After the assessment, Yuhao limped to the Tang Sect training hall, the familiar smell of dust, wood, and old mechanisms welcoming him.
Beibei waved him over.
"You survived," he smiled. "That's good. We don't recruit from the infirmary."
Xiao Xiao bounced around him. "I saw everything! You flipped a senior like—like—like a leaf in a storm!"
Jiang Nannan handed him a towel, her tone gentle. "Sit. Drink. Breathe."
Yuhao sat, Tianyi curling beside him like a floating, glowing puppy made of wind and dew.
Beibei's eyes studied Tianyi carefully.
"That resonance… that wasn't ordinary element fusion," he said. "There was harmony. Intent. Communication."
"Tianyi is… different," Yuhao admitted, rubbing his spirit's swirling form. "He's getting clearer every day."
Tianyi hummed happily, leaning into Yuhao's hand.The others stared.
"You two are extremely compatible," Xiao Xiao said, impressed. "Like Tang Sect hidden weapons and their artisans."
Nannan knelt beside Yuhao. "That bond will decide your future. Protect it."
Yuhao nodded.
For the first time since entering Shrek Academy…he felt like he belonged somewhere.
Beibei clapped his hands.
"Alright, everyone! Since our newest member didn't die today—Tang Sect tradition says we celebrate."
Xiao Xiao perked up. "Food?"
"Food," Beibei confirmed.
Yuhao blinked. "There's a tradition?"
Nannan smiled warmly. "Welcome to the Tang Sect, Yuhao."
For the first time that day—Yuhao actually laughed.
Tianyi shimmered brighter, wrapping a gentle coil of air around Yuhao's shoulders, like an affectionate arm.
Their bond deepened.
Their path began.
And somewhere far above the Academy towers…a strange silver moon flickered once—as if acknowledging a future no one yet understood.