Light Blades Ring Again, Old Friends Reunited

The golden light of the spacetime rift slowly faded, completely sealing off the violent energy currents behind them. In their place came a warm, familiar presence.

Beneath my feet lay smooth, even bluestone paving worn down by time. Before me stood the towering gates of Shrek Academy, its dark green banners fluttering softly in the wind, the Shrek emblem engraved upon them still dazzlingly bright. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows across the ground. The air was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees, along with the vibrant Soul Power fluctuations of young boys and girls. Everything was exactly as I remembered it. This was not the war-ravaged ruin I had seen after the battle, but the youth I had longed for and could never return to—Shrek Academy, my true home.

I tightly clasped Gu Yue's small hand, afraid that if I let go, everything before me would vanish like a bubble. Her palm was slightly cool, and the Silver Dragon aura gently coiled around my fingertips, resonating with the surging Golden Dragon Power within me. Together, they formed a soft membrane of light, protecting this warmth I had regained. Gu Yue raised her head, curiosity filling her star-silver eyes as her long lashes trembled lightly. She tugged gently at my sleeve and asked in a soft voice, "Tang Wulin, where is this? It feels so comfortable, like... I was meant to be here."

I crouched down and gently brushed the stray hair from her forehead. My voice carried an impossible-to-hide tremor. "This is Shrek Academy. It's where we'll live together and grow stronger together. It's also where all our companions will gather."

Before my words had even faded, a figure as fast as lightning suddenly shot out from the tree-lined path to the side. He moved so quickly that he tore a sharp whistle through the air. Two cold flashes sliced forth at once—the Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger struck from left and right, carrying fierce yet nimble Soul Power as they came straight for me. His speed had reached an extreme; clearly, he had pushed the advantages of his martial soul to their utmost. An ordinary soul master likely would not have had time to react before being hit.

Almost instinctively, I shielded Gu Yue behind me. With a grip of my right hand, the Golden Dragon Spear instantly appeared in my grasp. I swept its shaft across and firmly blocked the two incoming blades of light.

Clang—!

The deafening crash of metal rang across the square, and the piercing sound made passing students turn their heads. A Soul Power that was not especially strong but was exceedingly agile traveled through the twin daggers. With a slight exertion of force, I knocked him back three steps.

The boy staggered before regaining his footing. He wore a neat blue combat outfit, his hair slightly spiked, his face carrying the arrogant defiance and refusal to yield of youth. His eyes were wide as he glared fixedly at me, his tone filled with vigilance and hostility. "Who are you?! How dare you bring an outsider into Shrek Academy—and even hold Gu Yue's hand! You must be tired of living!"

That familiar voice, that familiar tone, that familiar figure—they were like the sharpest blade, instantly piercing the softest place in my heart.

It was Xie Xie.

A living, breathing Xie Xie, untouched by catastrophe, having lost nothing, still full of youthful spirit.

The hand holding my Golden Dragon Spear trembled slightly. My eyes burned uncontrollably, and scorching tears welled up, nearly spilling over. In that desperate final battle, I had watched with my own eyes as he turned into a blade of light and vanished into the raging energy currents while covering everyone's retreat. He had not even been able to leave behind a complete final message. Countless days and nights, I had lived in regret and longing, believing I would never again see the companion who always followed behind me, bickering noisily.

But now, he stood right before me—alive, real, the Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger in his hands gleaming brilliantly, his martial soul aura full and vigorous. Everything had remained frozen at the finest age.

"Xie Xie." When I spoke, my voice was terribly hoarse, every word laden with deep longing. "It's me, Tang Wulin."

Xie Xie's taut body suddenly stiffened. The vigilance and arrogance on his face froze instantly. He widened his eyes and looked me up and down, his gaze full of incredulous shock and confusion. "Tang... Tang Wulin? Are you kidding me?! How could you possibly be Tang Wulin? He isn't as tall or as mature as you, and your aura is completely different!"

As he spoke, he involuntarily took half a step back. The twin daggers in his hands trembled faintly, as if responding to the call of the Golden Dragon Power within me. I did not explain much. I simply slowly withdrew the dragon's might around me and channeled a trace of the Soul Power most familiar between us into the Golden Dragon Spear. It was the mark of our countless times cultivating together and fighting side by side—the bond carved deep into our souls.

Xie Xie's pupils abruptly contracted. The twin daggers in his hands began to hum faintly beyond his control, as though cheering, yet also as though reunited. He looked at me, his lips trembling slightly, while his once-overbearing tone softened completely. "It really is you... But what exactly did you go through?"

I did not elaborate on those despairing memories. I merely reached out and gently patted his shoulder. Golden Soul Power softly enveloped him, conveying all my longing and resolve. "There's no time to explain, Xie Xie. I came back from the future to find you all—to find Ye Xinglan, Xu Xiaoyan, Yuan En Yehui, Yue Zhengyu, Xu Lizhi. Every one of us. Not a single one can be missing."

"The Shrek Seven Monsters must reunite. This time, I won't let anyone leave. I won't let any regret happen again."

Xie Xie stared blankly at me, at the resolve and weight in my eyes that had never been there before. Then he turned to look at Gu Yue behind me, whose face was innocent and confused yet still gentle. The confusion on the boy's face gradually faded, replaced by the familiar fiery passion and trust. He tightened his grip around the Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger, suddenly lifted his head, and grinned, revealing his two distinctive sharp canine teeth. His voice rang out with strength. "Captain! I knew you wouldn't abandon us! No matter where you came from or what you plan to do, I, Xie Xie, am with you all the way!"

"This time, I'll give it everything I have. I definitely won't fall behind!"

The sunlight grew warmer, falling over the three of us and stretching our shadows long. I looked at the companion who had returned to my side and felt the warmth of Gu Yue's hand in my palm. The fire of hope blazed fiercely within my heart.

Xie Xie had returned. Then the rest of our companions had to be nearby as well.

The Gold Dragon roared across the world, the Silver Moon at its side. From this moment onward, the path toward the reunion of the Shrek Seven Monsters had officially begun.