Inside the cave.
The corpse-explosion aftershock scoured the cave. The originally gruesome remains were gone; severed limbs and gore were buried by dust and falling sand. That Evil Soul Master's presence would only linger in the locals' mouths, a bedtime horror story for mothers to scare children.
But Wang Yan stared at Xuan Zi, eyes red. The starters were nearly "wiped out." Even setting the tournament aside—whether they'd be left with hidden injuries that harmed their foundation was unknown.
Before a truly authoritative healer gave a verdict, anyone else's words were just comfort…
"…"
Xuan Zi looked around.
A mess everywhere.
Reserve members scrambled to tend to the unconscious starters. Half an hour ago, they were high-spirited—the pride of the Academy. Now…
"I'll take them back to the Academy. I'll bear the consequences," Xuan Zi said bleakly. "You take Xiaotao and the others to compete. Whatever you achieve will be the Academy's pride."
"Sigh…" Wang Yan clenched his fist, then released it.
He turned away.
Who could've imagined—under a top expert's lead—the team would suffer this level of injury?!
Even with a Titled Douluo, the outcome would've been a hundred times better!
From certain champions to—Elder Xuan found a way to lose…
Before leaving, Xuan Zi glanced at Su Wen.
His expression was complicated.
There was gratitude, regret, and some shame. Years ago, under his lead, Su Wen and the others faced a 100,000-year soul beast—the scene still vivid. How long has it been? And now again…
Both times, Su Wen turned the tide. Without him… sigh.
His earlier irritation toward Su Wen had evaporated.
"Sigh, I'm going."
He waved weakly. Something invisible seemed to bend his back. He looked much older.
Su Wen only sighed.
Will Elder Xuan change?
No.
Quick to admit fault, but never to repent.
That's the most infuriating kind—not afraid of villains scheming, but of fools having bright ideas. For Elder Xuan to truly learn… heh, unless the entire Shrek Academy collapses.
Compared to Elder Xuan, he's better suited as a pure combatant. Tasks that require skill—like leading a squad—should be left to the "young stalwarts" like Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er.
Su Wen turned back to the team.
Ma Xiaotao was the strongest. Though at the heart of the blast, she tanked it with Soul Emperor strength—wounded less than Yao Haoxuan and the others. So she stayed.
Only she and Ling Luochen remained from the inner court.
Their drunkenness had evaporated in the blast—but too late.
"Sorry, Xiao Wen…"
She avoided his gaze, lying in Ling Luochen's arms, unable to meet Su Wen's eyes.
Su Wen had repeatedly warned them—don't underestimate the enemy, don't drink—but as captain she threw it all aside. The disaster was on her.
"Sis Xiaotao, the best thing you did was hand the team to me. You're not suited to be captain," Su Wen sighed. "And I'm not praising Yao Haoxuan, either. You're all trash—six of one, half a dozen of the other. Nothing to compare…"
Ma Xiaotao flushed. She'd felt guilty—but hearing "trash," she bristled.
Her crimson eyes glared at Su Wen.
Dare call me trash?! Wait till we get back to the hotel—I'll crush that arrogance.
Su Wen's mouth twitched.
"If you plan to spend your life as Shrek's mascot—join the Sea God Pavilion and guard the Academy quietly—that's fine. No need for these curves and angles—just raise your strength."
"But if you plan to shoulder a share of responsibility for Shrek in the future—and rely on strength alone—you'll end up like Elder Xuan today…"
"Responsibility is heavy," Su Wen said softly.
"So don't blame me for harsh words. The slightest misstep costs lives. You've seen the consequences of incompetence—and lived them."
Ma Xiaotao lowered her head.
Ling Luochen looked away guiltily—she'd also sipped a little.
"Teacher Wang Yan."
Su Wen addressed the quietly standing Wang Yan.
"I'm here!"
Wang Yan hurried over.
Su Wen's bearing made him the pillar in Wang Yan's eyes. Though far weaker than Elder Xuan and the youngest present, his presence felt like a mountain—solemn and steady.
"Prepare for the tournament. The Academy likely won't send reinforcements," Su Wen said calmly.
In the original, even with nobodies like Huo Yuhao's early teammates—what others thought a sure loss—Elder Mu had the nerve to let them go. All the more so this time—with Su Wen here?
"Oh… Huh?! The Academy won't send more people?" Wang Yan's eyes widened.
"I know Elder Mu. Given his nature—most likely not." Su Wen straightened, looking up at the dark sky. Evening stars twinkled—Elder Mu was probably gazing at them too…
"I'll handle the announcement," Su Wen patted Wang Yan's shoulder.
In the original, Wang Yan bore the most pressure and did his utmost for Shrek—Su Wen would show the proper respect.
Wang Yan dazedly nodded.
Why does it feel… like he's the student?
…
Elsewhere.
The reserves had come in last and were on the outskirts—lightest injuries, a few days to recover. Yet their morale was low.
The campfire flickered, lighting faces full of confusion.
They'd planned to eat hotpot and sing—polish their resumes at the tournament, take up space—since the starters were so strong, one of the strongest in Shrek history. They wouldn't even need to lift a finger to coast to victory.
Instead, a great hand got turned to scraps—the starters were nearly wiped out.
What about the tournament?
The suffocating weight pressed on them.
Whether or not they'd be blamed—carrying Shrek's honor and failing on stage—the crushing pressure alone soaked their clothes with sweat.
"Except for Sis Xiaotao and Sister Senior Luochen, the starters are wiped. Shrek is far from the Star Luo capital. Even if Elder Xuan rushes back—will there be time… And he'd need to recall inner court seniors. Otherwise, we're stuck with whoever remains at the inner court," Bei Bei said grimly.
"Senior Bei Bei, you mean…" Ning Tian's face went pale.
"Even if they make it, maybe two or three Soul Kings," Bei Bei shook his head, staring at the fire.
How did it come to this?
"Everyone."
Su Wen arrived quietly.
"How is it, Xiao Wen—any reply from the Academy?" Ma Xiaotao asked anxiously.
"…" Su Wen shook his head.
Hopeful eyes dimmed again.
Even Mu Qui'er sighed and toyed with the Golden Dragon Spear, silent.
"But there's one more thing," Su Wen said softly.
"The Academy likely won't send reinforcements. We should be ready to fight alone."
"What?!!" Bei Bei blanched.
"Just us… we're finished." He slumped, dejected. "Senior Sister Xiaotao needs at least half a month before she can fight. So we have only one Soul King. If we meet a strong team in the knockouts…"
Knocked out early—this cohort would be nailed to Shrek's pillar of shame.
"Hoo…"
Su Wen sighed.
"The Academy's rules are flawed—deeply. From outer court to inner court to Sea God Pavilion—rotten at the core. Elder Xuan and the inner court disciples are examples. This can't be swept under the rug anymore… Forget it. When I return, I'll speak to Elder Mu."
"But for now… we need to win the tournament."
"Only one Soul King? Who said?"
Su Wen smiled.
Gale, Ice Emperor, and Azure Luan appeared beside him—their top-tier soul beast bloodlines palpable.
"Roar!!!"
Little Gold howled to the sky.
The Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's aura silenced the entire Mingdou Range. Birds and beasts scattered, snakes and insects fled. In truth, with a soul bone skill, Little Gold rivaled a genuine Soul Sage.
"No starters? I'll do it…" Su Wen smiled warmly.
"…"
Wang Yan's eyes shone.
This is confidence born of strength. All the rhetoric in the world can't match laying down hard power. The team's morale soared like a rocket.
"We… can win, right?"
"Guaranteed," Su Wen blurted out.
Wang Yan stared at Su Wen's nonchalant back, baffled.
…
Sea God Island.
Xuan Zi sat on the steps, swigged wine, gnawed a drumstick—full of melancholy.
Yan Shaozhe approached and sighed.
"Elder Xuan, don't blame yourself. This was… Duke Dai Hao's fault. As a border commander, how could he host you with drink? With the alcohol, you all let your guard down and fell into the Evil Soul Masters' trap. And with Xiao Wen there, the damage wasn't fatal. Elder Zhuang says the Azure Luan's heal was timely. Yueheng's wounds are heavy but won't harm his aptitude or foundation after proper care…"
With that, Xuan Zi felt a little better and waved. "Enough. I'll account to the Pavilion Elders."
He left toward the Sea God Pavilion, a lonely figure.
"Sigh, how did it…" Yan Shaozhe watched his back, sighing.
…
Sea God Pavilion council hall.
The atmosphere was odd.
In recent years, Xuan Zi had led three times—and each time, major incidents occurred. Su Wen was present each time—first, they encountered a 100,000-year soul beast—everyone badly wounded. Second, they were hunted by Evil Soul Masters—Su Wen disappeared. Third… toyed with by a Soul King?!!
You're Shrek's foremost open-acting powerhouse!
More striking—each time, Su Wen turned the tide. According to Yao Haoxuan, once awake, Su Wen did everything—pre-warned, then rescued after the fact. Without him, they wouldn't just be incapacitated without hidden injuries—people would have died!
"Elder Mu… I want to resign as Deputy Head of the Inspection Team."
Xuan Zi finally spoke.
"What! Absolutely not!" Yan Shaozhe glanced at Xian Lin'er and hurried to dissuade him.
The elders watched leisurely.
Elder Xuan resigning—this play had been staged several times in the Pavilion.
It always ended the same.
"Alright."
But to everyone's surprise—
The silent Mu En nodded slightly. His first word since the meeting began.
"…"
The hall went dead silent.
Everyone stared at Elder Mu in disbelief.
He agreed?!!
Even Xuan Zi was stunned—he looked up sharply, at a loss.
"Elder Mu, I…"
"Didn't you want to resign? I approve. From now on, relinquish all Shrek posts and stay quietly at the Academy. No—if you wish to wander the continent, I won't stop you," Mu En's gentle tone made Xuan Zi shiver.
"Teacher, Elder Xuan is also…" Yan Shaozhe started, then dared not contradict, shifting topics.
"So that's your crutch?!!" Mu En's voice rose suddenly, cold.
"Everyone forgives you again and again, trusts you again and again—so you think no matter the mistake, as long as you put on a sad face, you'll be forgiven?"
Mu En sighed.
"So that's it…"
"No wonder you never change."
"No, Elder Mu, I… I…" Xuan Zi panicked visibly, flustered.
"You say you're not—but you act that way," Mu En closed his eyes, hiding his disappointment.
Not all bad news, though.
Su Wen had given him unimaginable surprise…
Faster—just a bit faster.
He only hoped his body could endure a while longer—long enough to hand Shrek over safely to Su Wen.
"Shaozhe," he said softly.
"Teacher, I'm here!" Yan Shaozhe bent quickly.
"Henceforth, all inner court disciples must carry an invincibility shield and defensive soul tools on missions. Work with Lin'er on the details. Our Soul Tool Department can make these—no need to purchase from the Sun–Moon Empire."
"Secondly, Shrek… truly must change."
He murmured.
"Teacher, the inner court reports three Soul Kings remain on campus. If Elder Xuan leads them, time's enough. Should we…" Yan Shaozhe asked carefully.
"No."
Mu En shook his head.
"This lesson exposes too many of Shrek's failings: arrogance and conceit. Our millennial honor has become a burden, a shackle, binding us."
"This time, let them go."
"I want to see how far they go with Su Wen…"