Heading to Shrek

Bearing the fifth Soul Ring granted by the eleven-thousand-year-old Titan Ice Ape, Lin Yi followed Sword Douluo Chen Xin back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

A twelve-year-old Soul King! When Lin Yi released a little of the aura belonging to a level-fifty Soul King, along with the heart-stirring black fifth Soul Ring on his Snow Lotus Martial Soul, even Ning Fengzhi—who had been mentally prepared—couldn't help rising from the Sect Master's throne. His eyes were filled with indescribable shock and joy.

Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo exchanged a look, speechless. They saw the same raging storm in each other's eyes.

Such talent already surpassed the bounds of their understanding. It was a gift worthy of ghosts and gods.

"Good! Good! Good!" Ning Fengzhi exclaimed three times, his excitement plain to see. "Lin Yi, you truly have never let the sect down!"

Yet after the elation came even deeper concern. A tree that towered above the forest would be struck by the wind.

If word spread that a twelve-year-old was a Soul King, it would shake the entire Soul Master World. Whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could protect such a rare talent was still uncertain.

And then there was Spirit Hall... A trace of worry flashed through Ning Fengzhi's eyes.

"Lin Yi's talent must be kept strictly confidential." Ning Fengzhi's voice turned grave as his gaze swept over Chen Xin and Gu Rong. "Until he has truly grown strong, his real age and cultivation must never be revealed."

Chen Xin and Gu Rong nodded in deep agreement.

Just then, a letter arrived from Suotuo City, on the border of the Heaven Dou Empire, and was delivered into Ning Fengzhi's hands. It was from Ning Rongrong. Her words carried a hint of grievance and complaint: she had passed the test and joined a strange academy called "Shrek," but its conditions were harsh, the teachers strict, and her companions... didn't seem very easy to get along with.

After reading the letter, Ning Fengzhi furrowed his brow, a father's worry showing in his eyes. He pondered for a moment, then looked at Lin Yi as an idea gradually took shape.

"Lin Yi," Ning Fengzhi said, "Rongrong is at Shrek Academy, on her own and far from home. I can't help but worry. You're betrothed to her, and you're also one of the sect's future pillars. I'd like to send you there to protect her in secret and look after her."

Lin Yi's heart stirred. Shrek Academy? Was he finally going to meet the protagonists of this world? His expression didn't change as he replied respectfully, "Understood, Sect Master."

"However, your appearance and real age are far too striking." Ning Fengzhi continued, "You'll need a disguise. To the outside world, you'll be the sect's escort for Rongrong. As for your age... twenty-eight. And your Soul Power Level will be set at fifty-two, making you a Battle Soul King. Your Snow Lotus Martial Soul has powerful support abilities, so you're well suited to the role of escort without attracting too much attention." A twenty-eight-year-old level-fifty-two Soul King would count as a genius, but still fell within the range the major powers could accept.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin also looked at Lin Yi and said calmly, "This will be a trial for you as well. Remember, unless your life is in danger, do not reveal your Ice Dragon Martial Soul, and never use your fifth Soul Skill. Your main task is to keep Rongrong safe and... guide her when appropriate. The sect's Little Demoness needs to suffer a little and learn some sense."

"This disciple understands." Lin Yi nodded. Disguising himself and slipping into Shrek... It sounded interesting.

With help from a Soul Master in the sect who was skilled at such things, Lin Yi underwent a simple disguise.

He didn't change his features. Instead, makeup and clothing sharpened his already mature-looking features, made them more rugged, and added a hint of weathered experience between his brows. He looked more like a young man who had seen the world than a twelve-year-old boy.

Once everything was ready, Lin Yi said goodbye to Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi and set out for Suotuo City.

Several days later, Lin Yi stopped outside an ordinary-looking, even somewhat dilapidated village south of Suotuo City. A crooked sign hung from the wooden arch at the village entrance, bearing five simple characters: Shrek Academy.

Looking at the academy gate, so distinctive in its own way, Lin Yi's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. It really was... just like the original story described.

He reined in his aura, suppressing his Soul Power fluctuations to around level fifty-two, and walked inside. The academy grounds looked even more shabby than they had from the outside. Apart from a few thatched cottages and an open space, there was almost nothing. Yet Lin Yi could sense several formidable auras hidden beneath that humble exterior. One of them carried an edge sharp enough that even he had to take seriously.

His gaze swept over the open space, soon settling on a familiar, graceful figure.

Ning Rongrong.

She stood at the edge of the open space in a simple white dress, her natural elegance still shining through. But at the moment, her delicate face was full of hurt and indignation. Her jewel-like eyes were slightly red, as if she had just argued with someone.

Around her stood or sat several other boys and girls.

A boy in blue fitted clothes, not especially handsome but with a steady, dependable air, was frowning slightly at Ning Rongrong. Beside him stood a pretty girl with a scorpion braid, a slender, attractive figure, and big eyes. With her hands on her hips, she was saying something to Ning Rongrong, her cheeks puffed in anger.

Not far away, a handsome, golden-haired boy with mismatched eyes leaned against a tree, wearing a sly smile as if he were enjoying the show. Beside him stood a cool beauty in leather, her figure alluring and her expression blank.

There was also a chubby boy in a tight red outfit, with red hair to match. He was sneaking glances at the cool beauty and Ning Rongrong, his mouth almost watering.

Last was a bespectacled boy who looked rather honest. He was at a loss as he watched the scene unfold.

Clearly, this was the lineup of the original Shrek Seven Devils. And from the looks of things, Ning Rongrong was at the center of being "ostracized," or at least caught up in a conflict.

"...Was I wrong?" The scorpion-braided girl, Xiao Wu, said angrily. "We're all from the same academy. We should help one another and work hard at training together. But what about you? You're acting like a spoiled young lady, slacking off during training, and badmouthing Dean Flender!"

Ning Rongrong bit her lip and stubbornly retorted, "How was I wrong? He's just a stingy Soul Grandmaster! Besides, my training methods are none of your business!"

"You!" Xiao Wu stomped her foot in anger and looked at the boy in blue. "Little San, look at her!"

Tang San—that was the boy in blue—sighed before speaking. "Rongrong, Xiao Wu didn't mean any harm. Dean Flender may be... a little strict, but he's doing it for our own good. The conditions here really are harsh, but since we chose to stay, we should follow the academy's rules, train hard, and fit in with the group."

"Rules? What rules? Making a support-type Soul Master like me run laps with you and do all that pointless physical training?" Ning Rongrong's voice caught in her throat. She had been pampered since childhood; when had she ever suffered such a grievance? "You don't understand anything!"

Dai Mubai, the golden-haired boy with mismatched eyes, scoffed. "The little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect certainly lives up to her reputation. Too bad this isn't your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. No one here is going to indulge you forever."

Zhu Zhuqing, the cool beauty, gave Ning Rongrong a cold glance without saying a word. The chill and distance in her eyes hurt more than words could.

Ma Hongjun, the chubby boy, chuckled. "Rongrong, don't be mad. How about letting Fatty keep you company?"

Oscar, the bespectacled boy, hurriedly tugged at Ma Hongjun and tried to talk Ning Rongrong down. "Rongrong, let's all say a little less. We're classmates..."

"Who's your classmate!" Ning Rongrong finally couldn't hold back. Tears welled in her eyes, and she felt utterly alone and miserable. Every one of them was ganging up on her! All she had done was state the truth!

Just as the atmosphere grew most tense and Ning Rongrong's tears were about to spill, a warm, clear voice sounded nearby:

"Miss."

Everyone turned toward the voice. A young man in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's standard teal robe was walking toward them at an unhurried pace. He looked to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight. He wasn't particularly handsome, but his features were sharply defined, and he carried himself with a calm, capable air. His eyes were as still as water, and his stride was steady.

At the sight of his clothes, the Shrek students all froze. Someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?

Ning Rongrong was also stunned. She looked at the unfamiliar young man who had stopped in front of her, bewildered. "You... Who are you?"

Lin Yi bowed slightly in the standard manner of an escort. His tone was respectful but neither servile nor overbearing. "I am Lin Yi, here by order of the Sect Master to protect you, Miss. The Sect Master heard that you were studying here and was concerned, so he sent me to serve at your command."

As he spoke, his calm gaze swept over the Shrek Seven Devils. Though he had suppressed his Soul Power aura to level fifty-two, the eyes honed through countless battles and under Sword Douluo's pressure still carried an invisible weight. Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others all felt a chill.

A master! That was their immediate judgment.

"Dad sent you?" Ning Rongrong blinked, her eyes still glistening with tears. At first, she was delighted—at last, someone of her own had come! But then that delight gave way to hurt and a trace of anger. What did her father mean by this? Had he sent someone to watch her? Or did he think she had been wronged here and needed protection?

She looked at the escort who called himself Lin Yi, then at the companions who had just "ganged up" on her. A tangled mix of emotions welled up inside her. She wanted someone to back her up, but she didn't want to be looked down on, especially not by these people.

Xiao Wu sized Lin Yi up curiously, then leaned close to Tang San and whispered, "Little San, this man seems really strong."

Tang San nodded slightly. His Purple Demon Eye quietly came into play, but he found himself unable to see through the young man at all. He could only sense the vast Soul Power within him, far beyond his own. A Five-Ring Soul King? And probably not one who had only just reached that level.

The disdain in Dai Mubai's eyes faded, replaced by scrutiny. Zhu Zhuqing's gaze lingered on Lin Yi for a moment as well. Ma Hongjun shrank his neck, feeling that this man wasn't someone to mess with. Oscar breathed a sigh of relief. With someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect here, surely the tension could ease a little.

"Who needs your protection!" Ning Rongrong suddenly said to Lin Yi, sulking. She raised her chin, trying to preserve the last of her pride. "I'm doing just fine here! Go back and tell Dad I don't need an escort!"

Lin Yi's expression remained unchanged, and he maintained his respectful bearing. "I dare not disobey the Sect Master's orders. I'll stay nearby and won't interfere with your training, Miss. If you need anything or run into any trouble, you can call on me at any time."

His manner was neither warm nor cold. He made his position clear while giving Ning Rongrong plenty of space. For a moment, she didn't know what to say, though she had been looking for an excuse to lash out.

Tang San stepped forward and cupped his hands toward Lin Yi. "I'm Tang San. Rongrong is our classmate. We may have had some misunderstandings, but none of us meant any harm. Since you're here at Sect Master Ning's request, Shrek Academy will naturally treat you with courtesy."

Lin Yi looked at Tang San, the chosen son of this world. He could sense the Mysterious Heaven Skill inner force hidden in Tang San's body, the faint trace of Blue Silver Grass, and... a hammer-shaped mark deeper within. He smiled slightly and returned the greeting. "You're too kind, Brother Tang San. Miss is young and straightforward. If she has offended anyone, I hope you'll forgive her. The Sect Master is simply concerned for his daughter; he means no offense."

His words were flawless. He made clear Ning Rongrong's identity and personality, conveyed Ning Fengzhi's concern, and did not accuse the Shrek students.

Dai Mubai came over as well, light flickering in his slanted eyes. "May I ask your name, brother? And your Soul Power Level?"

"My name is Lin Yi," he replied calmly. A glimmer flashed from the jade pendant at his waist as he focused his thoughts, simulating the aura of a level-fifty-two Soul King. At the same time, five Soul Rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black—rose slowly from beneath his feet and revolved around him. The deep black fifth Soul Ring instantly drew everyone's gaze!

"A Soul King!"

"A Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring!"

Exclamations rang out from several of them at once. Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others' pupils contracted, shock written all over their faces. A twenty-eight-year-old Soul King was rare, but not unheard of. But for the fifth Soul Ring to be a Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring was astonishing! It meant that his Martial Soul quality and physical strength far surpassed those of his peers.

Ning Rongrong was stunned, too. She hadn't expected the escort her father sent to be a Soul King with a Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring! As far as she knew, even Soul Kings that age in the sect didn't necessarily have one. This guy... really did seem pretty impressive.

Feeling everyone's shocked gaze, Lin Yi remained as still as an ancient well. He slowly withdrew his Soul Rings and spoke in the same even tone. "I had a little good fortune, that's all. My duty is to protect Miss. I won't interfere in the academy's affairs, so there's no need for anyone to worry."

The scene fell silent for a moment. Lin Yi's arrival and the strength he had revealed were like a stone cast into a lake, disrupting the subtle, tense atmosphere among the Shrek Seven Devils. Ning Rongrong looked at Lin Yi standing in front of her, then at the varied expressions of her companions. The hurt in her heart seemed to fade a little, replaced by a feeling too complicated to put into words.