Shrek Academy, Inner Court.
The Star Luo Continent incident three years ago was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples within Shrek Academy and altering the destinies of many.
Fang Yang, Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, and Na'er successively departed, their whereabouts unknown, as if they had vanished into thin air.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi chose to withdraw from school and joined the War God Hall.
The Zero Class Team, which had once created countless legends, thus disintegrated in a short period.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie could not accept such an outcome and ultimately chose to take a leave of absence.
They entered the Tang Sect to Cultivate diligently, attempting to numb their inner pain through arduous Cultivation.
Three years passed swiftly, and much had changed.
There were considerable twists and turns during the selection process for the new generation of Shrek Seven Devils.
The strength of Luo Guixing, Wu Sido, Xu Yucheng, Yuanen Yehui, Le Zhengyu, and Ye Xinglan was evident to all, and their selection was beyond dispute.
The last spot, however, should have originally belonged to the outstanding Yang Nianxia.
Yet, under the joint proposal of Cai Yue'er, the Dean of Shrek Outer Court, and Long Yueye, the Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, this spot ultimately fell to Xu Lizhi.
What was surprising was that Long Yueye, who never took Disciples, made an exception and accepted Xu Lizhi as her Personal Disciple.
This decision caused quite a stir within the Sea God Pavilion at the time.
Facing questions, Long Yueye calmly stated, "What I value is Xu Lizhi's pure Heart-Nature and limitless potential."
Yun Ming ultimately remained silent, tacitly approving the decision.
Shrek City, a hidden corner unknown to others.
This spacious room was thirty meters high and over fifty meters long and wide.
The dome was curved, extending from above the dome down to the surrounding walls, with large areas of blood-red glowing magic patterns almost covering the entire room.
In the center of the room, twelve Evil Soul Masters of the Spirit Douluo Realm sat cross-legged, forming a circle.
They chanted ancient incantations in low, eerie voices.
Behind each person, their respective spirit rings floated, various colored lights intertwining and flickering in the dim room, creating a chilling scene.
On the ground, complex magic patterns formed a huge soul tool array.
Crimson blood flowed slowly like a stream along the carved grooves of the patterns, emitting a nauseatingly strong stench.
Wherever the blood flowed, the magic patterns lit up with an eerie glow, as if imbued with life.
Around the periphery of the room, hundreds of black-clad figures stood silently, all cloaked in black robes and wearing black hoods.
Their exposed left hands all had neat incisions, from which blood continuously flowed down, merging into the grooves on the ground.
A thick scent of blood permeated the entire space, instilling a strong sense of fear.
Logically, such a strong blood Qi fluctuation should have attracted outside attention, yet no abnormality could be detected outside the room.
This eerie isolation effect added to the chilling horror.
In the center of the circle formed by the twelve Spirit Douluo was a purple six-pointed star pattern emitting a faint glow, from which a strong smell of blood continuously emanated.
A three-meter-high purplish-black crystal stood there, its surface covered with flickering magic patterns, its top conical, extending downwards into a peculiar wing-like structure.
It ravenously devoured the energy and blood surging from all directions.
In the adjacent room, another identical array was also operating. However, the central crystal was an eerie dark green, and the magic patterns on its surface were even more intricate and varied.
Whether it was the hundred black-clad figures in the outer circle or the twelve Spirit Douluo-level powerhouses in the inner circle.
Their bodies were gradually shriveling due to the loss of energy.
But within these two rooms, not a single sound was ever heard.
"Lord Ghost Emperor, everything is ready!" Dark Hummingbird knelt on one knee, her voice filled with uncontrollable excitement.
From the shadows, a tall figure slowly turned, his crimson robe fluttering without wind: "Good, let the operation begin!"
"Yes, Lord Ghost Emperor."
Dark Hummingbird bowed deeply, a fervent light flashing in her eyes… Spirit Transfer Pagoda Headquarters, eighty-first floor of the Heavenly Spirit Pagoda.
Liu Yang stood with his hands behind his back before the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the brightly lit Shrek City below.
Tonight was moonless, thick dark clouds obscured the starry sky, and the entire city seemed enveloped in an invisible shadow.
"A dark and windy night, a perfect time for murder and arson," he whispered softly, his eyes deep.
Space rippled, and a spatial crack quietly opened.
Su Tao's voice followed: "Zi, they've arrived."
Fang Yang was the first to step out of the spatial crack. Three years had left a deep mark on him.
The once slightly youthful boy had shed his immaturity, his figure now more upright. His brows showed a hint of composure and introspection, and his deep eyes were unfathomable.
Gu Yuena, Na'er, and Xu Xiaoyan followed closely behind.
The three women had distinct temperaments, yet all exuded an aura that dared not be underestimated.
"Uncle Tao, Senior Liu Yang, long time no see," Fang Yang said, his voice steady and strong.
Su Tao showed a gratified smile: "Indeed, long time no see. It seems you've made significant progress over these three years."
"You don't need to be so formal, please sit," Liu Yang turned, his gaze sweeping over the four of them.
Fang Yang led the three women to sit down calmly.
Gu Yuena sat quietly beside him, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall, and deep light flowed in her purple eyes.
Na'er and Xu Xiaoyan sat on either side, their postures elegant.
Liu Yang's gaze fell on Fang Yang, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "After three years, I can no longer see through your strength."
Fang Yang smiled slightly: "Senior's Wisdom Eye is sharp; this Junior has indeed made a Breakthrough."
"Modesty is good, but excessive modesty is hypocrisy," Liu Yang looked at him meaningfully.
Fang Yang did not say much in response, simply picked up the teacup in front of him and took a small sip.
Liu Yang slowly walked back to the main seat: "I called you here this time to invite you to watch a good show."
"A good show?"
Fang Yang's expression was calm, "Are you referring to Shrek Academy?"
"Oh, you know?"
Liu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful smile on his face, "I thought, given your connection with Shrek, you would lend a hand."
Fang Yang put down his teacup, his gaze calm: "What I need is a reborn Shrek Academy, not a follower of the Sea God."
"Since someone is willing to do the work, why should I stop them?"
"Is that so…"
Liu Yang nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this, "In that case, let's just wait and see. Tonight is destined to be a sleepless night."
"Alright."
Fang Yang spoke indifferently, the ring on his finger inadvertently exposed.
"This is…" Liu Yang, seeing this, recognized the black ring on Fang Yang's hand, and his pupils constricted slightly.
Su Tao also saw something, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"So that's how it is…"
Liu Yang's gaze deepened, not knowing what he was thinking.
On my Patreon, I have several advance chapters available if you're interested in more than 100: For $1, you get 20 fewer chapters than the $2.50 tier. For $2.50, you get 40 fewer chapters than the $4 tier. And for $4, you get them all.
The number of chapters is updated every 7 days and increases by 7 to 8 chapters.
My Patren: paroncom/FanTranslator