Devil Island, within the Teaching Space.
Led by the Greedy Old Devil, the Seven Old Devils wore expressions of bewilderment and vigilance as they surveyed this unfamiliar space. They only remembered being controlled by a mysterious force, their consciousnesses blurring before simultaneously appearing in this place.
They were tense.
Yet when they saw Jing Shaoyu, all their tension instantly dissipated.
The Seven Old Devils were no fools—they immediately realized their presence here must be related to the deities who created Devil Island. Sure enough, as their gazes shifted from Jing Shaoyu, they noticed the man and woman standing beside him.
The man had a cold expression and solemn demeanor, while the woman possessed peerless beauty and gentle grace. Most importantly, the aura radiating from them was identical to the Destruction Energy and Life Energy they'd experienced for millennia on Devil Island. Their identities were unmistakable.
"W-we pay our respects to the two God Kings, Your Majesties!" The Greedy Old Devil stammered excitedly, his aged face flushing with uncharacteristic color.
Though the other six Old Devils remained silent behind him, their expressions mirrored his—faces flushed with exhilaration. Having resided on Devil Island for over a thousand years, they had long yearned for recognition from the God Kings, yet the deities had never given them any response.
This wasn't actually the fault of the Goddess of Life and God of Destruction, as they hadn't been present on Devil Island before.
In truth, they only discovered Devil Island's existence after awakening, sensing its abundant Life Energy and Destruction Energy made it the perfect training ground for Jing Shaoyu, hence their arrival.
Only then did they learn of Devil Archipelago's connection to them.
"The seven of you share fate with Us," the God of Destruction waved lightly. "As you are also Shaoyu's elders, We shall bestow upon you seven strands of the Sin God's power as compensation."
With those words, seven colored orbs of Sinful Power flew from his palm, hovering before the Seven Old Devils.
Upon seeing the Sinful Power, their bodies instantly surged with energy. Their very essences trembled with excitement—they clearly recognized this power could liberate them from their current wretched, neither-human-nor-ghost state, even significantly boosting their strength!
"Your Majesty's grace leaves us eternally grateful!" The Seven Old Devils immediately prostrated themselves, kowtowing to the God of Destruction with voices brimming with reverence and submission.
What was a trivial gesture for the God of Destruction represented rebirth and reconstruction for them. Had they not known their own limitations, they would have pledged allegiance to him as their master.
"No gratitude is necessary," the God of Destruction shook his head, pointing at Jing Shaoyu. "Simply protect Jing Shaoyu well on Our behalf."
"I, Tang Lan, swear upon my essence to recognize Jing Shaoyu as my master. Should I betray him, may heavenly lightning strike me down and my essence be obliterated!" The Greedy Old Devil immediately straightened, raising his hand to swear this oath to the heavens.
Thunder rumbled beyond the skies, signifying the oath's activation.
"I, Piao Nie..." (Ruin Old Demon)
"I, Zeng Wu..." (Hate Old Demon)
"I, Meng Wuming..." (Nightmare Old Demon)
"I, Yun Wang..." (Desire Old Demon)
"I, Lan Duoduo..." (Lazy Old Demon)
"I, Wu Shangxia..." (Devouring Old Demon)
The other six Old Devils followed suit, each swearing an oath to the heavens using their own essence as a medium.
Jing Shaoyu wanted to speak up to stop them, but the Goddess of Life held him back. He looked at her, and she shook her head. He understood—this was the two of them securing more support for him.
"Good. In the future, you will take pride in the oaths you swore today," the God of Destruction said with satisfaction, nodding before pushing his palm forward. Seven streams of Sinful Power immediately descended onto the heads of the Seven Old Devils, hovering just within reach.
Yet, the Seven Old Devils did not rush to claim the God Power that now belonged to them. Instead, they turned toward Jing Shaoyu and respectfully called out, "Master!"
Jing Shaoyu froze for a moment before quickly replying, "Seniors, there's no need for such formality! Please rise! From now on, we shall treat each other as fellow disciples, not as master and servants!"
These Seven Old Devils were once the Shrek Seven Monsters, figures whose status in the current Shrek Academy was akin to ancestral founders—some might even be the ancestors of the current elders. Out of basic courtesy, even if they truly called him "Master," it wouldn't be appropriate for him to accept.
As long as the substance of their relationship was secured, formalities like titles were unnecessary—he didn't need such superficial prestige.
The Seven Old Devils exchanged grateful glances.
Only then did they begin absorbing and refining the Sinful Power bestowed upon them.
The Greedy Old Devil received dark golden Greed God Power, derived from the God of Greed, one of the Seven Sin Gods, who governed the sin of greed. As the foremost among the Seven Sin Gods, this aligned perfectly with the Greedy Old Devil's position as the leader of the Seven Old Devils.
The Ruin Old Devil obtained dark orange Wrath God Power, originating from the God of Wrath, another of the Seven Sin Gods, who controlled the sin of wrath. As the most aggressive of the seven sins, both the God of Wrath and the Ruin Old Devil ranked among the strongest in combat prowess.
The Nightmare Old Devil was granted dark blue Pride God Power, bestowed by the God of Pride, who ruled over the sin of pride. Alongside the God of Greed and the God of Wrath, they were collectively known as the Three Sin Gods of Greed, Wrath, and Pride.
The Hate Old Devil received deep pink Envy God Power, derived from the God of Envy.
The Devouring Old Devil obtained dark yellow Gluttony God Power, bestowed by the God of Gluttony.
The Lazy Old Demon was granted dark green Sloth God Power, originating from the God of Sloth.
The Desire Old Demon received dark red Lust God Power, bestowed by the God of Lust.
After absorbing the God Power suited to them, the Seven Old Devils fell into a deep slumber one after another, their bodies undergoing transformation as their essence ascended.
The God of Destruction nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, instantly transporting the Seven Old Devils out of the space. He then turned to Jing Shaoyu and said, "Once they fully absorb the Sinful Power, their strength will reach the pinnacle of Douluo Star. They should provide you with considerable assistance."
"Once you successfully establish the God Realm, you could consider bestowing the Seven Deadly Sins Laws upon suitable candidates. At the very least, it could create seven second-grade deities," the Goddess of Life suggested. "The Seven Elemental Laws and Seven Virtues Laws can also be granted to appropriate individuals. These are all powerful laws capable of reaching quasi-God King level."
"Mm, I will," Jing Shaoyu immediately agreed.
Even without the Goddess of Life's reminder, he wouldn't have forgotten these matters. The power to confer godhood was something he would never overlook.
"Before you reach the sixth realm, it's best to personally control the Good and Evil Laws and the Order Law," the God of Destruction advised. "Of course, if you're confident enough, you may grant them to those close to you."
The Laws of Good, Evil, and Order, along with the four fundamental laws of Creation and Destruction within him, were all supreme laws capable of attaining God King status. Hence the God of Destruction's suggestion for Jing Shaoyu to retain control.
"I'll remember that," Jing Shaoyu nodded, already considering who among his companions might be most suited for these three laws. Strangely enough, when thinking of the Law of Good, Gu Yue came to mind first—after all, this girl was born from the Dragon God's benevolent thoughts, possessing inherent compatibility.
As for the Law of Evil... perhaps Na'er?
Well, that could work too. Instead of a husband-wife pair, it would be a sisterly duo governing good and evil. Heh.
"Alright, it's about time we left," the God of Destruction said, clearing his throat softly as he noticed Jing Shaoyu lost in thought.
"So soon?" Jing Shaoyu started, a trace of reluctance appearing on his face.
A year of companionship had fostered familial bonds with the two God Kings. Their departure, with no certainty of reunion, naturally stirred emotions he couldn't deny.
"Shaoyu, do your best!" The Goddess of Life embraced him tenderly. "From now on, the path ahead is yours to walk alone!"
"Mm!" Jing Shaoyu buried his face in her embrace, responding firmly.
Then, like a passing breeze, both the God of Destruction and Goddess of Life vanished from his side. Raising his head in bewilderment, Jing Shaoyu touched his cheek where their warmth lingered, sighing at their decisive farewell.
He remained standing until the sense of loss faded, then exited the Teaching Space.
Returning to Devil Island's core, Jing Shaoyu found the Seven Old Devils meditating around the Destruction Shards, undisturbed by the departure of the God Kings as the island's Destruction Energy remained unchanged in density.
He didn't disturb them—this was their critical moment of cultivation.
Meanwhile, in the starry void beyond Douluo Star, the Goddess of Life paused to look back.
"Still worried after all?" the God of Destruction asked softly, his eyes reflecting tenderness.
"Yes," she admitted. She'd forced herself to leave decisively, fearing her emotions might overwhelm her. "Now I finally understand how Wu must have felt. Though he's not our biological child, in my heart, there's no difference."
"I'm sorry..." The God of Destruction embraced her shoulders, voice filled with remorse.
"When we enter the cycle of reincarnation, we must have two daughters in every lifetime!" The Goddess of Life gently raised her jade finger, pressing it against the God of Destruction's lips as a hopeful smile graced her face.
"Why two daughters?" The God of Destruction tilted his head slightly in confusion.
"Because we already have a son!" the Goddess of Life replied with earnest sincerity.
"Alright! Whatever you say!" The God of Destruction broke into an understanding smile and agreed.
The two great meteors faded from the starry sky, destined to revisit a certain planet where deities manifested their presence many times in the years to come.
On Devil Island, Jing Shaoyu found Xu Xiaoyan and the other four girls, informing them to prepare to conclude their special training and leave the island.
One by one, the girls emerged from their cultivation states.
"Shaoyu... you... you..." Xu Xiaoyan stared at Jing Shaoyu with wide, disbelieving eyes, stammering, "How did you become a Titled Douluo already?!"
"Exactly!" Ye Xinglan nodded vigorously, her eyes equally shocked. "Your cultivation speed is just too fast!"
Wu Siduo, Mo Hentian, and Lan Fozi shared the same reaction. The last time they'd seen Jing Shaoyu was three months ago, when his Soul Power had only been at the 88th level. How had he already reached the 91st level and become a Titled Douluo?
Wasn't cultivation supposed to get harder the further one progressed? Why did it seem to get easier for Jing Shaoyu?
The five girls couldn't comprehend it.
"Hehe~" Jing Shaoyu flashed a brilliant smile, his gaze sweeping over each of them. "You're saying my cultivation speed is fast? Yours isn't slow either! Hmm, not bad—you've all reached the Soul Saint realm."
With just one glance, he could clearly discern their Soul Power levels.
A year ago, when they first arrived at Devil Island, Wu Siduo's Soul Power had been at the 64th level. Now it was at the 78th level—a full fourteen-level increase, the highest among the six of them. This was related to her Martial Soul—the White Tiger Spirit and the Nine Netherworld Cat Spirit, one righteous and one sinister, perfectly aligned with the environment of Devil Island.
Xu Xiaoyan had been at the 63rd level a year ago and was now at the 73rd level—a ten-level increase. Ye Xinglan had gone from the 61st to the 72nd level, an eleven-level rise. Mo Hentian, previously a Soul King at the 59th level, was now a Soul Saint at the 71st level—a twelve-level improvement. Lan Fozi had advanced from the 63rd to the 75th level, also gaining twelve levels.
A group of Soul Saints under twenty years old—their return to Shrek Academy was sure to leave countless people utterly stunned.
"It's only because you're too outrageous, Shaoyu!" Wu Siduo rolled her eyes and shot him a coquettish glance. "If we didn't work harder, we'd fall too far behind you."
"I thought we could use the island's Life Energy to gain more progress," Ye Xinglan murmured.
"But the gap between us is still this huge!" Mo Hentian said with visible disappointment. "Ugh, this is exhausting!"
"We're so foolish! Really! We only knew we could absorb Life Energy to speed up cultivation, but we still couldn't catch up to Shaoyu!" Xu Xiaoyan adopted a look of utter despair. "And here I was, working so hard catching bugs too~"
"Mhm! Exactly!" Lan Fozi chimed in repeatedly.
Jing Shaoyu couldn't help but laugh when he heard their words. "Don't be discouraged. You've all worked very hard. Don't worry, my progress might slow down in the next few years, so you'll definitely catch up to me."
"I hope so!" The five girls exchanged glances and spoke in unison.
"Alright, let's get ready to return to the academy," Jing Shaoyu said with a chuckle.
"Brother Shaoyu, have you finished your business?" Ye Xinglan immediately asked upon hearing this, while the others also looked at Jing Shaoyu with curiosity.
They all knew Jing Shaoyu had been undergoing trials from two God Kings this past year, so when they heard him say they could return to the academy, their first thought was that he must have completed his Godhood Trial. If that were the case, it would make perfect sense for Jing Shaoyu to have reached the Titled Douluo level.
"Brother Shaoyu, does that mean you've already obtained a Divine Throne?" Xu Xiaoyan asked excitedly.
"It's not that simple," Jing Shaoyu said, ruffling Xu Xiaoyan's hair. "The matter is far too complicated. I'll explain it to you all slowly on the way."
"Great!" Lan Fozi clapped her hands in delight.
Wu Siduo seemed to remember something and said, "Are we just leaving like this? Shouldn't we say goodbye to the seven seniors?"
"No need. I left them a message," Jing Shaoyu waved his hand dismissively. "This time, we're taking the sky route!"
As he spoke, he lightly gestured, and a gust of wind condensed into a pure white cloud. With another wave of his hand, before the five girls could react, they found themselves standing on the cloud. Then, he leaped onto it himself, and with a thought, the cloud rose.
The six of them rode the cloud into the sky, leaving Devil Island behind.
(End of Chapter)