The air outside Shrek Academy was unusually crisp that morning, the sky painted with the gentle hues of dawn. Tang San stood alone beneath the shade of an old willow, his breath calm and measured as strands of mist curled from his mouth. His gaze lingered on the horizon, but his mind was elsewhere.
He had made progress.
Not in leaps, not in explosive breakthroughs like the tales of ancient geniuses—but in small, deliberate steps. His second spirit ring, the foundation of his growth in recent months, had settled deep into his spiritual sea. The soul bone from the Spirit Fox had resonated with his body subtly. It hadn't made him invincible, but it had deepened his control, his agility, and honed his combat instincts.
This power… it had cost blood and effort.
He opened his palm, revealing a thin cut along his wrist. The result of another session with the Blood Refinement technique. Each time he used it, he felt his blood grow warmer, more viscous, infused with an unseen might. He was no brute, no monstrous powerhouse—but his strikes hit heavier than they should. His movements carried a lingering strength that surprised even his companions.
Footsteps approached behind him.
"Tang San?" came Xiao Wu's voice, soft but uncertain.
He turned, and the sight of her—smiling with a trace of sleep in her eyes—lifted the corner of his lips. "Morning, Xiao Wu."
"You're up so early again," she said, hopping closer, her hands behind her back. "Are you training? Or just thinking?"
"Both," he replied, glancing again toward the rising sun. "I have to improve. We all do."
Xiao Wu's expression turned more serious. "You've changed, you know? You've always been focused, but now… it's like something's weighing on you."
Tang San didn't answer immediately. She was right. His pursuit of strength had grown more intense, especially with the knowledge of his Fox Emperor bone. If anyone else knew he could influence fox-type spirit beasts—even spirit masters—it would bring nothing but trouble.
He had to grow stronger before the world noticed.
"I'm just being cautious," he finally said. "We don't know what lies ahead."
Xiao Wu didn't press further. Instead, she stepped beside him, her shoulder brushing against his. "Then don't forget, I'm here too. You don't have to carry everything alone."
Tang San gave a faint nod.
Later That Day
Inside the academy's combat field, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were locked in sparring. Zhu Zhuqing stood silently by the sidelines, her arms crossed as she observed. Their recent training sessions had grown more intense. Tang San noticed it.
They were pushing themselves—not for glory, but to keep up.
Oscar, on the other hand, had been diving deep into his food-type spirit development. His sausages had reached a new stage of potency. The nourishing and healing effects now lasted longer and penetrated deeper, especially when supported by Tang San's techniques.
Shrek wasn't just Tang San's story anymore.
Each of his companions was sharpening their edges.
It was Grandmaster who called for a special assembly that evening.
In the academy's small hall, lit by simple spirit lamps, Grandmaster stood before the group with a scroll in hand.
"I've arranged something new," he said plainly. "An external mission. A small village in the west has been facing strange spirit beast attacks. It's an opportunity—not only to investigate, but to fight under real pressure."
"Dangerous?" asked Dai Mubai.
"Possibly," Grandmaster replied. "But appropriate. You're not children anymore. You've grown too fast in safety."
Tang San's eyes gleamed. Combat experience, especially outside tournaments, was rare. And the mention of spirit beasts stirred something else in him—another chance to use Blood Refinement. Another opportunity to see what his body was becoming.
They accepted.
The Next Day – En Route to Spiritwind Village
Riding on spirit beasts borrowed from the academy, the group traveled light. Tang San's mind wandered as the road curled through thick forest paths. His thoughts dwelled not only on the mission, but on the nine fox-type beast companions now managing his outer business interests. They were growing too—gaining rings, training secretly, and expanding influence under assumed names.
None of his companions knew the full extent of his shadow network.
And he intended to keep it that way. For now.
"Tang San?" Xiao Wu's voice broke his reverie again.
He looked her way.
"Promise me one thing," she said, her tone suddenly solemn.
"What is it?"
"Don't lose yourself… not even for strength."
He looked at her. For a moment, he saw not the spirited girl who teased him endlessly—but someone deeply worried.
"I won't," he said quietly.
But deep inside, he wasn't certain.
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End of Chapter 51