Shrek Inner Sect
Dean Yan Shaozhe stood before his desk, its surface covered with the torn blueprints recovered from the evil soul masters' corpses. His gaze was sharp, fingers tracing the edges of each fragment as if seeking hidden truths.
"These evil soul masters… far more dangerous than we thought," he murmured, brow furrowed.
Du Weilun and Zhao Gang stood nearby, watching intently. Seeing the Dean's hesitation, Du Weilun ventured, "Sir, these patterns resemble core soul engineering arrays. Should we summon Vice-Dean Qian Duoduo and Dean Xian?"
Yan Shaozhe's eyes flickered at the mention of "Dean Xian"—a shadow of complexity passing through them. "Not yet." He picked up a fragment. "I'll reassemble these first. Du Weilun, Zhao Gang—record every completed pattern. I'll send the copies to Qian Duoduo myself."
Relief washed over Du Weilun. He and Zhao Gang focused, meticulously sketching each reconstructed rune as Yan Shaozhe pieced them together.
One by one, the fragments aligned—until only the final piece remained.
Suddenly—
BOOM!
The last blueprint erupted in a blinding flash. The desk shattered into splinters, smoke choking the air. Yan Shaozhe stood unshaken behind his soul power shield—but his expression darkened.
"Things are worse than we imagined," he said grimly.
He bent to retrieve a surviving scrap. Though scorched, its runes remained partially legible—still valuable for study.
"Take these records," he ordered, handing the sketches to Du Weilun. "Go to the Sea God Pavilion. Consult the Elders. The rest of you—return to your quarters."
Du Weilun bowed and left, mind racing. The evil soul masters aren't just scattered threats—they're organized. And they've grown strong enough to act.
---
That Evening – Sea God Lake
A farewell banquet unfolded under the stars.
Grilled meats sizzled over open flames, laughter mingled with clinking glasses. The guest list included Chen Junting's trio, Ning Tian's team, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Tang Ya, Jiang Nannan—and He Caitou, now a familiar face.
Yet beneath the cheer, a quiet tension lingered.
Dugu Xin sat apart, quieter than usual. Once talkative, he now spoke only when spoken to. The weight of his impending departure hung heavy.
Ning Tian noticed. "Xin's leaving tomorrow," she said softly to Chen Junting as they walked the lakeside path. The sunset stretched their shadows long across the grass. "I want to host a proper send-off."
Chen Junting understood her unspoken worry. "Keep it small. Just close friends. Too big, and he'll feel pressured."
"Exactly," Ning Tian nodded. "Some things are easier to say… after a few drinks."
At the feast, Wu Feng—already tipsy—slurred, "Why's Xin leaving? Can't he just stay?!" She hiccuped, waving a skewer and a wine bottle. "Doesn't he know we've got his back? The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's doors are open to him!"
Chen Junting raised his cup. "If you ever need help, you know where to find us."
Dugu Xin smiled faintly, downing his drink in one gulp. "Thank you."
But when Wu Feng, stumbling drunk, accidentally knocked him over—making him hit his head on a rock—her frustration boiled over. "Ugh! You clumsy oaf! Even I'm more graceful!"
Bei Bei sighed, pulling her aside. "Easy, Junior Wu. We're all heartbroken too."
Only when Dugu Xin was dragged away by Chen Junting did the mood lighten.
As the night deepened, toasts flowed freely. Chen Junting let the alcohol warm his veins—refusing to purge it with soul power. For once, he wanted to feel human.
By the end, even the usually reserved Zhao Gang was laughing, clinking cups with Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong.
"All settled?" Ning Tian asked quietly.
Chen Junting nodded. "He'll stay with us after the break."
The lake shimmered under moonlight, carrying their unspoken promises into the night.
Everything they needed to say… was already in the wine.
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