The forest trial ground lay just beyond the eastern cliffs of Shrek Academy—an expansive terrain of dense woods, narrow streams, jagged cliffs, and wild spirit beasts roaming under ancient canopies. It was a place that separated talent from determination, and raw power from control.
Seven students stood in formation before the Grandmaster and Flender. Among them: Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing.
Today marked the beginning of their team trial—an exam not only of individual strength but of coordination, loyalty, and tactical prowess. The challenge was simple in words, but brutal in execution: survive three days in the wilderness while completing tasks under enemy pressure.
Flender's sharp voice rang out, "You all have spirit rings. Some of you have spirit bones. Some of you think you're already strong. But remember this—true strength is shown when you fight not for yourself, but for others beside you."
Tang San's gaze shifted subtly. He wasn't interested in impressing anyone. But he understood deeply the value of bonds, of comrades, of decisions that balanced power with purpose. His fox spirits—now hidden in his shadow—would not be part of the official trial. He had chosen to rely solely on himself and his teammates for this.
Their mission: retrieve a marked crystal located deep in the forest and defend it from two simulated "enemy" teams composed of senior students and academy spirit beasts.
"Go!" Flender ordered.
The group dashed forward, quickly vanishing into the thick woods. Tang San took point, silent and sharp-eyed. His Blue Silver Grass flitted forward like threads of awareness, probing for danger and mapping the terrain.
"Let's move north," he said quietly. "There's a cliff area there—narrow terrain, easier to defend once we have the crystal."
Dai Mubai nodded. "Makes sense. I'll guard the rear."
As they moved, Xiao Wu stayed close beside Tang San. She said nothing, but her eyes occasionally darted to him, worry flickering beneath her composed exterior. Tang San noticed but didn't address it. He was focused. His senses sharpened by training, his instincts honed by countless hours of survival in harsher realms.
By noon, they encountered their first obstacle—a group of simulated attackers led by a senior student with a third spirit ring. The enemy moved fast, relying on terrain advantage and ambush tactics.
"Rongrong, boost us. Zhuqing, flank left with Ma Hongjun. Oscar, stay behind cover and feed sausages when needed," Tang San commanded calmly.
He moved with precision. Blue Silver Grass shot out like blades, binding enemies before they could strike. His second spirit ring glowed faintly, releasing a suppression aura that slowed the enemy's reflexes just enough for his teammates to strike.
After a brief clash, they emerged victorious, though Zhu Zhuqing had suffered a light cut on her shoulder.
"We don't have time to waste," Tang San said. "Rongrong, heal her while we move."
"What would we do without you…" Ning Rongrong muttered, but complied.
By dusk, they reached the crystal location—an ancient stone ruin built into a cliff wall. The crystal hovered in midair, glowing softly. As Tang San approached, he felt it pulse slightly—some type of spirit energy within, watching them.
"We hold here," he declared. "Tomorrow will be the real fight."
They took shifts through the night, and Tang San barely slept. He meditated under the moonlight, his breath even, his spirit power flowing silently. His body ached from the day's battles, but his Blood Refinement technique had toughened him further. His limbs felt denser, his movements sharper.
The next morning, the assault began.
Two senior teams charged from both ends—twelve opponents in total. Stronger. Smarter. Coordinated.
But Tang San had been planning for this moment since the trial began.
"Fall back to the choke point!" he ordered. "Trap them between cliff and wall. Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai—frontline. Everyone else support!"
They fought like a machine. Tang San's eyes never left the battlefield. His Blue Silver Grass danced, shielding allies, ensnaring threats. Xiao Wu moved like wind, a blur of pink shadow. Dai Mubai roared, his tiger spirit unleashing raw strength. Oscar's flying sausages renewed their power. Rongrong's buffs multiplied their might. Zhuqing's stealth strikes disrupted enemy lines. Fatty rained down fire from above.
Tang San was the brain—never panicking, never hesitating.
He saw every move before it happened.
And as the last enemy was forced into surrender, the sun rose behind them.
Silence settled. They had won.
Not just as individuals—but as a team.
Tang San exhaled and sat against a rock. "Good work," he said simply.
Xiao Wu came beside him, cheeks flushed from exertion, and rested her head on his shoulder. "You never stop thinking, do you?"
Tang San smiled softly. "I can't afford to."
She didn't argue. Instead, she closed her eyes and let the silence stretch.
They didn't need to say much. Sometimes, the bond was stronger than words.
The trial was over—but their journey at Shrek had just begu