Xuan Zi clenched his fists tightly. He was frustrated because, even though he had been ordered by the Pavilion Master to protect Wang Feng, he hadn't been able to carry out his duty properly.
The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly tense. The elders exchanged glances, and some began to speak in low but concerned voices.
The white-bearded elder spoke again, this time with a more serious tone, "Are you certain Wang Feng is truly alright? What happened while he was with the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King? How could he so calmly declare that he wanted to stay in that forest for a few days?"
Xuan Zi shook his head, his expression full of regret. "I don't know what happened to Wang Feng after that."
"Xuan Zi," said Mu En in a deep but gentle voice, "You've done your best under difficult circumstances. Sometimes, all we can do is trust in the choices made by those we guide."
Xuan Zi lowered his head, his voice hoarse as he replied, "But I… I shouldn't have let him go alone. No matter the reason."
Mu En said, "Alright. Don't let regret blind you. The purpose of this meeting—aside from introducing Wang Feng as my successor—is to gather the full strength of the Sea God's Pavilion to rescue him."
The elders fell silent at Mu En's firm yet meaningful declaration. Some of them lifted their heads, their expressions showing a mix of shock and caution. They knew that if the Pavilion Master used the word "rescue," the situation must be far more serious than they had imagined.
One elder furrowed his brow. "Pavilion Master… Are you sure this is a wise move? Wang Feng chose to stay there himself. We don't know the real situation. If we act rashly, it could be seen as a provocation by the creatures of the Great Star Dou Forest."
Mu En looked directly at the elder, his gaze calm yet authoritative. "I'm not proposing an invasion. I'm proposing preparation."
"If he returns safely, then we only need to welcome him back and guide him toward his destiny. But if he does not return within the expected time… then we cannot sit idly by."
"A few days from now, Xuan Zi and I will head to the core area. If something has happened to Wang Feng, then… the Great Star Dou Forest will feel the wrath and consequences of underestimating Shrek Academy!!!"
The atmosphere in the hall changed drastically. Mu En's final words echoed like thunder striking in the dead of night. The elders who had previously hesitated now looked at him with wide eyes—filled with shock and respect. Mu En's firmness was no idle threat. It was a declaration from a legend, from the guardian who had long been a pillar of strength for the Sea God's Pavilion and Shrek Academy.
Some of the elders seated closest even tightened their grips on the arms of their chairs, feeling the pressure slowly fill the room.
Xuan Zi looked at Mu En with eyes that began to shine—not with fear, but with burning determination. He knew that once the Pavilion Master had made a decision like this, there was no room left for doubt.
Xian Lin'er said, "If that is your decision, then we of the Soul Tool Department will commit all our strength to support you."
The other elders also declared that they would commit all their strength to help.
Mu En's wrinkled face showed a smile. "Good. For now, all of you only need to stay prepared at the Academy. If Xuan Zi and I return injured—or worse, if neither of us returns—then, and only then, may you act. But not before that." His voice remained calm, yet it struck the soul of everyone in that room like a hammer.
"Do not act before the time is right. No matter how great your concern may be. Wang Feng is a special child. If he decided to stay there, there is a reason behind it—and I don't believe the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King would harm him... at least not without cause."
The white-bearded elder nodded slowly. "Understood, Pavilion Master. We will hold ourselves back, but remain on full alert."
Those words marked the end of the grand meeting. One by one, the elders stood up and bowed respectfully to Mu En. The atmosphere of seriousness still lingered, but now it was mixed with a sense of purpose and deep responsibility.
....
Star Dou Great Forest, Core Region, Lake of Life.
Sunlight bathed the morning in a breathtaking radiance.
To the east of the Lake of Life, there stood a hut. Sunlight streamed through the cracks of the hut and illuminated the figure sleeping inside.
Wang Feng slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to the warmth of the morning light. The fresh scent of dew and forest plants filled his nose, making him feel incredibly at peace.
He sat up slowly. His hair was slightly messy, and his eyes still held a trace of confusion.
"You're awake?"
A deep, calm voice—one that carried immense power—resounded from outside the hut.
Wang Feng turned his head. Standing at the doorway was a tall figure with golden eyes that radiated majesty. His aura... was not something an ordinary being on this continent could possess.
It was Di Tian, better known as the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King.
Wang Feng blinked slowly, still half-asleep. "Hmm? Ah… yeah, I guess so."
He washed his face, changed his clothes, and stepped outside to meet Di Tian.
Wang Feng rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he walked out of the hut. The morning sun brushed against his face, making him squint for a moment.
As Wang Feng stepped outside, the fresh air of the Lake of Life embraced him. The scent of leaves, dew, and wildflowers felt so pure and natural. The atmosphere was peaceful, as if there were no conflicts in the world—a stark contrast to the tense air in the Sea God Pavilion.
Di Tian's sharp gaze followed Wang Feng's figure. Behind those commanding golden eyes, memories of the conversation he had yesterday with Her Majesty resurfaced.
"Your Majesty, I would like to know if Wang Feng's identity is genuine?" Di Tian had knelt before the silver-haired woman.
The silver-haired woman had her back turned to Di Tian. "Even though we do not know the origin of the powerful bloodline within him, I can at least confirm that he is not someone sent by the Gods from the Divine Realm." Her voice was gentle, yet carried an irresistible majesty.
"Then, how should I treat him?" Di Tian lowered his head even further.
The silver-haired woman slowly turned her head. "Treat him the same way you treat me."
Di Tian's eyes widened slightly, but he remained bowing respectfully. "Understood, Your Majesty."
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