In the infirmary near Shrek Plaza, with the teaching area to the west and the azure, crystal-clear Sea God Lake to the east.
In a spacious room on the third floor, Xu Zihuang leaned against the window, gazing at the glittering surface of the Sea God Lake, illuminated by the setting sun. The evening breeze stirred ripples on the calm water, scattering the afterglow of the sunset into golden sparkles.
On the bed, Ning Tian sat cross-legged, cultivating. Her fair skin shimmered with seven-colored soul power, making her appear smooth and delicate, exuding a noble and graceful aura, much like her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul.
As a core disciple of the Outer Court, she enjoyed a tilt of Shrek Academy's many resources. Compared to Huo Yuhao back then, the treatment she received was far superior. Not only was her room more spacious and comfortable, but even the teacher who had earlier helped her relieve her soul power exhaustion was a Soul Saint-ranked healing-type soul master.
Although Ning Tian was a support-type soul master, her prestigious background meant she had long enjoyed the benefits of top-tier heavenly treasures and rare elixirs. Her physical constitution might not rival battle-type soul masters of the same rank, but she was far from the frailty of most support-types.
As her soul power gradually recovered, her slightly pale complexion grew much rosier.
Soon, the seven-colored glow faded. With her soul power restored to its peak, Ning Tian slowly opened her clear, water-blue eyes. Deep within them flickered faint, barely perceptible seven-colored lights—mysterious and strange.
The first thing her eyes landed on was Xu Zihuang's flawless side profile, outlined by the golden-red sunset. Her heart stirred, and as she beheld the picturesque scene before her, the corners of her lips curved slightly, her gaze momentarily dazed.
Liking beauty was human nature, and Ning Tian was no exception. Even with her standards, she had to admit that Yu Tianhuang was the most outstanding male she had ever met.
His talent and strength went without saying, and his looks and bearing were flawless as well.
There was no such thing as affection without reason, nor so many love-at-first-sight encounters. Talent, strength, looks, temperament, and character—all were qualities that could attract the opposite sex. At first, Ning Tian had indeed chosen Yu Tianhuang because of his powerful strength and extraordinary talent. But after nearly a year of interaction, she had already unconsciously sunk deeper into it.
Who could predict the future anyway?
Sensing something, Xu Zihuang turned his head, just in time to meet Ning Tian's eyes. Their gazes intertwined. The evening breeze lifted their hair, setting the frozen scene into motion once more.
A blush of shyness surfaced in Ning Tian's eyes, but she gracefully tucked back her slightly disheveled platinum hair, smiling softly as she said in a gentle voice:
"Tianhuang. Before heading to Star Luo City, I want to purchase some supplies in Shrek City. Do you have time to accompany me?"
Meeting her gaze, Xu Zihuang smiled warmly.
"Coincidentally, I also want to make some purchases in Shrek City and take care of a few things. Let's go together."
The two then followed the lakeside path toward Shrek Academy's east gate. By custom, tomorrow was the weekly day off for the entire Outer Court. After a week of intense courses, many students chose to relax on this evening.
Every week at this time, the area outside the east gate was the liveliest.
As the two passed through, Xu Zihuang spotted two familiar faces from afar.
One of them was Beibei, whom he had parted ways with not long ago at the assessment area. Standing beside him was a lively young girl of about the same age, her long, silky black hair tied into a ponytail. Her hands were full of snacks bought from vendors, her mouth greasy as she ate with delight.
Who else could it be but Tang Ya?
When she saw Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian walking toward them, Tang Ya's eyes widened in surprise.
Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian came before the two. Xu Zihuang nodded slightly to Beibei first, then smiled at Tang Ya.
"Senior Sister Xiaoya."
Tang Ya hastily shoved the snacks into Beibei's arms, placed her hands on her hips, and eyed Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian with exaggerated seriousness, feigning authority.
"When Beibei told me before, I didn't quite believe it. But now it seems to be true. Tianhuang, aren't you going to introduce this junior to me?"
As she spoke, her eyes fell upon Ning Tian.
Though both Tang Ya and Ning Tian knew a little about each other, this was their first formal meeting.
"Hello, Senior Sister Tang. My name is Ning Tian." Ning Tian gracefully extended her right hand to Tang Ya.
Tang Ya giggled, her earlier mock severity instantly vanishing. She cheerfully clasped Ning Tian's hand.
"Hello, Junior Sister Ning. I'm Tang Ya. From now on, just call me Senior Sister Xiaoya like Tianhuang does."
Tang Ya had a simple and straightforward nature, while Ning Tian was sharp and perceptive. Since there was no rivalry between them, they quickly warmed up to each other. Before long, the two were whispering into each other's ears, occasionally glancing toward Xu Zihuang and Beibei.
Tang Ya pulled Ning Tian along ahead, while Beibei came to Xu Zihuang's side, smiling as he asked, "Tianhuang, are you two heading into Shrek City?"
Judging by their direction, it wasn't hard to guess their destination.
"Tomorrow we depart for Star Luo City, so we plan to purchase some supplies in Shrek City," Xu Zihuang replied as he and Beibei followed behind Tang Ya and Ning Tian.
Watching Tang Ya's bright smile, Xu Zihuang's heart stirred.
"Senior Brother Bei, at the pace Senior Sister Xiaoya is cultivating, I fear it will be very difficult for her to graduate from the Outer Court, won't it?"
Beibei was startled that Xu Zihuang would suddenly ask such a question, but when he noticed the concern in Xu Zihuang's eyes, he quickly understood.
"She has already worked very hard these past two years. Tianhuang, you know that cultivating with the Blue Silver Grass martial soul is extremely difficult. She doesn't have the Blue Silver Emperor like the Tang Sect ancestor. She can only do her best. I've already decided—if Xiaoya cannot graduate, then I won't enter the Inner Court either. I'll travel the continent with her instead." Beibei sighed softly.
"Senior Brother Bei, I can tell that Senior Sister Xiaoya hides many worries in her heart. Though she doesn't show it, it doesn't mean she doesn't care," Xu Zihuang said, stopping there.
He trusted Beibei's wisdom to understand his meaning.
Sure enough, Beibei's gaze deepened after hearing this. After a long silence, he nodded solemnly. "Tianhuang, I'll keep that in mind."
"What are you two muttering about? Acting all secretive," Tang Ya suddenly stopped ahead, eyeing Xu Zihuang and Beibei suspiciously.
Ning Tian also stopped, turning her attention toward them.
Beibei rolled his eyes helplessly.
"Xiaoya, how can you accuse others of being secretive? We were just chatting casually with Tianhuang."
Tang Ya didn't think too much of it. Once Xu Zihuang and Beibei caught up, she puffed out her modest chest, placed her jade-like hand on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, and said:
"After observing carefully, I've decided—Junior Sister Ning is a good girl. Tianhuang, you must never let her down, okay? Anyway, I know you're going to Shrek City for supplies, so I won't bother you two anymore."
Waving them off, she happily dragged Beibei away, clearly intending to taste every snack from every vendor outside the east gate.
Watching them leave, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian continued side by side toward Shrek City's south gate.
Thanks to Tang Ya's remark that had almost laid their relationship bare, the atmosphere between the two grew subtle.
Of course, Xu Zihuang remained calm throughout, but Ning Tian was noticeably less at ease.
Once they had walked along the official road some distance away from the east gate, Ning Tian seemed to relax, regaining her usual composure. Still, the charming blush on her cheeks betrayed that her heart was far from calm.
"Senior Sister Xiaoya seems like a nice person. How did you two meet back then?" she asked.
"That was before the new students enrolled. I happened to encounter Senior Sister Xiaoya and Senior Brother Bei while they were hunting soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest…"
Xu Zihuang smoothly continued the conversation, helping Ning Tian dispel her awkwardness.
Shrek City was vast. Talking along the way, it took them nearly half an hour to walk from the east gate to the south gate.
The southern district was the most prosperous commercial area in all of Shrek City. Xu Zihuang had visited once before.
By then, the sky had fully darkened, but the flow of people in and out of the city never ceased. Caravans loaded with goods also passed through. Shrek City, situated at the crossroads of the three great empires of the former Douluo Continent, was destined for prosperity by its unique geography.
The broad main street, wide enough for a dozen carriages to travel side by side, was lined with shops selling specialties from all over the continent. There were even numerous stores selling soul tools.
Most of the soul tools sold, however, were for daily life—such as illumination devices.
Wearing the yellow second-year uniforms of Shrek Academy, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian stood out amid the bustling crowds of the southern district.
Shrek Academy students represented the elite of the young generation across the continent. Even Outer Court disciples were looked up to by ordinary people.
"I'll head to that shop to sell some core formations I engraved earlier," Xu Zihuang told Ning Tian.
She acknowledged softly, following him as they approached a store along the street.
The middle-aged shopkeeper hurried forward with a flattering smile.
"Two outstanding students from Shrek Academy—what may I do for you?"
Xu Zihuang casually pulled out five level-three core formations, crafted from the short-bladed whale's teeth, and placed them on the counter. He asked directly:
"Do you purchase these five level-three core formations?"
"Buy? Of course!" The shopkeeper's eyes lit up. Though only a rank-ten-plus soul master and barely considered a level-one soul engineer, he could still recognize that these five formations were top quality.
He infused each with soul power, and as expected, each formation lit with a straight, glowing halo upon activation.
His smile widened even further.
"Eight hundred gold soul coins each—what do you think?" he asked tentatively.
Xu Zihuang nodded without hesitation.
"Alright."
Normally, the rare metals used to engrave level-three core formations were not too costly; their usual price hovered around five hundred gold soul coins apiece. But the formations Xu Zihuang had made had minimal error and exceptional durability. At eight hundred each, the price was still fair.
In truth, the shopkeeper would still make a profit.
Xu Zihuang understood this well, but he wasn't here for money—only to dispose of items he wouldn't need.
The shopkeeper accepted the formations and handed over four purple-gold cards, each worth a thousand gold soul coins.
Xu Zihuang put them away into his storage soul tool and left, disappearing into the crowd under the shopkeeper's reverent gaze.
Ning Tian, already aware that Xu Zihuang could engrave level-three core formations, wasn't particularly surprised. Still, compared to his strength and astonishing potential, his talent in soul tool crafting seemed overshadowed.
Afterward, the two officially began their shopping spree in the southern district.
Shrek City was simply too large. Though the southern district made up only a quarter of the city, it still took them nearly an hour to finish procuring all necessary supplies.
As it grew late, the two decided to have dinner in the district before returning to the academy.
The next morning, as the sky in the east barely showed pale light, a group of more than ten people slowly emerged from Shrek Academy's main gate.
It was the fourteen official and reserve members selected for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, accompanied by Elder Xuan and Wang Yan.
None of them wore Shrek Academy uniforms—some wore plain clothes, others elegant garments.
Today, Xu Zihuang was dressed in a fitted robe with black as the base color, adorned with purple cloud patterns and gold threads. His long black hair, neatly combed, flowed down his back, with a few violet strands echoing the purple patterns on his robe. Tall and elegant, he walked silently at the center of the group, yet drew countless eyes.
Wearing luxurious robes did not always mean beauty, nor did plain clothes mean mediocrity.
For instance, Yao Haoxuan, dressed in fine clothing, still looked scrawny and petty, while Jiang Nannan, in simple garb, was stunning beyond compare.
But that was only because the contrast in their appearances and temperaments was too great.
For someone like Xu Zihuang, already outstanding in looks and aura, the exquisite robe made him seem like a celestial being who had descended into the mortal world.
Even Wang Dong, usually harboring prejudices against him, couldn't help but glance at him more than once.
Without bias clouding his vision, Xu Zihuang's excellence and charm became clear.
Beside him, Ning Tian was equally dazzling. Her beauty was second only to Jiang Nannan's, and clad in a white, noble gown, she exuded elegance that even outshone Jiang Nannan at that moment.
Elder Xuan and Wang Yan walked in front, followed by the main team, with the seven reserve members at the back.
Xu Sanshi slowed his pace, moving beside Xu Zihuang with mock jealousy.
"Tianhuang, you brat, you're leaving no room for anyone else. Talent, strength, and even looks are fine, but must you also outshine everyone in temperament? If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were some imperial prince."
Xu Zihuang's mind flickered, but his expression remained calm as he teased back:
"Senior Brother Xu, I'm not competing with you for Senior Sister Jiang. Why worry? Unless… do you have another target besides her?"
Xu Sanshi clutched his chest and declared righteously:
"Impossible!"
An idea struck him, and he leaned dramatically toward Jiang Nannan.
"Nannan, don't worry. You've always been the only one in my heart."
Jiang Nannan glanced coldly at him.
"What does your heart have to do with me? Just stop bothering me in the future."
Xu Sanshi's face fell instantly.
"Nannan, I truly love you. What must I do for you to be with me?"
"No matter what you do, I'll never be with you. Give up. And remember to use my full name, Jiang Nannan, when you address me," she said icily.
With that, she quickened her pace, widening the distance.
At some point, Beibei had joined Xu Sanshi's side. Normally, he would take the chance to tease him, but this time both he and Xu Sanshi were distracted by what He Caitou had just taken out from his soul tool.
"Oh, right, Junior Yu, this is what you asked for." He Caitou, smiling honestly, handed over a wooden box to Xu Zihuang. The lid was open, revealing it was packed with thick, black cigars.
Beibei and Xu Sanshi both widened their eyes in surprise.
"Caitou, what on earth are those?"
"Cigars," He Caitou explained somewhat awkwardly.
"Actually… cigars are my martial soul."
Everyone in the reserve team except Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian looked puzzled. Even Ning Tian, who had known beforehand, wore a strange expression when she saw the box full of cigars.
After all, the soul incantations He Caitou used when activating his martial soul were… rather indecent.
"Your martial soul is that?!" Beibei and Xu Sanshi exclaimed in unison, exchanging stunned looks.
Unbothered, Xu Zihuang pinched one cigar between his fingers and handed another two to Beibei and Xu Sanshi.
"Senior Brother Bei, Senior Brother Xu, give it a try. Senior Brother He's martial soul has quite a good enhancement effect."
He didn't care how vulgar He Caitou's soul incantations sounded—what mattered was the boost to his strength.
"Alright! Caitou, light it for me with a soul tool." Xu Sanshi, intrigued, stuffed the cigar into his mouth and shouted.
He Caitou grinned foolishly, though his eyes glinted mischievously. Instead of a tool, a small flame appeared on his right hand, and he lit the end of Xu Sanshi's cigar.
"Cough, cough, cough—!" Thick smoke instantly choked Xu Sanshi, making him hack violently. But he quickly recovered, holding the cigar between his fingers with a curious "Huh?" before deeply inhaling again and exhaling a plume of smoke. A strong, rich aroma filled the air.
"This stuff is amazing! Clears the mind—I feel like even my spiritual power has increased."
He Caitou lit the cigars for Beibei and Xu Zihuang as well, and soon the three were puffing away.
After taking a drag, Beibei also showed surprise in his eyes.
"It really does enhance spiritual power."
Xu Zihuang, as a spirit-type soul master, was especially sensitive. The cigar's fragrance filled his senses, even startling the Slumbering Skydream Iceworm within his spiritual sea. A wave of indescribable comfort spread through his body, and his spiritual power rose by more than fifteen percent in an instant. Deep within his purple-gold eyes, faint golden halos flickered unconsciously.
This was his first time experiencing the cigar's auxiliary effect, and his astonishment was no less than the others'.
His spiritual power was already formidable, close to reaching the intangible-yet-tangible realm, yet the cigar had boosted it by over fifteen percent. If it could stack with the ten-percent boost from his first soul skill, it would be utterly monstrous.
Clearly, He Caitou's cigar martial soul was exceptionally powerful.
In the Sun Moon Empire's royal line, no such martial soul existed, but this cigar soul was comparable in quality. Since it came from his mother, it meant it rivaled the Sun Soul martial soul inherited from his father. Even if slightly inferior, the difference wasn't large. Otherwise, He Caitou would have inherited the Sun Soul himself.
"Damn, this feels so good! Like every pore in my body has opened up. What kind of soul skill is this?" The Skydream Iceworm's intoxicated voice echoed in Xu Zihuang's spiritual sea.
"Zihuang, you should use this more often. This soul skill not only nourishes my soul but, with long-term use, will also greatly aid your spiritual power's growth."
Xu Zihuang didn't respond to it, because Elder Xuan, Wang Yan, and the seven main team members ahead had all stopped, turning to stare.
Even Elder Xuan's eyes widened as he examined the black cigars in their hands. He asked He Caitou directly:
"Your martial soul is food-type?"
With his vast experience, Elder Xuan instantly recognized its characteristics.
Behind him, Wang Yan's eyes shone with deep interest.
He Caitou scratched his bald head awkwardly but nodded.
Xu Zihuang respectfully offered a cigar to both Elder Xuan and Wang Yan, which He Caitou then lit.
They each took a puff. Elder Xuan remained calm, but Wang Yan's face instantly shifted to shock.
Elder Xuan's gaze sharpened.
"A soul skill that boosts spiritual power, around ten percent… Tell me, which soul skill is this of yours?"
He Caitou blinked blankly, scratching his head.
"This is my first soul skill, Elder Xuan. Why?"
"Fanyu, that bastard!" Elder Xuan cursed angrily. "Letting such a talented food-type soul master waste time as a soul engineer—what a travesty!"
"Don't insult my teacher." Even before Elder Xuan, He Caitou stood his ground. In his heart, Fanyu was like a father. Though he often acted simple and silly to hide his true self, his respect for Fanyu could never be replaced.
Without Fanyu, he wouldn't have survived until now.
Elder Xuan snorted, "Hmph, I only spoke the truth." But he let the matter drop.
Xu Zihuang silently took note. He could see how deeply Fanyu mattered to He Caitou. That loyalty might not mean much now, but in the future, it could influence their plans for revenge.
Wang Yan stepped in to ease the tension.
"Caitou, with your current cultivation, how many of these thick cigars could you produce if given enough time? And how long would they last?"
"At least a thousand," He Caitou answered honestly. "But if they aren't smoked within two days, they dry out and lose their effect."
At this, the seven Inner Court students, including Ma Xiaotao, widened their eyes in shock.
Food-type soul skills usually lasted only hours. If one could last more than three hours, that was already outstanding. More than twelve hours was the mark of a genius.
But He Caitou's first soul skill could last forty-eight hours—this was beyond extraordinary.
For He Caitou to earn such attention from Wang Yan and Elder Xuan delighted Xu Zihuang. He handed the wooden box over to Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng, who had drawn closer.
"Senior Sister Xiaotao, Senior Brother Dai, would you like to try one too?"
"Sure." Dai Yaoheng grinned broadly, picking one out. To everyone's surprise, Ma Xiaotao followed suit without hesitation. The Inner Court disciples were already used to all kinds of strange martial souls.
Even the aloof Ling Luochen lit one and inhaled calmly, the scene looking oddly surreal.
Just like Elder Xuan and Wang Yan earlier, their expressions quickly changed after experiencing the effect firsthand. Their gazes toward He Caitou were transformed.
"Jiang Nannan, Wang Dong, Ning Tian, you should try as well," Wang Yan suggested.
"Teacher Wang, I'll pass. I'm a support-type soul master, so Senior Brother He's soul skill isn't as useful for me," Ning Tian declined tactfully.
Jiang Nannan's pale face showed she was just as quick to refuse. Wang Dong, however, reacted the most strongly, shaking his head like a rattle-drum, absolutely unwilling to try.
Wang Yan didn't press the issue. Instead, he urged, "Caitou, show us your other three soul skills."
He Caitou scratched his head, his dark face flushing red.
"Teacher Wang, must I really?"
Wang Yan nodded sternly.
"You must. We're not only going to Star Luo City for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. We have another mission as well. Your soul skills might become an extra safeguard."
He Caitou looked around nervously, muttering, "Alright then…"
"Hurry it up. No need to dawdle," Ma Xiaotao said impatiently, curling her lip.
Everyone watched eagerly. Support-type soul masters had stronger boosts, but their skills didn't last. For long, sustained battles, food-type soul masters often proved even more reliable. A strong food-type soul master could raise an entire team's combat power to another level.
He Caitou reluctantly began his incantations.
"I've got a big cigar. I've got a long cigar. I've got a thin cigar."
As his vulgar chants rang out, everyone froze. Even Elder Xuan, munching meat and sipping wine nearby, nearly choked on his drink.
Before they could react, four soul rings lit up around He Caitou—two yellow and two purple. His second yellow ring, and his third and fourth purple rings, flashed in succession.
In his right hand appeared three more cigars, each of different shape.
Xu Zihuang stayed calm, but the Inner Court disciples' expressions turned peculiar. Xu Sanshi and Beibei, in particular, looked horrified. Mid-puff, they yanked the cigars from their mouths.
Xu Sanshi grimaced.
"Caitou, don't tell me when you used your first soul skill, you also shouted 'I've got a thick cigar'?"
"How did you know?" He Caitou asked, looking puzzled.
"Damn it!" Xu Sanshi swore, ready to throw his half-smoked cigar to the ground, but after a second thought, seeing everyone else had smoked one too, he shoved it back in his mouth and took another drag.
And truthfully—it felt too good to quit. No way he'd let anyone mock him for it.
Puffing contentedly, he even shot Beibei a smug glance, as if to say: See? You're just as caught as I am.
Meanwhile, Jiang Nannan and Wang Dong both looked relieved at having refused earlier.
The others wore awkward expressions, torn between wanting to laugh and trying to hold it back. After all, every one of them had just experienced the cigars firsthand—none of them could laugh without laughing at themselves.
Wang Yan swallowed his own chuckle and asked seriously, "Caitou, explain these three soul skills."
"Oh." Relieved that no one mocked him, He Caitou explained honestly:
"My second soul skill is Strength-Boosting Big Cigar. I haven't tested it much myself, but its effect should be stronger than my first skill. My third is Defense-Boosting Long Cigar, since it's a thousand-year skill, it should be even better. The last is Soul Power-Boosting Thin Cigar. This one doesn't work on me, so I don't know the exact effect."
"So your four soul skills enhance spiritual power, strength, defense, and soul power?!" Wang Yan gasped, his eyes wide.
In his heart, he echoed Elder Xuan's earlier thought: Fanyu truly was outrageous. A genius food-type soul master like this should have been trained in the Martial Soul Department's Inner Court, not diverted into soul tool research.
After this episode, relations between the reserve and main teams grew much warmer.
Even Gongyang Mo gave He Caitou a sly wink.
"Caitou, your cigars are quite enjoyable."
This time, even the reserve team, except Xu Zihuang, felt chills. Gongyang Mo's preferences… seemed a little off.
Elder Xuan, who had just stood up, nearly stumbled back into his seat. The others quickly schooled their expressions. Chen Zifeng, who had been standing near Gongyang Mo, unconsciously shuffled a few steps away.
Elder Xuan spat on the ground, wiped his mouth with his filthy sleeve, and barked:
"Alright, everyone, come here."
His expression turned serious.
"We're not far from the academy. There's something I need to tell you now, especially you seven reserves. Listen well—it concerns your future."
Elder Xuan's voice was deep and solemn.
"From the moment you entered the reserve team, it meant you already had one foot in the Inner Court. But to truly join Shrek Academy's Inner Court, you must bear the responsibility that comes with it—becoming a member of the Shrek Disciplinary Squad.
"Since the existence of soul masters, cases of soul masters committing evil have been endless. Their power far surpasses that of ordinary people, and without oversight or restraint, corruption thrives. The duty of our Shrek Disciplinary Squad is to monitor and deal with such wayward soul masters.
"I must warn you: once you take on this responsibility, your life will often be at risk. If anyone wishes to withdraw, you may return to the academy now. Swear to keep this secret, and no one will blame you."
He swept his gaze over them. To his relief, none of their eyes wavered.
"Very well. Now, give me a clear answer—will you join or not?"
"Join," everyone answered in unison. Some spoke loudly, others calmly, but all chose the same.
They had yet to feel the pride of the Shrek Disciplinary Squad themselves, but each had their own reasons: some out of justice, some to bear the responsibility, and others for the sake of their future development.
Though Elder Xuan hadn't said it directly, they all understood—anyone who withdrew would forever lose the chance to enter the Inner Court. Unless they were as monstrously talented as Xu Zihuang, who might be accepted as an exception.
Xu Zihuang, of course, had no reason to refuse. Because of his own past, he held deep hatred for evil soul masters. If he had the strength, he would wipe them out without hesitation. But if it came at the cost of his own life, he would not throw himself away for some vague "honor."
Elder Xuan smiled—a genuine smile of satisfaction. Their choice was admirable. He believed that in time, they would come to feel the true pride and glory of the Shrek Disciplinary Squad.
"Good. I did not misjudge you. Another reason I tell you this now is that you will soon face your first disciplinary mission. Wang Yan, distribute the squad's equipment. Xiaotao, explain the task."
Wang Yan obeyed respectfully, handing out rings to each of them.
They were elegant—silver bands set with bright emerald gemstones the size of fingernails, gleaming with vibrant life energy. The face of each ring bore an engraving of Shrek Academy's emblematic monster, leaving a deep impression.
Ma Xiaotao said, "This is the emblem of our Shrek Disciplinary Squad. With just a drop of your blood, it will bind to your lifeline. Through it, we can identify each other as allies. The ring itself is also a storage-type soul tool, holding all your assigned gear."
She continued, "Now, the mission. Our target is a group of bandits known as the Death God's Envoys, active in the Mingdou Mountains along the border of the Star Luo Empire and the Sun Moon Empire. They are ruthless and cunning. Once we encounter them, do not hold back—exterminate them completely.
"Their leader is said to be a powerful evil soul master. We must not underestimate them. Though the main responsibility lies with the official team, you reserves may also need to take action. Most of you haven't killed before, but you will soon experience it firsthand.
"Before departing, we already informed the Star Luo Empire's Western Corps stationed near the Mingdou Mountains. They will offer us limited support. That's all. Put away your rings for now—you'll only wear them when carrying out the mission."
"If there are no questions, we begin full-speed travel now," she concluded.
Wang Yan added a reminder to He Caitou:
"Caitou, during our travel breaks, prepare a set of cigars for everyone. They may be an extra safeguard."
"Oh." He Caitou nodded obediently.
Though Ning Tian, Jiang Nannan, and Wang Dong all wanted to decline, they held their tongues. With the looming dangers ahead, they accepted silently. At worst, they simply wouldn't use them unless necessary.
Everyone made ready, and Ma Xiaotao spoke again.
"Ning Tian, Wang Dong, your cultivations are low and might slow us down. I'll take Wang Dong. Ling Luochen, you take Ning Tian. Let's go."
Since Elder Xuan had entrusted Ma Xiaotao with announcing the mission, he no longer spoke, clearly affirming her position as leader.
Even Dai Yaoheng, who held some dissatisfaction toward her, did not object.
Wang Dong, however, looked uncomfortable.
"Senior Sister Ma, could you… maybe take me instead? I admire you the most," he said with a sheepish smile.
Ma Xiaotao didn't think much of it. She chuckled.
"Alright then, I'll carry you. Ling Luochen, you take Ning Tian. Move out."
With that, she lifted Wang Dong under his arm and soared upward.
Ling Luochen mirrored her, and the combined official and reserve teams burst into full-speed flight.
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