Dawnlight Coronation, Shrek's Highest Commendation

The crisis had passed, and the daylight was just right.

The Eternal Tree's verdant glow gently enveloped the entire academy. Smoke and chill had completely vanished, leaving only the freshness and peace of surviving the disaster in the air. After a night and morning of tension, Shrek had finally returned to its usual order, though it carried an added solemnity and anticipation.

Today was Shrek Academy's most extraordinary commendation ceremony in ten thousand years.

The Central Plaza had long been filled with teachers and students. Everyone stood in orderly ranks, their gazes fixed on the high platform. There was no clamor, no disturbance, only solemn silence. Everyone knew that the person to be commended today was Tang Wulin—the one who had shattered the Holy Spirit Cult's plot alone, dismantled the Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells, and guarded this entire home with the obsession of two lifetimes.

On the high platform, Yun Ming wore formal azure robes. His beard and hair were neatly groomed, and his expression was incomparably solemn. Several elders of the Sea God Pavilion stood beside him, enough to show the weight of this commendation.

On the left side of the platform, two figures stood quietly, instantly drawing every gaze in the crowd.

Tang Wulin had already reached adulthood. He stood tall and straight as a pine, broad-shouldered and upright. The youthfulness of his younger days had faded, replaced by the steadiness and dignity of a mature man. His golden eyes were deep and gentle, yet carried the weight of life-and-death trials. His simple white formalwear accentuated his exceptional bearing. His blood essence was restrained, yet he stood like an abyssal pool and towering mountain. Simply standing there gave off an aura that made people feel safe and trust him.

Gu Yue beside him had likewise taken on the appearance of an adult.

Her black hair fell to her waist, and her slender figure was straight and poised. The immaturity of girlhood had faded from her cool face, leaving a beauty that was distant and noble. Her silver-white dress made her seem like moonlight spilling down, while the six elements flowed silently around her, only to protect the person at her side. From beginning to end, her eyes rested solely on Tang Wulin. Her indifferent gaze held a gentleness that no one else would ever see.

Even after growing up, she remained aloof, but no longer distant, because her heart had found its place and settled there.

Na'er stood beside them, having grown into a lovely young woman. Her silver hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her eyes were clear. She stayed close to Tang Wulin, her gaze filled with pride and dependence.

Not far away, all the Shrek Seven Monsters stood in neat formation.

Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan, Ye Xinglan, Xu Lizhi, and Yuanen Yehui were all in high spirits, their eyes bright as they looked at Tang Wulin with admiration and relief. They were companions who had fought side by side, family who had shared life and death. Today, they were proud of their captain.

The entire plaza fell silent, waiting for that moment to arrive.

Yun Ming slowly walked to the center of the platform and picked up the microphone. His aged yet resonant voice instantly spread across the entire plaza and rang through the skies.

"Today, we have gathered here not for celebration, nor for reunion, but to offer our highest respect to a hero who saved Shrek and protected every teacher and student of this academy!"

As his words fell, restrained murmurs immediately arose from the crowd, and everyone's gazes grew even more fervent.

"A few days ago, the Holy Spirit Cult went mad and infiltrated our academy, planting three Level-12 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells with the intent of leveling Shrek Academy, with its ten-thousand-year legacy, to the ground and sending countless teachers and students to their deaths in a sea of flames!"

Yun Ming's voice was heavy, carrying lingering fear as well as stern resolve.

"They were forbidden weapons capable of destroying cities and severely injuring Titled Douluo. Once detonated, even with the Eternal Tree's protection, our academy would have suffered countless casualties and our home would have been destroyed."

"When we stood on the brink of annihilation, it was he—Tang Wulin—who relied on extraordinary courage, knowledge beyond ordinary understanding, and a willingness to risk his life to enter the danger zone. With his own hands, he dismantled the three deadly shells, led the academy in wiping out every evil Soul Master, and completely strangled a catastrophe destined to spill rivers of blood before it could begin!"

"What he protected was not merely an academy, but countless lives, the reunions of countless families, Shrek's future, and the hope of Soul Masters across the entire continent!"

Applause erupted like thunder!

It was deafening, soaring straight into the sky!

Everyone clapped with all their strength, their eyes filled with gratitude, admiration, and reverence.

"Tang Wulin!"

"Tang Wulin!"

"Tang Wulin!"

The unified chants rose higher and higher, echoing across the skies of Shrek.

Tang Wulin stood where he was and lowered his eyes slightly, his golden gaze warm.

He had not done it for honor or praise. He had only protected his home, guarded the people by his side, and made up for the regrets of two lifetimes.

Yun Ming raised a hand, and the applause gradually subsided.

"Today, all teachers and students of Shrek Academy, together with every elder of the Sea God Pavilion, have unanimously decided—"

"To bestow upon Tang Wulin the Shrek Highest Honor Medal!"

"To grant Tang Wulin the title of Shrek Lifelong Guardian!"

"From this day forth, Tang Wulin shall possess the Sea God Pavilion's highest authority. He may mobilize all academy resources and participate in every major decision!"

"Everyone in Shrek shall respect him, value him, and protect him!"

The three resolutions were each the highest honor Shrek had offered in ten thousand years—unprecedented and deeply stirring.

Yun Ming personally picked up a medal nourished by the sap of the Eternal Tree. It was emerald green throughout and emitted the aura of life. He slowly walked to Tang Wulin and solemnly pinned it to his left breast.

"Young friend Tang Wulin, from this day on, you are Shrek's eternal guardian. Shrek will never forget what it owes you."

Tang Wulin bowed slightly, his voice steady and sincere. "Elder, you praise me too highly. Protecting Shrek has always been my lifelong wish."

Yun Ming nodded, then turned his gaze toward Gu Yue beside him. His tone carried respect. "Young friend Gu Yue, through several moments of crisis, you never abandoned him. With unparalleled strength, you protected Tang Wulin and protected our academy. Shrek is equally grateful to you beyond measure."

Gu Yue gave a faint nod and said nothing more. Her gaze remained on Tang Wulin, and within her cool features was the gentle certainty unique to her adulthood.

She did not need honor or titles. As long as she could stand at his side, that was enough.

Na'er lifted her little face, her eyes full of pride. "Big Brother is the best! Sister Gu Yue is the best too!"

Below the platform, the Shrek Seven Monsters all wore delighted expressions.

Xie Xie clenched his fists in excitement. Xu Xiaoyan's eyes were slightly red. Ye Xinglan raised her chin faintly, filled with approval. Xu Lizhi grinned foolishly, while a trace of warmth also appeared in Yuanen Yehui's eyes.

Their captain deserved every glory in the world.

As the commendation ceremony drew to a close, Yun Ming spoke again.

"The crisis has passed, but the path of cultivation has no end. Tang Wulin carries the will to protect, and strength is his most solid armor. Our academy has decided to open the Sea God Pavilion Seclusion Realm for Tang Wulin, helping him temper his power and break through to the next realm!"

The entire crowd erupted once more.

The Sea God Pavilion Seclusion Realm was Shrek's highest-grade cultivation ground. In ten thousand years, only a handful of people had been allowed to enter.

Tang Wulin's heart stirred slightly.

Though his power was already formidable, if he wanted to truly protect everyone and completely end the darkness, he still lacked one final step—

Breaking through to become a Titled Douluo.

He looked at Gu Yue beside him. Their gazes met, and without a word, they understood each other's hearts.

She would wait for him, accompany him, and silently guard everything while he cultivated in seclusion.

Na'er gently tugged at his sleeve. "Big Brother, Na'er will wait for you to come out."

"Alright," Tang Wulin answered softly.

The commendation ceremony came to an end. Glory surrounded him, and all admired him.

Tang Wulin did not lose himself in the praise. After briefly speaking with the Seven Monsters and Na'er, he entered the Sea God Pavilion Seclusion Realm under Yun Ming's escort.

Within the realm, the aura of life was so dense it had reached the extreme, while Soul Power was as pure as liquid. It was one of the greatest cultivation sanctuaries in the world.

Tang Wulin sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.

Now that he was grown, his state of mind was already unshakable. The experiences of two lifetimes, the Golden Dragon King's origin power, his obsession with protection, his feelings for Gu Yue, his responsibility toward his family, and his promise to Shrek... all transformed into the most majestic power and surged through his body.

He was no longer the youth who needed to feel his way forward.

He was a guardian who had endured life and death, protected his home, and carried all living beings in his heart.

His Soul Power revolved madly, his blood essence surged toward the heavens, and golden radiance enveloped his entire body. The Golden Dragon King's power erupted completely. His meridians widened, his bones were tempered, and his soul ascended.

The regrets of his past life and the fulfillment of this one all became the driving force behind his breakthrough.

One layer, two layers, three layers...

His realm soared without pause, without bottlenecks, without the slightest resistance.

The Soul Rings within him trembled violently. Yellow, purple, black, and red lights rose in succession before ultimately transforming into an incomparably brilliant crimson-gold.

When the first ray of dawn pierced through a crack in the realm—

Tang Wulin abruptly opened his eyes.

Golden light burst from his gaze, piercing the void. His blood essence roared like a dragon, and his pressure surged into the heavens.

An utterly terrifying aura, far surpassing that of ordinary Titled Douluo, explosively erupted from within him!

His meridians were fully opened, his Soul Core stabilized, and his realm solidified!

The power of a Titled Douluo had completely descended!

He slowly rose to his feet, golden light circling his body and dragon might sweeping outward. He was like an awakened Golden Dragon Emperor, looking down upon heaven and earth.

Outside the realm, Yun Ming and the elders all felt that terrifying aura and were deeply moved.

"What a powerful pressure... This level of strength has long surpassed ordinary Titled Douluo!"

"The youngest Titled Douluo in all history!"

"And even more than that... one of the greatest Titled Douluo!"

Tang Wulin slowly walked out of the realm. His adult figure appeared even taller and more imposing within the light. Golden dragon patterns faintly flowed beneath his skin, and every step he took made heaven and earth tremble slightly.

Gu Yue immediately stepped forward, a faint light appearing in her cool eyes.

He had succeeded.

Yun Ming stepped forward, his expression solemn as his voice echoed in every direction.

"Tang Wulin has successfully broken through to become a Titled Douluo!"

"With the Golden Dragon King's power as his foundation, and the Dragon Emperor's might as his title, from this day forth—"

"Your title shall be—Dragon Emperor Douluo!"

Dragon Emperor Douluo!

The four words fell like thunder.

This was his title, a symbol of power, an oath of protection, and the final coronation of two lifetimes of cultivation.

Tang Wulin raised his eyes and looked at Gu Yue beside him, at Na'er and the Shrek Seven Monsters not far away, and at all of Shrek Academy bathed in sunlight.

At last, he possessed the power to truly protect everything.

As an adult, he was no longer a youth who needed protection.

He was Tang Wulin, the Dragon Emperor Douluo.

Gu Yue's support.

Na'er's brother.

The Seven Monsters' captain.

Shrek's guardian.

Dawnlight crowned him, and the Dragon Emperor entered the world.

The road ahead was long, and the darkness had yet to fade, but he feared nothing.

Because at his side were love, family, companions, and the entire human world he had protected with the obsession of two lifetimes, risking his life to do so.