NOVEL NEXT Chapter 91: [DD2]: 90
"My Ice God Palace is indeed exceptional with ice, and perhaps, as you said, it can counter the evil fire in your disciple. But why should we help you? Are we close?"
Lu Yuan's tone was indifferent.
"Does the Ice God Palace have any deep ties with Shrek Academy? Do we have any kind of relationship? And you want me to save your disciple? Why should I? Because Yan Shaozhe has a big reputation? You came here uninvited, and quite boldly at that."
Lu Yuan waved his hand, ready to send them away. The Ice God Palace didn't like to interact with outsiders.
"Please wait, sir," Yan Shaozhe spoke hurriedly, seeing that Lu Yuan was about to dismiss them.
"We did not come empty-handed. As long as the Ice God Palace agrees to help, I am willing to offer compensation."
He feared Lu Yuan might truly turn them away.
"The Ice God Palace doesn't need your petty offerings," Lu Yuan replied coldly.
"Do you think the Ice God Palace cares about such trivial things from you? In terms of heritage, can your Shrek Academy even compare to our Ice God Palace? With thousands of years of history, no force on the continent today has a deeper foundation. Treasures are plentiful here, and we have no shortage of strong people. Do you think we need what little you have?"
"Please hear me out. What I have brought this time is a Dragon Pill, containing the essence of a great dragon," Yan Shaozhe interjected.
"I know the Ice God Palace has always been reclusive, disdaining outside contact. It's a great offense to trouble your experts, and for that, I offer the Dragon Pill as a gift, hoping the Ice God Palace can help treat my disciple. I would be eternally grateful."
Yan Shaozhe believed the Dragon Pill's value would move Lu Yuan. After all, it was one of Shrek Academy's most treasured items. Aside from the Golden Tree, the Dragon Pill was among the most precious artifacts they could offer. It was only because Ma Xiaotao held such strong potential—capable of reaching the pinnacle—that Shrek Academy was willing to make this offer. Even Mu En had broken through to the Ultimate Douluo level thanks to a Dragon Pill. Its value was beyond measure; even a 100,000-year-old soul bone would pale in comparison.
Sure enough, when the words "Dragon Pill" were mentioned, Lu Yuan's expression shifted, and his gaze toward Yan Shaozhe held a glimmer of surprise. A treasure like the Dragon Pill could not be easily dismissed, even in the Ice God Palace. Although the Ice God Palace still held items more valuable than the Dragon Pill, it was not something Lu Yuan could ignore.
"I thought you were just here to waste our time, but it seems you have some sincerity," Lu Yuan said calmly, looking at Yan Shaozhe.
"Of course. Shrek Academy has always valued sincerity, and we've come here with genuine respect to seek help," Yan Shaozhe quickly replied, sensing an opportunity to subtly promote Shrek Academy.
But Lu Yuan remained indifferent. Sincerity? Shrek Academy only valued strength. Everyone knew Shrek's ways. They were all seasoned players in this game; there was no need for pretense.
Though Lu Yuan had disdain in his heart, he didn't express it. Or rather, he didn't see the point in mocking them. He was domineering by nature, cold and aloof. He looked down on Shrek Academy but couldn't be bothered to ridicule it—it simply didn't interest him.
"You're willing to offer a Dragon Pill, so at least you know how to ask for help. But I can't make this decision alone. I need to seek approval. Return in two days."
Lu Yuan gestured indifferently.
Yan Shaozhe's pupils shrank. This man was so powerful, yet he still needed someone else's authorization. From Yan Shaozhe's perspective, Lu Yuan seemed like an unshakable mountain; every movement carried the power to shake the heavens and earth. His aura was overwhelming, far surpassing Yan Shaozhe's own, and possibly even rivaling Elder Xuan at his peak.
This was why Yan Shaozhe was being so respectful. If it weren't for meeting such a powerful individual, he wouldn't have been so deferential.
But now, this person was telling him he needed approval? Did that mean there was someone even stronger in the Ice God Palace? Who could it be? Someone as strong as his teacher? Yan Shaozhe's respect deepened even further. No wonder the Ice God Palace had such a profound foundation.
However, simply leaving like this... The area within a thousand miles was an icy wilderness.
Where would they stay?
Yan Shaozhe spoke up, preparing to ask if they could wait inside the Ice God Palace for the next two days. But Lu Yuan refused without hesitation.
"Without permission, no non-ice element individuals are allowed inside the Ice God Palace. This is the rule, and no one can break it. You should leave now and come back in two days."
With that, Lu Yuan's figure flickered, and he stepped back inside the barrier, which sealed itself as soon as he entered, leaving only a small opening, large enough for one person. Yan Shaozhe and Ma Xiaotao were left standing outside, completely shut out.
Ma Xiaotao trembled with anger, her evil flames flickering.
"That guy is so rude, treating us like this!"
They were from Shrek Academy, yet the Ice God Palace dared to treat them this way. Leaving them outside like that? Was this the Ice God Palace's way of treating guests?
But clearly, Ma Xiaotao was overthinking it. At the Ice God Palace, they weren't even considered guests. Yan Shaozhe's face also darkened. As the dean of Shrek Academy's inner court and a member of the Sea God Pavilion, he represented Shrek Academy wherever he went. With his rank as a Super Douluo, who would dare disrespect him? Let alone shut him out?
But the Ice God Palace did just that.
Truthfully, Yan Shaozhe was also angry, but he knew this wasn't the place to act out. This was the Ice God Palace—a place that could throw out even the sect leader of the Body Sect. Shrek Academy was in a precarious situation with Elder Xuan injured, leaving the academy lacking high-level combat power. Picking a fight with the Ice God Palace now would be incredibly foolish, especially since they still needed its help with Ma Xiaotao's evil fire problem. Yan Shaozhe could only suppress his anger.
"The Ice God Palace has its rules, and we can't break them. Let's go back for now," Yan Shaozhe said, patting Ma Xiaotao on the shoulder.
Though upset, Ma Xiaotao understood the weight of the Ice God Palace. No matter how angry she was, she had to swallow her frustration.
"But teacher, there's nothing but ice and snow for thousands of miles around here," Ma Xiaotao said, clearly troubled. There was nowhere to stay.
"We'll just find a place to shelter from the wind and wait it out. With our soul power, a bit of cold is nothing," Yan Shaozhe said with a shake of his head.
"That's all we can do," Ma Xiaotao replied with a sigh, unhappy about having to camp out in the wilderness. Exchanging a glance, they activated their soul power. Ma Xiaotao's fiery red wings appeared behind her, and the two of them disappeared into the sky.
...
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan returned to the Ice God Palace to discuss the matter. The higher-ups of the Ice God Palace mainly consisted of the Priests and the Guardians, a group of nine known as the Nine Guardians of the Ice God Palace. The strongest among them was the First Guardian, Mu Wu, who had reached the half-step Ultimate Douluo level with his Ice River Baxia martial soul, making him a formidable powerhouse.
Inside a grand hall, several figures gathered. At the center of the hall was a high platform, entirely white and radiating intense cold. Suspended above it was an ice-blue scroll emitting a powerful, stunning cold energy.
Lu Yuan stood below the platform, hands behind his back. Each of the Nine Guardians had their items to protect—treasures passed down from the first generation of the Ice God, each with extraordinary powers. This was the origin of their title as Guardians. The scroll above was Lu Yuan's in charge.
"Old Lu, why did you call everyone here?" asked a tall man in a white robe adorned with the Ice God Palace's snowflake emblem. His long white hair cascaded down to his waist, and a massive ice-blue bow was emblazoned on his robe. He had a gentler demeanor than Lu Yuan but exuded the same characteristic chill.
"Yeah, Xiao Yuan. We're all busy guarding our posts. What's so important that you had to call us all here?" added a woman who looked to be in her fifties, though she was over a hundred years old. In terms of seniority, she was higher than both Lu Yuan and even Mu Wu, commanding the utmost respect among them.
"Looks like everyone's here," Lu Yuan said, smiling at those gathered in the hall. His demeanor softened a stark contrast to the intimidating aura he'd shown Yan Shaozhe earlier. The Nine Guardians of the Ice God Palace were close, like family. Mu Wu was the undisputed leader, while the Third Guardian, Xiao Qiancheng, though older than Mu Wu, was respected by all, earning her the affectionate title of "Big Sister Xiao."
The Nine Guardians were as follows:
Mu Wu (First Guardian): Half-step Ultimate Douluo, martial soul: Ice River Baxia, the strongest among them.
Lu Yuan (Second Guardian): Level 97, martial soul: Titan Snow Demon Ape, second only to Mu Wu in combat power.
Xiao Qiancheng (Third Guardian): Level 97, martial soul: Heavenly Heart Ice Vine, a powerful control-type female Super Douluo and the oldest among them.
Shui Lingguang (Fourth Guardian): Level 97, martial soul: Ice Phoenix, a young female Super Douluo known for her beauty.
Feng Xue (Fifth Guardian): Level 97, martial soul: Snow God Bow, a powerful long-range Super Douluo.
Lan Xueluo (Sixth Guardian): Level 96, martial soul: Illusion Ice Butterfly, a control-type Super Douluo.
Lin Kai (Seventh Guardian): Level 96, martial soul: Death Ice Scythe, a Super Douluo with strong offensive power.
Luo Yi (Eighth Guardian): Level 96, martial soul: Snow Leopard King, a speed-type Super Douluo.
Bing Qing (Ninth Guardian): Level 96, martial soul: Snow Lotus, a support-type Super Douluo.
This formidable lineup of one Level 98 Guardian, four Level 97 Guardians, and four Level 96 Guardians formed a foundation unmatched by any other human force on the continent.
Why did the Ice God Palace dare to remain aloof from the world? Because strength is the ultimate backing. Although the Ice God Palace could rival any single force, they weren't invincible. Should multiple powers unite, it would still be a challenge. And there was always the Divine Realm above. Even the mighty Ice God Palace paled in comparison to the Divine Realm.
Su Yu, a cautious individual, preferred to develop quietly before acting decisively, using overwhelming power to crush any enemies.
"Sister Xiao, I gathered everyone to discuss an important matter," Lu Yuan said respectfully.
"What's so important?" asked Shui Lingguang, the Fourth Guardian, known for her beauty and graceful demeanor.
"Sister Lingguang, don't worry. Let me explain," Lu Yuan replied with a smile.
"Today, someone claiming to be the Dean of Shrek Academy came here, requesting our help to remove the evil fire from his disciple."
"That's it?" scoffed the white-haired man.
"Just send him away. The Dean of Shrek Academy means nothing to us."
"Old Feng is right. It's just Shrek Academy. We have no reason to bother with them. We're not close to them."