Chapter 120: The Bargain of Power and Pride
After suffering heavy losses, Shrek Academy remained silent for a long time. Eventually, Moon En broke the silence.
"Three 100,000-year soul bones are too much. One at most. And I don't even have a 100,000-year one on me right now—at best, I can offer a 50,000-year soul bone."
As Moon En finished speaking, his eyes shifted to Silver Moon Douluo, Kong Deming. While Xiao Qiang had been the one speaking, it was clear to Moon En that the true representative of the Sun Moon Empire present was Kong Deming. His strength, cultivation, and seniority far surpassed the others, and more importantly, he was the only one capable of posing a direct threat. In Moon En's eyes, Xiao Qiang was simply voicing the intentions of Kong Deming, likely under his subtle guidance.
After all, even Jing Hongchen had been intimidated by Moon En's presence—what could a Soul King at just over rank fifty do?
"You can discuss this matter with my disciple. He represents my views."
Kong Deming met Moon En's gaze and responded calmly. Though they were about equal in strength, attempting to blackmail someone as formidable as Moon En directly was something Kong Deming had no intention of doing.
Both he and Jing Hongchen could feel the crushing pressure Moon En exuded. If even they couldn't face it directly, then letting the bold and audacious Xiao Qiang—a young man who didn't yet understand the fear of tigers—step in was their best option.
If Xiao Qiang succeeded in extracting valuable soul bones from Moon En, it would be a massive gain. If he failed and things turned violent, it would've ended up that way regardless. In every scenario, the Sun Moon Empire stood to benefit or break even—never lose.
"Are you serious?" Moon En's eyes locked onto Kong Deming, his gaze frosty. It was nothing short of an insult—a blatant humiliation—to have a mere disciple negotiate on his behalf.
If it weren't for unfinished business at Shrek Academy and the fact that he hadn't brought his best treasures stored in Shrek's Soul Tool, Moon En might have fought Kong Deming right there and then.
"Of course." Kong Deming replied, his tone firm but calm. It was clear that he placed his trust in Xiao Qiang's fearlessness and arrogance to secure the best possible deal.
Moon En turned his attention to Xiao Qiang. "Fine, kid. I can give you a single 50,000-year soul bone. That's all. I don't carry multiple soul bones with me."
Xiao Qiang shook his head. "No deal. We require three 100,000-year soul bones. That's the bottom line."
"You think I'd walk into enemy territory carrying three 100,000-year soul bones? Be reasonable!" Moon En snapped.
"Of course, it's possible," Xiao Qiang said without hesitation.
Moon En, as depicted in the original canon, was open-minded and even claimed that the soul tools of Mingde Hall could pose a real threat to him. But Xiao Qiang knew better. At that time, Moon En was dying—his words were more a warning to spur Shrek's innovation than a genuine admission of weakness.
In truth, like many senior figures in Shrek, Moon En was resistant to soul tool development. Yet he realized that if Shrek didn't adapt, soul tools would eventually strip it of its prestige. His dying words were meant to ignite urgency and reform.
If Moon En truly believed soul tools could rival soul masters, Shrek's development would've been long underway under his command. And if he feared the Sun Moon Empire, he would never have entered their domain alone.
His arrogance and disdain for soul tools, paired with his lone arrival, told Xiao Qiang everything he needed to know: Moon En had come prepared—with something valuable.
The demand for three 100,000-year soul bones wasn't pulled out of thin air. Xiao Qiang had his reasons. Moon En had already reached the 100,000-year threshold by his seventh soul ring—a rare feat, even in Douluo Dalu 2.
While soul spirits in Douluo Dalu 3 made absorbing high-level soul rings more feasible, earlier generations still followed traditional limitations: two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red ring—the ideal pattern.
Moon En, however, had begun defying the norm from his fourth soul ring. Claims that dragon-type spirits enhanced physique were weak excuses; if that were truly the case, all soul ring year limits would become irrelevant.
What truly enabled Moon En's feats were soul bones—top-tier ones.
Tang San, during the Douluo Dalu 1 era, had immense advantages: the Eight Spider Lances external soul bone upgraded to ten-thousand-year level, the Sea God's heart-enhanced head bone, two 100,000-year soul bones, and cleansing via 100,000-year soul rings. Even so, fusing a 100,000-year ring nearly cost him his life.
If Tang San—with five 100,000-year soul bones—struggled that much, then Moon En's ability to absorb a 100,000-year ring at his seventh ring stage could only be explained by his possession of six high-quality soul bones.
Moreover, Moon En had already gifted Wang Dong a 100,000-year soul bone—one he claimed he couldn't absorb because he already had a full set. That only confirmed Xiao Qiang's theory: Moon En had multiple 100,000-year soul bones on hand.
"One 100,000-year soul bone," Moon En offered again, gritting his teeth.
"No, three 100,000-year soul bones. That's non-negotiable."
"I'll add a 50,000-year soul bone."
"No. We need three. All of them 100,000 years old."
"Two. That's my limit! Do you think 100,000-year soul bones grow on trees?"
"Nope. Our price is final. Three 100,000-year soul bones—so each of us gets one."
Jing Hongchen's expression twitched. He had thought of himself as composed and pragmatic, but when Moon En offered one 100,000-year and one 50,000-year soul bone, he had almost agreed. To think they could get two 100,000-year soul bones from the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion with just a few firm words—it was unimaginable.
"Two 100,000-year soul bones and one 50,000-year soul bone," Moon En finally declared. "That's one for each of you. The 50,000-year one is the upper limit for your cultivation."
Jing Hongchen looked thrilled. Even Kong Deming appeared satisfied. One 100,000-year soul bone each for himself and his disciple, and a 50,000-year soul bone for Jing Hongchen—a near-perfect deal.
"Nope." Xiao Qiang refused firmly. "It's three 100,000-year soul bones, or no deal."
A long silence fell before Moon En finally relented.
"Fine. But the Shrek exchange student program continues as planned."
This time, it was Jing Hongchen who leapt to answer before Xiao Qiang could speak. "No problem!"
Xiao Qiang gave his teacher a silent look, then crossed his arms over his chest.
"Exchange students? Sure. But let me make one thing clear—I'm not going!"