Return to Shrek

The sea breeze outside Eastsea City carried its distinctive salty tang and damp chill across the slightly weathered platform of Hundao Train Station. Built beside the sea, this Soul Guidance Station usually served as an important hub connecting the mainland to the coastal islands. Now, beneath the sunset's lingering glow, it seemed especially desolate.

Tang Wutong stood beside a bench on the platform, paying little mind to Gu Yue, whom they had just parted with. To her, the silver-haired, violet-eyed girl was merely a small interlude on her younger brother Tang Wulin's path to adulthood, like foam on the sea breeze—dazzling for a moment, yet destined to burst. Her purpose on this trip was clear and unwavering: bring her brother home and return to Shrek. It was her responsibility, and the tenderest concern in her heart.

"Sis, are we really not going to wait for Gu Yue?" Carrying a simple travel bag, Tang Wulin could not help looking back toward Eastsea Academy, a trace of reluctance in his eyes.

Tang Wutong turned and lightly flicked his forehead, though her eyes brimmed with an indulgent smile. "Silly boy, what are you thinking? Gu Yue has her own path to follow. Your most pressing concern right now is to come back to the academy with me. Those people in the outer court have been clamoring to meet their newest 'monster' for ages."

She reached out to straighten Tang Wulin's slightly rumpled collar, her movements gentle, as though he were a fragile treasure. Then she took his hand, and the warmth of her palm instantly settled him. Together, they walked toward the Soul Guidance Train about to depart, its streamlined silver body gleaming coldly in the sunset.

This train ran on a dedicated line to Shrek Island. Its carriages were elegantly furnished, exuding