Establishing Rules and Authority, the Entire Team Submits and Obeys

As Flender's words fell, Yu Xiaogang's final glimmer of hope was utterly extinguished.

He stared fixedly at Flender, his face ashen, his heart filled with resentment and indignation, yet he could not defy the iron-clad rules of Shrek. Glancing at Tang San beside him, who radiated humiliation with fists clenched until his knuckles turned white, Yu Xiaogang could only heave a long sigh. With nothing left to say, he supported the soul-crushed Tang San and walked away from Shrek Academy, step by step, in utter desolation.

Before leaving, Tang San cast one final look at Lin Chen—a gaze woven with malice, unwillingness, and hatred so intense it felt almost tangible. He secretly carved this humiliation of being crushed and the bitterness of his expulsion into his very marrow, roaring madly in his heart: everything Lin Chen had inflicted upon him today, he would surely repay a thousandfold in the future!

Lin Chen did not take Tang San's hatred to heart in the slightest.

In his eyes, the current Tang San was nothing more than a stray dog. Without the resources of Shrek or the theoretical support of Yu Xiaogang, even with his Twin Martial Souls and Mysterious Heaven Skill, he would never amount to much and was simply unworthy of being his opponent.

"Lin Chen, come with me to collect your student badge. The rest of you, go settle in, familiarize yourselves with the academy grounds, and return to the main building before sunset," Flender said, looking at Lin Chen with undisguised admiration and a tone that carried extra weight.

"Yes, Dean." Lin Chen bowed slightly, his attitude humble but not servile.

Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong followed Dai Mubai toward the student dormitory area.

Along the way, Ning Rongrong kept her head down, still unable to recover from the terror of being crushed by Lin Chen earlier. Her usual arrogance and spoiled-miss temperament were tucked away entirely; she remained silent the whole time, no longer the imperious girl she had been.

Dai Mubai watched the unusually quiet Ning Rongrong beside him, clicking his tongue in secret.

Who would have thought that this pampered young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be tamed so thoroughly by a level 21 freshman? Lin Chen had shattered all her pride with nothing but the pressure of his soul power. This strength and charisma made the last shred of defiance in Dai Mubai's heart vanish, and he sincerely acknowledged Lin Chen's extraordinary nature.

Zhu Zhuqing's cold gaze occasionally drifted to Lin Chen's retreating back, the softness in her eyes deepening; Xiao Wu, meanwhile, skipped along, her heart filled with pride that her "Chen-ge" was so powerful, sharing her joy with Zhu Zhuqing from time to time.

Before long, Lin Chen received his student badge from Flender, and the information regarding his Ink Shadow Spirit Cat martial soul was officially entered into the Shrek Academy roster.

Flender even gave him private instructions, his words full of intent to cultivate him, even going so far as to say that Lin Chen could lead the academy's team training and be fully responsible for coordinating team members in the future. This trust far exceeded that given to any other student.

By the time Lin Chen reached the dormitory area, Dai Mubai had already arranged the girls' dormitory and reserved spots for the boys.

Shrek Academy was inherently crude; the dormitories were simple wooden bungalows with only basic beds and tables, devoid of any luxury—a far cry from the silk-clad, opulent life at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Standing at the entrance of the girls' dormitory, Ning Rongrong looked at the primitive furnishings inside, her brows knitting together instinctively as feelings of grievance and dissatisfaction welled up within her.

She had lived her whole life without ever staying in such a squalid place, let alone having to manage her own daily needs. She couldn't help but want to complain, even harboring thoughts of having her luggage sent from the sect and servants dispatched to wait on her.

But just as she looked up, she saw Lin Chen walking over slowly, his calm yet intensely oppressive eyes fixed faintly upon her.

The complaints on Ning Rongrong's lips were swallowed instantly. Her body trembled, and she lowered her head instinctively, no longer daring to harbor a single thought of dissatisfaction. She could only swallow her grievances and walk silently into the dormitory.

Seeing this, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing all understood the situation perfectly.

Lin Chen walked before them, his gaze sweeping over the four present. His tone was calm yet carried an unquestionable majesty as he began to set the team rules: "From today on, the five of us are the core student team of Shrek. Future cultivation and trials will be conducted together. I have only three rules, and everyone must obey them."

"First, within the academy and this team, strength is supreme. Regardless of origin or background, all actions must follow my command. No one is to act on their own; violators will be expelled from the team and will no longer share in the academy's resources."

"Second, put away all arrogance and vanity. Bitter cultivation is the priority. No complaining, no slacking, and no special treatment. Shrek is not a place for leisure; if you cannot endure hardship, you may leave now."

"Third, within the team, help one another and present a united front. No infighting or undermining each other. Violators will bear the consequences themselves."

The three rules were concise and clear, yet every word carried a hardness that left no room for negotiation.

Dai Mubai immediately bowed and responded, "I obey!"

After everything that had happened, he had completely submitted, willing to follow Lin Chen's orders without a single objection.

Xiao Wu nodded quickly and said crisply, "I'll listen to Chen-ge too!"

Zhu Zhuqing spoke coldly, her tone firm: "I will comply."

Finally, everyone's gaze fell upon Ning Rongrong.

Ning Rongrong bit her lip, her fingertips clutching her skirt tightly, her heart full of grievance and unwillingness. She was the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect; when had she ever been subjected to such constraints? But thinking of Lin Chen's overwhelming dominance earlier and that icy gaze, she dared not resist. With a hint of a sob, she whispered, "I... I understand."

With that, all five bowed their heads, and not one dared to defy Lin Chen's orders.

Lin Chen looked at the group, his expression softening slightly as he continued to assign subsequent matters: "Dai Mubai, you are familiar with the academy. Lead everyone to familiarize yourselves with all the grounds, training facilities, and the academy's various rules. You must have everything clear within one hour."

"Yes!" Dai Mubai acknowledged the order.

"Ning Rongrong, your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is a top-tier support martial soul with great advantages, but you have no combat power of your own. In future training, focus on tempering your physique and improving your self-preservation skills. You are not to rely solely on the sect and the team." Lin Chen looked at Ning Rongrong, his tone serious as he pointed out her fatal weakness.

Ning Rongrong paused, looking up at Lin Chen. Seeing his earnest expression—not one of deliberate harassment—the grievance in her heart dissipated slightly. She even felt, faintly, that Lin Chen's words made sense, and she nodded silently in agreement.

"Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, you two focus on agility and close-quarters combat. You can spar and train together to improve your practical combat skills."

"Understood!" the two girls replied in unison.

Just as the arrangements were settled, Oscar and Ma Hongjun arrived at Shrek Academy one after another, officially joining the team.

Oscar was still his usual lazy and sluggish self, holding a sausage, but the moment he saw Lin Chen and felt the aura surrounding him, along with the respectful attitude of Dai Mubai and the others, he instantly shed all his laziness and stepped forward to bow obediently. Ma Hongjun kept his head low the entire time, not daring to look up, filled with extreme awe toward Lin Chen.

As soon as they joined, they learned of Lin Chen's dominance and strength from Dai Mubai. Not daring to show even a hint of rebellion, they immediately stated their willingness to follow all the rules set by Lin Chen and obey his commands.

Thus, the Shrek Seven Devils were fully assembled, yet not one dared to contend with Lin Chen.

Dai Mubai's pride, Ma Hongjun's arrogance, Oscar's laziness, and Ning Rongrong's spoiled nature were all crushed by Lin Chen. With everyone having submitted and pledged their loyalty, Lin Chen became the undisputed, unshakable absolute core of this team!

Lin Chen looked at the complete Shrek team before him, a flash of brilliance in his eyes.

From this day on, this team, which was supposed to revolve around Tang San, was completely under his control. The future path of soul masters, the conflicts of the continent, all the opportunities and glory would be in his grasp, and all his opponents would be trampled beneath his feet!

"Alright, start immediately. Familiarize yourselves with the academy and prepare for the bitter training to come."

Following Lin Chen's command, everyone moved into action, and not one dared to slack off.

As the sun set, the afterglow spilled onto the forest paths of Shrek Academy, the figures of the youths darting through them. A Douluo legend belonging to Lin Chen was officially setting sail with an unstoppable momentum.