"Hahahaha—a bet is a bet!"
Elder Xuan descended with the eliminated students, including He Caitou and Wu Feng. His face wore its usual mischievous grin.
"Hurry up—shout it, then reteam for another round."
Ma Xiaotao shot her teammates a glare, then spat:
"I'm a pig."
Yao Haoxuan, Chen Zifeng, Huo Yuhao, and Xu Sanshi echoed without shame.
Even Wang Dong, after some 'encouragement' from Huo Yuhao, mumbled it through gritted teeth.
Jiang Nannan whispered hers so softly it was barely audible.
But when Xu Sanshi cooed, "As expected of my Nannan, she sounds sweet saying 'I'm a pig'," Jiang Nannan's eyes flared.
"Xu Sanshi—get lost!"
The group bit back laughter, shoulders shaking.
Xuan Zi swigged wine, amused. "Rest one hour—recover your soul power."
His gaze flickered toward Chen Junting. Even as a Super Douluo, he sensed the subtle flow of ambient qi into Chen Junting's wristband. Interesting… But he soon looked away, lost in thought.
Chen Junting noticed the attention but didn't react. To him, it was expected. He sat cross-legged, like the others, meditating and reviewing his insights on Soulchasing Sword's killing intent.
After an hour, Xuan Zi replaced Chen Junting and Ning Tian with He Caitou and Wu Feng for a second spar.
Before the fight began, He Caitou's soul chant sparked uncontrollable laughter. He nearly refused to participate—until Xuan Zi, still chuckling, stepped in to calm him.
Two matches ended in a draw—bonding both teams further.
For leadership, Xuan Zi appointed Chen Junting as Captain, Bei Bei as Vice-Captain. He slapped Chen Junting's shoulder with greasy hands: "Get used to being in charge."
The others blinked—confused by his cryptic tone.
Finally, Xuan Zi announced: "Pack up. We leave for Star Luo City tomorrow morning—the Continental Team Competition begins!" Then vanished.
Excitement exploded—except for Huo Yuhao, who stood dazed. Yao Haoxuan suggested a feast at a Shrek City hotel—he'd pay. No one declined.
---
That Evening – Sea God Lake
Chen Junting and Ning Tian strolled along the lakeside path, not rushing back. Wu Feng had already been sent off.
"Xiao Tian, this is for you." Chen Junting pulled out a pair of exquisite bracelets from his Starlight Sapphire ring. Under moonlight, their array runes shimmered. "I made these recently—a refined array-inscribed soul engineering device. Forgot to give them earlier during sparring."
Ning Tian smiled, slipping them on. As she channeled soul power, the runes activated—cutting off external input, running autonomously. "No wonder your soul power didn't drain fast. That's clever."
"It's improved," Chen Junting admitted. "Inspired by the Golden Ancient Tree branch."
Ning Tian raised an eyebrow. "So these bracelets—and your metal wristbands—were forged by Wang Dong'er and Xiao Feng? Did you thank them properly?"
"Plenty of time," he teased.
---
Next Morning – Dawn
Pale light broke over the horizon, stars fading as a silver-gray mist draped the earth. From Shrek Academy's main gate, eighteen figures emerged.
They were bound for Star Luo City—the Continental Team Competition team: seven Inner Sect, nine Outer Court (including reserves), plus Elder Xuan and Teacher Wang Yan.
Dressed in varied attire—no academy uniforms—they exuded elite charm. Even Jiang Nannan, usually frugal, now wore a sleek knee-length dress Xu Sanshi had bought her last night.
Chen Junting wore a form-fitting azure robe—close to his Seven Killings Sword's hue—his white hair flowing freely, radiating a transcendent aura. Ning Tian, in a golden palace gown, matched his elegance perfectly.
As they walked leisurely—like a picnic—Inner and Outer Court students mingled, chatting freely.
But just outside Shrek City, Xuan Zi halted. His gaze swept the group. "We're still near the academy. There's something I must say now—especially to the nine Outer Court juniors. This will shape your future here."
The mood shifted instantly. Even the Inner Sect's seven grew solemn.
"We've stood for over ten thousand years," Xuan Zi began. "A strong soul master lives two centuries—or longer. Each year, many pass into the Inner Sect. Yet today, fewer than a hundred remain. Why?"
Silence fell. Only Xu Sanshi ventured: "Did they graduate and leave?"
"A partial truth," Xuan Zi said gravely. "Yes, some left. But I speak of those who never graduated."
He revealed the Shrek Inspection Corps—a secret unit of Inner Sect disciples who hunted evil soul masters and corrupt officials beyond imperial reach. They acted where justice failed.
The revelation stirred awe.
Only Chen Junting and Ning Tian remained calm.
Evil soul masters and bandits? Public enemies—anyone can kill them.
But what about corrupt officials backed by empires?
You could report them—but never execute judgment.
Shrek Academy was only a school. Without imperial mandate, such actions would violate sovereignty.
Yet Shrek dared because it was strong enough.
In ten thousand years, only the ancient Spirit Hall had done the same.
But still—
their deeds were noble.
Their sacrifices deserved honor.
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