The sky outside the Star Dou Forest was a vast ocean of pale gold, brushed with streaks of lavender and fire as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The scent of leaves and moist earth faded behind the group as they stepped out of the dense canopy and onto the open grassland. Birds chirped freely in the distance, and a fresh breeze rolled across the field, cooling sweat-streaked faces.
Zhao Wuji exhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders. "Finally, out of that beast-infested maze."
Li Wei walked at the head of the group, eyes scanning the surroundings. Though he remained silent, a certain calm satisfaction glimmered in his gaze. Behind him, Ning Rongrong followed, her steps steadier than before. The glow of her newly acquired third ring shimmered faintly, while Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu flanked her protectively. Meng Yiran trailed a few paces back, her brow knitted as if struggling with something unspoken.
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang exchanged glances. For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then, Meng Shu cleared his throat and stepped forward, his aged eyes looking directly at Zhao Wuji. "Senior Zhao."
Zhao Wuji turned slightly, brows raised. "What is it, Senior Meng?"
Chao Tianxiang joined her husband, her voice composed. "We've watched our granddaughter grow alongside these students. They fight together, risk their lives together… and they have accepted her."
Meng Shu tone softened. "We'd like to ask… would it be possible for Yiran to formally join Shrek Academy?"
The question hung in the air like a suspended blade. Even the gentle rustle of wind across the grass seemed to pause.
Zhao Wuji frowned. "Yiran talent is beyond doubt. But she's older than our usual admission age. And truthfully… I don't make that kind decision."
Chao Tianxiang's eyes narrowed faintly. "You're the one guiding them now, aren't you?"
Zhao Wuji let out a low chuckle, though it lacked humor. "I enforce discipline and keep them alive. But the real one of the decision-maker… is right there."
He turned toward Li Wei.
Li Wei blinked. "Me?"
Zhao Wuji nodded seriously. "You've already shown insight and judgment that mirrors Flender. And I know now—Flender said the same thing as you did. About giving chances, about changing rules if necessary. You and he… own Shrek Academy."
The other girls looked at Li Wei in surprise. Ning Rongrong, especially, tilted her head. "Wait, what? Now that you said it, Li Wei said something after Grandmaster introduce himself."
Li Wei scratched the back of his neck. "Well… it's complicated."
Meng Yiran stared at him, eyes wide. "You're serious?"
He took a breath. "If Shrek is meant for monsters… then maybe the rules shouldn't cage the right kind of people."
Zhao Wuji crossed his arms, smirking. "So what's your decision, Young Master Li?"
Li Wei turned toward Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang. "I'll approve Yiran's admission."
Meng Yiran gasped. "You mean it?"
Li Wei gave her a firm nod. "You've fought beside us. You've protected us. You've risked your life for others. That's more than enough proof of your spirit. Moreover me and Yiran can be said to be a friend, I should help a friend."
Tears shimmered in Meng Yiran's eyes, but she swallowed them down, biting her lip.
"But," Li Wei continued, turning to the elders. "I have one condition."
Chao Tianxiang's eyes sharpened. "Speak."
"I want both of you to join Shrek Academy as elders. You'll be there to guide her, protect her… and help teach the next generation. With your strength and experience, you'll be invaluable."
Meng Shu was silent for a moment, gaze fixed on Li Wei.
Chao Tianxiang's lips curled faintly. "You thought of everything, didn't you?"
Li Wei shrugged. "I want her to have a place she belongs. Without cutting ties to the ones who raised her."
Meng Shu chuckled. "Smart boy."
Then he looked at his granddaughter. "What do you think, Yiran?"
She was trembling slightly. Her fingers clenched over her sleeves.
"I…" Her voice cracked. "I want to go. I want to be one of them. I've never had real friends before. But with them… I feel like I matter."
Chao Tianxiang reached forward and brushed a hand over her shoulder.
"Then we accept," the elder said.
Zhao Wuji gave a satisfied grunt. "That settles it."
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, casting long shadows over the clearing, the air felt warmer. Calmer. A decision had been made—and a bond solidified.
They are able to get out of the Star Dou forest and reach the town close to it. So they decide to have a meal and stay at the inn here.
The four girls of Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong and Meng Yiran are talking with each others as the both between them to be closer after ordeal in the Star Dou Forest.
Li Wei look at the group of people and thinking that this ally that he made can help him in preventing the destruction of Spirit Hall and wrestle it's control from the people in power now.
Another soul had found a home. Another two accompanying her.
And Shrek Academy… had grown stronger because of it.