Early the next morning, before the mist over Shrek Inner Court had fully dispersed, the Seven Monsters had already arrived at the training grounds to begin another day of diligent cultivation. After yesterday's adjustment period, their coordination had become increasingly polished, without the slightest trace of unfamiliarity. Their Soul Power flowed as one, fully displaying the foundation of a championship team.
As captain, Tang Wulin continued to lead from the front. As his Gold Dragon Soul Power circulated, faint golden dragon patterns appeared along his arms. Every soul skill he released was steady and powerful. He not only controlled the team's offensive rhythm but also kept constant watch over his companions' Soul Power consumption. He was especially attentive toward Xu Xiaoyan, showing the careful concern of an older brother. Seeing her breathing grow slightly labored after repeatedly using the Star Wheel Control Technique, he immediately signaled the team to stop and rest, then turned to Xu Lizhi. "Li Zhi, give Xiaoyan a few buns that restore Soul Power."
"Sure!" Xu Lizhi answered readily. His belly bulged slightly as his food martial soul activated. Steam rose from his palms, and several round, plump buns appeared out of thin air. He handed them to Xu Xiaoyan with an honest smile. "Xiaoyan, eat up and recover. These buns restore Soul Power really fast."
Xu Xiaoyan accepted the buns and thanked him softly, warmth filling her eyes. By now, she had long grown accustomed to being the "younger sister." The way she looked at Tang Wulin carried only the dependence one had on family, without the slightest stray thought. She steadily fulfilled her role as the team's control-system soul master, silently protecting her companions.
Gu Yue stood nearby, idly winding a strand of hair around her fingertips as she watched Tang Wulin arrange the rest period in an orderly manner. Her gaze was calm and understanding. She never interfered too much with the care he showed his companions. Yet whenever his Soul Power fluctuated even slightly, she would quietly use elemental power to stabilize his breathing. Such silent understanding was beyond the reach of others.
Leaning against a tree trunk, Xie Xie swung his legs while munching on a bun. He muttered, "It'd be great if we could cultivate this peacefully every day. No fighting or killing, and Li Zhi's buns to eat too. This is practically paradise."
"The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current. If we blindly crave comfort, then when we encounter powerful enemies in the future, we'll have no means of fighting back." Ye Xinglan gripped the hilt of her sword and spoke calmly, her tone filled with a warrior's resolve. "As disciples of Shrek, we must constantly improve ourselves and never disgrace the honor we bear."
Yuanen Yehui and Le Zhengyu nodded in agreement with Ye Xinglan. The group sat in a circle, discussing their future training plans. From time to time, laughter rang out, and the atmosphere was peaceful and warm.
Just as everyone finished resting and prepared to resume training, Tang Wulin suddenly sensed a familiar presence. He turned toward the dense forest in the distance and saw Adult Tang Wulin.
Today, Adult Tang Wulin's aura was more solemn than usual. The breeze stirred his plain robes, while a trace of barely perceptible gravity rested in his golden eyes. He no longer carried his usual calm, protective demeanor.
Tang Wulin's heart stirred. He softly told his companions, "Continue cultivating on your own for now. I'm going to see Senior. I'll be back soon."
Everyone nodded at once. Xu Xiaoyan added softly, "Brother, go and come back quickly. We'll wait here."
Tang Wulin nodded and headed into the forest. When he reached Adult Tang Wulin, he bowed respectfully. "Senior."
Adult Tang Wulin looked at Young Tang Wulin with a gentle yet solemn gaze and slowly said, "I called you here today because there is something I need to tell you. Before long, I will be leaving Shrek and making a trip to the Star Luo Empire."
Tang Wulin was slightly stunned, his eyes full of confusion. "Senior, you're going to the Star Luo Empire? Is there something important?" He knew that this senior from the future had silently guarded them all along and had never left Shrek's vicinity. For him to suddenly travel to the Star Luo Empire, there had to be an extremely urgent reason.
"It concerns an important matter of the future, as well as something destined for me to handle personally. There is an opportunity I seek in the Star Luo Empire, and certain ties from the past that must be settled." Adult Tang Wulin did not explain further. There was no need for his younger self to learn too early of certain uncertainties awaiting the future; it was enough to make the necessary arrangements. After a pause, his gaze softened further. "While I am away, I will no longer remain at your side at all times. But if you face a true life-or-death crisis, crush the dragon scale I leave with you, and I will return immediately."
As he spoke, he condensed a small dragon scale glowing with golden light at his fingertips and handed it to Young Tang Wulin. The scale felt warm in his hand and contained incomparably rich Dragon Emperor Soul Power. Simply holding it in his palm brought a sense of reassurance.
Tang Wulin solemnly accepted the dragon scale and stored it close to his body. His voice was firm. "Thank you, Senior. We will cultivate diligently and will not recklessly put ourselves in danger."
"I believe in you." Adult Tang Wulin nodded slightly. Looking at the spirited youth before him, he added, "Take care of the companions by your side, and protect those you care about. Whether it is the bonds of your team or the sibling bond you have just established, cherish them well. Shrek is your strongest support, but you must remain vigilant against dangers from the outside world. The Star Luo Empire has close ties with Shrek. You may have dealings with it in the future. Just hold fast to your heart and move forward steadily."
Though Young Tang Wulin did not fully understand the deeper meaning behind those words, he still committed them earnestly to heart and nodded heavily.
Adult Tang Wulin looked at him, and a trace of relief flashed through his golden eyes. This journey to the Star Luo Empire was, first, to cut off a hidden danger in the future and, second, to avoid emotional entanglements with his younger self. Dai Yun'er of the Star Luo Empire was, in the end, only a passing figure from his youth. There was no need for too much involvement. It was most appropriate for him, as an adult, to handle all matters related to Star Luo and the Dai Family. That way, he would neither disturb the peaceful lives of the youths nor leave any irrelevant entanglements unresolved.
"I will depart at once. When we meet again, it will be the moment you truly need me." Adult Tang Wulin patted Young Tang Wulin on the shoulder. Golden light flickered around him, and his aura gradually became ethereal. "Remember: hold fast to your original heart, and protect those around you."
As his words fell, his figure slowly blurred before completely dissolving into the mist among the trees. Only a faint trace of Dragon Emperor aura remained, proving that he had been there.
Tang Wulin stood where he was, gripping the dragon scale tightly. Though reluctant to part, he understood that Senior surely had important matters to attend to. He stood quietly for a moment, sorting through his thoughts, then turned and headed back toward the training grounds. Sunlight pierced the forest mist and fell over him, making the youth's figure appear even straighter and more resolute.
When he returned to the training grounds, his companions gathered around him and asked what had happened. Tang Wulin smiled and shook his head, his tone steady. "Senior has important business outside and won't be at Shrek for some time. But we still need to cultivate properly and cannot slack off."
Xu Xiaoyan said softly, "Senior will definitely return safely."
"Mm." Tang Wulin nodded. His gaze swept over his companions, and his steady smile returned. "All right, let's continue cultivating. We must not disappoint Senior's expectations."
Everyone responded in unison and once more immersed themselves in cultivation. Waves of Soul Power once again filled the training grounds.
Far away in the Star Luo Empire, deep within the imperial palace, a delicate figure gazed in Shrek's direction, faint anticipation hidden in her eyes. She did not know that Adult Tang Wulin, who had come from the future, was heading toward the Star Luo Empire. Every tie connected to her would be properly settled, one by one, by the adult Dragon Emperor Douluo.
The wind continued to brush through the woods. Shrek's youths continued to cultivate tirelessly for their dreams and their bonds. The road ahead was long; though there would be partings, it also held new encounters. And that pure friendship, along with the bond between brother and sister, continued to grow steadily through the passing years.
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