A Charge in the Woods, a Pact with Star Luo

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 adjustments, their coordination had grown increasingly seamless, with none of their former unfamiliarity remaining. 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 emerged along his arms. Every soul skill he unleashed was steady and powerful. He controlled the team's offensive rhythm while constantly keeping watch over his companions' soul power consumption. He was especially attentive toward Xu Xiaoyan, with the careful concern of an older brother. Seeing her breathing slightly heavily after consecutively using the Star Wheel Control Technique, he immediately signaled for the team to stop and rest, then turned to Xu Lizhi. "Lizhi, 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 quickly."

Xu Xiaoyan accepted the buns and softly thanked him, warmth filling her eyes. By now, she had long adapted to her role as the "younger sister." When she looked at Tang Wulin, her gaze held only the dependence one had for family, without the slightest stray thought. She steadily fulfilled her role as the team's control-system soul master, quietly protecting her companions.

Gu Yue stood nearby, lightly winding a strand of hair around her fingertip as she watched Tang Wulin calmly arrange the break. Her expression was tranquil, filled with unspoken understanding. She never interfered excessively with his care for his companions. Yet whenever his soul power fluctuated even slightly, she would quietly use elemental power to stabilize his breathing. That silent understanding was something no one else could match.

Xie Xie leaned against a tree trunk, swinging his legs as he munched on a bun. "It'd be great if we could cultivate this peacefully every day. No fighting or killing, and Lizhi's buns to eat too. This is just perfect."

"The path of cultivation is like rowing upstream. If you only crave stability, you'll have no ability to resist when you encounter a powerful enemy in the future." Ye Xinglan held her sword hilt and spoke calmly, her tone carrying a warrior's steadfastness. "As Shrek disciples, we must improve ourselves at all times. We cannot disgrace the honor we bear."

Yuanen Yehui and Le Zhengyu also nodded in agreement with Ye Xinglan. The group sat together, discussing their upcoming cultivation plans, with occasional laughter breaking out. The atmosphere was peaceful and warm.

Just as they finished resting and prepared to continue cultivating, Tang Wulin suddenly sensed a familiar presence. He turned toward the dense forest not far away and saw Adult Tang Wulin.

Adult Tang Wulin's aura was more solemn than usual today. His plain robe fluttered in the breeze, 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'll go see Senior and be right back."

Everyone nodded at his words. Xu Xiaoyan added softly, "Brother, go and come back quickly. We'll wait for you here."

Tang Wulin nodded and walked into the forest. When he reached Adult Tang Wulin, he bowed. "Senior."

Adult Tang Wulin looked at Young Tang Wulin. His gaze was gentle, yet tinged with solemnity. He slowly said, "I called you here today because there is something I must tell you. Before long, I will be leaving Shrek and traveling 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 the future. It is also a matter of fate that I must handle personally. There is an opportunity I seek in the Star Luo Empire, as well as certain ties from the past that need to be settled." Adult Tang Wulin did not explain further. There were some uncertainties in the future that his younger self did not need to learn too soon. He only needed to make the necessary arrangements. After a pause, his gaze grew gentler. "While I am gone, I will no longer be constantly at your side. But if you encounter 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 was warm to the touch and contained incomparably dense Dragon Emperor soul power. Holding it in his palm brought an immediate sense of security.

Tang Wulin solemnly accepted the dragon scale and stored it close to his body. "Thank you, Senior. We will cultivate properly and will not recklessly put ourselves in danger."

"I believe you." Adult Tang Wulin nodded slightly. Looking at the spirited youth before him, he added, "Take care of the companions by your side. Protect those you care about. Whether it is the bond within your team or the sibling bond you have only just established, cherish it well. Shrek is your strongest support, but you must also remain vigilant against dangers from the outside world. The Star Luo Empire has close dealings with Shrek, and perhaps you will cross paths with it in the future. Just stay true to yourselves and move forward steadily."

Though Young Tang Wulin did not fully understand the deeper meaning in his words, he carefully committed them to heart and nodded firmly.

Adult Tang Wulin looked at him, and a trace of relief flashed through his golden eyes. This trip to the Star Luo Empire was partly to sever a hidden threat in the future, but it was also to avoid emotional entanglements with his younger self. Dai Yun'er of the Star Luo Empire was ultimately 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 everything related to Star Luo and the Dai Family. That way, he would neither disturb the youths' peaceful lives nor leave any irrelevant entanglements unresolved.

"I will depart at once. When we meet again, it will be when you truly need me." Adult Tang Wulin patted Young Tang Wulin's shoulder. Golden light flickered faintly around him, and his aura gradually became ethereal. "Remember this: hold fast to your original heart, and protect those by your side."

As his words fell, his figure slowly blurred before completely vanishing into the forest mist. 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 in his hand. Though reluctant to part, he understood that Senior must have important matters to attend to. He stood quietly for a moment, sorting through his emotions, then turned and headed back toward the training grounds. Sunlight pierced through the forest mist and fell upon 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. "Senior has important matters to attend to and will not be at Shrek for some time. But we still need to cultivate diligently. We cannot slack off."

"Senior will definitely return safely," Xu Xiaoyan said softly.

"Mm." Tang Wulin nodded. His gaze swept over his companions as his steady smile returned. "All right, let's continue cultivating. We cannot disappoint Senior's expectations."

Everyone responded in unison and threw themselves back into cultivation. Waves of soul power once again swirled across 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 already heading for the Star Luo Empire. Every tie connected to her would be properly settled, one by one, by that adult Dragon Emperor Douluo.

The wind continued to brush softly through the woods. Shrek's youths continued cultivating desperately for their dreams and bonds. The road ahead was long. Though there would be farewells, new encounters also lay hidden within it. And that pure friendship and sibling bond continued to grow peacefully through the passage of time.