A pale blush of sunrise painted the sky over Shrek Academy, gilding the ancient pines and stone pathways in gentle gold. Normally, the courtyard at this hour throbbed with the clatter of wooden swords and the hiss of activated spirit rings, but today something had stilled the air: a single, powerful wave of spirit energy that rippled outward like a tide, drawing every eye to the towering iron gates.
____________
Under Flender's crisp command, the academy's students had begun their morning drills. Xiao Wu twisted through the air—her Soft Bone Rabbit aura flickering like a candle flame—as she executed a perfect midair kick against an invisible foe. Tang San, beneath her, wove Blue Silver Grass into an intricate lattice, murmuring encouragements to himself. Nearby, Dai Mubai let loose a roar that cracked the silence as he cleaved a wooden dummy to splinters, while Oscar, mouth full of sausage, laughed through every bite. Ma Hongjun Phoenix Fire Line seared a spiral into bark, and even Ning Rongrong Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda hummed with a soft glow in anticipation of amplifying her allies.
Zhu Zhuqing perched on a low wall, arms folded over her knees, her Hell Civet spirit power flickering. She could taste the tang of dew and pine resin on the morning breeze, but her mind drifted to the sigil of purple light that had marked her chest in the night. That dream… Every fiber of her being whispered that today would be different.
Meng Yiran sat cross-legged beside Ning Rongrong, holding on to her serpent staff with tenderness. Though her expression stayed calm, her blue eyes flitted repeatedly to the gate, as though waiting for someone coming back.
Flender sharp clap brought them back to the present. "Form pairs!" he barked. "Footwork drills, then partner sparring. Move!"
The students obeyed, sliding into combat stances: Xiao Wu with Tang San, Dai Mubai with Oscar, Ma Hongjun with Meng Yiran, and Ning Rongrong with Zhu Zhuqing.
After Li Wei gone, the team two still follow the direction that Li Wei give them as they becoming stronger over team one.
Even later additions of team two Meng Yiran can be said to be the same rank as Dai Mubai, the second strongest after Li Wei among students. Both Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong already reach rank 33 while Xiao Wu already reach rank 35.
If comparing to team one that was teach by Yu Xiaogang, the difference in progress among them can be said to tremendously different as team one still at the same rank as before.
But beneath it all, Zhu Zhuqing felt a quiver in her spirit. Something… is coming.
_____________
As Zhu Zhuqing parried a nimble strike from Ning Rongrong pagoda–enhanced kick, the air rippled. The swing of Tang San whip-like vine froze mid–arc. Dai Mubai roar choked off. All at once, the courtyard stilled, the clacking wood and hissed spirit power falling into a breathless hush.
From beyond the outer gates, a subtle vibration thrummed through the earth—a heartbeat of power so familiar it pricked at every memory. Leaves stopped trembling on their branches, and even the distant birdsong fell silent in awe.
Xiao Wu eyes widened. "Did… did you feel that?"
Tang San vines wilted. "Someone's here."
The iron gates creaked open.
All nine students turned their head as one.
_____________
Through the morning mist strode Li Wei. Gone was the simple Caelus coat; now he wore a high–collared coat in deep forest green trimmed with gold—Yangqing style from Honkai: Star Rail, tailored to his lithe frame. The long coat's tails whispered behind him, and its gold embroidery caught the dawn light like sunlight on dew. White trousers and calf–high boots completed the ensemble, while a slim sash bore the emblem of his lineage.
His eyes, sharpened black as night, swept over the assembled students. Yet when they met Zhu Zhuqing gaze, they softened, and a gentle smile curved his lips.
Step by step, he walked into the courtyard. The ground seemed to welcome him, trembling faintly beneath each footfall.
Xiao Wu gasped, stumbling back. "Li Wei!" she cried, voice breaking.
Oscar lurched forward, sausage in hand. "He's alive! He's alive!" he shouted triumphantly, accidentally slinging the sausage across Ma Hongjun face.
Ma Hongjun blinked at the flying breakfast. "What—?"
Dai Mubai stepped up with a grin, slapping Li Wei on the back so hard that the newcomer's coat ruffled. "Took your sweet time, brat."
Li Wei inclined his head in silent thanks, his eyes dancing with warmth—and fatigue.
Tang San advanced, pulling in his Blue Silver Grass with a practiced flick. "Welcome back, Li Wei."
"Thank you, Tang San," Li Wei replied, voice calm and steady as ripples on glass.
Ning Rongrong hurried forward, concern shining in her pink–gold eyes. "Where—where have you been? We thought the Veil Envoy might have—"
Li Wei placed a finger to his lips in gentle warning. "I'm well, Ning Rongrong. No need for panicked theories."
Meng Yiran stared wide–eyed. "Your wound… it was nearly fatal. How did you—"
Again, Li Wei simply raised a hand in reassurance. "I'm here now."
Across the courtyard, Zhu Zhuqing found her throat dry. She managed a tight nod and whispered, "Welcome back."
His gaze flickered to her, and for a heartbeat the world fell into silence. Then the wind sighed, the pine needles chirped back to life, and the living tapestry of spirit power pulse resumed.
Xiao Wu rushed to Li Wei side, nearly colliding with Ney Rongrong in her haste. "I thought… I thought I lost you…" She lunge toward Li Wei and hug him as she miss him. Except for her brother San that have been with her for a long time, she also felt close to him as he almost the same as her.
Li Wei caught her shoulders. "You won't lose me."
Oscar, ever the comic, did a little jig. "He breathing!" Behind Ma Hongjun.
Ma Hongjun poked his friend's ribs. "Don't scare me like that. My flame almost fizzled!"
Dai Mubai folded his arms, still smirking. "Look at you—new clothes and all. You really think you can one–up me now?"
Li Wei laughed softly. "We'll see."
Tang San expression was thoughtful. "You're stronger," he observed. "I sensed your aura swell as you approached. Just… how much have you grown?"
Li Wei's face went serious. "More than I expected." He paused, as though weighing his next words. "But I'm not ready to show you everything yet."
Ning Rongrong tilted her head. "Then… when will you tell us?"
Li Wei met her gaze evenly. "Soon. Give me one night."
Meng Yiran let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "One night?"
"I need time to… to settle," he answered quietly. "A lot has changed."
Zhu Zhuqing's mind whirled. He left for a month to… train? Heal? What did he see? Still, she simply nodded.
____________
Flender and Zhao Wuji emerged through the gates then, both flanked by the academy's senior instructors. Flender fine features were pinched with worry—relief edged in, but pride held him back. Zhao Wuji, ever the brawler, simply smirked.
"A ghost with fashion sense," Zhao Wuji joked, stepping up. "You sure you're not a spirit? You look too… lively."
Li Wei smiled wryly. "Last I checked, ghosts don't breathe."
Zhao Wuji whistled. "Good answer. But explain yourself tomorrow. Today, you spar with me."
Li Wei inclined his head. "Understood."
Flender folded his arms. "Nine students, now—our core is complete again." His voice turned reflective. "No more missing links. You're back where you belong."
Li Wei gaze swept the eight faces: Xiao Wu fervent hope, Ma Hongjun incredulous grin, Oscar wild delight, Dai Mubai competitive spark, Tang San calm trust, Ning Rongrong anxious concern, Meng Yiran guarded relief, and Zhu Zhuqing unreadable mix of awe and determination.
His heart trembled—for half a breath he felt entire world's weight upon him. Then the warmth returned. A new dawn beckoned.
He nodded once. "I'll explain… in time."
With that, he turned and strode toward the practice fields where Zhao Wuji waited, cloak flowing like a banner heralding his return.
________
As Li Wei moved away, the students exchanged looks.
Xiao Wu eyes glistened. "He's back… he's really back."
Oscar punched the air. "Party at breakfast again!"
Ma Hongjun scratched his head. "He's gone a whole month… meanwhile his clothes got cooler than mine."
Dai Mubai flexed, already ready for a challenge. "I'll take him on first."
Tang San exhaled. "He trusts us enough to return. Let's be ready for whatever comes next."
Ning Rongrong closed her eyes briefly. "I'm just glad he's safe."
Meng Yiran laid a hand on Ning Rongrong arm. "Me too."
Zhu Zhuqing gaze lingered on the spot Li Wei had stood, feeling her chest burn where the sigil had blinked. The Rider in purple, the door in fog… she knew the key lay in her bond with him.
Someday soon, she thought, I will understand.
Above them, the sky brightened further, and the academy's walls, bathed in morning light, seemed to promise new beginnings.
The nine hearts of Shrek Academy beat as one once more—stronger, renewed, and ready to face whatever trials the world would send their way.