Chapter 253: The Guardian of Shrek… or the Harbinger of Chaos?
When Zhang Lexuan led Beibei, Long Aotian, and the others toward the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for soul rings, someone unexpected appeared before their departure—Xuan Zi, who had been idle for over a year. As the deputy leader of Shrek's Sea God Pavilion, he finally decided it was time to contribute again.
Just as they were about to set out, Xuan Zi arrived, his wine gourd swinging casually from his waist.
"I'll be taking over the escort this time," he announced.
"Really? Elder Xuan, you're coming with us?" Vina's eyes sparkled with surprise and excitement.
As a princess of the Heavenly Soul Empire and the goddaughter of Du Busi, Vina was deeply familiar with the top powers of the continent. She had heard plenty about the infamous Elder Xuan—Shrek's own level 98 Titled Douluo, a man whose strength rivaled the strongest alive.
If the Body Sect hadn't merged with Shrek, Elder Xuan might well have become the head of the Sea God Pavilion himself.
For someone of his stature to personally escort them on a ring-hunting expedition—it was beyond anyone's expectations.
With such a powerhouse by their side, what danger could they possibly fear?
The original escort, a Titled Douluo from the Body Sect, stepped forward and asked cautiously, "Elder Xuan, are you sure about this?"
Xuan Zi casually took a swig from his gourd. "Of course. I wouldn't joke about something like this."
The Body Sect Titled Douluo chuckled. "In that case, I'll take my leave. No need for me to tag along when a continent-level powerhouse is stepping in."
Though his tone was light, his eyes were serious. As someone who had personally experienced the beast tide and seen Xuan Zi's power firsthand, he understood the gap between them all too clearly. Even ten of him wouldn't compare to one Xuan Zi.
More importantly, he knew how missions under Elder Xuan went—when Xuan Zi took command, everyone else was better off staying out of the way. Otherwise, you weren't helping—you were working under him. And for a proud Titled Douluo, that wasn't appealing.
Xuan Zi waved him off without care. Whether it was this Titled Douluo or Zhang Lexuan herself, to him they were juniors, all too far beneath his level. Talent or not, their differences in strength were insurmountable. A soul master might have top-tier soul ring configurations—but how many of them ever reached level 98?
Just as the Titled Douluo was about to depart, he noticed Zhang Lexuan hesitating, her eyes filled with unspoken words.
"Zhang Lexuan, is there something you want to say?" he asked.
"I… I think maybe you should stay after all. Just as a precaution," she said, clearly reluctant.
She knew the truth—Xuan Zi wasn't protection. He was chaos.
Ten years ago, she had seen what happened when Elder Xuan accompanied her team. Feng Yao, the reserve captain, had died because of one of Xuan Zi's "plans." Ling Luochen had been lucky to survive. The whole expedition had been a disaster.
Compared to that, this time was already looking dangerously familiar.
But how could she say that aloud?
What would it sound like if she questioned the deputy leader of the Sea God Pavilion? She hadn't even reached the level of Titled Douluo. She didn't have the authority, let alone the power, to voice her concerns.
The Body Sect Titled Douluo scoffed, "What? You think Elder Xuan needs someone to watch his back? That's absurd."
Zhang Lexuan remained silent. Because she knew—he really might.
Vina and the others cheered as the Titled Douluo vanished, completely unaware of the doom Zhang Lexuan felt in her chest.
Beibei, watching this, didn't speak. He wanted to support Zhang Lexuan, to ease her burden, but he dared not offend Xuan Zi or cause waves in front of Shrek's reputation. Yet his silence spoke volumes to her.
So this is the man I once liked… Zhang Lexuan thought bitterly.
He knows exactly what I fear, but he still turned away. All along, I was just imagining something that never existed. He only cares about Tang Ya… I was never part of his world.
She smiled, a cold, self-deprecating smile.
Forget it. I owe Shrek a debt for everything. If this expedition becomes another disaster… then let me repay that debt—with my life.