The soft hum of wind rustled through the trees bordering Shrek Academy. Tang San stood in the clearing behind the dormitories, his bare fists clenched and drenched in sweat. The night sky stretched above, scattered with stars, but his eyes were locked forward.
His muscles ached, not from overwork but from the constant, daily strain of the Blood Refinement Technique. Ever since absorbing the 700-year Fox Bone, the ability had become more responsive. With each session, a subtle current passed through his meridians, toughening flesh, reinforcing tendons, and gradually tempering his blood into something closer to the beasts he'd conquered.
He exhaled slowly. A faint red mist lingered on his skin before fading into the night. It was not enough to draw attention. He had perfected its concealment. Even Grandmaster hadn't noticed, though Tang San had considered telling him—only to decide against it.
Xiao Wu approached from the dormitory, her soft steps barely audible.
"Tang San, you're practicing again?" Her voice held concern masked by familiarity. "You haven't rested since dinner."
He turned and smiled gently, wiping his forehead with a cloth. "Just needed to test something. I feel like my reaction time's improved slightly."
She walked closer, her eyes narrowed. "You're not pushing yourself too far, right?"
He shook his head. "Don't worry. I know my limits."
Though he didn't say it, the second spirit ring had finally stabilized within him. The Fox Bone, after its fusion, was gradually evolving. And most shockingly—perhaps fatefully—it had awakened a unique ability that allowed him to implant spiritual seeds into other fox-type beasts.
So far, he had quietly found and nurtured six such beasts. Five males, one female. All were over 800 years old, and after forming a subtle contract through the Fox Emperor seed, he granted them carefully selected spirit rings.
Unlike traditional control methods, this bond was mutual, bound in loyalty. The spiritual seed awakened their intelligence, transforming them into human forms—though only temporarily and with limitations.
These six now ran various merchant posts outside Shrek, quietly funneling resources back to Tang San. Rare herbs, metallic ores, and obscure beast materials found their way into his hands through coded exchanges. This was the beginning of his private forging network.
---
Next morning, the Shrek training grounds buzzed with energy. Students sparred under the guidance of teachers while Grandmaster stood with Flender, observing progress.
When Tang San entered, his presence drew brief attention, not just because of his fame but the subtle shift in his aura. His steps felt firmer, more deliberate.
Dai Mubai gave a light smirk. "Finally done meditating in the mountains?"
Tang San nodded. "Something like that."
Oscar chimed in with a grin. "Good. You missed Xiao Wu flipping Ma Hongjun over her shoulder yesterday. Twice."
Tang San chuckled, while Xiao Wu raised her chin proudly.
Grandmaster clapped once. "Enough. Today's sparring will be one-on-one. Tang San, you're up first."
His opponent: a senior student named Lin Mu, known for his brute strength and Earth Hammer spirit. As they stepped onto the stage, the crowd grew quiet.
Lin Mu slammed his hammer down, causing a small tremor.
Tang San merely lowered into a stance.
When the match began, Lin Mu charged like a boulder. But Tang San moved with fluid precision, dodging each blow by inches. His movements were enhanced not just by skill, but by the refined strength coursing through his veins. Every motion was efficient, every step grounded.
When Lin Mu committed too much force into a downward slam, Tang San twisted, grabbed his arm, and redirected the motion into a clean throw. Lin Mu landed hard.
Silence.
Then applause.
Flender raised a brow. "He's not just growing. He's... evolving."
Grandmaster nodded slowly. "His foundation was always strong. Now he's polishing it with every breath."
---
That night, Tang San sat alone in his room, inspecting a small crystal vial. Inside, blood shimmered faintly. The latest essence from a high-grade beast used in his technique.
He placed it beside the others. For now, he wouldn't use it. Slow and steady was his path. With each refinement, his body approached something extraordinary.
And tomorrow, new trials would come. Shrek Academy was merely the beginning.
But Tang San's path was set: not just to survive.
But to transcend.
End of Chapter 31