A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of Shrek Academy's towering trees, their shadows stretching long in the morning sunlight. The air was crisp with the scent of dew-soaked grass and distant blossoms, a peaceful contrast to the faint tension that hung in the air.
"It's been a month already..." Zhu Zhuqing murmured, adjusting the straps of her travel bag. Her long black hair was tied tightly behind her, her golden eyes gleaming with clarity and calm.
"Time sure flies," Ning Rongrong added with a smile, standing beside her. Her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit radiated a faint shimmer, reacting to her stable spirit power. "I still remember how tough the early days were. Now I'm at Rank 30. It almost feels surreal."
Li Wei gave the two a nod of acknowledgment, a calm pride flickering in his eyes. "You both worked hard. Today, we'll make sure you get your third spirit rings safely."
Li Wei delaying to get their third spirit ring so that they are able to strengthen their body more and make them able to absorb higher age spirit ring. With a strong body, you're able to have stronger spirit ring.
It was early morning, and only Team Two had gathered outside the academy gate. Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun of Team One were nowhere to be seen.
"Are we really going without the others?" Rongrong asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Yeah," Xiao Wu confirmed, stretching her arms above her head. "Grandmaster said Team One has a different lesson today. Something about tactics and the arena."
"That man sure loves his theories," Zhu Zhuqing commented quietly.
Zhao Wuji, who stood a few paces ahead with his arms crossed, chuckled deeply. "Let him do as he pleases. I'll be leading your group today. Star Dou Forest isn't a place for theoretical strategies. You need real experience, and protecting you in the wild is my job."
"Thank you, Teacher Zhao," Li Wei said with a respectful nod.
"Hmph. Just don't go running off like last time," Zhao Wuji grunted.
The group began their journey shortly after. The road to Star Dou Forest was one they had all walked before, yet this time, it felt different. Perhaps it was the progress they had made. Perhaps it was the weight of the third spirit ring looming in the distance.
Birds chirped overhead, and the rhythmic crunch of boots against dirt created a steady backdrop as they moved in formation. Li Wei walked near the front, occasionally glancing back to check on Zhuqing and Rongrong. Xiao Wu, ever energetic, skipped beside him, occasionally pointing out animals or unusual plants with childlike enthusiasm.
Zhu Zhuqing walked in silence, her ears subtly catching every shift in the wind. She remained alert, her instincts sharpened from training. Beside her, Ning Rongrong walked with more confidence than ever before. Though still elegant, she was no longer the delicate noble girl who had first joined Shrek.
Several hours passed without incident. It was just before noon when they encountered a familiar trio standing by a bend in the path.
"Grandpa! Grandma! It's Li Wei" a spirited voice called out.
Meng Yiran stepped forward, dressed in light traveling gear, her serpent-like eyes lighting up as she spotted Li Wei.
"You again," Zhao Wuji muttered, his brow furrowing.
Chao Tianxiang gave him a polite nod, while Meng Shu remained impassive, standing beside her. Both elders radiated calm, seasoned power.
"What brings you to this road, Senior?" Li Wei asked, stepping forward.
Meng Yiran grinned. "We're heading to Star Dou Forest too. I heard your group was going and figured it was the perfect time to repay my debt."
"Debt?" Rongrong echoed curiously.
Meng Yiran nodded. "Li Wei helped me acquire both a spirit ring and an external spirit bone last time. That's not something I can just forget. I asked Grandpa and Grandma to let me come along. I'll help however I can."
Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? This trip isn't for sightseeing."
"I'm Rank 38 now," Meng Yiran responded with pride. "I can handle myself. My grandparents also coming along so we will be safer."
Li Wei glanced at Meng Shu, who gave the faintest nod. It was all the confirmation he needed.
"We'll welcome your help," Li Wei said. "Rongrong and Zhuqing will need strong protection while absorbing their spirit rings."
"As long as you don't slow us down," Zhu Zhuqing added coolly while looking at Meng Yiran, though there was no real hostility in her voice.
Meng Yiran smirked. "You're just jealous that I get to repay my debt first."
Ning Rongrong scoffed playfully. "In your dreams."
The tension broke, and for a moment, the girls shared a rare chuckle.
The two groups merged seamlessly, with Meng Yiran walking beside Li Wei. As the hours passed, the journey became less tense. Even Zhao Wuji seemed to relax slightly, though he kept his eyes scanning the trees for signs of danger.
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As the sun began its descent, casting golden rays across the forest path, the group approached the outer perimeter of Star Dou Forest. The air grew thicker, wilder, and the trees seemed to lean inward, hiding secrets in their shadows.
"We should rest here for today," Zhao Wuji said, gesturing to a clearing beside a small brook.
The students set up camp swiftly. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong gathered firewood, while Zhu Zhuqing set up perimeter traps. Li Wei helped construct a simple barrier with logs and stones. Meng Yiran help in setting up the fireplace. While Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang watching the perimeter making sure the children would be safe from any danger.
Night fell, stars emerging in a glittering canopy overhead. The fire crackled, casting warm light on the tired yet determined faces of the group. They sat around the fire in relative silence, each lost in thought.
Zhu Zhuqing stared into the flames, thinking about her third ring. What would it be like? What kind of beast would grant it? Her fists clenched slightly in anticipation.
Ning Rongrong sipped some tea, her mind calmer. She trusted her team. With Li Wei, Xiao Wu, and Meng Yiran, she felt safer than ever.
Li Wei, meanwhile, stared up at the stars. His thoughts drifted not only to the mission, but to the system that once guided him. Even without it, he had come so far. And now, others followed his lead.
"You seem deep in thought," Meng Yiran said, sitting beside him.
Li Wei glanced at her, then nodded. "Just thinking about what's ahead. This is a turning point for Zhuqing and Rongrong. Their next spirit ring will shape their future."
"And you're leading them through it," Meng Yiran said softly. "You're not just strong, Li Wei. You're dependable. I guess that's why people follow you."
Li Wei didn't respond, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
In the distance, a wolf howled. The sounds of the forest were alive with rustling leaves, chirping insects, and distant animal calls.
Zhao Wuji stood on watch, arms crossed. He glanced at the students and let out a breath. "Rest well," he murmured. "Tomorrow, the real trial begins."
In the heart of the Star Dou Forest, strength was tested not by words or theory, but by survival.
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And so, under the watchful gaze of stars and the whispers of ancient trees, Team Two prepared to step once more into the untamed wilds, their fates bound to the choices and battles that awaited them deep within the legendary forest.