Undercurrents Stirring, Thoughts of Departure

The Shrek Seven Devils became famous overnight. The name "Dragon Emperor" Ling Yun swept through Suotuo City and its surrounding regions like a whirlwind, even drawing the attention of some major forces in the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire. An eleven-year-old boy, suspected to possess Twin Martial Souls—at least, that was what some speculated—with the terrifying strength to instantly kill a Soul Elder and shatter the Imperial Dou Team with one punch... He could no longer be described as a genius. He was practically a monster!

Over the next few days, unfamiliar figures began appearing at the entrance to Shrek Academy's dilapidated village. Some were curious soul masters who had come to spy, while others were envoys sent by smaller families or factions hoping to recruit him. Naturally, Flender and Zhao Wuji "invited" them all to leave without much courtesy.

Though Flender was delighted by the academy's newfound fame—it meant he could raise tuition in the future—he also felt immense pressure. Ling Yun was far too dazzling a treasure, and he had already attracted too much covetous attention. Shrek Academy's meager foundation simply could not protect him. Flender had even begun worrying about Spirit Hall's stance.

The atmosphere within the academy also became somewhat subtle.

Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and the other three students—Heavy Armor Rhinoceros, Light Spirit Sparrow, and Shadow—felt heartfelt admiration and a trace of fear toward Ling Yun. They practically followed his lead in everything. As for A Qing, she continued quietly following at Ling Yun's side, the dependence in her pure white eyes growing even deeper.

The problem lay with Tang San.

After that Team Battle, Tang San became even more taciturn. He trained almost madly, barely sleeping or resting. He no longer tried to study Ling Yun's weaknesses, because it seemed utterly pointless. Instead, he threw all his energy into crafting Hidden Weapons and cultivating the Mysterious Heaven Skill, trying to find another way to surpass Ling Yun.

There was almost no interaction between him and Ling Yun. Even when they occasionally crossed paths, Tang San's gaze was as cold as if Ling Yun were a stranger. He had even begun displaying a stubborn obsession with Yu Xiaogang's teachings, as though only by following Yu Xiaogang's theories completely could he prove that his own path was correct.

Yu Xiaogang saw all of this and was deeply worried. He had spoken with Tang San several times, but to little effect. Tang San's inner demon had already taken root. Unless he could truly defeat Ling Yun once, or... Ling Yun left.

One evening, Ling Yun was alone in the Mimicry Training Ground, consolidating his cultivation. After the battle against the Imperial Dou Team, he had gained new insights into the use of his power. His First Origin Soul Ring seemed to have solidified slightly.

Under the moonlight, a figure slowly approached. It was Headmaster Flender.

"Ling Yun, still not resting?" Flender wore a rare smile, one that was not quite so much like that of a profiteer.

"Is something the matter, Headmaster?" Ling Yun opened his eyes and asked calmly.

Flender rubbed his hands together, finding it somewhat difficult to speak. In the end, he said, "Ling Yun, I know you are no ordinary fish in a pond. Our Shrek Academy is too small a temple. I'm afraid... it can't keep a great Buddha like you."

Ling Yun glanced at Flender, unsurprised. He had long sensed Flender's concerns.

"What do you mean, Headmaster?"

Flender sighed. "Your talent is too astonishing. Staying here any longer would be a restraint for you, and for the academy... it could also bring disaster. Spirit Hall has likely already noticed you. So Xiaogang, Wuji, and I discussed it, and we wanted to ask you... would you be interested in going somewhere more suitable for your development?"

"Where?"

"Spirit Hall, or... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." Flender lowered his voice. "With your talent, no matter where you go, you will receive the finest resources and training. Spirit Hall has the most soul master resources and secret realms on the continent, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is rich enough to rival a nation and can provide everything you need. Once you have truly grown strong, it won't be too late to come back and visit us old men."

Flender's words were only half sincere. Considering Ling Yun's future was one reason, but he was also genuinely afraid that Ling Yun would bring powerful enemies to the academy. Moreover, Ling Yun's existence had dealt Tang San too great a blow. It was practically destroying the disciple in whom his friend Yu Xiaogang had placed such high hopes.

Ling Yun fell silent for a moment. He had long entertained thoughts of leaving as well. Shrek Academy had little left to teach him. What remained required resources and fortuitous opportunities to break through. Staying here to play childish games of competition with Tang San would be a complete waste of time. He needed a broader stage, fiercer battles, and richer resources to accelerate his growth.

Spirit Hall? He had no interest in it whatsoever. The waters there ran too deep, and there were too many rules. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, though... that was worth considering. After all, it was wealthier than any other faction, never lacked resources, and was relatively independent.

"I'll consider it." Ling Yun did not agree immediately.

Flender let out a breath of relief. As long as Ling Yun had the intention of leaving, that was enough. He patted Ling Yun on the shoulder. "No matter what, Shrek Academy will always be your home. When you're out there making your way in the world, if you run into trouble, remember that you still have us old men."

With that, Flender turned and left.

Ling Yun watched Flender's retreating figure, then lifted his gaze to the bright full moon in the night sky, his eyes profound.

Leaving was inevitable. But before he left, there was still one thing he needed to do—obtain his First Soul Ring, for appearances' sake, and leave a "deep" impression on Tang San, who had always regarded him as his goal.

His gaze turned toward Suotuo City. There stood a building called the Spirit Hall Main Hall. Perhaps it was time to go and "verify" his soul master rank, and settle the matter of his soul ring while he was at it.

And perhaps, a conspiracy targeting him was quietly brewing in the shadows. After all, the talent he had displayed was enough to make many people uneasy.

A new journey was about to begin.