Three Shells Removed, the Entire Academy Mobilizes

When Tang Wulin emerged steadily from the underground passage north of the Sea God Pavilion, carrying the third disabled Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shell, the morning sunlight happened to pierce through the clouds, bathing all of Shrek Academy in warm, brilliant light. The emerald-green barrier of the Eternal Tree still enveloped the surroundings, but it was no longer in a tense defensive state. Instead, it had become a vibrant shield of protection. The suffocating pressure in the air completely vanished as the last destructive weapon lost its power.

Na'er practically threw herself at him at once. Her small body hugged Tang Wulin tightly around the waist, her little face buried against his chest. Relieved yet aggrieved, with lingering fear in her soft, sweet voice, she said, "Big Brother, you finally came back. Na'er was so, so worried just now. My heart was about to jump out."

Tang Wulin bent down and gently stroked her smooth silver hair, his fingertips brushing past the corners of her slightly reddened eyes. His heart softened completely. The regrets of his previous life melted away like ice and snow. In this life, he had not only protected Shrek, but also protected this innocent, pure little sister who relied on him with all her heart. She would no longer suffer the pain of separation, no longer be consumed by fate, no longer lose herself amid pain. She only needed to be a girl cherished by her family, forever happy and carefree.

"Don't be afraid. Big Brother said I would come back safely." Tang Wulin's voice was gentle yet firm, like a calming remedy that instantly soothed all of Na'er's unease.

Gu Yue slowly walked to his side. All the cold vigilance had faded from her silver-gray eyes, leaving only calm gentleness. She said nothing more, merely lifting her gaze slightly as her eyes met Tang Wulin's in the air. There was no need for unnecessary words or deliberate expression. Their bond of ten thousand years and their love across two lifetimes had already tied them tightly together. She understood his resolve, and he knew her heart. A single glance conveyed countless words.

The power of six elements flowing silently around her gradually settled. The lightness of wind, the gentleness of water, the weight of earth, the heat of fire, the warmth of light, and the profundity of darkness all withdrew into her body, returning her to that aloof and frosty girl who was gentle only with him.

Yun Ming stood nearby, watching the scene before him with a relieved and gratified smile on his aged face. Looking down at the three pitch-black Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells on the ground, their patterns dim, he still could not help feeling lingering fear. Even one of these forbidden weapons exploding would have been enough to bring catastrophic disaster upon Shrek. If all three had detonated at once, even he, an elder of the Sea God Pavilion, would have found it difficult to preserve the lives of the entire academy's teachers and students.

It was Tang Wulin.

It was this young man who carried memories from two lifetimes, a heart filled with obsession and tenderness, who relied on memories etched into his soul to sever the Holy Spirit Cult's plot to destroy the academy step by step, completely strangling a catastrophe destined to spill rivers of blood in its cradle.

"Young friend Tang Wulin." Yun Ming stepped forward, his expression solemn, and bowed deeply to Tang Wulin. "On behalf of Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year legacy, and on behalf of all the teachers and students, this old man offers you our most sincere gratitude. If not for you today, Shrek would already have become ruins, and countless lives would have perished in flames. Shrek will never forget this debt of gratitude."

Tang Wulin hurriedly stepped aside to avoid the bow and supported the old man's arm, his expression earnest. "Elder, there is no need for this. Shrek is my home, the place where I grew up. Protecting my home is simply my duty. In my previous life, I failed to protect it and could only rebuild it in tears atop the ruins. In this life, I will never allow the tragedy to repeat itself."

At the mention of his previous life, an almost imperceptible pain flashed through Tang Wulin's eyes.

He would never forget the flames filling the sky, the collapsed school buildings, the desperate cries of his companions, or that scorched, barren land covered in devastation. After the explosion, he had endured the agony in his heart and taken on the burden of rebuilding, leading the surviving teachers and students to piece their shattered home back together brick by brick, blade of grass by blade of grass.

During those days, they had lacked sufficient resources, secure defenses, and stable shelter. By day, they cleared the ruins and resisted attacks from remnants of evil Soul Masters. By night, he stood alone atop broken walls, enduring the regret and self-blame that had seeped into his bones. It took him a full three years to restore Shrek to even a rudimentary form, but those lost lives and shattered memories remained forever in those dark years, becoming scars he could never erase in his lifetime.

And now, he had finally rewritten everything.

No explosions, no ruins, no bloodshed, no sacrifices.

Shrek still stood tall, its teachers and students remained safe, and its home remained peaceful.

All regrets were completely mended at this very moment.

"Elder, the crisis has not been fully resolved." Tang Wulin collected himself, firm battle intent blazing anew in his golden eyes. "Although the three shells have been dismantled, the Holy Spirit Cult's evil Soul Masters who infiltrated the academy are still hiding in the shadows. They will never give up and will surely seek an opportunity to cause trouble. We must seize this chance to completely purge all evil Soul Masters and eliminate future threats forever."

"You're right!" Yun Ming's gaze sharpened as his vast soul power suddenly surged, like a slumbering dragon awakening. His pressure swept across the surroundings. "The Holy Spirit Cult dared lay hands on Shrek and attempt to destroy the foundation of humanity's Soul Masters. Today will be their day of death!"

With those words, Yun Ming no longer hesitated. He pushed his spiritual power to its limit, turning it into an incomparably resounding voice that echoed like thunder through every corner of Shrek Academy and reached the ears of every teacher and student:

"All teachers and students, heed my command! The three Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells have all been safely dismantled. The Holy Spirit Cult's plot to destroy Shrek has completely failed!"

The news swept through the entire academy like a spring breeze, instantly igniting everyone's emotions.

Brilliant light burst from the eyes of the previously tense and anxious teachers, while the frightened students immediately straightened their backs. Joy, excitement, and exhilaration spread through the air as the long-suppressed tension was completely released.

"We did it! We succeeded!"

"The shells were dismantled! Shrek is safe!"

"Student Tang Wulin is incredible!"

Cheers erupted uncontrollably, only to be quickly subdued by the next order and transformed into even fiercer battle intent.

"I hereby order—All teachers, assemble and form combat teams. Search by district in class units and thoroughly purge the Holy Spirit Cult's evil Soul Masters who have infiltrated the academy! Students must remain within secure areas under their teachers' command and may not act without authorization. However, if evil Soul Masters cause trouble, you may fight back with all your strength! Shrek's glory shall not be defiled! Shrek's home shall be protected by us all!"

"Yes!"

The earth-shaking response shot into the heavens.

Countless soul rings lit up at once—yellow, purple, black, red—forming a magnificent and overwhelming display of color.

The teachers activated their martial souls, their soul power surging as they wielded Soul Guidance Devices and rushed to every corner of the academy at top speed. The students responsible for defense stood ready in strict formation, their gazes resolute as they formed sturdy lines of defense around the secure areas.

The once peaceful Shrek Academy instantly became a battlefield of iron discipline and soaring battle intent.

Tang Wulin lowered his head and looked at Na'er, who was gripping the corner of his clothes tightly. He asked softly, "Na'er, Big Brother is going with Sister Gu Yue to deal with the bad people. Are you scared?"

Na'er lifted her little head. There was not the slightest fear in her clear eyes; instead, they held a small but stubborn determination. She shook her head forcefully, tightly grasped Tang Wulin's hand, and said in a crisp, resolute voice, "Na'er isn't scared! Na'er wants to stay with Big Brother and Sister Gu Yue. Na'er can protect Big Brother too, and protect everyone!"

Seeing the courage contained within his little sister's small body, Tang Wulin's heart warmed. He reached out and gently picked her up, letting her rest securely against his shoulder. Na'er immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her little face against the side of his neck, filled with reassurance.

Gu Yue slowly walked to his side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him. A layer of cold killing intent returned to her silver-gray eyes. "Leave the Holy Spirit Cult to me."

Those five simple words carried the Silver Dragon King's innate dominance and strength.

Anyone who dared harm the people she cared about, destroy the peace she wanted to protect, or stir up trouble before her had only one path left: death.

Tang Wulin nodded, battle intent rising in his golden eyes.

In his previous life, during the years he rebuilt Shrek, he had fought the Holy Spirit Cult's remnants time and again, accumulating hatred and fury in his heart. In this life, he would take the initiative and settle accounts with every dark force, ensuring that the Holy Spirit Cult could never stir up trouble again and that everyone he cared about could live forever beneath the sunlight.

"Come on. We'll go together."

The young man's voice was gentle but firm. He held his innocent, courageous little sister in his arms, with the beloved who shared his heart standing at his side. The three walked forward shoulder to shoulder, their shadows stretching long beneath the morning light.

Their first destination was the wooded area on the western side of the Outer Academy. According to Tang Wulin's memories from his rebirth, this was where the Holy Spirit Cult's evil Soul Masters were most heavily concentrated. They had posted hidden sentries here, ready to receive their companions at any time. Once the shells detonated, they would immediately launch their attack and massacre teachers and students.

The moment they approached the woods, a cold, evil, decayed aura of soul power rushed toward them. It was completely incompatible with Shrek's pure, rich aura of life and made one feel instinctive disgust.

"They're inside." Tang Wulin's eyes turned cold. Without slowing his steps, he walked straight into the woods.

Elemental power quietly flowed around Gu Yue. The six elements formed an invisible barrier, tightly protecting Tang Wulin and Na'er at its center and eliminating any possibility of ambush.

Deep within the woods, more than a dozen evil Soul Masters dressed in black robes and wearing sinister expressions had gathered together. They anxiously sensed the shells' fluctuations. They had assumed that the Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells had already detonated and Shrek had become ruins, but after waiting for so long, they had not heard even the faintest sound of an explosion. Instead, they sensed towering battle intent within the academy, and an ominous premonition immediately rose in their hearts.

"What's going on? Why haven't the shells detonated?" one evil Soul Master asked in a low voice, his tone full of anxiety.

"Could something have gone wrong? Impossible. Those are Level-12 shells. There's no way they could be dismantled!"

"Something's wrong. Shrek's protective formation is still running. Our plan may have failed..."

Just as the evil Soul Masters descended into panic, a warm, steady voice slowly sounded behind them:

"Your scheme was destined to fail from the very beginning."

The evil Soul Masters were startled and instantly turned around. They activated their martial souls, lit their soul rings, and wildly stirred their cold soul power as though facing a great enemy.

When they saw that the newcomers were a seemingly young boy, a cold and proud girl, and a little girl being held in his arms, they froze for a moment before revealing cruel, disdainful smiles.

"Where did these little brats come from? How dare they boast here?"

"It seems Shrek really has no one left. They actually sent a few children to face disaster!"

"Since you came knocking on our door, we'll start with you and use your blood to honor the great undertaking we're about to complete!"

A bloodthirsty gleam flashed through the lead evil Soul Master's eyes. Black soul power rolled around his body, carrying a dense aura of death. He raised his hand and fired an evil soul skill at Tang Wulin. "Brat, die!"

Facing the cold attack rushing at him, Tang Wulin's eyes did not waver in the slightest. He did not even make a move.

The next moment, a cold figure slowly stepped forward.

Gu Yue gently lifted her eyes. There was not a trace of emotion in her silver-gray gaze as she merely waved her hand lightly.

In an instant, heaven and earth changed color.

Gales howled, the ground trembled, flames surged, water rushed forth, and the powers of light and darkness intertwined. The six ultimate elements instantly condensed into a terrifying attack that crashed toward the evil Soul Master with the might of world destruction.

There were no unnecessary movements, no dazzling soul skills—only the simplest control of the elements.

Yet it possessed power capable of crushing everything.

Boom—

With a deafening blast, the evil Soul Master did not even have time to scream before he was completely consumed by elemental power, reduced to ashes and utterly annihilated.

The remaining evil Soul Masters instantly turned pale. The disdain and cruelty in their eyes vanished completely, replaced by absolute terror.

Only then did they realize that this seemingly cold and delicate girl was not an existence they could resist at all. That was absolute power that stood above all living beings!

"Monster! She's a monster!"

"Run! Get out of here!"

The evil Soul Masters were terrified out of their wits and turned to flee, but they had already been firmly locked down by Gu Yue's elemental domain. There was nowhere for them to escape.

Tang Wulin stood where he was, holding Na'er. His voice was calm and icy. "The Holy Spirit Cult has committed countless atrocities, slaughtered the innocent, and attempted to destroy Shrek. Today, not one of you will leave."

As his words fell, Gu Yue attacked once more.

Elemental power swept through the entire forest like a tide. Wind blades sliced, fire waves burned, earth shields suppressed, water currents bound, light purified darkness, and death returned to nothingness.

Screams rang out one after another. Those evil Soul Masters, who normally committed evil without restraint and showed no mercy, were as insignificant as ants before the Silver Dragon King's power. Within only a few breaths, they were completely purged, leaving no survivors.

Na'er lay against Tang Wulin's shoulder, not the slightest bit afraid. Instead, a hint of pride showed on her little face. "Sister Gu Yue is so amazing! Big Brother is amazing too!"

Tang Wulin smiled gently and lowered his head to kiss her forehead softly. "Our Na'er is very brave too."

After dealing with the evil Soul Masters in the woods, the three continued onward.

The training grounds, school buildings, dormitory area, back mountain... They went to every location where evil Soul Masters had hidden in Tang Wulin's memories. Gu Yue crushed their enemies with her power, Tang Wulin stood guard and protected them, and Na'er stayed quietly by their side. Everywhere they passed, evil Soul Masters were purged without exception, not a single one left alive.

At the same time, Shrek's teachers and students worked together in a carpet-style search, steadily closing in. The Holy Spirit Cult's hidden agents within the academy were exposed one by one. They either surrendered and were captured, or resisted stubbornly and were eliminated. Not a single one managed to escape.

The sun gradually climbed higher, shining over every corner of Shrek.

The cold, evil aura of soul power completely dispersed, replaced by pure, rich life energy and soaring, unextinguished battle intent.

Every Holy Spirit Cult evil Soul Master who had infiltrated the academy was purged. Not one slipped through the net.

When news arrived that the final evil Soul Master had been subdued, all of Shrek Academy erupted.

Cheers, applause, and excited shouts echoed through the heavens and did not cease for a long time.

Yun Ming stood beneath the Eternal Tree, looking at the unharmed academy, the joyful teachers and students, and Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Na'er standing side by side. A gratified, relieved smile appeared on his aged face.

Shrek had been protected.

No explosions, no ruins, no bloodshed, no sacrifices.

This was Shrek's most perfect defensive battle since its founding, its most complete victory.

Tang Wulin lowered his head to look at Na'er's radiant smile in his arms, then turned to Gu Yue at his side, her eyes filled with tenderness. His golden eyes were full of warmth and resolve.

The regrets of his previous life, fulfilled in this one.

Shrek would not fall, his family would not be separated, and his beloved would not part from him.

Everyone he cared about was by his side, and every enemy of darkness had been brought to account.

In this life, fate could no longer control them.

In this life, everyone would find fulfillment, with no regrets left behind.

The morning light was perfect, and the breeze was gentle.

The boy, the girl, and the little girl stood side by side, their smiles warm.

Their story, their protection, and their fulfillment had only just begun.