The gates of Shrek Academy rose before them like towering guardians, engraved with ancient runes that glimmered faintly under the early morning sun. The vast academy grounds stretched out exactly as Ma Xiaotao remembered—the training arenas, dormitories, cultivation halls, and sparring fields all laid out like a map from her past. Even the distant frozen lakes and mountains beyond the academy were identical to the world she knew.
Shiwang walked beside her, his boots leaving a thin layer of frost across the stone path. His presence was undeniable: a quiet hum of Demon King and God of Ice power radiated from him, so potent yet controlled that even the students nearby instinctively slowed their movements to observe.
Ma Xiaotao walked calmly beside him, her Phoenix Spirit aura glowing faintly. She had been fully purified, free from the brainwashing of the past, her eyes clear, her demeanor confident—but cautious. She didn't yet know the full extent of Shiwang's abilities, but the golden thread pulsing subtly between them told her something extraordinary had arrived.
---
As they entered the main courtyard, familiar figures noticed her at once. Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Zhu Zhuqing, and the other canonical students paused mid-training, turning toward her.
"Xiaotao!" Tang San called, a mix of relief and curiosity in his voice. "You're… back to full strength?"
Ma Xiaotao smiled faintly, nodding. "I'm fine. And… I have someone I want you to meet."
Before her friends could react, Shiwang stepped forward. His aura was unlike anything in Soul Land 2—a subtle blend of frost and destructive energy, yet balanced with calm precision.
"I am Shiwang," he said, bowing lightly. "I've crossed worlds to meet someone very important."
Tang San's eyes widened, instantly sensing the foreign yet powerful energy radiating from him. Dai Mubai stepped forward, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "You're strong… and from another world?"
Shiwang's smirk was playful but serious. "Something like that. Don't worry—I'm here as a friend, and someone who wants to help Xiaotao grow stronger."
Oscar's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "Help her…? By what standard?"
Shiwang extended a hand subtly, and faint arcs of frost spiraled along his fingers. Fire danced along the edges, contained, precise, and mesmerizing. "By the kind of power that comes from worlds beyond this one," he said simply. "And by someone who won't let her face challenges alone."
---
The students' murmurs spread quickly. Even the senior instructors and guardians at the academy paused, noting the foreign, yet refined and harmonious energy. None could deny the authenticity of his power, yet it was controlled—not reckless, not threatening.
Ma Xiaotao, observing their reactions, felt a warmth spread through her chest. Despite Shiwang's overwhelming presence, there was no malice—only guidance, protection, and… something else. Something that made her heart beat faster, though she tried to hide it.
Tang San finally stepped forward, extending a hand. "If you truly mean to help her, you'll have to prove yourself in the academy," he said, tone serious but not hostile.
Shiwang grinned faintly. "Then I shall." His frost and fire energy swirled subtly around him, and even without sparring, the aura spoke volumes.
---
They moved toward the Phoenix Spirit Training Hall, the familiar location where Ma Xiaotao had honed her abilities post-purification. The hall's interior was exactly as she remembered: tall ceilings, luminous energy conduits, and training platforms aligned for optimal spirit control practice.
Shiwang paused at the entrance, turning to her. "This is where your next step begins," he said seriously. "I'll be here every step of the way—not as a teacher, but as someone who fights alongside you."
Ma Xiaotao nodded, her eyes calm but determined. "I… I trust you," she said quietly. She could sense the sincerity in his presence, the care, and the incredible control over his own powers.
---
Inside the hall, she released her Phoenix Spirit aura. Flames erupted around her hands, bright and fierce, while Shiwang's icy energy subtly intertwined, not clashing but harmonizing, enhancing her control rather than overpowering her.
Tang San and the others watched silently, mouths slightly open.
"Her aura… and his?" Zhu Zhuqing whispered. "They're syncing… somehow!"
Shiwang noticed the whispers but remained focused. "Concentrate," he said gently to Ma Xiaotao. "Feel your Phoenix Spirit, and let it harmonize with my energy. Don't just control it—let it flow naturally."
Ma Xiaotao closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Flames and frost intertwined, forming a perfect balance between destruction and creation, fire and ice, energy and harmony. For the first time since her purification, she felt her full potential activated and synchronized, guided by someone she could trust completely.
---
The hours passed in training, the students observing silently in awe. Even the senior instructors whispered to each other, amazed at the otherworldly power synergy. Shiwang's presence did not disrupt the academy; instead, it amplified Ma Xiaotao's strength, creating ripples of awe and curiosity across Shrek Academy.
As twilight fell over the academy, the courtyard shimmered with gold and icy blue, a reflection of Phoenix and Demon King/Ice energy in perfect harmony.
Shiwang placed a hand gently on Ma Xiaotao's shoulder. "Rest tonight," he said softly. "Tomorrow, we start the real journey—training, challenges, and discovery. And we'll do it together."
Ma Xiaotao met his gaze, a small smile tugging at her lips. Her past remained hers—purified, strong, and intact—but a new chapter had begun, where the Demon King of Destruction and Phoenix Spirit heroine would face trials, cultivation, and destiny together.
The golden thread pulsed between them, stronger than ever, signaling that their story in Shrek Academy—and their bond—had truly begun.
To be continued....