At noon, the azure sky was dotted with a few scattered clouds, and bright sunlight poured down.
At the east gate of Shrek Academy, several figures stood there.
Outside the east gate, which was usually bustling with activity and crowded with vendors, not a single one could be seen today.
"They're here."
Suddenly, as everyone enjoyed the quiet breeze, Yan Shaozhe, the Dean of the Martial Soul Academy, moved his gaze, a trace of joy appearing on his face.
Hearing this, the others also revealed expressions of delight and looked up at the sky.
They were none other than Cai Meier, Vice Dean of the Martial Soul Academy; Xian Lin'er, Dean of the Soul Tool Academy; Vice Dean Qian Duoduo; and the Director of Teaching, Fan Yu.
On the horizon, a cluster of black dots gradually became clearer. Slowly, the black dots turned into human figures, and the two sides looked at each other from afar.
Finally, under the gaze of Yan Shaozhe and the others, the Shrek Academy representative team returning from the Star Luo Empire officially arrived back at the academy.
As the leader, Elder Xuan was the first to land. Looking at the familiar city gate, he grinned—his own home really did feel more comfortable.
"Elder Xuan."
Very quickly, Yan Shaozhe and the others stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Alright, alright. Today's protagonists are these little monsters. This old man won't get involved," Xuan Zi waved his hand. Then, under everyone's gaze, he turned into a streak of light and disappeared through the gate.
Seeing this, the few of them shook their heads helplessly, but soon turned their attention to the side.
"Teacher, Shimu."
As soon as Ma Xiaotao landed, she cheerfully rushed over to Yan Shaozhe and Cai Meier, then hugged Cai Meier tightly.
"Alright, alright." Cai Meier smiled at the corner of her eyes. "You're already grown up, yet you're still like a child."
Ma Xiaotao couldn't help but kiss Cai Meier on the cheek. "Hehe, in front of you, Shimu, aren't I still a child?"
"Teacher."
Huo Yuhao also stepped forward and saluted Yan Shaozhe.
Yan Shaozhe smiled and patted Huo Yuhao on the shoulder. "Well done."
Huo Yuhao smiled slightly. It seemed that his performance in the Soul Fighting Tournament was well known to the academy.
On the other side, Fan Yu and He Caitou embraced each other. The bond between this master and disciple was closer than that of father and son—after all, in a sense, He Caitou had been raised by Fan Yu.
In this life, because Huo Yuhao had not joined the Soul Tool Department, Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er paid special attention to He Caitou.
Yan Shaozhe did not chat long with Huo Yuhao. Instead, he went straight to the other equally excited students and said with a smile, "Children, welcome home."
Everyone looked at each other, then smiled together.
Sunlight fell on their shoulders, everything warm and comforting.
Yan Shaozhe said with a smile, "The rewards for the Soul Fighting Tournament have been announced, but the academy's rewards for you have not yet been distributed. After deliberation by the Sea God Pavilion, the location for your rewards has been set at the Sea God Pavilion."
"Whoosh."
In an instant, the smiles on everyone's faces froze.
Even inner courtyard students like Yao Haoxuan and Ling Luochen were deeply shaken.
The Sea God Pavilion—without a summons, even inner courtyard students were not allowed to enter. Yet after this tournament, they had actually been granted the opportunity to go there.
Standing to the side, Huo Yuhao's eyes showed surprise. In this life, Shrek had won the championship with a complete lineup, yet they still received this reward—most likely pushed through by Elder Mu.
After a brief exchange, under the guidance of the four deans, everyone immediately headed toward the Sea God Lake, where several boats were already waiting.
However, after entering the academy and passing the Soul Fighting Area, a series of banners caught everyone's attention.
The banners hung above the entrance of the Soul Fighting Area building, bearing several clear characters:
[Shrek Academy Lecture Conference]
"Dean Yan, what is this lecture conference?" Wang Yan asked curiously.
Seeing everyone's inquisitive gazes, Yan Shaozhe explained with a smile, "This lecture conference is specially prepared for you. In the past, even when the academy won the championship, we didn't publicize it much. But from today onward, whenever we win the championship, we will hold a lecture conference, and every participating student will go on stage to give a speech."
Xu Sanshi's eyes lit up—wouldn't that mean showing off in front of all the junior sisters?
"Ahem." Bei Bei coughed.
Xu Sanshi immediately reacted and hurriedly restrained his somewhat unrestrained smile.
Jiang Nannan glanced at him indifferently. At this moment, she only wanted to send money to her mother; everything else was unimportant.
"So that means we'll appear in front of every student?" Wang Dong hurriedly asked.
"Yes." Yan Shaozhe nodded slightly. "Aside from what you yourselves want to talk about, the lecture conference is also a task assigned to you by the academy."
Huo Yuhao thought for a moment and said, "Using our championship title to help the academy promote a series of reforms?"
"Exactly." Yan Shaozhe nodded. "The theme of this tournament will revolve around soul tools."
Hearing this, everyone fell into thought. They had already discussed this issue in Star Luo City. Even Dean Yan, who was the most resistant to soul tools, seemed to support it now—clearly, the academy's determination was firm.
Arriving at the lakeside, everyone boarded the boats and headed toward the inner courtyard.
Sea God Lake was vast. After a full quarter-hour, the two boats finally passed through the mist and docked at the shore.
Compared to the inner courtyard students, the outer courtyard students were extremely curious about the inner courtyard. Even after disembarking and heading toward the Sea God Pavilion, they kept looking around.
Sea God Island was lush with vegetation, including centuries-old ancient trees. Rare flowers and plants were everywhere. The fresh air mixed with faint floral fragrance, intoxicating to the senses.
"Is the inner courtyard scenery beautiful?" Zhang Lexuan turned to look at the reserve team.
"Beautiful." Xiao Xiao nodded her head repeatedly, and the others nodded in agreement.
Zhang Lexuan's tone softened. "Then in a few years, I hope to see all of you in the inner courtyard. How about it?"
Hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment. Seeing the encouraging looks from Ma Xiaotao and the others, their gazes became firm, and they answered in unison, as if rehearsed, "No problem."
Zhang Lexuan said nothing more and silently gave everyone a thumbs-up in her heart.
The Sea God Pavilion stood at the highest point of the island. Walking toward it, if one turned to look elsewhere, one could see numerous buildings through the faint mist, as well as occasional inner courtyard students passing by.
Finally, led by the four deans, everyone stopped on a grassy field. Looking ahead, they could see a simple three-story building. Its main structure seemed fused with the Golden Ancient Tree behind it. Above the entrance hung a plaque bearing the words "Sea God Pavilion." The seemingly simple characters were filled with a unique profundity—just one glance gave a sense of the soul being cleansed.
The four deans moved to the side. In the next moment, a scene that shocked everyone appeared. On the originally emerald-green grass, countless golden light spots suddenly emerged. The light spots floated upward and finally fell upon every student, even Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan.
Though confused, everyone silently accepted the light entering their bodies. Soon, a warm sensation spread throughout them. Everyone clearly felt as if the meridians within their bodies had been combed through, their soul power circulating rapidly and being refined. In just a few minutes, except for Ma Xiaotao, everyone felt their soul power increase to varying degrees.
Among them, Bei Bei, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao benefited the most.
Huo Yuhao used this opportunity to forcibly break through to Rank 35.
"Come in."
As the light spots disappeared and before everyone could calm their shock, a gentle voice sounded.
Seeing this, Yan Shaozhe stepped forward and said, "Follow us."
The four deans and Fan Yu entered first. Under the guidance of Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan, everyone, with nervous hearts, stepped into the pavilion.
The interior hall of the Sea God Pavilion was extremely spacious. Soft golden halos floated in the air like fireflies. The air was rich with powerful life energy—just breathing it in made the body feel exceptionally comfortable. Even ordinary people living here would likely enjoy prolonged lifespans.
At the center of the hall stood a massive wooden table. The four deans took their seats one after another. Fan Yu did not sit, instead standing behind Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er.
In addition to them, there were Elder Mu, whom Huo Yuhao was familiar with, and Elder Xuan.
The other elders were not present—different from the original work.
Unlike the original, where Elder Mu hid his identity and lay down, in this life, because the baleful energy within his body had been absorbed, Elder Mu's health had recovered quite well. He now sat steadily without issue, and the death aura on his body was much lighter.
The students were not unfamiliar with Elder Mu. Everyone widened their eyes, and soon Wang Dong couldn't help exclaiming in surprise, "Isn't this the gatekeeper grandpa?"
"Ah, sorry!"
Wang Dong quickly covered his mouth after blurting it out.
Hearing the words "gatekeeper grandpa," the deans all laughed together, showing no intention of blaming him.
Mu En smiled gently but did not explain his identity, instead looking toward Yan Shaozhe.
Yan Shaozhe understood and immediately stood up, saying, "Next, I will announce the rewards."
Hearing this, everyone suppressed their curiosity and looked toward Yan Shaozhe.
"Where is Dai Yueheng?" Yan Shaozhe suddenly noticed something was off.
Zhang Lexuan explained, "He'll return one or two days later. There's something at home he needs to take care of."
"I see." Yan Shaozhe nodded. "Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, Yao Haoxuan, Chen Zifeng, Xixi, Gongyang Mo."
"Disciples present." The six whose names were called stepped forward respectfully.
Yan Shaozhe said solemnly, "In this Soul Fighting Tournament, your performance met the standard. The academy specially rewards you by reducing the difficulty of your inner courtyard graduation assessment by one level."
"Whoosh."
The six inner courtyard students' eyes lit up simultaneously.
This scene made the reserve team quite curious—was reducing the assessment difficulty really that exciting?
For Ma Xiaotao and the others, it was naturally the happiest thing.
The graduation assessment for inner courtyard students was set based on one's current cultivation level plus five ranks, making it extremely difficult. Very few passed on the first try. Those who did pass on the first attempt would even receive help from the academy in obtaining a soul ring as a special reward.
One had to know that students who could graduate were usually about to obtain their seventh or eighth soul ring. At that point, having the academy help acquire a soul ring was extremely satisfying, because it would definitely be the best possible match.
Yan Shaozhe nodded. "It seems you're very satisfied with this reward. Good. Go rest for now. I'll inform you later to participate in the lecture conference."
"Yes." The six replied in unison and then left the Sea God Pavilion.
Next, Yan Shaozhe turned his gaze to Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan. "Zhang Lexuan, Wang Yan, as the team leaders of this tournament, you completed the mission smoothly and excellently."
"The academy specially grants Lexuan exemption from the graduation assessment, and bestows upon you the status of a Sea God Pavilion candidate."
Zhang Lexuan's eyes tightened slightly, a trace of surprise appearing. She had never expected the reward to include a Sea God Pavilion candidate status.
Wang Yan looked at Zhang Lexuan with envy, but only congratulations, no jealousy. He clearly understood his own abilities and qualifications.
In the future, he could also become a member of the Sea God Pavilion through effort. After all, there were elders who followed the strength path, and there were also elders who followed the theoretical path.
"Wang Yan." Yan Shaozhe smiled. "The academy knows that you pursue theory, so we reward you with free access to the Collection Pavilion's rare texts for one year. At the same time, your teaching rank is promoted—you officially become an inner courtyard instructor."
"What?" Wang Yan was stunned at first. When he reacted, he shouted without regard for decorum, his face flushing red with excitement.
Shrek Academy had been passed down for ten thousand years and had collected countless theoretical books, including many rare and unique copies. For someone who loved theory, it was nothing short of heaven.
Yan Shaozhe smiled and said, "In fact, the academy could have given you this reward long ago. Your pursuit and persistence in theoretical knowledge has always been seen by us. We hope that in this one year, you can advance even further."
"I promise I won't disappoint the academy." Wang Yan said excitedly and solemnly.
The deans and even Elder Xuan smiled. Especially Elder Xuan—no matter what, Wang Yan was his grand-disciple. Receiving such honor brought him pride as well.
"Very good." Yan Shaozhe smiled, then turned to look at Huo Yuhao and the others.
Seeing Yan Shaozhe look their way, the reserve team all felt their breathing tighten, filled with anticipation for their rewards.
Only Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Zhu Lu smiled as they watched. They hadn't expected any rewards, since they had merely accompanied the team and hadn't even taken the field.
Yan Shaozhe said gently, "In this tournament, the main team performed up to standard, and your reserve team did as well. Five years from now, you will serve as the main team and go to the Sun Moon Empire to compete. Therefore, the academy specially rewards you with one cultivation seclusion opportunity beneath the Golden Ancient Tree, and the acquisition of your next soul ring will also be handled by the academy."
"Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Zhu Lu, although you didn't take the field, you are still members of the team. The rewards include you as well."
Hearing this, everyone was excited. Ning Tian and the other two were stunned—they hadn't expected to be included, and couldn't help but feel moved.
"Dean Yan, what exactly is this cultivation seclusion opportunity?" someone asked in confusion—it was He Caitou.
Qian Duoduo interjected, "The light spots you enjoyed earlier came from the Golden Ancient Tree's gift, but that was only a few minutes. This seclusion opportunity will last much longer. During the seclusion, you will bathe in the life energy of the Golden Ancient Tree, which will be extremely beneficial for your future."
"What can be enhanced includes your martial soul strength, soul power strength, physical strength, and mental strength. However, a person only gets such a precious seclusion opportunity once in their lifetime. Even if you want a second one later, it will no longer bring much improvement."
As Qian Duoduo explained, everyone felt their hearts burn with excitement—this seclusion opportunity sounded incredibly powerful.
Only Huo Yuhao couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Indeed, because of his existence, this life had diverged greatly from the original.
In the original, the rewards were soul bones and a lifelong Shrek Seven Devils system. In this life, it had become a cultivation opportunity and soul ring rewards.
That made sense—having already won the championship with a complete lineup, giving soul bones as rewards would be too unbelievable.
"Rewards have all been distributed." Yan Shaozhe continued. "Bei Bei, Jiang Nannan, Xu Sanshi, He Caitou—you four are specially permitted to undergo the inner courtyard assessment early. If you have any questions, you may ask the four of us deans at any time. After the lecture conference and the seclusion end, the assessment will officially begin. I hope you all work hard."
Early inner courtyard assessment?
The four felt their hearts stir, but also felt a weight of pressure settle on their shoulders.
"As for the others, after the lecture conference ends, the seclusion opportunity will be formally granted," Yan Shaozhe said to the younger ones like Huo Yuhao.
"Understood." Everyone replied in unison.
"Go back and rest. Tomorrow is the lecture conference. You must present your best selves in front of all the students. Don't embarrass yourselves," Yan Shaozhe said cheerfully.
"Yes."
Soon, everyone left the Sea God Pavilion chatting and laughing. However, just as Huo Yuhao stepped out, Ma Xiaotao grabbed him and pulled him aside to whisper.
"What's wrong, Sister?" Huo Yuhao gestured to his companions to go ahead.
Ma Xiaotao put an arm around Huo Yuhao's shoulder and whispered excitedly, "Sister Lanmei is getting married."
"What?" Huo Yuhao was stunned, then quickly asked, "To that guy called Lang Bao?"
"Mhm." Ma Xiaotao nodded with a smile. "They're still choosing the date."
"Looks like I'll need to prepare a big gift." Huo Yuhao rubbed his chin.
"We'll think about that together later. I'll inform you when the time comes. Go, return and rest with your companions," Ma Xiaotao said cheerfully.
"Mm." Huo Yuhao turned and left.
"Don't forget what I told you at the Star Emperor Hotel," Ma Xiaotao's voice came again just as Huo Yuhao was about to walk away.
Huo Yuhao didn't stop at all, only raised his hand slightly.
The appearance of Shrek Academy is based on the anime design, different from the original work.
.........
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