"It's natural that my brother can't accept it all at once—so was I. When I first learned all this, it took me a while to come around," Jiang Qingtong said softly, standing beside Xuánzǐ.
Xuánzǐ regarded her with a thoughtful expression. After a pause, he said, "Your relationship with your brother… after all this, might…"
Jiang Qingtong smiled wryly. There was a hint of bitterness on her face. She looked at Xuánzǐ and the others and replied: "Don't worry. I'll find a chance to persuade him. I believe that with reason and emotion, he'll understand. After this tournament is over, I plan to invite him here to train at Shrek Academy for a time. That might genuinely change his perspective."
Hearing this, Xuánzǐ realized just how valuable it could be to bring more talent from the Sun–Moon Empire into Shrek Academy. Even if their views didn't change, at least there'd be mutual understanding. It seemed like a win–win.
He spoke thoughtfully: "Perhaps once the tournament is over, we can begin an exchange program with the Sun–Moon Empire."
It was a good idea, but they would need to discuss details with Mù'ēn first.
Without delay, Xuánzǐ led everyone back to the Seran Empire military camp. There, they finally had access to proper supplies and medicine. He immediately notified Shrek Academy and asked Elder Zhuāng to come and assess.
Xīxī, Chén Zǐfēng, and Gōngyáng Mò were too injured to continue—they'd need to recover at the Academy. That left only Mǎ Xiǎotáo, Dài Yàohéng, and Líng Luòchén in the formal team; only Líng Luòchén was still relatively healthy.
Wáng Yán, looking around, asked Xuánzǐ: "Elder Xuán, given all this, should we still go to the tournament?"
Xuánzǐ studied him for a moment. With only three formal members left, one injured, and with important matches ahead, the wiser move might be to withdraw.
He replied after a pause: "We still have a few days before the tournament. Let me consider it." He gently patted Wáng Yán on the shoulder. "You're hurt too—rest well."
Wáng Yán nodded. Outside Xuánzǐ's tent, Jiāng Qingtong, Jiāng Nánnán, Xiāo Xiāo, and Wáng Dōng stood quietly, watching.
Xuánzǐ frowned at the sight and said: "What are you still doing up? It's late—go rest."
But all eyes were on Qingtong. She took a step forward and said: "We want to keep going."
Xuánzǐ looked surprised. Qingtong continued, voice steady: "You once praised Shrek Academy's honor—now it's our turn to fight for it! As the reserve team, we step up when needed. We'll hold the line until our seniors recover."
Her sincerity was clear. The three behind her nodded in agreement.
Xuánzǐ's stern expression broke, tears dampening his cheeks. He spoke softly: "Are you sure you can face formal teams from other academies?"
"Absolutely!" Qingtong nodded firmly.
Xuánzǐ took a deep breath and shook his head, fighting back tears: "Alright. Rest for now—the Academy will make the final call."
That night, Xuánzǐ returned urgently to Shrek Academy to report.
—
Meanwhile, Jiāng Shèngyù, Gǔ Língjūn, Xiào Hóngchén, and Mèng Hóngchén walked back toward the Sun–Moon Empire team's camp. Xiào Hóngchén still wore a serious expression.
"I never should've let Qingtong go to Shrek," he fumed. "I disagreed from the start, but you insisted it'd be fine. Now look—she's been brainwashed by those hypocrites!"
Jiāng Shèngyù and Mèng Hóngchén exchanged a glance. Gǔ Língjūn sighed.
Xiào Hóngchén noticed the tension and asked: "What's wrong? Did I say something?"
Jiāng Shèngyù laughed. "No—you've got every right to be angry."
"You jerk! You were the one who agreed she go in the first place. Now you're pretending it wasn't you!" Xiào Hóngchén pointed at him.
Jiāng Shèngyù sighed: "I was acting, you idiot."
"Acting?" Xiào Hóngchén blinked.
Mèng Hóngchén nodded. "He said it before you two spoke—I saw the smile tug at her lips. That's when it became clear."
Xiào Hóngchén stared them down in silence. "So... I'm the only fool here?"
Jiāng Shèngyù stopped, looked at Xiào Hóngchén, and patted his shoulder: "Finally figured it out?"
Xiào Hóngchén lunged at him, but Jiāng Shèngyù dodged, walking on to the camp with peace.
Mèng Hóngchén followed, smiling. "Brother, you should be proud."
"Proud? Of what?" Xiào Hóngchén glared.
"Because you played your part so well. You helped Qingtong deceive everyone—Shrek's veterans included."
Xiào Hóngchén cocked his head. "So... was that a compliment?"
Mèng Hóngchén gave a knowing smile.