Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect’s Local Specialty”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin arrive to see Ning Rongrong and privately question whether the claims in her letter are true.
• Ning Rongrong reveals her evolved Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda, confirming that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect’s hereditary limitation has been overcome.
• Ning Fengzhi is overwhelmed with joy, realizing that Rongrong’s evolution could transform the sect’s future and greatly increase its power.
• Chen Xin cautiously examines Rongrong’s body and Soul Power to ensure that the Immortal Herb did not damage her foundation or shorten her potential. He confirms that she is perfectly healthy and that her Soul Power is even more condensed than before.
• Rongrong casually reveals that she, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing each consumed two Immortal Herbs, shocking both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin.
• After returning downstairs, Ning Fengzhi solemnly thanks Su Chen for helping Rongrong break the sect’s long-standing restriction. He promises that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will repay him with its full strength whenever needed.
• Ning Fengzhi presents Su Chen with a “local specialty”: a Soul Gold Card containing five million Gold Soul Coins.
• Xiao Wu is stunned by the enormous sum, while Zhu Zhuqing is quietly impressed. Su Chen accepts the gift calmly and humorously remarks on its weight.

Character Development

• Ning Rongrong: Becomes more confident and proudly displays the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda. Her playful smugness shows that she trusts Su Chen completely and is pleased by her father’s approval of him.
• Ning Fengzhi: Moves from anxious skepticism to overwhelming gratitude and admiration. He recognizes both the immense value of Rongrong’s transformation and Su Chen’s humble character.
• Chen Xin: Initially suspicious that the Immortal Herb might have harmed Rongrong, but his examination confirms its miraculous benefits. His attitude shifts from caution to genuine astonishment.
• Su Chen: Remains modest and composed despite possessing a treasure capable of changing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect’s destiny. He treats helping Rongrong as a natural responsibility rather than a bargaining opportunity.
• Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing: React with surprise to the sect’s immense wealth, highlighting their differing personalities—Xiao Wu is openly bewildered, while Zhu Zhuqing remains restrained but impressed.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and liberation: Rongrong’s evolution breaks the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect’s inherited seven-ring limitation, symbolizing freedom from ancestral constraints.
• Trust and gratitude: Ning Fengzhi’s response demonstrates the enormous significance of Su Chen’s gift and the deep gratitude it inspires.
• Power accompanied by humility: Su Chen’s refusal to boast or demand compensation makes his generosity appear even more impressive.
• Wealth and status: The five-million-coin gift emphasizes the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect’s extraordinary financial power.
• Family pride: Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin’s emotional reaction reflects their love for Rongrong and their pride in her achievement.

Important Character Interactions

• Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin privately verify Rongrong’s transformation, with Chen Xin physically inspecting her condition.
• Rongrong praises Su Chen’s Immortal Herbs and confidently defends his judgment.
• Ning Fengzhi publicly bows to Su Chen, formally recognizing him as a benefactor of the sect.
• Su Chen downplays his achievement and accepts Ning Fengzhi’s gift without excessive ceremony.
• Xiao Wu’s humorous reaction to the phrase “local specialties” contrasts with the unexpectedly valuable monetary gift.

Chapter Summary: “He’s Still Just a Child!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Fengzhi privately asks Su Chen whether he possesses another Immortal Herb capable of evolving a martial soul, like the herb that transformed Ning Rongrong’s Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda into the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda.
• Su Chen confirms that he has more Immortal Herbs, though they are not currently with him. He promises to give Ning Fengzhi a suitable herb after arriving in Heaven Dou City.
• Ning Fengzhi is thrilled, offering the full support and resources of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Su Chen refuses to discuss payment, calling Ning Rongrong and the others “family.”
• Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin prepare to leave. Ning Fengzhi advises Ning Rongrong to obey Su Chen, cultivate seriously, and stop causing trouble.
• Chen Xin silently warns Su Chen not to mistreat Ning Rongrong, but Su Chen remains calm.
• Once outside, Ning Fengzhi reveals that the real purpose of their visit is to capture Tang San, whom they believe is a human-shaped Hundred Thousand Year Soul Beast.
• Chen Xin quickly locates Tang San and suppresses him with his overwhelming power, forcing him to his knees.
• Flender tries to defend Tang San, repeatedly insisting that “he’s still just a child” and apologizing on his behalf.
• Chen Xin publicly identifies Tang San as a Hundred Thousand Year Human-shaped Soul Beast, shocking Flender and the Shrek students.
• Ma Hongjun, recalling a previous incident in which Tang San was accused of being another kind of Soul Beast and even grew a pig tail, begins seriously questioning whether Tang San is truly human.
• Tang San is humiliated and increasingly disturbed by the repeated accusations, even wondering whether he may genuinely not be human.

Character Developments

• Su Chen: Demonstrates influence and confidence by openly including Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing in his inner circle. He also appears to have a hidden motive for waiting until Heaven Dou City to hand over the Immortal Herb.
• Ning Fengzhi: Becomes eager and deferential toward Su Chen because of the possibility of advancing his martial soul and strengthening the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He begins addressing Su Chen as “Little Chen.”
• Ning Rongrong: Grows more affectionate toward Su Chen after he calls them family, moving closer to him and becoming visibly delighted by their relationship.
• Chen Xin: Remains protective of Ning Rongrong and suspicious of Su Chen, while acting decisively against Tang San once he identifies him as a potential Soul Beast.
• Tang San: Suffers public humiliation and helplessness when Chen Xin forces him to kneel. His anger at being repeatedly called nonhuman begins to turn into genuine self-doubt.
• Flender: Becomes increasingly anxious and desperate to protect Tang San, repeatedly labeling him a child and insisting that the accusations are a misunderstanding.
• Ma Hongjun and the other Shrek students: Are shocked by Chen Xin’s accusation and begin to question Tang San’s true identity.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Su Chen’s possession of Immortal Herbs gives him considerable leverage over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
• Family and loyalty: Su Chen’s declaration that the group is “family” deepens his bond with Ning Rongrong and establishes a sense of shared allegiance.
• Hidden identities: Tang San’s alleged nature as a human-shaped Soul Beast becomes an increasingly serious mystery rather than a simple misunderstanding.
• Humiliation and loss of control: Tang San’s inability to resist Chen Xin exposes the vast power gap between them and undermines his pride.
• Political and personal motives: Su Chen’s promise to deliver the Immortal Herb in Heaven Dou City suggests that his generosity may be connected to a larger plan.

Important Character Interactions

• Su Chen and Ning Fengzhi: Negotiate indirectly over the Immortal Herb, with Ning Fengzhi offering support and Su Chen strengthening their relationship through his promise and refusal of payment.
• Su Chen and Ning Rongrong: Their closeness becomes more obvious, with Ning Rongrong reacting warmly to being called part of Su Chen’s “family.”
• Chen Xin and Su Chen: Chen Xin silently threatens Su Chen to protect Ning Rongrong, while Su Chen responds with polite confidence.
• Chen Xin and Tang San: Chen Xin immediately suppresses Tang San and accuses him of being a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Beast.
• Flender and Ning Fengzhi/Chen Xin: Flender attempts to calm the situation and defend Tang San, but neither powerful figure accepts his explanation.
• Ma Hongjun and Tang San: Ma Hongjun’s question about whether Tang San is truly human intensifies Tang San’s embarrassment and uncertainty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang San is mistaken for a transformed soul beast and forced to kneel by Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
• Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, arrives and senses a hidden Title Douluo.
• Tang San is offered a money pouch by Ning Fengzhi as compensation, but he refuses, causing Ning Fengzhi to take it back.

Character Developments

• Tang San shows stubbornness and pride, refusing to accept charity even after suffering humiliation.
• Ning Fengzhi displays wisdom and caution, quickly assessing the situation and deciding not to provoke Tang Hao.
• Chen Xin, though intimidating, follows Ning Fengzhi's orders without question.

Significant Themes

• Humiliation and pride: Tang San's refusal to accept charity highlights his pride and unwillingness to be seen as weak or desperate.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between characters emphasize the power imbalances and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Tang San and Ning Fengzhi: Their interaction showcases Tang San's pride and Ning Fengzhi's shrewdness and caution.
• Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi: Chen Xin's immediate response to Ning Fengzhi's command demonstrates their close relationship and trust.
• Tang San and Chen Xin: Their interaction highlights the power difference and Tang San's helplessness in the face of Chen Xin's strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin leave Shrek Academy, but Chen Xin senses Tang Hao's presence and stops the Seven Kill Sword.
• Tang Hao appears, confirming Tang San's identity and threatening Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin.
• Ning Fengzhi decides to let the matter rest for now, and they continue to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
• At Su Chen's villa, Ning Rongrong expresses her excitement about her father's promise of support, leading to a playful argument between her, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.

Character Developments

• Ning Fengzhi: Shows his political acumen by choosing not to provoke Tang Hao further and deciding to keep an eye on Tang San at Shrek Academy.
• Chen Xin: Reveals his protective nature towards his family, particularly Ning Rongrong, and his displeasure at Su Chen's relationship with multiple girls.
• Tang Hao: Demonstrates his fierce protectiveness towards Tang San and his willingness to confront the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
• Ning Rongrong: Shows her loyalty and support for Su Chen, even playfully arguing with Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing over him.
• Xiao Wu: Reveals her jealousy and possessiveness over Su Chen, arguing with Ning Rongrong.
• Zhu Zhuqing: Quietly observes the playful argument, showing a rare moment of amusement.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Upper Three Sects' relationships are complex and driven by power dynamics, as seen in the interactions between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, and Shrek Academy.
• Family and Loyalty: The importance of family and loyalty is emphasized through Tang Hao's fierce protection of Tang San and Ning Rongrong's support for Su Chen.
• Jealousy and Possessiveness: Xiao Wu's jealousy and Ning Rongrong's playful possessiveness highlight the romantic tension between the characters.

Character Interactions

• Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin: The two have a mentor-mentee relationship, with Chen Xin showing deference to Ning Fengzhi's decisions while also expressing his concerns about Ning Rongrong.
• Tang Hao and Ning Fengzhi/Chen Xin: Tang Hao confronts the two, threatening them and asserting Tang San's identity.
• Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing: The three girls playfully argue over Su Chen, revealing their feelings for him and their competitive nature.
• Su Chen and the Girls: Su Chen maintains his composure and keeps everyone happy, showing his ability to handle multiple relationships with ease.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Flender, the dean of Shrek Academy, is mentally exhausted due to recent events.
• Zhao Wuji and other teachers visit Flender, expressing their concern but also revealing their lack of involvement during the academy's recent troubles.
• Supervisor Ao of the Soto Great Soul Arena invites Flender to discuss a problem: a powerful team from Heaven Dou Royal Academy has been winning consistently, causing the arena to lose money. He wants Shrek Academy's help.

Character Developments

• Flender is shown to be dedicated to the academy but also weary from its ongoing issues.
• Zhao Wuji and the other teachers show a mix of concern and self-preservation, highlighting their lack of commitment to the academy's well-being.
• Supervisor Ao is revealed to be struggling with maintaining his position due to the financial losses incurred by the Soul Arena.

Significant Themes

• The theme of loyalty and commitment is explored through the actions of Flender and the other teachers.
• The financial struggles of Shrek Academy are emphasized, hinting at the theme of poverty and its impact on the academy's operations.

Character Interactions

• Flender interacts with Zhao Wuji and the other teachers, revealing their lack of involvement in the academy's recent troubles.
• Flender meets with Supervisor Ao, who asks for Shrek Academy's help in resolving a crisis at the Soul Arena.

Chapter Summary: “For Shrek Academy’s Honor”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Supervisor Ao of the Soto Great Soul Arena asks Shrek Academy to participate in a team spirit fight against the Imperial Fighting Team of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
• When Flender hesitates, Supervisor Ao offers him an additional 5,000 Gold Soul Coins, on top of the arena’s original 10,000-coin payment. Motivated by the potential 15,000 Gold Soul Coins, Flender immediately agrees.
• Flender visits Su Chen the next morning and exaggerates the importance of the match, appealing to Shrek Academy’s honor and its responsibility to defend Soto City’s reputation.
• Su Chen agrees, partly because he wants to test the strength of Heaven Dou Royal Academy’s elites and meet Ye Lingling, whose Nine Heart Flowering Apple martial soul interests him as a potential recruit.
• Flender then invites Yu Xiaogang to participate as the team’s strategist. Yu Xiaogang initially pretends to reject worldly affairs but agrees after hearing that the opponent is Heaven Dou Royal Academy and that the match could validate his theories.
• That evening, the Shrek team gathers. Tang San becomes emotional upon seeing Yu Xiaogang and embraces him, crying about his recent hardships.
• Flender ends the reunion before further conflict can arise and leads everyone toward the Soto Great Soul Arena, loudly proclaiming that they are fighting “for Shrek Academy’s honor”—while privately focusing on the promised money.

Character Developments

• Flender: His greed and opportunism are emphasized. Although he frames the match as a matter of honor, his true motivation is financial gain. He eagerly manipulates both Su Chen and Yu Xiaogang to secure the match.
• Su Chen: Remains perceptive and composed, immediately recognizing that Flender accepted because of the money. He agrees to participate out of curiosity about the Imperial Fighting Team and interest in Ye Lingling.
• Yu Xiaogang: Returns to public activity after isolating himself. He continues to present himself as a self-sacrificing intellectual and tactical master, though Flender sees through his dramatic behavior.
• Tang San: Shows deep emotional dependence on Yu Xiaogang and openly expresses his suffering. Ning Rongrong’s mocking comment triggers his insecurity and buried resentment, causing him to react with anger and suspicion.
• Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong: Both openly mock Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Tang San. Their hostility toward Tang San remains evident, while their sharp remarks unsettle him.
• Ye Lingling: Does not appear directly, but Su Chen identifies her as an important potential ally because of her rare healing martial soul.

Significant Themes

• Honor versus self-interest: Flender publicly invokes academy honor while privately caring almost exclusively about the payment.
• Manipulation and hidden motives: Flender uses praise, emotional appeals, and appeals to reputation to obtain cooperation from Su Chen and Yu Xiaogang.
• Performative dignity: Yu Xiaogang’s grand declarations of self-sacrifice are portrayed humorously as an act designed to preserve his image.
• Emotional vulnerability and resentment: Tang San’s reunion with Yu Xiaogang reveals his need for sympathy, while Ning Rongrong’s teasing exposes the anger and shame beneath his tears.
• Competition as opportunity: The upcoming battle is not only a fight but also a chance for Shrek Academy to gain prestige, test its abilities, and potentially recruit valuable talent.

Character Interactions

• Supervisor Ao and Flender negotiate the match through an unspoken understanding created by the extra payment.
• Flender persuades Su Chen by presenting the battle as a defense of the city and academy, though Su Chen recognizes his financial motive.
• Flender and Yu Xiaogang exchange contrasting performances: Flender acts humble and persuasive, while Yu Xiaogang acts reluctant and noble.
• Tang San’s tearful embrace of Yu Xiaogang contrasts sharply with Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong’s contemptuous reactions.
• Ning Rongrong’s sarcastic remark about Tang San deeply unsettles him, hinting at past events he desperately wants concealed.
• The chapter ends with the Shrek group departing for the arena, united publicly by the academy’s honor but driven by very different personal motives.

Chapter Summary: Twenty-Four Hours of Nonstop Blacksmithing

Key Plot Points and Events

• At the Suotuo City Great Soul Arena, Shrek Academy officially registers its team under Flender’s chosen name, the Shrek Eight Monsters. Xiao Wu objects to the name, but Su Chen dismisses it as unimportant, calming her down.
• Because of Flender’s connection with Supervisor Ao, the group is escorted to a luxurious VIP room overlooking the main arena.
• Supervisor Ao provides information about their upcoming opponents: the Imperial Fighting Team, led by Yu Tianheng and including Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling.
• Yu Xiaogang reacts uneasily upon seeing Yu Tianheng’s affiliation with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, revealing his painful history with the clan and his familial connection to Yu Tianheng.
• The team discovers that Ye Lingling possesses the rare Nine Heart Flowering Apple, an exceptionally powerful support-type Martial Soul specializing entirely in area healing.
• Ning Rongrong explains that only two Nine Heart Flowering Apple Soul Masters can exist at one time, and a successor cannot appear until one of the current holders dies.
• Her explanation impresses the group but humiliates Yu Xiaogang, who had incorrectly assumed the Martial Soul was a mutation. Ning Rongrong mocks his reputation as a “master of theory,” while Flender attempts to restore order.
• Tang San realizes that Ye Lingling’s continuous healing would be extremely useful for prolonged blacksmithing, imagining himself forging hidden weapons for twenty-four hours without rest.
• Su Chen quietly enjoys watching the tension between Ning Rongrong, Yu Xiaogang, and Tang San.

Character Developments

• Su Chen remains detached from the team’s naming dispute and social tensions. He comforts Xiao Wu and observes the conflict with amusement rather than becoming involved.
• Xiao Wu shows her strong dislike of the “Eight Monsters” title but backs down after Su Chen reassures her.
• Ning Rongrong displays extensive knowledge of support-type Martial Souls and openly challenges Yu Xiaogang’s authority. Her confidence and arrogance are reinforced by her background in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
• Yu Xiaogang is emotionally shaken by the appearance of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and embarrassed when he cannot identify the Nine Heart Flowering Apple. His defensiveness exposes his insecurity.
• Tang San remains loyal to Yu Xiaogang and becomes uncomfortable when Ning Rongrong humiliates him. At the same time, he begins viewing healing abilities pragmatically, imagining their value for future Tang Sect forging work.
• The other Shrek members are startled by the Imperial Fighting Team’s powerful healing capability and begin recognizing the seriousness of the coming match.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge versus reputation: Yu Xiaogang’s claimed expertise is questioned when Ning Rongrong knows more than he does, exposing the difference between reputation and actual understanding.
• Powerful support abilities: The Nine Heart Flowering Apple demonstrates how healing and support can determine the outcome of a battle as much as offensive strength.
• Loyalty and resentment: Tang San’s loyalty to Yu Xiaogang conflicts with his awareness that Rongrong’s criticism is justified, while deeper resentment begins forming toward her.
• Social hierarchy and privilege: Ning Rongrong’s confidence reflects her powerful family background, while the others recognize that her status allows her to confront Yu Xiaogang boldly.
• Detachment and observation: Su Chen’s perspective emphasizes the entertainment value of the group’s interpersonal conflicts and his emotional distance from the academy.

Important Character Interactions

• Su Chen calms Xiao Wu after she objects to the team name and later sits between her and Ning Rongrong in the VIP room.
• Ning Rongrong confronts Yu Xiaogang over his ignorance of the Nine Heart Flowering Apple, humiliating him in front of the others.
• Flender intervenes to prevent the argument from escalating and asks Rongrong to explain the Martial Soul’s abilities.
• Tang San notices both Yu Xiaogang’s distress over Yu Tianheng and Rongrong’s deliberate attack on his teacher, strengthening his negative feelings toward her.
• Oscar and Ma Hongjun exchange jokes about healing and sausages, providing brief comic relief amid the tension.

Chapter Summary: “Tang San Wanted to Capture Ye Lingling”

Key Plot Points and Events

• In the Imperial Fighting Team’s lounge, the team members mock their recent weak opponents and complain about having to fight in Suotuo City.
• Their teacher, Qin Ming, warns them not to underestimate their next opponents: the newly registered Shrek Eight Monsters Team.
• Shrek finalizes its lineup without Su Chen. Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing join Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar.
• Yu Xiaogang presents a detailed strategy centered on Tang San’s command, but the three girls reject it. They decide to fight according to their own roles:
  • Ning Rongrong will provide support.
  • Zhu Zhuqing will infiltrate the enemy’s rear.
  • Xiao Wu will attack head-on.
• The two teams enter the main Soul Fighting Arena. The audience initially ridicules Shrek because it is a newly registered team.
• The Imperial Fighting Team reveals a disciplined formation, with Ye Lingling protected in the center as the team’s healer.
• Shrek shocks the audience by revealing its strength, especially Xiao Wu’s four Soul Rings—including a ten-thousand-year fourth ring—and Ning Rongrong’s legendary Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda.
• The Imperial Fighting Team realizes that Shrek is not a weak rookie team but a group of exceptionally talented young Soul Masters.
• Tang San becomes displeased that Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing draw most of the attention. He decides to target Ye Lingling first, believing that capturing the enemy healer will secure the greatest contribution for himself.

Character Developments

• Qin Ming: Displays unusual seriousness and familiarity with Shrek, suggesting that he knows more about the team than he initially reveals.
• Xiao Wu: Shows confidence and independence by openly rejecting Yu Xiaogang’s strategy. She intends to take the offensive and overpower anyone who blocks her.
• Ning Rongrong: Demonstrates her strong dislike of Yu Xiaogang’s leadership and refuses to let Tang San dominate the battle. Her Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda also reveals her exceptional talent.
• Zhu Zhuqing: Remains quiet but clearly sides with Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong. Her intended role as an infiltrator highlights her decisiveness and combat instincts.
• Yu Xiaogang: Is humiliated and frustrated when the girls ignore his carefully prepared tactics, but he lacks the authority to force them to obey.
• Tang San: Becomes jealous and resentful when the girls overshadow him. Rather than cooperating naturally with the team, he begins planning how to seize credit by targeting Ye Lingling.
• Ye Lingling: Usually expressionless and calm, she shows rare surprise upon seeing Ning Rongrong’s Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda, indicating her awareness of its legendary status.
• Imperial Fighting Team: Initially arrogant because of its winning streak, the team is forced to reassess Shrek after seeing its powerful Soul Rings and Martial Souls.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance versus hidden strength: The Imperial Fighting Team and the audience assume that a newly registered team must be weak, only to discover that Shrek contains several extraordinary talents.
• Independence versus authority: Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing reject imposed strategies, emphasizing their refusal to blindly follow Yu Xiaogang or Tang San.
• Recognition and credit: Tang San’s desire to be seen as the key contributor reveals his competitiveness and insecurity.
• Teamwork and internal conflict: Although both teams are preparing for a group battle, Shrek is divided by mistrust and competing agendas, while the Imperial Fighting Team demonstrates far greater discipline and coordination.
• The importance of support roles: Ye Lingling’s healing ability makes her a central strategic target, while Ning Rongrong’s support power immediately changes how both teams assess the match.

Important Character Interactions

• Qin Ming warns Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan not to underestimate Shrek, creating suspense before the battle.
• Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong openly challenge Yu Xiaogang’s battle plan, with Zhu Zhuqing silently supporting their decision.
• The Shrek girls separate themselves from Tang San and the male members both physically and strategically.
• The audience’s contempt turns into surprise after Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong reveal their extraordinary abilities.
• Ye Lingling reacts to Ning Rongrong’s Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda, establishing mutual recognition between the two support-type Soul Masters.
• Tang San internally decides to capture Ye Lingling, setting up the main tactical conflict of the upcoming battle.

Chapter Summary: “Tang San: I Bet Your Poison...”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The main soul fight between Shrek Academy and the Imperial Fighting Team begins.
• Tang San immediately targets Ye Lingling, the opposing team’s healer, and rushes forward without coordinating with the rest of Shrek.
• Dai Mubai follows Tang San in a direct assault, while Ma Hongjun reluctantly joins them. Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing remain at the rear, leaving Shrek’s formation badly scattered.
• The Imperial Fighting Team is confused by Shrek’s seemingly reckless strategy. Yu Tianheng interprets the attack as arrogance and launches his Thunderclap Dragon Claw at Dai Mubai.
• Tang San uses the clash between Dai Mubai and Yu Tianheng as cover to approach Ye Lingling.
• Dugu Yan releases her Jade Phosphorous Purple Poison, spreading a poisonous mist across much of the arena. Yufeng manipulates the wind to compress the poison around Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun.
• Rather than retreating, Tang San arrogantly mocks Dugu Yan’s poison and claims that he will demonstrate “true mastery” of poison.
• Tang San intends to use realgar powder and Ma Hongjun’s flames to neutralize the poison, but discovers that the powder is missing. He suspects it was lost during his previous chaotic encounter with the mysterious bald man, A Jie.
• As the poison begins affecting him, Tang San frantically searches his storage tool and finds an unidentified porcelain bottle. He swallows its contents, hoping it is a detoxifying medicine.
• Tang San regains his confidence and publicly challenges Dugu Yan, declaring that her poison cannot harm him. The chapter ends on this boastful cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Tang San: Displays extreme confidence, impulsiveness, and concern for his reputation. His desire to defeat the poison and avoid public humiliation overrides tactical caution. He is also revealed to possess prepared medicines and knowledge of antidotes, though his preparedness is undermined by losing the crucial realgar powder.
• Dai Mubai: Immediately supports Tang San’s reckless charge, using his defensive and enhancement abilities to confront Yu Tianheng head-on.
• Ma Hongjun: Hesitates when he realizes the team is abandoning its formation, but follows the others and prepares to use his Evil Fire.
• Dugu Yan: Initially confident in her poison, she becomes personally angered by Tang San’s insults and intensifies the poison beyond what Qin Ming considers safe for a normal soul fight.
• Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong: Remain in the rear and openly question Tang San’s strange behavior. Ning Rongrong refuses to provide support, suggesting either frustration with his actions or confidence that he deserves the consequences.
• Yu Tianheng: Takes Shrek’s disorganized assault as an insult and responds aggressively.
• Qin Ming: Recognizes the danger of Dugu Yan’s anger and urgently warns her to withdraw the poison before the match becomes lethal.
• A Jie: Though absent, he is blamed by Tang San for the loss of the realgar powder, showing that their previous encounter continues to affect the current battle.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance versus strategy: Shrek’s attack ignores teamwork and formation discipline, while Tang San’s pride prevents him from retreating even after his plan fails.
• Reputation and humiliation: Tang San is more afraid of contradicting his public boasts than of the poison itself, making pride a central source of tension.
• Poison and counter-poison: Dugu Yan’s signature ability is challenged by Tang San’s claimed expertise and preparations, setting up a contest of knowledge as well as strength.
• Recklessness and unintended consequences: Tang San’s improvised assault destabilizes Shrek’s formation, while Dugu Yan’s anger pushes her poison to potentially dangerous levels.
• Comedy amid danger: The serious battle is undercut by the absurdity of Shrek’s chaotic charge, Tang San’s dramatic declarations, and the audience’s confusion over his references to A Jie.

Character Interactions

• Tang San commands Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun to attack, but does not consult the other members of Shrek.
• Dai Mubai and Yu Tianheng clash directly through their powerful attack skills.
• Tang San attempts to bypass the Imperial front line and reach Ye Lingling.
• Tang San and Dugu Yan engage in a verbal confrontation, with Tang San mocking her poison and Dugu Yan responding by intensifying it.
• Qin Ming tries to restrain Dugu Yan, fearing that her anger will turn the match into a death battle.
• Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong comment skeptically on Tang San’s erratic behavior from the rear.
• The chapter concludes with Tang San challenging Dugu Yan to prove that her poison can hurt him, leaving the result of the mysterious medicine unresolved.

Chapter Summary: Tang San’s Fiery Hot Dance

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang San confidently attempts to break through Dugu Yan’s Jade Phosphorous Purple Poison, intending to reach and restrain Ye Lingling.
• He enters the toxic mist using his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, but quickly emerges screaming and twisting uncontrollably from the poison’s effects.
• The medicine he swallowed was not an antidote but a topical healing ointment meant to treat old injuries. Combined with the poison, it causes intense heat, itching, numbness, and pain around his lower back and buttocks.
• Tang San’s humiliating movements stun the arena before the audience erupts into laughter and mockery.
• Realizing Tang San has failed, Dugu Yan orders Yufeng to remove him. Yufeng dodges Ma Hongjun’s Evil Fire and kicks Tang San off the arena.
• With Tang San eliminated, the Shrek formation collapses. Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun retreat after struggling against the Imperial Fighting Team.
• Dai Mubai blames Zhu Zhuqing and the others for failing to help, but Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong point out that Tang San had ordered only Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun to attack.
• Yu Tianheng highlights that the Imperial team now has a six-against-seven advantage and asks whether Shrek will surrender.
• Xiao Wu refuses and orders Ning Rongrong to strengthen her and Zhu Zhuqing.
• Ning Rongrong uses her Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda to enhance their strength, speed, and soul power.
• The Imperial Fighting Team reorganizes defensively, with the Shi Mo brothers forming the front line, Dugu Yan spreading poison, Yufeng watching from above, and Osler preparing a flank attack.
• Their defensive maneuver unintentionally leaves Ye Lingling isolated, creating a potential opening for Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.

Character Developments

• Tang San: His arrogance and overconfidence lead to a disastrous mistake. His attempt to prove himself results in public humiliation and elimination from the fight.
• Dugu Yan: Initially doubts Tang San’s ability to resist her poison, but quickly recognizes his deception and takes advantage of his failure.
• Yufeng: Demonstrates his agility and combat awareness by dodging Ma Hongjun’s attack and decisively knocking Tang San out.
• Dai Mubai: Becomes frustrated after Tang San’s removal and attempts to shift blame onto Zhu Zhuqing and the others, exposing tension within Shrek.
• Xiao Wu: Takes command after Tang San’s defeat, refuses to surrender, and organizes a counterattack with Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
• Zhu Zhuqing: Remains calm and detached, silently criticizing Dai Mubai’s poor leadership before joining Xiao Wu’s attack.
• Ning Rongrong: Supports Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing with her amplification abilities, showing cooperation despite the team’s internal discord.
• Imperial Fighting Team: Recovers quickly from the disruption and demonstrates disciplined teamwork, though its formation leaves Ye Lingling vulnerable.

Significant Themes

• Overconfidence and humiliation: Tang San’s boastful strategy fails because he misunderstands the medicine he carries, turning confidence into farce.
• Teamwork versus internal conflict: Shrek’s lack of communication and selfish leadership contrasts sharply with the Imperial team’s coordinated formations.
• Comedy amid competition: The serious soul fight temporarily becomes a spectacle as Tang San’s poison-induced movements draw ridicule from both spectators and teammates.
• Adaptability and tactical awareness: After Tang San’s defeat, both teams rapidly adjust their formations, emphasizing the importance of battlefield awareness.
• Hidden opportunities in apparent disadvantage: Although Shrek loses Tang San, the Imperial team’s defensive regrouping exposes Ye Lingling.

Important Character Interactions

• Tang San and Dugu Yan clash over the effectiveness of her poison, but his attempted breakthrough ends in failure.
• Yufeng exploits Tang San’s helpless state and knocks him from the arena.
• Dai Mubai argues with Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong, revealing Shrek’s resentment and poor coordination.
• Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing cooperate with Ning Rongrong to launch a counterattack despite being outnumbered.
• Yu Tianheng challenges Shrek to surrender, while Xiao Wu defiantly rejects the idea.
• The Imperial team coordinates its members to defend against the counterattack, inadvertently leaving Ye Lingling exposed.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhu Zhuqing targets Ye Lingling, the isolated support member of the Imperial Fighting Team, and uses Netherworld Shadowflash Kill to disappear from sight and appear behind her.
• With her claws at Ye Lingling’s throat, Zhu Zhuqing forces her to surrender before she can attack. Ye Lingling immediately leaves the arena, removing the Imperial team’s powerful healing support.
• Flender celebrates because Shrek’s victory will earn them Gold Soul Coins, while Yu Xiaogang criticizes his focus on money. Tang San, still injured and humiliated from an earlier incident involving A Jie and his lost Realgar Powder, watches Zhu Zhuqing with resentment.
• The Imperial team’s formation collapses after Ye Lingling’s departure. Xiao Wu taunts Yu Tianheng and challenges him.
• Yu Tianheng attacks with Thunderclap Dragon Claw, but Xiao Wu activates her Ten Thousand Year Soul Skill, Invincible Golden Body, completely nullifying the attack.
• Xiao Wu kicks Yu Tianheng in the chin, sending him flying. Shi Mo catches him, but Yu Tianheng is badly dazed and bleeding.
• When Osler and Yufeng attempt to assist their captain, Zhu Zhuqing uses Netherworld Shadowflash Kill again. She severely wounds Osler and knocks Yufeng from the air.
• Terrified by Zhu Zhuqing’s speed and overwhelming offensive power, both Osler and Yufeng surrender and leave the arena.
• Qin Ming has Ye Lingling heal the injured members with the Nine Heart Flowering Apple, quickly restoring them to fighting condition.
• By the end of the chapter, only Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the Shi Mo twins remain for the Imperial team, while Shrek still has Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing unharmed, with Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar contributing little.

Character Developments

• Zhu Zhuqing demonstrates exceptional stealth, speed, precision, and confidence. Her skill is powerful enough to bypass defenses and eliminate multiple opponents almost instantly.
• Ye Lingling shows practical judgment by surrendering immediately rather than risking serious injury, emphasizing the chapter’s central idea that surrendering quickly can prevent defeat.
• Xiao Wu remains bold and provocative, openly taunting Yu Tianheng before effortlessly neutralizing his attack and defeating him with a single kick.
• Yu Tianheng suffers a major blow to his pride and confidence. His powerful attack proves useless against Xiao Wu’s defensive ability, and he is left injured and disoriented.
• Osler and Yufeng become frightened and demoralized after Zhu Zhuqing repeatedly appears from unexpected angles and overwhelms them.
• Tang San grows increasingly bitter and jealous, blaming A Jie for his humiliation and resenting Zhu Zhuqing’s success.
• Flender continues to prioritize the financial reward, while Yu Xiaogang reacts with irritation to his inappropriate enthusiasm.

Significant Themes

• Speed and surprise can overcome strength: Zhu Zhuqing defeats opponents before they can react, making traditional defenses nearly meaningless.
• Strategic surrender: Ye Lingling, Osler, and Yufeng preserve themselves by surrendering at the right moment instead of continuing a hopeless fight.
• The importance of support roles: Once Ye Lingling is removed, the Imperial team loses its ability to exchange injuries recklessly and becomes much more vulnerable.
• Overwhelming power gaps: Xiao Wu’s invulnerability and Zhu Zhuqing’s stealth technique create a sharp contrast between Shrek’s strongest fighters and their opponents.
• Humiliation and resentment: Yu Tianheng’s defeat and Tang San’s anger reveal how wounded pride can shape a character’s thoughts and motivations.
• Humor amid combat: Flender’s focus on prize money, Yu Xiaogang’s annoyance, and Xiao Wu’s taunts lighten the otherwise one-sided and brutal battle.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling: Zhu Zhuqing silently corners Ye Lingling, while Ye Lingling calmly surrenders to avoid being injured.
• Flender and Yu Xiaogang: Flender celebrates the potential reward, but Yu Xiaogang rebukes him for thinking about money while Tang San is injured.
• Tang San and the battle: Tang San watches Zhu Zhuqing with anger and jealousy, blaming A Jie for his current disgrace.
• Xiao Wu and Yu Tianheng: Xiao Wu mocks Yu Tianheng, withstands his strongest attack, and kicks him away after taunting him.
• Shi Mo and Yu Tianheng: Shi Mo tries to protect his captain by catching him after Xiao Wu’s kick.
• Zhu Zhuqing, Osler, and Yufeng: Zhu Zhuqing’s repeated ambushes terrify both men, leading them to surrender without attempting further resistance.
• Qin Ming and Ye Lingling: Qin Ming directs Ye Lingling to heal her teammates, allowing the Imperial team’s injured fighters to recover despite their earlier defeats.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial Fighting Team, led by Yu Tianheng, faces the Shrek Eight Monsters Team.
• Dugu Yan uses her powerful poison skills to boost her teammates' abilities, but Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body nullifies the poison.
• Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing swiftly defeat the Imperial Team's frontline, Shi Mo and Shi Mo.
• Dugu Yan surrenders, and the Imperial Fighting Team loses the match.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wu: Demonstrates her formidable strength and agility, easily overpowering opponents with her Invincible Golden Body and powerful kicks.
• Zhu Zhuqing: Shows her stealth and precision, taking down Shi Mo with a single strike.
• Yu Tianheng: Struggles against Xiao Wu's strength, unable to land a significant hit despite his powerful lightning-based skills.
• Dugu Yan: Despite her powerful poison skills, she's unable to turn the tide of the battle and ultimately surrenders.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Shrek Eight Monsters Team's victory highlights the importance of individual strength and adaptability in battle.
• Teamwork vs Individuality: While the Imperial Fighting Team relied on teamwork and strategy, the Shrek Eight Monsters Team's victory was largely due to the individual prowess of Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and to some extent, Ning Rongrong.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing: They work seamlessly together, with Xiao Wu handling the frontline and Zhu Zhuqing providing support and taking down opponents when they're distracted.
• Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan: They attempt to coordinate their attacks, but Dugu Yan's poison is ineffective against Xiao Wu, and they're ultimately overwhelmed.
• The rest of the teams: The other members of both teams (Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and the Imperial Team's Shi Mo brothers) play minimal roles in the battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial Fighting Team loses to Shrek Academy in a soul fight.
• Flender and Qin Ming reunite, with Qin Ming paying respect to Flender as his former teacher.
• The Imperial Fighting Team taunts Shrek Academy, with Dugu Yan and Yufeng mocking Tang San's earlier actions on the Soul Fighting Arena.
• Tang San becomes enraged and coughs up blood due to the insults.

Character Developments

• Tang San's pride and temper are revealed. He becomes furious when humiliated and coughs up blood as a result.
• Qin Ming shows respect and gratitude towards Flender, highlighting his character as a loyal and grateful student.
• The Imperial Fighting Team members display arrogance and disrespect after their loss, while Shrek Academy members show unity and support for each other.

Significant Themes

• Pride and humiliation: Tang San's intense pride leads him to become enraged and harm himself when humiliated.
• Respect and gratitude: Qin Ming demonstrates respect and gratitude towards Flender, highlighting the importance of these values.
• Unity and support: Shrek Academy members show unity and support for each other, even when facing external criticism.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ming and Flender reunite, with Qin Ming showing respect and gratitude towards Flender.
• The Imperial Fighting Team taunts Shrek Academy, with Dugu Yan and Yufeng mocking Tang San.
• Tang San becomes enraged and coughs up blood due to the insults, showing his intense pride and temper.
• Su Chen steps in to defend Tang San, showing support for his teammate despite their earlier disagreements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang San vomits blood after Xiao Wu's powerful punch, causing a scene at the Soul Fighting Arena.
• Qin Ming, a former Shrek Academy student, witnesses the incident and questions Dean Flender about it.
• Flender tries to downplay the incident, claiming it's a passionate bond among the students.
• Qin Ming invites the Shrek Academy group for a meal at Suotuo Grand Hotel, offering to pay for everything.
• Tang San, despite his injuries, insists on joining the meal, determined to 'eat back' his grievances.

Character Developments

• Tang San: Shows resilience and determination, refusing to be defeated or left out despite his injuries.
• Flender: Displayed his miserly nature and willingness to accept free meals, despite his initial reluctance.
• Qin Ming: Showed filial respect and generosity by inviting everyone for a meal, but also revealed his desire to show off his wealth.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Determination: Tang San's refusal to be left behind despite his injuries highlights his resilience and determination.
• Materialism vs Generosity: Qin Ming's desire to show off his wealth contrasts with his generosity in treating everyone to a meal.

Character Interactions

• Tang San and Qin Ming: Tang San's determination to join the meal despite Qin Ming's offer to pay could be seen as a challenge or a way to 'even the score.'
• Flender and Qin Ming: Flender's initial reluctance to accept Qin Ming's invitation and his later eagerness to enjoy the free meal highlights their dynamic as teacher and former student.
• Tang San and Yu Xiaogang: Yu Xiaogang's support and concern for Tang San show their teacher-student bond, despite Tang San's stubbornness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ming, a teacher from Heaven Dou Royal Academy, meets with Dean Flender and the Shrek Academy team in Suotuo City.
• Qin Ming proposes that Shrek Academy could join Heaven Dou Royal Academy, offering better resources and opportunities for the students and teachers.
• Flender is hesitant, as he is emotionally attached to Shrek Academy, while Yu Xiaogang is open to the idea, prioritizing the students' growth.

Character Developments

• Flender: Shows loyalty and attachment to Shrek Academy, valuing the school's history and his personal connection to it.
• Yu Xiaogang: Demonstrates concern for the students' well-being and growth, prioritizing their needs over sentimental attachments.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Ambition: Flender's loyalty to Shrek Academy is challenged by the potential for growth and success at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
• Prioritizing Students' Needs: Yu Xiaogang emphasizes the importance of providing the best opportunities for the students, even if it means leaving Shrek Academy.

Character Interactions

• Flender and Yu Xiaogang: Their differing views on the future of Shrek Academy lead to tension between the two old friends.
• Qin Ming and Flender: Qin Ming's proposal challenges Flender's loyalty to Shrek Academy, forcing him to consider the potential benefits for his students.
• The Shrek Academy team: The students and teachers present are silent, allowing Flender and Yu Xiaogang to discuss the matter without immediate input.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xiaogang persuades Flender to move Shrek Academy to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, arguing that the students need a bigger stage to showcase their talents.
• Flender, after much persuasion and internal struggle, agrees to move the academy.
• Qin Ming offers to handle the arrangements for the move.
• Flender leaves the group after the meal, and Ma Hongjun follows him.

Character Developments

• Flender: Struggles with his pride and the academy's legacy but ultimately prioritizes the students' futures.
• Yu Xiaogang: Shows his ambition and desire for recognition, using Tang San as a means to achieve it.
• Tang San: Appreciates Yu Xiaogang's efforts and decides to honor him as the Tang Sect's Supreme Elder.
• Xiao Wu: Becomes affectionate and clingy towards Su Chen after drinking wine.
• Ning Rongrong: Feels jealous and determined to take the initiative with Su Chen.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Nostalgia: Flender's struggle between holding onto the academy's past and allowing the students to grow.
• Sacrifice for Others: Yu Xiaogang's public stance to prioritize the students' futures, though driven by his own ambitions.
• Youthful Passion: The students' eagerness to participate in the tournament and prove themselves.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xiaogang and Flender: Yu Xiaogang persuades Flender to move the academy, challenging Flender's pride and attachment to the academy's legacy.
• Tang San and Yu Xiaogang: Tang San admires Yu Xiaogang's efforts and decides to honor him in the future.
• Xiao Wu and Su Chen: Xiao Wu becomes affectionate towards Su Chen after drinking wine, causing Ning Rongrong to feel jealous.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial Fighting Team's loss at the Great Soul Arena causes an uproar in Suotuo City, with gamblers cursing and chasing them.
• Flender returns to Shrek Academy and announces the decision to merge with Heaven Dou Royal Academy, leading to a heavy atmosphere among the teachers.
• Flender decides to relocate Shrek Academy to Heaven Dou City in half a month and makes arrangements for the move.
• Flender plans to sell or rent out Shrek Academy's land and assets to maximize profit before leaving.

Character Developments

• Qin Ming leads the Imperial Fighting Team back to Heaven Dou City, facing humiliation and curses from gamblers.
• Flender shows his determination to move Shrek Academy for the students' future but also reveals his shrewdness in planning to profit from selling the academy's assets.
• Zhao Wuji, Li Yusong, and Shao Xin express their loyalty to Flender and their willingness to follow him to Heaven Dou City.

Significant Themes

• The importance of education and the future of students (Shrek Academy's relocation).
• The influence of money and materialism on people's decisions and actions (Flender's plans to profit from selling the academy's assets).
• The power dynamics and relationships between teachers and the academy's leadership (Flender's announcement and the teachers' reactions).

Character Interactions

• Qin Ming and the Imperial Fighting Team face humiliation together, showing their unity and resilience.
• Flender and the Shrek Academy teachers discuss the merger and relocation, displaying their loyalty and camaraderie.
• Flender interacts with his old companions, revealing their shared history and the complex dynamics of their relationships.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Chen and his group return to the villa, and Xiao Wu asks if they should pack luggage. Su Chen assures her that his storage Soul Tool can hold everything they need.
• Ning Rongrong invites Su Chen to stay at her family's mansion in Heaven Dou City.
• Over half a month, Su Chen spends his nights eating late-night snacks with Xiao Wu, much to Ning Rongrong's frustration.
• On the day of departure, Su Chen demonstrates his storage Soul Tool's capacity by shrinking the entire villa into a metal sphere.
• Flender announces that they will run to Heaven Dou City as part of their training. Su Chen's group decides to fly instead.

Character Developments

• Su Chen shows his nonchalance towards late-night snack warnings, emphasizing his powerful physique as a Soul Master.
• Ning Rongrong's jealousy grows as she sees Xiao Wu spending time with Su Chen, fueling her determination to outdo Xiao Wu once they reach Heaven Dou City.
• Flender's stinginess is further highlighted when he decides to have the students run to Heaven Dou City to save on travel expenses.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the rich and the poor is shown through the contrast between Su Chen's and the other students' travel arrangements.
• The importance of physical training and perseverance is emphasized through Flender's decision to make the students run to Heaven Dou City.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong's friendly rivalry continues, with Ning Rongrong trying to outdo Xiao Wu in front of Su Chen.
• Flender and Yu Xiaogang display their stern teacher personas, pushing the students to their limits.
• The students express their frustration with Flender's decision to make them run to Heaven Dou City, highlighting their camaraderie.

Chapter Summary: “Hakimi, North-South Mung Beans”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group begins the over-2,000-kilometer journey from Suotuo City to Heaven Dou City.
• After several hours of running, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Yu Xiaogang are nearly exhausted. Yu Xiaogang is unable to continue and is carried by Flender.
• Flender orders Shao Xin and Oscar to provide recovery items—sugar beans and sausages—so the students can keep running despite their fatigue.
• Flender frames the brutal journey as special training, insisting that the students’ suffering will strengthen their bodies and determination.
• Su Chen flies overhead using a Soul Guidance Loudspeaker, playing the irritating “Hakimi, Hakimi, North-South Mung Beans” song and mocking the exhausted runners.
• After traveling nearly 400 kilometers in one day, the group reaches a poor village and stays at a dilapidated inn. Flender haggles aggressively to reduce the cost.
• The students are forced to share a miserable room with only two hard beds, while Su Chen’s group avoids the inn entirely.
• Su Chen produces a portable villa from a metal ball, allowing Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing to enjoy comfortable accommodations. The contrast makes Tang San’s group feel especially miserable.
• The next morning, Flender forces everyone to resume running before dawn.
• After another grueling day, the group enters the Silves Kingdom and reaches Silves City.
• Unexpectedly, Flender books decent rooms and orders an expensive dinner, leaving everyone suspicious and confused about his sudden generosity.

Character Developments

• Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar: Their endurance is tested severely. Though exhausted and resentful, they continue running under pressure, demonstrating persistence and discipline.
• Yu Xiaogang: His physically weak condition is emphasized. He cannot keep pace and is carried by Flender, yet he continues delivering grand motivational speeches as though he is participating equally.
• Flender: He is portrayed as miserly, manipulative, and strict, using “training” to justify both the students’ suffering and his refusal to spend money. His unusual generosity in Silves City hints at a hidden motive.
• Ma Hongjun: He openly complains about the journey and privately mocks Yu Xiaogang’s hypocrisy, showing his increasingly irreverent attitude.
• Su Chen: He acts as a provocateur, comfortably flying above the runners and deliberately tormenting them with music and ridicule. His ability to summon a luxurious villa highlights his superior resources.
• Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing: They enjoy the privileges of Su Chen’s villa. Ning Rongrong especially takes satisfaction in the contrast between their comfort and the others’ hardship.

Significant Themes

• Endurance and harsh training: The journey is presented as a test of physical stamina and willpower, though the comedy undermines Flender’s solemn claims.
• Hypocrisy and unequal treatment: Yu Xiaogang preaches perseverance while being carried, while Su Chen’s group enjoys luxury above the suffering students.
• Poverty versus luxury: Flender’s extreme frugality contrasts sharply with Su Chen’s villa, emphasizing differences in wealth and comfort.
• Authority and exploitation: Flender uses his position as headmaster to force the students into exhausting labor while disguising cost-cutting as character-building.
• Comedy through contrast: The students’ misery, Flender’s speeches, Su Chen’s mockery, and the sudden appearance of a villa create much of the chapter’s humor.

Character Interactions

• Flender carries Yu Xiaogang while ordering the students to continue running, creating a visual contrast between the “leader” and the actual sufferers.
• Yu Xiaogang encourages Tang San with lofty sayings, but Ma Hongjun internally condemns him for giving advice while refusing to run himself.
• Flender uses Shao Xin and Oscar’s recovery abilities to force Tang San’s group onward.
• Su Chen mocks the runners from above, prompting Ma Hongjun to question the strange song and what “Hakimi” is supposed to be.
• The exhausted students react bitterly when they see Su Chen’s group enjoying the villa, reinforcing their sense that they are being punished while others are on vacation.
• Dai Mubai challenges Flender’s choice of lodging, but quickly backs down when Flender justifies it as training.
• The chapter ends with the students questioning Flender’s sudden decision to provide comfortable rooms and lavish food in Silves City, suggesting that another event or motive is about to emerge.

Chapter Summary: “Hard to Handle? Then Don’t Handle It”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shrek Academy enjoys a lavish meal in Sylvis City. The exhausted students—especially Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Tang San—eat greedily after traveling and training for two days.
• Flender initially appears unusually generous, encouraging everyone to eat as much as they want. His true plan is revealed after the meal: the students must rest for only an hour before participating in spirit fights at the Sylvis Great Soul Arena.
• Flender explains that the arena’s Fierce God Team consists entirely of Level 40-plus Soul Masters known for their brutal fighting style. Defeating them would earn Shrek enough money to cover their future travel and food expenses.
• The students protest, arguing that they are already exhausted and still have to continue traveling the next day. Yu Xiaogang cautiously questions the plan, but Flender justifies it as “extreme exploitation,” claiming that fighting under exhaustion will force them to reach their potential.
• Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing refuse to participate, preferring to explore the city and go shopping with Su Chen. Their refusal leaves Flender worried that the remaining male students cannot safely defeat the Fierce God Team alone.
• Flender tries unsuccessfully to persuade the girls, but Xiao Wu dismisses him playfully. Su Chen also refuses to intervene, joking that the girls’ decisions are beyond his control.
• Although frustrated, Flender ultimately allows the three girls to leave. Su Chen then suggests a compromise: Ning Rongrong can restore the others’ Soul Power, allowing Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar to compete in one-on-one and two-on-two matches to recover the cost of the meal.
• Flender immediately accepts the idea, while Tang San and the others glare resentfully at Su Chen for creating more work for them.

Character Developments

• Flender: Revealed as a calculating miser who uses the expensive meal as motivation for the students to fight. Despite his authority and irritation, he is forced to compromise when the girls refuse to cooperate.
• Tang San and the male students: Their exhaustion and resentment become clear. They initially believe the meal is a reward, only to discover that it comes with an unpleasant condition.
• Yu Xiaogang: Maintains his dignified, scholarly image but shows concern for the students. He initially criticizes the plan, then partially accepts Flender’s argument about cultivating potential through extreme hardship.
• Xiao Wu: Becomes more openly defiant and playful, refusing to let Flender exploit her and prioritizing enjoying Sylvis City.
• Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing: Support Xiao Wu’s refusal. Ning is especially direct about not needing the promised Gold Soul Coins, while Zhu Zhuqing expresses her agreement through her actions.
• Su Chen: Acts as an amused observer and refuses to take responsibility for the girls’ decisions. He later proposes a practical alternative that allows Flender to recover at least some of his expenses, though this earns him the others’ resentment.
• Zhao Wuji: Suspects Flender’s sudden generosity and reacts with dry, understated humor, even moving away after Flender sprays him with spit.

Significant Themes

• Exploitation disguised as training: Flender presents exhausting combat as a method of unlocking the students’ potential, but his financial motives are clearly central.
• Authority versus resistance: The students challenge Flender’s authority, showing that his plans are not always accepted simply because he is their dean.
• Money and practicality: Flender’s obsession with recovering expenses drives the entire conflict, contrasting with the students’ desire for rest and enjoyment.
• Team dynamics and independence: The girls assert their own choices rather than automatically obeying the team’s leader, while Su Chen remains independent of Flender’s schemes.
• Humor through reversal: A supposedly free celebratory meal turns into a trap, and Flender’s confidence collapses when key team members refuse to fight.

Character Interactions

• Flender attempts to control the students’ schedule, while Tang San, Oscar, and the others complain about being forced into another battle.
• Yu Xiaogang challenges Flender’s training logic, though he eventually acknowledges that the method may have some value.
• Xiao Wu openly rejects Flender’s orders and pulls Su Chen into her plans. Ning Rongrong joins her, and Zhu Zhuqing silently reinforces their decision by following them.
• Flender appeals to Su Chen for help, but Su Chen humorously refuses to interfere.
• Su Chen ultimately helps Flender financially—not by joining the team battle, but by suggesting individual and paired matches—leaving Tang San and the others angry at him.