Shrek City's Central Arena, the competitors' lounge.
As the referee raised his hand high and announced that the Spirit Pagoda had won the friendly exhibition match, the entire arena fell into a strange silence.
Shrek's fans fell quiet.
The Spirit Pagoda—the one they'd trampled underfoot year after year—had actually won this year?
Meanwhile, the Spirit Pagoda's entourage erupted in long-suppressed cheers! They hugged, slapped hands, and some even wept with excitement.
It had been years since the Spirit Pagoda had last beaten Shrek in this traditional competition!
Luo Yang sat on a bench in the lounge, his expression calm, as if none of this had anything to do with him.
But his heart was far from still.
They'd won.
Not only had they won the competition, but they'd also won the right to enter that mysterious secret realm: the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
His mind was already racing through the possibilities.
Once he got there, how should he proceed? Which Immortal Herbs did he absolutely have to take? Which could he leave for later? What if they ran into a guardian?
Just then, he felt someone's gaze settle on him.
Luo Yang turned his head slightly and caught sight of Na Nali in the corner of his eye.
The little girl who claimed to be one of the Holy Spirit Cult's Four Heavenly Kings, but was actually a complete coward, was staring at him without blinking with those seemingly innocent big eyes.
Na Nali was indeed thinking things over.
How could this kid be so strong?
She'd watched today's matches with her own eyes. Yuanen Yehui's Titan Giant Ape, Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flames, Ye Xinglan's Stargod Sword—each was a top-tier existence among those of the same level.
But what about Luo Yang? From beginning to end, he hadn't even fought seriously.
Against Xiao Yan, he'd released that terrifying Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff Emperor and watched the whole time.
Against Ye Xinglan, he'd recalled his Soul Spirit and, with just a few words, sent her into a state of enlightenment.
How was this a competition? It was a training session!
Na Nali suddenly understood why the cult leader had sent the Death Messenger at such a cost, all to lure this kid back to the Holy Spirit Cult as their Holy Son.
His talent, his character, his bearing... If he was properly nurtured, he'd surely become a figure capable of stirring up the whole continent!
But then she thought about it again, and her spirits sank.
She was a prisoner now!
Luo Yang hadn't locked her in a basement or let bugs bite her, but she knew that angelic girl was watching her every moment.
If she dared make even the slightest move, that golden sword light would fall without hesitation.
Maybe... she'd have a brighter future sticking with this kid than with the Holy Spirit Cult?
Na Nali sank into deep indecision.
After all, at the Holy Spirit Cult, she might be one of the Four Heavenly Kings, but in plain terms, she was just a high-ranking enforcer.
The Demon Empress, the cult leader, cared only about resurrecting the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King. She didn't care how many people beneath her died.
But with Luo Yang...
She secretly studied the boy's profile. His face was almost too exquisite, yet there was no post-victory arrogance in his expression, only a calm, unruffled composure.
A person like that was either an idiot or a true big shot.
Na Nali leaned toward the latter.
As she let her mind wander, light footsteps approached.
Leng Yaozhu entered the lounge with graceful steps, her brilliant red dress blazing like fire beneath the lights.
A satisfied smile graced her face. When her beautiful eyes fell on Luo Yang—
"Not bad." She came up to him and reached out to ruffle his hair.
Luo Yang obediently let her, giving her a well-behaved smile. "It's all thanks to Aunt Leng's teaching."
"Stop flattering me." Leng Yaozhu smiled and poked him on the forehead. "What did I teach you? You handled everything yourself from beginning to end."
She paused, glanced at Na Nali, then looked back at Luo Yang.
"I've already spoken with Shrek. According to the wager, you can enter that secret realm in two days. Ya Li will personally perform the Holy Spirit Baptism for you. That's a rare opportunity. Make the most of it."
Luo Yang's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Aunt Leng!"
"Don't thank me just yet." Leng Yaozhu waved a hand, her tone tinged with teasing. "The secret realm is part of the wager, so that's just business. But in private..."
She bent down and leaned close to Luo Yang's ear, lowering her voice.
"When we get back to the Spirit Pagoda tonight, I'll give you a proper reward."
Her warm breath brushed his ear, and Luo Yang stiffened slightly.
Could that reward... be a little more proper?
But Leng Yaozhu had already straightened up, returning to her usual serious demeanor. She gestured to the entourage.
"Pack up. We're getting ready to return to the Spirit Pagoda."
At the arena exit.
Luo Yang was about to board the luxurious stretch limousine back to the Spirit Pagoda when he suddenly felt someone watching him.
He turned and saw Ye Xinglan standing not far away.
She stood there quietly, a faint trace of sword intent swirling around her. It was more restrained than during the match, and purer.
Clearly, after her enlightenment, her swordsmanship had reached a new level.
The two looked at each other for a moment.
Ye Xinglan suddenly spoke. Her voice was still cool, but now carried a seriousness she'd never shown before.
"I'll come find you again."
Luo Yang raised an eyebrow. "What for?"
"To cross swords." A glint flashed in Ye Xinglan's cool eyes. "Once I truly understand my own sword path, I'll come find you again. When that day comes, I may not be the one who loses."
Luo Yang smiled.
There was no disdain in that smile, only pure appreciation and recognition.
"Good. I'll be waiting."
Ye Xinglan nodded and said nothing more before turning to leave.
Her back was still cool and aloof, but now it carried something it hadn't before.
Direction.
Luo Yang watched her disappear into the crowd, the smile on his lips deepening.
In the car, Luo Yang leaned against the window, listening to the discussions outside.
The spectators gradually dispersed, but everyone was talking about today's matches.
"Who exactly is that Luo Yang?"
"No idea, but he's definitely the Spirit Pagoda's secret weapon! Did you see his Soul Spirit? Soul King level! Who's ever seen a Soul Spirit that powerful?"
"What's even more insane is the kid himself! You saw it, right? The things he said to Ye Xinglan—'Your sword is too heavy,' 'You're only imitating,' 'Why do you swing it?'... Every word cut to the bone!"
"And he even guided Ye Xinglan into enlightenment! What kind of monster is he? How old is he?"
"I'll bet fifty cents that kid's going to be a big shot someday!"
"Fifty cents? I'll bet my whole fortune! Didn't you see how the Heavenly Phoenix treated him? She clearly raises him like her own son!"
"The Spirit Pagoda really struck gold this time..."
The voices gradually faded as the car entered the private road leading to the Spirit Pagoda.
Luo Yang looked away, leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes to rest.
Yuanen Yehui sat beside him without a word. But now and then, she glanced at Luo Yang, her gaze carrying something it hadn't before.
Na Nali huddled in the corner, continuing her grand struggle of indecision.
The top floor of the Spirit Pagoda, in Luo Yang's room.
The first thing Luo Yang did after opening the door was turn around and close it behind him.
He stood behind the door, took a deep breath, steadied himself, then spoke.
"Come out."
The air rippled faintly.
A tall figure slowly emerged from the void.
A noble, violet gown. Deep, amethyst eyes. The imposing bearing of one who ruled all beneath heaven.
Bibi Dong.
She stood quietly in place, as if her very presence lent the room a weight of oppression.
"I've taken care of everything you asked me to," Bibi Dong said, her voice still carrying the coolness of someone long accustomed to power.