As everyone turned toward Zhu Zhuqing with eyes full of admiration, Tang San finally spoke up—he'd been holding it in for a while. If he didn't say something now, he was afraid they might forget about him entirely.
"Uh, Teacher Zhao," Tang San said, "I think… I need a Spirit Ring too."
Zhao Wuji, still reeling from everything they had just experienced, turned his head in disbelief. "What? You need a Spirit Ring too?"
Tang San nodded earnestly.
Zhao Wuji sighed dramatically. "You bunch really are a group of little monsters. Looks like I'm doomed to run myself ragged."
And so, Lin Jie and the others once again ventured into the forest in search of a Spirit Beast—this time, to help Tang San. Fortunately, it didn't take long. Within a single day, they found a suitable beast: a thousand-year spider, nothing too special, but still fitting. To Lin Jie's surprise, Tang San still chose the same third Spirit Ability: Web Restraint.
After resting and recovering, the group began the journey back out of the Star Dou Great Forest.
While walking, Xiao Wu took the opportunity to privately repeat to Tang San what she had told the rest of the group before—about her third Spirit Ring and how she had obtained it.
Notably, Tang San also revealed his secret weapon—the Zhuge Crossbow—to the team. He even distributed one to each of them. Ning Rongrong, impressed by its power, struck up a deeper conversation with Tang San afterward.
The trip to the Star Dou Forest had clearly brought the group closer together. Even Ning Rongrong, who had initially been somewhat aloof, was now fully integrated into the circle. Especially after the moment when Lin Jie risked his life to protect her from the Titan Giant Ape, she had developed a strong, unspoken affection toward him.
Of course, Lin Jie himself got along with everyone… especially Zhu Zhuqing. Their chemistry was getting so close, it was like they were becoming one.
Only Dai Mubai and Lin Jie remained at odds—largely thanks to Zhu Zhuqing.
The mission had been a huge success. Not only had Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing both broken through to Spirit Elder rank, but Tang San and Xiao Wu had also obtained their third Spirit Rings. More importantly, their teamwork and mutual trust had grown stronger than ever.
Shrek Academy only had eight students, and resolving their interpersonal tensions was vital to future training. Still, the rift between Dai Mubai and Lin Jie showed no signs of healing.
The group rested in the nearby town for two days. On the third day, they set out again and returned to Shrek Academy on the outskirts of Suotuo City by nightfall.
"We're finally back!" Oscar shouted with delight as the Academy's familiar buildings came into view.
As soon as Lin Jie arrived at the Academy, he returned to his dorm and began tinkering with his personal projects.
The others split off to their rooms to rest. Tang San and Ning Rongrong chatted a bit more about the Zhuge Crossbow.
Meanwhile, in Flender's Office…
After Zhao Wuji finished reporting their expedition, Flender's expression shifted several times—relief, worry, disbelief—all in the span of a moment. Once he heard that everyone had returned safely, he finally let out a long sigh of relief.
"I can't believe you all ran into something as terrifying as a Titan Giant Ape," Flender muttered. "Good thing Xiao Wu got lucky… otherwise..."
"But you said she escaped after hearing a bull's roar? That sound…" He frowned.
"That should've been the Sky Blue Bull Python," came a stiff, calm voice from the doorway.
Zhao Wuji had already sensed the footsteps outside but hadn't paid them any mind—this was their own Academy, after all.
Flender's face lit up. "Haha! I knew that voice. Come in, Xiao Gang!"
A man in his forties stepped into the office. His expression was stiff and serious, posture upright and proper. If Tang San were here, he'd immediately recognize the man as his mentor: the renowned Spirit Master theorist, Yu Xiaogang. Of course, to Lin Jie, he was just another useless figure.
If Lin Jie had walked in at that moment, there's no telling what he might have said to Yu Xiaogang. Probably some ruthless sarcasm.
"This is my old friend," Flender said with pride. "And also Tang San's teacher. Just call him 'Grandmaster.'"
Zhao Wuji looked surprised. "So you're Tang San's teacher? A pleasure to meet you. I'm Zhao Wuji."
Yu Xiaogang gave a faint smile. "You're the famous 'Immovable King'—no need to be so formal. Is Tang San alright?"
He had only overheard bits and pieces of the earlier conversation—especially the part about Xiao Wu escaping the Titan Giant Ape—but hadn't heard the whole report.
Once Zhao Wuji confirmed that Tang San was safe, Yu Xiaogang visibly relaxed. He pulled up a chair without hesitation and joined the conversation.
The three chatted for a while. Zhao Wuji relayed all the important details, including Zhu Zhuqing's advancement and Lin Jie's strength—especially that Lin Jie had entered Shrek as a Spirit Elder with a lightning-based Martial Soul.
Yu Xiaogang's face darkened slightly when he heard the name "Lin Jie" and learned about his lightning attribute. It reminded him of a child from six years ago—one he had once rejected as a disciple. The age and Martial Soul lined up too closely.
Still… he found it hard to believe. How could someone with only innate Spirit Power of Rank 4 reach such a level so quickly?
If Lin Jie had been there to hear Yu Xiaogang's skepticism, he probably would've mocked him outright: Only a trash master like you would be so short-sighted.
Later that night...
Shrek Academy was quiet under the moonlight. In his room, Lin Jie held a long, cylindrical device in his hands, studying it closely. A grin slowly tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Finally done," he whispered. "Took me long enough. Electromagnetic cannon... Wonder who'll be the first lucky bastard to test your power."
He'd been working on the weapon ever since watching Zhao Wuji get completely outclassed by the Titan Giant Ape. That defeat had shaken him. He realized, clearly, how small he still was—and how badly he needed tools to tip the balance.
Tonight, his efforts had finally paid off.
Lin Jie stored the cannon in his spatial ring, then stretched.
It had been days since he last helped Zhu Zhuqing with her Body Tempering.
He got up and walked toward her room. It was already past midnight.
Zhu Zhuqing's Room
Lin Jie arrived at her window and activated his sensory technique. Sure enough, she was inside, meditating in a seated posture.
Without hesitation, he pushed the window open and slipped in. (As if a locked window could stop him.)
Zhu Zhuqing stirred at the faint sound. She opened her eyes mid-cultivation and found Lin Jie standing right in front of her.
"You—what are you—mmph…"
Before she could finish the question, Lin Jie leaned in and kissed her.
Hard.
She didn't resist.
She had been kissed by him several times now, and her lips met his with growing ease. The kiss turned passionate quickly—deep and hungry. Zhu Zhuqing's technique had improved, too. It seemed practice really did make perfect.
Within moments, they tumbled onto the bed together.
Hands wandered.
Lin Jie's fingers slid down her back, caressing the smooth, warm skin beneath her thin night robe. She shivered beneath his touch, breath catching, a soft moan slipping from her lips.
The heat between them surged.
She pressed closer, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Their kisses deepened.
His hand brushed the hem of her robe—lifting, exploring.
Zhu Zhuqing gasped into his mouth.
The bed creaked faintly beneath them.
Their bodies moved with building urgency, limbs entwined. Her soft panting filled the room as Lin Jie continued teasing her with practiced, gentle strokes.
Just when the tension between them reached its peak, Lin Jie finally pulled back, their faces just inches apart.
"Let's start your Body Tempering," he whispered, breath warm against her ear.
Face flushed red, Zhu Zhuqing nodded. This time, she didn't hesitate at all. With a swift motion, she unfastened her clothes and lay back, baring herself to him fully.
But Lin Jie didn't linger.
He took a deep breath, placed his hands gently over her abdomen, and began channeling his lightning-based Spirit Power into her body with expert control.
This time, there was no teasing.
No distractions.
Only the soft hum of power—and the faint, breathy sounds of Zhu Zhuqing enduring the pain of purification.