Douluo Dalu 2: You are an Evil Soul Master, but also a good person ?

"Hehehehe… such a wonderful evil fire, truly captivating…"

In the corner of the restaurant, four individuals cloaked in black sat quietly, nursing a single cup of coffee for the entire day. Among them was Zhongli Wu, along with his direct subordinates, the Zhongli (Heaven, Earth, and Man) trio. They all leered at Wang Dong and the others with unsettling expressions.

"Hey, if you don't have money, don't come to Shrek City. You guys have been sitting here all day, four people sharing one cup of the cheapest coffee!" The waiter cast them a look of disdain.

"Who said I don't have money? I—" Zhongli Ren's eyes widened, ready to argue.

Over the years, the three brothers had committed numerous acts of murder and robbery, looting corpses across the land. There was no way they lacked money. They only ordered coffee as a cover while they conducted surveillance—who would have thought even that would draw trouble?

"…" Zhongli Wu shot them a helpless glance.

These were his own clan members.

That was why he had left the stronger members of the Holy Spirit Cult outside the city and only brought these three into town.

But… they were proving to be unreliable.

The waiter sneered at them once more before walking away.

Zhongli Wu shook his head, took a sip of coffee, and refocused his gaze on Ma Xiaotao, his expression tinged with fascination. He had always been devoted to developing the Holy Spirit Cult, and he cherished exceptionally talented individuals.

Of course, with one exception…

His expression darkened slightly.

He had initially thought the boy would be easy to control and had chosen him to be the Holy Spirit Cult's Saint Son.

But as the years passed, that boy became increasingly difficult to manipulate.

During the recent tournament, aside from his illusions, the other abilities he revealed were beyond Zhongli Wu's expectations. And that final mecha—how could it unleash power equivalent to a Rank 98 Super Douluo?

On top of that, the entire Sun Moon Empire was gradually falling under his control.

In other words, Xu Cheng now had the qualifications to challenge him directly…

So, he still preferred obedient children.

"Master, should we make a move?" Zhongli Tian asked in a hushed tone. "Shrek Academy is full of powerful individuals. If we're discovered, we'll be in serious trouble."

"Exactly, you said it yourself—full of powerful individuals…" Zhongli Wu said calmly, shifting his gaze toward the entrance. "Look, one has already arrived. Let's retreat for now and wait for the right opportunity…"

"Hey, there you three are."

Xuan Zi entered the restaurant, his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit corner where the four had been sitting. But now, it was empty, with only a cup of steaming coffee left behind.

There seemed to be a trace of an evil soul master's aura lingering…

Had he imagined it?

Never mind, he had more pressing matters to handle.

"X- Xuan… Elder Xuan?!" Xiao Xiao stammered, her face pale.

"Come on, why so nervous?" Xuan Zi beamed. He knew his leadership sometimes led to chaos, but it was clear his students adored him—just look at Xiao Xiao, too overwhelmed to even speak properly!

"Elder Xuan, what brings you here?" Ma Xiaotao remained calm. Having known Elder Xuan the longest, she was the most composed.

"Well, Mu Lao said I have too much free time and should take on a disciple. And since Xiao Xiao doesn't have a teacher yet, how about taking me as your master?" Xuan Zi said with a grin, taking a swig from his wine gourd.

"Apologies, sir, but outside alcohol is not allowed here," the waiter interjected emotionlessly.

"I… fine." Xuan Zi sighed, reluctantly putting his gourd away. Wanting to maintain a good image in front of his potential disciple, he didn't argue.

"Wang Dong is from the Haotian Sect—he's surrounded by experts and doesn't need my guidance. Ma Xiaotao already has a master. But Xiao Xiao… you have twin martial souls. Though still weak, your potential is extraordinary. You could inherit my legacy…"

Xuan Zi smiled encouragingly.

But Xiao Xiao's face was drained of color. She didn't hear a word after the first sentence.

Her mind was filled with horrifying thoughts—"Join my Holy Spirit Cult! I'll make you the future Saintess! Wahaha! Forget Shrek, follow me and you'll eat and drink to your heart's content as the Grand Elder's disciple…"

"Elder Xuan, can Xiao Xiao think about it?" Wang Dong coughed lightly and signaled with his eyes.

Ma Xiaotao immediately understood and added with a smile, "Elder Xuan, with your status, taking a disciple isn't a small matter. Let the girl have some time to consider."

"…Fine." Xuan Zi scratched his head, feeling a little puzzled.

Wasn't Xiao Xiao supposed to be moved to tears and immediately kneel in gratitude?

"I'm doomed! He's after me! Wang Dong, Sister Xiaotao, save me!"

The moment Elder Xuan left, Xiao Xiao broke down, tears streaming down her face as she clutched Wang Dong's arm.

"I don't want to be brainwashed! Wuwuwu~"

"Don't worry, Xiao Xiao, don't panic. Summer break is coming soon—we'll go to the Haotian Sect. With my First and Second Uncle there, I doubt he'd dare make a move. After that, we'll head to the Sun Moon Empire for the exchange program—he won't be able to touch us." Wang Dong comforted her.

"But… what if he attacks us on the way?" Xiao Xiao sniffled.

"I'll contact my uncles right now and have them get to Shrek City as soon as possible. When break starts, they'll personally escort us home!" Wang Dong reassured her, his gaze resolute.

"You think… Elder Xuan is suspicious?"

Inside the Inner Court, in a private room.

Zhang Lexuan looked at Ma Xiaotao in surprise before covering her mouth with a giggle.

"Oh, Xiaotao, you're too much. You're suspecting Elder Xuan just based on a few vague clues?"

"Lexuan, let me ask you something." Ma Xiaotao's expression turned serious.

"Alright, go ahead," Zhang Lexuan replied, still smiling.

"Ten years ago, when Elder Xuan took you to the Star Dou Forest… what exactly happened?" Ma Xiaotao stared intently into Zhang Lexuan's eyes. "Back then, I was only ten years old. When you all left with more than ten people but returned with only three or four, I didn't understand. And over the years, the Academy has kept that information tightly sealed. I've never been able to uncover the truth…"

"I don't want to reopen old wounds, but…"

Zhang Lexuan's smile slowly faded.

Instead, sorrow took its place.

She still remembered that day vividly—facing that hundred-thousand-year soul beast, watching her comrades fall one by one.

Even now, she could hear the faint voices of her dying juniors—A young girl, barely in the Inner Court, whispering that she wanted to go home as she bled out.A boy, impaled through the chest, struggling to say something before choking on his own blood and closing his eyes forever.

They had all fought bravely, refusing to flee, sacrificing themselves one after another to protect each other.

Until only three remained…

Every time those memories resurfaced, Zhang Lexuan—once the proud senior sister of the Inner Court—felt an unbearable sense of helplessness.

Those kids had trusted her, yet she had been powerless to save them.

"Xiaotao…" Zhang Lexuan lowered her head, her voice trembling. "Don't ask anymore… I beg you…"

(End of Chapter)