Chapter Summaries

Seven-year-old Wang Nan entered the Star Dou Great Forest with his father, Wang Xing, to obtain his first soul ring. After Wang Nan defeated a Ten-Year Tree Snake, its white soul ring appeared, and Wang Xing reconsidered how difficult his son's combat training should be.

• Wang Xing reassured Wang Nan about obtaining his first soul ring and told him to meditate while they rested near the forest.
• Wang Nan meditated in his Spiritual Sea, where he saw the Luminous Orb that had appeared when his Martial Soul awakened.
• Wang Nan and Wang Xing continued into the forest, where Wang Nan summoned his Coiling Dragon Staff after a vine revealed itself as a Ten-Year Tree Snake.
• Wang Xing let Wang Nan fight the Tree Snake, and Wang Nan killed it with two staff strikes.
• A white soul ring rose from the Tree Snake, and Wang Xing praised Wang Nan while wondering whether to adjust his combat training.

Wang Nan and Wang Xing found a Four Hundred Year Jade Scale Python, and Wang Nan began absorbing its Soul Ring. Inside his Spiritual Sea, Wang Nan encountered the python’s consciousness and fought it, leaving the absorption unresolved.

• Wang Xing lured out the Jade Scale Python and defeated it with his Coiling Dragon Staff.
• Wang Xing explained that the python’s jade-green head scale was a Dragon Scale formed by exposure to a dragon’s aura.
• Wang Nan broke the Dragon Scale, summoned the python’s yellow Soul Ring, and began absorbing it.
• Wang Nan’s consciousness entered his Spiritual Sea, where the Jade Scale Python appeared and attacked him.
• Wang Nan evaded the python using his control of the Spiritual Sea, formed a staff, and struck it several times.
• The python’s Dragon Scale boosted its speed, but after several failed charges it stopped, and Wang Nan teleported behind it to attack.

Wang Nan absorbed the Jade Scale Python’s Soul Ring, reached Soul Power level 13, and developed the First Soul Skill Wind Control. During a spar with Wang Xing, he also reproduced the python’s powerful thrust, leaving him with a new move to practice.

• The Jade Scale Python plunged into the Luminous Orb in Wang Nan’s Spiritual Sea, and Wang Nan smoothly absorbed its Soul Ring, reaching level 13.
• Wang Nan and Wang Xing left the forest before nightfall and returned to Star Luo City.
• Wang Nan demonstrated Wind Control, which improved his agility and made his Coiling Dragon Staff lighter and easier to wield.
• Wang Nan recalled the Jade Scale Python’s attack and struck Wang Xing with a thrust that carried Spiritual Power and blasted a deep pit in the courtyard.
• Wang Nan claimed he had learned the move from the Jade Scale Python, and Wang Xing invited him to keep practicing it.

After reaching rank twenty-six, Wang Nan accepted Wang Yan’s offer to take him to Shrek Academy, where he hoped to become a Core Disciple. Wang Nan and Wang Yan arrived at the academy, and Wang Nan was about to face its entrance and new-student assessments.

• Wang Nan advanced to rank twenty-six after obtaining his Second Soul Ring and spent two and a half years training at home.
• Wang Xing and Wang Yan discussed sending Wang Nan to Shrek Academy, and Wang Xing gave him a letter of recommendation.
• Wang Nan agreed to leave with Wang Yan the next morning, and Wang Yan urged him to aim to become a Core Disciple.
• Wang Nan and Wang Yan reached Shrek City, where Wang Yan explained the academy’s courtyards, student ranks, and assessments.
• Wang Yan brought Wang Nan to Shrek Academy’s entrance, where students greeted him and wished him luck.

Wang Nan registered at Shrek Academy and passed his entrance assessment by outmaneuvering Teacher Sun, a Soul Emperor. As Sun He launched a stronger attack, Wang Nan turned to the Luminous Orb in his Spiritual Sea to resist it, leaving their confrontation unresolved.

• Wang Nan registered with Soul Power Level twenty-six and went to Arena One for his entrance assessment.
• Teacher Sun attacked Wang Nan without warning, and Wang Nan used his Coiling Dragon Staff and Soul Skills to defend himself.
• Wang Nan feinted with Cleave Mount Hua, then used Mountain Topple to shove Sun He back and earn a passing assessment.
• Sun He summoned his golden abacus Martial Soul and used its bead sounds to agitate Wang Nan's mind.
• Wang Nan resisted Sun He's mental attack by focusing on the Luminous Orb in his Spiritual Sea, and Sun He rushed to strike before he could counter.

Wang Nan passed Sun He's assessment and enrolled at Shrek Academy, where he received his dormitory assignment and met his new roommate, Gongyang Mo. He settled into their room as classes remained two days away.

• Wang Nan countered Sun He's attack with his Coiling Dragon Staff, and Sun He declared that he had passed the assessment.
• Wang Nan handed Sun He the Star Luo Emperor's letter of recommendation, then asked Wang Yan why the academy required one.
• Wang Yan explained the recommendation system and helped Wang Nan complete his registration and collect his academy supplies.
• Wang Nan entered the New Students' dormitory, greeted Mu En, and found his assigned room, 102.
• Wang Nan met his roommate Gongyang Mo, unpacked his belongings, and made his bed.

Wang Nan and Gongyang Mo toured Shrek Academy before starting classes, and Wang Nan reflected on his modest ambitions. On the first day of school, Teacher Sun He began preparing the new students for their upcoming actual-combat assessment with an intensive lesson in battle tactics and practical training.

• Wang Nan and Gongyang Mo visited Seagod Lake, where Gongyang Mo admired the Inner Courtyard and recounted Shrek Academy's history.
• Wang Nan considered the possibility of becoming a god but felt content with his second life and hoped to make up for past regrets.
• Wang Nan and Gongyang Mo arrived early for their first class and learned that Sun He would be their Head Teacher for the next three months.
• Sun He warned the students that they had to pass an actual-combat assessment in three months and taught them to exploit opponents' weaknesses using tactics such as ambushes and traps.
• Sun He spent the morning explaining combat techniques and the afternoon teaching them through practical training on the grounds.

After the new student groups were announced, Wang Nan met with his teammates Gongyang Mo and Ling Luochen to prepare for the New Student Assessment. The three shared their abilities and discussed tactics, then parted for the evening before the assessment began the next day.

• Sun He announced the New Student Assessment groups and reminded the students to remember what they had learned.
• Wang Yan took Wang Nan to lunch, asked about his confidence in the assessment, and advised him to coordinate with his teammates.
• Wang Nan met Gongyang Mo and Ling Luochen at the dormitory and led them to Shrek Plaza to discuss their team.
• Gongyang Mo described his Rainbow Dragon Martial Soul and support skills, while Ling Luochen explained her ice abilities and control role.
• Wang Nan shared his Coiling Dragon Staff abilities, and the three discussed tactics before separating for the night.

Wang Nan, Ling Luochen, and Gongyang Mo faced Chen Zifeng, Wen Mozhu, and Qu Sheng in the Ninth District’s first assessment match. Wang Nan’s team defeated the Freshman Class Nine Seed Team, leaving their opponents eliminated or surrendered.

• The proctor paired Wang Nan’s team from Freshman Class One against Chen Zifeng’s team from Freshman Class Nine.
• Qu Sheng supplied wine to Chen Zifeng, while Wen Mozhu attacked Wang Nan with Ink Splash; Ling Luochen froze the ink before it could trap him.
• Gongyang Mo drew the opponents’ attention, letting Wang Nan rush their backline, evade most of Qu Sheng’s wine-control skill, and force Qu Sheng to surrender.
• Chen Zifeng sent his Soul Chasing Sword toward Gongyang Mo and used Wen Mozhu’s Leaving Blank skill to disappear, but Ling Luochen’s Ice Crystals revealed his location.
• Wang Nan struck at Chen Zifeng, and the proctor intercepted the blow and declared Chen Zifeng eliminated; Wen Mozhu then surrendered, giving Freshman Class One the win.

Wang Nan’s team advanced undefeated through the New Student Assessment and began the Elimination Round against Yu Chenyu’s team. Wang Nan exposed Yu Chenyu’s mistaken confidence and held him back, leaving Yu Chenyu angry as he began his Dragon Transformation.

• Wang Nan’s team won all ten assessment matches and returned early to prepare for the Elimination Round.
• Gongyang Mo, Ling Luochen, and Wang Nan introduced themselves before their first elimination match against Yu Chenyu, Xixi, and Tong Lan.
• Yu Chenyu charged Wang Nan with his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, but Wang Nan blocked his attack and seized his wrist.
• Xixi switched targets to Wang Nan, and Ling Luochen used her Ice Armor Protection to interfere with Xixi’s assault.
• Wang Nan released Yu Chenyu and kicked him away as Yu Chenyu prepared his second soul skill.
• Yu Chenyu grew enraged and began his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon’s Dragon Transformation, covering his right arm in scales.

Wang Nan’s team defeated Yu Chenyu’s group through a coordinated ambush and advanced to the final match. Afterward, Mu En questioned Wang Nan about his finishing technique and resolved to send Shao Zhe to meet him.

• Gongyang Mo and Ling Luochen disoriented Yu Chenyu with rainbow light and ice walls, giving Wang Nan a chance to strike him out of the arena.
• Tong Lan conceded after Yu Chenyu was eliminated, and Xixi left the arena, securing Wang Nan’s team’s victory.
• Wang Nan’s team won their remaining morning matches and advanced to the final, while the academy required contestants to report their Soul Power Levels before matches.
• Mu En praised Wang Nan and asked whether he had learned to combine soul power and Spiritual Power by observing Soul Beasts.
• Mu En decided to send Shao Zhe to meet Wang Nan after judging his talent and temperament outstanding.

Wang Nan’s team faced Ji Tongxuan’s team in the Final Match, and Wang Nan suspected the brothers were hiding a Martial Soul Fusion Skill. As Wang Nan’s attack threatened Ji Hui, Ji Tongxuan activated a strange red-winged ability that drew Ji Hui’s soul power into him.

• Wang Nan, Ling Luochen, and Gongyang Mo faced Ji Tongxuan, Ji Hui, and Song Chang in the Final Match.
• Wang Nan’s team rushed forward while Ji Tongxuan and Ji Hui used their winged martial souls to speed toward Gongyang Mo.
• Wang Nan and the teachers suspected Ji Tongxuan and Ji Hui possessed a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, while Gongyang Mo’s support helped Wang Nan hold off all three opponents.
• Wang Nan’s attacks struck Ji Tongxuan, but Ji Hui suffered the injuries, prompting Wang Nan to prepare a stronger strike.
• Ji Tongxuan shoved Ji Hui in front of himself, then activated the red pattern on his wings and absorbed Ji Hui’s soul power through their contact.

Wang Nan's Team won the New Student Elimination Round after Wang Nan's staff suppressed Ji Tongxuan's power and ended his rampage. Wang Yan explained that Ji Tongxuan was an Evil Soul Master, while Wang Nan remained unsure why his final strike had been so effective.

• Ji Tongxuan lost control after Ji Hui was eliminated, grew stronger, and attacked Wang Nan while Song Chang forced Gongyang Mo to stop supporting him.
• Wang Nan's Spiritual Sea and Luminous Orb became unusually active, and his Coiling Dragon Staff caused Ji Tongxuan's Soul Power and wings to vanish when they clashed.
• Du Weilun declared Wang Nan's Team the champions and dismissed the new students before calling the teachers to a meeting.
• Wang Yan explained that Ji Tongxuan's Blood-Crying Chirp Martial Soul absorbed power from other avian Martial Souls and that Ji Tongxuan had become an Evil Soul Master by losing control of its nature.
• Wang Nan told Gongyang Mo he did not know why Ji Tongxuan had suddenly weakened, and Wang Yan chose not to explain the change.

After the New Student Assessment, Wang Nan became a Core Disciple and accepted the academy’s offer to help him obtain a Soul Ring as compensation for the Evil Soul Master attack. He and Gongyang Mo attended a Treasure Appraisal Fair, where Wang Nan considered a Flying Soul Tool and challenged Gongyang Mo’s distrust of Soul Tools.

• Du Weilun announced the recalculated assessment results, named the new Core Disciples, and assigned Wang Nan to Class One, Grade One.
• Du Weilun offered to help Wang Nan obtain a Soul Ring to compensate him for the academy’s failure to stop Ji Tongxuan’s attack, and Wang Nan accepted.
• Wang Nan and Gongyang Mo received invitations to a Treasure Appraisal Fair and decided to attend the Gathering Treasures Pavilion.
• At the fair, Wang Nan admired the displays, passed over a costly Soul Bone, and considered a Flying Soul Tool.
• Gongyang Mo warned Wang Nan not to rely too much on Soul Tools, and Wang Nan regarded them as useful tools rather than rivals to a Soul Master’s power.

Wang Nan argued that Soul Masters and Soul Engineers could complement each other, then explained his views to a senior elder at Gathering Treasures Pavilion. He left with a Level 4 Flying Soul Tool as a gift and a promise that a Crimson-faced Ape Right Arm Bone would be reserved for him if he met the requirements within three years.

• Wang Nan argued to Gongyang Mo that Soul Engineers and Soul Masters could support each other, and Gongyang Mo stayed behind to keep looking around.
• Wang Nan examined a Crimson-faced Ape Right Arm Bone that improved weapon control, then followed a senior elder into a guest room to discuss Soul Tools.
• Wang Nan told the elder that Soul Tools could expand Soul Masters’ abilities and help weaker Soul Masters protect themselves.
• The elder said Wang Nan could not yet afford the Soul Bone, but offered to reserve it for three years and give him a gift if he met the requirements.
• Wang Nan left without buying anything else, then accepted a Level 4 Flying Soul Tool from the Pavilion Master as thanks for his suggestion.
• After Wang Nan left Gathering Treasures Pavilion, a streak of light flew toward Shrek Academy.

At a Sea God Pavilion meeting, Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er proposed reorganizing the Soul Tool Department and teaching Martial Soul Department students to use common soul tools. Mu En approved the plans, while he and the Pavilion Master of the Gathering Treasures Pavilion discussed how Wang Nan had inspired the meeting and learned that his martial soul was the genuine Coiling Dragon Staff.

• Qian Duoduo proposed dividing Soul Tool Department students by their talents and teaching Martial Soul Department students to use soul tools.
• Yan Shaozhe objected, arguing that soul tools were meaningless for Shrek's talented students, and Xian Lin'er rebuked him.
• Qian Duoduo outlined plans for combat, daily-life, and warfare divisions, while Xian Lin'er proposed developing soul tools tailored to individual Soul Masters.
• Mu En called a vote, and all attendees except Yan Shaozhe supported the proposals.
• Mu En ordered Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er to prepare a detailed reorganization plan and made soul-tool instruction mandatory for Martial Soul Department students.
• After the meeting, Mu En and the Pavilion Master of the Gathering Treasures Pavilion discussed Wang Nan's influence and the genuine Coiling Dragon Staff martial soul.

After reaching Rank 30, Wang Nan accepted the academy’s offer to obtain his third soul ring under the protection of Yan Shaozhe. He met Ma Xiaotao on the journey to the Star Dou Great Forest, where they camped in the Outer Zone and prepared to search for suitable soul beasts.

• Wang Nan reached Rank 30, and Du Weilun arranged for him to accompany a powerful teacher on a soul-ring expedition.
• Wang Nan met Yan Shaozhe and Ma Xiaotao at Shrek Academy’s gates and learned they were both seeking Thousand-Year Soul Rings.
• Ma Xiaotao chatted with Wang Nan as they traveled to the Star Dou Great Forest and reached its Outer Zone by nightfall.
• Wang Nan said he wanted an offensive area-of-effect Soul Skill, while Ma Xiaotao planned to lure a Fire Cloud Sparrow with Fire Chestnuts.
• Yan Shaozhe told Wang Nan and Ma Xiaotao to rest before searching for soul beasts the next day.

A disturbance in the Star Dou Great Forest led Yan Shaozhe to bring Wang Nan a Rock Ridge Wyrm suited to his needs. Wang Nan overcame the beast in his Spiritual Sea and began absorbing its Soul Ring, while Yan Shaozhe found no explanation for the disturbance.

• Soul Beasts fled the Mixed Zone, and Yan Shaozhe stayed behind with Wang Nan and Ma Xiaotao while he went to investigate and find a suitable target.
• Ma Xiaotao told Wang Nan about her difficult childhood and how her Martial Soul limited her cultivation and contact with others.
• Yan Shaozhe returned with a Rock Ridge Wyrm, and Wang Nan killed it to obtain a Purple Soul Ring.
• Wang Nan struggled to harm the Rock Ridge Wyrm in his Spiritual Sea, then provoked it into attacking until the Luminous Orb absorbed it.
• Yan Shaozhe investigated the disturbance's source and found only a headless Soul Beast corpse, then watched Wang Nan begin absorbing the Soul Ring.

Wang Nan and Ma Xiaotao obtained Soul Rings, but Ma Xiaotao’s Evil Fire Phoenix went berserk after she absorbed hers, forcing Wang Nan to fight her while Yan Shaozhe watched. Wang Nan’s Spiritual Sea suppressed the Evil Fire, and he weakened Ma Xiaotao with his Coiling Dragon Staff before the chapter ended.

• Wang Nan reached level 33 after absorbing a Soul Ring, and Yan Shaozhe helped Ma Xiaotao lure and capture a Flame Cloud Sparrow.
• Ma Xiaotao absorbed the Flame Cloud Sparrow’s Soul Ring, but her Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul rampaged and she attacked Wang Nan.
• Wang Nan summoned his Coiling Dragon Staff and dodged Ma Xiaotao’s attacks, but her Phoenix Fire Line burned his left arm.
• Wang Nan’s Luminous Orb suppressed the Evil Fire in his body, and he channeled Spiritual Power into his staff.
• Wang Nan used Tail Sweep and Python Strike to disperse Ma Xiaotao’s flames and land a blow as her strength weakened.

Wang Nan learned why Yan Shaozhe had brought him along and agreed to help Ma Xiaotao control her evil fire in exchange for cultivation resources and Yan Shaozhe’s support. Yan Shaozhe then told Mu En he hoped Wang Nan and Ma Xiaotao would become a match, but Mu En rejected the idea and worried about Shrek Academy’s future leadership.

• Yan Shaozhe apologized to Wang Nan for concealing Ma Xiaotao’s condition, explained her evil fire, and offered compensation and future cultivation resources if Wang Nan helped her.
• Wang Nan accepted Yan Shaozhe’s offer, while Ma Xiaotao recovered from her martial soul rampage and realized she might no longer need to fear her condition.
• Yan Shaozhe told Mu En that Wang Nan’s Coiling Dragon Staff could suppress Ma Xiaotao’s evil fire and proposed that Wang Nan and Ma Xiaotao become a match.
• Mu En called Yan Shaozhe’s proposal absurd and sent him away without discussing it further.
• Mu En worried that Yan Shaozhe lacked the judgment to lead Shrek Academy and wondered whether a worthy successor could be found in time.