Inside Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion.
Xuan Zi stood respectfully at his spot facing Mu En, but at this moment, he appeared especially shocked."Elder Mu, did you just say I should listen more to Yuhao and Lexuan's opinions?"
Mu En's body had not fully recovered yet and he still lay half-reclined in his rocking chair. His eyelids slightly lifted as he spoke with unquestionable authority:"Yuhao has many secrets on him. If everything goes well, this child will take my position in the future."
"I told you to listen more to his opinions because last time he came into contact with the Auspicious Beast, I suspect he has already gained that unique power of destiny belonging only to the Auspicious Beast. Auspicious Beasts are naturally sensitive to life and death. During this trip, you will be facing evil soul masters, and there will inevitably be danger. Xiao Tao and those children are prideful and easily get carried away in battle."
"Xiao Tao might listen to Yuhao, but the others most likely won't. As for Lexuan, her temperament is steady, and as the senior sister of the inner courtyard, she can play an important role at critical moments."
"You, however, are careless and sloppy. I don't feel at ease relying on you. Otherwise, why do you think I arranged for Lexuan to join this mission?"
Xuan Zi gave an awkward laugh and didn't refute. As for Elder Mu saying Huo Yuhao might sit in the Pavilion Master's seat one day, he also did not seem too surprised.
"Once you depart tomorrow, remember what I said. Another thing—if any of these children die, I'll cripple you myself."Mu En's tone shifted from gentle to stern.
"I guarantee nothing will go wrong." Xuan Zi responded solemnly. "If anything happens, I'll cripple myself first."
"You've held your inner shadow for too long. You need a breakthrough. If the Academy has two Limit Douluo, then no matter what storm arrives on the Douluo Continent, the Academy will stand firm."Mu En spoke with emotion.
Xuan Zi fell silent.
"Oh right, during the mission days, put away your alcohol. If I find out you dared to drink secretly—hmph."
Remembering something, Mu En added another sentence.
Hearing this, the alcohol-addicted Xuan Zi for once didn't argue.
Bebe went to find Tang Ya, said goodbye.
Originally, Senior Sister planned to arrange a dinner gathering that night to help everyone bond, but because of Wang Dong, that meal didn't happen. They could only make up for it during the journey.
Huo Yuhao, having foresight, was good at roasting fish, but he didn't want to eat dry rations on the road. So he directly ordered two whole roasted sheep from the cafeteria. If the cafeteria had skewers, he would've roasted meat skewers too.
The next day.
The morning at Shrek Academy was peaceful and harmonious. A ray of morning light slanted from the sky, bringing a golden shimmer. The morning breeze carried a comfortable coolness that lifted one's mood.
On the long bridge, the statues of the first-generation Shrek Seven Devils had dozens of birds perched upon them, watching the group crossing the bridge.
By coincidence or accident, after a few birds flew away, a few droppings were left on Tang San's statue's head.
Outside the city, many carriages traveled along the official road toward Shrek City, carrying loads of vegetables to supply the huge city with life's essentials.
At the East Gate exclusive to Shrek Academy, a group slowly walked out under the morning sunlight.
At a glance, none wore Shrek Academy uniforms—everyone wore their own casual clothes: some luxurious, some easy to move in, some simple cloth garments—various types.
Yao Haoxuan, the son of the Nine Treasure City Lord, wore the flashiest long robe, but combined with his height of only 1.6 meters and silly grin, he just looked like a goofy fellow.
The main team instinctively stayed several meters away from him.
With a cold expression, Jiang Nannan wore the plainest outfit—simple cloth clothing—yet her absolute beauty wasn't diminished; instead, it made her more captivating.
Oh—and Xusanshi followed beside her the whole time, though she ignored him.
Bebe looked at Xusanshi with disgust. Beside him was Zhang Lexuan, Senior Sister, who wore simple white clothing that appeared elegant and pure.
He Caitou kept checking whether he packed all his "gear" in his storage ring. In this life, because Huo Yuhao didn't join the Soul Tool Department, Fan Yu and Qian Duoduo treated He Caitou as their core student. Qian Duoduo even gave him a fifth-rank stationary soul tool cannon shell.
Huo Yuhao wore a black tight suit personally chosen by Ma Xiaotao. His posture was tall and straight, hair tied in a neat high ponytail. Combined with his youthful bearing, he actually looked quite handsome.
Along the way, Ma Xiaotao looked very satisfied, like adjusting her own pet.
Coincidentally, Ma Xiaotao also wore a high ponytail today—the two looked the same.
Wang Dong followed beside Huo Yuhao, yawning nonstop, looking completely drained.
This group was naturally the main team and reserve team for this tournament. However, in the reserve team, Xiao Xiao hadn't arrived yet.
Just then—speak of the devil.
"Wang Dong, are you feeling better?"
Behind them, Xiao Xiao came running with concern.
With her lead, seniors and senior sisters all gathered closely. Even Dai Yueheng joined in.
Facing everyone's concern, Wang Dong smiled:"Thank you, everyone. I'm fine now. If we weren't short on time, I'd drag Huo Yuhao for a one-on-one right now."
Everyone laughed, easing the atmosphere.
Seeing Wang Dong's stubborn expression, he clearly wasn't satisfied with yesterday's spar.
Huo Yuhao cast a sidelong glance at someone.
"Not bad, your energy is high."
Two more figures walked out from the academy gate—Xuan Zi and Wang Yan.
Everyone saluted Xuan Zi. He waved his hand:"I told you, I don't care about these formalities. Alright, gather around; we'll talk as we walk."
Hearing this, everyone slowly approached.
Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan walked on either side of Xuan Zi.
Xuan Zi waved his hand, soul power spreading out like a barrier to prevent sound from leaking.
Suddenly, his expression grew serious:"Seven little ones in the reserve team—pay attention. What I'm about to say concerns your future path in the Academy."
Hearing this, the main team immediately grew serious. Even the most unruly Ma Xiaotao straightened, expression glowing with pride.
The reserve team exchanged glances, then focused intently.
Xuan Zi said solemnly:"The Academy has existed for ten thousand years. The inner courtyard has existed for six thousand. But until today, the number of inner courtyard students—even at its peak—has never exceeded eighty. And at the lowest point, there were only thirty-three. Do you know why?"
"Some graduate, some die—die on a special and honorable path."Huo Yuhao answered.
Hearing the latter part of Yuhao's answer, the reserve team's eyes widened.
The main team wore complicated expressions.
"Yuhao is right." Xuan Zi sighed. "Aside from graduates, the reason the inner courtyard is always few in number is that many… die."
"Our world is not peaceful. Killing happens everywhere. Innocent people die every day—some from exploitation by nobles, some due to evil soul masters, some from outlaws who burn, kill, and plunder."
"And our responsibility as inner courtyard students includes dealing with these dark sides. And with that duty, danger naturally follows."
"'Inner courtyard student' is the name known to everyone. But in truth, the inner courtyard has another title—The Surveillance Corps. We monitor all illegal acts across the Douluo Continent. Members of the Surveillance Corps are the blade hanging above all evil."
"What you don't know is: every outer courtyard student who wants to join the inner courtyard must choose—whether they are willing to become a member of the Surveillance Corps. This is why many outer courtyard graduates are excellent, but very few join the inner courtyard—not because they aren't strong, but because this responsibility is too heavy."
"Now, I must ask in advance—are you willing to become members of the Surveillance Corps? Normally, I shouldn't ask this early, but since you joined the reserve team, you will be granted the title of Shrek Seven Monsters—this title is serious. It represents the Academy's recognition."
"So I must ask early. Of course, it's fine if you refuse. Everyone has their own thoughts. You have one minute. If unwilling, return to the Academy. Do not feel burdened. No one will blame you. This path is difficult to choose."
The main team and the three teachers fell silent, waiting.
Huo Yuhao originally had many thoughts to complain about, but at this moment, none remained. The good and flawed parts of the Surveillance Corps—he would improve them in the future. Like why he joined Shrek Academy in the first place—because once he grows strong, he can change everything.
Shrek Academy's reputation had declined for many reasons. But now that he was here, Shrek's future would surely be different.
"I'm willing."
Two voices rang out at once. Huo Yuhao froze—the other voice belonged to Jiang Nannan. Her face wore rare determination.
Yes—she grew up in a poor family and had witnessed the oppression of nobles toward commoners.
"We're willing too."
The remaining five spoke together, firm.
"Good! Good!"Xuan Zi laughed loudly."You must be curious why we're leaving ten days before the competition starts. It's because we will complete a Surveillance Corps mission in the Star Luo Empire on the way."
"Lexuan, give them their equipment."
Zhang Lexuan's eyes showed admiration as seven exquisite rings materialized in her hands.
Each reserve team member received one. The ring face bore a vivid carving of a small Shrek monster.
"This is the Surveillance Ring," Zhang Lexuan explained. "Inside are your uniform, mask, cloak, and flare for requesting aid. Drip a bit of blood on the ring face, and it becomes bound to you alone. No outsider can use it."
"This mission is in the Mingdou Mountain Range at the border between the Star Luo Empire and the Sun Moon Empire. Our target is to eliminate a group of vicious bandits called the Hand of Death—around 300 people. According to intelligence, their leader is an evil soul master called the Messenger of Death. The mission is dangerous."
"Because of time limits, we have only four days. One reminder—our order is total annihilation. Not a single survivor allowed. When killing, strike hard. If possible—remember to deliver the finishing blow."
Kill people?Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao trembled. They hadn't even killed a chicken.
Zhang Lexuan glanced at them but said nothing. She used to be the same—until she personally chopped off an enemy's head, and only then did fear leave her.
"This mission was requested by the local Star Luo Empire garrison. They will offer support once we arrive. Now we set off."
She looked at Xuan Zi.
Xuan Zi nodded. "You inner courtyard people run on your own. I'll take these kids and follow you."
"Huh?"
Ma Xiaotao and the others were stunned. Shouldn't they lead the reserve team? Why did it reverse?
Zhang Lexuan looked at Xuan Zi thoughtfully.
Xuan Zi didn't explain. He waved his hand and threads of soul power formed chains connecting the reserve team and Wang Yan.
"Does this mean we don't have to run?" Xusanshi brightened.
Zhang Lexuan chuckled. "No. Elder Xuan is only assisting you. You still have to run."
Xusanshi wilted—running was his nemesis.
Soon the main team began running at high speed, clearly accustomed to it.
Zhang Lexuan followed.
"Little monsters, let's go."Xuan Zi smiled, floating with Wang Yan.
"Let's go," Bebe said and started running.
Everyone quickly followed.
Strangely, perhaps due to Xuan Zi's chains, running felt light—even for the heavy Xusanshi and He Caitou.
They ran dozens of miles. Whenever they felt a bit tired, a surge of soul power supported them.
This was a gift from Xuan Zi not in the original timeline.The chains carried earth-element power that slowly strengthened their bodies over time.
Huo Yuhao enjoyed double strengthening—whenever he tired, a thread of Ice Emperor's origin power flowed into him.
As he ran, he pondered whether he should kill the Messenger of Death directly or capture him.
He needed someone inside the Holy Spirit Church. Nana of the Sun Moon Empire wasn't suitable—she wasn't evil.
And Tang Ya—no need.
By noon, Xuan Zi finally spoke through soul-power transmission:"Everyone, rest and eat by the river a few kilometers ahead. After regrouping, we continue."
The main team nodded.
Ma Xiaotao sped up suddenly:"Let's all race to the river! Last one must say 'You're impressive' to everyone who arrives first!"
She leapt over ten meters in a step. Hearing her, others accelerated too. These were team games to make long runs less boring.
"Childish," Ling Luochen said, yet accelerated and passed Yao Haoxuan and Gongyang Mo.
The two were stunned."Didn't she say 'childish'? Why run so fast?"
Ling Luochen ignored them.
"We're not in a rush—slow—" Yao Haoxuan began turning to talk to Gongyang Mo, but before he even finished turning, Gongyang Mo shot forward, leaving him behind by ten meters.
"What the—!? You sneak! Wait for me!" Yao Haoxuan shouted and chased.
Zhang Lexuan smiled faintly. It had been a long time since she felt so relaxed.
Near the clear creek flowing along the mountain forest, when Huo Yuhao's group arrived, they weren't too out of breath. Sweat remained, but compared to others' exhaustion, Yuhao looked comfortable—almost enjoying the tiredness.
"You're impressive, you're impressive."
Suddenly, as soon as the reserve team sat or lay down, they heard an unwilling voice.Turning, they saw Ma Xiaotao's group standing in a line, grinning, while Yao Haoxuan miserably repeated "You're impressive" to each person.
"What are they doing?" Jiang Nannan, gasping and leaning against a tree, asked.
"Probably some fun game between teammates," Xiao Xiao panted, sitting weakly. She was the weakest and thus the most exhausted.
"No."
Xusanshi's expression grew solemn.Jiang Nannan blinked in confusion.
"'You're impressive' is the highest honor among men. You wouldn't understand."
He said each word seriously.
Jiang Nannan looked stunned and instinctively looked at Bebe—who nodded solemnly.
Huo Yuhao and He Caitou also nodded together, agreeing with Xusanshi.
"What? Just this? This is the highest honor?" Wang Dong couldn't understand how four words could be the highest honor among men.
"Although we don't know why, it is the highest honor. No one can change that."Huo Yuhao said seriously.
Wang Dong pursed his lips—unable to speak.
....................
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