The road from Shrek City's entrance to the outskirts of the academy was long and crowded, but for Yuhao and Tianyi, every step felt unreal — as though they were walking through the pages of a legend. Merchants, soul masters, travelers, and nobles from every corner of the continent passed beside them, all converging toward the same place: the most powerful academy in the world.
Shrek Academy's outer gate finally came into view near noon.
It was simple — shockingly simple — for a place of such renown. No towering walls, no ornate markings, only a plain wooden arch surrounded by ancient trees whose leaves whispered faintly with soul power.
Yuhao trembled slightly."This is… Shrek?"
Tang Ya puffed out her cheeks. "Don't underestimate it just because the entrance looks normal! Once you're past this gate, every step becomes harder."
Bei Bei nodded. "Only those who pass the first trial can even set foot inside."
Tianyi observed the area quietly.
Soul fluctuations rippled around the gate. A testing barrier — subtle, but powerful. The strong could pass unhindered. The weak would be blocked.
Tianyi stepped forward first.
Tang Ya blinked. "Eh?? You're not nervous?"
Tianyi shook his head. "A gate will not stop me."
Yuhao swallowed. Tianyi's calmness was encouraging… and a little intimidating.
As Tianyi approached, the barrier shimmered.
Yuhao held his breath.
Would Tianyi push through easily? He felt strong, but Shrek was—
Shoo—
The barrier opened smoothly, like water parting around a stone. A gentle resonance flowed through him, as if acknowledging the unique aura of Tianyi's Celestial Qin.
Even Bei Bei raised an eyebrow."Oh? The barrier reacted positively."
Tang Ya's jaw dropped. "Hey—! It didn't do that for ME!"
Tianyi stepped aside modestly. "Perhaps it sensed my martial soul."
Tang Ya crossed her arms."I feel bullied."
Yuhao stepped forward next, sweat beading at his forehead. He pushed his palms against the barrier—
Pressure crashed down on him instantly, slamming into his chest like a wave. But Yuhao grit his teeth.
"I… I'll pass… no matter what!"
The barrier flickered uncertainly.
Tianyi quietly shifted behind him, placing a steadying hand near Yuhao's back — not pushing, but letting out a faint, stabilizing hum from the qin case.
Yuhao felt his breath smooth out.
And—
Shuooo—
The barrier opened.
Yuhao stumbled inside, panting.
Tang Ya blinked. "Yuhao… You passed the first test!"
Bei Bei smiled warmly. "Good job."
Yuhao exhaled shakily. "Thank… goodness…"
Tianyi gave a small nod."Well done."
Yuhao flushed slightly. "T-thank you. I wouldn't have managed without—"
Tianyi shook his head. "You passed on your own."
Tang Ya slapped Tianyi's shoulder enthusiastically. "You two make a good team already!"
Bei Bei clapped his hands. "Let's go. The real entrance exam is deeper inside."
As they walked through the vast forest path beyond the gate, Tianyi felt a faint pull inside him — a whisper of destiny's strings tightening around his fingers.
And far away, from deeper within the academy, a faint surge of extreme fire flared for just a moment.
It brushed against the unique elemental resonance sleeping inside his qin.
Tianyi paused.
Yuhao looked up. "Is something wrong?"
"…Nothing," Tianyi said softly.
Not yet.
But fate had begun to stir.