The next morning they left lively avenues of nobles behind. South road bent into rough outskirts. Grass turned wild, stone road cracked, villagers muttered about strange figures training in groves. Finally, they saw it: a small village-like compound surrounded by low wooden fence, a gate leaning half rotten, painted placard above faint letters spelling "Shrek."
Huan burst into laughter, hand slapping thigh. "This? The fearsome monster academy? It looks more like pen for pigs!" Yan's nose wrinkled faintly, disappointment clear. Even she had expected at least strong walls.
But Xue's expression never shifted. He stared long. Somewhere in this decay, he felt pulls of fate more heavy than gold gates of the noble academy. The Tome stirred faint in heart. He whispered under breath that frost often hid in cracks before burying whole forests, and this place smelled of hidden storm.
As they approached, gatekeeper wove forward, an old man in patched robe, face sly, eyes cunning. He held out palm. "Fee. Ten coins each. If you cannot pay, go back to noble halls. Monsters deserve price."
Huan spat, ready to throw insults, but Xue pressed frost-cooled coin pouch politely. He bowed slightly. "We pay. For frost blooms even in poorest soil." The old man chuckled, muttering, "At least this kid knows courtesy." Yan glanced uncertain but followed Xue's calm. Thus they entered Shrek grounds for first time.
Inside, it truly was poor: rickety huts, cracked drilling field, handful of youths waiting nervously. Yet among them Xue saw something different. Eyes fierce, stances steady. Not pampered arrogance, but determination cut raw by rejection of other schools. It was not brilliance of nobles, but survival of strays. His heart resonated deeply.
And without doubt, he knew—Tang San would be here, fire burning with equal quiet will. Frost and Blue Silver, born under same stars, would soon stand side by side.