The bluestone streets outside the Dragon God Temple teemed with people, alive with the bustle of everyday life.
Shui Bing'er walked slowly along the street in a simple white dress.
She had just finished buying supplies outside the city, and a coolness lingered in her eyes.
As Yu Xiaolong's personal disciple, she had grown more and more otherworldly in her bearing.
Her skin was as fair as snow, and her features were like a painting, drawing frequent glances from passersby.
No one noticed the lecherous figure lurking in the shadow at the mouth of an alley.
Ma Hongjun folded his arms across his chest, his eyes glued to Shui Bing'er.
He had only come out for some fresh air, but had unexpectedly stumbled upon such a beauty.
"Tsk, tsk. This girl's even more my type than Ning Rongrong."
Ma Hongjun licked his lips, filthy thoughts bubbling up in his mind.
He had always done as he pleased at Shrek, and few people dared to rein him in.
The girl before him looked delicate, obviously an easy target.
"I'll go strike up a conversation. Maybe I can take her home."
Ma Hongjun rubbed his hands together and crept toward Shui Bing'er.
He deliberately reined in his Soul Power, pretending to be an ordinary passerby.
Shui Bing'er sensed something amiss behind her.
She furrowed her brows and instinctively quickened her pace.
"Miss, wait!" Ma Hongjun hurriedly called out to stop her.
His voice was oily, his frivolity impossible to hide.
Shui Bing'er stopped and turned to look at him warily.
"Do you need something?" Her voice was cool and distant.
Ma Hongjun plastered on a fawning smile and sauntered closer.
"Nothing in particular. I just thought you were especially beautiful."
His eyes roamed over Shui Bing'er without the slightest restraint.
Disgusted, Shui Bing'er took a step back.
"Please mind your manners. I have things to do, so I'll be going."
With that, she turned to leave, but Ma Hongjun blocked her way.
"Don't rush off. Let's get to know each other."
Ma Hongjun reached out to touch Shui Bing'er's arm.
Shui Bing'er paled and hurriedly circulated her Soul Power to defend herself.
Her Soul Power was strong, but it was nowhere near as substantial as Ma Hongjun's.
Just as Ma Hongjun's hand was about to touch her,
a bone-chilling aura suddenly enveloped the entire street.
"Move your hand again. I dare you."
The low voice rang in their ears, laced with an icy chill.
Ma Hongjun stiffened all over, his hand frozen in midair.
He slowly turned and saw Yu Xiaolong not far away.
Yu Xiaolong wore a black robe embroidered with dragon patterns, his figure straight as a pine.
His eyes were filled with coldness, and he stared at Ma Hongjun like a blade.
Ma Hongjun's heart lurched, and panic seized him at once.
He never would have guessed that this girl was one of Yu Xiaolong's people.
He had long heard of Yu Xiaolong's reputation and unfathomable strength.
Not just him alone—even if everyone from Shrek came at once,
they might still be no match for Yu Xiaolong.
"M-Master Yu Xiaolong, I didn't mean to."
Ma Hongjun hurriedly withdrew his hand, forcing a stiff smile.
He bent over like a shrimp, his voice dripping with obsequiousness.
"I only wanted to get acquainted with this young lady. I meant nothing by it."
Yu Xiaolong said nothing, his gaze growing colder by the moment.
He walked over to Shui Bing'er and stood in front of her.
"Bing'er, are you all right?" His voice softened at once.
Shui Bing'er shook her head, the panic in her eyes gradually fading.
With her master by her side, she had nothing to fear.
Watching the two of them, Ma Hongjun felt both afraid and resentful.
Such a beautiful girl, protected by Yu Xiaolong just like that.
But he didn't dare make a scene; he could only grit his teeth and apologize.
"Master Yu, I was blind to your stature. I was wrong."
"I'll leave right now and won't bother her again."
As he spoke, he slowly backed away.
Yet from the corner of his eye, he still couldn't bear to look away from Shui Bing'er.
Yu Xiaolong was far too perceptive not to notice his gaze.
"Look at her one more time, and I'll gouge your eyes out."
The icy words carried a killing intent that allowed no argument.
Ma Hongjun shuddered and no longer dared to linger.
He turned and ran, wishing he had two more legs.
Only after running a long way did he dare to stop and catch his breath.
"Yu Xiaolong, I'll remember this!"
Ma Hongjun gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with venom.
But he knew perfectly well that, as things stood, he couldn't afford to provoke Yu Xiaolong.
He could only swallow his anger for now and wait for a chance to get revenge.
The passersby had already fled to the sides of the street in fright.
That bone-chilling aura had been truly terrifying.
Yu Xiaolong glanced at the crowd, his brows knitting slightly.
"Bing'er, let's head back to the Dragon God Temple."
Shui Bing'er nodded and followed Yu Xiaolong as he turned to leave.
They walked back to the Dragon God Temple ruins in silence.
At that moment, construction on the Dragon God Temple was proceeding at full speed.
The workers each went about their tasks, bustling with activity.
Yu Xiaolong led Shui Bing'er to a stone bench nearby and sat down.
"That frightened you, didn't it?" he asked softly.
Shui Bing'er shook her head, her eyes full of admiration as she looked at Yu Xiaolong.
"Master, with you here, I'm not afraid."
Seeing how obedient she was, Yu Xiaolong felt his heart stir.
Shui Bing'er was the disciple he had taken in, gifted and quick-witted.
All these years, he had taught her with care and treated her as his own.
He would never let anyone bully her, not even in the slightest.
"That man just now was Ma Hongjun from Shrek."
Yu Xiaolong spoke slowly, his tone full of disdain.
"Shrek?" Shui Bing'er furrowed her brows, unfamiliar with the name.
"Just an academy with a hollow reputation."
A mocking smile tugged at Yu Xiaolong's lips.
"Back in Spirit City, I had a score to settle with them."
"Now that the Dragon God Temple is almost finished, it's time to settle that score."
A flicker of surprise crossed Shui Bing'er's eyes, then she nodded.
"Master, I'll go with you."
She didn't want to be protected by her master all the time. She wanted to be of help, too.
Yu Xiaolong looked at her resolute expression and gave a slight nod.
"Good. Once the Dragon God Temple is built, we'll go challenge them."
"I'll show the people of Shrek just what Yu Xiaolong can do."
His eyes brimmed with confidence and authority.
His Soul Power had long since broken through to the Titled Douluo level; his strength was unfathomable.
Those youngsters from Shrek weren't even worth his attention.
Watching her master stand there, brimming with spirit, Shui Bing'er was overjoyed.
She believed he could flatten Shrek.
In the days that followed, the two supervised the Dragon God Temple's construction
while training hard to prepare for their challenge.
Time flew by, and half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
At last, the Dragon God Temple was complete, grand and magnificent.
The hall was built of white marble, its surface carved with lifelike dragon patterns.
From afar, it looked like a mighty dragon lying in wait, awe-inspiring and imposing.
Standing before the Dragon God Temple, Yu Xiaolong felt a rush of emotion.
It was the work of his lifetime, and at last it was complete.
Shui Bing'er stood beside him, pride written all over her face.
"Master, the Dragon God Temple is magnificent!"
Yu Xiaolong smiled faintly and was about to reply
when a bright, lively voice rang out from the distance.
"Yu Xiaolong! I'm here!"
They turned to look and saw a fiery red figure racing toward them.
Huo Wu wore a bright red dress, her hair tied in a high ponytail.
Her eyes were lively, her smile radiant, and she was full of energy.
She ran up to Yu Xiaolong, panting heavily.
"I heard your Dragon God Temple was finished, so I came all this way to see it."
Huo Wu looked around, her eyes full of amazement.
"Wow, it's so grand! It's even better than my home."
Watching her lively manner, Yu Xiaolong shook his head helplessly.
Huo Wu was the complete opposite of Shui Bing'er.
Shui Bing'er was cool and obedient, while Huo Wu was mischievous and playful.
They knew each other, but their personalities were worlds apart.
Shui Bing'er nodded to Huo Wu in greeting.
Huo Wu smiled back at her, then turned to Yu Xiaolong again.
"Yu Xiaolong, now that you've finished building the Dragon God Temple, what are you going to do next?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Yu Xiaolong's lips curled slightly as he answered, "Go challenge another sect."
"Challenge a sect?" Huo Wu's eyes lit up, and she perked right up.
"What sect? Take me with you, take me with you!"
She loved a lively scene, and how could she miss out on a challenge like this?
"Shrek Academy," Yu Xiaolong said calmly.
"Shrek?" Huo Wu paused, then laughed.
"I've heard of that academy. They say it's pretty impressive."
"But I'm sure they're no match for you, Yu Xiaolong."
She buttered him up, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Come on, let's go now! I can't wait!"
Seeing how eager Huo Wu was, Yu Xiaolong reluctantly agreed.
"All right, I'll take you. But once we get there, don't cause trouble."
"Don't worry, don't worry. I'll behave myself!"
Huo Wu nodded again and again, but mischief was written all over her face.
Yu Xiaolong knew what she was like, but didn't say anything more.
He looked at Shui Bing'er. "Bing'er, stay here at the Dragon God Temple."
"It was just built, so someone needs to keep an eye on it."
Shui Bing'er was a little disappointed, but she still nodded.
"Master, be careful. I'll wait for you to come back."
"Don't worry." Yu Xiaolong patted her shoulder.
Then, with Huo Wu in tow, he blurred and vanished from the spot.
Huo Wu felt the wind howl past her ears as the scenery before her eyes shifted at dizzying speed.
In the blink of an eye, the two of them had arrived at the entrance to Shrek Academy.
The gates of Shrek Academy weren't particularly ornate, but they were imposing and solid.
A wooden plaque hung by the entrance, bearing the five large characters "Shrek Academy."
Two student guards stood at the entrance, watching the passersby warily.
When they saw Yu Xiaolong and Huo Wu, their brows furrowed.
"Who are you? What business do you have at Shrek?"
One of the guards stepped forward and asked in a low voice.
Yu Xiaolong said nothing. He simply released a trace of Soul Power.
A powerful pressure instantly enveloped the two guards.
Their faces turned deathly pale, and their legs went weak. They nearly collapsed to their knees.
They could feel that the strength of the person before them was unfathomable.
"W-we'll go inform the dean right away!"
One guard stammered, trembling, and turned to run.
"No need. I'll go in myself."
Yu Xiaolong spoke coolly and led Huo Wu straight inside.
The two guards were too frightened to stop them. They could only watch helplessly as the pair entered.
Inside Shrek Academy, trees and grass flourished in a quiet, secluded setting.
On the field, several students were training hard.
Yu Xiaolong and Huo Wu's arrival quickly drew everyone's attention.
"Who are those two? I've never seen them before."
"No idea. They don't look like they're here for anything good."
The students murmured among themselves, curiously sizing up the pair.
Just then, several figures emerged from the teaching building.
At the front was Yu Xiaogang, dressed in a plain robe.
Behind him followed Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong.
When Ma Hongjun saw Yu Xiaolong, his face instantly turned deathly pale.
He had never imagined that Yu Xiaolong would actually come looking for him.
Dai Mubai furrowed his brows and stared warily at Yu Xiaolong.
He could sense that the aura around Yu Xiaolong was incredibly powerful.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance, sensing that something was wrong.
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, his gaze settling on Yu Xiaolong.
The man before him seemed familiar, but he couldn't remember why.
"Who are you, sir? Why have you barged into Shrek without permission?"
Yu Xiaogang's voice carried a note of sternness.
Yu Xiaolong looked at Yu Xiaogang, the corner of his mouth curling in mockery.
"Yu Xiaogang, it's been many years, and you've already forgotten me."
At those words, Yu Xiaogang trembled, his eyes filling with surprise.
"You... you know me?"
"We crossed paths once in Spirit City."
Yu Xiaolong spoke slowly, his tone full of disdain.
"But I suppose you've long since forgotten."
Yu Xiaogang knitted his brows and tried hard to remember.
But no matter how he racked his brain, he couldn't recall the man before him.
"Who are you, exactly? If you have something to say, just say it."
Yu Xiaogang's voice held a trace of impatience.
Yu Xiaolong scoffed and said slowly, "My name is Yu Xiaolong."
"I came here today for one thing—to challenge your academy."
"Challenge our academy?"
Yu Xiaogang froze, disbelief written all over his face.
He wondered if he'd heard wrong and reflexively asked:
"Challenge our academy? What do you mean?"
No one on the entire Douluo Continent had ever dared to challenge Shrek Academy.
Yet this man named Yu Xiaolong dared to make such a boast.
Ma Hongjun stood off to the side, too frightened to even breathe.
He knew that if Yu Xiaolong said it, he would do it.
Dai Mubai stepped forward and released his Soul Power.
"Arrogant fool! You dare challenge Shrek? You're asking for death!"
His Soul Power had reached the Soul Douluo level, and he cut an imposing figure.
But Yu Xiaolong merely glanced at him coolly.
An even more powerful pressure instantly swept over Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai's face blanched, and his whole body locked up.
He could feel that before Yu Xiaolong, he was no more than an ant.
Standing beside Yu Xiaolong, Huo Wu watched with keen interest.
"Wow, Yu Xiaolong, you're amazing!"
She clapped and cheered, paying no heed at all to the people of Shrek.
Yu Xiaogang watched the scene, utterly dumbfounded.
He had never expected Yu Xiaolong to be so powerful.
He knew Dai Mubai's strength very well.
Yet before Yu Xiaolong, Dai Mubai couldn't even fight back.
"You... just how strong are you?"
Yu Xiaogang's voice trembled slightly.
A cold smile tugged at Yu Xiaolong's mouth, but he didn't answer.
He had no need to explain himself to a defeated opponent.
"I'll ask you one more time. Do you dare accept my challenge?"
Yu Xiaolong's voice was icy, his presence brooking no refusal.
Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. He was caught between a rock and a hard place.
If he accepted, they were no match for Yu Xiaolong, and Shrek would lose face.
If he refused, Shrek would become a laughingstock.
Ma Hongjun shrank back, silently praying.
He prayed that Tang San would hurry back. Only Tang San might be able to stand against Yu Xiaolong.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong were anxious too.
They hadn't expected something like this to happen on what had been an ordinary, peaceful day.
Seeing everyone in a panic, Huo Wu laughed even harder.
"Hey, are you going to accept or not? Stop dragging your feet."
Yu Xiaolong looked coldly at Yu Xiaogang, impatience clear in his eyes.
"I'll give you ten more breaths to decide. After that, the offer's gone."
Yu Xiaogang took a deep breath, his face more grave than ever.
He knew there was no escaping this challenge today.
Even with Tang San away, he had no choice but to accept.
"Fine. I accept your challenge."
Yu Xiaogang spoke slowly, his voice tinged with helplessness.
"Tell me, how do you want to do this?"
A satisfied smile curved Yu Xiaolong's lips.
"Simple. All of you come at me. If you can withstand three of my moves,"
"then I'll concede, and I'll never set foot in Shrek again."
At those words, the people of Shrek were enraged.
He was far too arrogant, telling them all to come at him and giving them only three moves to withstand.
But they also knew Yu Xiaolong had the strength to back up his arrogance.
Ma Hongjun gritted his teeth, his eyes full of unwillingness.
Dai Mubai had also broken free of the pressure, though his expression remained grim.
"Fine! We accept!"
Yu Xiaogang spoke in a low voice, his eyes full of resolve.
He knew this battle concerned Shrek's reputation.
Even if they had to give it everything they had, they had to withstand Yu Xiaolong's three moves.
Yu Xiaolong looked at them as they braced themselves for battle and smiled faintly.
"Good. Then I won't hold back."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Soul Power burst from him.
Golden dragon patterns appeared across his body, and his aura surged with overwhelming force.
The entire Shrek Academy trembled faintly beneath his pressure.
Huo Wu stepped aside, watching excitedly.
She could hardly wait to see Yu Xiaolong show what he could do.
Yu Xiaogang and the others looked grave as they released their Martial Souls one after another.
Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Martial Soul and Dai Mubai's White Tiger Martial Soul,
Oscar's Sausage Martial Soul, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda,
and Yu Xiaogang's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul all appeared.
Their Soul Power intertwined, forming a sturdy barrier.
"First move."
Yu Xiaolong spoke coolly and slowly raised his right hand.
Golden dragon power gathered in his palm, shining brilliantly.
The challenge that would shock all of Shrek had officially begun.
Before you continue