isn’t what it once was; Master Body’s standing is weaker now.”

“It’s time we seek outside help.”

He pulled out his Soul Communication Device, found a chat window, paused for two and a half seconds, then sent a cute emoticon. After the other side instantly replied with a smiling, head-patting animation, he dialed.

…

The next day, afternoon.

In the penthouse conference room of Tianhai Grand Hotel, the blazing sun and layered clouds merged into a radiant glow at the horizon.

A woman of breathtaking beauty, her emerald-green hair half-tied with a silver vine crown, wore a long gown embroidered with angelic wing patterns. Delicate vines of jade ornaments curled around her luminous shoulders, radiating an indescribable aura of life.

“Yali-jie, listen to me!”

Her Soul Communication Device was active, displaying the name Cai Yue’er, who chattered incessantly: “Even though we’ve decided to invite Donghai students to enroll, they shamed the Academy—you must assert its authority!”

“Shrek is Shrek—above all others. Enrolling is their honor!”

Holy Spirit Douluo Yali smiled helplessly: “Yue’er, Donghai Academy has deep ties with us. Their team leader, Wu Changkong, is a disciple of Zhuo Shi. His students strive to enter Shrek Academy—they deserve gentler treatment.”

Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue’er’s discontented voice came through: “Of the seven Donghai students, only four are Wu Changkong’s disciples—and the most talented, Gu Yue, has already dropped out to return home and close herself off in seclusion.”

“The other three: Jiutian is Master Divine Forger Zhen Hua’s apprentice, fully devoted to forging and has no intention of joining any academy. Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er are from the Spirit Transmission Tower—we uncovered their background through many covert agents. Zhao Xuanzhen is apparently her disciple. You must be firm!”

“I understand. Shen Yi is already on his way to fetch them—they should be here soon. I’ll hang up.”

Yali sensed someone approaching and ended the call with Cai Yue’er.

Moments later, Shen Yi opened the door. Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er stepped into the conference room—the thick aura of life washed over them instantly.

“Sit. Let’s talk.”

The three sat facing each other. Yali smiled warmly: “Hello, Xuanzhen, Na’er. I’m Yali, a member of Shrek’s Sea God Pavilion, here representing the Academy to discuss your enrollment.”

“I’m sorry, Holy Spirit Majesty,” Zhao Xuanzhen apologized. “We are disciples of the Spirit Transmission Tower—we have no authority to decide whether to join Shrek Academy…”

“Yali, the one you’re speaking to is me.”

The crisp sound of high heels echoed as a blaze of brilliant fire burst into view.

A crimson silk gown clung to the woman’s curvaceous form; as she lifted her chin, her long red hair swayed at her ears, her crimson pupils slicing through the room’s opulence with sharp brilliance.

Yali’s fingers on the table clenched tightly—the arrival was Tian Feng Douluo Leng Yaoju!

With Leng Yaoju’s entrance, Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er sat back casually—we’re just kids, we don’t understand. Talk to our teacher.

“Who decided my disciples should enroll in Shrek Academy?”

Leng Yaoju stood like a phoenix reborn in flame, gazing down: “Yours? His? Or Zhuo Shi’s? Feng Wuyu’s? Or that madwoman Cai Yue’er’s?”

“The collective decision of the Sea God Pavilion.”

Yali dodged the sharp question. The two peerless female powerhouses locked gazes—one gentle and serene, the other proud and radiant—a compassionate angel and a blazing phoenix frozen in a standoff.

“Yaoju, growth through failure is also an essential lesson. Shrek can accept one defeat.” Yali said softly. “But Shrek will never allow malicious forces to smear and slander it.”

“By inviting Xuanzhen and Na’er to enroll, Shrek proves its character isn’t so vile—it remains open to prodigies across the continent, encouraging them to surpass Shrek’s own students.”

Leng Yaoju crossed her arms, her aura imposing: “To silence gossip, let the rumors collapse on their own—and recover your reputation in the process. Clever strategy.”

“But why should I cooperate with Shrek Academy? What benefit does this offer Xuanzhen and Na’er?”

Yali fell silent. These two were core disciples of the Spirit Transmission Tower, backed by its vice director. Their resources rivaled Shrek’s. Leng Yaoju had no reason to let them go.

“This time, Shrek is asking you. Name your terms, Yaoju.” Yali sighed. “Within my authority, I’ll agree to anything.”

Leng Yaoju had arrived in Tianhai City overnight and had already coordinated with Zhao Xuanzhen—she cut straight to the point:

“Three conditions. First: Shrek Academy must publicly announce an invitation for Xuanzhen and Na’er to become exchange students for five years. At the end of five years, they may leave at any time.”

“Second: They will not stay in the Outer Academy. They will reside directly on Sea God Island—the abundant energy there will greatly accelerate their cultivation.”

“Third: We’ve done you a tremendous favor. In return, Shrek must give us two ten-thousand-year soul bones.”

“This…”

Yali frowned. “Five years as exchange students—no problem. Shrek Academy has precedent with the Dayue Imperial Soul Mechanic Academy.”

“Sea God Island is reserved for outstanding Inner Academy disciples and Sea God Pavilion Elders. Acceptable.”

“Two ten-thousand-year soul bones—no. Soul beasts are dwindling; ten-thousand-year soul bones are nearly impossible to obtain. The ones Shrek possesses are ancestral treasures passed down. I can at most secure one.”

“One ten-thousand-year soul bone. Its bloodline must be top-tier.”

“Agreed.”

The two Titled Douluo reached an agreement. Yali added: “We’ll still need to follow enrollment procedures—so the Sea God Pavilion can award the soul bone under the pretext of outstanding examination results.”

Leng Yaoju nodded, then turned and led Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er back to the 88th floor.

No sooner had they entered than two slender, jade-like fingers pinched Zhao Xuanzhen’s cheeks, crimson nails sinking into his soft flesh—he had no choice but to tilt his head up to meet the flickering fire in his teacher’s phoenix eyes.

“Two months apart, and your first message is trouble—and now you’re insisting on joining Shrek Academy!”

"What, can't the teacher teach you anymore?"

"Teacher, be gentle..."

Zhao Xuanzhen trusted Leng Yaoju, but he could not reveal all his secrets—such as his pact with the Dimensional Spirit, the Golden Tree, the Life Core on Sea God Island, the Blue Silver Emperor hidden within the tree, and the further descent of the Eight Deceitful Gods...

Over the next five years, he had too many things to accomplish at Shrek Academy.

Moreover, after that night’s “upholding the clouds and probing the netherworld,” Zhao Xuanzhen had developed an obsession with becoming number one. Outer Courtyard, Inner Courtyard, Elder Elders, Pavilion Masters—he would defeat them one by one, slowly ascending to the top, replacing someone in Leng Yaoju’s heart.

Leng Yaoju rubbed for a long while, then suddenly released her grip and said softly:

"Forget it, do as you wish. Fortunately, Shrek Academy sits right beside the Spirit Transmission Tower’s headquarters—should anything happen, I’ll still have time to help you."

"Won’t you blame me, Teacher?"

"Of course not."

Leng Yaoju gazed at Zhao Xuanzhen, her smile both accepting and tender: "This is your life. I cannot bind you forever.

Whatever you believe is right, whatever you yearn for—no matter what, you must act on it. If it’s dark, turn on the light and do it. If you fall, crawl and do it. If rumors swirl, wear a mask and do it.

I’ve regretted things before, so I don’t want my disciple to regret someday. Courage is fleeting; youth is your greatest advantage.

Go ahead and act boldly. If heaven falls, I’ll hold it up for you."

(End of Chapter)