The morning mist clung gently to the outer walls of Shrek Academy. Dew sparkled on the bamboo leaves and the stone paths glistened as if the academy itself had been freshly polished for the day. A gentle breeze stirred, bringing with it the scents of earth and wildflowers, a calm prelude to what was to come.
At the academy gate, Flender stood with arms folded behind his back, his eagle-like gaze scanning the horizon. Beside him, Zhao Wuji cracked his knuckles in anticipation.
"They're late," Zhao Wuji muttered, brow furrowed.
Flender chuckled softly. "You were always impatient, Wuji."
Just then, a long silhouette emerged from the mist. A group of seven young spirit masters approached in tidy formation, their steps in rhythm, posture proud. Leading them was a familiar figure—tall, dignified, and bearing the uniform of a respected academy.
"Qin Ming," Flender breathed. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Teacher Flender, Teacher Zhao." Qin Ming bowed respectfully as he approached. "It's good to be home."
Flender stepped forward, gripping Qin Ming hand. "It's been over ten years. Look at you now—already a lead instructor at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
"I owe much of it to Shrek," Qin Ming said, his gaze steady. "That's why I've brought my students here—to face opponents worthy of testing their growth."
He gestured to the six behind him. "This is the Emperor Team."
One by one, they stepped forward.
"Yu Tianheng, Captain," the young man said with a confident smile. He was tall, muscular, with lightning dancing faintly along his arms.
"Dugu Yan, Vice-Captain." She bowed with grace. Her vivid green eyes glimmered with intelligence, a thin mist of poison aura surrounding her.
"Shi Mo," the first of the twin brothers said, adjusting the shield strapped to his arm.
"Shi Mo," his brother followed, their features identical but with subtle differences in demeanor—Mo was calm and steady, Mo had a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Yu Feng, our speed specialist!" The lively boy grinned. "Fastest in our academy."
"Osler," the bespectacled youth said curtly. "Team strategist."
"Ye Lingling," the last girl introduced herself softly, almost too quiet to hear. Her aura radiated serene support—clearly the healer of the group.
From the main building, footsteps echoed as Shrek students arrived one by one.
Dai Mubai cracked his neck as he approached. "So, this is Heaven Dou elite team?"
Oscar grinned, sausage already forming in his hand. "We're not giving out autographs, if that's what you're after."
Xiao Wu bounded up beside Li Wei, eyes gleaming. "Li Wei, do you think they're strong?"
Li Wei gave a small nod, eyes narrowing as he evaluated the newcomers. "They're disciplined. And confident. But strength isn't always what it seems on the surface."
"Awfully serious again," Xiao Wu teased, nudging him.
Tang San walked quietly to the side, his sharp gaze already analyzing Yu Tianheng stance. He wore a calm expression, but his thoughts were churning. 'This man... he's strong. But what's Li Wei thinking? That face is unreadable as ever.'
Flender cleared his throat. "Let's not waste time. Shrek Academy welcomes the Emperor Team. Let's take it to the courtyard."
Zhao Wuji waved the students in. "Everyone, find a seat. It's time for proper introductions."
In the open courtyard under the soft shade of Shrek ancient oak tree, two rows of benches had been set. The Emperor Team took one side, and Shrek's students sat opposite them.
Qin Ming stepped forward. "Let's introduce ourselves properly."
Dai Mubai stood first. "Dai Mubai. Martial Spirit: White Tiger. Spirit Rank: 38."
A ripple of interest passed through the Emperor Team. Yu Tianheng smirked. "White Tiger? Royal bloodline?"
"Could say that," Dai Mubai said smoothly, glancing at Zhu Zhuqing. "Why? Intimidated?"
Yu Tianheng grinned wider. "Try me and see."
Zhu Zhuqing stood next. "Zhu Zhuqing. Martial Spirit: Hell Civet. Rank 33."
Her eyes briefly met Dugu Yan. No words were spoken, but a quiet acknowledgement passed between two sharp women.
"Xiao Wu," the rabbit girl chirped. "Soft Bone Rabbit, Rank 35."
"Ning Rongrong," the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda girl said gracefully. "Support-type Spirit Master. Rank 33."
Ye Lingling's head tilted. "Another support? I'd like to talk later."
Ning Rongrong gave a soft smile. "I'd like that."
"Oscar! Food-type Spirit Master, and yes, I make sausages! Rank 31."
The Emperor Team exchanged glances. Yu Feng snorted. "Seriously? Sausages?"
Oscar winked. "You'd be amazed what one sausage can do in battle."
Ma Hongjun stood up next. "Evil Fire Phoenix. Rank 29. Hotter than the sun."
Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow. "A fire spirit with... 'evil' in the name? Intriguing."
Finally, Li Wei rose.
"My name is Li Wei. Martial Spirit: Diend. Rank 51."
That drew audible surprise. Even Qin Ming eyes widened.
"Rank 51?" Yu Tianheng asked, blinking. "You've already broken through Spirit King?"
Li Wei nodded. "I don't consider myself the strongest, but I'll protect my team without hesitation."
Dugu Yan narrowed her eyes. "Li Wei, we meet again. Thank you for the help before."
"Yes," Li Wei said simply. "It just some agreement between your grandfather and me. Do not worry about it."
Hearing that Dugu Yan seem to know Li Wei make Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu give a stink eyes toward Li Wei.
"Oh ho, we got story here," Osler murmured, scribbling again.
Qin Ming smiled. "As you can see, Teacher Flender, your students haven't lost their spirit."
"Neither have yours," Flender replied with a chuckle. "That much is clear."
As the formalities relaxed, conversation bloomed. Yu Feng challenged Xiao Wu to a race around the courtyard. She accepted without hesitation, and within moments the two were gone in a blur of afterimages.
At a quieter corner of the courtyard, Dugu Yan sat with Zhu Zhuqing and Meng Yiran.
"You're quite fast," Yan said, sipping tea. "I can respect that."
"You're seem good at poison," Zhu Zhuqing replied coolly. "I can respect that."
Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling sat cross-legged on the lawn, comparing support techniques.
"Your healing field… does it affect spirit power regeneration too?" Ning asked curiously.
"A little," Lingling answered softly. "But I'm still improving."
"You're amazing," Ning whispered.
Oscar was deep in discussion with Osler and Shi Mo. "So if I pair a Flight Mushroom Sausage with a Strength Sausage, and Dai Mubai gets a speed boost from Rongrong, you can calculate the momentum increase mid-air?"
Osler nodded, clearly enjoying the theory. "It's rare to find a food-type master thinking strategically."
Ma Hongjun was grilling meat with Yu Tianheng. The two fire-users and lightning user argued over flame and lightning control methods, both refusing to concede superiority.
"You char it," Tianheng complained.
"I roast it!" Hongjun countered. "There's a difference!"
Qin Ming and Flender watched from the shade.
"They're getting along," Qin Ming said.
Flender gave a knowing look. "Rivalry often becomes friendship. And when it doesn't—it becomes a lesson."
Qin Ming nodded. "Tomorrow, we'll conduct sparring matches. But today, let them know one another. That's how bonds are made."
Later, as the sun began to set, casting amber light across the academy, Li Wei found himself alone near the garden arch. Dugu Yan approached quietly.
"You knew Qin Ming before?" she asked.
"No, it seems like he was one of the alumni of our academy before this. He graduate before I enter this academy."
"He speaks highly of Shrek. If you are the baseline that Shrek use, I can understand why Teacher Qin Ming said it a school of monster." Dugu Yan give a chuckle on that statement.
"Do you want to know what happen at that place? Your garden that you name as Sanctuary."
Hearing that Li Wei only given her a smile. "I can expect that the one that I tried to grow has taken root and just need to wait for it to mature."
"You're right about that. It give off a healthy aura. You have manage to do something that my grandfather have failed to do." Dugu Yan felt proud as the person that manage to do this is in her generation. "Did you tell them about you identity?" Dugu Yan pose a question.
Li Wei thought a little after he heard the question. "There is no need to. When the times come, they will know about it." Li Wei shake his head a little.
Li Wei looked away, the wind stirring his black cloak. "We all have our own path."
Dugu Yan studied him. "You care deeply for your team."
"They're my family," Li Wei said, eyes distant. "I'll carry them forward—even if it means walking into the storm alone."
From afar, Xiao Wu watched Li Wei profile. Her hands clenched slightly.
"Always like this… Li Wei." Her voice was a whisper lost to the wind.
Behind her, Zhu Zhuqing stood quietly. She said nothing, but her gaze never left Li Wei's back.
From a second-floor window, Tang San observed all of it. His face unreadable. His grip tightened on the wooden railing.
You're always one step ahead… but I'll catch up, Li Wei.
The stars appeared, one by one, above Shrek Academy.