Tranquil Night, Rising Fighting Spirit

Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting a clear glow that made the dormitory especially peaceful.

Na'er slept soundly on the bed, her little brows relaxed and her breathing light and even, completely enveloped by the warmth beside her. Tang Wulin sat at the bedside, his fingertips gently brushing through his sister's soft hair, the tenderness in his eyes nearly overflowing. The sharpness and fierceness he had shown in the arena during the day had all faded away. At this moment, he was simply a young man whose heart was filled with concern for his family.

Xu Xiaoyan did not leave immediately. She stood by the table, silently clearing away the meal boxes, then fetched some warm water and carefully wiped each bowl and pair of chopsticks clean. Her movements were slow and meticulous, as though afraid that even the slightest sound might wake Na'er. Only after finishing did she walk over to Tang Wulin and lower her voice. "Brother, it's getting late. You should rest early too. We still have group training tomorrow morning."

Tang Wulin looked up at her, his expression gentle. "You should head back and rest too. You've been tired all day. Thanks for your hard work."

"It was nothing." Xu Xiaoyan gently shook her head, a pure smile curving her lips. "Then I'll head back to the dormitory first. If anything comes up, just call me anytime."

With that, she quietly pulled open the door, then slowly closed it behind her without making a sound.

The dormitory returned to silence, leaving only the brother and sister behind.

Tang Wulin leaned against the headboard, his gaze resting on Na'er's peaceful sleeping face. That inexplicable sense of calm rose within him again. He always felt as though some extremely important matter had already been quietly handled for him, and even the anxiety he felt when thinking of his parents had faded considerably.

He let out a soft sigh, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing against his palm.

Mom, Dad, you have to be well. Once the exchange tournament is over, I'll definitely take Na'er to find you.

He silently made his vow, and his gaze gradually turned resolute. This exchange tournament was not only for Shrek's honor, but also for him to become stronger—strong enough to protect everyone important by his side, so there would be no more separations and no more worries.

As the night deepened, Tang Wulin gradually closed his eyes. His soul power began circulating on its own, soothing away the exhaustion from the day's battle as he entered a state of deep meditation. The young man's breathing remained steady, intertwining with Na'er's beside him to form the most peaceful scene.

Meanwhile, in another dormitory at Shrek Academy.

The companions had not gone to sleep immediately either. Several of them sat gathered together, quietly discussing the day's match.

"The Star Luo Team wasn't weak either, especially their captain. He actually managed to take one of Wulin's strikes head-on." Ye Xinglan stood against the wall with her arms folded, her tone calm. "The next opponents will only be stronger. We can't let our guard down."

"Relax. With Wulin on offense, Xiaoyan controlling the field, Gu Yue suppressing them with her elements, and all of us working together so smoothly, what are we afraid of?" Xie Xie waved a hand dismissively, though seriousness was hidden in his eyes. "But next time, I'm definitely taking down two more opponents."

Xu Lizhi held a bun in his arms and took small bites from it, nodding honestly. "I'll make more high-soul-power food to make sure everyone's soul power stays fully replenished."

Yuanen Yehui spoke calmly. "Tomorrow's group training should focus on improving our transition speed. We can't give our opponents any openings."

Gu Yue sat in the corner, absently winding a strand of hair around her fingertips as she quietly listened to everyone speak. Yet her gaze unconsciously drifted out the window, toward the direction of Tang Wulin's dormitory. She said nothing, but the focus in her eyes had already explained everything.

In the night, the young men and women earnestly planned for their shared goal. They trusted one another, while passion and tacit understanding quietly settled in the stillness of the night.

The entire Shrek Academy sank into sleep. Lights gradually went out one after another, leaving only the gentle moonlight to shroud this sacred ground that nurtured genius soul masters.

No one knew that deep within the dense forest beyond the academy's perimeter, a figure stood silently atop the tallest tree.

Adult Tang Wulin, dressed in plain clothes and bathed in moonlight, had golden eyes that were gentle and tranquil. His gaze pierced through layers of night, landing steadily on the window of Young Tang Wulin's dormitory.

His parents were safe, and his ties with Star Luo had come to an end. At this moment, he felt more at ease than ever.

Watching the young man grow up in peace, watching his companions support one another, watching Na'er live free of care—every journey and battle that had crossed the bounds of time had gained meaning.

He did not need to appear. He did not need to disturb them. He only needed to watch silently and protect them in secret.

When the young man had endured hardship step by step, when he had truly become strong enough to stand on his own, when none of the tragedies of fate would ever repeat themselves, that would be the time for him to retire in triumph and for the family to truly reunite.

The night breeze drifted by, and the leaves rustled softly.

The young man's dreams were peaceful, his companions' hearts were steadfast, and the hidden guardian remained silent.

The tranquil night passed. A pale light gradually appeared on the horizon, and a new day was about to arrive. A new round of battle and growth was also about to begin.

Shrek's morning sun would eventually illuminate every step of the young people's path forward.