The sun rose over the Frozen Continent, spilling golden light across Shrek Academy. Its snow-dusted towers glimmered as if welcoming a new day of challenges. Within the Phoenix Spirit Training Hall, Ma Xiaotao and Shiwang were already deep in practice. Her Phoenix Spirit flared with brilliant intensity, while his icy energy moved in subtle arcs around her flames, synchronizing perfectly without overpowering her.
The academy's students watched from the balconies and corridors, whispers rippling through the crowd.
"Her Phoenix Spirit… it's never been like this before," one student murmured.
"And that aura around him… is that a Demon King?" another asked, eyes wide.
Shiwang, sensing their attention, shot a playful glance over his shoulder. "Curious, aren't they?" he murmured to Ma Xiaotao.
She only smiled faintly, returning to her practice. "Let them watch," she said softly. "I'm not doing this for anyone else."
---
As they continued, a new presence approached the hall, one that immediately drew attention. She was Shi Xing, a young woman with hair like flowing silver threads and eyes that seemed to contain the passage of time itself. Her aura carried a calm yet formidable weight.
"Xiaotao," Shi Xing said, her voice carrying a resonance that seemed to echo slightly, as if time itself listened when she spoke. "Your cultivation has advanced, but your Phoenix Spirit still harbors untapped potential. I can guide you to harness it fully."
Ma Xiaotao's eyes widened slightly. "I… I would be honored, Shi Xing Douluo."
Shiwang, standing beside her, studied Shi Xing. He could sense her ability to manipulate temporal energy—a rare and dangerous skill even among Douluo masters. "Time is a river," he said softly. "But even rivers can be shaped by those who know the currents."
Shi Xing's gaze met his, neutral yet piercing. "Perhaps. But one must respect the flow of time, not just impose upon it."
---
Before Ma Xiaotao could respond, the hall's doors swung open again, and a tall, imposing figure stepped in. His presence was regal, commanding attention without a word. He was Xian Lin'er, the Martial God Douluo, whose reputation preceded him across continents.
"I've heard whispers of your Phoenix Spirit, Ma Xiaotao," Xian Lin'er said, his voice deep and steady. "Its power is immense, but raw strength is not enough. Discipline and control will make it unstoppable."
Ma Xiaotao bowed respectfully. "I seek to grow stronger, Martial God Douluo. Your guidance will be invaluable."
Shiwang's lips curved into a faint, approving smile. "Careful," he murmured to her, playful yet serious. "He's strict, but his lessons will test every fiber of your strength and spirit. Don't underestimate him."
Xian Lin'er nodded slightly at Shiwang, as if acknowledging his presence. "I see another with unusual power here," he said. His eyes narrowed slightly, scanning Shiwang. "Your aura… different from any Douluo in this world. But your purpose seems aligned with hers. I will allow your guidance, for now."
Shiwang only nodded, a subtle frost spiral curling around his palm, controlled and restrained—a quiet reminder of the power he wielded.
---
The next hour was devoted to Ma Xiaotao's first lessons under Shi Xing.
Shi Xing's training focused on temporal control. She demonstrated how to manipulate the perception of time within her immediate surroundings, slowing or accelerating movement to refine attacks and defense. Ma Xiaotao's Phoenix Spirit responded instinctively, flames bending with temporal shifts, creating illusions of multiple fiery clones.
Shiwang watched intently, occasionally giving subtle guidance. "Don't force the flow," he instructed softly. "Let your Phoenix Spirit move naturally. Let it synchronize with the rhythm of time, not against it."
Ma Xiaotao nodded, focusing. Her flames danced, twisting and merging with time-induced afterimages, creating attacks faster than the eye could follow. She could see herself from multiple angles simultaneously, a skill she had never mastered before.
---
After Shi Xing's session, Xian Lin'er took over. His method was different—strict, disciplined, and direct. He forced Ma Xiaotao into precision combat drills, testing endurance, agility, and control over her Phoenix Spirit. Each strike was met with a calculated counterattack, designed to push her beyond her limits.
Shiwang observed from the sidelines, occasionally stepping in with tiny adjustments of his ice energy, not to overpower but to harmonize and amplify her Phoenix Spirit. Slowly, the combination of fire, frost, and temporal flow created a perfect synergy, something no student in the academy had ever achieved.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the other canonical students watched from a distance, astonished.
"Her aura… it's evolving again," Tang San whispered.
"And that man… his energy," Zhu Zhuqing added, eyes wide. "It's like they're connected, yet separate."
---
By evening, Ma Xiaotao was exhausted but exhilarated. Flames flickered softly around her hands, the frost from Shiwang's energy lingering as a gentle reminder of their synergy.
Shiwang approached her, a faint smile on his lips. "Rest tonight," he said gently. "Tomorrow, we'll push further. The Phoenix Spirit is powerful, but the world we're stepping into will demand even more than strength—it will demand balance, harmony, and understanding."
Ma Xiaotao looked at him, her expression softening. "I understand, Shiwang. Thank you… for being here."
The golden thread between them pulsed softly, stronger than ever. New allies had arrived, new training paths opened, and Shrek Academy itself seemed to hum with anticipation. A new chapter in Ma Xiaotao's journey had begun, one where the Phoenix Spirit heroine and the Demon King of Destruction would face the future together, side by side.
To be continued....