Morning dew blanketed the training ground as Shrek Academy's students gathered once more under the rising sun. Today marked the next chapter in their training—but not just in combat. Flender and Grandmaster had jointly prepared a challenge that would temper their minds as much as their bodies.
Grandmaster stood at the center of the group, arms crossed. "You have faced danger. You have faced beasts. But what you lack is the ability to create. Today, that changes. You will each begin the crafting of a personal spirit weapon."
Shock spread through the group. Spirit weapons? Those were said to be items that could resonate with a spirit master's power, often crafted through rare techniques or by specialists.
Dai Mubai narrowed his eyes. "We aren't blacksmiths."
"No," Grandmaster agreed. "But Tang San is. And today, he will guide you."
All eyes turned toward Tang San, who blinked once in surprise. He hadn't expected to be made the center of this project. Yet, a small part of him relished it. This was his world—a world of creation, of control.
Xiao Wu nudged him. "Looks like you're our teacher now."
He gave a soft smile. "I'll do what I can."
---
Within the Hidden Workshop
Tang San led the others to the forging room he had constructed alongside several of his fox agents. Hidden beneath the forest near Shrek, it pulsed with spiritual energy. Special materials lined the walls—glimmering stones, beast blood sealed in glass, and refined metal powders.
Oscar whistled. "This is insane. You built all this in a month?"
Tang San didn't reply, already focused on organizing the materials.
Inside his soul, the Fox Emperor Spirit Bone pulsed again—not with hunger, but purpose. The blood refinement technique had deepened its resonance with his bloodline. He could feel the bone subtly enhancing his grip strength, footwork balance, and even his perception.
He exhaled slowly.
Time to begin.
---
Forging Begins
Each student was asked to channel a portion of their spirit power into a fragment of metal imbued with spiritual roots. It was exhausting—many failed their first attempts.
"Your weapon must carry your will," Tang San explained, carefully demonstrating with a piece of blue steel. His spirit power flowed evenly, harmonizing with the metal. "You aren't making a weapon. You're shaping your intent."
He struck the metal rhythmically, each hit resonating with his Blue Silver Grass. Slowly, the metal began to glow.
Xiao Wu watched him quietly, her eyes soft. His focus, his calm, the slight tension in his arms—he was a warrior and an artist all at once.
Meanwhile, Tang San's mind was elsewhere. He was planning the framework for his Hidden Weapon Arsenal.
I will need refined fox bone dust, thousand-year crystal threads, and silverfire core iron. With these, I can begin forming the Phantom Blade Array...
His forge was not only for the team—but for a darker, deeper purpose.
---
Seeds of Power
Later that night, Tang San met privately with his six fox agents—the former spirit beasts who now took human form under his control.
They knelt before him in a secluded grove.
"Report."
"Master," said the lead male, Shen Yi, "we have acquired moonsteel ore and fire crystal essence from the Silent River Market. Our businesses now cover three cities."
Tang San nodded. "Excellent. Continue expansion. Focus on rare materials. The time will come soon to begin weapon production on a larger scale."
The female fox, Lianhua, stepped forward. "One more thing, Master. We found a spirit beast—fox-type, 900 years. Do you wish to implant a seed?"
Tang San paused. He had already planted six seeds. The limit for now was nine.
"Not yet," he said. "The next seed must go to someone... special."
The foxes bowed, vanishing back into the forest like whispers.
---
Reflections at Midnight
That night, Tang San stood alone beneath the stars. Xiao Wu approached, holding a flask of tea.
"You didn't rest all day," she said, offering the drink.
He accepted it, sipping slowly.
"Sometimes," he murmured, "I forget what it means to be a student. This path... it's not what others see."
Xiao Wu stepped closer. "You're not alone. Even if you don't speak your worries, I see them. Every time you push too hard. Every time you bleed in silence."
Tang San's eyes softened. "Xiao Wu... thank you."
She smiled gently. "You always protect us. Let us protect you too."
He looked up at the stars.
For them... for her... I must master everything.
---
End of Chapter 45