Chapter 178: Shrek's Unshakable Foundation
Upon hearing Mu En's words, both Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er were stunned.
Yes—this was the core reason Shrek Academy had always remained the top soul master academy on the continent. With the strength of the Sea God Pavilion backing them, Shrek had the unique ability to assist high-level soul masters in obtaining powerful soul rings. This unparalleled advantage attracted elite soul masters from across the land.
To obtain a soul ring of a high enough quality, a soul master either needed the support of a fearsome organization like the Body Sect or had to rely on Shrek. Aside from these, there were virtually no other options.
Although the Sun Moon Empire's Mingde Hall could also support soul masters in acquiring strong soul rings, the soul beast resources on their side simply could not compare to the Star Dou Great Forest near Shrek. It wasn't that there were no high-level soul beasts within the Sun Moon Empire, but compared to the rich ecosystem surrounding Shrek, the Sun Moon Empire's supply was sparse and carefully managed. They could not afford to hunt as liberally as Shrek.
For a soul master, aside from the innate martial soul and soul power rank, the soul ring was the most critical factor. The Sun Moon Empire had long lagged behind Shrek in cultivating top-tier soul masters—not only because of a lack of talent, but largely due to the inferior quality of their soul rings.
Realizing this, Yan Shaozhe's eyes lit up as Mu En's strategy became clear. "Teacher, are you saying we should use the superior quality of our soul rings as a way to ensure those students eventually return to Shrek?"
Mu En smiled, a glint of wisdom in his aged eyes.
"Hehe, I wouldn't call it bait, exactly," he said. "I've privately promised those students that when Ling Luochen reaches the seventh and eighth ranks, she can request help from a Titled Douluo of Shrek to hunt soul rings. If she ever reaches level 90, I've guaranteed that a Super Douluo will personally assist her. And no—it won't be Elder Xuan."
"With a Titled Douluo escorting her, Ling Luochen could obtain a 50,000-year soul beast for her seventh ring, and even a 70,000-year one for her eighth. As for the ninth ring, while we've agreed with the Star Dou Great Forest not to recklessly hunt 100,000-year soul beasts, we can still target soul beasts in the 80,000 to 90,000-year range. A Super Douluo-led hunt makes that possible."
"Shrek's status as the number one soul master academy isn't just built on reputation. It's rooted in our real strength—our vast number of Title Douluo in the Sea God Pavilion, who can guide others in hunting soul rings, especially the all-important ninth ring. Any soul master hoping to reach the top must rely on Shrek."
"Hunting a soul beast for a seventh soul ring with an exact age near the absorption limit of 50,000 years, and doing the same for the eighth ring at 70,000 years—that kind of precise hunting is only possible because we're backed by the Star Dou Great Forest. No one else can match that."
"Although the Sun Moon Empire also has a soul beast forest, its supply of high-level soul beasts is limited. Even the direct descendants of the royal family can't necessarily acquire soul rings of the same quality that Shrek's inner court students enjoy."
Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er both nodded in agreement. Even just a 50,000-year soul beast was a valuable resource, and Shrek had no hesitation in eliminating one if necessary. If such actions were carried out in the Sun Moon Empire, it would spark public outrage. The emperor and even the crown prince would be publicly criticized.
Only Shrek could carry out this kind of operation without consequence. Even the Body Sect, after their infamous slaying of three 100,000-year-old soul beasts that incited a beast tide, had significantly restrained their actions. They no longer dared to act as they once did.
Mu En continued, "As for the child Xiao Xiao…"
"Since Shrek can no longer win this year's All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, there's no rush for Xiao Xiao to acquire soul rings for her second martial soul. Instead, I've promised to provide her with a full set of high-quality spirit bones once her soul power reaches level 83. This will ensure her body can withstand the strain of twin martial souls with multiple soul rings."
"Moreover, once she reaches level 83, Shrek will dispatch two Super Douluo to assist her in acquiring soul rings."
"At level 83, with a complete set of spirit bones, Xiao Xiao can safely absorb a 100,000-year soul ring. At that point, if she obtains seven rings, each more than 70,000 years old, she can directly ascend to level 90. She can then hunt the remaining two soul rings. Ideally, one more 100,000-year ring would complete her set, but even if that's not possible, eight soul rings over 70,000 years will allow her to slowly grow to level 98 and ultimately challenge the peak—level 99."
"Think about it: nine soul rings, all over 70,000 years, plus top-tier soul bones—all given to one person. Could the Sun Moon Empire possibly match that? What do they offer? A pile of soul tools?"
"If a soul master can reach level 99, who would still choose the path of a hybrid with soul tools?"
"As for average-talented students like Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo, I've promised them that upon reaching level 70, they will be assisted by a Soul Douluo in acquiring their seventh ring. When they reach level 80, a Titled Douluo will help them with the eighth ring. Can the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy afford such support? Maybe—but would they waste those resources on people like Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo?"
"With their martial soul fusion technique, the twin sisters shine brightest as soul masters. If they become soul engineers, they will lose their edge on both sides. In the end, they'd be mediocre in both fields."
"Still, the benefits I've offered are real. Whether they can capitalize on them depends on what they're willing to do for Shrek in return."
"Teacher, you are truly wise!" Yan Shaozhe exclaimed, bowing deeply in admiration. He now held a new level of respect for Mu En.
Mu En had, in one move, cultivated future talent for Shrek while also outsmarting the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. It appeared as if Shrek was complying with their request—but in truth, Shrek remained in full control. All they gave up was a temporary show of cooperation. The real gain? Shrek's future became even more solidified.
It was a masterstroke—one that allowed Shrek to profit greatly.
Meanwhile, at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, letters quietly arrived in the hands of Xiao Xiao, Ling Luochen, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, and a few others.
This time, it was the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy that was trying to poach Shrek's students.
But with the promises made by Mu En and the unmatched advantages offered by Shrek—could they really succeed?