Chapter 45

Shrek City, Central Arena, contestant lounge.

As the referee raised his hand high to announce that the final victory of this friendly exhibition match belonged to the Spirit Pagoda, the entire arena fell into a subtle silence.

The fans of Shrek were silent.

The Spirit Pagoda—that same Spirit Pagoda they had trampled underfoot year after year—had actually won this year?

Meanwhile, the Spirit Pagoda's entourage erupted into long-suppressed cheers! They hugged, high-fived, and some were even moved to tears of excitement.

For the first time in so many years, the Spirit Pagoda had defeated Shrek in this traditional tournament!

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 not without ripples.

He had won.

Not only had he won the match, but he had also secured the qualification to enter that mysterious secret realm: the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

His mind began to calculate rapidly.

Once there, how should he make his move? Which immortal herbs must he take? Which ones could be left for now? What if he encountered the guardian?

Just then, he felt a gaze land on him.

Luo Yang tilted his head slightly, catching a glimpse of Nanali in the corner out of the side of his eye.

That little girl, who claimed to be one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Holy Spirit Cult but was actually a total coward, was staring at him unblinkingly with those seemingly innocent, wide eyes.

Nanali was indeed calculating.

How could this little guy be so powerful?

She had witnessed today's match with her own eyes: Yuanen Yehui's Titan Giant Ape, Xiao Yan's strange fire, Ye Xinglan's Star God Sword—each one was a top-tier existence at their level.

But what about Luo Yang? From start to finish, he hadn't even made a serious move.

Against Xiao Yan, he had released that terrifying Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff Emperor and watched the show the entire time.

Against Ye Xinglan, he had retracted his spirit soul and used a few words to send his opponent into an epiphany.

Was this even a match? This was clearly a teaching session!

Nanali suddenly understood why the sect leader would go to such lengths, even sending a Death Messenger, just to abduct this kid back to the Holy Spirit Cult to be the Holy Son.

With this talent, this temperament, this aura... if nurtured properly, he would definitely be a figure capable of stirring up the entire continent in the future!

But then she thought about it, and she wilted again.

She was a prisoner now!

Although Luo Yang hadn't locked her in a basement or set bugs to bite her, she knew that the angel girl was watching her at all times.

As long as she dared to make any suspicious move, that golden sword light would descend without hesitation.

Perhaps... hanging out with this little guy was more promising than sticking with the Holy Spirit Cult?

Nanali fell into deep conflict.

After all, in the Holy Spirit Cult, although she was one of the Four Heavenly Kings, she was essentially just a high-level thug.

The Demon Empress only cared about one thing: resurrecting the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King. She didn't care how many of her subordinates died.

But here with Luo Yang...

She secretly sized up the boy's profile. On that excessively exquisite face, there was no arrogance after victory, only a calm, water-like composure.

People like this were either fools or true powerhouses.

Nanali leaned toward the latter.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a light sound of footsteps approached.

Leng Yaozhu walked into the lounge with elegant strides, her fiery, brilliant red dress shimmering under the lights.

A satisfied smile hung on her face as her beautiful eyes landed on Luo Yang.

"Well performed." She walked up to Luo Yang and reached out to ruffle his hair.

Luo Yang obediently let her ruffle it, a sweet smile appearing on his face: "It's all thanks to Aunt Leng's teaching."

"Don't be a smooth talker." Leng Yaozhu laughed and poked his forehead. "What did I teach you? You fought the whole thing yourself from start to finish."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Nanali before returning to Luo Yang:

"I've already negotiated with Shrek. According to the bet, you can enter that secret realm in two days. Ya Li will personally perform the Holy Spirit Baptism for you; that is a rare opportunity, so make sure to seize it."

Luo Yang's eyes lit up: "Thank you, Aunt Leng!"

"Don't be in such a hurry to thank me." Leng Yaozhu waved her hand, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "The secret realm is part of the bet, so that's official business. As for privately..."

She leaned down, moved close to Luo Yang's ear, and lowered her voice:

"When we return to the Spirit Pagoda tonight, I'll reward you properly."

The warm breath sprayed against his ear, and Luo Yang's body stiffened slightly.

Could this reward... be a bit more decent?

Leng Yaozhu had already straightened up, returning to her serious demeanor, and waved a hand at her entourage:

"Clean up and prepare to return to the Spirit Pagoda."

At the exit of the arena.

Luo Yang was just about to board the luxurious stretch limousine returning to the Spirit Pagoda when he suddenly felt a gaze upon him.

He turned his head to see Ye Xinglan standing not far away.

She stood there quietly, a faint, ethereal sword intent lingering around her. This sword intent was more restrained and purer than it had been during the match.

Clearly, after her epiphany, her swordsmanship had reached a new level.

The two locked eyes for a moment.

Ye Xinglan spoke suddenly, her voice still cold, yet carrying a hint of unprecedented solemnity:

"In the future, I will come for you again."

Luo Yang raised an eyebrow: "Come for me to do what?"

"To spar with swords," Ye Xinglan said, a flash of light crossing her cold, clear eyes. "When I have truly grasped my own sword path, I will come to find you again. When that time comes, it won't necessarily be me who loses."

Luo Yang smiled.

There was no contempt in that smile, only pure appreciation and recognition:

"Fine, I'll be waiting."

Ye Xinglan nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Her silhouette remained cold and aloof, but it now possessed something it had lacked before.

Direction.

Luo Yang watched her disappear into the crowd, the smile on his lips deepening slightly.

Inside the car, Luo Yang leaned against the window, listening to the discussions drifting in from outside.

The spectators were gradually dispersing, but everyone was talking about today's match.

"That Luo Yang, what exactly is his background?"

"I don't know, but he's definitely a secret weapon of the Spirit Pagoda! Did you see his spirit soul? It's at the Spirit King level! Who has ever seen such a powerful spirit soul?"

"What's even more monstrous is the guy himself! Didn't you hear what he said to Ye Xinglan—'Your sword is too heavy,' 'You are merely imitating,' 'What are you swinging for'... every word was a strike to the heart!"

"And he even guided Ye Xinglan to an epiphany! What kind of freak is this? How old is he anyway?"

"I'll bet fifty cents that this kid is going to be a big shot in the future!"

"Fifty cents? I'm betting my entire fortune! Didn't you see the way Heavenly Phoenix treated him? It's clear she's raising him like her own son!"

"The Spirit Pagoda has really struck gold this time..."

The voices gradually faded as the car entered the dedicated lane leading to the Spirit Pagoda.

Luo Yang withdrew his gaze, leaned back against the seat, and closed his eyes to rest.

Yuanen Yehui sat beside him, saying nothing. But in the glances she occasionally cast toward Luo Yang, there was something new that hadn't been there before.

Nanali huddled in the corner, continuing her grand task of internal struggle.

Top floor of the Spirit Pagoda, Luo Yang's room.

Pushing the door open, the first thing Luo Yang did was close it behind him.

He stood behind the door, took a deep breath to steady his mood, and then spoke:

"Come out."

Faint ripples appeared in the air.

A tall, slender figure slowly emerged from the void.

A noble violet gown, deep eyes like purple gemstones, and the majestic aura of one who rules the world.

Bibi Dong.

She stood there quietly, as if the entire room had gained a sense of oppression simply from her presence.

"The matters you entrusted to me have all been handled," Bibi Dong said, her voice still carrying that coldness of one who has long held a position of power.