The clamor of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament finally began to subside following the earth-shattering final between Yu Tianquan and Qian Renxue. The rain of golden petals seemed to still be drifting before one's eyes, and the tsunami-like cheers still echoed in one's ears, but the journey belonging to Shrek Academy had already come to an end.
The final rankings were announced, with Shrek Academy placing twelfth. For an academy with such a shallow foundation as Shrek Academy, this result was already quite impressive.
Flender looked at the gold-stamped certificate issued by the officials and the substantial prize money, his face blooming with a smile, as if the exhaustion of the past few days had been swept away.
Zhao Wuji also grinned broadly, patting each team member on the shoulder with force, even though most of them still bore unhealed wounds.
"Well done! Kids! Twelfth place! Hahaha, let's aim for the top eight in the next tournament." Flender was filled with ambition, already beginning to calculate for the next competition.
The team members' moods, however, were far more complex. Tang San looked at the familiar and dazzling names on the leaderboard—Tianxing, Martial Soul, Federal Soul Master, Tianshui, Leiting... his fists tightened secretly, and a fire of unwillingness and even greater intensity burned in his eyes.
Xiao Wu, leaning against Tang San, could feel the surging emotions beneath his calm exterior and gently took his hand.
Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the others felt a mix of excitement and bewilderment; the experience of the tournament was like a bizarre and fantastic dream, allowing them to see the scenery of the peak while also realizing the ruggedness beneath their feet.
The journey through the resurrection tournament for Shrek had been far more difficult than the preliminary and qualifying rounds. Because the teams that entered the resurrection tournament were all powerhouses who had fallen from the top sixteen, each of them was holding back a breath of energy, wanting to prove themselves in the resurrection tournament and wash away the disgrace of their defeat.
Facing these predatory opponents, the Shrek Team did not retreat in the slightest, giving their all in every single match.
Dai Mubai's ferocity, Tang San's unpredictability, Xiao Wu's agility, Oscar's support, Ma Hongjun's explosive power, Li Qingshan's staff techniques, and Lu Ziqi's control... they exhausted everything they had, struggling to defeat the other four teams besides the second teams of the three major academies.
Even so, they still lost without suspense when facing the second teams of the Federal Soul Master Academy and the Martial Soul Academy.
The foundation of the three major academies was truly terrifying; even their second teams possessed a luxurious lineup of three Soul Kings and four high-level Soul Ancestors. As long as they were not careless and played steadily, Shrek Academy basically had no possibility of victory.
But what truly left them feeling unsettled, and raised their understanding of top-tier geniuses to a whole new level, was the match against the Tianxing Academy Second Team.
Before the match, the Shrek Team had not been without fantasies of victory. Tang San's second Martial Soul, the Crimson Gold Dragon, contained the bloodline of a Golden Dragon, and this bloodline held an innate suppression over most dragon-type Martial Souls.
The captain of the Tianxing Academy Second Team, Yu Tianheng, possessed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul. If they could successfully suppress Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, Dai Mubai's pressure would be greatly reduced, and the Shrek Team would have a fighting chance.
The match began, and for a moment, fantasy touched reality. When Tang San activated his Crimson Gold Dragon bloodline, the pressure originating from the source of the bloodline did indeed cause Yu Tianheng's aura to falter, and the lightning of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon dimmed slightly. Dai Mubai seized the opportunity to launch a fierce attack, actually gaining the upper hand for a time.
"It's working!" The Shrek Team's morale soared.
However, Yu Tianheng only frowned slightly, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes before he regained his composure. "An interesting bloodline suppression... unfortunately, it's not pure enough, and certainly not strong enough!" He let out a low shout, and the third Soul Ring at his feet suddenly lit up. "Wrath of Thunder!" Following his roar, the Furious Lightning Power instantly swept over his entire body, forcibly diluting that sense of suppression!
What was even more alarming was that as the battle progressed, Yu Tianheng's speed of adaptation to the Golden Dragon's might was astonishing. At first, his movements were slightly stiff, but after only a few breaths, his form became agile. He was adapting to the suppression of the Golden Dragon bloodline at a speed visible to the naked eye, his body instinctively adapting and resisting.
"The 'True Dragon Secret Technique' of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, it truly lives up to its reputation as being created by Lord Yuan Chen!" A knowledgeable old Soul Master in the VIP box exclaimed. "The core of this True Dragon Secret Technique is to grow stronger against the strong, constantly breaking through limits during battle! Yu Tianheng's talent, while not as monstrous as his cousin Yu Tianquan, is worthy of the name of a top genius."
Shrek's tactics were completely disrupted. After Yu Tianheng adapted to the suppression, he displayed the terrifying strength of a Tianxing Second Team captain. His fifth Soul Skill, Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Swiftness, was activated, and a Thunder Dragon, condensed to the extreme, bared its fangs and claws as it lunged toward Tang San, who had already consumed a significant amount of soul power!
"Brother!" Xiao Wu cried out, her fourth Soul Skill, Invincible Golden Body, instantly activated—three seconds of invincibility! Her petite figure blocked the path in front of Tang San without hesitation!
Boom! The Thunder Dragon collided with the golden barrier, erupting with blinding light. Xiao Wu let out a muffled groan, blood spilling from the corner of her mouth, but the golden light remained steady.
"Stupid!" Yu Tianheng sneered. How could he, with his rich combat experience, not know the weakness of invincibility-type soul skills? With a thought, the energy output method of his Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Swiftness changed abruptly, shifting from an instantaneous explosive impact to a continuous Thunder Baptism! The violent lightning struck the golden barrier like a tide!
Three seconds passed in the blink of an eye!
The moment the golden light dissipated, the lightning energy that had been accumulating like a bursting dam instantly engulfed the exhausted Xiao Wu!
"Xiao Wu!" Tang San's eyes were bloodshot with rage!
Fortunately, the referee had been paying close attention, and a Soul Power Barrier descended in time to block most of the power, but Xiao Wu was still charred all over by the electricity, vomiting blood as she flew backward, falling into a coma from her severe injuries!
"We forfeit!" Flender immediately rushed onto the arena, picked up Xiao Wu, his complexion ashen. Yu Tianheng withdrew his power, glanced coldly at the Shrek group, and turned to leave. That look was as if he were watching a group of ants overestimating their own strength.
This battle completely shattered Shrek's last shred of fantasy. The gap in strength was comprehensive and insurmountable. Twelfth place was already the best result they could achieve by giving their all.
The tournament ended, and the various academies left one after another. Shrek Academy also packed their belongings, preparing to return to Suotuo City.
Before departing, Flender uncharacteristically and generously treated all the team members to a grand meal at the best restaurant in Martial Soul City as a celebration.
During the meal, everyone temporarily cast aside their disappointment, reminiscing about the bits and pieces of the tournament—there was laughter, there were reflections, and even more, there were aspirations and determination for the future. They all understood that this tournament was merely a waystation on their path as Soul Masters; the true cultivation had only just begun.
However, no one expected that a fatal ambush was quietly spreading an invisible net on the only road they had to take on their way back, waiting for them to walk right into it.
The official road from Suotuo City to the capital of Bala Ke Province, Bala Ke City, wound through rolling hills. It was late autumn, and the trees on both sides of the road had long since shed their emerald garments, donning golden finery. Fallen leaves danced like butterflies, drifting to the ground to pave a golden carpet.
The bleak autumn wind blew past, carrying a hint of chill, causing the leaves to rustle and adding a touch of desolation and loneliness to this return journey.
The Shrek Academy convoy traveled along the official road at a steady pace. The convoy consisted of three carriages; the lead carriage was occupied by Flender and Zhao Wuji, while the two carriages in the middle carried the team members and several teachers.
Flender and Zhao Wuji sat in the lead carriage, facing each other. Flender pointed to a location on the map and said to Zhao Wuji, "Old Zhao, on our way back, we can stop by Bala Ke City. There are many resources for Soul Master cultivation there; we can take the opportunity to purchase some to improve the academy's facilities."
Zhao Wuji nodded and said, "Alright, but you'd better be generous; don't be as stingy as an iron rooster again."
Flender smiled and said, "Don't worry, I have a plan. Once we get back, we'll start renovating the academy, adding equipment, and hiring a few experienced teachers, striving to recruit a batch of more talented students next year."
The team members were scattered in the carriages behind, each doing their own thing; some were meditating to recover, some were whispering to each other, and some were staring out the window, lost in thought.
Tang San and Xiao Wu shared a carriage. Xiao Wu's injuries were no longer a serious concern after being treated by a healing-type Soul Master, but her complexion remained somewhat pale. She leaned on Tang San's shoulder, fiddling with the hem of his clothes, and asked softly, "Brother, what are your plans after we get back?"
Tang San looked at the scenery flying past the window, his gaze distant: "Cultivate, become stronger. The tournament showed me the true world. We are still too far behind." He paused, tightening his grip on Xiao Wu's hand, "But one day, I will catch up to them, and I will possess enough power to protect the people I want to protect."
Xiao Wu looked up at Tang San's resolute profile, her eyes full of reliance and trust: "Mm! I believe in you, Brother! Let's become stronger together!"
Just then, the carriage jolted violently and came to a stop. Outside came the panicked shouting of the coachman and Flender's grave, low shout: "Who goes there?!"
A pressure as heavy as a mountain, like an invisible tide, instantly enveloped the entire convoy! The air seemed to freeze, the horses pulling the carriages let out terrified neighs, their hooves turning weak, almost collapsing to the ground.
"Not good! Enemy attack!" Zhao Wuji's roar came from outside.
Tang San and Xiao Wu's expressions changed, and they instantly rushed out of the carriage. They saw two figures like iron towers blocking the path ahead on the official road.
Both men were dressed in dark gold combat gear, their faces rugged, their eyes cold, and they exuded a suffocating Soul Power Fluctuation—Soul Douluo! And there were two of them! Their Martial Souls were already manifested, their skin taking on the texture of diamonds; it was the Diamond Mammoth Martial Soul of the Huyan Family!
"The Huyan Family!" Tang San's pupils constricted, and a Raging Waves of shock instantly surged in his heart! He understood in an instant that these people had come for him!
"Flender, Zhao Wuji, if you know what's good for you, hand over Tang San! Otherwise, today, not even a chicken or dog will be left alive at Shrek Academy!" The Soul Douluo on the left spoke in a hoarse voice, carrying an unquestionable killing intent.
"Go to hell!" Zhao Wuji roared, his Immovable Ming King avatar instantly activated, and the light from his seven soul rings flared brilliantly as he prepared to charge forward.
"Old Zhao, calm down!" Flender grabbed him, his complexion looking extremely grim. As the dean of Shrek Academy, his mind was more meticulous. He could clearly sense the aura of the opponents; both Soul Douluo were above Level 85, and both were Defense System Soul Douluo with extremely formidable defensive capabilities.
What shocked him even more was his keen perception that at least four other powerful auras were lurking in the surrounding dense forest, each one reaching the level of a Soul Sage! This was clearly a meticulously planned, determined-to-win, absolute kill trap. The target was clear: Tang San. They were willing to pay any price to put Tang San to death!
"Huyan Zhen really thinks highly of my Shrek!" Flender suppressed the rage in his heart, attempting to stall for time. He knew that with Shrek's current strength, it was impossible to contend against two Soul Douluo above Level 85 and four Soul Sages; a head-on collision would only lead to death.
"You two, Tang San is a student of Shrek Academy and is protected by Federation law! Your Huyan Family acting like this, openly intercepting and killing students of a Soul Master Academy on the main road—are you not afraid of a Federation investigation?"
"Federation law?" The Soul Douluo on the right sneered. "If it weren't for Federation law, why do you think we are ambushing you in this wilderness? As long as it doesn't become common knowledge, the Federation doesn't care much about soul master vendettas. Flender, one last chance: get lost!"
Before the words even faded, the fifth soul ring at the feet of the Soul Douluo on the left lit up—"Gravity Swamp!" A terrifying gravity field suddenly expanded from his center, enveloping Flender and Zhao Wuji!
Flender was an Agility Attack System soul master, and speed was his advantage, but under this terrifying gravity field, his speed was instantly suppressed by more than half. His originally nimble figure became abnormally heavy, and every step he moved consumed a massive amount of soul power.
At the same time, the sixth soul ring at the feet of the Soul Douluo on the right also began to shine—"Mammoth Tracking!" An invisible mark instantly locked onto Flender, ensuring that no matter how he dodged or turned, the lock remained like a shadow.
"Attack!" Flender knew there would be no peaceful resolution. He shouted sharply, activating his Four-Eyed Owl avatar, attempting to use his speed to break free from the gravity field and strike the opponent's weakness. Zhao Wuji also roared as he charged toward one of the Soul Douluo, his Vajra Palm slamming out with a boom!
Teachers like Li Yusong, Lu Qibin, and Shao Xin also rushed down from the carriages, releasing their martial souls and joining the fray.
However, the two Defense System Soul Douluo from the Huyan Family coordinated with perfect synergy. One restricted, one attacked, and with the suppression of the gravity field, the Shrek teachers, despite having the numerical advantage, were beaten back step by step, barely able to hold on.
Of course, this was also because the two Soul Douluo were holding back. After all, unlike ambushing students, killing the dean of a high-level Soul Master Academy was a grave crime. They dared not truly defy the Federation, and in any case, their target was only Tang San.
The four Soul Sages lurking in the dense forest also appeared one after another. They were experts carefully cultivated by the Huyan Family, all with strength above level 75. They bypassed the battlefield of the two Soul Douluo, preparing to ambush Tang San.
"Their target is Third Brother!" Xiao Wu said anxiously.
Tang San's complexion was icy, his eyes filled with killing intent and resolution. He watched his teachers facing life-threatening danger under the fierce attacks of the Soul Douluo, and he looked at Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others, making a decision in an instant.
He knew the Huyan Family's target was him; he likely couldn't escape today, but he could not implicate the academy! He could not implicate everyone!
As long as he left, the teachers and students might have a glimmer of hope.
"Mubai! Everyone! Their target is me! I will lure them away, you all go quickly!" Tang San roared, his voice filled with a trace of resolution and reluctance. He turned abruptly, his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track Steps pushed to the limit, and he dashed toward the dense forest in the opposite direction of the convoy!
"Chase!" Seeing Tang San flee, the four Huyan Family Soul Sages exchanged a glance and darted out like cheetahs, pursuing him at high speed in the direction he had escaped! Their mission was clear: kill Tang San at any cost! To complete this task, they had made full preparations; no matter where Tang San fled, they were confident they would catch and kill him.
"Brother!" Seeing Tang San lure the enemies away alone, Xiao Wu did not hesitate for a second. Her Waist Bow instantly activated, her figure like an arrow leaving the bow, following closely as she rushed into the dense forest! She could not let Tang San face the danger alone; she wanted to be with him and fight side-by-side! Even if it meant death, she would die with Tang San!
"Xiao Wu! Come back!" Dai Mubai and the others cried out in alarm, but they dared not pursue. They could only watch helplessly as Xiao Wu's figure disappeared into the depths of the dense forest, their hearts filled with powerlessness and worry.
Deep in the dense forest, the trees were lush and leafy, and sunlight spilled through the gaps in the foliage, casting mottled light and shadows. The ground was covered with thick fallen leaves, making a rustling sound when stepped upon.
Tang San pushed his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track Steps to the extreme, raising his speed to his limit. His figure wove flexibly between the trees, attempting to shake off the pursuers behind him.
But the speed gap between a Soul Ancestor and a Soul Sage was simply too great. The four Soul Sages were all experts above level 75; their soul power was far deeper than Tang San's, and their speed was far faster.
In just a moment, four figures appeared around Tang San like ghosts, surrounding him completely. The powerful pressure of their soul power felt like four great mountains, making it hard for Tang San to breathe. His complexion turned pale, and his breathing became somewhat rapid.
"Kid, you can really run!" one Soul Sage said with a grimace, his face wearing a cruel smile and his eyes filled with killing intent. Behind him, the phantom of a Diamond Mammoth roared, emitting a terrifying aura.
Tang San's eyes were filled with despair, but even more so with a cold, frantic madness. He knew he could not escape today, but even if he died, he would take a few down with him! He would never let these people succeed easily!
"Eight Spider Lances!" Tang San roared. The clothes on his back were instantly torn, and the purple-black External Soul Bone, the Eight Spider Lances, broke through his back. The eight ferocious spider legs, dripping with deadly poison and flashing with a deep purple light, stabbed wildly at his surroundings!
At the same time, his Man Faced Demon Spider martial soul possessed him, and a giant phantom of the Man Faced Demon Spider appeared behind him. His third soul skill, Spider God Transformation, was instantly activated, forcibly boosting his state.
His soul power, speed, and strength were all greatly enhanced in a short time. His Crimson Gold Dragon claws were vaguely visible, flashing with golden light as he attempted one final struggle.
"Trifling tricks!" The four Soul Sages sneered, using their soul skills to condense Mammoth Giant Foot, easily crushing the attacks of the Eight Spider Lances.
The Eight Spider Lances, an External Soul Bone that had been invincible in previous battles, shattered inch by inch like fragile glass under the absolute gap in strength! Fragments of the deep purple spider legs scattered across the ground, stained with Tang San's blood.
Intense pain instantly swept through his entire body. Tang San spat out a mouthful of blood, his face pale as gold paper, and his aura became even fainter.
"It's over!" One Soul Sage raised his giant foot, covered in diamond light, and with destructive power, stomped fiercely toward Tang San's head! If this foot landed, Tang San's brain would surely burst, and he would die on the spot!
The shadow of death loomed over him. In Tang San's eyes flashed the face of his mother's tragic death, the smiling face of Xiao Wu, and his longing and unwillingness regarding power...
He closed his eyes, waiting for the arrival of death.
Just at this critical moment!
"Don't you dare hurt my brother!"
A pink figure finally caught up, directly using her Instantaneous Movement soul skill to block in front of Tang San, using her Invincible Golden Body to take the hit. It was Xiao Wu!
Her speed was astonishing; she had clearly given her all. Her complexion was pale as paper, but her eyes were incredibly resolute, carrying a brilliant light that Tang San had never seen before, as if she were burning everything!
"Xiao Wu! Run!" Tang San screamed at the top of his lungs, his eyes filled with terror and anxiety. He did not want Xiao Wu to sacrifice herself for him; he wanted her to live on well.
Xiao Wu looked back at Tang San. That gaze contained endless reluctance and a sense of unswerving determination. She smiled beautifully, like an epiphyllum in full bloom, tragic and heroic.
"Brother, live on well..."
The next moment, Xiao Wu's body erupted with a brilliant red light! That was not soul power, but the most primal life force and soul energy!
An irresistible force pushed the four Soul Sages away, moving Tang San far from danger. At the same time, it formed a giant red cocoon of light, enveloping Xiao Wu and Tang San, creating an indestructible barrier that isolated the four horrified Soul Sages outside!
"Sacrifice! It's the sacrifice of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!" one Soul Sage screamed, his eyes filled with fear and greed! The sacrifice of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast would not only allow the recipient to obtain a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring, but possibly a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Bone as well! For any soul master, this was an irresistible temptation!
Inside the cocoon of light, Xiao Wu's body began to turn ethereal. Her voice echoed in Tang San's ears as if coming from beyond the heavens: "Brother... meeting you is the luckiest thing in my life... From now on, I cannot stay by your side... You must take good care of yourself..."
"No! Xiao Wu! Don't!" Tang San pounded the cocoon of light frantically, his vision blurred by tears, his heart feeling as if it were being twisted by a blade! He wanted to stop it, but he couldn't shake the cocoon of light at all.
The red radiance flowed into Tang San's body like a hundred rivers returning to the sea! A massive surge of pure energy flowed along Tang San's meridians, coursing through his entire body, cleansing his meridians and nourishing his soul!
His body felt as if it had been ignited, becoming abnormally scorching. His second Martial Soul, the Crimson Gold Dragon, seemed to have been summoned, appearing automatically. The golden Dragon Shadow circled and roared behind him, emitting a joyful Dragon Roar!
A vibrant, dripping-red Soul Ring slowly condensed, like a red ribbon, and settled onto the Crimson Gold Dragon Martial Soul! A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring!
At the same time, a piece of soul bone radiating a soft pink halo detached from Xiao Wu's illusory body and, as if it had a life of its own, slowly merged into the position of Tang San's left arm bone! A Hundred Thousand Year Soft Bone Rabbit Left Arm Bone! One of the soul bone skills: Teleportation, instantaneous movement within a hundred meters with no cooldown!
The sacrifice was complete.
The cocoon of light slowly dissipated, the red radiance gradually faded, and the Dense Forest returned to its original gloom. Xiao Wu's figure, like shattered starlight, disappeared completely into the Air, leaving only a small, snow-white rabbit that landed in front of Tang San.
On the spot, only Tang San remained, his eyes blood-red and his state like that of a madman, along with the glaring Hundred Thousand Year red Soul Ring at his feet.
"Roar--!" Tang San let out a roar that did not sound human, the sound filled with endless pain and fury, like a wounded beast howling in agony. He had gained power, but the price he paid was a weight he could never bear—he had lost Xiao Wu, lost the girl who viewed him as her life, and lost the most important person in this world to him!
"Kill him!" The four Soul Sages snapped out of their shock, the greed in their eyes overpowering their fear. The temptation of a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone was enough to drive them mad! They lunged forward simultaneously, each unleashing their strongest Soul Skill, blasting toward Tang San!
Tang San's blood-red eyes swept over the four, his gaze devoid of fear, filled only with endless coldness and killing intent. A flash of light appeared on his left leg—Teleportation! His figure instantly appeared a hundred meters away, dodging the joint attack of the four Soul Sages.
With another flash, his figure appeared in another direction! He moved like a ghost, weaving through the forest, relying on Teleportation and his surging power to actually skirmish with the four Soul Sages. His occasional counterattacks even forced the Soul Sages into a frantic mess, but overall, even after accepting Xiao Wu's sacrifice, Tang San still did not possess the strength to kill a Soul Sage.
Moreover, Tang San's heart was already dead. Xiao Wu's sacrifice had taken away all his Life Force and color.
After skirmishing with the four Soul Sages for a moment, the instinct for survival made Tang San stop fighting. He used the Teleportation skill to flash in front of Xiao Wu's body, scooped her up, and with a few more flashes, broke free from the entanglement of the Soul Sages. Like a kite with a broken string, he disappeared into the vast sea of forest.
He did not know where he was going, nor did he know what meaning his life still held; he just ran aimlessly, running and running, wanting to escape this world filled with pain.
The four Soul Sages could not catch up and looked at each other, their complexions extremely ugly. Their mission was to kill Tang San, but they never expected that not only would they fail to kill him, but they would also allow Tang San to obtain a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and soul bone, greatly increasing his strength!
Now, not only had they failed their mission, but they had also caused even greater trouble for the Huyan Family. A genius Soul Master who possessed a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and soul bone, and who held a blood feud with the Huyan Family, would surely become the nightmare of the Huyan Family in the future!
The battle on the official road also ceased due to the anomaly here.
The two Soul Douluo of the Huyan Family sensed the terrifying fluctuation of the sacrifice and the aura of the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring. Knowing that the situation had spiraled out of control, they realized that continuing to fight was meaningless and might even bring danger upon themselves.
They exchanged a glance and made a decisive choice, unleashing their Soul Skills to force back Flender and the others. Then, they quickly recalled the four Soul Sages, took them, and retreated from the scene, disappearing into the Dense Forest.
Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the others could not spare the time to pursue and immediately rushed to the clearing deep in the forest. They only saw a scene of devastation, with broken fragments of the Eight Spider Lances scattered all over the ground, stained with blood.
"San... Xiao Wu..." Flender's old eyes were red, his body trembling slightly; he feared that Tang San and Xiao Wu had already met a tragic end.
Zhao Wuji smashed his fist into a nearby tree, the bowl-thick trunk snapping at the impact, wood chips flying everywhere. His eyes were filled with fury and self-reproach—fury at the cruelty of the Huyan Family, and self-reproach for failing to protect Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the others stood in silence, their faces filled with sorrow and helplessness. Looking at the wreckage on the ground, they found it hard to accept this cruel reality.
The sun set, and the golden afterglow filtered through the gaps in the leaves, spilling onto the clearing and adding a touch of poignant beauty to this tragedy. The members of Shrek Academy, carrying the honor of twelfth place and a heavy burden of sorrow, embarked on their journey home. Their shadows stretched long in the setting sun, appearing exceptionally lonely.
As for Tang San, carrying the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, the soul bone, and endless pain, he began to wander aimlessly in a state of dead-hearted numbness.
He did not know where he was going, nor did he know where he could go.
His path as a Soul Master seemed, at this moment, to have lost all meaning.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan