Douluo Unrivaled: The Beginning Materializes the Black Abyss and White Flowers

Chapter 393 Schemes of All Parties
The legends circulating within Shrek Academy depict the original Shrek Seven Devils as incredibly talented, each one a monster among monsters.

But seeing it with her own eyes shattered her illusions completely.

Whether it's the most famous Tang San or her nominal ancestor Ma Hongjun, their talents may be considered decent, but they are far from the monster level she imagined.

In her view, people like Lu Jingming, Liu Ying, and Zhi Guniao were the real monsters.

Compared to these people, the original Shrek Seven Devils were simply mediocre and not worth mentioning.

Let alone someone as exceptional as Lu Jingming, even among the Shrek Academy students of the same era, such as Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi, they might not have been weaker than them at the same age, and might even have been stronger.

While there may be factors such as differences in eras and resources, it is truly unreasonable to expect the proud and arrogant Ma Xiaotao to feel genuine respect for a group of weak people.

Previously, in the main hall of the Star Luo Imperial Palace, she only maintained basic etiquette out of consideration for the occasion.

At this moment, in private, facing Han Ruoruo, who was like a sister to her, she naturally no longer needed to pretend and instantly revealed her truest thoughts.

Ma Xiaotao scoffed, her tone growing increasingly sharp: "Even if we were to put a hypothetical example before me, and the person standing before me were a true ancestor who would be remembered in the annals of our world, would I simply bow down and relinquish my right to fight for such a heaven-defying opportunity as the inheritance of a divine position? I, Ma Xiaotao, cannot do that!"

Her eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp, as if two clusters of phoenix flames were burning fiercely within them.

“I will fight for it, fair and square, based on my own abilities. If this ‘ancestor’ is not strong enough and loses to me in a fair competition, it only proves that he is not worthy of this opportunity. He is too weak. In the end, this world, the world of soul masters, is all about strength and the survival of the fittest.”

Thinking of her own martial spirit, Ma Xiaotao's tone became even more uncontrollably tinged with a long-suppressed resentment and coldness, the bitterness left behind after being tormented for so long.

"As for the inheritance of the Evil Fire Phoenix? It has never brought me any bullshit glory or gratitude. Before I met Senior Jingliu and was able to completely control this flame, the torment of the evil fire, which was like a bone-deep affliction, burning my heart and bones day and night, the pain of being worse than dead, who among you can truly understand? To ask me to be grateful for this so-called 'ancestral bloodline' that brings endless pain? It's simply the most absurd joke in the world."

Her voice was indifferent.

"Moreover, I, Ma Xiaotao, have never had any family to speak of. As far as I know, the Evil Fire Phoenix lineage has probably been passed down to my generation, and I am probably the only one left. I was discovered by my teacher outside and brought back to Shrek Academy, where I was raised. Shrek Academy is my only home."

She looked firmly at Han Ruoruo and Aglaia, her tone resolute and brooking no argument.

"The names of our ancestors deserve to be enshrined in Shrek Academy's Hall of Honor and revered by future generations. But some things should not be given up unconditionally and without principle just because a title needs to be respected. I will fight for the divine position, and no one can stop me."

Ma Xiaotao's words are the most naked and purest pursuit of power and the logic of survival.

She had an extraordinary desire to become a god, not only to surpass herself, but also because she watched Lu Jingming grow stronger at an astonishing speed, leaving her far behind.

She was happy for him, but deep down she felt more resentful.

She was unwilling to forever remain an admirer, an accessory, and unwilling to grow further and further apart from him until they were completely out of reach.

This sense of discontent transformed into an intense thirst for power.

Han Ruoruo listened quietly to Ma Xiaotao's undisguised declaration, without the slightest surprise on her face. She knew Ma Xiaotao's strong personality and unique experiences all too well.

She nodded slightly in agreement:

“My thoughts are the same as yours, Xiao Tao. Elder Xuan probably has the same idea. Our accidental fall into this world is a crisis, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we can obtain a divine position here, not only will we be able to transcend the mortal world, but it will also be an unparalleled and powerful help for the future development of the academy and the challenges that our world may face.”

She paused, calmly analyzing Xuanzi's plan:

"The reason why Elder Xuan chose to reveal the information about the 'future' in the Star Luo Imperial Palace was probably because he had the intention of using their strength against them."

"Otherwise, as outsiders unfamiliar with the place, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack for us to find the elusive Poseidon Island in the vast ocean. Moreover, our ultimate goal is to find a stable spacetime passage to return to our own world. This also requires us to use the information and resources of the local forces in this world. We need to disclose some intelligence in exchange for their full assistance. It is a risky move, but it is also the most effective strategy at present."

Aglaia listened quietly, her eyes calm and undisturbed.

She was already accustomed to the scheming and struggles among mortals caused by desire and power, and her long life made it difficult for her to have much interest in them anymore.

Being able to transcend time and space to come to a completely new world and personally observe and experience a completely different civilization and rules is already a great satisfaction and gain for her.

If Han Ruoruo is the master who signed the contract with her, she will follow the spirit of the contract and use her power and wisdom to help the other party achieve their goal before the contract ends and this journey to another world comes to a close.

A tacit understanding had been reached between the three of them without needing to be spoken.

In this parallel world full of crises and opportunities, they will join hands for a common goal—power and homecoming—calmly examining everything and decisively seizing every possible opportunity.

The so-called ancestral halo appears so pale and powerless in the face of real interests and the pursuit of power.

In another secluded courtyard provided by the Star Luo Empire, the flickering lights cast long shadows of everyone on the wall, creating a slightly tense atmosphere.

Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, Flander, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Dugu Bo, whom Tang San regards as an important helper, all gathered here.

Compared to the chaotic and scheming atmosphere of the palace halls during the day, the atmosphere here was more private, yet all the more somber due to the choices that concerned the future. Yu Xiaogang's brows were furrowed, forming a deep furrow, and his fingers unconsciously traced patterns on the rough wooden table, as if he were deducing an unseen chess game.

He broke the suffocating silence first, his voice low and hoarse, filled with unyielding worry:
"What Senior Xuanzi said today was incredibly informative, especially regarding the matter of divine succession. It has indeed given us direction, but..."

He abruptly changed the subject, his eyes, which were unusually deep from years of studying theory, sharply sweeping over every familiar face present, his tone filled with intense vigilance.

"If you all calm down and think about it carefully, isn't his 'generosity' in revealing such earth-shattering information, which is enough to shake the continent, to the Star Luo Emperor, the sect leaders of various sects, and even many people with ulterior motives, a bit... too illogical, or even... dangerous?"

Flander pushed up his signature, gleaming crystal glasses, and the eyes behind the lenses no longer gleamed with the cunning of a businessman, but with a shrewd and serious understanding of the ways of the world.

He immediately chimed in, his voice carrying his usual shrewd analysis, yet hitting the nail on the head:
“Xiao Gang’s concerns are exactly what I’m worried about. In business, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Senior Xuanzi and the others come from Shrek Academy ten thousand years in the future. This connection is real. We will remember their kindness in helping us.”

"But the word 'divine position' is too heavy. He so openly threw out this bait, which is enough to drive everyone crazy, instantly putting us in the eye of the storm and making us easy prey in the eyes of all ambitious people."

“We...we may not only become the target of everyone's attacks, but also become pawns he uses to attract both overt and covert attacks.”

After all, in the original history, it was seven students from Shrek Academy who obtained the divine positions.

Knowing this, no one will ignore them; they will become the target of all those with ulterior motives.

"enough."

Liu Erlong's fiery temper flared instantly. She slammed her hand on the table, the hard wooden table groaning under the weight, and the teacups rattled loudly.

"Forget about all the conspiracies and schemes, all the scheming and plotting. Now that we know about the existence of the divine position, and that it's clearly an opportunity for you three, then let's fight for it, let's snatch it. Anyone who dares to block our way or extend their claws, I'll burn them to ashes with this Crimson Dragon True Fire."

Although she was angry and spoke harshly, she pointed out the core issue incisively—when faced with an opportunity to defy fate, there is no way to back down; the only option is to fight for it with all one's might.

Tang San sat beside Xiao Wu, listening silently like a still pool, and slowly raised his head.

His deep blue eyes, inherited from his mother, lacked the youthful passion and impulsiveness one might expect; instead, they held a cold, profound calmness that had been tempered by hardship.

"Teacher, Dean, Teacher Erlong, your concerns are exactly what I've been pondering."

His voice was unusually calm, without much emotion, yet it carried a firmness, as if he had made a certain decision.

"Senior Xuanzi may not have had any ill intentions, but in the face of the ultimate temptation of becoming a god, which transcends the mortal realm, the test of humanity will be far beyond imagination. We cannot, and absolutely dare not, place our fate and hope of revenge entirely on the goodwill and promises of others. We must have our own plans, our own trump cards, and the power to deal with any unforeseen events."

His gaze swept over each of his companions present, his eyes seemingly silently confirming their shared beliefs, and he continued, his voice resolute.

"Since the position of Sea God once belonged to me in the course of history, then this time, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, and how many people covet it, I, Tang San, am still determined to obtain it. This is not only to pursue greater power, but also to avenge the blood debt owed to the Spirit Empire, for the Douluo Continent, and also to... protect every important person around me, and never lose them again."

The profound determination and sense of responsibility conveyed in his words deeply moved everyone present.

"Before I officially set off for Poseidon Island, I will make the most of every second and use all the materials I can gather to create as many of the most powerful and intimidating types of Tang Sect mechanical hidden weapons as possible."

Tang San's gaze became incredibly focused, as if he could already see those exquisitely crafted killing weapons.

"For example, the Buddha's Fury Lotus, which has an extremely high area-of-effect damage, the Rain of Pear Blossoms Needles, which has an unbeatable single-target defense-breaking effect, and the Peacock Feather, which is unpredictable and difficult to defend against. With these by our side, we will have a stronger ability to protect ourselves and a counterattack power that can turn the tide of the battle when facing the encirclement and suppression of the Spirit Empire, or... when some seemingly friendly allies suddenly attack us."

Upon hearing this, Dai Mubai's tiger-like eyes flashed with a sharp light. He stood up abruptly, his tall figure exuding an aura of dominance and decisiveness.

“Xiao San is absolutely right. In this chaotic world, only the power we hold tightly in our hands is the eternal truth. Don’t worry, I will immediately inform Father and use the power of the Star Luo Royal Family to search for and provide you with all the rare metals needed to forge these hidden weapons, at any cost. This divine position must be ours, and can only be ours.”

He demonstrated not only brotherhood, but also the charisma of a prince.

Oscar rubbed his hands together, his face still showing a hint of nervousness about the unknown, but more so an effort to project optimism and determination:
"Hehe, God of Food... that sounds just right for me. Becoming a god without fighting and killing is great. Don't worry, Third Brother, my Soul Power Control has improved recently, and the effect is more lasting and stable. It will definitely come in handy at crucial moments. When have we Shrek Seven Devils ever backed down? When brothers are of one mind, their strength can break gold."

Ma Hongjun scratched his short, fiery red hair, looking somewhat annoyed, and said in a muffled voice:

"The Phoenix God... that's quite a prestigious and imposing title, but look at that Ma Xiaotao, she seems to be far more powerful than me, her flames are so pure... sigh!"

He sighed, but then his eyes narrowed as he looked at Tang San, a look of righteousness appearing on his chubby face.

"Never mind, Third Brother, I'll follow you. What do you mean by descendants or ancestors? Nothing is more important than the bond we brothers share. Anyone who tries to take what belongs to us will have to ask me first if this Phoenix Flame will allow it."

In his heart, Tang San's status was far higher than that of a strange, powerful figure who suddenly appeared and was suspected to be a descendant.

At this point, Ma Hongjun seemed to suddenly remember something, rubbing his hands together, his face showing a mixture of shyness, curiosity, and eagerness, and asked in a low voice:

"Oh right, the occasion wasn't right before, so I was too embarrassed to ask... well, who exactly is my future wife? Which family's daughter is she? And she even bore me a child..."

(End of this chapter)