The sun had only just begun to rise when the group from Shrek Academy departed. A fine mist blanketed the horizon as their carriage train—modest in appearance but fortified with defense arrays—moved steadily toward Silversoul City.
Flender sat up front, his eyes sharp, scanning the forest paths with the caution of a hawk. Behind him, Grandmaster reviewed formation strategy scrolls while muttering lowly to Liu Erlong, who walked alongside the carriages, her fiery aura intimidating beasts from even thinking of an ambush.
Inside one of the larger carriages, Tang San sat cross-legged in meditation, with Xiao Wu resting at his side. Her head was lightly tilted against his shoulder, eyes closed, at peace. She didn't need words to feel the tension rising in him—she just stayed close.
Across from them, Oscar sharpened his dagger spirit tool while muttering about sausage recipes. Ma Hongjun snored loudly on a bag of packed grain. Ning Rongrong adjusted her new spirit gear—silver-threaded sleeves embroidered with Seven Treasure Glazed Tower runes. And Zhu Zhuqing leaned in the shadowed corner, her eyes closed but alert.
"Silversoul City isn't far now," Dai Mubai murmured from the rear window. "Two more days at this pace."
Tang San's eyes opened. "Be ready. We're not just facing other academies."
Oscar raised a brow. "You mean…?"
"Spirit Hall will send observers," Grandmaster said from outside, having overheard. "And possibly test participants under neutral names. Don't underestimate them."
---
Two Days Later — Silversoul City
Silversoul City was a marvel of stone and silver, built around a massive Spirit Arena that pulsed with spiritual energy. The city bustled with spirit masters of all ages and ranks—nobles, rogue cultivators, sect representatives, and Spirit Hall members in hidden uniforms.
Shrek Academy's arrival didn't go unnoticed.
"Is that really the Shrek group? I heard they defeated a top-ranked senior team in Starfall Region."
"They say one of them is Grandmaster's disciple. That alone is terrifying."
"They say one of them… can use a 700-year ring as his second!"
The rumors followed them like wind chasing falling leaves.
As they entered the temporary lodgings assigned to tournament guests, Tang San stepped out, eyes sweeping the surroundings. Despite the grandeur, a subtle unease settled in the city's air—like a web being spun just out of sight.
He met Dai Mubai's gaze. They both nodded. No mistakes this time.
---
Meanwhile — Tournament Committee Grounds
Within a luxurious pavilion sat five figures—representatives from various powers overseeing the tournament. Among them sat a white-robed elder with sharp, crescent-shaped eyes: Yue Feng.
Next to him stood the silver-haired girl from before—known only as Lady Lianhua. She wore a veil today, hiding her features, but her aura hinted at the pressure of a soul king.
"I want to face Tang San," she said softly.
"You're not an official entrant," Yue Feng replied.
"I don't need to be. Add me to the Silver Envoy delegation."
"Dangerous?"
"That's the point."
She turned her gaze outward, past the Spirit Arena, toward the glowing array at its heart.
---
Evening — Shrek Academy Courtyard, Temporary Residence
That night, under lantern light, the Shrek Seven gathered in a small courtyard. Grandmaster had just finished briefing them on the tournament format. Three team battles, two single-elimination rounds, then advancement trials. Everything was tight, fast-paced, and brutal.
"I'm not going easy," Ma Hongjun declared, firelight dancing in his eyes.
"Keep your pants on," Ning Rongrong muttered.
Oscar chuckled, but Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed. "Focus. Someone's watching us."
Everyone fell silent.
Tang San stood. "She's right."
He flicked his wrist, and a concealed needle shot into the night. It struck something… but only a strand of air shifted. Illusion?
"A scouting spirit," he murmured. "A powerful one. Likely from Spirit Hall."
"Let them watch," Dai Mubai growled. "We'll give them something to remember."
Tang San didn't smile. But deep within, something stirred—a premonition.
---
Elsewhere — Fox Spirit Garden
While Tang San focused on the competition, the six fox youths he had transformed continued managing his hidden trade network—silk, ores, beast parts, rare herbs. The business, while low-key, had begun supplying smaller sects and rogue spirit masters.
Two of them had recently obtained second spirit rings from Tang San's guidance—a 600-year Wind Wolf ring and a 700-year Illusion Cat ring. Both synergized with their innate charm and illusion-based abilities, granting them new techniques to serve in reconnaissance.
They were loyal, hidden, and slowly becoming weapons of quiet power.
But Tang San hadn't used the fox emperor abilities lately. Not openly. He wanted power—but not reckless exposure.