Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Er Ming provokes Jiang Yi into entering the Valley of Love Inquiry, claiming it can test whether a person’s feelings are genuine. Tang Wutong eagerly supports the idea, hoping it will help test Ning Tian and Jiang Yi’s relationship.
• Jiang Yi agrees, confident that the test cannot truly threaten him and privately worrying that Ning Rongrong may use the opportunity to expose him.
• Huo Yutong chooses to remain at the academy. Because of her beast-type divine inheritance and unfinished mission involving Virtue Hall, she wants to avoid being noticed by Ning Rongrong, a legitimate deity.
• Jiang Yi, Ning Tian, Tang Wutong, and Er Ming travel to a hidden valley in the western mountains. Er Ming explains that the actual Valley of Love Inquiry exists in another dimension and must be activated through a special method.
• While waiting, the group camps beside a strange gold-and-silver lake. Jiang Yi uses Xiao Lan’s lightning to catch fish, but Tang Wutong joins in personally, diving into the water and turning the activity into a game.
• Jiang Yi encourages the restrained Ning Tian to abandon her formal identity as the Ning Clan’s young lady and simply act like herself. He pulls her into the lake, where she gradually relaxes and joins Tang Wutong in playful combat.
• A large water fight breaks out among Jiang Yi, Ning Tian, Tang Wutong, and Xiao Lan.
• Meanwhile, Er Ming secretly enters the true otherworldly valley and meets Ning Rongrong. She observes Jiang Yi through the lake’s reflection and questions whether his affection for multiple girls is sincere.
• Ning Rongrong activates the Valley of Love Inquiry. Gold and silver light spreads across the lake, swallowing the group’s reflections as a divine proclamation announces the beginning of the trial.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yi: Remains confident and playful, using humor to conceal his concern about Ning Rongrong’s involvement. He also shows genuine tenderness toward Ning Tian by encouraging her to escape the restrictions of her upbringing.
• Ning Tian: Initially cautious and unwilling to behave informally, she gradually lets go of her composure because of Jiang Yi’s support. She joins Tang Wutong in carefree play, revealing a more mischievous and relaxed side.
• Tang Wutong: Displays her energetic, impulsive personality by eagerly accepting the challenge and treating the valley as an adventure. She is particularly comfortable in water and quickly bonds with Ning Tian through playful competition.
• Huo Yutong: Acts cautiously and strategically, staying behind to conceal her divine inheritance and continue her mission.
• Ning Rongrong: Appears skeptical and faintly resentful while observing Jiang Yi. Her concern centers on whether someone who loves several girls can genuinely love each of them. She initiates the divine test.
• Er Ming: Deliberately manipulates events to push Jiang Yi toward the trial, suggesting that he suspects Jiang Yi’s relationships may not be entirely genuine.

Significant Themes

• Testing the sincerity of love: The chapter introduces the central conflict of whether love can be measured by an external divine trial.
• Love versus obligation: Ning Tian’s behavior contrasts her formal responsibilities and family expectations with her desire to act freely and naturally.
• Freedom and emotional release: Jiang Yi helps Ning Tian shed her rigid public persona, suggesting that intimacy allows people to reveal their true selves.
• Jealousy and complicated affection: Ning Rongrong questions Jiang Yi’s ability to love multiple women sincerely, highlighting tensions surrounding his relationships.
• Playfulness before danger: The group’s carefree water battle creates a warm, comedic contrast with the ominous supernatural trial about to begin.

Character Interactions

• Er Ming and Jiang Yi: Er Ming teases and pressures Jiang Yi into entering the valley, while Jiang Yi recognizes the trap and privately mocks Er Ming’s motives.
• Jiang Yi and Ning Tian: Their relationship deepens when Jiang Yi reassures her that she need not behave as the Ning Clan’s heir around him. His encouragement allows her to become more spontaneous.
• Ning Tian and Tang Wutong: Their water fight transforms their relationship from polite distance into playful camaraderie.
• Jiang Yi and Xiao Lan: Their affectionate master-and-companion dynamic becomes comic when Xiao Lan shocks him with electricity and is nearly punished before the girls intervene.
• Er Ming and Ning Rongrong: Er Ming respectfully observes Ning Rongrong’s power and resentment, while she uses him as a means to observe and test Jiang Yi.
• Ning Rongrong and Jiang Yi: Though they do not meet directly, Ning Rongrong begins actively judging his character and sincerity, setting up the chapter’s impending divine trial.

Chapter Summary: “Prank? Damn Truth or Dare!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yi, Tang Wutong, and Ning Tian are suddenly trapped in golden bubbles when the lake transforms into the Valley of Love Inquiry. A circular platform appears, and a golden sun and silver moon replace the sunset.
• The bubbles isolate the three, preventing communication or escape. Tang Wutong tries to break hers with her hammer but fails.
• An icy voice announces a Truth and Dare-style trial. A golden pointer selects participants one by one.
• Tang Wutong is asked whether she has a lover. She answers “No,” but the trial treats it as a failure. However, the supposed punishment—“Soul Power regresses by negative one level”—actually increases her power, revealing that Ning Rongrong has manipulated the trial.
• Ning Rongrong and Er Ming observe the event from outside. Ning Rongrong explains that she cannot completely control the Love God’s artifact, the Life-and-Death Mandarin Duck Jade, but can make limited adjustments.
• Ning Rongrong sends Er Ming to a separate golden cultivation space, allowing him to recover and strengthen his weakened divine cultivation.
• The pointer then selects Ning Tian. Asked whether she has a lover, she immediately names Jiang Yi.
• Ning Rongrong challenges whether Ning Tian truly loves Jiang Yi or merely values his talent, status, and usefulness to the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect.
• Ning Tian is forced to relive memories showing that her initial interest in Jiang Yi began as a calculated attempt to recruit a talented heir and benefit her sect. Family members repeatedly encouraged her to pursue him for strategic reasons.
• After confronting these memories, Ning Tian ultimately declares that she loves all of it—Jiang Yi himself, his identity, and everything connected to him.

Character Developments

• Tang Wutong: Remains energetic and optimistic despite being trapped. She trusts the Sea God’s Trident as a last resort and is relieved when the trial’s “punishment” strengthens her instead.
• Jiang Yi: Recognizes that the event is probably another one of Ning Rongrong’s pranks and reacts with resigned annoyance. He is unable to hear the questions posed to the others.
• Ning Tian: Shows certainty about her relationship with Jiang Yi, but the trial exposes the calculating motives behind its beginning. Rather than denying those motives, she accepts that her feelings encompass both Jiang Yi as a person and the advantages associated with him.
• Ning Rongrong: Acts as the hidden instigator and moderator of the trial. Her playful manipulation masks deeper personal reflections about love, choice, and regret.
• Er Ming: Is treated kindly by Ning Rongrong, who sends him to cultivate and restore his weakened strength after returning from the God Realm.

Significant Themes

• Love versus ulterior motives: The chapter questions whether love remains genuine when it begins with political, familial, or practical calculations.
• Self-honesty: Ning Tian is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about why she first pursued Jiang Yi.
• Regret and alternate choices: Ning Rongrong’s memories of choosing Oscar instead of remaining close to Tang San reveal her lingering regret and influence her treatment of Ning Tian.
• Trials as opportunities: Although the Valley of Love Inquiry appears dangerous, its challenges ultimately promote growth—whether through increased cultivation or emotional self-understanding.
• Pranks masking serious lessons: The Truth or Dare format is presented humorously, but the questions expose important emotional realities.

Character Interactions

• Tang Wutong calls out to Ning Rongrong and tries to communicate with Jiang Yi and Ning Tian, but the magical barriers prevent contact.
• Ning Rongrong and Er Ming discuss the artificial manipulation of the trial and the limits of the Life-and-Death Mandarin Duck Jade.
• Ning Rongrong jokingly sends Er Ming away to cultivate before focusing on Ning Tian’s relationship with Jiang Yi.
• Ning Rongrong interrogates Ning Tian’s motives, while Ning Tian responds by openly affirming that her love includes both Jiang Yi and the circumstances surrounding him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Rongrong questions Ning Tian about her love for Jiang Yi, leading to a philosophical debate on love.
• Ning Rongrong then questions Jiang Yi about his lovers, to which he gives various reasons for each, passing the first True Heart Questioning Love checkpoint.
• Jiang Yi is subjected to Thunder Tempering as a reward/punishment for passing the checkpoint.

Character Developments

• Ning Tian: Shows profound understanding of love, passing the first checkpoint.
• Jiang Yi: Proves his sincerity in loving multiple women, passing the first checkpoint.
• Ning Rongrong: Realizes her own pain in forgetting someone and considers accepting a polygamous relationship if Tang San were like Jiang Yi.

Significant Themes

• Love and understanding: The chapter explores different perspectives on love, with Ning Tian and Jiang Yi presenting profound views that challenge Ning Rongrong's understanding.
• Polygamy: The chapter touches on the theme of polygamy, with Jiang Yi's multiple relationships and Ning Rongrong's consideration of accepting such a relationship.

Character Interactions

• Ning Rongrong vs. Ning Tian: A philosophical debate on love, with Ning Rongrong questioning Ning Tian and the latter responding with profound insights.
• Ning Rongrong vs. Jiang Yi: A series of questions and answers about Jiang Yi's relationships, with him providing various reasons for each.
• Jiang Yi's interactions with his lovers: Jiang Yi recalls his relationships with his lovers, providing reasons for each, and showing his sincerity in loving them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yi's Soul Power jumps two ranks after enduring lightning, reaching level 80, nearing Soul Douluo status.
• Jiang Yi and Ning Tian participate in a 'French kiss' challenge in the Valley of Love Inquiry.
• Ning Tian is transported back in time to her younger self, before meeting Jiang Yi, while still retaining her memories.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yi demonstrates his unique Martial Soul's power and resilience.
• Ning Tian, despite being transported back in time, remains determined to find Jiang Yi and prevent past regrets.
• Wu Feng, Ning Tian's loyal companion, grows from a fiery-red figure to a mature woman, expressing her unspoken feelings for Ning Tian.

Significant Themes

• Love and Determination: Ning Tian's unyielding love for Jiang Yi drives her to search for him across timelines.
• Illusion vs. Reality: The distinction between dreams, illusions, and reality is blurred, with Ning Tian struggling to accept the absence of Jiang Yi in her new timeline.
• Growth and Change: Characters age and change over time, as seen in Wu Feng's transformation and Ning Tian's persistence.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yi and Ning Tian share a passionate kiss during the challenge, strengthening their bond.
• Ning Tian and Wu Feng's relationship deepens, with Wu Feng expressing her hidden feelings and Ning Tian revealing her memories of another timeline to Wu Feng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Tian completes the 'Truth or Dare' trial in the Valley of Love Inquiry, gaining a divine artifact's recognition.
• Jiang Yi is pulled into an illusion where he's made to believe he's Tang San, before Gu Yuena intervenes.
• Jiang Yi realizes he's in Holy Soul Village, ten thousand years ago, before meeting Xiao Wu.

Character Developments

• Ning Tian gains control over a divine artifact, strengthening her power.
• Jiang Yi maintains his identity despite Ning Rongrong's attempt to possess him.
• Gu Yuena shows concern for Jiang Yi's safety and willingness to help.

Significant Themes

• The power of illusions and the mind over reality.
• The consequences of manipulating others' memories and identities.
• The importance of maintaining one's true self.

Character Interactions

• Ning Tian and Wu Feng (Feng Mei) express their feelings and part ways.
• Jiang Yi interacts with Tang Hao and Village Chief Jack in the illusion.
• Jiang Yi encounters Ning Rongrong in the illusion, leading to a tumble and an apology.

Summary of the chapter

Plot points/events

• Ning Rongrong, disguised as a frightened little girl being chased by “human traffickers,” runs into Jiang Yi—a person living as Tang San in Holy Soul Village, with Tang San’s appearance/memories but Jiang Yi’s own unsealed personality.
• She gives him a pouch of gold coins and begs for shelter. Jiang Yi sees through her act but plays along, taking her to Tang Hao’s cottage.
• At dinner, Tang Hao complains about the extra child. Jiang Yi flatly tells him he’ll pay for her living expenses. Tang Hao backs down and retreats to drink himself into dreams of Ah Yin.
• Ning Rongrong asks to bathe; Jiang Yi shows her a crude outdoor bath and some faded clothes. She tries to get him to bathe her, but he refuses.
• At night, she sneaks into his bed, claims her whole family died, and asks him to be her new family. He agrees to treat her as his little sister, and she reveals her name: Ning Rongrong.
• Time-skip montage: the two awaken Martial Souls at six, join Nuoding Academy, meet Grandmaster, and encounter Xiao Wu. Ning Rongrong arranges for the three to share a bed and happily declares Xiao Wu her “big sister,” sharing “Third Brother” with her.
• Later, they join Shrek Academy, form the Shrek Seven Devils, compete in the Soul Master Tournament, make the five-year promise, and travel the continent. The chapter ends with a cliffhanger: “Until that day arrived…”

Character developments

• Ning Rongrong: Initially manipulative and sly—she deliberately created this scenario via the Valley of Love Inquiry, preserving Jiang Yi’s personality and adding a “tiny bit of hypnosis” to shape the perfect Tang San. Despite her scheming, she becomes genuinely attached as a clingy, affectionate little sister, even choosing to share him with Xiao Wu.
• Jiang Yi / Tang San: Sees through Ning Rongrong’s performance but indulges it. He shows kindness, a rebellious streak against Tang Hao, and quietly accepts her as family.
• Tang Hao: Grieving, alcoholic, neglectful; still paralyzed by Ah Yin’s loss. He avoids confronting his son and escapes into drunkenness.
• Xiao Wu: Trusting and warm; easily accepts being “big sister” to Rongrong.

Significant themes

• Self-insert fantasy and wish-fulfillment: Ning Rongrong sculpts an idealized version of Tang San.
• Found family and unconditional sibling love.
• Loneliness, belonging, and escape from painful realities.
• Regret and “correcting” the past—Ning Rongrong walks the old Shrek path but tries to make it happier than the original.
• Surface innocence hiding ulterior motives; performance vs. genuine emotion.

Character interactions

• Jiang Yi and Ning Rongrong: mutual deception that softens into real sibling affection.
• Jiang Yi vs. Tang Hao: rare act of defiance, foreshadowing Tang San’s independence.
• Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu: playful “sisterhood” and an unspoken sharing arrangement over Tang San.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Shrek Seven Devils reunite after five years, drinking and reminiscing about their past.
• Ning Rongrong eavesdrops on their conversation and later sneaks into Jiang Yi's room, intending to help him lose his virginity to Xiao Wu.
• Jiang Yi and Ning Rongrong engage in a passionate moment, but Jiang Yi stops and reveals his true identity.
• Ning Rongrong, enraged and humiliated, threatens Jiang Yi but ultimately cannot bring herself to harm him.
• Jiang Yi uses the Silver Dragon King's power to overcome Ning Rongrong's divine body defenses and consummate their relationship.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yi: Regains his memories and takes control of the situation, using the Silver Dragon King's power to overcome Ning Rongrong.
• Ning Rongrong: Initially confident and manipulative, she becomes vulnerable and emotional when her plans are exposed. She struggles with her feelings for Jiang Yi and her desire for revenge.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power dynamics: Ning Rongrong's attempts to manipulate Jiang Yi are ultimately unsuccessful, highlighting the dangers of underestimating one's opponent.
• The consequences of deception: Jiang Yi's deception leads to a complex emotional situation with Ning Rongrong, showcasing the potential harm caused by lies and manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yi and Ning Rongrong: Their relationship evolves from a fake sibling bond to a tense and complex dynamic, with Ning Rongrong's feelings for Jiang Yi becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
• Jiang Yi and the Silver Dragon King: The Silver Dragon King's power is crucial in helping Jiang Yi overcome Ning Rongrong's divine body defenses, highlighting the importance of their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yi and Ning Rongrong's illusionary encounter ends with neither acknowledging it.
• Jiang Yi leaves the Valley of Love Inquiry, while Ning Rongrong stays behind.
• Jiang Yi returns to Bright City, leaving with Meng Hongchen on Xiao Lan (now Jiang Lanlan) to avoid Virtue Hall.

Character Developments

• Ning Rongrong: Realizes her feelings for Tang San, but remains confused about her emotions.
• Jiang Yi: Upgrades his soul rings to seven Hundred-Thousand-Year rings using Ning Rongrong's "hush money." Xiao Lan takes human form and becomes Jiang Lanlan.
• Meng Hongchen: Joins Jiang Yi in his escape from Bright City, finally getting her chance to be with him.

Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: Ning Rongrong and Jiang Yi's encounter blurs the line between their illusory relationship and reality.
• Escape and Freedom: Jiang Yi and Meng Hongchen's escape from Bright City represents their desire for freedom and a life together.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yi and Ning Rongrong: Their tacit understanding and unspoken agreement about their illusionary encounter highlights their mutual respect and understanding.
• Jiang Yi and Meng Hongchen: Their grand escape from Bright City strengthens their bond and commitment to each other.
• Jiang Yi and Xiao Lan (Jiang Lanlan): Jiang Yi's decision to name Xiao Lan after himself shows his affection and acceptance of her as his pet and family.

Artificial Rain! The Bird Was Shaken—I'm Not the Rain God!

"Hold tight! Let's go!"
Jiang Yi chuckled, then patted the Xiao Lan beneath him.

Screech—!!!

With a phoenix cry, Xiao Lan transformed into a streak of azure light and swiftly vanished into the horizon.
Only then did two figures rise into the air from distant Virtue Hall, chasing after the direction the two had disappeared in.
"Put down Miss Meng!"
The two Ninth-Level Soul Engineers used flying Soul Tools, yet could only watch helplessly as the pair flew farther and farther away.
Before long, they lost track of them.
Xiao Lan was simply too fast. Other than teleportation, even ordinary Title Douluo could only be left in the dust.
"It's over. How are we supposed to explain this when the Hall Master returns?"
One of the men held his forehead and sighed. Jing Hongchen cherished his granddaughter more than anyone.
"Send someone to Maple Leaf City and tell the Hall Master. Let him negotiate with Shrek Academy himself!"
"That's all we can do."
The two immediately agreed and returned to Virtue Hall.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of a certain Evil Soul Master who wished to remain anonymous, two pairs of eyes watched Jiang Yi and the others leave from afar.
"That's him? Should we make a move and keep this brat here?"
Long Xiaoyao stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze piercing through space as he stared with interest at the Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast beneath Jiang Yi's feet.
How interesting?!
It was his first time seeing someone capable of controlling a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, and the boy was not even eighteen.
Even with the talent the three of them had possessed back then, at that age, they had still been preparing to break through to Soul Sage.
This boy was terrifying beyond measure!
"Let him go. For Mu En to personally speak up for him, this little fellow truly is extraordinary. Let him off this time."
Ye Xishui shook her head and stared blankly at the sky, though a blurry figure was reflected in her eyes.
A year ago, the two of them had fought that mysterious Soul Beast and both suffered injuries to varying degrees. Their whereabouts had also been exposed.
Mu En had come, as expected.
His condition was worse than they had imagined. He likely could not hold on much longer and would die of old age within a year or two.
She ultimately owed Mu En a debt of guilt. Besides, her grandson was still with him. It was better to honor old ties.
"So be it!"
Long Xiaoyao nodded slightly, extinguishing his urge to act.
Xu Tianran had merely mentioned wanting him to keep the boy here, but Xi Shui was unwilling, so that was that.
"Xiaoyao..."
Suddenly, Ye Xishui withdrew her gaze and looked at him with an inscrutable expression.
"What is it, Xi Shui?"
Long Xiaoyao eagerly stepped forward, took Ye Xishui's hand, and gazed affectionately at the still-charming beauty.
Even after looking at her for so many years, she was still so beautiful and captivating.
"Nothing. Let's go!"
Ye Xishui sighed. Looking at the devoted Long Xiaoyao, she felt an absurd sense of fate playing tricks on people.
This cursed entanglement between the three of them!
...
"This is what freedom feels like!"
Meng Hongchen stood atop Xiao Lan's head, gripping a tuft of bird feathers as the fierce wind tossed her long silver hair.
She had used flying Soul Tools many times before, but she had never felt as refreshed and exhilarated as she did now.
This was the taste of rebellion.
As the legitimate daughter of her family, she had always grown according to their arrangements, step by step. Yet she had also longed to soar freely.
Now, her dream had come true.
"Thank you, Jiang Yi."
She looked back with a smile at the tall figure behind her.
Jiang Yi was no longer the immature youth he had been years ago. Standing at six foot three, handsome and imposing, he possessed an unmatched heroic bearing just by standing there.
"This was our promise, Mengmeng! I'm truly happy that you came with me! I'll always love you!"
Jiang Yi blinked, stepped forward, and pulled Meng Hongchen into his arms. He looked at her tenderly and fed her a string of shameless sweet talk.
He had openly revealed Xiao Lan and ridden right into Virtue Hall's face for no other reason than one word—cool!
Now, with Ning Rongrong in his left hand and Chief Gu in his right, there was no one left on the entire continent who made him feel wary.
Unless God King Tang suddenly returned...
Even Long Xiaoyao and the others were nothing to worry about. He would not even need to call for his two moms—Demon Empress alone would be enough to give the two of them a hard time.
"Jiang Yi—!"
Meng Hongchen hugged him emotionally.
As a sheltered young lady, most of her fantasies about love came from novels. At this moment, they had been brought vividly to life.
Master Beibei truly hadn't deceived me! This was fucking love~
"I love you too!"
Miss Meng tucked the windblown hair beside her ear and nestled in Jiang Yi's arms, her large eyes blinking.
"Jiang Yi, I want to try something more exciting... Right here!"
She pursed her lips and gently tickled Jiang Yi's neck with her hair, her gaze fixed on a white cloud below them.
Rain came from the sky, and that cloud was so plump. If they squeezed it, it should be able to rain, right? She wanted to be a rain god for once!
Jiang Yi: ???
Jiang Yi had been ambushed, and he could not help pondering the philosophy of life.
The wind roared, the dragon howled!
Above the white clouds, the clouds were like a soft bed, gently kneaded apart, then fiercely pressed solid.
Could a toad eat swan meat?
Meng Hongchen did not know, but she knew that an initiative-taking little toad could eat dragon meat—and of course, dragon breath as well.
Gulp gulp gulp gulp...
Xiao Lan, serving as their mattress, had tears in her eyes, because she loved this free sky deeply.
Bro, what can I say?
You two were way too free!
...
Maple Leaf City was drizzling. In the central plaza, the two groups of students from two years ago had gathered once more.
The two sides exchanged students again.
"Grandpa, where's Xiaomeng?"
Xiao Hongchen led his people back to Jing Hongchen's side and immediately searched the crowd for his younger sister.
Two years had passed. After undergoing Shrek's training and taking plenty of beatings, Xiao Hongchen had become much more composed.
There was no helping it. Shrek Academy was full of exceptionally talented Jiahao and Jiaxin. When they fought, they really fought.
"She's still grieving at the academy! She'll be fine after some time."
Jing Hongchen stroked his beard and chuckled, extremely pleased with Xiao Hongchen's changes. This exchange program had not been a loss.
Though he knew Shrek had surely secretly stolen some of Sun Moon Royal Academy's Soul Tool technology, the impact was insignificant.
In fact, Shrek creating enormous obstacles for the Sun Moon Empire was exactly what war hawks like them wanted to see.
Only with resistance did the empire need them.
"Oh, right, Grandpa, I have something to show you..."
Xiao Hongchen suddenly remembered something. His expression turned serious as he leaned close to Jing Hongchen and secretly gave him a meaningful look.
What had shocked him most at Shrek was not their research into Martial Souls, but the direction in which they were developing Soul Tools.
Shrek had completely abandoned the development model they used and taken a path that seemed entirely opposite.
"Mm."
Jing Hongchen understood at once and bid farewell to Yan Shaozhe across from him.
"Dean Yan, let us part here!"
"Until we meet again!"
Yan Shaozhe nodded slightly, not sensing anything unusual.
Both sides departed separately.
Meanwhile, the azure phoenix bird that had circled in the sky for half the day finally descended slowly through the rain curtain.

Chapter Summary: Return to Shrek Academy! Choosing the Eighth Soul Ring!

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• Journey to Bright City: Jiang Yi flies Meng Hongchen from Maple Leaf City to Bright City in just a few hours using his bird, Xiao Lan, without stopping. Meng Hongchen, embarrassed by her disheveled state, refuses to meet her grandfather Jing Hongchen and sends a letter through Jiang Yi instead.
• Xiao Hongchen's Discovery: At an inn outside Maple Leaf City, Xiao Hongchen demonstrates a revolutionary soul tool to his grandfather — a metal fan powered by temperature differences (gas expansion/contraction in a sealed cylinder) rather than soul power. Jing Hongchen is stunned, realizing Shrek Academy has pioneered a technology that bypasses soul power entirely and directly harnesses natural laws.
• Panic at the Inn: Jing Hongchen learns Jiang Yi was recalled to Shrek but hasn't actually returned. He realizes Jiang Yi was still in Bright City with Meng Hongchen. Two letters arrive simultaneously — one from Meng Hongchen (she's safe), one from Bright City (Meng Hongchen was taken). Jing Hongchen faints from shock.
• Jiang Yi's Return: Jiang Yi reunites with Xian Lin'er and the others at Shrek Academy. Tang Wutong returns as well. Ning Tian heads back to the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect with an elder, likely for a family purge.
• Three Days and Three Nights: Jiang Yi spends three days and nights with all his gathered companions — Ling Luochen, Ma Xiaotao, Tang Ya, and others — described as "plowing the fields." He emerges victorious but exhausted.

2. Character Developments

• Jiang Yi: Displays both physical endurance (flying thousands of miles with a companion) and intimate prowess. Returns to Shrek as the driving force behind its soul tool innovation. By the end, he is exhausted but dominant, questioning Bi Ji's loyalty with "Are you willing to follow me?"
• Jing Hongchen: Regrets not having Jiang Yi detained earlier. Acknowledges Shrek's soul tool research as a game-changer that could outpace even the Sun Moon Empire's ninth-level soul engineers. His emotional collapse shows his desperation.
• Xiao Hongchen: Humbled by Shrek's technology, yet enjoys a moment of superiority over his grandfather. He reflects on Jiang Yi's genius — a fourteen-year-old eighth-level soul engineer who crushed the Sun Moon Empire's tournament hopes.
• Bi Ji: Fully adapted to human life in Shrek City after 2.5 years and no longer wishes to return to the Star Dou Forest. She serves Jiang Yi devotedly, infusing life energy into him, and reflects that her only anchor in the human world is him — a role originally assigned by Gu Yuena.
• Meng Hongchen: Wildly infatuated with Jiang Yi; bold and unreserved despite her shy exterior, described as shamelessly forward ("wolf in front feigning sleep, wolf behind gaping wide").

3. Significant Themes

• Innovation vs. Tradition: Shrek Academy's soul tool technology — operating on natural laws without soul power — threatens to surpass the entire Sun Moon Empire's soul tool system. This bypasses cultivation limits entirely, allowing even non-soul masters to wield advanced tools.
• Mortal vs. Absolute Power: The story contrasts Jing Hongchen's mortal limits (a ninth-level soul engineer capped at rank 94) with Jiang Yi's revolutionary approach that leverages plane-level laws.
• Consequences of Genius: Jiang Yi's brilliance makes him a target — Jing Hongchen wishes he'd captured him earlier, but Shrek's Dragon God Douluo serves as a deterrent.
• Homecoming & Recompense: Jiang Yi "returns" to Shrek not by choice but by necessity, paying his dues intimately to his gathered companions.

4. Character Interactions

• Jiang Yi & Meng Hongchen: Tender and flirtatious; he dotes on her ("rubbed her little head"), while she shows embarrassing boldness and clings to him. She avoids her grandfather entirely, leaving communication to Jiang Yi.
• Jiang Yi & Bi Ji: Professional yet intimate servant-master dynamic. Bi Ji massages him, injects life energy into his tired body, and contemplates her place in his life. His direct question "Are you willing to follow me?" feels both tender and possessive.
• Xiao Hongchen & Jing Hongchen: A reversal of roles — the grandson calmly demonstrates revolutionary technology to a shocked grandfather. Xiao Hongchen internally compares Jing Hongchen to a "country bumpkin" while explaining Shrek's breakthrough, deepening Jing Hongchen's alarm.

Summary: Sea God Pavilion Meeting & Poké Ball Promotion

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• Urgent meeting called at Sea God Pavilion; elders arrive confused about the purpose.
• Jiang Yi arrives with Elder Mu En (in a wheelchair) and a mysterious veiled woman.
• Jiang Yi announces a breakthrough: He reveals a Ninth-Level Soul Tool he calls a "Poké Ball" — a red-and-white sphere replicated from his Master Ball Martial Soul.
• The Poké Ball's function: It can contract with Soul Beasts, mimicking his Martial Soul's ability, effectively granting Soul Masters another "Martial Soul."
• Bi Ji's identity exposed: The veiled woman steps forward, revealing herself as Bi Ji, the Emerald Swan, one of the Ten Great Ferocious Beasts (a 500,000-year Soul Beast, near Limit Douluo level), shocking all elders present.

2. Character Developments

• Jiang Yi: Confirmed as a Ninth-Level Soul Engineer (previously thought impossible without being a Title Douluo). His influence grows as Mu En's chosen protégé, described as possessing "the bearing of the Sea God."
• Mu En: Reveals his longstanding confidence in Jiang Yi; hints at historical significance of this invention.
• Zhang Lexuan & Ma Xiaotao: Their private conversation reveals an intimate relationship with Jiang Yi; Ma Xiaotao is openly possessive while Zhang Lexuan is embarrassed by her forwardness.
• Bi Ji: A legendary Soul Beast now cooperates with humans, willing to demonstrate her power publicly for Jiang Yi's cause.

3. Significant Themes

• Technological progress vs. tradition: The Soul Tool Department's grassroots popularity threatens the Martial Soul Department's status; the Poké Ball widens this gap.
• Human–Soul Beast cooperation: Contracts replace conflict, echoing Tang San's legacy and potentially changing Soul Master society.
• Breaking limits: Jiang Yi achieving Ninth-Level Soul Engineering without being a Title Douluo challenges established rules.
• Power dynamics: The Sea God Pavilion's leadership is visibly unsettled, and the Martial Soul vs. Soul Tool rivalry is emphasized.

4. Character Interactions

• Yan Shaozhe → Xuan Zi: Questions the meeting's purpose; Xuan Zi cryptically hints it involves Jiang Yi.
• Ma Xiaotao ↔ Zhang Lexuan: Playful/embarrassing banter about their shared nights with Jiang Yi; Zhang Lexuan threatens to avoid her to quiet her down.
• Jiang Yi → Elders: Presents the Poké Ball confidently; uses Bi Ji as a demonstration to silence doubt.
• Bi Ji → Jiang Yi: Follows his lead without hesitation, showcasing her trust/partnership with him.
• Elders' reaction: Shock and disbelief — from fascination with the Poké Ball's power to realization that human–Soul Beast relations could be revolutionized.

Chapter Summary: The Eighth Soul Ring, Emerald Swan! The Appointed Master of the Sea God Pavilion!

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• The Poké Ball Demonstration: Jiang Yi presents his Poké Ball invention to the Sea God Pavilion elders. Mu En calms the hall when Bi Ji (a Ferocious Beast from the Star Dou Forest) is revealed to be present, indicating he already knew about her.
• The Fabricated Origin Story: Jiang Yi tells a heroic tale of how Bi Ji saved him and his team after they fell off a cliff years ago—implying he developed Poké Balls to foster peace between humans and soul beasts. (In reality, Bi Ji had been captured by Tian Meng at the Lake of Life.)
• The Successful Contract: Jiang Yi asks Bi Ji to form a contract with him. She agrees, and the Poké Ball captures her successfully. A contract formation appears, and Jiang Yi's soul power breaks through to Rank 84, gaining an eighth soul ring (red with five golden patterns).
• The Succession Announcement: Mu En states his lifespan is nearly over and raises the question of appointing the next Pavilion Master.
• Jiang Yi Appointed: Xuan Zi declines the position and recommends Jiang Yi. After Ma Xiaotao enthusiastically voices support, the pavilion elders unanimously agree—Jiang Yi is to become the next master of the Sea God Pavilion.

2. Character Developments

• Jiang Yi: Shows himself to be politically savvy and manipulative, using fabricated heroics to build his reputation and "harvest faith" from soul masters. His invention succeeds, and he rises to Rank 84, positioning himself to run the Sea God Pavilion.
• Bi Ji: Transitions from a captive to a genuine partner. She is sincerely moved by Jiang Yi's expressed vision of coexistence. Her capture grants Jiang Yi significant political leverage.
• Mu En: Demonstrates calculated leadership—he reveals he knew about Bi Ji all along, steers the succession process, and uses Xuan Zi to nominate Jiang Yi without seeming to impose his will.
• Xuan Zi: Content to stay out of leadership, he skillfully deflects the role, showing both humility and awareness of his own limits.
• Ma Xiaotao: Acts impulsively and publicly supports Jiang Yi, motivated partly by romantic interest (wanting to be the Pavilion Master's wife). Her actions inadvertently undermine her own teacher, Yan Shaozhe.

3. Significant Themes

• Human–Soul Beast Coexistence: Jiang Yi frames Poké Balls as tools for peace between humans and soul beasts, challenging the traditional predator-prey relationship.
• Innovation vs. Tradition: The Poké Ball is presented as a revolutionary breakthrough in a world where soul beasts are rapidly disappearing, making soul tools the likely future.
• Political Legacy & Succession: The chapter explores the tension between merit and seniority. Mu En carefully orchestrates the transfer of power, bypassing Yan Shaozhe's expected claim.
• The Power of Storytelling: Jiang Yi consciously builds his own legend, understanding that reputation and faith are currency in this world.

4. Character Interactions

• Mu En vs. Yan Shaozhe: Mu En ignores Yan Shaozhe's silent objection, pushing forward with Jiang Yi's demonstration and ultimately choosing him as successor—though he makes the process appear democratic.
• Xuan Zi & Mu En: A quiet mutual understanding; Xuan Zi recognizes Mu En is "using him as a weapon" but plays along, nominating Jiang Yi after declining the role himself.
• Yan Shaozhe & Ma Xiaotao: A moment of unintentional betrayal—Ma Xiaotao's enthusiastic support for Jiang Yi forces Yan Shaozhe into a corner, making it impossible for him to contest the decision.
• Jiang Yi & Bi Ji: Despite the fabricated backstory, their dynamic becomes genuine. Bi Ji is sincerely touched by Jiang Yi's words and willingly chooses to contract with him, creating a true bond.
• The Pavilion Elders: Initially skeptical, they are won over by the tangible benefits of the Poké Ball, making the appointment unanimous.

Overall: This chapter cements Jiang Yi's rapid rise by combining a genuine breakthrough (the Poké Ball) with shrewd political maneuvering. Bi Ji's soul ring both strengthens him personally and gives him institutional power, while Mu En's orchestrated succession solidifies his path to the Sea God Pavilion throne.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yi is officially appointed as the next Master of the Sea God Pavilion.
• Mu En entrusts Jiang Yi with the task of choosing Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones from Shrek's treasure vault.
• Mu En reveals that he cannot hold on much longer and urges Jiang Yi to strengthen his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Yan Shaozhe accepts his defeat and decides to travel with his wife, leaving the Martial Soul Department to Ma Xiaotao.
• Mu En shows concern for Jiang Yi's future and provides guidance on choosing Soul Bones.
• Jiang Yi demonstrates maturity and restraint in selecting only two suitable Soul Bones.

Significant Themes

• The importance of accepting one's limitations and passing on responsibilities (Yan Shaozhe, Mu En).
• The value of wisdom and restraint in decision-making (Jiang Yi's choice of Soul Bones).
• The accumulation of power and knowledge over time (Shrek Academy's treasure vault).

Character Interactions

• Mu En and Jiang Yi: Teacher-student relationship, with Mu En providing guidance and Jiang Yi showing respect and understanding.
• Yan Shaozhe and Ma Xiaotao: Despite initial reluctance, Yan Shaozhe accepts Ma Xiaotao's support and entrusts her with the Martial Soul Department.
• Yan Shaozhe and Cai Mei'er: The couple supports each other, with Cai Mei'er comforting Yan Shaozhe and helping him let go of his pride.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu En completes the transfer of Shrek Academy’s treasures and responsibilities to Jiang Yi, feeling relieved that the academy will have capable successors.
• Before withdrawing completely, Mu En asks Jiang Yi to give Yan Shaozhe a relatively peaceful position after his death, still worrying about his former disciple despite Shaozhe’s recent mistakes.
• Mu En remains alone beneath the Golden Tree, reflecting nostalgically on his youth and past travels with Long Xiaoyao.
• Following the Sea God Pavilion meeting, Mu En retreats from leadership, Jiang Yi begins taking over the pavilion, and Yan Shaozhe resigns before leaving the continent with Cai Mei’er.
• Former Inner Academy students return from missions for the academy’s annual grand event, the Sea God’s Fate Gathering.
• Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and Dai Huabin return together after years of traveling under assumed identities as the “Plum Blossom Three Brothers.” Their reunion is affectionate but marked by constant teasing and hostility between Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin.
• Han Ruoruo and Jiang Nannan also return after more than two years away. Han immediately goes looking for Zhang Lexuan, while Jiang Nannan chooses to visit her mother first.
• Han Ruoruo and Wu Ming secretly eavesdrop outside Zhang Lexuan’s room, discovering that Lexuan is with Jiang Yi. They flee when Lexuan notices them.
• The chapter ends with Zhang Lexuan teasing Jiang Yi about attending the next day’s Sea God’s Fate Gathering. Jiang Yi resists, but she points out that she and Xiaotao will attend, prompting a playful and intimate confrontation.

Character Developments

• Mu En accepts that his active role is ending and finds peace in passing the academy’s future to the next generation. His concern for Yan Shaozhe shows that he remains compassionate and protective even toward those who have disappointed him.
• Jiang Yi is established as the likely future leader of the Sea God Pavilion. He is trusted with the academy’s legacy but also shown to be mischievous and romantically entangled with several senior and junior sisters.
• Yan Shaozhe steps away from power and leaves Shrek with Cai Mei’er, suggesting a period of personal retreat and possible redemption.
• Dai Huabin remains proud and combative but carries the emotional consequences of losing a testicle while protecting others from an Evil Soul Master. He rejects arranged marriage and insists on choosing love freely.
• Bei Bei acts as the mediator between Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin, though he is increasingly helpless about their constant conflict.
• Han Ruoruo returns energetic, nosy, and openly interested in gossip, while her close relationship with Jiang Nannan is reinforced through their years of shared missions.
• Zhang Lexuan is shown in a romantic relationship with Jiang Yi and becomes embarrassed and defensive when their privacy is threatened.
• Wu Ming remains playful and mischievous, enjoying her role as an observer and instigator.

Significant Themes

• Passing of responsibility: Mu En’s retirement and Jiang Yi’s succession emphasize the transition from the old generation of Shrek leaders to the new.
• Legacy and mortality: Mu En’s reflections on youth, aging, and death contrast with the academy’s continuing vitality.
• Friendship and rivalry: The returning students share deep bonds, but affection often takes the form of insults, teasing, and competition.
• Love versus obligation: Dai Huabin’s rejection of arranged marriage introduces the idea that genuine affection should be freely chosen.
• Romance and public scrutiny: The Sea God’s Fate Gathering serves as a social and romantic event, while the eavesdropping scene highlights the tension between private relationships and academy gossip.
• Reunion and change: The returning disciples find that Shrek has changed during their absence, suggesting that time and distance have altered both the academy and their relationships.

Character Interactions

• Mu En and Jiang Yi share a respectful teacher-disciple farewell centered on the academy’s future and Yan Shaozhe’s fate.
• Bei Bei repeatedly mediates between Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin, whose mutual insults conceal their enduring brotherhood.
• Han Ruoruo and Jiang Nannan interact like close companions, with Han behaving freely and Jiang responding with familiar exasperation.
• Han Ruoruo and Wu Ming bond over gossip when they spy on Zhang Lexuan, only to flee after being discovered.
• Zhang Lexuan and Jiang Yi display a flirtatious, intimate relationship, with Lexuan teasing him about the upcoming gathering and Jiang Yi responding playfully.
• The chapter ends by setting up the Sea God’s Fate Gathering as the next major event, likely to create further romantic and comedic complications.

Chapter Summary: Jiang Yi’s Idol Debut! Xixi’s Divine Power!

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shrek Academy holds the Sea God’s Fate Blind Date Convention beside Sea God Lake. This year’s event is opened to Outer Academy disciples, creating an unusually large audience and attracting many participants.
• Jiang Yi’s participation causes a major sensation. Because Master Beibei has heavily promoted him, many female students view him as an almost legendary figure.
• Jiang Yi enters the gathering reluctantly, encouraged by Ma Xiaotao and the other women connected to him. His calm walk across the lake still provokes excited reactions from the crowd.
• The female participants appear veiled and disguised. Jiang Yi immediately recognizes Xiao Xiao among them because of her unusually small stature.
• Jiang encounters Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and Dai Huabin. Their conversation reveals that several characters already have complicated romantic connections, despite attending a gathering intended for singles.
• The first event, “Mutual Affinity,” begins. Male participants must attempt to remove the veils of the female participants.
• Xu Bufan tries to use his Golden Pig Martial Soul to forcibly charge into the women’s formation, but the first female participant easily defeats him with snowy moonlight.
• The woman is revealed to be Zhang Lexuan, Shrek’s revered Eldest Senior Sister. She overwhelms every male participant who approaches her, making it clear that she has no intention of seeking a partner.
• Wu Ming and Han Ruoruo jokingly discuss using Jiang Yi and their close friends as potential “ready-made” partners if they fail to find anyone themselves.
• When it is Bei Bei’s turn, he steps aside and encourages Dai Huabin to act. Dai Huabin appears determined to make an important romantic announcement, particularly concerning Zhu Lu.
• Zhu Lu realizes that Dai Huabin remembers their engagement and briefly feels hopeful. However, Dai Huabin does not approach her. Instead, he stops in the middle of the lake and announces that he has something to say to everyone.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yi: His popularity has grown to an almost absurd level, but he remains relaxed and self-aware. He observes the romantic tension around him with amusement and seems prepared to openly acknowledge his relationships rather than hide them.
• Zhang Lexuan: She displays a playful and mischievous side beneath her normally composed, dignified image. Her overwhelming strength allows her to reject every suitor while entertaining herself.
• Bei Bei: He demonstrates maturity and selflessness by supporting Dai Huabin’s pursuit of love. He has largely abandoned hope of finding romance for himself and is more concerned with helping his friends.
• Dai Huabin: He struggles with confidence but resolves to take action. His determination to make an announcement suggests a major emotional turning point.
• Zhu Lu: Her feelings toward Dai Huabin are complicated by dependence on her family status and his long neglect. His apparent decision to acknowledge their relationship briefly rekindles her hope.
• Xu Sanshi: He secretly intends to interfere with Dai Huabin’s plans and steal a kiss, revealing his playful and competitive approach to romance.
• Wu Ming and Han Ruoruo: They treat the gathering humorously and recognize that their chances of finding partners are reduced by Zhang Lexuan’s presence.

Significant Themes

• Love, loyalty, and complicated relationships: The gathering is supposedly for unmarried disciples, yet many participants already have partners or unresolved romantic ties.
• Public image versus private identity: Jiang Yi is idolized by the academy, while Zhang Lexuan’s public dignity conceals a much more playful private personality.
• Romance as performance: The event functions like a spectacle, with participants displaying strength, beauty, and confidence before a cheering audience.
• Friendship and emotional support: Bei Bei’s encouragement of Dai Huabin shows that friendship and loyalty remain important even amid romantic rivalry.
• Power and attraction: Martial strength is repeatedly connected to romantic appeal, as seen in Jiang Yi’s popularity and Zhang Lexuan’s effortless defeat of her suitors.
• Emotional recovery and moving forward: Bei Bei observes that Zhang Lexuan appears to have moved beyond earlier emotional difficulties, suggesting personal healing.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yi and Bei Bei exchange remarks about their inappropriate participation in a singles’ gathering despite existing relationships.
• Jiang Yi notices the suspicious dynamic between Dai Huabin and Xu Sanshi, sensing that both are focused on Bei Bei for different reasons.
• Zhang Lexuan playfully humiliates the male participants by repelling them one after another, while Wu Ming and Han Ruoruo comment on her behavior.
• Bei Bei deliberately gives Dai Huabin the opportunity to act, acting as a supportive older-brother figure.
• Dai Huabin’s actions confuse Zhu Lu and the surrounding participants when he addresses the entire crowd instead of approaching his fiancée.
• The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Dai Huabin prepares to reveal his announcement publicly.

Chapter Summary: “A Confession of Love! A Classic Love Triangle!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• During the Sea God’s Fate Gathering, Dai Huabin unexpectedly interrupts the veil-lifting segment to make a public confession.
• He introduces himself as the heir to the White Tiger Duke’s Mansion and reflects on suffering a crushing defeat before being encouraged by someone who stayed by his side.
• Zhu Lu assumes Dai Huabin is confessing to her. Believing that his feelings have finally awakened, she lifts her veil and rushes toward him.
• Dai Huabin dodges her embrace, apologizes, and gives her a letter ending their engagement. He makes clear that she was not the person he loved.
• Dai Huabin then reveals that his true object of affection is Bei Bei, shocking the entire gathering.
• Xu Sanshi immediately attacks Dai Huabin with his Black Tortoise Shield and declares that Bei Bei belongs to him.
• A chaotic love triangle erupts. Dai Huabin insists that love is not determined by who arrived first, while Bei Bei is left completely overwhelmed.
• Xu Sanshi drags Bei Bei away, with Dai Huabin chasing them, turning the confession into an absurd spectacle.
• Zhu Lu, devastated but ultimately furious and resolute, tears up the engagement contract and leaves.
• The observers, including Jiang Yi, Xian Lin’er, Qian Duoduo, Mu En, Xuan Zi, and others, react with amusement, shock, or disbelief.

Character Developments

• Dai Huabin displays unusual boldness and emotional honesty. He formally rejects the arranged engagement with Zhu Lu and openly pursues Bei Bei instead.
• Zhu Lu experiences a dramatic emotional reversal: she first feels joyful and vindicated, then suffers humiliation and heartbreak before reclaiming her dignity by destroying the engagement contract.
• Bei Bei is caught completely off guard and becomes the unwilling center of the romantic conflict.
• Xu Sanshi openly reveals his possessive feelings for Bei Bei and abandons any pretense of hiding his affection.
• Mu En reflects humorously on the younger generation’s romantic chaos and wishes he had arranged an engagement for Bei Bei himself.
• Xuan Zi, Xian Lin’er, and Qian Duoduo provide comic commentary, with Qian Duoduo encouraging Dai Huabin to seize the opportunity.

Significant Themes

• Love versus duty: Dai Huabin rejects a politically or familially arranged engagement in favor of pursuing the person he truly loves.
• Courage and emotional honesty: The chapter treats public confession as an act of boldness, even when the result is humiliating and chaotic.
• Misunderstanding and comic reversal: Zhu Lu and the audience assume the confession is directed at her, only for Dai Huabin to reveal an entirely different target.
• Dignity after heartbreak: Zhu Lu’s decision to tear up the engagement symbolizes her refusal to remain trapped in a relationship where she is not loved.
• The absurdity of romance: The dramatic setting and emotional confessions quickly descend into a comedic chase involving a bizarre love triangle.

Character Interactions

• Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu: Their long-standing engagement collapses when Dai Huabin apologizes and ends it publicly.
• Dai Huabin and Bei Bei: Dai Huabin confesses his love directly, leaving Bei Bei stunned and unable to respond.
• Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin: They become rivals, with Xu Sanshi physically intervening to protect his claim on Bei Bei.
• Xu Sanshi and Bei Bei: Xu Sanshi forcibly removes Bei Bei from the situation, insisting that they escape before Bei Bei says anything.
• The spectators and participants: Their reactions amplify the scene’s humor, ranging from tearful sympathy to enthusiastic encouragement and stunned disbelief.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu En’s attempt to make Bei Bei Jiang Yi’s successor collapses when Bei Bei refuses. Disappointed, Mu En decides to abandon the matter and leaves.
• Xian Lin’er calls Jiang Yi to participate in the Sea God’s Fate ceremony. Using his exceptional sense of smell, Jiang Yi identifies the veiled female participants one by one, including Zhang Lexuan, Ling Luochen, Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong’er/Yu Tong, Xiaotao, and Meng Hongchen.
• Each girl is delighted by Jiang Yi’s ability to recognize her scent and kisses him publicly. His actions openly confirm his relationships and provoke widespread admiration, shock, and teasing from the audience.
• Gu Yuena secretly observes the festival from a rooftop with Bi Ji and Zi Ji. She orders Zi Ji and Bi Ji to remain at Shrek Academy while concealing her identity, intending to use Jiang Yi’s influence and abilities to advance the Dragon Clan’s future.
• After the festival, Jiang Yi and Jiang Nannan discuss their relationship. Nannan reveals that her mother has accepted their romantic feelings, removing the final obstacle between them. The two embrace and become intimate.
• Zi Ji and Bi Ji guard Jiang Yi’s dormitory. Bi Ji explains that joining Jiang Yi through his “Master Ball” could help them avoid tribulations and inherit bloodline power, including Gu Yuena’s Silver Dragon bloodline. Zi Ji’s initial outrage quickly turns into eager curiosity.
• Zhu Lu leaves Shrek Academy, intending to return home and personally end her engagement with Dai Huabin rather than wait for him to abandon her. She departs bitter and disillusioned with men.

Character Developments

• Mu En becomes resigned and disappointed after Bei Bei rejects the expected path, deciding not to force him into becoming Jiang Yi’s successor.
• Jiang Yi confidently embraces his role as the center of attention, publicly acknowledging his relationships and demonstrating both affection and unusual sensory abilities.
• Zhang Lexuan and the other girls receive public recognition as Jiang Yi’s partners, strengthening their emotional security and status within his circle.
• Gu Yuena grows increasingly convinced that Jiang Yi is essential to the Dragon Clan’s rise and secretly begins positioning her subordinates near him.
• Jiang Nannan overcomes her remaining hesitation and openly commits herself to Jiang Yi after receiving her mother’s approval.
• Zi Ji shifts from indignation at being treated as a servant to fascination with the possibility of obtaining Jiang Yi’s and Gu Yuena’s bloodline power.
• Zhu Lu rejects passivity and chooses to preserve her dignity by ending her engagement with Dai Huabin herself.

Significant Themes

• Love and public acknowledgment: Jiang Yi’s scent-based identifications transform private relationships into openly recognized commitments.
• Choice versus obligation: Mu En accepts that Bei Bei cannot be forced into a role, while Zhu Lu chooses to control her own fate instead of waiting for Dai Huabin’s decision.
• Power and bloodline advancement: Gu Yuena and her followers view Jiang Yi as a means of strengthening the Dragon Clan and overcoming heavenly tribulations.
• Family, intimacy, and unconventional relationships: Jiang Yi and Jiang Nannan’s romance is presented as acceptable because they are not blood relatives, despite being raised as childhood companions.
• Disillusionment and dignity: Zhu Lu’s departure reflects the emotional cost of betrayal and her determination to retain control over her life.

Character Interactions

• Mu En and the elders discuss Bei Bei’s refusal, while Xuan Zi humorously comments on Mu En’s frustration.
• Xian Lin’er redirects attention to Jiang Yi after the earlier disturbance at the ceremony.
• Jiang Yi playfully identifies each girl by scent, and the girls respond with kisses, creating a public display of affection.
• Gu Yuena instructs Bi Ji and Zi Ji to remain at Shrek and hide her identity, revealing her strategic interest in Jiang Yi.
• Jiang Nannan teasingly confronts Jiang Yi about pretending not to understand her confession, and the two finally deepen their relationship.
• Bi Ji explains Jiang Yi’s benefits to Zi Ji, sparking Zi Ji’s embarrassed but enthusiastic interest.
• Zhu Lu silently breaks away from Dai Huabin and Shrek, ending the chapter in a mood of resentment and emotional independence.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu En, the aging master of Sea God Pavilion, lies near death while Shrek’s teachers and students gather to say farewell.
• He reflects on his long life and expresses confidence in Shrek’s future. Before dying, he gives personal advice to many of the academy’s leaders:
  • He entrusts Shrek to Jiang Yi, while warning him to be more restrained in romantic matters.
  • He urges Xian Lin’er and Qian Duoduo to stop remaining emotionally bound to one another, prompting Qian Duoduo to accept that love sometimes requires letting go.
  • He warns Xuan Zi against acting impulsively and orders him to consult Jiang Yi in the future.
  • He assigns Xiaotao to become Vice Dean of the Martial Soul Academy and advises Bei Bei and Tang Ya regarding their personal and organizational responsibilities.
• Mu En then releases his final power. His paralyzed, elderly body becomes youthful as he transforms into a Radiant Sacred Dragon.
• He ascends above the Golden Tree and vanishes into the heavens, choosing to return directly to the cycle of rebirth rather than remain within the tree.
• His final burst of golden light spreads across Sea God Island, cleansing and strengthening those present. Xuan Zi instructs the disciples to meditate and comprehend the power left behind as Mu En’s last gift.
• After Mu En’s death, Jiang Yi formally assumes control of Shrek, declaring that the academy now belongs to him.
• The scene shifts to the Sun Moon Empire, where Xu Tianran stages a coup against his ailing father, Emperor Xu Haotian.
• Xu Tianran has already secured control of the military, court, and Soul Engineer forces. With Ju Zi and Jing Hongchen behind him, he explains his plan to conquer the continent, beginning with the Heaven Soul Empire and gradually subjugating the other nations.
• Xu Haotian accepts his son’s betrayal, recognizing that Xu Tianran is more ruthless and capable of achieving their shared dream of unifying Douluo Continent.
• Xu Tianran prepares to have his father killed, while Jing Hongchen realizes that participating in the assassination could make him vulnerable to being discarded later.

Character Developments

• Mu En dies peacefully and without regret, demonstrating his enduring devotion to Shrek and its younger generation. His final actions confirm him as both a spiritual protector and a mentor who prioritizes the academy’s future.
• Jiang Yi officially succeeds Mu En as the central leader of Shrek. His new authority marks a major transition from the old generation to the new.
• Xian Lin’er and Qian Duoduo confront the reality that their relationship is emotionally unequal. Qian Duoduo begins to accept that he must stop clinging to Xian Lin’er.
• Xuan Zi shows a rare display of vulnerability and grief. His deep bond with Mu En is revealed, as Mu En served as both his teacher and lifelong companion.
• Xu Tianran fully reveals his ambition and ruthlessness. He has matured into a calculating political and military leader who intends to exploit the Sun Moon Empire’s technological superiority.
• Xu Haotian faces death with composure and pride, accepting that his son will continue the imperial dream he could not fulfill.
• Ju Zi has transformed from a scholarly woman into a hardened and decisive military figure.
• Jing Hongchen becomes uneasy about the coup, understanding that helping Xu Tianran may eventually make him a liability.

Significant Themes

• Mortality and legacy: Mu En’s death emphasizes that even the greatest figures must eventually pass on, but their ideals and power can continue through the people they guided.
• Succession and responsibility: Leadership of Shrek passes to Jiang Yi, while the Sun Moon Empire undergoes a violent transfer of power to Xu Tianran.
• Love and letting go: Mu En’s final advice highlights the difference between genuine love and possessiveness, especially in the relationship between Xian Lin’er and Qian Duoduo.
• Sacrifice and final gifts: Mu En’s death benefits the next generation, as his remaining power nourishes and strengthens Shrek’s disciples.
• Ambition and political ruthlessness: Xu Tianran’s coup contrasts sharply with Mu En’s selfless farewell. Shrek’s succession is framed through trust and guidance, while the Sun Moon Empire’s succession is secured through betrayal and murder.
• War as a tool of expansion: Xu Tianran views warfare as a means of strengthening the empire and exploiting its technological superiority over the other nations.

Character Interactions

• Mu En speaks individually with Jiang Yi, Xian Lin’er, Qian Duoduo, Xuan Zi, Yan Shaozhe, Bei Bei, and Tang Ya, using his final moments to settle personal matters and establish future responsibilities.
• His conversation with Xian Lin’er and Qian Duoduo forces them to confront their unresolved relationship, with Qian Duoduo ultimately agreeing to release her.
• Mu En and Xuan Zi share a particularly emotional farewell, reflecting their two-century bond as teacher, student, and friends.
• Jiang Yi leads the Shrek personnel in bowing farewell to Mu En, symbolizing his acceptance as the academy’s new master.
• Xu Haotian and Xu Tianran have a final father-son exchange in which the father recognizes his son’s betrayal but also admires his ambition.
• Xu Tianran consults with Ju Zi and Jing Hongchen regarding his plans, while Jing Hongchen silently fears the consequences of becoming involved in the assassination.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Tianran engineers his father Xu Haotian’s death. Under pressure, Jing Hongchen kills the ailing emperor with a concealed attack.
• Xu Tianran immediately takes control, ordering the court historian to record that Xu Haotian died naturally after passing the throne to him. He then summons his brothers under the pretense of their father’s imminent death, likely intending to eliminate them as rivals.
• News of Xu Haotian’s death and Xu Tianran’s accession spreads across the continent, coinciding with the fall of Shrek’s former Sea God Pavilion Master and the appointment of the young Jiang Yi as his successor.
• The Star Luo Empire fears Xu Tianran’s aggressive ambitions. Emperor Xu Jiayin orders Duke White Tiger to strengthen the western frontier, despite ministers’ confidence in the Maginot Line.
• The Heaven Soul Empire reinforces its front lines with members of the Body Sect, while the more distant Dou Ling Empire remains largely unaffected.
• At Shrek Academy, Jiang Yi manages the aftermath of Mu En’s death. Many allied families exploit Shrek’s weakened position by raising prices, so Jiang Yi plans to have Xuan Zi confront them.
• Jiang Yi oversees the reconstruction of Shrek City and secretly installs a Soul Power transmission system beneath it.
• He reveals his plan to use the Golden Tree as a central transfer point in a citywide Soul Power network, allowing Soul Tools to operate throughout Shrek City and making their benefits accessible to ordinary people.

Character Developments

• Xu Tianran fully embraces his ruthless ambition. He feels no grief over murdering his father and views the imperial throne as the first step toward conquering the continent.
• Jing Hongchen is forced into betraying Xu Haotian to preserve himself and possibly protect the Hongchen Family. His decision shows his fear and political pragmatism.
• Xu Jiayin becomes more cautious after recognizing that the new Sun Moon Emperor may abandon his predecessor’s restraint. Despite pressure from optimistic ministers, he prioritizes border security.
• Jiang Yi demonstrates confidence and unconventional leadership as the new Sea God Pavilion Master. He is relaxed and playful in private but strategically ambitious, seeking to modernize Shrek City through Soul Tool infrastructure.
• Zhang Lexuan becomes Jiang Yi’s secretary and displays growing intellectual maturity and professionalism, though Jiang Yi’s influence has also made her more aware of his suggestive behavior.
• Xian Lin’er has grown more uninhibited since divorcing Qian Duoduo and maintains an intimate relationship with Jiang Yi. She nevertheless supports his plans and continues to trust his judgment.

Significant Themes

• Political betrayal and ambition: Xu Tianran’s coup illustrates the ruthless pursuit of power, including patricide, manipulation, and the suppression of rivals.
• Shifting continental power: The deaths and leadership changes at both the Sun Moon Empire and Shrek Academy destabilize the political balance and force surrounding nations to reassess their defenses.
• Fear versus complacency: Star Luo’s court is divided between those who recognize the danger posed by Xu Tianran and those who remain confident in their traditional military superiority.
• Innovation and modernization: Jiang Yi’s Soul Power network represents an attempt to transform Shrek City into a technologically advanced society where Soul Tools become part of everyday life.
• Public welfare and resource distribution: Jiang Yi envisions a system in which wealthy citizens pay for Soul Power while poorer Soul Masters contribute through labor, creating a sustainable cycle intended to benefit the whole city.
• Irreverence and intimacy: The chapter contrasts major political and technological developments with Jiang Yi’s comedic, sexually charged interactions, emphasizing the gap between his public authority and private behavior.

Character Interactions

• Xu Tianran intimidates Jing Hongchen into assassinating Xu Haotian, then commands the historian and palace guards to help legitimize his succession.
• Star Luo’s ministers debate Xu Tianran’s threat before Emperor Xu Jiayin overrules their complacency and orders Duke White Tiger to reinforce the border.
• Zhang Lexuan briefs Jiang Yi on the political behavior of Shrek’s allied families and questions his mysterious construction project. Their secretary-and-master relationship mixes professionalism with teasing familiarity.
• Jiang Yi and Xian Lin’er maintain a secret and openly intimate relationship within the Sea God Pavilion. After their private encounter, she questions whether his plan for the Golden Tree can succeed but ultimately expresses support.
• Jiang Yi explains to Xian Lin’er that the Golden Tree will function as a transfer station in a broader citywide network, revealing his long-term vision for Shrek’s future.

Chapter Summary: “Changes in Shrek City! A Gift from the Golden Tree!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yi summons Tian Meng-chan to the Golden Tree space, where she deploys a massive Soul Tool Hub made of interconnected metal rings.
• The hub absorbs energy from the Golden Tree and activates an enormous underground Soul Tool circuit network beneath Shrek City.
• The network forms a gigantic Spirit-Gathering Array spanning more than ten kilometers, drawing spiritual energy from a radius of roughly one hundred miles.
• Spiritual energy throughout Shrek City increases by about thirty percent, astonishing the students and causing widespread speculation about Jiang Yi’s safety.
• The array converts the Golden Tree’s energy into Soul Power, creating a far more efficient energy source for the city’s future Soul Tools.
• Jiang Yi explains that the system is only an initial step. Eventually, Soul Masters across the city will need to connect to the network and help distribute the excess energy.
• The Golden Tree develops a consciousness or spirit and expresses gratitude to Jiang Yi.
• As a reward, it empowers Jiang Yi’s Nine-Heart Begonia Soul Bone, raising it from one hundred thousand to three hundred thousand years and granting him a state of resonance with heaven and earth.
• Jiang Yi appoints Tian Meng as the Golden Tree’s chief steward, partly to monitor Ah Yin and partly to communicate with the Golden Tree Spirit.
• Jiang Yi and Xian Lin’er return to the Pavilion Master’s office, where Zhang Lexuan and Ma Xiaotao are waiting.
• Ma Xiaotao notices Jiang Yi and Xian Lin’er holding hands, creating an awkward misunderstanding. Xian Lin’er quickly leaves for the Soul Tool Department to oversee testing of new citywide technologies.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yi demonstrates his growing role as an innovator and leader by implementing a citywide energy network. He remains cautious, recognizing that the current system cannot yet support Shrek City’s full future energy demands.
• Tian Meng-chan takes on greater responsibility as steward of the Golden Tree. Her enthusiasm also reveals her continuing interest in experimentation, particularly involving Ah Yin.
• The Golden Tree evolves from a passive source of energy into an apparently sentient being capable of communication, gratitude, and granting power.
• Xian Lin’er becomes increasingly close to Jiang Yi. Her affectionate behavior and embarrassment around Ma Xiaotao suggest a deepening romantic relationship, even though she tries to conceal it.
• Ma Xiaotao shows strong emotional attachment to Jiang Yi, reacting defensively to jokes about his possible death and becoming suspicious of his closeness with Xian Lin’er.
• Zhang Lexuan functions as a practical intermediary, delivering the message that Jiang Yi is needed at the Pavilion Master’s office.
• The students of Shrek Academy are shown reacting quickly and dramatically to changes in spiritual energy, highlighting the immediate public impact of Jiang Yi’s projects.

Significant Themes

• Technological progress and modernization: Soul Tools are being integrated into the infrastructure of an entire city rather than used only as individual weapons or devices.
• Energy management and sustainability: The chapter emphasizes both the possibilities and limitations of the Golden Tree’s energy-conversion system.
• Cooperation between nature and technology: The Golden Tree’s natural power is harnessed through advanced Soul Tool technology, suggesting that progress depends on balancing both forces.
• Trust and reciprocity: The Golden Tree allows Jiang Yi to use its energy because it trusts him, then rewards his efforts after he improves its function.
• Power and responsibility: Jiang Yi’s new abilities and leadership position come with the obligation to manage resources for millions of people.
• Personal relationships amid public change: Romantic tension between Jiang Yi, Xian Lin’er, and Ma Xiaotao develops alongside major political and technological developments.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yi guides and reassures the Golden Tree while Tian Meng activates the Soul Tool Hub.
• Xian Lin’er praises Jiang Yi’s genius and openly embraces him after the array succeeds, revealing her affection.
• The Golden Tree Spirit thanks Jiang Yi and strengthens his Soul Bone, creating a direct bond between them.
• Jiang Yi entrusts Tian Meng with responsibility for the Golden Tree and its surrounding space.
• Ma Xiaotao confronts a student for joking that Jiang Yi may have died, indirectly revealing her concern and attachment.
• Ma Xiaotao notices Jiang Yi and Xian Lin’er holding hands, while Xian Lin’er becomes embarrassed and hurriedly departs.
• The chapter ends with Xian Lin’er preparing to test new Soul Tools, including rail cars, citywide broadcasts, and a recording of Jiang Yi’s “Three Thousand Questions,” signaling the beginning of Shrek City’s technological transformation.