Inside the Star Emperor Grand Hotel, only the team from Shrek Academy remained. The others, including the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy—who had left in disgrace earlier—had already departed.
In the meeting room, the Shrek members were discussing the ownership of the remaining two spirit bones. In truth, this matter didn't concern the three main team members—Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, and Jiang Nannan—very much; they were merely there as witnesses. The actual decision would be made by Wang Yan and the seven members of the reserve team.
"These two spirit bones—the Sacred Illusion Demon Ape Skull and the Evil Demon Orca's Left Leg Bone—I'm sure you've heard Old Jiu explain them in detail," Wang Yan said as he placed the two spirit bones on the table. "Now, what are your thoughts? Beibei, as the team leader, why don't you start?"
Beibei stood up instinctively after being called, glanced at his teammates, then at the two bones, and said, "Teacher Wang, I believe you already have candidates in mind for these bones. If I'm not mistaken, the Sacred Illusion Demon Ape Skull is intended for Huo Yuhao."
"Huh? For me?" Huo Yuhao looked surprised when he was named.
"After all, Yuhao is the only spiritual-type Soul Master among us. He would be able to make the most of that skull," Beibei continued without minding Yuhao's astonishment. "As for the Evil Demon Orca Left Leg Bone, I think Xu Sanshi would be the best fit since he's the only one among us with a water attribute."
Upon hearing that, Xu Sanshi's eyes briefly flashed with an unusual glint, though it quickly faded.
"Not bad!" Wang Yan's eyes revealed admiration as he nodded. "Indeed, that skull will be most effective in Yuhao's hands. However, for the leg bone, Xu Sanshi isn't the only one I had in mind. Tang Ya was also a candidate."
"Eh? I'm in this too?" Tang Ya looked surprised.
"Yes. If I remember correctly, your martial soul was originally Blue Silver Grass. A long time ago, Lord Tang San also possessed a spirit bone from the Evil Demon Orca. I believe there might be some kind of beneficial interaction between the Blue Silver Grass and this spirit bone."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I'll let you all decide together who should absorb it. But before that, I need to remind you: the seven of you are a unit. Do not let a single spirit bone harm your bond."
"Heh," Xu Sanshi let out a strange chuckle. "Let Xiao Ya have it. I won't be able to use it anyway."
Tang Ya narrowed her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I need your charity?"
Beibei smiled knowingly and said, "He's already absorbed one, hasn't he?"
"Haha!" Xu Sanshi laughed awkwardly, scratching his head. "Well, I am the next Sect Master of the Xuanming Sect. Wouldn't be right if I didn't have something tucked away."
"So be it," Wang Yan smiled and nodded. "Then the Sacred Illusion Demon Ape Skull will go to Huo Yuhao, and the Evil Demon Orca Left Leg Bone to Tang Ya. Everyone okay with that?"
"No objections," Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao answered in unison.
"We're one with Yuhao. What benefits him, benefits us too," Wang Dong added with a grin.
"I agree," said He Caitou, nodding firmly. "We're a team. One person getting stronger strengthens the whole unit."
"Very well," Wang Yan said, satisfied. "Then tonight, Yuhao and Tang Ya will begin the fusion process with the spirit bones. We'll rest for a day, and return to the Academy the day after tomorrow."
Just as he finished speaking, Elder Lin entered the room and interrupted, "Hold on. The team is not to return to the Academy just yet. Remain in Star Luo City for a few more days until the Academy sends further instructions."
"Huh? Why?" asked Wang Yan, surprised.
"No reason. It's an order." Elder Lin's tone left no room for questioning.
"Yes, Elder Lin," Wang Yan replied respectfully.
Elder Lin gave a brief nod. "Alright. Dismissed. Everyone return to your rooms. If anyone needs help during the spirit bone fusion process, let the elders know."
With that, the meeting dispersed.
Back in Zhu Ziyang's room, Ma Xiaotao and Jiang Nannan were already sitting cross-legged on the bed, preparing to absorb the two spirit bones. Soon, Elder Song and Cai Mei'er arrived to act as their guardians during the fusion process.
Zhu Ziyang handed them the spirit bones he had received from the Star Luo Empire.
"Begin the fusion. Mei'er and I will protect you," Elder Song said kindly.
"Yes, Elder." The two women nodded in unison and closed their eyes, activating their martial souls and beginning the spirit bone absorption.
As they entered into deep concentration, Zhu Ziyang turned to the two elders. "Elder Song, Senior Sister, have the worshippers of the royal family agreed?"
Elder Song nodded with a smile. "Thanks to your performance during the finals. You have twin ultimate martial souls—no one in their right mind would refuse to support you."
Zhu Ziyang let out a quiet breath of relief. "That's great. I didn't want my efforts to go to waste."
"Haha!" Cai Mei'er chuckled. "Junior Brother, your name is all over the continent right now! You're more famous than us old folks!"
Zhu Ziyang smiled faintly. "I'm just paving the way for the Academy's grand strategy. We can't afford any missteps."
Cai Mei'er stepped closer and whispered something in his ear. His expression shifted from calm to surprised.
"Seriously?" he asked.
She nodded with a mysterious smile.
"Alright, Ziyang, go get some rest," Elder Song said, smiling softly. "We'll be leaving at first light tomorrow."
"Understood," Zhu Ziyang nodded, then left the room and headed to where Jiang Nannan had been staying.
—
The next day, just before dawn, at the gates of Star Luo City—
Zhu Ziyang stood side by side with Ma Xiaotao and Jiang Nannan, bidding farewell. Although their separation would only last about a week or two, the girls couldn't help but feel uneasy. After all, they knew the real reason he was leaving early.
A short distance away, Elders Lin, Song, and Cai Mei'er stood silently, giving the trio space while quietly observing them with approving smiles.
"Brother Ziyang, you must be careful!" Jiang Nannan clutched his hand tightly, worry written all over her delicate face.
Zhu Ziyang smiled and gently brushed aside a strand of hair from her forehead. "Don't worry. There'll be many elders protecting me. I'll just stay hidden behind them."
"Take this," Ma Xiaotao stepped forward and handed him the small bottle they had bought at the auction. "If something goes wrong, don't fight—just run. Run as far as you can."
Zhu Ziyang was about to reply, but Elder Song interjected with a playful scoff, "You girls have no faith in us old geezers? You really think we can't protect him?"
Ma Xiaotao pursed her lips but didn't respond. Her silence made her message clear.
"Elders, please look after Brother Ziyang!" Jiang Nannan bowed earnestly.
Cai Mei'er stepped forward and patted her head with a gentle smile. "Don't worry. Unless we fall, no harm will come to him."
Zhu Ziyang chuckled, clearly moved by their concern. "Alright. I'll be back soon."
Elder Lin raised a hand. "Enough. Time to move."
Without another word, he turned and began walking toward the distance. The other elders followed, and Elder Song stepped beside Zhu Ziyang, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Let's go," she said softly.
With a flash of soul power, the two disappeared from sight, leaving behind only a faint ripple of energy in the air.
As a Speed-Type Titled Douluo, Elder Song was more than capable of protecting and transporting Zhu Ziyang personally. Unless they encountered an Ultimate Douluo, no one could stop her if she chose to run.
Not long after they departed, the continent began to stir. Though the finals had just ended, the winds of a great storm were already rising, unseen.
What had just concluded... was merely the prelude.
That same morning, back at Shrek Academy—
In Zhu Ziyang's personal residence, his body was seated in meditation. But his spiritual awareness had already entered the Holy Law Subdimension.
Inside the realm, he stood once more before his master Electrolux, who greeted him with a rare smile.
But what truly shocked Zhu Ziyang were the five figures standing behind the old man. Their auras were intense, yet refined—not the corrupted stench of undead, but something purer, cleaner.
They were the five monarch-class undead, and they had clearly undergone a transformation.
When they saw him, the five immediately knelt and declared in unison:
"We greet our master! May our lord reign eternally!"
Zhu Ziyang looked at them in surprise. These five figures no longer bore the cold, rotten aura of the undead. Though their bodies still exuded the essence of death, it was the natural power of death, not the miasma of unlife. Their souls were no longer chained by necromancy.
"They've succeeded," Electrolux said with pride. "Their transformations are complete. They are no longer undead, but reborn. And all of it—thanks to you."
The five knelt again, lowering their heads reverently.
Zhu Ziyang smiled. "Congratulations. You've been reborn in body and soul. From now on, you're no longer death-bound slaves, but living beings with your own dignity and strength. I'm glad to have you as my companions."
"We are honored, my lord," said the man who had once been the Headless Horseman, now fully reborn. He had regained his head—his silver armor shimmered with light, and he sat astride a majestic silver unicorn. His long lance now radiated a holy glow.
"I am no longer the Hell Knight," he declared. "I am now the Templar Knight, Komako."
Zhu Ziyang nodded, acknowledging the transformation. The power Komako radiated was now at the level of a Peak Titled Douluo—not inferior to someone like Yan Shaozhe before his seclusion.
Then stepped forward the former Lich Monarch, now appearing as a calm and elderly man in flowing white robes trimmed in black. His staff pulsed faintly with spiritual light, and his presence was wise rather than sinister.
"I have been reborn as the Holy Spirit Priest, Rogiel."
He knelt and placed one hand over his chest. "In the name of the God of Light, I, Rogiel, pledge eternal loyalty to Lord Zhu Ziyang. Should I ever betray you, may my soul be erased forever."
Zhu Ziyang nodded again. "I accept your loyalty."
Though the vows were symbolic—since they now existed within the Holy Law Subdimension and could never betray its master—rituals have meaning. They mattered.
Next came the enormous skeletal dragon. But now, its bones were covered in golden-red scales, and fire danced between its ribs. Its body was vast, regal, holy.
"I am the Golden Flame Holy Dragon, Tianyan."
The dragon's thunderous voice echoed. "In the name of the Dragon God, I pledge my service to Lord Zhu Ziyang."
After Tianyan came the behemoth, once a towering corpse of brute rage. Now he stood tall, his rocky skin crackling with purple lightning. A giant hammer rested on his shoulder.
"I am Beimonstan, the Thunder-Earth Titan. I vow upon the name of the Thunder God—my loyalty is eternal."
Finally, the last figure stepped forward—a woman.
Her long black hair flowed down her back, her skin pale but smooth, with calm and sharp eyes. She was once the Skeletal Monarch, but now stood reborn in full flesh.
"I am Zhang Weiwei," she said with quiet strength. "No longer undead. In the name of the God of War, I pledge my blade and my life to you, Lord Zhu Ziyang."
The ceremony was solemn. Each vow added weight to the moment.
Zhu Ziyang felt their power—each of them now on par with a 95 to 98-rank Titled Douluo.
"They've all become true warriors," Electrolux said with a proud smile. "Though they are still beings of the death element, they now exist in harmony with life. The Holy Law Subdimension has accepted them fully."
Zhu Ziyang's expression was calm, but a fire burned behind his eyes.
Five beings of such power, all loyal only to him...
"Guess how many Titled Douluo I can summon now?"
Zhu Ziyang stood in silence for a long moment. The five reborn monarchs—Komako, Rogiel, Tianyan, Beimonstan, and Zhang Weiwei—knelt before him in absolute loyalty.
Five warriors, each with power equivalent to a peak Titled Douluo...
Five personal guardians, his alone.
What did it mean?
It meant that if Shrek Academy were ever threatened, even if its inner circle could not respond in time... he alone could bring forth a force strong enough to shake a nation.
Electrolux stepped forward, his tone carrying a quiet satisfaction.
"You've done well, Ziyang. With their transformation, the Holy Law Subdimension has reached a new level of stability. These five are its core now. Their presence reinforces the realm's laws, ensuring its continued expansion."
Zhu Ziyang nodded, eyes glowing with determination. "This is only the beginning, Master. I won't stop here."
Electrolux chuckled. "I'd expect nothing less. But remember, raw power is only part of the equation. Strategy, leadership, and restraint matter just as much."
Zhu Ziyang clasped his hands respectfully. "I understand."
Then, he turned to the five.
"Komako, Rogiel, Tianyan, Beimonstan, Weiwei—you've been reborn. Your lives are your own now. But from this day forward, you walk with me. Are you willing?"
Without hesitation, all five spoke as one:
"We follow your will, my lord. Life or death, we stand with you."
Zhu Ziyang raised his right hand, and a burst of holy light radiated from his palm, covering all five of them in a golden glow.
The light didn't burn—it purified, reinforced, and solidified their bond.
In that moment, Zhu Ziyang was no longer just a prodigy or a peerless genius.
He was a true leader, a lord of a realm, and the wielder of power few in the world could comprehend.
He slowly withdrew from the Holy Law Subdimension.
Back in his room at Shrek Academy, he opened his eyes. The soft light of early morning streamed through the windows. His mind was calm. His heart, firm.
Outside, the world was still unaware of the shift that had occurred.
The Star Luo Empire had just hosted the greatest Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament in history. Shrek Academy had once again dominated the stage.
But the true winner... wasn't just Shrek.
It was Zhu Ziyang.
The prodigy with twin ultimate martial souls.
The inheritor of a god's will.
The master of five Titled Douluo-level guardians.
As the world prepared for the coming storm, he quietly stood up and walked toward the future.
Because he knew—
The real war was only just beginning.
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