Joining Shrek

The setting sun dipped below the horizon.

The awakening ceremony, which had lasted the entire day, finally drew to a close.

Between the high-intensity output of soul power and the mental focus required, even Wang Yan, a powerhouse at the Soul King level, could not help but show a trace of fatigue between his brows.

However, as his gaze swept over the black-haired youth waiting quietly to the side, that weariness was instantly replaced by heartfelt gratification.

This child was not only gifted with extraordinary talent, but his composure—far beyond his years—was even more rare.

"Xia Ming, come with me." Wang Yan's voice was gentle yet carried a hint of solemnity.

Xia Ming took a deep breath, suppressing the surging anticipation in his heart, and followed silently.

This was his first time stepping across the threshold of this legendary academy.

Shrek Academy.

In his past life as a reader, Xia Ming might have had his criticisms regarding certain rigid traditions and biases within its walls.

But having arrived in this world, he truly felt the weight represented by this institution that had stood for ten thousand years without falling.

It was the absolute pinnacle of soul master education on the Douluo Continent, the starting point and stage for the dreams of countless geniuses and ambitious souls.

For a transmigrator like him, who lacked roots or backing.

Unless he was willing to travel far to the Sun Moon Empire, whose stance toward Shrek was delicate and whose internal environment was far more complex.

Otherwise, this place was truly the best, perhaps even the only, choice.

What's more, Xia Ming held no affection for the Sun Moon Empire.

Setting aside his background of being born and raised in Shrek City, the mere fact that the Sun Moon Empire had inextricable ties with Evil Soul Masters in the original work was enough.

Even the dark reality that members of their Imperial Academy's representative team could be coerced was enough to make him keep his distance.

"Knock, knock—"

On the top floor of the faculty office area, Wang Yan stopped in front of an office and knocked lightly.

"Please, enter."

Pushing the door open, the office was furnished in a simple yet imposing manner, with bookshelves lining all four walls, filled with a vast sea of classics.

Behind the desk sat a tall, dark-skinned middle-aged man whose face carried an inherent, unforced authority.

It was none other than the Director of the Outer Court Martial Soul Department, Du Weilun.

"Director Du," Wang Yan went straight to the point, his tone carrying an irrepressible excitement, "During today's awakening ceremony, I encountered a truly excellent seedling!"

"Oh?" Du Weilun set down the file in his hand and looked up.

He understood Wang Yan.

The man had a solid grasp of theory and a steady temperament; he was by no means one to speak recklessly.

For him to use the term "excellent seedling," this was no ordinary genius.

Wang Yan did not hold back, dropping the bombshell immediately:

"The martial soul is the legendary top-tier soul beast—the Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff. Furthermore, he has Innate Full Soul Power."

"What?!" Du Weilun stood up abruptly, the shock on his face undisguised.

The Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff martial soul was indeed mysterious and powerful, revered as the ancestor of all canine and lion-type soul beasts.

Yet, there were few records of it in the current era, and its specific prowess existed mostly in legends.

However, the five words "Innate Full Soul Power" carried undeniable weight in the soul master world!

In this era, those with Innate Full Soul Power remained as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

In reality, most of the original protagonist group likely did not possess Innate Full Soul Power.

In the original Douluo II, the only ones explicitly mentioned to have Innate Full Soul Power were the Inner Court's senior sister, Zhang Lexuan, and the Star-Shattering Douluo of the Star Luo Empire.

Possessing Innate Full Soul Power meant the soul master had an incredibly high starting point.

As long as the martial soul was not too poor and they did not stray onto the wrong path during their cultivation—

Such as the suicidal operation of adding highly toxic soul rings to a Blue Silver Grass—

Their future achievement of becoming a Titled Douluo was almost a certainty, and there was even great hope for them to challenge the realm of a Super Douluo!

This was no longer just an "excellent seedling"; this was a future pillar destined to bring glory to the academy's name!

Seeing Du Weilun's reaction, Wang Yan smiled slightly and gestured to the side:

"Director Du, I have brought him here; he is just outside the door. What do you think...?"

"Bring him in at once!" Du Weilun said immediately, then added, "No, I will contact Dean Yan myself! This matter must be decided by the Dean!"

Xia Ming was called into the office.

His gaze swept over the surroundings with calm, feeling a slight sense of wonder at the massive collection of books; it was quite fitting for the status of a department director.

Du Weilun briefly inquired about his background and basic circumstances.

Upon learning that he was an orphan, Xia Ming keenly sensed that the look of satisfaction in the other man's scrutinizing gaze deepened.

A clean background meant high malleability and a greater likelihood of developing a sense of belonging to the academy.

A moment later, a gentle yet seemingly omnipresent voice resonated leisurely throughout the room, carrying a power that calmed the heart:

"Child, I am Yan Shaozhe, Dean of the Martial Soul Department. Are you willing to join our Shrek Academy?"

Before the words had even faded, the light and shadow within the office rippled slightly, and an old man in white appeared silently before them.

His hair and beard were snow-white, his face lean and refined, and his eyes were warm yet as deep as the sea.

He was none other than the renowned Bright Phoenix Douluo, a rank 95 Super Douluo and Dean of the Martial Soul Department at Shrek Academy, Yan Shaozhe.

"I am willing." Xia Ming bowed, his posture respectful and his expression composed.

"Good." A gentle smile appeared on Yan Shaozhe's face, though his gaze landed on Xia Ming with a weight that felt almost tangible.

"Since you possess a top-tier assault-type beast martial soul, why not let me experience the foundation of your power?

Do not hold back; just strike me with a punch using your full strength."

Xia Ming understood; this was the critical moment to demonstrate his value.

"Martial Soul, Avatar!"

With a low shout, a fierce and majestic aura suddenly erupted from within Xia Ming's body!

His physique expanded slightly, pale golden patterns flowed faintly beneath his skin, and the phantom of a majestic Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff flickered behind him before vanishing.

A ring of gold and black, seemingly containing endless power and majesty, emerged from beneath his feet and slowly rose.

Within the ring, a vague yet oppressive beast-like phantom could be heard roaring.

Wisps of black-gold energy flowed into Xia Ming's body like a hundred rivers returning to the sea.

A domain! And an innate domain at that!

Yan Shaozhe, Du Weilun, and Wang Yan all saw their pupils constrict, their hearts churning with turbulent waves.

No soul ring required, a domain manifested upon awakening?

This far exceeded the category of a top-tier martial soul; this was a characteristic only possible for a super martial soul!

For this reason alone, Xia Ming's value was immeasurable!

"Domination Domain, activate!"

Xia Ming chanted inwardly.

As he fully activated this domain derived from the essence of his martial soul for the first time, he instantly felt an explosive power flooding his limbs and bones!

His attack power and defense increased geometrically, and his five senses became unprecedentedly sharp.

The soul power surging through his body seemed to be infused with a wild will, and the base effects of all his abilities were rising crazily, with a boost exceeding fifty percent!

Moreover, there were no negative sensations, only pure control of power and a thirst for battle.

Now!

A golden glint flashed in Xia Ming's eyes as he twisted his waist, stepped forward, and threw a punch!

The movement was simple, fluid, and devoid of any flashiness.

He concentrated the force of his entire body, bolstered by the domain, into a single point and slammed it without reservation into Yan Shaozhe's outstretched palm.

He did not worry in the slightest about hurting the other man.

A rank 95 Super Douluo possessed physical strength that was already extraordinary.

Even without using a martial soul, he could easily withstand a Soul Saint or a Soul Douluo with his bare body alone.

Let alone a Soul Master who had yet to obtain his first soul ring?

"Boom--!"

When fist met palm, it actually produced a dull sonic boom!

Yan Shaozhe caught the punch steadily, his figure remaining completely motionless.

However, a look of incredible brilliance instantly erupted in his warm eyes!

He could feel with absolute clarity that the power coming from that still-youthful fist was thick, domineering, and full of penetration!

This was definitely not something a child who had just awakened could possess; it even far surpassed many assault-type Soul Grand Masters who had already obtained their first or second soul rings!

Yan Shaozhe carefully savored the quality and quantity of that power, and only after several breaths did he slowly retract his palm.

His face was now filled with undisguised admiration and amazement:

"Good! What a fine Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff! What a fine Innate Full Soul Power!"

He looked at Xia Ming with burning eyes, his voice rising slightly with excitement:

"Without having added a first soul ring, relying solely on your martial soul and innate domain.

The power of this punch is already enough to rival a high-level assault-type Soul Elder, or even touch the threshold of a Soul Ancestor!"

"Child, you have created history! This completely subverts the Soul Master world's understanding of early-stage martial soul combat power!"

"What?!"

Wang Yan and Du Weilun exclaimed in shock, exchanging glances as they saw extreme astonishment and bewilderment in each other's eyes.

They had seen battles across ranks before, and perhaps a master with an Ultimate Attribute could fight two ranks above their own.

But a six-year-old child who had just awakened and possessed no soul rings, relying purely on physical strength to approach the level of a Soul Ancestor?

This was simply like a fantasy!

If these words had not come from the mouth of Dean Yan Shaozhe, they would have absolutely dismissed it as nonsense.

Even now, the impact of this realization left them half-doubting, yet they were forced to believe it.

Yan Shaozhe had no time to concern himself with the shock of his two subordinates at this moment.

His entire attention was focused on Xia Ming, as if he were examining a peerless treasure.

Without the slightest hesitation, Yan Shaozhe made his decision.

He stepped forward, his tone solemn and filled with temptation:

"Xia Ming, the standard freshman process no longer applies to you.

Now, come with me directly to Sea God Island.

The academy will initiate the highest-level cultivation program for you; resources, faculty, environment—everything will be the best.

Shrek will surely spare no effort to assist your growth!"

Sea God Island, the true core of Shrek Academy and the location of the Inner Court.

Xia Ming's heart pounded violently, his blood rushing through his veins.

He suppressed the excitement in his heart, took a deep breath, and meeting Yan Shaozhe's expectant gaze, he nodded firmly:

"Yes! Student Xia Ming will respectfully follow the Dean's arrangements!"