This messy and troublesome affair must not involve Illustrious Virtue Hall, or else the hard-won connection between the hall master and the Ice God Palace will be shattered.
It might even affect the relationship between Miss Meng and Young Master Su Yu.
This isn't impossible.
If Su Yu gets enraged, no one can predict what he might do.
In any case, the consequences would undoubtedly be unimaginably severe.
Lin Jiayi nodded, his expression serious, and said:
"Hall Master, rest assured, I will keep a close watch on the people in the academy."
"I guarantee that no one in our academy will act recklessly."
"I trust you to handle it. If there's anything you're unsure about, report it to me directly. No matter who they are, if anyone dares to get involved in this matter, arrest them immediately," Jing Hongchen said sternly.
The friendly relationship between the Hongchen family and the Ice God Palace must not be jeopardized by anyone.
Su Yu is the lifeline that Jing Hongchen has reserved for the Hongchen family.
He could offend anyone, but not Su Yu.
Lin Jiayi nodded and then added:
"Hall Master, I'm just worried that the Empire might request Illustrious Virtue Hall,'s assistance."
Jing Hongchen let out a cold snort and said:
"Even if the Empire asks, we cannot intervene. Those fools have no idea what they're about to face."
"Stay as far away from them as possible to avoid getting splattered with blood when Su Yu's blade falls."
"By the way, keep an eye on the royal family and see if anyone there does something foolish. If any prince acts recklessly, mark them as a priority target, and ensure we sever all ties with them in the future."
Lin Jiayi nodded in understanding.
"Alright, that's it for now. You may leave. Tell everyone in the academy to behave themselves for the time being," Jing Hongchen said, waving his hand dismissively.
Lin Jiayi bowed and left the room.
Watching Lin Jiayi leave, Jing Hongchen tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his brows furrowed in thought.
After a while, his fingers paused, and his slightly narrowed eyes glinted.
"No, I must notify that brat, Su Yu. If Zhang Lexuan gets hurt, that boy might blame me for not warning him."
"Hmph, for the sake of that kid's lover, I'm going all out this time."
"If that rascal dare to mistreat Meng, I'll fight him to the death myself!"
Muttering to himself, Jing Hongchen issued more instructions.
...
Shrek Academy.
Sea God Island.
Today marked the day that Zhang Lexuan officially succeeded as the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion.
According to Shrek Academy's traditions, a succession ceremony was indispensable.
The ceremony was held at none other than the Sea God Pavilion itself.
Around 9 a.m., the usually quiet area in front of the Sea God Pavilion was already bustling with a large crowd.
Most of these people were students and teachers from the inner courtyard.
Only members of the inner courtyard were qualified to witness the Sea God Pavilion's succession ceremony.
Inside the Sea God Pavilion, about twenty people had gathered.
Almost all of them were Title Douluos.
Even Yan Shaozhe, Cai Meier, and Xian Lin'er were present.
Of course, the heavily injured Elder Song and Qian Duoduo had not missed the event either.
Today's succession ceremony was of great significance.
Zhang Lexuan had been personally designated by Mu En as the future of Shrek Academy and its next leader.
Compared to Yan Shaozhe, she bore even greater expectations.
Now that Zhang Lexuan had officially become a Super Douluo, it was time for her to take on the responsibility of leading Shrek.
Morally and logically, everyone had to come and offer their congratulations.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Zhang Lexuan slowly appeared, dressed in black.
Her hair flowed like a waterfall, and her expression was solemn. She exuded less of her usual gentleness, replaced by an air of authority and nobility.
Standing at the front, her delicate face devoid of a smile, she swept her sharp gaze across the room, her eyes piercing as if she could see through everyone.
Even some of the Title Douluos found this version of Zhang Lexuan unfamiliar, though others smiled with relief.
After all, how could someone about to lead the Sea God Pavilion lack an imposing presence?
"In accordance with Elder Mu's final wishes, once Lexuan broke through to become a Super Douluo, she would succeed as the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion."
"Today, Lexuan has lived up to expectations and successfully reached Super Douluo rank. After discussion among the Sea God Pavilion members, we unanimously agree that the time is right for Lexuan to take over as Pavilion Master."
"I hereby declare, from this day forward, the Sea God Pavilion will be led by Lexuan. Her will shall be the will of Shrek Academy."
"Everyone must do their utmost to support Lexuan, so that Shrek Academy may rise to even greater heights."
Yan Shaozhe's voice rang out, and Zhang Lexuan responded by releasing her martial soul.
The Lunar Cold Moon rose behind her, and her nine soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, red, red—appeared one by one.
The final soul ring, in particular, exuded a terrifying aura of ferocity.
Accompanied by the pressure of her level 96 soul power, the oppressive force swept across the room.
The overwhelming presence made even the gathered Title Douluos turn pale.
It was only now that they truly understood how formidable Zhang Lexuan's strength was.
Any lingering doubts they might have had vanished, replaced with awe and respect.
"Greetings, Pavilion Master!"
The crowd bowed in unison, their voices booming like thunder and echoing beyond the Sea God Pavilion to the entirety of Sea God Island.
...
Sea God Island, Mid-mountain.
Meng Hongchen gazed at the Sea God Pavilion atop the mountain, her beautiful eyes flickering with emotion.
"Sister Lexuan… she's already grown to this level, hasn't she?"
"The Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion… Sister Lexuan's status has truly soared now."
"Truly impressive."
Meng Hongchen murmured to herself.
The once gentle and elegant older sister had now become the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, a Super Douluo. Their statuses were no longer equal.
Originally, Zhang Lexuan and she were peers and addressed each other as equals, but now Zhang Lexuan could stand shoulder to shoulder with Jing Hongchen.
"Sister Lexuan has grown so quickly. But I heard she spent over half a year at the Ice God Palace. So, was this growth due to Yu's guidance?"
"It should be, right? Otherwise, Sister Lexuan's rate of growth would be too shocking."
"I'm so envious of Sister Lexuan, being able to go to the Ice God Palace and see Yu. Unlike me, stuck here as an exchange student, feeling kind of bored."
Meng Hongchen muttered quietly in complaint.
The exchange program felt increasingly dull to her.
Although there was some knowledge to gain, the inability to see Su Yu anytime she wanted was frustrating.
She only wanted to stay by Su Yu's side.
Every day spent with Su Yu would be so joyful. But not now—everything was just boring and more boring.
"Yu, I miss you so much. Do you miss me?"
"Or is it that you're surrounded by other girls and haven't even thought of me?"
"If that's the case, I'll be really angry."
Meng Hongchen let out a small huff, wrinkling her delicate nose in mock anger. Her pouty demeanor made her look rather adorable instead.
"When Sister Lexuan is done with her tasks, I'll ask her about Yu and see how he's been recently."
Meng Hongchen tilted her head slightly, pondering silently.
...
The City of Ice and Snow.
Beneath the Ice God Lake, a fierce battle was underway.
Snow Empress was surrounded by an aura of extreme cold, the intense chill causing even the frigid waters of the lake to freeze solid.
Beside the Snow Empress, Su Yu hovered in the water. Around him were three other figures:
One was about 1.5 meters tall, entirely ice-blue, resembling a piece of exquisite art. However, it exuded a ferocious and domineering aura, like an ancient beast.
Another was enormous, standing over 50-60 meters tall, radiating an icy blue light. Even in the freezing waters, its savage energy remained undiminished. It occasionally pounded its chest, and its sharp claws carried immense destructive power with each swipe.
The last figure was more unusual—a snow-white silkworm about 3 meters long, with a round head and two small golden eyes. It hid tightly behind the boy in white, showing no intent to fight.
Their opponents were dozens of massive soul beasts covered in white, armor-like scales that shimmered with a metallic sheen, making them nearly indestructible.
These creatures had sleek, powerful bodies and a beauty that was hard to describe. Their sharp claws and long white whiskers radiated dragon-like majesty.
These were Ice Spirit Dragons, a fearsome species of soul beasts with incredible power.
Even with the Snow Empress and her companions fighting with all their might, they were being firmly suppressed by the Ice Spirit Dragon, who seemed to be holding back.
What was surprising, however, was that Su Yu had yet to join the battle himself.
"Young Master, stop fighting. Just admit defeat. You can't pass this trial," the leader of the Ice Spirit said. Its words were transmitted telepathically to Su Yu.
This Ice Spirit Dragon was enormous, over 250 meters long, radiating an aura that marked it as a beast surpassing 100,000 years in cultivation.
Its power was extraordinary—over 300,000 years of cultivation, combined with its natural racial advantages, brought its strength close to that of a Level 98 Super Douluo.
Even among the Ice Spirit Dragon, it was their king.
"Ice Spirit King, stop spouting nonsense. Are you saying this Young Master can't win?" Su Yu frowned, clearly displeased.
"Young Master, the truth is obvious. Please don't push yourself. We don't want to hurt you," the Ice Spirit King replied.
"You think you can hurt me?" Su Yu glared at him. "Let's see what you're capable of!"
"Ice Empress, Xiao Bai, attack!"
The Ice Spirit King let out a sigh and snorted softly. The other Ice Spirit charged forward again.
As the Ice Spirit and Su Yu's group clashed fiercely, a seemingly inconspicuous Ice Spirit quietly swam toward the depths of the Ice Spirit territory.
Even during the battle, the Ice Spirit territory remained guarded.
"Spirit Bone, why are you back?" one of the guarding Ice Spirit asked.
"Heh, the Ice Spirit King was worried the Young Master might be plotting something, so he sent me back to check," Spirit Bone replied with a chuckle.
"That Young Master has played so many tricks this past year, but haven't we seen through them all?"
"I think the Ice Spirit King is just overthinking. The Young Master may be clever, but against absolute power, he has no options," another Ice Spirit snorted dismissively.