Chapter 318: Shrek's Final Gamble
On the distant continent now known as the Shrek Continent, the land itself bore no such name originally. But once Shrek Academy arrived—driven out of the Sun Moon Empire and defeated on their home soil—they quickly conquered the new territory by force. From that moment on, it was renamed.
Compared to the original Sun Moon Continent (once known as Douluo Continent), the soul masters here were significantly weaker. In the era of Douluo III, while Xingluo Continent barely managed to hold out against the Sun Moon Empire, Tiandou Continent had crumbled entirely. What remained were scraps—scattered, defeated soul masters clinging to power. It was a reflection of just how ineffectual the other continents on Douluo Star truly were.
With such weak opposition, Shrek's conquest was inevitable. Even in its crippled state, it had Titled Douluo like Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe to lead the charge.
In particular, Xuan Zi, often mocked as the "strongest level 97," was still formidable. During the Douluo II and III periods, even a rank 97 soul master held considerable status. It was only in the hyper-powerful future of Douluo IV that someone at that level would become irrelevant.
So, when this untapped land was discovered by a cornered Shrek, its fate was already sealed.
A Bloody Conquest in Shrek's Name
Xuan Zi personally led the land reclamation campaign. Though the continent had no Titled Douluo of its own, the cost of conquest was still high.
Despite his overwhelming strength, the students who followed him into battle suffered heavy casualties. Nine out of ten died. But this was "normal," he claimed. Such was the cost of rebuilding.
"Xuan Lao," said Du Weilun, approaching him. "After your two years of work, the Shrek Continent has finally been unified under our academy. Do you think it's time to bring in Dean Yan?"
Du Weilun now fully understood why Yan Shaozhe had asked him to come. Xuan Zi's power was beyond doubt—but the way he handled students was borderline catastrophic.
Despite steamrolling the native resistance, Xuan Zi's reckless methods led to inexplicable student deaths. Even a seven-ring soul saint could slaughter Shrek's five- and six-ring students under his watch. Worse, a few had nearly escaped.
If Du Weilun didn't know better, he might have thought Xuan Zi was an enemy agent.
Now, he feared that if this went on, all of Shrek's remaining talent would be squandered. And the idea of rebuilding the academy with only local soul masters, whose martial spirits were wildly inferior, was unthinkable.
"The wolves with dragon blood are the best they've got," Du Weilun thought bitterly. "But we had dozens like that in the old Outer Court alone."
If Xuan Zi kept this up, Shrek would collapse from within, even without interference from outside forces.
Stubborn Pride and Bitter Realities
"No rush," Xuan Zi replied calmly. "I'll stay to suppress any lingering threats. When everything's stable, we'll call Shaozhe over."
"But Xuan Lao—"
"I've made up my mind. Give me another half a year. Then, Dean Yan can take over here."
Du Weilun had no choice but to yield. With Moon En and Du Bushi dead, Xuan Zi—now a level 98 Titled Douluo—was Shrek's strongest and most senior soul master.
Even if some of the remaining Titled Douluo questioned his methods, they couldn't challenge him. Not when he was the last pillar of Shrek's strength.
"A new continent…" Xuan Zi sighed contentedly. "Finally, something to give Shrek a spark of life again. I can meet Elder Mu without shame now."
Du Weilun: "…"
"What's with that look, kid?" Xuan Zi scowled. "Am I wrong? We found a continent the Soul Palace didn't know about! A new chance for Shrek to live another ten thousand years!"
"Yes, yes. You're right," Du Weilun replied quickly. "I'm just… a little worried the Soul Palace might find us."
"Hah! Let them come," Xuan Zi scoffed. "Even if they do, I'm not afraid."
An Unexpected Arrival
Just as Xuan Zi finished speaking, a local soul saint—once a native warrior now subdued by Shrek—rushed over in a panic.
"Elder! Bad news! Dozens of massive warships just arrived on the coast. They're terrifying, filled with thousands of warriors. And… there are Titled Douluo among them!"
"What did you say!?" Xuan Zi was stunned.
He had just boasted of his fearlessness, and now his worst fear had materialized. Tens of thousands aboard dozens of ships? Titled Douluo?
Du Weilun, beads of sweat on his brow, asked quickly, "Did you make contact? What name did they report?"
"Yes. They said they come from… the Strong Empire."
"…Huh?" Xuan Zi blinked.
Then he laughed—an ugly, uneasy laugh that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"'Strong Empire'? Trying to scare me with such a name? Xiao Du! Mobilize all Shrek soul masters above four rings! We'll destroy this so-called empire and reassert our authority!"
"Yes, Master Xuan!" Du Weilun, relieved it wasn't the Soul Palace, quickly set about his orders.
With a mouthful of wine and meat, Xuan Zi soared through the sky, following the soul saint's direction. Before long, the horizon was filled with rows of soul-guided warships—sleek, dangerous, humming with energy.
Still, Xuan Zi didn't waver.
Using his soul power to amplify his voice, he shouted across the sea:
"Who's in charge of your Strong Empire!? Come out and face me!"
There was a moment of silence.
And then, Xiao Sheng, accompanied by Ling Luochen, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Nan Shuishui, and other high-ranking members of the Soul Palace, flew out from the largest warship, landing in formation.
Xuan Zi's face froze mid-roar.
"…You've got to be kidding me."