Facing the lethal strike of the thousand-year Wind Baboon—its claws wrapped in a foul wind and killing intent—Liu Yuan's expression did not change in the slightest.
He didn't even blink.
In his calm, deep eyes, the beast's rapidly enlarging, hideous face was reflected clearly—
Yet his gaze remained as still as an ancient well.
No ripples.
No hesitation.
Dodge?
Retreat?
Those options didn't even cross his mind.
---
Just as the Wind Baboon's claws were about to tear through his throat—
Liu Yuan moved.
Not backward—
But forward.
His body sank slightly as he stepped in.
First Spirit Skill—Extreme Speed!
The emerald spirit ring within him, threaded with golden light, flared brilliantly.
In an instant—
The power of ultimate speed erupted.
Swish!
In the Wind Baboon's eyes, filled with savage certainty—
Liu Yuan vanished.
No—
Not vanished.
He became something beyond sight.
---
To Liu Yuan—
Time slowed.
He could see everything.
The ripples in the air as claws sliced forward.
The tension in every strand of the beast's fur.
The cruel confidence in its eyes.
But all of it—
Was too slow.
A streak of golden-green light twisted through space, tracing an impossible trajectory.
In the next instant—
Liu Yuan reappeared beside it.
His fingers were pressed together like a blade, covered in faint emerald dragon-scale patterns.
Spirit power surged to a single point.
Puchi—!
No technique.
No flourish.
Only absolute speed—
And overwhelming force.
His fingers pierced straight through the Wind Baboon's chest, effortlessly breaking through fur and muscle, striking its heart with perfect precision.
---
The beast froze.
Its body stiffened.
It slowly lowered its head, staring blankly at the hole in its chest as blood poured out.
The savage light in its eyes faded rapidly—
Replaced by confusion.
Fear.
Disbelief.
It couldn't understand—
How this human…
Had moved faster than it could even perceive.
Thud.
Its massive body collapsed to the ground.
A few twitches—
Then stillness.
Dead.
---
The entire exchange—
Took less than a breath.
Liu Yuan withdrew his hand slowly.
Not a single drop of blood stained his fingers.
He glanced at the corpse, then shook his head slightly.
"…Too weak."
There was no joy in his expression.
Only mild disappointment.
"I barely felt anything."
He let out a soft laugh.
"Using this to practice… is like using a butcher's cleaver to kill a chicken."
"A thousand-year Spirit Beast…"
"…is far too weak for me now."
This wasn't arrogance.
It was reality.
With Mega Rayquaza and Extreme Speed—
His strength had already leapt beyond ordinary standards.
---
"Forget it. Getting stronger is what matters."
He quickly pushed aside the thought and continued forward.
With Martial Soul Possession enhancing his body, his speed far surpassed before. The forest scenery blurred past him.
By the time he neared the outskirts—
It was already noon.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering mottled shadows across the ground.
"Grrr…"
His stomach growled.
After days of travel, hunger finally caught up to him.
Just as he was considering finding some wild fruit—
A fragrance drifted through the air.
Grilled fish.
Not just any grilled fish—
Perfectly cooked.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with rich oil and charcoal aroma blending together.
His appetite instantly awakened.
"Oh? Someone's cooking out here?"
Following the scent, Liu Yuan moved forward.
---
Pushing through a patch of bushes—
The view opened up.
A small clearing.
A campfire crackled brightly.
Several golden grilled fish sizzled over the flames.
Three figures sat nearby.
Liu Yuan's gaze swept over them—
And paused.
Two familiar faces.
---
A girl in blue attire with short, neat blue hair stared greedily at the fish, practically drooling. One hand was already sneaking forward.
Beside her, a tall, handsome young man smiled helplessly, gently pressing her wrist down.
The one grilling the fish—
Was a thin boy, around eleven or twelve, dressed simply.
But his eyes—
Were bright.
Focused.
Alive.
---
Tang Ya.
Bei Bei.
And—
Huo Yuhao.
---
"What a coincidence."
Liu Yuan stepped out with a smile.
"Didn't expect to meet you here."
"Liu Yuan?!" Tang Ya jumped up in surprise.
"It really is you! What are you doing here?"
Bei Bei also stood, smiling warmly.
"I thought you were still at the academy."
"It's… a long story," Liu Yuan replied casually.
Bei Bei introduced him to the young boy.
"Yuhao, this is Liu Yuan—one of our closest friends in Shrek."
"A top figure in the outer courtyard."
Huo Yuhao immediately stood and bowed.
"Big Brother Liu Yuan, hello."
"Hello."
Tang Ya grinned.
"Yuhao's cooking is amazing! You've got to try it!"
---
They sat together.
But soon—
Bei Bei noticed Liu Yuan's travel pack.
"Why are you alone in the Star Dou Forest?"
Liu Yuan paused slightly.
Then—
"I was expelled."
---
Silence.
"What?!" Tang Ya and Bei Bei shouted at the same time.
"With your talent? How is that possible?!" Tang Ya demanded.
Liu Yuan shrugged.
"Xuan Zi wanted me to join the Supervisory Team."
"I refused."
"And half a day later—disciplinary action."
He let out a cold laugh.
"Fabricated charges."
"If someone wants to condemn you… they'll always find a reason."
---
"Bastard!" Tang Ya's face flushed with anger.
"That's abuse of power!"
Bei Bei's expression darkened.
"This won't stand."
"I'll report it to Elder Xuan—he'll definitely clear your name!"
---
But Liu Yuan simply shook his head.
"No need."
"I'm not going back."
"Why?!" Bei Bei frowned.
"Because I'm disappointed."
Liu Yuan looked into the flames.
"I thought Shrek valued talent."
"But it's no different from other powers."
"It doesn't tolerate defiance."
"Such a place… isn't worth staying in."
---
Silence fell.
Then—
Huo Yuhao spoke softly.
"But… Big Brother Liu Yuan… they're clearly in the wrong."
Liu Yuan looked at him, slightly surprised—
Then smiled.
"They're powerful."
"They make the rules."
He paused, then added lightly:
"If you ever face something like this…"
"Don't be afraid."
"The world is big."
"You don't have to stay in one place."
---
"Don't teach him nonsense!" Tang Ya and Bei Bei protested.
Liu Yuan just smiled.
"Just advice."
Huo Yuhao nodded seriously.
"I'll remember."
---
The mood eased.
Huo Yuhao quickly handed over the grilled fish.
"Please eat!"
The four sat together, enjoying the meal.
---
Afterward—
Liu Yuan stood up.
"Thanks for the meal."
"I'll be going."
"So soon?" Tang Ya looked reluctant.
"I've got places to be."
Bei Bei nodded.
"Take care. You can always come back."
Liu Yuan smiled—
And turned.
---
But suddenly—
ROAR—!!!
A violent roar erupted from the forest!
Trees snapped.
A massive shadow charged forward like a storm!
Another Wind Baboon—
But far larger.
Its muscles bulged like stone.
Its eyes burned blood-red.
Its aura—
Five to six thousand years!
And its killing intent—
Locked onto them.