Glory Restored, the Road Ahead Begins

The cheers from the finals gradually subsided as the setting sun painted the dome of Shrek Arena a warm golden hue. The lingering heat of soul power collisions remained in the air, but the smoke of battle had vanished, leaving only the young people's calm and high spirits after victory.

Tang Wulin stood shoulder to shoulder with the Shrek Seven Monsters at the center of the arena, the champion medals on their chests gleaming brilliantly beneath the sunlight. He took a deep breath, his golden eyes clear and resolute, every breath steady and powerful. He turned to exchange a smile with his companions. No grand words were needed; that knowing smile was the finest summary of their time fighting side by side.

Xie Xie excitedly bounced twice on the spot, just about to celebrate out loud when Ye Xinglan shot him a glare from beside him. He could only scratch his head sheepishly, though the corners of his mouth remained raised high. Yuanen Yehui gave a slight nod, her gaze sweeping over everyone as the aura of the Titan Giant Ape quietly receded, becoming their most reliable support. Xu Xiaoyan lifted a hand to smooth the stray hair at her temple, her eyes full of gentle warmth as she softly said, "From here on, we need to work even harder." Xu Lizhi had already taken out a steamer full of piping-hot buns and handed them to his companions one by one. Amid the lingering fragrance was the warmth belonging to comrades.

Gu Yue stood quietly at Tang Wulin's side, the elemental power at her fingertips slowly returning to its place and silently blending with everyone's auras. She said nothing, merely checking each other's condition with her gaze. Their natural harmony needed no words; it was already the best companionship.

Adult Tang Wulin slowly walked up to them.

He still wore those plain, clean robes. The aura of the Dragon Emperor was restrained until he seemed like an ordinary person, yet it could not conceal the gentleness and depth accumulated by time around him. He simply looked quietly at the group of youths before him. His golden eyes held no ripples, only abundant approval and warmth, as though he were witnessing a brand-new legend that belonged to them.

"You've worked hard," he said softly. His voice was calm yet powerful, like a reassuring anchor pressed upon the youths' newly surging blood.

Tang Wulin looked up at him earnestly and said with sincerity, "Senior, we truly had you to thank for being with us along the way. Knowing you were watching over us made us feel especially secure."

"What truly carried you here was your trust in one another and your perseverance day after day." Adult Tang Wulin nodded slightly, his gaze passing over each of them before finally settling on Tang Wulin. "You still need to walk the road ahead yourselves. I will be here, but I will not take those steps for you."

Everyone nodded solemnly, silently committing his words to heart.

The crowd gradually thinned, and the arena returned to its usual emptiness. Just as the Seven Monsters were preparing to turn around and return to the Inner Academy to rest, a slender figure slowly emerged from the shadows beneath the stands and stopped at the center of the arena.

It was Wu Siduo.

Holding a thick tactical notebook, she walked lightly up to Tang Wulin. Her expression was calm, and when her eyes settled on him, there was no excess emotion in them—only recognition for a strong opponent and a desire to discuss tactics.

"During the final battle, your formation had several subtle flaws in its final stage. If you had reacted one beat faster, you might have reduced some unnecessary losses." She handed over the notebook in her hands, her tone flat but professional. "I recorded a few optimization ideas in here. You can use them as a reference."

Tang Wulin paused slightly, then politely accepted it with both hands. His fingertips touched the cool pages as he said solemnly, "Thank you. Your observations were very meticulous. This will help me greatly."

"We are both Shrek disciples. Exchanging ideas and sparring is only natural." Wu Siduo gave a slight nod. Her gaze met his briefly for an instant before she turned and left, her steps crisp and decisive without the slightest hesitation, leaving behind only a straight-backed and composed figure.

The Seven Monsters continued toward the arena exit.

The sunset stretched their shadows long behind them, while the evening breeze brushed past them with the distinctive warmth of spring. The moment they stepped out of the arena gates, another somewhat delicate figure approached them head-on.

It was Dai Yun'er.

She carried an exquisite porcelain bottle in her hand and quickly walked up to Tang Wulin before stopping. A natural, faint smile rested on her face, while a trace of concern showed in her eyes. Her demeanor was proper, without the slightest hint of abruptness.

"You took that soul power impact head-on on the stage just now. You should have suffered some internal injury." She held the porcelain bottle out to Tang Wulin, her voice clear and crisp. "This is a healing potion I specially prepared. It restores you faster than ordinary pills. Keep it and use it."

Tang Wulin lowered his head to look at the porcelain bottle, then raised his eyes to Dai Yun'er. His gaze was open and straightforward, his sense of propriety perfectly measured. He gently declined, his tone warm but firm. "Thank you for the thought. But I carry healing pills from my sect, and they work quite well too, so I won't trouble you."

Dai Yun'er did not insist. She merely smiled softly, withdrew her hand, and naturally shifted her gaze away. "All right, then. Since you've won the championship, you should take your cultivation step by step afterward. Don't push yourself too hard."

"Mm, I'll be careful. You too."

Their brief exchange was clean and direct.

There was no unnecessary entanglement, no ambiguous probing—only the purest courtesy and response between young companions.

Dai Yun'er nodded, then turned and merged into the dispersing crowd, leaving with her companions as her figure gradually disappeared into the twilight.

All of this was watched by Adult Tang Wulin beneath the shade of a tree some distance away.

He had not moved from beginning to end, merely standing there with his golden eyes calm and unruffled. As he watched the youth handle matters appropriately and with restraint, and watched those young women behave with grace and clear boundaries, an exceedingly faint trace of approval flickered in his eyes before quietly fading away.

"Let's go. Head back, rest properly, and prepare for the cultivation ahead." Tang Wulin turned around and lifted his chin toward his companions, his tone light yet resolute.

"Okay!"

The Seven Monsters answered in unison, turning side by side and walking toward the Inner Academy.

Their steps were orderly, their spirits high. Every step was filled with the determination and youthful vigor that belonged to Shrek disciples.

Adult Tang Wulin slowly followed along the outer side of the group, neither too close nor too far, like the quietest of guardians.

The sun slowly sank behind the distant mountains, and night began to fall.

The tournament had ended, but a new chapter had only just been opened.

The road ahead was long, yet the youths strode forward with their heads held high, walking toward the light that belonged to them.