Jiang Yun stood outside the bustling Soul Arena of Suotuo City, his sharp eyes observing the chaotic energy of the crowd. The roars of excitement, the cheers of victory, and the groans of defeat filled the air. His team stood around him, each of them radiating a quiet confidence after their recent string of victories.
"Should we head in for another match?" Hua Yue asked, cracking her knuckles, her crimson tiger spirit faintly shimmering around her.
Jiang Yun smiled. "We will, but I want to take a brief break. There's something I need to investigate."
Zhu Zhuqing tilted her head. "Investigate?"
"Yes," Jiang Yun replied, his tone casual. "I heard about a small academy nearby that is supposed to produce strong soul masters despite its appearance. I want to see if the rumors are true."
Ning Rongrong blinked, a hint of surprise crossing her face. "A small academy? Sounds like a waste of time."
Dugu Yan chuckled. "Probably just another scam. But if Yun is interested, there must be something to it."
Jiang Yun smiled but didn't elaborate. "You all continue with the matches. It will be good training. I'll be back soon."
Zhu Zhuqing's concern showed in her eyes. "Be careful."
Jiang Yun gave her a reassuring smile and lightly squeezed her hand. "I will."
As his team returned to the Soul Arena, Jiang Yun made his way toward the outskirts of Suotuo City, where Shrek Academy was located. The road was quiet, lined with dense trees, and a cool breeze brushed against his face. His mind raced with thoughts.
"Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong didn't come here, but that academy should still exist… What else has changed?"
Soon, the dilapidated wooden gate of Shrek Academy came into view. The academy grounds were as humble as he remembered from the stories—simple wooden buildings, a rough training field, and a rickety gate with the bold sign: "Shrek Academy."
Jiang Yun stood quietly on the outskirts of Suotuo City, his sharp gaze fixed on the modest, slightly worn-looking academy nestled among the dense trees — Shrek Academy. The evening sky cast a warm, amber glow over the landscape, but Jiang Yun's focus was unwavering.
He closed his eyes, and with a mere thought, his spiritual perception spread out like an invisible web, sweeping over the entire academy. His four soul rings, though unseen, greatly amplified his senses. Every subtle movement, every conversation within the academy became clear to him.
"Grandmaster, are we really accepting so many this year?" Zhao Wuji's deep, gruff voice echoed in his mind. The powerful Strength Douluo's tone was filled with doubt.
"Yes. Our goal is to nurture the most exceptional talents. I believe these children have the potential," replied Yu Xiaogang, the Grandmaster, his tone firm yet calm.
Jiang Yun's perception swept further, and he quickly identified several familiar figures. Tang San, with his calm, composed demeanor, stood beside the lively Xiao Wu. Dai Mubai's fierce tiger aura was unmistakable, his expression confident yet burdened. Oscar's gentle laughter mixed with Ma Hongjun's fiery presence.
But something is different, Jiang Yun thought. Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong are not here, which has changed the team's balance.
But there were two new faces among the students — a young boy with a silver-feathered falcon martial spirit named Yu Xuan at level 28, an agile and swift speed-type soul master. And a petite girl with a luminous crystal lily martial spirit named Mei Ling, a support-type at level 27, capable of providing healing and defensive boosts. These two seemed to replace Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong in the lineup of Shrek's core students.
"Interesting…" Jiang Yun muttered. The addition of these two would change the dynamic of the Shrek Seven Devils entirely. Still, without Zhuqing and Rongrong, the true Shrek Seven Monsters would never be the same.
Jiang Yun carefully observed their training. He saw Tang San practicing his Blue Silver Grass techniques with remarkable precision, while Xiao Wu gracefully executed her agility-based attacks. Dai Mubai's tiger spirit roared with might, while Ma Hongjun's phoenix flames burned fiercely, but still lacked control. Oscar's food-type spirit shone with supportive strength.
Yu Xuan's falcon spirit granted him incredible speed and aerial mobility, while Mei Ling's Crystal Lily created protective barriers and healing light. Their synergy was evident, but their power was far from the potential of the true Shrek Seven Monsters.
Jiang Yun's lips curved slightly. Without the Immortal Herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, their growth would be slower. But this also meant they wouldn't become monstrous talents so quickly, giving his team a clear advantage.
"With this rate of growth, they are far from a threat… but I can't be careless." Jiang Yun's gaze grew determined. He would not allow Shrek to catch up to them. His team would surpass them in every way.
As his spiritual perception is very strong he easily gained the information on Soul power level of everyone in the academy.
He sensed that Tang San has reached level 31 , Xiao Wu and Oscar also has 31 level Soul power, Dai Mubai Soul power has reached level 38 and Ma Hongjun has level 28 Soul power.
But without Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai cannot use martial soul fusion and also without Ning Rongrong, Shrek can't use seven-in-one fusion skill, Shrek already lost two very important trump cards in which 'Hell White Tiger' can even be called a God level Trump card.
'Did Tang San got the external soul bone or not'? Jiang Yun thought and recalled about his previous life in which it was theorized that the it was Asura God who brought Tang San's Soul from another world to Douluo universe and many subsequent opportunities like external soul bone and yin-yang ice fire well was reserved for Tang San.
But since nothing happened to Jiang Yun after he intercepted the immortal herbs before Tang San he began to doubt whether it was truly opportunity reserved by Asura God for Tang San.
Now that he has seen everything that has to be seen about Shrek Academy he did not stayed and returned to the city.
Satisfied with his observation, Jiang Yun turned and quietly left. He returned to the inn where his team resided. Zhu Zhuqing immediately noticed his expression. "You seem thoughtful. Did something happen?"
Jiang Yun smiled faintly. "Nothing serious. I just… confirmed that our path is the right one. We must continue training harder. Conflicts in the continent are brewing, and strength will be the only thing we can rely on."
Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Conflicts? Are you talking about the tensions between the two empires?"
Jiang Yun nodded. "Yes. The Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire are not as peaceful as they appear. Political struggles, border disputes, and the constant interference of the Spirit Hall make everything even more unstable."
Hua Yue's eyes lit up with a fighting spirit. "If there's a war, does that mean we can also—"
"Don't be reckless," Jiang Yun interrupted, his voice stern. "War is not just about strength. It's about survival. And the Spirit Hall… their ambitions are far greater than you can imagine. They seek dominance over the entire continent."
Qiao Xuan frowned, his serpent-like pupils narrowing. "So… they won't care about anyone who stands in their way."
"Exactly," Jiang Yun confirmed. "Which is why we must become stronger. Not just individually, but as a team. Our strength must be absolute."
Zhu Zhuqing stepped closer, her eyes filled with determination. "Then let's continue training. We won't allow anyone to harm our team."
"That's right," Jiang Yun said with a slight smile. "We may not know what the future holds, but I promise you, as long as we stand together, we will survive… no, we will thrive."
Dugu Yan crossed her arms and smirked. "I was already planning on becoming the strongest. Now I just have a better reason."
Bai Ling looked around at her teammates, her radiant lotus martial spirit glowing faintly. "We have each other. And we have you, Jiang Yun. With your leadership, I'm not afraid of any challenge."
Feng Ming flapped his hands playfully. "Yeah, as long as you're the one leading, we'll be unstoppable."
Jiang Yun's smile widened. "Don't just rely on me. Rely on each other. That is what it means to be a team."
His words sank into their hearts, igniting a fierce desire to grow stronger. As night fell, they resumed their training, each of them pushing their limits. Jiang Yun watched them, his gaze filled with pride.
In his mind, one thought remained.
No matter what changes this world underwent, he would ensure his team was ready. No matter the storm, they would stand tall.