Before noon, the sun hung high, casting golden light onto the cobblestones before Shrek Academy's gates. The warm glow mingled with the verdant grass, wrapping the scene in serene tranquility.
Then—eight figures appeared.
They were Chen Junting's group, returning after fifteen days away.
After dealing with the evil soul masters' remains in the Star Dou Forest, they'd swiftly moved on to hunt the Void Spirit Turtle and Spirit Illusion Butterfly. Preoccupied by the implications of the evil soul masters' organized presence, Dean Du Weilun had personally handled the remaining hunts—securing suitable soul rings for Xu Sanshi and Huo Yuhao with ruthless efficiency.
Now, under Du Weilun and Zhao Gang's escort, the students hurried back to the academy, exhaustion etched on every face.
Upon entering Shrek Square, Du Weilun addressed them:
"You've got half a month until the holiday break. Report to your homeroom teachers to clear your leave. Classes resume this afternoon."
"Dismissed."
Without waiting for replies, he and Zhao Gang rushed toward the Inner Sect—clearly intent on briefing the academy's higher ups about the evil soul masters immediately.
---
Meanwhile, at Teacher Mujin's Office
Mujin sat at her desk, grading lesson plans. When she saw the eight students enter, her stern expression instantly melted into a bright, relieved smile.
"Ah—you're back!" She rose, scanning each of them with maternal pride. "I heard you'd returned. I'd expected this soul hunt to take a month—or longer!"
Chen Junting chuckled. "We got lucky. Only took seven days to find the Golden Demon Bird."
After quick farewells, the group split up. He Caitou headed to the Soul Engineering Department, while Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi returned to their respective grades.
Only Chen Junting, Wu Feng, and Dugu Xin remained, making their way to Teacher Ning Tian's office.
---
Back at the Dorms
After washing away weeks of forest grime and changing into clean clothes, Chen Junting returned to his room—only to be met with a rumbling stomach.
Knock knock knock.
"Who is it?" he called.
"It's me."
The voice was unmistakable.
Chen Junting opened the door to find Wu Feng sitting on his bed, legs swinging impatiently. "You took forever! I was starving!"
Before he could respond, another knock echoed.
Knock knock knock.
This time, the voice was lighter, sweeter—
"Chen Junting? It's me, Lu Yi."
Standing outside was Lu Yi, beaming like a sunflower. "Welcome back! I heard from Wu Feng you'd returned. She said you barely slept during the hunt, so I figured you'd want to rest, not eat."
Chen Junting raised an eyebrow. "Just the two of you?"
"Just us," Lu Yi said breezily, unfazed. She stepped inside, plopping onto his bed without hesitation. "Ning Tian's still in class, so we came alone."
Wu Feng rolled her eyes but said nothing.
Chen Junting sighed, then pulled out a blank sheet of paper. Carefully, he began redrawing the mysterious rune from the torn blueprint he'd memorized in the forest.
As he worked, he sank his consciousness into his spiritual sea.
"Elder Electrolux—is this pattern safe?"
A dry chuckle echoed back. "I see no immediate danger. But proceed with caution."
Reassured, Chen Junting continued sketching—until a sharp knock interrupted him.
Knock knock knock.
He froze. That voice… unfamiliar.
Frowning, he quickly stuffed the blueprint under his pillow and opened the door.
Outside stood a petite girl with golden hair tied neatly over one shoulder—Ning Tian herself.
"You're back!" she said, eyes sparkling. "Have you even eaten lunch yet?"
Chen Junting shook his head.
"Then forget the cafeteria," Ning Tian declared, waving a finger playfully. "I'll treat you at a restaurant in Shrek City—proper welcome-home feast! What do you say?"
Chen Junting couldn't help but smile. "You're on."
As they walked toward the city, weaving through crowds of envious onlookers, Wu Feng and Lu Yi flanked Chen Junting—Lu Yi clinging to his arm, Wu Feng grumbling about "favoritism."
But beneath the banter, warmth bloomed.
They were home.
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