The first rays of dawn poured gently over Shrek Academy, casting a golden veil over the mossy stones and wooden pavilions. The morning air, crisp and tinged with dew, carried the scent of damp earth and blooming hibiscus. Birds chirped lazily in the high branches of the academy ancient trees, while soft footsteps echoed across the open training grounds.
Li Wei stood still at the edge of the courtyard, his breath steady as he drew in the tranquility. His Diendriver hung from his hip, gleaming faintly in the early light. Across the field, he could see his companions scattered—some seated cross-legged in meditation, others already moving through their warm-up drills.
A week had passed since the inter-academy sparring matches, but the tension that once clung to their shoulders had melted away. In its place was a quiet, confident harmony.
Xiao Wu bounded past him, her long braid swaying like a tail. "Morning, Li Wei!" she chirped.
"Morning," he replied, offering a faint smile. Her energy was contagious.
Just beyond her, Zhu Zhuqing practiced shadow-step movements near the training dummy. Her figure blurred in and out of vision, each strike silent but precise. Sweat glistened on her brow, but her eyes burned with focus.
Near the garden archway, Ning Rongrong stood amid a ring of glowing lights—her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit floating beside her. She cycled her barriers in tight, rapid pulses. A flash of spirit energy radiated from her body each time, her control improving with every pass.
Meng Yiran and Xiao Wu were already engaged in a light sparring session under the peach tree. Xiao Wu vanished in a blink and reappeared behind her opponent, only for Meng Yiran cane to whip around with a grin.
"Getting predictable, bunny," she teased.
"Only because you're finally keeping up," Xiao Wu shot back, teleporting again in a pink blur.
From the far side, Oscar voice called out, half-laughing, half-exhausted. "Dai Mubai, I swear, if you break one more training post—"
"That's what they're for!" Mubai bellowed as his Vajra-enhanced fist shattered another reinforced dummy, dust and splinters flying.
Ma Hongjun rolled on the ground beside them, flame trailing from his feet as he attempted a new technique: flame jets to enhance dodging speed. "Heh! He's just mad we're not impressed anymore."
Oscar wiped his brow, muttering, "I'll be impressed when I don't have to fix all this."
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From atop the viewing balcony, Zhao Wuji observed silently, arms crossed. Beside him stood Li Wei, their gazes meeting in mutual understanding.
"They've come far," Zhao Wuji said gruffly. "Team Two especially. That coordination—they moved like water in those matches. You've done well guiding them."
Li Wei shook his head lightly. "They pushed each other. I just gave them space to grow."
Zhao Wuji grunted approvingly. "Team One's no slouch either. Their wins were hard-fought. Tang San tactics, Dai Mubai power, Ma Hongjun unpredictability… and Oscar—he's the soul glue. We'll push them further."
Li Wei gaze wandered to each of his teammates. Pride stirred in his chest—not arrogance, but genuine warmth. In that moment, he saw not just students, but comrades, each burning with their own flame.
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Later in the day, Zhu Zhuqing found herself in quiet isolation near the edge of the forest. The rustling leaves whispered in time with her heartbeat. She practiced alone—Hell Rush, step-slides, claw strikes—each motion smoother than the last.
I can be faster. Cleaner. Her mind replayed the last match, the moment she'd been just a heartbeat behind Li Wei timing. It wasn't disappointment that drove her—it was the desire to match his tempo, to become someone others could rely on just as much.
Elsewhere, Ning Rongrong set up a new barrier cycle with glowing sigils encircling her. Sweat beaded on her temple as she manipulated the spirit energy in pulsing waves.
"Shorter cooldown... tighter rhythm," she whispered. Her fingers twitched with fine control, attempting a new variation. The barrier pulsed, faded, and reformed faster than before.
"That's it," she murmured. "Again."
From behind a low hedge, Li Wei watched quietly for a moment, then nodded and walked away. He wouldn't interrupt.
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The sun dipped lower as the day drew on. At the west side of the training field, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar sat in a messy circle. Mubai knuckles were raw, flames flickered from Ma Hongjun shoulders, and Oscar looked like he'd run a marathon.
"I'm gonna name this one 'Ultra-Super-Recovery Sausage'," Oscar declared, holding up his latest creation.
"Too long," Ma Hongjun muttered. "Call it 'Super Weenie'."
Oscar scowled. "Do you want healing or not?"
Dai Mubai chuckled, his golden pupils gleaming. "Let him dream, Fatty. We're not all named after poultry."
Ma Hongjun snorted, letting a small phoenix flame trail from his mouth. "Better a bird than a brat with a fancy name."
They laughed together, a shared fatigue drawing them closer than victory ever could.
Nearby, Tang San silently cultivated under the tree, Mysterious Heaven Skill whirling calmly within him. He didn't join in the banter, but a smile tugged at his lips.
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As twilight painted the skies in lavender and rose, the students slowly made their way to the heart of the academy, where an ancient oak stretched its branches like an old guardian. Beneath its sweeping boughs, tables had been set, and food steamed gently in the golden light of spirit lamps.
Zhao Wuji took the head of the table, but it was clear the spirit of the gathering came from the students themselves.
Meng Yiran laughed at something Xiao Wu said, almost spilling her drink. Ning Rongrong leaned against Zhu Zhuqing shoulder, eyes closed in satisfaction. Dai Mubai raised a toast, declaring victory over exhaustion, and Oscar and Ma Hongjun loudly clinked mugs in agreement.
Li Wei sat quietly among them, his eyes roaming over each face. The sounds of laughter, clinking bowls, and shared stories washed over him like a balm. For a brief moment, he let his guard down.
They've grown stronger. Not just in spirit power. But as a team. As friends.
The stars began to blink above, shy at first, then in greater numbers. A cool breeze rustled the leaves, and the soft hum of night insects began their chorus.
Eventually, the laughter faded into a gentle hush. Each person sat in contented silence, staring into the flickering lanterns or up at the vast night sky.
Zhao Wuji finally rose. "You've earned your rest. But don't get too comfortable. Tomorrow, we push again."
There were groans, half-hearted complaints—but all with smiles behind them.
As the others drifted off toward the dorms, Li Wei remained beneath the oak. Alone now, he looked up at the stars, the wind playing with his silver-streaked hair.
We've won some battles. But more are coming.
He rested a hand on the Diendriver.
I'll be ready. For them. For all of us.
The stars above shimmered silently, as if in answer.