Yan Shaozhe chuckled and explained to Zhou Sichen, "This is one of the most core locations of Shrek Academy, carved with the power of the Golden Tree. Even I do not have the privilege to enter it freely."
These words alone were enough to prove how much importance the academy placed on Zhou Sichen.
Being brought to the Sea God's Pavilion on his second day at the academy showed just how highly they regarded him.
However, Zhou Sichen was already mentally prepared for this. His sister had become Mu En's final disciple a year ago, and his grandfather had been a childhood friend of Yan Shaozhe. These two factors alone were enough to place him on Shrek Academy's radar.
In addition, after spending a month with Bei Bei, who had come to understand his personality and character, he received a personal recommendation from the great-grandson of the Dragon God Douluo himself. Coupled with his extraordinary talent and the strength he had displayed last night and today, it was no surprise that Shrek Academy had taken such an interest in him.
And this was precisely Zhou Sichen's goal. Shrek Academy, the continent's number one academy, had existed for ten thousand years, its heritage unparalleled.
Even though he had the backing of the Zhou family and the support of Tianyuan City, the resources he had access to had gradually begun to fall short over the years.
Yet Zhou Sichen did not want to slow his pace. Given all these factors, Shrek Academy was a suitable choice.
Mu En was in his twilight years, with little life force remaining. Xuanzi's martial soul had flaws. Yan Shaozhe had personality shortcomings. And even among the next generation, Ma Xiaotao, despite her immense talent, also had defects in her martial soul.
To put it bluntly, Shrek Academy lacked a true successor.
Although his sister's arrival had given Mu En some hope, she was still family to him, and the talent he displayed now surpassed even hers.
Furthermore, his identity had deep ties to Shrek Academy. He was originally from the Douluo Continent, and his grandfather, Zhou Zhenxuan, still held deep feelings for Shrek.
In summary, Zhou Sichen was now the most promising candidate for cultivation and the best opportunity for Shrek Academy's fourth great resurgence.
Zhou Sichen had chosen to come to Shrek Academy precisely because he had recognized this situation. Otherwise, he could have simply trained his Body Spirit and joined the Body Sect instead.
In other words, regardless of which martial soul he chose to cultivate first, he had a fallback plan.
If Shrek did not work out, he could go to the Body Sect. And if things didn't work out there either, he could still return to Shrek.
Of course, these were just his own predictions. How things would unfold depended on what happened next—and whether he could seize the opportunity.
Xuanzi and the others bowed respectfully. "Elder Mu, we have brought Zhou Sichen."
"Come in." A voice, both majestic and ageless, echoed within the Sea God's Pavilion. Simply hearing it gave one the sensation of their soul being cleansed.
Led by Xuanzi, the four deans and Zhou Sichen stepped into the Sea God's Pavilion. Inside, the entire space was bathed in golden light, with a dense aura of radiance that invigorated Zhou Sichen's spirit.
As he stepped onto the first floor of the Sea God's Pavilion, everything inside exuded an ancient air. In the spacious hall, a long table stretched across the center, with three elders seated on either side—two women and one man.
At the very end of the hall, a figure reclined slightly in a chair. Due to the angle, Zhou Sichen couldn't clearly see this person's appearance.
Xuanzi and the others took their designated seats, leaving Zhou Sichen standing alone at the entrance, much like a student awaiting discipline.
Once everyone was seated, Zhou Sichen bowed slightly. "Student Zhou Sichen greets all the esteemed elders."
He did not say "seniors" but rather "elders."
This was the art of language—just a simple choice of words subtly shortened the distance between him and the powerful figures present.
From the moment Zhou Sichen had entered the hall, the three seated elders, as well as the figure on the reclining chair, had been carefully observing him.
At their level, it was easy to assess Zhou Sichen's current cultivation.
However, their findings did not entirely match what Bei Bei had reported.
From the depth of his spiritual power and soul power, Zhou Sichen did not seem to be merely at the thirty-eighth rank.
Perhaps this was why he was able to form contracts with three soul beasts at the peak of the ten-thousand-year level despite his current cultivation?
Beyond that, there was an innate confidence in him—one that did not waver even when facing nine Title Douluos. He was not intimidated in the slightest; in fact, he appeared completely at ease.
Everyone present was well aware of the Zhou family in Tianyuan City. Given Zhou Zhenxuan's talent, he was likely still struggling at the Soul Douluo level.
This meant that for Zhou Sichen, this was his first time facing such a gathering of powerful individuals. And yet, he remained utterly composed under their scrutinizing gazes.
That alone was enough to make them see him in a different light.
After Zhou Sichen bowed, a gentle ripple of soul power emanated from the elder on the reclining chair, lifting him up lightly.
A voice as warm as a spring breeze, yet capable of cleansing the soul, spoke once more. "Child, there's no need for such formalities."
Feeling the power supporting him, Zhou Sichen's gaze lingered briefly on the reclining elder before returning to its usual composed state.
There was no need to ask. This person was the highest authority in all of Shrek Academy—the Master of the Sea God's Pavilion, one of the Black and White Holy Dragons, a Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo.
Dragon God Douluo, Mu En.
Any one of the many titles associated with this elder was enough to shake the entire continent.
Seated to Mu En's left, Xuanzi leaned in and whispered something to him.
Zhou Sichen only caught the exchange out of the corner of his eye, but he noticed Mu En nodding slightly in response.
Then, Mu En spoke again. "Child, have a seat."
Zhou Sichen nodded and sat at the very last seat opposite Mu En's main position.
Despite being at the very back of the Sea God's Pavilion hall, this seat was typically reserved for figures of great importance to the academy.
For Zhou Sichen, who was only at the thirty-eighth rank, being allowed to sit here carried an obvious implication.
Naturally, all the elders present turned their attention to him.
Mu En's voice echoed once more. "Child, though you have just arrived at Shrek Academy, we have already learned quite a bit about you from various sources."
"Your talent, strength, temperament, and overall qualities are exceptional—things that many can only look up to. Even I, at your age, would not have been your equal."
Zhou Sichen smiled warmly. "You flatter me. The achievements I have today are not solely due to my talent. They are also the result of my family's dedicated support and guidance, as well as my own years of effort."
"I understand that, in your eyes, I may seem gifted. But my hard work should not be overlooked."
His response was both humble and well-worded—pleasing not only to the elders but also to Mu En himself.
"Do you know what it means that we've called you here today?" Mu En asked.
Zhou Sichen pondered briefly. "Because of my talent, and also as a form of assessment."
Mu En laughed, his voice full of delight. "Child, you are very perceptive. Since you understand this, tell me—what is your opinion of Shrek Academy?"
Zhou Sichen had anticipated such a test. He had rehearsed for this scenario long ago.
And when it came to putting on a performance, Zhou Sichen was nothing short of Oscar-worthy.
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