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 break through the clouds, bathing all of Shrek Academy in warm, brilliant light. The emerald barrier of the Eternal Tree still covered the surrounding area, but it was no longer held in a tense defensive stance. Instead, it had become a vibrant protective shield. The suffocating pressure in the air completely vanished along with the final destructive weapon's loss of power.
Na'er practically threw herself at him at once. Her tiny body clung tightly to Tang Wulin's waist, her little face buried against his chest. Both relieved and aggrieved, with lingering fear in her soft, sweet voice, she said, "Big Brother, you're finally back. Na'er was so, so worried just now. My heart was about to leap out."
Tang Wulin bent down and gently stroked her smooth silver hair, his fingertips brushing over 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 depended on him with all her heart. She would no longer have to suffer the pain of separation, be swallowed by fate, or lose herself in agony. 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 cold vigilance had faded from her silver-gray eyes, leaving only tranquil gentleness. She said nothing more, merely lifting her gaze slightly as her eyes met Tang Wulin's in the air. No extra words were needed, no deliberate expression necessary. Their bond spanning ten thousand years and the deep love of two lifetimes had long since tied them tightly together. She understood his resolve, and he knew her heart. A single glance spoke a thousand words.
The six elemental powers flowing quietly around her gradually settled. The lightness of wind, the gentleness of water, the heaviness of earth, the blazing heat of fire, the warmth of light, and the depths of darkness all withdrew into her body. She became once more that aloof, cool girl who was gentle only toward him.
Yun Ming stood nearby, watching the scene before him as a relieved and gratified smile appeared on his aged face. Looking down at the three pitch-black Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells on the ground, their patterns dimmed, he still could not help feeling lingering fear. These three forbidden weapons—if even one had detonated—would have been enough to bring catastrophic disaster upon Shrek. If all three had exploded together, even he, an elder of the Sea God Pavilion, would have struggled to preserve the lives of the academy's teachers and students.
It was Tang Wulin.
It was this young man, carrying the memories of two lifetimes and holding both obsession and tenderness in his heart, who had relied on memories engraved into his soul to sever the Holy Spirit Cult's plot to destroy the academy step by step, strangling a calamity destined to drown the land in blood before it could begin.
"Young friend Tang Wulin," Yun Ming said as he stepped forward. His expression solemn, he bowed deeply to Tang Wulin. "On behalf of Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year legacy, and on behalf of all its teachers and students, this old man offers you his most sincere gratitude. Had it not been for you today, Shrek would already have become ruins, and countless lives would have perished in the flames. Shrek will never forget this debt of gratitude."
Tang Wulin hurriedly stepped aside and supported the old man by the 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 through tears atop the ruins. In this life, I will never allow the tragedy to repeat itself."
At the mention of his previous life, a trace of barely noticeable 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, desolate land scarred beyond recognition. After the explosion, he had endured the agony in his heart and shouldered the burden of reconstruction, 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, there were not enough resources, no stable defenses, and no safe shelter. By day, they cleared ruins and fended off attacks from the remnants of evil Soul Masters. By night, he stood alone upon broken walls, bearing the remorse and self-blame that had sunk deep into his bones. It took him three whole years to give Shrek a new foundation, yet the lives that had been lost and the memories that had been shattered remained forever in those dark years, becoming scars he could never erase.
But now, he had finally rewritten everything.
There had been no explosion, no ruins, no bloodshed, no sacrifice.
Shrek still stood tall, its teachers and students remained safe, and its home was still peaceful.
All regrets had been completely made whole in this moment.
"Elder, the crisis has not yet been fully resolved." Tang Wulin steadied his emotions, and determined battle intent reignited 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. They will certainly seek a chance to cause trouble. We must take this opportunity to thoroughly purge every evil Soul Master and eliminate all future danger."
"You're right!" Yun Ming's gaze turned sharp as vast Soul Power surged around him like a slumbering giant dragon awakening. His pressure swept across the surroundings. "The Holy Spirit Cult dared set its sights on Shrek and sought to destroy the foundation of human Soul Masters. Today will be the day they die!"
As soon as his words fell, Yun Ming no longer hesitated. He pushed his spiritual power to its limit, turning it into an incomparably booming voice that rang through every corner of Shrek Academy like thunder and entered 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 academy like a spring breeze, instantly igniting everyone's emotions.
Brilliant light burst from the eyes of the previously tense and uneasy teachers. The frightened students instantly 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 have been dismantled! Shrek is safe!"
"Student Tang Wulin is incredible!"
Cheers burst forth uncontrollably, only to be swiftly subdued by the command that followed and transformed into even fiercer battle intent.
"I now order—every teacher, assemble and form combat squads. 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 safe areas under their teachers' command and must not act on their own. However, if evil Soul Masters cause trouble, you may fight back with everything you have! Shrek's glory shall not be defiled! Shrek's home shall be protected by all of us together!"
"Yes!"
The earth-shaking response shot into the heavens.
Countless Soul Rings lit up at once—yellow, purple, black, red—forming a dazzling display of overwhelming power.
The teachers entered Martial Soul Possession, their Soul Power surging as they wielded Soul Tools and rushed toward every corner of the academy at top speed. The students responsible for defense stood ready, their gazes resolute as they formed solid lines of defense and firmly guarded the safe zones.
The once-peaceful Shrek Academy instantly became a battlefield of strict discipline and soaring battle intent.
Tang Wulin lowered his head and looked at Na'er, who was tightly clutching the corner of his clothes. He asked softly, "Na'er, Big Brother is going with Sister Gu Yue to deal with the bad people. Are you afraid?"
Na'er raised her little head. There was not the slightest trace of fear in her clear eyes; instead, there was a small but stubborn determination. She shook her head vigorously, tightly grasped Tang Wulin's hand, and said in a crisp, firm voice, "Na'er isn't afraid! Na'er wants to stay with Big Brother and Sister Gu Yue. Na'er can protect Big Brother and everyone too!"
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, full of reassurance.
Gu Yue slowly walked to his side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him. A layer of icy killing intent returned to her silver-gray eyes. "Leave the Holy Spirit Cult to me."
Those simple five words carried the Silver Dragon King's innate dominance and strength.
Anyone who dared hurt those she cared about, destroy the peace she wished to protect, or stir up trouble before her had only one path: 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 remnants of the Holy Spirit Cult again and again, accumulating hatred and rage within his heart. In this life, he would take the initiative and settle accounts with every dark force completely. He would ensure that the Holy Spirit Cult could never again raise a storm, and that everyone he cared about would live forever beneath the sunlight.
"Let's go. Together."
The young man's voice was gentle but firm. He held his innocent, brave little sister in his arms, with the beloved who understood his heart standing at his side. The three of them walked forward together as the morning light cast their shadows long and far.
Their first destination was the forested 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 stationed hidden sentries here, ready to receive their companions at any moment. Once the shells detonated, they would immediately launch an assault and slaughter teachers and students.
The moment they neared the forest, a cold, evil, decayed aura of Soul Power rushed toward them. It was utterly incompatible with Shrek's pure, rich life energy and filled them with disgust.
"They're inside." Tang Wulin's gaze turned cold. Without slowing, he walked straight into the forest.
Elemental power quietly circulated around Gu Yue. The six elements formed an invisible barrier, firmly protecting Tang Wulin and Na'er at its center and eliminating any possibility of a surprise attack.
Deep within the forest, 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 originally believed that the Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells had long since detonated and that Shrek had become ruins. Yet after waiting for so long, they had not heard the slightest explosion. Instead, they felt immense battle intent within the academy, and an ominous feeling immediately rose in their hearts.
"What's going on? Why haven't the shells detonated?" one evil Soul Master asked in a lowered voice, his tone full of anxiety.
"Could something have gone wrong? Impossible. Those were Level-12 shells. There's no way they could have been dismantled!"
"Something's wrong. Shrek's protective formation is still operating. Our plan may have failed..."
Just as the evil Soul Masters panicked uneasily, a warm yet steady voice slowly sounded behind them.
"Your plot was destined to fail from the very beginning."
The evil Soul Masters were startled and instantly turned around. They entered Martial Soul Possession, their Soul Rings lighting up as cold Soul Power surged wildly around them. They faced the intruders as if confronting a formidable enemy.
When they saw that the newcomers were a seemingly young man, a cool and aloof girl, and a little girl in his arms, they were first stunned. Then savage, disdainful smiles appeared on their faces.
"Where did these little brats come from? How dare you boast here?"
"Looks like Shrek truly has no one left. They actually sent a few children to block disaster!"
"Since you've delivered yourselves to us, we'll start with you and use your blood to honor the great undertaking we're about to accomplish!"
A bloodthirsty glint flashed through the lead evil Soul Master's eyes. Black Soul Power roiled around him, carrying a dense aura of death. With a raised hand, he unleashed an evil soul skill toward Tang Wulin. "Brat, die!"
Facing the cold attack rushing toward him, Tang Wulin's expression did not change in the slightest. He did not even make a move.
The next moment, a cool figure stepped forward.
Gu Yue lifted her eyes lightly. There was no emotion in her silver-gray gaze as she simply waved a hand.
In an instant, heaven and earth changed color.
Fierce winds howled, the earth trembled, flames surged, water roared, and the powers of light and darkness intertwined. Six extreme elements instantly condensed into a terrifying attack that crashed down upon the evil Soul Master with world-destroying force.
There were no unnecessary movements and no flashy soul skills. It was merely the simplest form of elemental control.
Yet it possessed power that crushed everything.
Boom—
With a deafening blast, the evil Soul Master did not even have time to scream before he was completely swallowed by elemental power, reduced to ashes with his soul scattered.
The remaining evil Soul Masters instantly turned deathly pale. The disdain and savagery in their eyes vanished completely, replaced by absolute terror.
Only then did they realize that this seemingly cool, delicate girl was not someone they could possibly oppose. That was absolute power standing above all living beings!
"Monster! She's a monster!"
"Run! Get away!"
The evil Soul Masters fled in terror, turning to scatter in all directions. But they had already been firmly locked within Gu Yue's Elemental Domain and had nowhere to escape.
Tang Wulin stood where he was, holding Na'er. His voice was calm and cold. "The Holy Spirit Cult has committed countless evils, slaughtered the living, and sought to destroy Shrek. Today, none of you will leave."
As his words fell, Gu Yue struck again.
Elemental power swept through the entire forest like a tidal wave. Wind blades cut, waves of fire burned, earth shields suppressed, water bound, light purified darkness, and death returned to nothingness.
Screams rang out one after another. Those evil Soul Masters, usually cruel and ruthless in their wicked deeds, were as insignificant as ants before the Silver Dragon King's power. Within only a few breaths, they were completely purged, leaving not a single survivor.
Na'er lay against Tang Wulin's shoulder without the slightest fear on her little face. Instead, she looked faintly proud. "Sister Gu Yue is amazing! Big Brother is amazing too!"
Tang Wulin smiled gently and lightly kissed her forehead. "Our Na'er is very brave too."
After dealing with the evil Soul Masters in the forest, the three continued onward.
The training grounds, school buildings, dormitory area, rear mountain... Wherever Tang Wulin remembered evil Soul Masters hiding, they went one by one. Gu Yue crushed them with her power, Tang Wulin stood guard and protected them, and Na'er quietly kept them company. Everywhere they went, the evil Soul Masters were purged without exception, leaving none alive.
At the same time, all of Shrek's teachers and students worked together, conducting a carpet search and closing in step by step. The Holy Spirit Cult's hidden agents within the academy were uncovered one after another. Those who surrendered were captured, while those who resisted were destroyed. Not a single one escaped.
The sun gradually rose higher, spreading across every corner of Shrek.
The cold, evil aura of Soul Power completely dissipated, replaced by pure, rich life energy and soaring, unyielding 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, the entire Shrek Academy erupted.
Cheers, applause, and excited shouts echoed through the heavens and did not fade 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 defended.
There had been no explosion, no ruins, no bloodshed, no sacrifice.
This was Shrek's most perfect defensive battle since its founding, and its most complete victory.
Tang Wulin lowered his head and looked at Na'er, smiling brilliantly in his arms, then looked toward Gu Yue beside him, her eyes filled with gentleness. Warmth and determination filled his golden eyes.
The regrets of his previous life had found fulfillment in this one.
Shrek would not fall. His family would not be separated. His beloved would not leave.
Everyone he cared about was by his side, and every enemy lurking in darkness had been settled.
In this life, fate could no longer control them.
In this life, everyone would find fulfillment, and there would be no more regrets.
The morning light was perfect, and the breeze was gentle.
The young man, the young woman, and the little girl stood side by side, their smiles warm.
Their story, their protection, and their fulfillment had only just begun.
Before you continue