Beyond that, they also felt Mu En's voice thick with exhaustion.
Undoubtedly, he was also extremely worried about Xuan Zi's situation.
"Elder Mu, what do we do now?"
Someone couldn't help but ask.
At this moment, they had come to rely on Mu En as their mainstay. To them, Mu En was the last straw that could save their lives.
Mu En fell silent upon hearing this.
What to do?
He himself was in a state of turmoil, completely clueless.
Just as Xian Lin'er had just mentioned, Xuan Zi's cultivation level of 98 grades was too strong. Looking at the entire Shrek Academy, there was already no one who could be his match.
Unless they sent out a large number of powerful Soul Masters, they might be able to suppress Xuan Zi, but doing so would mean Shrek Academy must prepare for a grievous cost...
After all, according to the descriptions from Elder Zhuang and Elder Song, Xuan Zi had become possessed by evil. The bonds of the past did matter to him, albeit not much. If they provoked him, he would show no mercy at all.
What a headache.
If I had known it would come to this, I might as well have died; that would have settled everything...
Mu En felt a wave of weariness.
However.
In the next moment, his spirit was shaken.
Within his perception, a powerful presence was approaching Shrek City.
And this presence was very familiar to him.
"Xuan Zi has returned!"
Immediately, Mu En voiced out, informing the people outside Sea God's Pavilion of his new discovery.
"What?"
"Xuan Zi has actually returned?"
Elder Zhuang's face was filled with astonishment; this was against all reason.
Elder Song spoke in bewilderment, "He had previously told us he'd rather die out there than return, what's going on now?"
Elder Lin said, "Isn't it obvious? He must have had a change of heart. After being away for a while, he realized that home is best."
"Indeed, I also think that he must have had some clarity after you left. That's why he has returned to Shrek Academy."
Many people agreed with Elder Lin's words.
However.
Elder Zhuang and Elder Song still found it unlikely.
Because they had never seen Xuan Zi look so resolute, and in his eyes, they had seen his deep dislike for Shrek Academy.
How could a person who had lost all hope in Shrek possibly return?
Impossible, absolutely impossible.
"Eh?"
Just then, a voice of surprised doubt came from within Sea God's Pavilion.
Upon hearing it, everyone tensed up, instantly overwhelmed by a bad premonition...
"What's wrong with teacher?" Yan Shaozhe asked, puzzled.
"The reason Xuan Zi has returned to Shrek Academy may really be different from what everyone imagines... because behind them, there is an even more powerful presence..."
What?
After hearing Mu En's words, everyone looked shocked.
Mu En had spoken diplomatically, but with a little thought, it was not hard to discern the underlying message in his words: Xuan Zi was being pursued by someone powerful.
Then again, everyone had witnessed Xuan Zi's cultivation level and strength. For someone to be able to hunt him, how powerful must the pursuer be?
The more they thought about it, the more terrifying the implications became.
"Teacher, may I ask who the comer is? So that we can prepare to respond," Yan Shaozhe asked after regaining his composure.
After a brief silence, Mu En's voice floated out, "The Body Sect, Poison Not Dead."
"It's actually him..."
Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts sank.
Shrek Academy and the Body Sect had been old rivals. Mu En had become handicapped as a result of a battle with the previous Sect Master of the Body Sect, Poison Must Die.
Of course.
While Mu En was grievously injured, Poison Must Die paid with his life.
"They have already arrived. And I can feel that Xuan Zi's condition isn't very good, so you all should hurry and assist Xuan Zi. Also, take all of Shrek Academy's soul tools with you. No matter the cost, we must rescue Xuan Zi."
"Yes!"
The crowd answered in unison and left the Sea God's Pavilion with Yan Shaozhe.
When only Mu En was left alone, he couldn't help but sigh.
"What a troublesome autumn this is. The storm seems to be growing bigger..."
...
Elsewhere.
Outside Shrek City.
Xuan Zi no longer chose to flee, and when he stopped, he suddenly turned around, watching the emerald light approach from the sky until it was not far in front of him.
"Poison Not Dead, I'm practically home now, do you still need to chase me?"
The backing of Shrek City gave Xuan Zi a great boost of courage.
With no hope left in fighting, he intended to vent his frustration this way.
"Shrek City, I'm really so scared... Hahaha."
Poison Not Dead initially pretended to be afraid, patting his own chest, but soon he couldn't keep up the act and burst out laughing, leaning back and forth in mirth.
"Are you scorning Shrek?" Xuan Zi's face grew increasingly somber.
"No, no, no, I am scorning you." Poison Not Dead shook his head: "Have you ever considered that you might no longer be regarded as an Elder of the Sea God's Pavilion?"
"What do you mean?"
"Across the various empires, you are like a street rat, everyone calls to beat you. If I were you, I'd rather die outside than to return to Shrek Academy and be a burden to them."
Poison Not Dead coldly smirked, questioning Xuan Zi: "Have you ever considered what it means for the Shrek Academy, known as the number one academy in Soul Land, to shelter a soul master of evil who slaughters without mercy?"
"Or perhaps, do you naively believe that Shrek Academy will definitely ensure your safety?"
Ah, this... On hearing those words, Xuan Zi's mouth opened and closed, unsure of what to say.
Although Poison Not Dead's words were unpleasant to hear, they were indeed factual.
If he returned to Shrek Academy, it would bring no small trouble to the entire academy. Yet, what if he didn't return to Shrek Academy?
There would only be one outcome, to die at the hands of Poison Not Dead.
Comparing the two evils, he figured it was better to stay alive at any cost than to be dead.
Furthermore, Shrek Academy still expected him to shoulder heavy responsibilities, what severe punishment could they impose on him?
Xuan Zi was quite confident about this. Soon after, a sneer appeared on his lips, "Heh, Poison Not Dead, you don't have to worry your old bones about it. As for what happens after I return to the academy, there will be those who will handle it. I just know that if you don't leave now, you'll probably encounter quite the trouble."
"That I will have trouble is a joke indeed."
Poison Not Dead didn't believe such nonsense, clenched his fists and launched an attack.
In an instant, he was in front of Xuan Zi, his fists aimed at Xuan Zi's chest and head.
"You actually dare to strike me? This is Shrek Academy!"
Already exhausted, Xuan Zi had not anticipated a sudden assault from Poison Not Dead.
Taken completely by surprise, he was unable to defend himself in time, and got squarely hit.
Amid the muffled impact, he plummeted like a shooting star.
At that moment, a cyan silhouette suddenly appeared behind Xuan Zi, catching his falling body.
In the entire Shrek Academy, only Elder Song could possess such speed.
"Little Song, your timing couldn't have been better."
In Xuan Zi's eyes, there was an unmistakable color of joy.
To this day, he finally saw a family member.
Moved!
However, Elder Song did not display a pleasant expression for him, as she had not forgotten what had happened before.
After a brief exchange of words with Elder Zhuang, Xuan Zi had attacked both of them. Such a grudge wasn't so easy to forget.
Unwilling to waste more time on Xuan Zi, she turned her attention to Poison Not Dead: "The Body Sect really has some nerve, daring to cause trouble at my Shrek Academy!"
Not far away, Poison Not Dead frowned slightly: "What status does Xuan Zi hold, and you still don't know? Or does Shrek Academy really intend to protect him?"
This... Upon hearing this, a hesitant look appeared in Elder Song's eyes.
That was something she truly dared not say.
However.
At that moment, Yan Shaozhe, Qian Duoduo, Elder Zhuang, and others swiftly arrived.
Headmaster Yan was the first to stand at the forefront: "I don't know what you mean by that, but all I know is that Elder Xuan is an Elder of Shrek's Sea God Pavilion, and harming him is equivalent to invading Shrek Academy. Unforgivable!"