Douluo Continent
Shrek Academy—renowned as the number one academy of the Douluo Federation—stood as a symbol of both respect and reverence among all soul masters. Nestled at the very heart of Shrek City, the academy not only served as its core but also governed the city itself.
This academy had produced countless Title Douluos and peerless genius soul masters throughout history. Though it was regarded as the most sacred place for a soul master, not just anyone could gain admission—because Shrek accepted only monsters among men.
As the most powerful organization on the Douluo Continent, Shrek Academy had no shortage of enemies. Yet none dared to challenge it openly. The reason was simple—the current Master of Shrek Academy, Yun Ming, was revered as the strongest being on the entire Douluo Planet. Moreover, within the academy resided several elders and teachers whose cultivations had long surpassed the Title Douluo rank.
Thus, it was also the safest place in the world for genius soul masters to grow and flourish.
However, today, the atmosphere within the academy felt strangely tense. Though classes continued as usual, an unusual silence lingered in the air. The academy's most important figures were nowhere to be seen in their usual places—they had all gathered elsewhere.
At the very heart of Shrek Academy stood the Ancient Golden Tree—a living legend said to have been planted by the Sea God, Tang San, himself. Over the span of twenty thousand years, it had grown into a towering giant, its majestic canopy rivalling even the height of the Spirit Pagoda that loomed over Shrek City.
At the base of this colossal tree lay a vast hollow, carefully carved without harming its life force. Within this sacred space resided the most respected and powerful elders of Shrek Academy.
Before one of the chambers beneath the tree, all the elders had gathered. Even Yun Ming, the strongest soul master and current Master of Shrek Academy, was present. Yet, unlike his usual calm demeanour, he appeared deeply troubled—pacing back and forth with a furrowed brow, the weight of unease heavy upon his face.
"Alright, Yun Ming, calm down. Your pacing won't make the baby come any faster," one of the elders said with a gentle chuckle, trying to ease the tension in the air. A few others laughed softly, the sound momentarily lightening the atmosphere.
But Yun Ming didn't respond. His brows remained furrowed, his expression clouded with worry.
"How can I not be anxious, Elder?" he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "You all know Ya Li's situation. She was never able to conceive before… and yet, somehow, it happened this time. It's a miracle, yes—but my heart feels uneasy. What if something goes wrong during delivery? Will she be alright? It's all my fault… if only I had refused her request back then, then—"
Before he could finish, one of the elders raised a hand, cutting him off gently.
"We understand your concern, Yun Ming," the elder said softly. "But if Ya Li were to see you like this, she would only become more anxious. Please, wait patiently. Everything will be fine."
For a woman once deemed barren, this child was nothing short of a miracle—a light born from despair. Yet even before its arrival, that same miracle brought Ya Li waves of pain that would break the will of most. But she was Ya Li, the wife of Yun Ming, the Goddess of Healing, and a woman whose strength was forged in both love and sacrifice. She bore the pain in silence, her lips trembling but never crying out.
Outside, time seemed to crawl. Every muffled cry, every strained breath tore at Yun Ming's heart like a blade. The most powerful man on the Douluo Planet could do nothing but wait—helpless.
Inside the room, the air grew heavy with tension. The healers were drenched in sweat, their martial souls flickering like dying flames. One whispered, "She's close… hold on, Lady Ya Li!"
An hour passed. Then another heartbeat.
Suddenly—one of the attendants gasped, "The head! I can see the head!"
A spark of joy burst among the women. Hope returned to Ya Li's weary eyes. Gathering the last of her strength, she clenched her teeth, her entire body trembling as she pushed with everything she had left—
—and then, amid the trembling silence, a sharp cry pierced the air.
A baby's cry. Clear. Bright. Alive.
The miracle had finally come into the world.
The moment the cry of the newborn echoed from the room, Yun Ming's composure shattered. Without a second thought, he pushed the doors open.
Warm light spilled out, revealing a scene that etched itself into his soul—one of the attendants gently held a tiny infant wrapped in white cloth, while Ya Li lay upon the bed, her face pale and drenched in sweat. Yet, despite her exhaustion, a radiant smile graced her lips.
Yun Ming's heart trembled. In just a few steps, he was beside her. Kneeling down, he gathered her gently into his arms, his embrace trembling with emotion.
"Yun Ming…" Ya Li whispered between ragged breaths, her eyes glistening with tears. "Look… that's our child… our child is finally here."
Yun Ming's vision blurred. He nodded, his voice low and choked with emotion.
"Yes… I saw," he murmured, his arms tightening around her. "Thank you, Ya Li… thank you for bringing our child into this world… for giving me this miracle."
For a moment, time stood still—the strongest man on the Douluo Planet held the woman he loved most, and together they wept in silence before the first cry of their child.
The room, moments ago filled with warmth and laughter, suddenly fell silent.
The joyous chatter froze mid-breath as a chilling stillness spread through the air. The newborn—whose cries had brought life to the room—had gone completely quiet.
The attendant holding the baby stiffened. Her face turned pale, her hands trembling. Then, her voice broke through the silence like a thunderclap.
"T-the child… it's not breathing! No… it stopped breathing!"
Her terrified words struck everyone like lightning. The healers gasped, disbelief painting their faces. For a heartbeat, the entire room stood frozen in shock.
Yun Ming's body went cold. His mind blanked, his thoughts halting as though the world itself had stopped moving. Only when Ya Li's desperate wail pierced the silence did he come back to himself.
"Yun Ming! Yun Ming—our child… our child! I don't want him to die!" Ya Li cried, her voice hoarse, her trembling hands reaching toward the motionless baby. She had waited her entire life for this miracle—endured years of pain, hope, and prayer. Yet in an instant, her happiness was ripped away.
Tears burned Yun Ming's eyes. His heart roared with denial.
"It's okay… nothing will happen to him," he said, his voice trembling yet forceful, trying to convince both her and himself. Then he turned sharply toward the attendants, fury blazing in his eyes.
"What are you all doing?!" he shouted. "Use your soul skills! Healing, recovery—anything! Why are you standing there like he can't be saved? Move!"
The command of the strongest man on the planet echoed through the room—filled with desperation, fear, and the fragile hope that his words alone could defy fate.
The anguished cry and Yun Ming's thunderous shout echoed through the hall, shaking everyone outside. The elders, who had respectfully stayed behind to give the couple privacy, froze mid-conversation.
That was not the sound of joy. It was fear… and despair.
Their expressions darkened instantly. Something terrible had happened. Without another moment's hesitation, several elders rushed toward the room.
The heavy door creaked open—
and what they saw rooted them to the spot.
Inside, the air was thick with panic and grief. The healers surrounded the bedside, their faces pale and drenched in sweat. In the attendant's trembling arms lay the newborn—silent, still, lifeless.
No soft cries. No movement. Nothing.
The elders felt their hearts sink. A newborn should be crying, struggling, reaching out for life… but this child lay there without a sound, as though the flame of his soul had never been lit.
A deathly stillness settled over the room. Even the mighty elders of Shrek Academy—men and women who had faced countless life-and-death battles—found themselves powerless before the fragile silence of a newborn life.
Just then, a faint sound of a cane tapping against the floor echoed through the tense silence.
An elderly figure slowly stepped forward. His hair was snow-white, his back slightly bent with age, and deep wrinkles carved stories of countless years upon his face. Every step he took seemed heavy—yet in his clouded eyes burned a flame of unyielding determination.
Even before he spoke, everyone present instinctively made way for him.
"Elder Ye..." Yun Ming called out, his voice trembling with both respect and desperation.
The old man gave a slight nod. "Hmm... give me the child."
The attendant hesitated for only a moment before carefully placing the lifeless infant into the old man's frail arms.
Elder Ye cradled the child gently, his gnarled hand supporting the small body as he gazed down in silence. For a few heartbeats, no one dared to speak. Then, his eyes flickered with a glint of realization.
"There is still a way," he said slowly, his voice hoarse but resolute. "But this place… is not suitable."
He turned toward Yun Ming, his grip tightening around the child. "Come with me."
The room fell silent after Elder Ye's words. Shock rippled through everyone present, but not a single voice rose in protest. Only Ya Li's faint sobs broke the stillness, trembling with fear and despair.
"Elder Ye," Yun Ming asked, his voice unsteady yet filled with hope, "could there truly be a way?"
The old man nodded slightly, his eyes deep and resolute. "Yes. But time is precious. Follow me."
Without waiting for further questions, Elder Ye turned and began walking out, the steady tap… tap… of his cane echoing in the corridor.
Yun Ming hesitated only a moment. Turning back, he gently embraced Ya Li once more, pressing a soft kiss against her sweat-soaked forehead.
"Please rest, Ya Li," he whispered tenderly. "Our child… will be safe."
Then he stood, his expression hardening, and followed after Elder Ye. The remaining elders exchanged uncertain glances before silently trailing behind.