The early morning haze lifted slowly over the Shrek Academy training grounds. Dew glistened on leaves, and the chill of dawn still clung to the soil. Tang San stood beneath an ancient tree, his eyes closed, breathing evenly. The air around him shimmered faintly—his cultivation had entered a subtle rhythm, growing steadily without outward flair.
It had been over a week since their last mission. The academy had entered a phase of quiet preparation. New training programs were introduced, sparring sessions intensified, and even Flender had been sighted overseeing combat drills. Shrek's inner core knew that peace was but a brief illusion—Spirit Hall's presence was growing in the surrounding regions.
Tang San had become more cautious. His second ring, the 700-year Spirit Fox ring, had stabilized, and the soul bone attached to it—quiet and unobtrusive—had started revealing its true nature. It pulsed faintly whenever his spiritual power surged, amplifying his illusions and sensory perception. But he kept that truth hidden, even from Xiao Wu. Only Grandmaster had seen a hint of what it could do.
Today, however, was not for cultivation alone.
"Everyone, assemble at the main grounds!" Dai Mubai's voice rang out, commanding and deep.
The Shrek Seven Monsters gathered swiftly—Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and Tang San. Behind them stood a few new figures—advanced class students with strong spirit power fluctuations. Flender stood atop a stone platform, arms crossed, his eyes sharp.
"We have received an invitation," Flender began, his voice low but carrying. "A high-tier spirit combat tournament will be held in Silversoul City. All sects and academies below Spirit Hall will send representatives. And we will attend."
Tang San's eyes flickered. A tournament. That meant powerful opponents, exposure… and danger.
"What kind of competition is it?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, her tone cold.
"A two-month elite combat series," Grandmaster replied, stepping forward. "One-on-one duels, team battles, and advanced formation tests. It will test your ability not only to fight, but to survive, coordinate, and adapt."
Tang San could sense it—the pressure building behind their teachers' composed words. Something big was stirring. Not just a competition. A selection. A prelude.
Xiao Wu leaned close. "Are we ready for something this big, ge?"
He gave her a small nod. "We won't know unless we face it."
---
Later that Day — Inner Courtyard
As preparations began, Tang San separated from the group and walked to a secluded garden maintained by the academy. It was filled with exotic herbs, rare grasses, and soul-plant seedlings—his personal cultivation zone.
He had started planting fox seeds here as well—though hidden beneath layers of illusion and talismanic runes. The six foxes he'd refined were progressing slowly, each cultivating diligently under his guidance. Two of them had even begun forging their own spiritual weapons using techniques he'd passed on.
But Tang San didn't linger long. He sat cross-legged on a flat stone and began circulating his internal energy.
The Blood Refinement technique activated subtly, drawing in the life force from previously stored beast blood in a spiritual container. His meridians groaned but did not rupture. His physique—refined over months—absorbed the energy at a steady pace. His muscle fibers twitched, bones creaked faintly, and his blood grew slightly denser.
It wasn't overwhelming. But it was growth.
A soft voice interrupted him.
"You've improved again."
He opened his eyes slowly. Xiao Wu stood beside a flowering tree, holding a tray with two bowls of soup. Her gaze was warm, gentle—yet laced with quiet concern.
"Don't push yourself too hard," she said, handing him the bowl. "Even steel breaks when over-tempered."
Tang San accepted it with a nod. He didn't speak of the Blood Refinement. Not yet. But he cherished the moment—this warmth, the companionship. In a world defined by cultivation and competition, Xiao Wu was his only constant.
They sat under the tree, finishing the meal in silence.
---
Elsewhere — Spirit Hall's Shadow
At the same time, deep within Spirit Hall territory, two figures observed a map that covered much of the continent. One was a silver-haired man clad in ceremonial robes—Elder Yue Feng. The other was a girl, no older than fifteen, with terrifying spirit fluctuations veiled under a smile.
"Shrek Academy is moving again," Yue Feng said. "They've accepted the Silversoul Tournament invitation."
The girl twirled a pendant between her fingers. "Tang San will be there."
"You think he's a threat?"
The girl's eyes glinted. "He's different. Too calm for someone his age. And Spirit Hall doesn't like unpredictable variables."
Yue Feng tapped a mark on the map. "What shall we do?"
"Send our Silver Envoys. Let them observe. If Tang San is worthy—test him."
And so, across realms of spirit power and ambition, another shadow began to stretch toward Shrek.
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End of Chapter 53