Chapter 72: Preparation for the Upcoming Battle
Dai Yueheng had always admired Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan from afar, and he knew well how she obtained her eighth soul ring—a powerful hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
A few years back, a group of Shrek Academy's top talents had reached pivotal stages in their cultivation: level 70, level 80, and even one had achieved level 90. To meet their growing needs, they required soul rings that were at least fifty thousand years old. To ensure their safety, Xuan Lao, a level 98 soul master, personally led the soul hunting team into the Star Dou Great Forest.
Normally, with a powerhouse like Xuan Lao overseeing them, the students could have faced even a fierce soul beast and still retreated safely.
But things went wrong. Xuan Lao inexplicably lost contact during the mission. Worse yet, the team stumbled upon a terrifying hundred-thousand-year soul beast. In the Star Dou Great Forest—the domain of the strongest soul beasts—even titled Douluo could not guarantee survival when encountering such creatures, given their potent bloodlines and immense strength.
Fortunately, a senior brother among them had already reached level 90. He risked his life and unleashed his eighth soul skill to severely wound the powerful soul beast, allowing a few to survive. Yet, the battle was brutal. Out of twelve members, only four—including Zhang Lexuan—lived through the ordeal, and even then, many were left crippled.
After this tragedy, Zhang Lexuan rose to become the undisputed senior sister of Shrek Academy. Her cultivation outpaced her peers by a wide margin, solidifying her prestige.
Back then, everyone had assumed that Xuan Lao's disappearance was just a tragic accident. But could something similar happen again? Dai Yueheng wasn't sure. The mere thought of encountering another hundred-thousand-year soul beast caused his pupils to shrink and cold sweat to drip from his body.
Realizing his fear, Dai Yueheng raised his head abruptly, only to meet Ling Luochen's gaze. The two locked eyes, each recognizing the same dread mirrored in the other's expression. Thinking back to the terrible event Dai Yueheng had mentioned, Ling Luochen also broke out in a cold sweat.
They looked at the other members of the Shrek Seven Devils, hesitating to speak. Some truths were simply too heavy to voice aloud.
They knew well: criticizing Xuan Lao could mean their own downfall. Years ago, after so many students died under Xuan Lao's watch, only Zhang Lexuan's tearful, kneeling apology convinced the academy to allow Xuan Lao to stay. Neither Dai Yueheng nor Ling Luochen, lacking both her strength and her influence, dared to question him now.
If they publicly accused Master Xuan of negligence, they wouldn't just be expelled—they might not survive at all.
Taking a deep breath, Dai Yueheng forced a smile.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Dai Huabin asked, noticing his brother's strange demeanor.
"It's nothing. Just remember—when we confront the evil spirit masters later, you and Zhu Lu must stay close to me," Dai Yueheng instructed in a low voice.
After that brief conversation, the group continued onward until they finally reached the White Tiger Duke's camp.
The sight of his father lifted a great weight from Dai Yueheng's heart. With the White Tiger Duke's status and strength, he surely had life-saving treasures on hand.
Upon entering the tent, Dai Yueheng, Dai Huabin, and Zhu Lu knelt before the White Tiger Duke, paying their respects. After the formalities, Dai Yueheng felt a bit more at ease and began recounting his father's accomplishments to the group.
He proudly described how the White Tiger Duke had remained loyal to a single woman—his mother—for life, never taking a concubine. Ma Xiaotao couldn't help but admire the Duke's unwavering devotion.
Moreover, learning how the Duke had risen to become commander of the imperial army purely through personal merit further impressed the Shrek Seven Devils. Without relying on family connections, Dai Hao's achievements were almost legendary.
After all, without massive military success—like expanding the empire's borders—it was nearly impossible for a commoner, or even a soul master, to achieve such a position in a few short years. Crushing soul master and soul engineer legions with ordinary troops required not just strength, but genius-level leadership.
Ordinary soldiers typically had to work their way up slowly, fighting on the front lines and surviving countless battles before even dreaming of reaching generalship. And keeping one's merits from being stolen by jealous soul masters? Nearly impossible without incredible ability.
Thus, while Dai Hao's rocket-like promotion was an open secret that hinted at some background assistance, it didn't diminish the respect everyone felt. Both Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin—two proud sons and future Shrek elites—were genuinely proud.
"As expected of the Marshal of the Star Luo Empire, Duke Baihu. If the Sun and Moon Empire attacks, this army will tear them apart without leaving a single scrap of armor behind," Wang Yan said sincerely, pushing his glasses up his nose.
Inside the tent, the White Tiger Duke quietly read a thick book until Dai Yueheng approached.
"What is it?" Dai Hao asked, setting the book aside and gazing at his eldest son.
"Father, I have a request," Dai Yueheng said earnestly. "I would like to borrow the Absolute Defense Soul Bone, and as many Invincible Shields and Soul Guide Shields as possible."
Dai Hao frowned. "What do you need all that for?"
"Hua Bin and Zhu Lu are also participating in this mission. I'm worried about their safety. I want to be fully prepared."
"Prepared?" Duke Baihu snorted lightly. "Isn't Xuan Lao, a ninety-eight-level Titled Douluo, leading your group? What could possibly go wrong? You're just a five-ring Soul King. Do you think a Titled Douluo would allow anything to happen?"
Dai Yueheng lowered his head respectfully.
"Father, I only have one younger brother. I cannot afford to be careless."
The Duke sighed after a moment of silence. "I understand. I'll allow it, but listen carefully. The Absolute Defense Soul Bone must be returned after the mission. As for the Invincible Shields and Soul Guide Shields, you'll have to pay for those yourself. Understood?"
"Yes, Father!" Dai Yueheng answered firmly.
With the precious soul bone and seven Invincible Shields and Soul Guide Shields in hand, Dai Yueheng felt a great sense of relief—at least, at first.
But reality quickly struck.
"What? A Soul Guide Shield? What do I need that junk for?"
"Give it to me? No way! I'm a Soul Master. Why would I use something only low-level Soul Engineers carry?"
Among the Shrek Seven Devils of Dai Yueheng's generation, only Ling Luochen accepted the Soul Guide Shield without hesitation. The rest firmly rejected it, their pride as Soul Masters shining through.
After all, to them, relying on a mechanical shield rather than soul power was unthinkable. No true soul master would disgrace themselves by wielding a soul guide shield—at least, that's what they believed.