What Was Shrek's Glory Worth?

Xuan Zi stood outside a forest at Shrek Academy, facing two rows of people.

On one side stood the seven official team members: Ma Xiaotao at the front, followed by Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochen, Gong Yang Mo, Chen Zifeng, Xixi, and Yao Haoxuan.

On the other side stood the newly selected Reserve Team: Beibei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao.

Chi Hong and Huo Yuhao stood at the edge, attached to neither team.

Xuan Zi turned his back to the assembled students, his expression solemn.

"You need to understand that students of Shrek Academy's Inner Court are more than students. You carry the duty of watching over the continent. What does that mean? It means keeping watch over the world and protecting its people. And Evil Soul Masters are the greatest threat on the continent. They sacrifice people to nourish their souls and devour infants to refine them. If you encounter scum like that on the road, kill them. Don't hesitate."

"Now I'll ask you: is anyone unwilling to join the Inspection Team?"

Chi Hong raised his hand first.

"I am."

Xuan Zi looked over, the corner of his eye twitching.

Chi Hong asked in all seriousness:

"Are there rewards for joining the Inspection Team and completing missions? Money, for example?"

Xuan Zi's mouth twitched.

"This is an honorable duty, Shrek Academy's responsibility, and you're thinking about rewards? How greedy!"

Chi Hong lowered his hand.

"Then I won't join."

Xuan Zi glared at him.

"Do you know how many people want to join the Inspection Team but can't?"

"Then let them join." Chi Hong looked utterly unconcerned. "I'm just an ordinary Summoning Soul Master. I can handle a few matches, but risking my life against Evil Soul Masters? No, thanks. I've only got one life, so I'd better use it sparingly."

Huo Yuhao raised his hand firmly too.

"I'm not willing either."

He had figured it out: as long as he followed Brother Chi Hong, he couldn't go wrong.

Xuan Zi snorted but didn't press them. He turned to the others.

"What about you?"

Beibei spoke for the group. "We're willing to join, eliminate Evil Soul Masters, and protect the peace."

The others nodded one after another.

Dai Huabin glanced at Chi Hong, a trace of mockery on his lips.

Dai Yueheng stepped away from the official team and brought Dai Huabin before Chi Hong, wearing a gentle, apologetic expression.

"Junior Chi Hong, my brother was in the wrong before. I've brought him to apologize."

Dai Huabin looked unhappy, but with his brother holding him there, he reluctantly lowered his head.

Chi Hong waved a hand and grinned.

"It's fine. Your brother looks like a real man. Next time, I'll send two Soul Beasts after him. If he gets away, I'll forgive him. If he doesn't, well, that'll be a shame."

The corner of Dai Yueheng's eye twitched. He said nothing more and led Dai Huabin away.

Once they set off, Chi Hong leaped straight onto Charizard's back and flew at the head of the group.

Charizard spread his wings, a red trail streaming from the flame at the tip of his tail. He looked magnificent.

The others from Shrek flew as hard as they could, but not one of them could keep up. All they could do was eat his dust.

Dai Huabin, held in his brother's arms, scowled.

"What a show-off."

They reached the military camp, set up camp, and rested for the night. The next day, the Official Team would carry out an Inspection Team mission to eliminate Evil Soul Masters.

Ma Xiaotao slipped over to Chi Hong's door, hoping he could help with her evil fire.

She was about to speak when Ling Luochen crept over from the other side and knocked first.

"Chi Hong, I'd like to discuss ice soul skills with you."

She had fought Chi Hong a few days earlier, but Charizard's Ultimate Fire had overwhelmed her in every respect. At the same time, the Ultimate Ice Chi Hong possessed drew her to him.

Ma Xiaotao glared at her. "I got here first."

Ling Luochen glared back.

"You're here to vent your fire. I'm here to train. Have you no sense of propriety, you shameless woman?"

"Who are you calling shameless?"

"Whoever got upset."

They stood face-to-face, and the air instantly turned tense.

Chi Hong came out and rubbed his forehead. Seeing them both there, he warned them:

"Be careful on the Evil Soul Master mission later. Don't let your guard down just because the enemy's only a Soul King. I looked into it. Evil Soul Masters use some sickening methods: eating infants, exploding corpses, poison. There's no dirty trick they won't try."

Ma Xiaotao gave a dismissive snort.

"What's there to fear from a Soul King?"

Dai Yueheng walked over at some point and smiled.

"Perhaps Junior Chi Hong hasn't met many Soul Kings and thinks they're all as strong as we are."

He spoke politely enough, but his meaning was clear.

You think a Soul King is dangerous because you're too weak.

Dai Huabin put an arm around Zhu Lu and sneered.

"What a coward. He's even afraid of a Soul King."

Chi Hong said evenly:

"Xiaotao."

Ma Xiaotao's temper flared. She slapped Dai Huabin on the back of the head.

"Looking for a beating? Who said you could speak?"

Dai Yueheng tried to stop her. "Ma Xiaotao, calm down."

But even he nearly got hit.

In the end, Dai Yueheng could only drag the bruised and swollen Dai Huabin away.

A little later, Chi Hong spotted Xuan Zi passing by and called out to him:

"Old man, you'd better keep a close eye on them. Evil Soul Masters are more ruthless than you think. If a student gets hurt, you won't be able to dodge the blame as captain of the Inspection Team."

Xuan Zi shook his head.

"Kid, you're far too timid. What could a mere Soul King do with me around? No wonder you refused to become an Inspector. You're afraid of dying."

Chi Hong shook his head helplessly. He had warned Xuan Zi as plainly as he could.

Early the next morning, the seven members of the Official Team set out on their mission.

Ma Xiaotao led them, with the Reserve Team following.

By afternoon,

terrible news arrived.

The Official Team had been attacked.

This time, though, no one had died.

Ma Xiaotao had been more cautious this time. She had taken the lead and absorbed most of the attack, while Ling Luochen had used ice to contain the corpse explosions.

Even so, their injuries were severe.

All seven had been badly wounded. Xuan Zi had to take the four weakest back to Shrek overnight for treatment.

Every member of the seven-person reserve team was shaken, the strain weighing heavily on them.

Wang Yan looked at the team he had left and felt close to breaking down.

Xuan Zi had entrusted him with leading the team and defending Shrek's glory. Now he had to enter the tournament with this Reserve Team.

But at least...

Wang Yan's eyes brightened slightly as he looked at Chi Hong.

He still had this exceptionally strong student.

Wang Yan spoke.

"Chi Hong, are you confident you can lead this team in the tournament?"

Chi Hong paused.

"Of course... I'm not. You know I'm only twelve. How could I possibly take on such a difficult task?"

"You should give it to..." Chi Hong's finger circled before pointing at Dai Huabin. "The White Tiger Duke's son. Once he takes the field, he can bribe the Star Luo Empire's referees. A few crooked calls, and we're sure to win the championship."

Wang Yan looked utterly speechless.

"Chi Hong, stop joking. We need you! Shrek needs you! Don't you want to preserve Shrek's glory? Please do your part for Shrek's glory."

Chi Hong's eyes lit up.

"Oh? So Shrek's glory is worth a lot of money, then?"

Wang Yan's mouth twitched. He had a bad feeling about this.

Chi Hong smiled faintly.

"I can lead the team, but it'll cost extra."

"Teacher Wang Yan, you wouldn't want Shrek's glory to be lost on your watch, would you?"