Chapter 164: Entering the City

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Sun Moon Empire, Mingdu

With less than three days remaining until the start of the Mingdu Tournament, the entire city of Mingdu buzzed with excitement. Various factions had gathered, and the younger generation eagerly anticipated the long-delayed event, each hoping to achieve a top rank.

However, the strong representatives of these factions were filled with unease.

"What is going on with Shrek Academy? Why are they with the Shui family's young master now?!"

In a dimly lit chamber in Mingdu, powerful figures from various continental factions had convened for a secret meeting. The leader broke the silence with his question.

"News arrived yesterday. The Shui family's young master, Shui Wuya, was once a student of Shrek Academy. However, it's said that he came to Mingdu at Tang Sect's invitation and is not representing Shrek Academy in the competition," someone quickly responded.

Those present in this chamber were at least from second-tier continental factions. They had received the news of Shui Wuya's appearance in Shrek City, where he had repelled Di Tian, the day after it happened.

"I never thought Shrek Academy maintained ties with the Shui family. Could Shrek have been deceiving us all along?"

Another person spoke up, his words sharply criticizing Shrek Academy.

"It seems so. With Dragon God Douluo Mu En gone, Shrek Academy must be trying to curry favor with the Shui family to secure their position, all while deceiving us!"

"Indeed, Shrek Academy is sly and treacherous. I suggest we all immediately sanction Shrek Academy and boycott all their news!"

The chamber quickly filled with voices expressing indignation and condemning Shrek Academy. Everyone knew that the Shui family had announced their imminent return, and in response, Shrek Academy had convened a meeting in Shrek City, inviting most of the continent's factions and displaying a firm stance.

Many had believed Shrek was preparing to challenge the Shui family to maintain its position as the top power on the continent. Now, seeing Shrek Academy seemingly allied with the Shui family left them feeling betrayed.

"This might all be a conspiracy. Shrek Academy could have secretly sided with the Shui family, becoming traitors, to draw out the factions opposing the Shui family and eliminate them in one sweep," a young man in a colorful robe suggested. His words, like a lingering curse, sent chills down the spines of the gathered leaders.

However, dissent soon arose.

"I don't think so. Shrek Academy is cunning, but given Elder Xuan's way of handling things, it doesn't seem like they would secretly align with the Shui family," an elderly man in a white robe stroked his beard thoughtfully.

The chamber fell into silence. The news of the Shui family's young master aiding Shrek Academy against the beast tide was a troubling cloud hanging over them.

It was a cloud that could neither dissipate nor be explained.

"I've heard that it was Shui Yuanchen, an Ultimate Douluo of the Shui family, who drove back Di Tian. He crossed space with an aura of overwhelming killing intent that even Di Tian dared not challenge," someone remarked.

"The Shui family's heritage likely includes more than one Ultimate Douluo. Whenever the Shui family re-emerges, they always have a supreme powerhouse at the helm," another added.

The discussions in the chamber resumed, largely focusing on the Shui family's Ultimate Douluos and Shui Wuya. Underneath the surface, many were forming their own plans.

In contrast to the anxiety within the chamber, the citizens of Mingdu were excited upon hearing about the Shui family's young master's impending arrival. The re-emergence of such a prestigious hidden family was a rare event, and many were eager to see what Shui Wuya looked like.

...

Two days later, with the Mingdu Tournament set to begin the next day, the teams from Shrek Academy and Tang Sect finally arrived in Mingdu. Despite Elder Xuan personally leading the team, their journey was uneventful.

When the team reached the city gates, they were greeted by a vast crowd, packed tightly together.

"It's Shrek Academy and Tang Sect, they've arrived!"

"Where is the Shui family's young master? Isn't he supposed to be with them?"

"Shrek Academy, we want to see Shui Wuya, the Shui family's young master!"

The overwhelming noise and sheer number of people surrounded the Shrek Academy and Tang Sect teams, making it nearly impossible for them to move. Fortunately, the presence of many strong individuals in the group prevented the crowd from dispersing them.

"Elder Xuan, there's an envoy from the Sun Moon Empire's royal family," Yan Shaozhe said from the front of the group, frowning as he observed the sea of people. To ensure the safety of the team, he had accompanied them to Mingdu.

"It's not just the royal family. Many of these people are powerful figures from various factions, likely all here for Shui Wuya," Elder Xuan noted.

Elder Xuan shook his head helplessly. This was an unforeseen situation.

As he scanned the crowd, he recognized several familiar faces from the meeting at Shrek Academy.

"Please inform Shrek Academy that Prince Chi Yuan of the Sun Moon Empire respectfully invites the Shui family's young master to the palace for a discussion!" a royal envoy suddenly shouted, startling everyone present.

Following this, representatives from other factions quickly followed suit, each trying to outdo the other.

"The Sun Moon Empire has long admired the Shui family. We respectfully request an audience with the Shui family's young master!"

"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan invites the Shui family's young master for a discussion, offering valuable gifts!"

"The Star Luo Empire seeks an audience with the Shui family's young master, presenting a ten-thousand-year soul bone as a gift!"

The shouts from the various factions grew louder, each trying to make their voice heard. The situation escalated, and the team could not move forward.

"Silence!"

Suddenly, a thunderous voice from within the team silenced the crowd. A figure soared into the air, exuding a powerful aura of murderous intent.

It was none other than Shui Xingtian.

"Our young master has ordered that we are here by invitation and will not see any visitors today. Anyone who obstructs us will be considered disrespectful to the Shui family!" Shui Xingtian's commanding voice echoed through the area, sending a chill down everyone's spine.

None of them dared to defy the Shui family. They had gathered merely to catch a glimpse of Shui Wuyue, not to risk their lives.

In no time, the crowd parted, creating a path for the Shrek Academy and Tang Sect teams to proceed.

(End of Chapter)