Shrek Academy — Inner Courtyard
Soft sunlight filtered through the canopy of ancient trees, scattering golden flecks over a secluded courtyard hidden deep within Shrek Academy. The gentle fragrance of blooming flowers drifted in the air, mingling with the crisp morning breeze.
Inside one of the houses nestled in this tranquil haven, a young boy sat cross-legged on a wooden chair, completely absorbed in a book. His long black hair mixed with hazel golden color, cascaded down his back, catching the light like threads of silk. Beside him, a woman of ethereal beauty—her features serene, her presence soft yet dignified—was carefully tying his hair. The tender scene radiated the quiet warmth of a mother's love.
"Xian'er, you're already six years old," Ya Li said, her voice gentle as a spring breeze. "It's time for you to awaken your Martial Soul."
The boy—Yun Xian—lifted his gaze, his golden eyes flickering with excitement. Once, he had been a lifeless infant in her arms, revived only by the sacrifice of Elder Ye Xian. Now, he stood healthy and bright, slightly taller than children his age yet slender enough to blur the line between boy and girl.
"Mom, can I really awaken my Martial Soul now?" he asked, voice trembling with pure anticipation.
Ya Li's heart melted at the sight. A radiant smile curved her lips as she pinched his cheek. "Yes, but you'll have to wait until your father returns from the Elders' Meeting. Once he's here, we'll begin."
"Yay!" Yun Xian cheered, hopping off his chair in joy.
He had waited for this moment—his Martial Soul Awakening—for six long years.
But unlike other children, his excitement carried a deeper meaning, a secret no one else in this world could ever imagine.
Because Yun Xian wasn't truly a child of this world. His soul had been reincarnated into it—born naturally from Ya Li and Yun Ming, yet carrying memories of another life entirely.
"Alright, alright, stop bouncing," Ya Li said, though her smile betrayed her amusement.
"You don't understand, Mom! This is the most exciting day ever!" Yun Xian beamed.
"I know," she chuckled, brushing her hands against his soft hair. "Every child feels the same before their awakening. Now, sit down and finish your reading. I'll prepare breakfast. Your father will be here soon."
"Yes, ma'am!" Yun Xian replied smartly, snapping into a mock salute.
Ya Li laughed softly and walked toward the kitchen. The fragrance of morning dew lingered behind her as Yun Xian sat back down, the open book before him forgotten.
Yun Xian's POV
'Six years… It's been six years since I came into this world,' he thought, gazing absently at the turning pages. 'Back then, I thought that voice gave me another chance—to return to my old world. But instead… I was reborn here—in the world of Soul Land.'
A faint sigh escaped his lips.
'I don't even know which era this is. The only story I know ended twenty thousand years ago—when Tang San ascended to the Divine Realm with his friends and Xiao Wu…'
'And between those twenty thousand years,' Yun Xian mused silently, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling, 'another legend was born—Huo Yuhao, the Spirit Ice Douluo.'
'He was the one who founded the Spirit Pagoda and pioneered the Spirit Soul technology. A man who changed the entire cultivation system… the one most admired after Tang San himself.'
Yun Xian closed the book, letting it rest on his lap as a faint smile curved his lips.
'Don't tell me this era will also give birth to someone like them?' he wondered. Then, a chuckle escaped him, soft but tinged with disbelief. 'Or… could it be me? Am I fated to become the protagonist of this era?'
He shook his head, amusement flickering across his eyes.
'Heh… impossible. I have no such grand ambitions. I only want one thing—to help people, to live a life that holds meaning. If that makes me a hero, then so be it… but not every hero needs to be a protagonist.'
The sunlight slipped through the open window, casting golden ripples over his face. He lifted his hand, watching the light dance across his fingers.
'Well…' he exhaled softly, a hint of anticipation stirring beneath his calm tone, 'let's see where my fate leads—after I awaken my Martial Soul.'
…
…
Time slipped by quietly as Yun Xian continued to read, the gentle rustle of turning pages mingling with the chirping of birds outside. The morning sun had risen high, spilling its golden light through the window.
Two hours had already passed.
Now, both mother and son sat in the courtyard, waiting. The soft aroma of Ya Li's freshly made breakfast still lingered in the air, yet the seats across the table remained empty.
"...How long do we have to wait?" Yun Xian finally muttered, resting his chin on his palm. "Father's getting late."
Ya Li smiled faintly, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Don't worry, son. He'll be here soon."
"Okay…" Yun Xian replied softly, his voice losing a bit of its earlier excitement. His gaze drifted toward the distant sky, where clouds moved lazily above the treetops.
A quiet breeze passed between them—warm, gentle, yet carrying a subtle weight of anticipation.
Just as the morning breeze brushed through the courtyard, a faint golden light shimmered in the air—and from within it, a tall man stepped forward.
His presence was calm yet commanding. Handsome and dignified, his face carried a gentle smile that could ease any heart. As his gaze fell upon Ya Li and Yun Xian, warmth flickered in his eyes.
"I'm here," Yun Ming said softly, his tone filled with affection. "Did I make you two wait too long?"
"Father, you're finally here!" Yun Xian leaped up from his seat, his excitement overflowing. "Do you know how long we've been waiting? Come on—let's eat quickly and then awaken my Martial Soul!"
Yun Ming chuckled, a light glimmer of amusement dancing in his expression. "Alright, alright. My fault for keeping you waiting. Let's eat first—then we'll begin, just as you said."
He took a seat, and Ya Li—smiling gently—rose to serve the dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as she placed the plates before them. Once done, she sat beside them, her every movement graceful and tender.
For a while, the courtyard was filled only with the quiet clinking of dishes and soft laughter.
Yun Xian enjoyed the meal wholeheartedly; every bite tasted divine. He couldn't help but think—with the nourishment of soul power, even a simple loaf of bread or a piece of roasted meat from a soul beast becomes delicious beyond compare.
In that warm, peaceful moment, the world outside seemed to fade away—leaving only the quiet happiness of a family together.
Soon, they finished their breakfast.
"Alright," Yun Ming said with a gentle smile, setting down his cup. "Since we're done, let's head to the awakening chamber and awaken Xiao Xian's Martial Soul."
"Okay!" Yun Xian replied, his voice brimming with excitement. His heart raced as countless thoughts filled his mind—Would he awaken his mother's Angel of Hope, or his father's Atlas Spear? Both were top-tier Martial Souls, yet deep down, he wished for his mother's.
Yun Ming extended his hands toward them. Holding Ya Li and Yun Xian's hands, a soft golden light surrounded the three of them—
—and in the next instant, they vanished from the courtyard.
…
…
In the blink of an eye, the three appeared before the Ancient Golden Tree, its massive branches glowing faintly with divine light. The air here was serene, filled with an aura of vitality that seemed to touch the soul.
Without delay, Yun Ming led Ya Li and Yun Xian toward the grand hall beneath the sacred tree — the place where the Awakening Chamber was located. Their footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor as they walked.
"Xiao Xian," Yun Ming said as they moved through the corridor, "do you know how the Martial Soul awakening process works?"
"Of course I do!" Yun Xian replied quickly. "Before the technological advancements, people used the Awakening Stone with the help of a Soul Master. But that method had risks—especially higher chances of Martial Soul mutation. Now, thanks to Spirit Pagoda's technology, awakening is much safer. We just need to enter the Awakening Chamber and let a Soul Master guide the process."
"Oh? You really know quite a lot," Yun Ming said, feigning surprise though his smile betrayed him. He already knew his son's habits—reading late into the night whenever he wasn't training or studying.
"Of course! I'm your son, after all," Yun Xian said proudly, puffing his chest out.
Ya Li, walking beside them, couldn't help but smile at the playful exchange. Watching the two act like this always filled her heart with quiet joy.
Before long, they arrived at the entrance of the Awakening Chamber, where three familiar figures stood waiting — two men and one woman.
The moment Yun Xian saw them, his eyes lit up. "Uncle Feng! Uncle Zhou! Aunty Cai! Were you waiting for me?" he called out, running ahead.
"Hmph! Who was waiting for you, little brat?" Feng Wuyu snorted, crossing his arms.
"Don't mind him, Xiao Xian," Cai Yue'er said with a teasing smile, giving Feng Wuyu a sharp glare. "He's just a grumpy old man. Come here, let your aunty take a good look at how much you've grown."
Yun Ming and Ya Li soon caught up, greeting the three elders with warm smiles.
"Thank you for coming," Yun Ming said sincerely.
"What are you thanking us for? We're old friends," Zhou Shi said calmly.
"Indeed," Cai Yue'er added, her eyes softening. "Besides, I wouldn't miss my nephew's Martial Soul Awakening for anything."
"Alright, alright," Feng Wuyu grumbled, waving his hand. "Since everyone's here, let's get on with it and awaken this brat's Martial Soul already."
The others exchanged amused looks.
'Heh… tsundere.'
All of them thought it at the same time—except Yun Xian, who blinked innocently, wondering why everyone suddenly looked like they were holding back a laugh.