News of the Earth Titan Emperor's appearance—and its peaceful withdrawal after facing a single young man—spread across the Douluo Continent like wildfire.
Within days, Suotuo City buzzed with exaggerated tales: a new Titled Douluo who commanded super spirit beasts with a glance; Shrek Academy hiding a peerless expert; the forest guardian bowing to human restraint.
Spirit Hall's response was swift and layered.
Publicly, they praised the "mysterious hero" for averting disaster. Privately, orders flowed from Wuhun City: investigate Jin Mori thoroughly. Determine allegiance. Assess threat.
At Shrek, life resumed—with subtle differences.
The Seven Devils trained harder, inspired by what they had witnessed. Grandmaster's lectures now included discussions of domain control and restraint under absolute power. Flender, for once, stopped complaining about funds—nobles and merchants sent "gratitude gifts" in hopes of currying favor with the academy that housed a legend.
But the most profound change was between Jin Mori and Ning Rongrong.
No longer teacher and student in the old sense.
They still met every evening in the clearing, but training now blended seamlessly with quiet intimacy—shared meditation, gentle sparring that ended in laughter, conversations that stretched until stars faded.
One such night, weeks after the Titan's visit, they lay side by side on the grass, fingers laced, watching clouds drift across the moon.
"I never thanked you properly," Rongrong said softly. "For protecting everyone. For staying."
Mori turned his head to look at her. Moonlight traced silver along her profile.
"I stayed for you," he said simply. "The others matter. But you… you are why this world feels like home."
She rolled onto her side, propping her head on her hand.
"Father sent a letter yesterday," she admitted. "He wants me to return to the clan soon—for preparation. The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is in six months. Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will field a team, and as heiress…"
Mori's expression grew thoughtful.
"You'll represent Shrek," he said with quiet certainty. "Not the clan."
Rongrong smiled, relief evident. "I already wrote back saying exactly that. He wasn't pleased, but… I'm not the same girl who arrived here."
"No," Mori agreed, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "You're extraordinary."
Their kiss was slow, unhurried—born of certainty rather than discovery.
When they parted, Rongrong rested her head on his chest.
"Will you come with us? To the tournament?"
He wrapped an arm around her.
"Where you go, I follow."
The invitation from Heaven Dou Empire arrived a fortnight later.
Prince Xue Qinghe—crown prince and reputed genius spirit master—requested the presence of Shrek Academy's team and teachers at Heaven Dou City for a "friendly exhibition" ahead of the great tournament. Ostensibly to foster camaraderie among future competitors. In truth, to assess the rumored Titled Douluo up close.
Flender accepted immediately—visions of royal patronage dancing in his head.
Grandmaster cautioned restraint.
Mori simply nodded. "It's time."
The journey to Heaven Dou City took ten days by carriage—luxurious ones provided by the empire, a not-so-subtle display of wealth.
The capital was breathtaking: white marble avenues, spirit lamp-lit streets, palaces floating on artificial lakes via soul guide technology. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy loomed grandest of all—towers of crystal and gold, training fields larger than entire villages.
They were housed in royal guest quarters—silk sheets, servants, meals that made Rongrong homesick for neither clan nor Shrek's simple fare.
The exhibition was scheduled for the third day.
A grand arena within the imperial palace grounds, seats filled with nobles, spirit masters, and even visiting dignitaries from Star Luo Empire.
Shrek Seven Devils would face Heaven Dou Royal Academy's elite team—led by three young Spirit Elders in their late teens, backed by imperial resources.
Mori sat in the honored guest section beside Prince Xue Qinghe—a handsome youth with gentle smile and eyes that missed nothing.
"You are the one they call Teacher Jin," the prince said warmly. "The continent speaks highly of you."
Mori inclined his head. "I am merely a teacher."
Xue Qinghe's smile deepened. "Modesty becomes the strong. I look forward to witnessing your students' prowess."
The match began.
Heaven Dou's team was polished—perfect formations, coordinated spirit fusion techniques, martial souls of noble lineage.
But Shrek had grown in fire.
Dai Mubai's White Tiger roared. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass controlled the field like a living web. Xiao Wu danced death. Zhu Zhuqing struck from shadows. Ma Hongjun's phoenix flames burned purer than ever. Oscar's sausages flew in perfect rhythm.
And Ning Rongrong…
She stood at the center now—not the back.
Pagoda blazing, boosts flowing like music—fifty percent now, after recent breakthroughs in private training.
"Seven Treasures turn out glass! First: Strength! Second: Speed! Third: Defense! Fourth: Attack! Fifth: Agility! Sixth: Spirit Power!"
The imperial team faltered under the onslaught.
Ten minutes later, Shrek stood victorious.
The crowd—expecting an easy imperial win—erupted in stunned applause.
Prince Xue Qinghe rose, clapping politely.
"Magnificent," he said to Mori. "Your guidance is evident."
After the match, in private gardens overlooking the city, the prince spoke more candidly.
"Shrek is small, yet produces miracles. Join us. Bring your students. Heaven Dou Empire offers resources Spirit Hall cannot match—without their… constraints."
Mori met his gaze steadily.
"My students choose their own path. As do I."
The prince's smile did not waver, but something colder flickered in his eyes.
"Of course. The offer remains."
That night, in their shared guest suite, Rongrong found Mori on the balcony.
"You felt it too," she said quietly, slipping her arms around his waist from behind. "The prince… something's off."
Mori covered her hands with his.
"Many shadows hide behind smiles in palaces."
She rested her cheek against his back.
"Whatever comes—Spirit Hall, empires, tournaments—we face it together."
He turned, drawing her close.
"Always."
Far below, in the city streets, a figure in white and gold robes watched the palace lights.
A Spirit Hall elder, reporting directly to the Supreme Pontiff.
"The boy refuses Heaven Dou. Good. Soon, he will have nowhere else to turn."
But deeper still, in Wuhun City's sacred halls, Bibi Dong stared at a crystal projection of the exhibition match.
Her eyes narrowed on the young man with jade eyes and restrained aura.
"Interesting," she murmured. "A power not of this world… yet he binds himself to children."
A seraphim shadow stirred behind her.
"Shall we extend an invitation, Your Holiness?"
Bibi Dong's lips curved.
"Not yet. Let the tournament come. Let him reveal more."
In Heaven Dou's undercurrents, pieces moved.
The great competition loomed—where empires, sects, and hidden gods would collide.
And at Shrek's heart, a love burned steady—anchor against coming storms.
Mori held Rongrong as city lights twinkled below.
Whatever shadows gathered, they would face them side by side.
The echo grew louder.
The continent listened.