Chapter 192

Although his aged voice sounded gentle and kind, everything he said naturally carried a convincing, indisputable tone.

The senior elders almost vanished in the next instant, and the newly promoted Shi Lai Ke Seven Monsters didn't even get a clear look at their movements.

Seeing a few deans still in the Sea God's Pavilion, Mu En also waved at them.

Alright, you may leave now; let me talk to these kids.

Yes.

Several deans respectfully bowed and led Bei Bei and his two companions away.

As Bei Bei and the others left, he gave them an encouraging glance.

Mu En smiled and said, "All right, children, you may come over now."

Hearing his words, Tang Wulin and the three others walked over together.

It's you?!

Instantly, Wang Dong and Zhou Sichen couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Not only were Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong familiar with Mu En, but they actually knew him quite well too.

Unlike Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong, their familiarity with Mu En stemmed mostly from his habit of often sitting outside the freshmen dorms, whether he had something to do or not, and over time they got to know him.

Mu En gave a faint smile.

Yes, it's me; you didn't mistake me—I'm that old coot. Although I oversee the Sea God's Pavilion, I actually don't like staying here all the time; it's too stifling. Where could be livelier than your freshmen dormitory building? Feeling the vigor of the freshmen, my heart seems to grow younger as well, and it could let this old coot of mine live a few more years.

Saying this, Mu En raised his hand and pressed in the void; then Tang Wulin and the others felt a flash of golden light before their eyes, their feet left the ground, and when they stepped firmly again, the golden light vanished as well.

The original Sea God's Pavilion had disappeared, and Tang Wulin and the others were astonished to find themselves in a spacious hall; this enormous hall extended a hundred meters in length, was square in shape, and its area was roughly comparable to the competition platform they had used in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament.

The hall had several corridors on each side, leading who knows where; there were no windows, everything was sealed, yet the air was exceptionally fresh.

Inside the hall stood rows of statues: the academy's founders, the Golden Iron Triangle, plus the first generation of Shi Lai Ke Seven Monsters; however, these statues were naturally much smaller than those at the academy gate, and they appeared to be made of wood.

Mu En instructed Tang Wulin and the others: "Wang Dong, go into the first corridor on the right; about ten meters in there is a door—push it open and enter, then sit on the futon inside to cultivate."

"Zhou Sichen, go into the second corridor on the left, enter the third door; you and Wang Dong, as soon as you awaken, you can leave this place."

Yes.

The two of them nodded respectfully together and walked in.

When only Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong remained, Mu En smiled at them and said, "You two little rascals have brought me another surprise; I'm very pleased."

Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong both relaxed at once; they weren't sure whether Mu En minded others knowing their relationship, so in front of others they pretended to be meeting him for the first time.

At this moment, seeing Mu En speak to them in his familiar tone, they naturally reverted to their usual state. Huo Yutong, a little nervous, asked:

"Teacher, I've heard the sect master of the Body Sect might come to the academy to poach people; can you handle him?"

Compared to the reward, this question was actually her top concern; she could forgo the reward, but Mu En must not come to harm.

Mu En's eyes warmed; after a year of getting along, not only had Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong come to understand him, but he had also come to understand these two kind-hearted children. At this moment he immediately sensed the concern in Huo Yutong's words and chuckled:

"Rest assured, that Du Bu Si guy still wouldn't dream of beating me at Shi Lai Ke; he can't affect me in any way."

Hearing that, Huo Yutong exhaled in relief; the heavy stone in her heart finally settled.

Mu En then turned his gaze to Tang Wulin and raised his eyebrows.

"Your vital energy and blood power have noticeably increased again; did you absorb some medicinal herbs?"

"Mm." Tang Wulin nodded. "Otherwise I might not have been able to bring the championship back."

Mu En closed his eyes and smiled:

"As long as you know what you're doing, after a while I'll give you a surprise."

?

Mu En ignored Tang Wulin's doubtful expression and said to both of them, "All right, you may go in as well. Huo Yutong, take the first corridor on the right; you can start meditating once you reach the end. As for you, Tang Wulin, go to the fourth door of the third corridor on the right."

Yes.

Seeing that Mu En didn't want to say more, Tang Wulin didn't ask further; he and Huo Yutong each went to their respective rooms as Mu En had instructed.

In the room Tang Wulin entered, there was a small pool filled with a faint reddish hue, clearly indicating a high temperature.

He tried placing his foot in it, then couldn't help but let out a muffled groan as a layer of golden dragon scales appeared on his skin, protecting it.

Such a change occurred not only because the liquid is hot, but also because upon contact with his skin, his vital energy and blood began to faintly boil inside.

At that moment, Mu En's voice sounded in his ear.

"Wulin, the three powers within you are undoubtedly strong; even the weakest Blue Silver Emperor qualifies as a top-tier martial soul, but undoubtedly the strongest is the Golden Dragon King's ability. As things stand now, your Golden Dragon King's abilities revolve around vital energy and blood, which is why I placed you in this room."

"Do you know what this pool contains? It is the essence blood of soul beasts over ten thousand years old that excel in vital energy and blood, mixed with special medicines into a liquid. Used once, its energy will be completely absorbed by you; because it is extremely precious, even you don't get many chances to use it. I hope you can make the most of this opportunity to absorb it fully and gain insight from your growth."

"You are now underground in the Sea God's Pavilion; there are a total of 108 rooms here, which almost cover the environments suitable for every martial soul type. Each inner-disciples gets one chance to come here for deep meditation, and thanks to your outstanding performance in this competition you have earned the opportunity to come early. Remember, being here is not just about letting you cultivate; more importantly, it's about finding your own path."

"Every soul master has their own path to follow—strong attack, agile attack, control, support—these are merely the most superficial aspects. To achieve greater heights, you must pinpoint your path more precisely. No one can tell you how to walk it; you must seek it yourself. Remember, whatever path you ultimately find, do not doubt it, do not hesitate, and go forward with all your strength; then, no matter what kind of path it is, you will ultimately succeed."

(End of chapter)