Situ Xuan slowly walked beneath the ancient tree. Without the vines binding it, the Golden Ancient Tree stretched out with extraordinary ease, countless soft tendrils swaying gently in the wind as tiny golden leaves drifted down, transmitting a clear will of closeness and delight.
Situ Xuan looked up at the lush canopy and spoke in an even tone.
"I know of a place that holds an opportunity capable of quickly restoring your origin and taking your strength a step further. Are you willing to go?"
A faint and weary mental fluctuation slowly came from the core of the ancient tree, carrying a weak, powerless quality.
"I'll... listen... to... you."
The Golden Ancient Tree was in terrible condition now. For thousands of years, it had been parasitized by Ah Yin's Blue Silver Vines, its life origin plundered, and more than half of its authority as the plane's core had been left incomplete. It had joined the battle the moment it broke free, then withstood the divine-power assaults of two second-rank gods in succession, worsening the loss of its origin. Even transmitting a complete will was now extremely difficult.
Situ Xuan nodded slightly and continued.
"That place still has the remnants of Shrek Academy hiding there. You can vent the fury you've built up over all these years to your heart's content."
The instant the words Shrek Academy entered its ears, the Golden Ancient Tree, which had been listless and weak, flew into a rage. Countless tendrils lashed madly at the air, and fierce wind swept through the entire rear garden with the ancient tree at its center. Its golden crown shook violently, and a powerful mental fury swept across the whole Grand Presidential Palace.
"Shrek... deserves... death!"
A cold curve tugged at the corner of Situ Xuan's mouth.
"That's right. Shrek