Shrek Academy stood proud atop a mountain near Soto City, encircled by dense woodlands that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Within these shadowed groves, powerful figures concealed their presence, silently watching.
Deep in the mountain range behind Shrek Academy, several figures clad in black robes stood solemnly on tree trunks, their auras sharp and cold.
At their forefront was a man with a stern, glacial expression. His piercing eyes were fixed on the distant forms of Yu Chen and his group as they departed the academy grounds.
These people were affiliated with the Dark Iron Armored Dragon clan of the Jia Luo Empire, and the man leading them was none other than Wan Jiang—the adopted son of the clan's suzerain, Wan Long.
Wan Jiang had crossed into the Heaven Dou Empire under Wan Long's orders, tasked with monitoring—and ultimately eliminating—Yu Chen.
Although the official reason was surveillance, Wan Jiang's true purpose was clear: he was a disposable pawn, a covert assassin.
Due to his adopted status, Wan Jiang was the only one among the clan whose martial spirit wasn't the Dark Iron Armored Dragon. Instead, he possessed a lesser beast spirit, ensuring that if exposed, the clan could deny any connection to him.
He was a blade without a name—a ghost.
The other black-robed individuals with him had also altered their appearances and suppressed their soul fluctuations. They were not true blood members of the family, and thus, none possessed the signature spirit of the clan.
"That Yu Chen… his innate talent is monstrous. The strength he displays shouldn't be possible for someone only twelve or thirteen," said a white-robed disciple respectfully behind Wan Jiang. His gaze followed Yu Chen's silhouette disappearing beyond the horizon.
"As the Patriarch predicted," another whispered, "if left to grow, Yu Chen will undoubtedly become the greatest threat to the Jia Luo Empire's future."
"Now that they've left the confines of Shrek Academy, what is our next move?"
Wan Jiang narrowed his eyes. He had only arrived at Soto City yesterday, but even in this short time, Yu Chen's terrifying potential was apparent.
"There are several formidable soul masters within Shrek Academy—one at Spirit Douluo level and others in the Spirit Emperor realm. Not to mention Yu Chen himself... he possesses powers that defy common logic."
"If they remained inside the Academy, there would be no opportunity. But now that they've left its protection…" Wan Jiang's tone sharpened. "This is our chance."
"We'll trail them. Wait for the right moment. Then, strike."
"Yes, sir!"
At his command, the dark figures vanished into the forest shadows, each releasing their soul power in restrained bursts to pursue Yu Chen and his entourage.
…
"Humph. Even the dogs of the Jia Luo Empire have arrived?"
From the shadows of a nearby cliff, another group emerged—each clad in crimson robes embroidered with gold thread.
These weren't mere wanderers. They were elite emissaries from the Spirit Hall.
"It appears all three great empires have turned their eyes toward this Yu Chen. Interesting," said a cold voice. "Well, Spirit Hall shall not be left behind. Suí!"
The one who spoke was an elder of imposing aura. From his feet, eight soul rings emerged—two yellow, two purple, and four black—shocking evidence of his Spirit Douluo status.
With a flick of his robes, the elder leaped into the sky.
"Follow them. We can't allow the Jia Luo Empire to succeed."
Without hesitation, the other red-robed soul masters launched themselves forward, soaring through the trees like phantoms.
…
As various forces stirred in secret, Yu Chen's party had already traveled far, guided by Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and other teachers. Their destination: the Star Dou Forest.
The Star Dou Forest—the largest soul beast territory in the Heaven Dou Empire—spanned nearly a third of the empire's land.
Its interior was a mystery. Countless soul beasts roamed within, many of which had never been documented.
Legends told of a Titled Douluo who once ventured deep into the forest's heart, only to be lost forever after the sound of a terrible battle rang out.
That Douluo was among the most powerful in the Empire. And yet... he never returned.
Such was the terror of the forest.
Even the outskirts held mortal danger. Unlike the controlled soul beast groves used by other academies, the Star Dou Forest was untamed and teeming with wild, deadly spirit beasts.
Every year, countless soul masters lost their lives attempting to obtain soul rings here.
Led by Yu Xiaogang and Flender, the Shrek team soon reached what could loosely be called the forest's "entrance"—a crude path carved by earlier adventurers.
"Whoa! So this is the Star Dou Forest?" Ma Hongjun whistled, eyes wide. "You can't even see the other side!"
"There's something in the air," Dai Mubai added. "Blood... and a heavy, suffocating pressure."
Even on the periphery, they could feel the oppressive presence. Most soul beasts here were over a hundred years old. The weak had long since perished—devoured by stronger predators.
Bones littered the ground. Blood soaked the soil.
"This place is no joke," someone muttered.
Yu Xiaogang turned serious. "From here on, no one moves independently. If you see a soul beast you're interested in, report it immediately. I'll evaluate its compatibility."
He turned toward Yu Chen.
"As for you... if we're lucky, we might find a Dragon-type soul beast. But if none appear, you'll have to settle for a high-ranked snake-type alternative for your third soul ring."
Everyone knew that Dragon-type soul beasts were incredibly rare. Even in a place as vast as the Star Dou Forest, encountering one was not guaranteed.
Some soul masters had searched for years without success.
Just as Yu Xiaogang finished, he noticed something unusual—Yu Chen's eyes shimmered with a brilliant azure light.
A shadow of a dragon appeared in his pupils—followed by the flicker of a phoenix!
ROAR—!
A deafening dragon cry rang through the forest, followed by the majestic cry of a phoenix.
Behind Yu Chen, a towering Azure Dragon and a blazing Vermilion Bird emerged, ethereal and divine.
And then—two more descended from the skies.
A radiant Golden Dragon and a resplendent Golden Phoenix flared into existence behind him, their divine pressure spreading across the landscape like a tidal wave.
The entire group was stunned speechless.
Even Yu Xiaogang's eyes trembled with disbelief.
This was no ordinary martial spirit awakening.
This was divine resonance.
The real hunt... had just begun.
Please let's work on the fan base if you want me to post advance chapters