Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• The group returns to Shrek Academy after several days away, divided into three tense clusters: Tang San and Oscar with Zhao Wuji; Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun; and Lin Mo with his three female disciples.
• Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun resent Lin Mo’s closeness with Zhu Zhuqing and the other girls. Dai Mubai is also unsettled by Tang San’s recent hostility and considers seeking a master of his own.
• Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu enjoy the friction between the men, while Lin Mo stays relaxed and sends them back to their dorms.
• At the academy, Li Yusong says Flender specifically wants to see Tang San. Zhao Wuji is glad to hand him over. Tang San leaves vowing privately to take revenge on Zhao Wuji and Dai Mubai once he masters his techniques.
• Lin Mo returns to his room and examines his recent rewards: Soul Ring Cards and the Eight Spider Lances external soul bone. Though absorbing it late may limit its growth, he decides its devouring ability and capacity to store toxins could complement his fire-focused martial soul. He absorbs it.

Character developments and interactions

• Tang San grows more openly vengeful, blaming Zhao Wuji and Dai Mubai and concealing his intentions beneath a hostile silence.
• Dai Mubai is jealous of Lin Mo and increasingly wary of Tang San; Ma Hongjun recognizes their disadvantage and advises Dai Mubai not to expect help from Tang San.
• Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu bond over watching the conflict and show affection toward Lin Mo, who responds playfully and protectively.
• Zhao Wuji remains wary of Tang San and welcomes Flender’s request to handle him. Li Yusong casually directs Tang San to the Dean’s office.
• Lin Mo weighs the Eight Spider Lances’ drawbacks against its potential and makes a strategic decision to use its poison-storage and devouring abilities alongside his fire attribute.

Significant themes

• Jealousy and rivalry intensify into the threat of revenge.
• Power, mentorship, and loyalty shape the characters’ relationships.
• Lin Mo’s approach to growth is pragmatic: he turns an imperfect reward into a potential advantage through careful planning.

Plot points and events

• Tang San visits Flender’s office, where he finds Flender and his teacher, Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang eagerly asks how Tang San’s trip to the Star Dou Great Forest went.
• Tang San reports that he reached level 30 and became a Soul Elder, but hides the embarrassing details of his third soul ring.
• When Yu Xiaogang asks what ring and skill Tang San obtained, Tang San admits that he chose a fifteen-year-old Snotty Snake, giving him a white third soul ring.
• Yu Xiaogang is so devastated that he collapses and coughs up blood. After Tang San and Flender revive him, Yu Xiaogang slaps Tang San.
• Flender persuades Yu Xiaogang to at least inspect the third soul skill before reacting further. Tang San demonstrates Scoundrel Vine, a slimy vine that thrashes through the office and wraps around Yu Xiaogang’s thigh.
• Yu Xiaogang’s anger flares again, and he repeatedly slaps and insults Tang San for choosing such a weak, disgusting creature.

Character developments

• Tang San is nervous and ashamed, withholding information at first and trying to placate his teacher. Despite the punishment, he remains devoted to Yu Xiaogang and insists that his third skill is good.
• Yu Xiaogang shifts abruptly from pride and excitement to shock, despair, and fury when he learns about the soul ring. His investment in Tang San’s progress makes the poor result feel like a personal catastrophe.
• Flender begins as an amused, hopeful observer but becomes alarmed, trying to stop Yu Xiaogang from hurting Tang San too badly.

Character interactions

• Yu Xiaogang praises Tang San’s advancement and expects his disciple’s achievement to validate his theories.
• Tang San seeks his teacher’s approval but disappoints him, prompting Yu Xiaogang’s collapse and violence.
• Flender mediates between them, first offering aid and then urging Yu Xiaogang to judge the soul skill before attacking.
• Tang San’s skill demonstration only worsens the confrontation, as the vine directly ensnares Yu Xiaogang.

Significant themes

• High expectations and disappointment: Yu Xiaogang’s hopes for Tang San make the weak soul ring feel like a devastating failure.
• Teacher–student devotion and authority: Tang San remains loyal to Yu Xiaogang even as the teacher lashes out at him.
• Comic exaggeration: The chapter plays the dramatic reactions—especially Yu Xiaogang’s repeated blood-spitting and slapping—for absurd, slapstick effect.

Key plot points and events

• Tang San defends his choice of the Snotty Snake soul ring by twisting Yu Xiaogang’s maxim—arguing that there are no useless soul rings, only useless soul masters. Yu Xiaogang, unable to answer, beats him until exhausted.
• Tang San recounts the events that led to his mistake, shifting blame onto Dai Mubai and Zhao Wuji and accusing Lin Mo of misleading him.
• Flender shuts down the accusation and reveals that Lin Mo is a Shrek teacher and star attraction who has become a Soul Emperor. Yu Xiaogang is stunned and envious, then storms off to confront him.
• Meanwhile, Lin Mo completes the fusion of the Eight Spider Lances with his Fire Python Armor. The newly formed spikes evolve, taking on a dark-red color with blue markings. He tests them by punching eight holes in his wall, though he thinks they still need to grow stronger.
• Yu Xiaogang arrives with Tang San and accuses Lin Mo of scheming against Tang San. Lin Mo answers with a punch that sends him sprawling. Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing then stand up for Lin Mo and taunt Yu Xiaogang.

Character developments

• Tang San is badly beaten but continues defending his decision and tries to protect himself by blaming others, including Lin Mo.
• Yu Xiaogang shifts from anger at Tang San to disbelief and jealousy over Lin Mo’s extraordinary progress. His resentment drives him to confront Lin Mo.
• Lin Mo demonstrates confidence and formidable strength, while gaining a newly evolved weapon that he intends to improve further.
• Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing show their loyalty to Lin Mo by intervening together.

Significant themes

• The chapter mocks the gap between lofty principles and their application: Tang San uses Yu Xiaogang’s own teaching to defend a poor choice.
• Envy and projection shape Yu Xiaogang’s reaction to Lin Mo’s achievements.
• Blame and accountability are central, as Tang San tries to shift responsibility for his mistake.
• Lin Mo’s evolving power contrasts with Yu Xiaogang’s insecurity and physical weakness.

Character interactions

• Tang San argues with Yu Xiaogang, then attempts to steer his anger toward Lin Mo.
• Flender challenges Tang San’s accusation and explains Lin Mo’s status and advancement to Yu Xiaogang.
• Yu Xiaogang confronts Lin Mo with accusations; Lin Mo responds physically, and the three girls rally to his defense.

Plot points

• After Lin Mo punches Yu Xiaogang for insulting him and the others, Zhao Wuji joins in the criticism. Yu loses his nerve, then collapses after spitting blood. Flender and Tang San rush to treat him.
• Lin Mo warns Yu not to provoke him again, then leaves with Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing. Ma Hongjun is disappointed the confrontation ends so quickly, while Dai Mubai chooses not to get involved.
• On the way to Suotuo City, Lin Mo says he intends to leave Shrek Academy. All three girls immediately agree to go with him, each explaining that she trusts or depends on him.
• The next morning, Lin Mo submits his resignation and the girls submit withdrawal applications. He tells Flender that Yu’s treatment of him has made him decide to teach elsewhere. Flender tries to persuade him to stay and admits Shrek did little to support their growth, but accepts their decision.
• Lin Mo and the girls leave for Heaven Dou City, where he plans to settle and see what opportunities—and people such as Qian Renxue—he might encounter.

Character developments and interactions

• Lin Mo remains confident and protective, but frames his departure as a response to Yu’s conduct. He reassures the girls by promising they will have a home with him.
• Xiao Wu, Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing show strong loyalty by choosing to leave without hesitation. Their reasons differ: Xiao Wu follows Lin Mo wherever he goes; Rongrong has left home and does not want to return; Zhu Zhuqing feels she has nowhere else to rely on.
• Flender is caught between his friend Yu Xiaogang and Lin Mo, whom he values greatly. His belated recognition of Shrek’s failure to support Lin Mo and the girls leaves him guilty and unable to keep them.
• Tang San reacts to Lin Mo striking Yu by treating him as an enemy, while Zhao Wuji openly backs Lin Mo’s side. Dai Mubai stays out of the dispute because his relationship with Tang San has deteriorated.

Significant themes

• Loyalty and chosen family: The girls’ decision to follow Lin Mo, and his promise to give them a home, make their personal bonds more important than institutional ties.
• Institutional failure and departure: Shrek’s inability to provide meaningful help or support contributes to the group’s decision to leave.
• Power and humiliation: Yu’s vulnerability contrasts with his self-important reputation as the “Grandmaster,” while the confrontation deepens the hostility between Lin Mo and Tang San’s circle.

Key plot points and events

• Lin Mo, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing arrive in Heaven Dou City. As Lin Mo meditates during the journey, the girls admire the busy capital, though Zhu Zhuqing remains focused on becoming stronger and escaping her family’s political constraints.
• Their carriage lightly brushes against another luxurious carriage. Its passenger responds calmly, and Ning Rongrong recognizes the voice—and then the face—as her father, Ning Fengzhi.
• Ning Fengzhi invites Rongrong and her companions to join him. Lin Mo uses his Eye of Myriad Phenomena to copy Ning Fengzhi’s sixth and seventh Soul Rings, ignoring the concealed-weapon cane offered as another option.
• Rongrong reunites warmly with her father and introduces Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Lin Mo. She proudly claims Lin Mo as her master, describing him as a twelve-year-old Soul Emperor with a powerful Dragon-type Martial Soul.
• Rongrong adds that Lin Mo taught her to cultivate and helped her reach rank 32. She summons her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and reveals its three Soul Rings, leaving Ning Fengzhi stunned.

Character developments

• Ning Rongrong is delighted to see her father but unashamed of her brief runaway adventure. She shows how proud she is of Lin Mo and of her own progress.
• Lin Mo remains composed, uses the encounter to gain two Soul Rings, and playfully teases Rongrong about meeting her parent.
• Zhu Zhuqing continues to define herself through her pursuit of strength and independence, while quietly cherishing her bond with Lin Mo.
• Ning Fengzhi maintains a courteous manner, but Rongrong’s claims about Lin Mo and her rapid advancement shock him.

Significant themes

• Growth and self-determination: Zhu Zhuqing’s drive to escape her family’s control contrasts with Rongrong’s sudden progress under Lin Mo’s guidance.
• Family and friendship: Rongrong’s affectionate reunion with her father sits alongside her enthusiasm for introducing her new friends.
• Impressive talent and reputation: Lin Mo’s age, strength, and influence over Rongrong challenge Ning Fengzhi’s expectations.

Character interactions

• Rongrong excitedly shares the city with Xiao Wu and agrees with her enthusiasm.
• Lin Mo and Rongrong exchange playful, affectionate remarks before joining Ning Fengzhi.
• Rongrong presents Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing as her best friends, then introduces Lin Mo with conspicuous pride.
• Ning Fengzhi greets the group politely, but his attention sharpens when he hears about Lin Mo and sees Rongrong’s revealed cultivation.

Plot points and events

• Ning Fengzhi is astonished to learn that Ning Rongrong’s soul power has risen from level 26 to 32 in roughly a week. He praises Lin Mo for taking her as a disciple and offers him one million Gold Soul Coins as a belated apprenticeship gift.
• Lin Mo accepts the money while politely insisting that Rongrong is also his friend. He privately recognizes Ning Fengzhi’s attempt to build a relationship—and reveals that he, too, has ambitions involving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
• Rongrong persuades her father to let her, Lin Mo, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing accompany him to the imperial palace. Ning Fengzhi is visiting Emperor Xue Ye on official business.
• The group enters the palace and meets the emperor. During their introductions, Lin Mo notices a trace of dark energy between Xue Ye’s brows, while the emperor quietly considers Ning Rongrong as a possible match for his son, Crown Prince Qinghe.
• Xue Ye’s thoughts turn to Lin Mo as well: after hearing persistent rumors about Qinghe’s lack of interest in women, the emperor wonders whether the handsome young man could help test his son’s inclinations.

Character developments and interactions

• Ning Fengzhi shifts from astonishment to gratitude and strategic interest in Lin Mo, viewing him as talented and someone worth cultivating. He exchanges courteous compliments with the emperor.
• Lin Mo presents himself as a devoted, generous teacher while remaining calculating beneath the politeness. His awareness of Xue Ye’s dark energy suggests he is alert to the emperor’s condition.
• Ning Rongrong is comfortable teasing both her father and Lin Mo about their deal-making, and eagerly seizes the chance to visit the palace.
• Xiao Wu shares Rongrong’s excitement; Zhu Zhuqing remains composed and unimpressed by the palace’s grandeur.
• Emperor Xue Ye maintains a confident public manner despite his worsening health. Privately, he worries about his son’s refusal of arranged marriages and considers using the visitors to address the issue.

Significant themes

• Alliance-building and ambition: Both Ning Fengzhi and Lin Mo use courteous exchanges to advance their interests.
• Public image versus private reality: Xue Ye conceals his failing health, while the polite conversation masks political calculations.
• Power and status: The palace’s imposing architecture and large military presence contrast with the empire’s shortage of elite Soul Masters.