The early morning fog rolled over the forest surrounding Shrek Academy. A solemn silence blanketed the training grounds, broken only by the sound of footsteps striking the packed earth. Tang San stood at the center of the field, sweat dripping from his brow as his muscles strained against the pressure of his self-imposed training.
It had been weeks since the team passed the first phase of Grandmaster's evaluation. Now, each member of Shrek's elite seven was undergoing a tailored cultivation path, directed not just by Grandmaster's wisdom but also through their own evolving desires and burdens.
Tang San had begun experimenting more deeply with his blood refinement technique, using carefully hunted spirit beast blood to slowly temper his physique. Unlike before, his growth was not explosive but subtle—his punches had gained more weight, his skin more resistance, and his spirit power became increasingly dense. Yet he remained cautious, limiting the frequency of this method. The soul bone from the fox spirit still resonated within him, occasionally flaring with warmth when he trained under moonlight.
Still, Tang San did not forget his companions. He spent hours each day helping Oscar refine his food-type auxiliary techniques, crafting spirit dishes that now boosted regeneration and even fortified spirit bones temporarily.
Xiao Wu, ever joyful and curious, began sparring more with Dai Mubai. Under Tang San's guidance, she developed new footwork maneuvers to complement her agility. Despite her playful demeanor, her hands were increasingly precise and deadly.
Dai Mubai focused on his Tiger Body Refinement Technique, a secret method passed from his royal family. Tang San introduced bloodline theory to him, suggesting controlled exposure to fierce beast blood might unlock latent potential. With careful control, Dai Mubai's strength began to evolve beyond brute force into a fearsome harmony of violence and control.
Zhu Zhuqing, silent and disciplined, trained under both Grandmaster and Tang San in concealment arts. Her Shadow Cat spirit refined its stealth capabilities. She learned to melt into darkness even under direct sunlight, and her attacks grew more surgical.
Ning Rongrong spent more time with Tang San than anyone expected. As heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she faced unique expectations. But with Tang San's gentle but strict feedback, she grew more stable. Her buffs now lasted longer, and with newly crafted rings, she boosted physical strength and resistance—a rare trait for support-types.
Ma Hongjun, ever the wild one, battled his own curse. The Evil Fire Phoenix required restraint and release. With Tang San's guidance, he practiced under waterfall meditation, learning to suppress and store his fire until it could be unleashed in terrifying bursts. Tang San also introduced a talisman technique to help Hongjun absorb yin energy from specific herbs to better balance his raging fire.
Oscar took the longest path. As a food-type auxiliary spirit master, his contributions were often underestimated. But with Tang San's help, he crafted a "battle cuisine"—a concept involving temporarily offensive support skills. When he unleashed his latest spirit technique, a wave of energy-enriching bread revitalized Ma Hongjun mid-battle, surprising even Grandmaster.
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Meanwhile, beyond the walls of the academy, rumors of Shrek's new generation had begun spreading. Spirit Hall had taken notice. So had powerful clans. A few mysterious eyes had already turned toward the academy, waiting and watching.
But within the grounds, Tang San remained focused.
One night, under the pale moon, he sat by the lake, Xiao Wu resting by his side.
"You're pushing yourself too hard again," she said softly, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Tang San didn't respond immediately. His gaze was fixed on the rippling water.
"I have to," he finally replied. "We don't know what's coming, and if I'm not strong enough, I can't protect any of you."
Xiao Wu looked up at him, her eyes filled with warmth. "You're not alone. We're all growing, San-ge. You taught us how. You carry too much by yourself."
For a moment, the wall around Tang San cracked. He nodded slowly.
"Then... let's keep walking this path together. All of us."
The next morning, Grandmaster assembled the seven.
"It is time," he said solemnly, "for your true field training. You'll be heading to the Death Spirit Forest. There, you'll encounter high-level beasts, difficult terrain, and perhaps worse. You must work together."
As they stepped out, side by side, Shrek's Seven Devils had never looked more unified. The future was uncertain, but their paths had been forged. Not by destiny. Not by fate. But by choice, pain, and determination.
Tang San looked ahead, fists clenched.
"Let the world come. We are ready."