Nuoding Graduation: Off to Shrek, Moonlight Night's Gift

Nuoding Academy's graduation ceremony was exceptionally simple. There were no elaborate rituals, only the old headmaster standing on the training field and offering words of advice to the students about to graduate. Tang San stood tall among the crowd in a faded long robe, Blue Silver Grass occasionally appearing silently at his fingertips before swiftly withdrawing. After three years of cultivation, his Soul Power had steadily reached level 29, just one step away from becoming a Soul Elder.

Beside him, Lin Zhixia had grown considerably as well. The silver Starfall Bow martial soul mark flickered faintly on her right wrist, while the Void Piercing Feather Fletching was carefully stored in her quiver, swaying gently with her movements. Her Soul Power had also reached level 29, and her coordination of Starlight Arrow and Void Penetration had become increasingly proficient. She was no longer the little girl who needed to hide behind Tang San.

Xiao Wu stood beside them, her pink dress fluttering in the breeze. Her braid had been replaced by a ponytail, making her seem even more lively. Over the past three years, her Soul Power had risen to level 28 as well, though no one knew that she had never hunted a soul beast—her soul rings had all condensed on their own. Looking at Tang San and Lin Zhixia, her eyes were full of reluctance, yet also held a trace of anticipation. She knew they were about to leave for a new place and begin a new journey.

After the graduation ceremony, the three returned to their dormitory to pack. Tang San carefully placed the Soul Master's Notes Master had given him into his backpack, while Lin Zhixia wiped down her Starwood Arrow Shafts. Xiao Wu helped them fold their clothes, muttering, "I never thought we'd actually leave Nuoding Academy. I wonder if we'll ever be able to come back."

"We'll come back. Once we become stronger, we'll return to see the teachers and students here," Tang San said with a smile. His gaze fell outside the window, as though he could see himself from three years ago, when he had first enrolled.

Just then, the dormitory door was pushed open, and Master Yu Xiaogang walked in. He looked much more spirited than he had three years ago. Holding a black brocade pouch, he walked up to Tang San. "Tang San, you're about to graduate. I've already arranged your next destination—Shrek Academy."

"Shrek Academy?" Lin Zhixia asked curiously. "I don't think I've ever heard of that academy."

Master smiled and explained, "Shrek Academy was founded by my old friend Flender. They do not care about status or background there; they only accept soul masters with potential. Although the academy's conditions are rather simple, Flender is an excellent teacher. You'll be able to learn much more there."

A flicker of anticipation crossed Tang San's eyes. "Master, aren't you coming with us?"

Master shook his head and handed the pouch to Tang San. "I still have some matters to handle. I'll be waiting for you at Shrek Academy. Inside this pouch is Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night, a Soul Tool. It has twenty-four storage compartments and can hold many things. You'll need it on the road."

Tang San accepted the pouch and opened it. Inside was a silver belt engraved with delicate patterns, emanating faint Spirit Power Fluctuations. He looked at Master in surprise. "Master, this is far too valuable. I can't accept it."

"Take it." Master patted him on the shoulder. "This is my graduation gift to you, and also your token for Shrek Academy. When Flender sees it, he'll know you were recommended by me. Remember, once you reach Shrek Academy, you must cultivate diligently and not waste your talent."

Lin Zhixia looked at the Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night in Tang San's hands, her eyes filled with envy, but she was also happy for him. She knew how important this Soul Tool would be for the journey ahead.

Xiao Wu walked up to Master and asked softly, "Master, is Shrek Academy fun? Are the people there very fierce?"

Master smiled and rubbed her hair. "The people there are all very straightforward. Flender may seem a little strict, but he treats his students well. Xiao Wu, your movement techniques are very agile. Once you get there, make sure to practice well and strive to break through to Soul Elder as soon as possible."

Xiao Wu nodded, her eyes full of anticipation.

After packing their luggage, the three followed Master to the academy gates. A carriage had already been waiting there. The driver had been arranged by Master and was responsible for taking them to Shrek Academy.

"All right, it's time to go." Master looked at the three of them, his eyes filled with reluctance but also expectation. "Be careful on the road. If you encounter danger, use Tang San's Blue Silver Grass to control them, Zhi Xia's Starlight Arrow to attack, and Xiao Wu's movement techniques for support. With the three of you working together, ordinary soul masters will be no match for you."

"We understand, Master," the three replied in unison.

Tang San fastened Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night around his waist. Feeling the warmth emanating from the Soul Tool, his heart was filled with gratitude. He looked at Master and said solemnly, "Master, don't worry. We'll reach Shrek Academy safely, cultivate diligently, and never let down your expectations."

Lin Zhixia nodded as well. "Master, once we reach Shrek Academy, we'll write to you."

Xiao Wu hugged Master's arm, her eyes slightly red. "Master, you have to come to Shrek Academy to find us soon!"

Master smiled and nodded, waving them toward the carriage. "Go on, then. Don't delay too long on the road."

The carriage slowly began to move. Tang San, Lin Zhixia, and Xiao Wu sat inside and waved goodbye to Master, only withdrawing their gazes when his figure vanished at the end of the road.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Wu looked curiously at Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night around Tang San's waist. "Tang San, can this Soul Tool really hold so many things? Can you let me take a look?"

Tang San smiled and nodded, removing Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night and handing it to her. "Try it. Inject Soul Power into it, and you'll be able to open the storage compartments."

Following Tang San's instructions, Xiao Wu injected Soul Power into Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night. Sure enough, the patterns on the belt lit up, and a transparent compartment appeared before her eyes. Her eyes widened in amazement. "Wow! That's amazing! Tang San, you can put all our food and water in there from now on, so we won't have to carry such heavy luggage!"

Seeing Xiao Wu's excitement, Lin Zhixia smiled too. "Xiao Wu is right. With this Soul Tool, the rest of our journey will be much easier."

Tang San looked at his two friends beside him, warmth filling his heart. He knew the journey ahead might bring many difficulties, but as long as the three of them were together, there would be no challenge they could not overcome.

Beneath the lingering glow of the setting sun, the carriage traveled toward Shrek Academy. The three youths' faces were filled with anticipation, their eyes shining with dreams of the future. They did not know what challenges and opportunities awaited them at Shrek Academy, nor that the legend belonging to them would begin a new chapter there.