With Zhou Sicheng's speed, returning to Shrek Academy from the Extreme North in just three days was more than feasible.
Upon his return, he went straight to the Sea God's Pavilion to visit Elder Mu.
Seeing Zhou Sicheng back safe and sound, Elder Mu's face lit up with a warm smile. Sensing that Zhou Sicheng's power had once again undergone a tremendous increase, that smile held even more satisfaction.
Elder Mu gently patted Zhou Sicheng on the shoulder. "Sicheng, have you already broken through to the Soul King realm and acquired your fifth soul ring?"
Although Zhou Sicheng had tried his best to hide it, without activating the Infinite Morph Core to conceal his soul power, someone of Elder Mu's strength could naturally sense the advancement in Zhou Sicheng's cultivation.
After all, regardless of how deep his soul power foundation was, a forty-something-rank cultivation that could rival a Soul Emperor was already exceptional. But there was still a noticeable difference between Zhou Sicheng at Rank 48 and at Rank 54.
Zhou Sicheng nodded slightly. "As expected, I can't hide anything from your perceptive eyes. I was hoping to surprise you! Couldn't you at least pretend not to know and let me astonish you a little?"
He put on a childish expression, causing Elder Mu to chuckle softly. The dreariness and monotony of recent days were dispelled by Zhou Sicheng's playful demeanor.
Elder Mu smiled and said, "I knew you wouldn't be able to sit still for long. But to advance from Rank 48 to Rank 50 in just a month… looks like you had another stroke of fortune."
Zhou Sicheng sat beside Elder Mu, gently holding his hand and massaging it with care.
He spoke softly, "I spent a few days at home, then took a little trip to the Extreme North."
Elder Mu's brow arched. "The Extreme North? That place is even more dangerous than the Star Dou Great Forest. I ventured there a few times in my youth and paid dearly for it. You not only returned safely but also obtained your fifth soul ring… I suppose your fortunate encounter was there?"
Zhou Sicheng smiled. "Back when I was in the Library Pavilion, I talked with Senior Sister about contracting the Silver Shadow Beast as my fifth soul ring. She mentioned that the Extreme North housed a unique soul beast called the Mirror Shadow Beast. Its abilities were even more compatible with my Book of Contracts martial soul. So, after returning home, I couldn't resist the idea and set off."
Elder Mu nodded slightly. "The Mirror Shadow Beast is indeed an excellent choice. Now that you have your fifth soul ring, the Silver Shadow Beast's abilities would overlap with your existing ones."
As someone knowledgeable and experienced, Elder Mu naturally knew the Mirror Shadow Beast's abilities. After all, ten thousand years ago, the Food God among the original Shrek Seven Devils had acquired a Mirror Shadow Beast as his soul ring, and it was from then that his brilliance truly began.
Zhou Sicheng added, "That issue's already been resolved. The Silver Shadow Beast has been tamed by Xiong Da and the others. It can now serve as a training opponent for the talented students in the Inner Court."
Elder Mu's smile remained unchanged. "That's a fine idea. The Silver Shadow Beast primarily possesses spiritual attributes, and its mental imprinting ability can help temper the Inner Court students well."
"To absorb its soul ring would require a unique martial soul like your Book of Contracts. Even most spiritual-type soul masters wouldn't succeed without a deep foundation."
"There are too few spiritual-type soul masters in the academy right now, and even fewer with real potential. We'll keep the Silver Shadow Beast at the academy for now."
Zhou Sicheng grinned. "Teacher, that beast's strength is extraordinary, and with Xiong Da's training, it might even become Shrek's guardian beast one day!"
Elder Mu's eyes lit up. That was a possibility he hadn't considered before.
After all, no one at Shrek had ever successfully tamed such a powerful soul beast.
Even Beast King Gong Changlong had only used crude, forceful methods to control soul beasts—at least before meeting Zhou Sicheng.
While enjoying Zhou Sicheng's massage, Elder Mu spoke calmly, "Let's go with that for now. If nurtured properly, your idea might very well come true."
With the Silver Shadow Beast's talent, as long as it was given enough time and resources, reaching the hundred-thousand-year level was practically guaranteed.
In the future, it might indeed become Shrek's guardian beast.
Watching Zhou Sicheng earnestly massage his hand, Elder Mu asked, "The Mirror Shadow Beast has the ability of mirror replication. When the opponent casts a skill, it can mirror and replicate it directly. That's quite similar to the Silver Shadow Beast, wouldn't you say?"
"The difference is that the Silver Shadow Beast does it through mental imprinting, while the Mirror Shadow Beast uses soul power to replicate skills. In practice, there's not much difference."
Zhou Sicheng nodded slightly. Mirror replication was indeed the Mirror Shadow Beast's fundamental ability.
Elder Mu continued, "However, ten thousand years ago, the Food God of Shrek obtained a Mirror Shadow Beast for his sixth soul ring. From it, he gained a powerful soul skill that could replicate an opponent's martial soul and soul skills using their blood as a medium."
He paused, his aged eyes locking with Zhou Sicheng's. "Now that you've contracted this Mirror Shadow Beast, I wonder what its capabilities are. If you can also replicate martial souls and soul skills through blood, then it could be another transformation for you. My strength might even be passed down through you."
This wasn't pride speaking. Despite the permanent injuries he suffered in his battle against Du Bisi, Elder Mu had once been the strongest of his era.
Even now, crippled as he was, with the aid of the Sea God's Light, he was still a matchless force in the current generation.
If Zhou Sicheng could replicate Elder Mu's martial soul and soul skills, combined with his formidable foundation, he might even one day surpass Elder Mu in wielding the Holy Bright Dragon!
Since Zhou Sicheng would be using his fifth soul ring in public, there was no need to hide it.
In a calm voice, Zhou Sicheng explained, "Teacher, this Mirror Shadow Beast is quite special. It's like a royal bloodline among its kind, with extremely powerful abilities. Mirror replication is just a basic skill—I hardly even consider it important."
Hearing this, Elder Mu felt reassured. "Go on."
Zhou Sicheng continued, "Its mirror replication requires no conditions—just observing a soul skill being used is enough to replicate it."
"In addition, this Mirror Shadow Beast can also absorb the opponent's blood to acquire their martial soul and abilities. Once fused with me, I can use its power to replicate others' martial souls and soul skills through blood."
Elder Mu nodded, a knowing smile playing across his aged face. "That means, in the upcoming tournament, you won't need to worry about your Book of Contracts martial soul being exposed."
"When you enter with my blood, a brilliant young Holy Bright Dragon representing Shrek will shine. The ignorant forces watching from the shadows will certainly hesitate."
Zhou Sicheng raised an eyebrow. "If you weren't my teacher, I'd say you're just as cunning as I am! I was worried you wouldn't agree, but now you're the one bringing it up!"
"You brat!" Elder Mu shot him a glare. "This old body doesn't have much time left. Shrek's future will rest on your shoulders."
His expression softened as he gazed at Zhou Sicheng. "But this will also bring more eyes upon you. The pressure you'll face will grow. After all, no one on the continent wants Shrek to produce a second Dragon God Douluo…"
Zhou Sicheng waved a hand dismissively. "What are you saying? Let's not talk about your health for now. As for the pressure Shrek faces—if I can take some of it, it's no big deal. Pressure only fuels me!"
"If anyone dares to act with ill intent, we'll make them understand what a true genius looks like!"
Seeing Zhou Sicheng's confident and spirited expression, Elder Mu felt a deep sense of relief.
Though Zhou Sicheng played the part a bit theatrically, every word he said was sincere.
With his current foundation and strength, he could even challenge a Rank 95 Super Douluo. Ordinary people wouldn't dare bare their fangs at him.
If any of those ancient, half-dead monsters on the continent dared to make a move, Elder Mu would show them what it truly meant when a True Dragon was enraged!
Although it was never explicitly stated, there was an unspoken rule in the world of Soul Masters: each generation resolved its own issues. Only in exceptional cases—when someone with overwhelmingly extraordinary power emerged—could the older generation intervene.
And Zhou Sichen just happened to be one of those exceptions.
However, Zhou Sichen had yet to reveal himself to the world. Only the upper echelons of Shrek Academy were aware of his true capabilities.
He would later venture out under the name of being a direct disciple of Elder Mu, bearing the Light Holy Dragon martial soul. Unless he displayed truly heaven-defying strength, members of the older generation typically wouldn't dare lay a hand on him.
Even if they did, it would be in secret, done discreetly and from the shadows.
After all, no one wished to provoke the wrath of the Dragon God Douluo.
Or rather, those who knew Elder Mu was still alive wouldn't dare to provoke him.
And those who didn't even know that Mu Lao was still alive... clearly weren't qualified to provoke Shrek Academy in the first place.
Zhou Sichen held Elder Mu's aged hand again and, with a trace of emotion, said,
"Teacher, I have an idea. I wonder if you'd be willing to try it."
Elder Mu glanced at Zhou Sichen and replied,
"If you want the blood of Shrek's Title Douluos, get it yourself. Don't go using my name."
Zhou Sichen realized Elder Mu had misunderstood. The emotional atmosphere he'd just built up almost fell apart. He quickly reorganized his words and said,
"No, it's not about that. I'm talking about your health."
"Hm?" A glimmer of light suddenly flashed in Elder Mu's aged eyes.
If it had been anyone else saying such a thing, he would've laughed it off. After all, not even Elder Zhuang could resolve his condition—how could anyone else?
But Zhou Sichen was different. This child had brought him far too many surprises.
Zhou Sichen smiled slightly.
"Do you still remember the Acacia Heartbroken Red seed I gave to my sister?"
Elder Mu nodded gently.
"What about it? Are you saying that thing could restore my body?"
Zhou Sichen replied,
"It's worth a try. As a top-tier immortal herb, the Acacia Heartbroken Red has miraculous effects—reviving the dead, regenerating flesh from bone. Even if it can't make you stand up again, extending your lifespan shouldn't be difficult."
Elder Mu sighed.
"When you first described the effects of the Acacia Heartbroken Red, I was tempted. But I know my own body well... I fear even an immortal herb of that level might not be enough."
Zhou Sichen reassured him,
"Who cares if it works or not? Try it next year. Even if it fails, the worst that happens is losing one herb, right?"
This time, Zhou Sichen's emotions were genuine. Although he hadn't spent long with Elder Mu, the old man—so close to the end of his life—had helped him immensely.
Zhou Sichen had already accepted Elder Mu as his teacher in his heart.
In the original story, Elder Mu passed away in a little over two years. If he could take the Acacia Heartbroken Red's seed form now, even if it didn't allow him to walk again, the medicinal effects of such an immortal herb should be enough to extend his life.
Elder Mu fell silent. He had lived for over two hundred years. If he could live a little longer and witness the growth of the next generation—leading Shrek to future glory—of course he wished for more time.
Though he didn't place much hope in it, after hearing Zhou Sichen's words, a faint sense of anticipation did rise in his heart.
Zhou Sichen stood up. A flash of light from his soul tool, and in front of Elder Mu appeared a meticulously carved Profound Ice Jade Bed, two meters long and two meters wide.
It was one of the pieces Zhou Sichen had recently cut from the Titan Snow Demon King. This was one of the five slabs of Profound Ice Jade he had in his possession.
Elder Mu's eyes widened with surprise.
"Such pure, frigid energy… This Profound Ice Jade Bed must be of the highest grade. Did you find this in the Extreme North?"
Zhou Sichen nodded slightly.
"From now on, spend one hour each day cultivating on it. It can ease fatigue and help realign your meridians. But your body isn't suited for long sessions—never go beyond one hour at a time."
Receiving a treasured gift from his disciple, Elder Mu felt a warmth deep in his heart. However, hearing Zhou Sichen go on and on, he couldn't help but glare at him:
"This old man still knows a few things, no need for you to lecture me."
Seeing Elder Mu return to his usual self, Zhou Sichen chuckled,
"As long as you're aware, that's enough."
Elder Mu also laughed.
"When Shao Zhe comes back and sees this Profound Ice Jade Bed, he'll definitely pester you for one."
Zhou Sichen's face darkened.
"I only got three, and almost died for them. I'm giving you one out of filial piety—I still need to keep one for myself."
Elder Mu grinned.
"Isn't there still one left?"
Zhou Sichen smiled faintly.
"That one's already spoken for. If Senior Brother wants one, I'll give him a better one when I find more in the future."
He couldn't exactly tell Elder Mu that he had five and had already distributed all of them—with none left for Yan Shaozhe.
That would've been a bit disheartening.
Besides, Yan Shaozhe was only in his nineties—still full of energy. He didn't need these treasures just yet.
Zhou Sichen smoothly changed the topic, then helped Elder Mu up from the recliner and gently laid him onto the Profound Ice Jade Bed.
Once Elder Mu was settled, Zhou Sichen even used his soul power to help smooth and clear his meridians.
After studying both the medicinal and toxicology sections of the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Zhou Sichen had taken the time to seriously delve into them.
Now, he could just barely be considered a master of medicine. Helping Elder Mu with his meridians was no trouble at all.
Elder Mu lay there thoroughly enjoying himself. For some reason, he felt truly content.
How many years had it been since he felt such comfort?
Truly, comparisons were infuriating. Yan Shaozhe was already quite old, yet had never been this thoughtful.
The more he thought about it, the more Elder Mu felt the urge to properly educate that boy. He had placed so much hope in training him, but in the end—this was all he amounted to?
Aside from a few schemes here and there, he hadn't inherited any of the good traits!
****
If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat.
patr*on.com/Salsita2k