The trip to the Star Dou Forest turned out to be a thrilling yet safe venture overall. Han Feng and Oscar both obtained powerful third spirit rings, and even Tang San and Xiao Wu broke through to level thirty and gained their new rings.
After Han Feng finished absorbing his spirit ring, Zhao Wuji tested his spirit power. To everyone's astonishment, Han Feng had reached an impressive level 33, already close to 34, with a purity of spirit power surpassing many newly advanced Spirit Elders. And he was only twelve years old!
Dai Mubai and the others were dumbfounded, calling it monstrous, but Han Feng remained indifferent.
If only he could tell them—Tang San would leap from level 30 to 37 in just half a year! Now that was truly outrageous.
Because of the Titan Giant Ape incident, Zhao Wuji was eager to leave the forest. Even before dawn, he led the group back toward the academy. He personally escorted them safely out of the forest before heading ahead to the academy—after all, traveling from the outer hunting villages to Shrek Academy was no longer dangerous for them.
By now, five of the eight Shrek students had reached Spirit Elder rank, a force strong enough to wander the continent.
They returned to the academy by evening. Strictly speaking, Oscar and Ma Hongjun didn't return; they had already decided to stay in Soto City when they passed through earlier.
Dai Mubai had planned to unwind in Soto City as well—after such a tense trip, he could use a break. But thinking of Zhu Zhuqing, he decided to play the part of a faithful man and came back with Han Feng.
Zhu Zhuqing went straight to training upon their return, clearly feeling pressured by the others' progress.
Han Feng, meanwhile, quickly noticed a new face by Flender's side: a gaunt, middle-aged man with stiff expressions, worn-out features, and plain clothing. His aura was faint, yet Flender spoke to him warmly, as if they were old friends.
Han Feng arched an eyebrow as he watched Tang San's face light up in joy. The boy ran to the man and began speaking excitedly.
Seeing Xiao Wu left behind, Han Feng instantly realized who the newcomer was: none other than the famed Grandmaster.
He had met him once years ago, though back then Grandmaster hadn't looked quite this travel-worn—he must have rushed here out of concern for his disciple. Truly, he spared no effort for Tang San.
With Tang San off with his teacher, Xiao Wu paired up with Ning Rongrong. At first, Ning Rongrong hesitated, glancing at Han Feng, but after Xiao Wu whispered something to her, she reluctantly nodded and left.
In an instant, the eight-person group dwindled to just Han Feng and Dai Mubai.
Dejected from yet another rebuff by Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai forced a grin and said, "So, you're a Spirit Elder now too. How about we head to the battle arena for a spar? "
Han Feng rolled his eyes. "Seriously? We just came back from Soto. You stayed behind just to look good in front of Zhuqing, and now you want to go back? It's an hour round trip! You think I'm that bored? "
"Look," Han Feng continued, "there's no point pretending to be someone you're not. Do you want Zhuqing to like you—or some fake version of you? And think of me, at least! I just absorbed my third ring and need to stabilize my power. You want to waste an hour on a trip back and forth? "
Dai Mubai scratched his head, sheepish yet thoughtful. Han Feng had a point. He didn't need to act like a gentleman—he was the Evil-Eyed White Tiger, after all.
"No wonder they say outsiders see more clearly," Dai Mubai laughed. "Didn't expect you of all people to give me such insight! "
He threw an arm around Han Feng. "Come on, let's spar here. I'll help you get used to your third ability."
Han Feng brushed off his arm. "No need. You'll get your chance tomorrow. Better rest up—you're going to need it."
"Wait, what does that mean? " Dai Mubai blinked in confusion.
"Can't spoil the surprise," Han Feng replied mysteriously, leaving Dai Mubai exasperated.
The Next Morning
Over breakfast, just as Ma Hongjun began marveling that Flender had suddenly become generous, Grandmaster appeared.
Han Feng noticed the man's gaze linger on him—a sign that Tang San had already told him everything about the Star Dou Forest. Grandmaster probably considered Han Feng a prodigy on par with Tang San now.
The others were visibly excited to learn that this was Tang San's teacher—they had all witnessed Tang San's unmatched theoretical knowledge.
After breakfast, Grandmaster announced that he would personally oversee their studies and training for the foreseeable future. Without giving them time to protest, he immediately arranged sparring matches.
Dai Mubai, his expression sour, whispered to Han Feng, "You knew this would happen? "
Han Feng smirked. "A prophet never reveals his secrets."
"Dai Mubai, you'll spar against Han Feng. Han Feng, your Charged Shield Bash may not exceed Spirit Elder-level power," Grandmaster instructed. "Tang San, you'll face Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong together. You may not use hidden weapons or your Eight Spider Lances."
"What? That's unfair! Little San's fighting alone! "Xiao Wu protested, but Tang San pulled her back and calmly stepped forward.
"I understand, Teacher," he said, earning an approving nod.
Minutes later, Tang San's match ended with his victory—but not before Grandmaster tore into everyone with harsh critiques that left them red-faced yet begrudgingly convinced.
Han Feng couldn't help but admire Grandmaster's dedication. He truly put thought into their growth.
Now it was Han Feng and Dai Mubai's turn. They stepped onto the training ground.
"Han Feng! I've been dying to spar with you," Dai Mubai grinned.
Han Feng shrugged. "Break through my defense if you can."
"Give it your all! "Grandmaster barked when Han Feng replied too casually.
"I understand! " Dai Mubai roared, his Evil-Eyed White Tiger form manifesting, the character "王" blazing on his forehead. Golden light enveloped him as he leapt at Han Feng with his first soul skill.
Clang!
Han Feng's Celestial Shield met the strike. He didn't even activate a soul skill, relying purely on his refined spirit power to block. He grunted but stood unharmed.
"Tch, didn't take the bait," Dai Mubai muttered. He had hoped to draw out Han Feng's first soul skill, but his plan failed.
Han Feng smirked. "We've both fought in enough arenas to know better."
"No more games then! " Dai Mubai's aura surged as his third soul ring lit up. His hair turned white, his aura intensified, and his spirit armor radiated dominance. "Let's see how you handle this! "
"White Tiger Light Wave! "
A blinding golden beam burst from his mouth in his strongest state.
"Still not enough! " Han Feng grinned, his second soul ring flaring as he teleported behind Dai Mubai. Both now had their backs to each other—Han Feng's shield already charging for a counter.
But as he spun to strike, his eyes widened.
The White Tiger Light Wave had turned—reversing course mid-flight—coming straight at him!
Dai Mubai had somehow redirected it a full 180 degrees!?