Hearing Mu En lay his heart bare, Yan Shaozhe could no longer contain his emotions. His knees buckled, and he dropped heavily onto the rubble-strewn ground with a thud.
He lifted his head and looked at the old man before him, who had shouldered every secret and grievance for an entire century to keep him safe. His eyes reddened, and tears spilled down his face.
"Teacher... thank you!" Yan Shaozhe choked out, pressing his forehead hard against the cold rock as he sobbed uncontrollably.
"Thank you for not abandoning me because of the blood flowing through my veins. Thank you for sheltering me from wind and rain, for raising me into someone worthwhile..."
A flicker of pain crossed Mu En's eyes as he watched his disciple weep on his knees. He stepped forward, bent down, and helped Yan Shaozhe up with his warm, gentle hands.
"Yan Shaozhe, get up." Mu En patted the dust from his robes and spoke with heartfelt gravity.
"A hero's worth is not measured by his origins. Birth is something heaven gives us; none of us can choose it. What blood flows through your veins doesn't matter. What matters is whether your heart turns toward the light or leans toward the darkness."
Mu En looked into Yan Shaozhe's bloodshot eyes, his voice growing stern.
"You haven't forgotten Shrek Academy's motto, have you? You've spent most of your life fighting Evil Soul Masters and saved countless innocent people. That is the answer you've given. I hope today's turmoil over your origins won't become a nightmare that crushes you, but a whetstone that helps you face your heart and temper your resolve. Only by crossing this hurdle can you travel farther down the road ahead."
Yan Shaozhe wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and nodded