At this point, Shrek Academy was no longer the small, humble academy it once was. Over ten thousand years, every outstanding graduate of Shrek had secured key positions across the Douluo Continent.
After all, in the world of Douluo, strength was everything.
Inside the Sea God Pavilion on Shrek's grounds, Dragon God Douluo Mu En sat reclined in his chair, listening to Xuan Zi's report.
"Master Mu, that's the situation. There's absolutely no information about the self-created spirit skill used by that freshman, Huo Yuer. However, I'm certain that she didn't create it herself—it's a self-created spirit skill imbued with intent. The only person I've seen with such a skill is you, so there's no mistake."
Mu En remained silent for a long time, as if asleep, before finally speaking slowly.
"I understand. Leave it at that for now.
I've met that child—she's a gentle and good-natured girl."
"But—" Xuan Zi tried to argue further but was cut off by Mu En raising his hand.
"That's enough. No matter who stands behind that child, as long as she bears no ill will toward Shrek, we need not concern ourselves further."
In the end, Xuan Zi could only reluctantly suppress his thoughts and leave.
As Xuan Zi's figure disappeared from the pavilion, Mu En couldn't help but call out one last time.
"Xuan Zi, stop letting the past bind you. My time is running short, and the future of Shrek rests on your shoulders."
Xuan Zi froze just as he was about to step out of the door. His aged face filled with regret. Years ago, a soul-hunting mission gone wrong due to his own spirit defects had cost many talented inner court students their lives. That mission should have been foolproof, and he still carried the guilt to this day.
In the end, Xuan Zi left with a desolate figure, his trembling voice barely managing a weak acknowledgment before departing.
Left alone in the meeting room, Mu En could only sigh helplessly.
Though Xuan Zi, the 98th-level Taotie Douluo, was powerful, Mu En couldn't shake his unease. After all, Shrek's enemies were formidable, and the current generation of Shrek was struggling to bridge the gap between the old and the new.
But none of this had anything to do with Ye Wen or Huo Yu'er.
---
At this moment, Huo Yu'er was struggling through push-ups, sweat pouring down her face like rain, yet she dared not pause for even a second.
This was, after all, a meticulously crafted training regimen designed by Ye Wen—one that wouldn't go easy on her.
And Ye Wen was planning to increase the difficulty even further.
"Sister is amazing! Keep it up, sister!" Little Xue'er cheered, clapping her tiny, delicate hands while sitting on Huo Yuer's back.
To ensure the fragile little Xue'er's safety, Huo Yu'er didn't dare lose focus for even a moment.
"Ahhh!!! Master, are you a devil? How could you do this to me? But with little Xue'er's encouragement, I'm so excited I can't stop!"
Seeing this, Ye Wen chuckled smugly.
When the human body reaches its limits, the secretion of specific hormones can significantly reduce pain and fear.
Though this would leave Huo Yu'er utterly exhausted afterward, Ye Wen was unfazed—he could easily restore her with some medicine. Thanks to this intense, hellish training, Huo Yu'er's physical abilities were skyrocketing like a rocket.
Training alongside Huo Yu'er was Jiang Nannan, who was also considered one of Ye Wen's disciples.
However, unlike Huo Yu'er, who was destined to become an ultimate soldier with all-around development in the original timeline, Ye Wen had a different curriculum for Jiang Nannan.
A mediocre teacher would treat all students the same, but true mastery lies in tailoring instruction to each individual.
Jiang Nannan's spirit, the Soft Bone Rabbit, relied heavily on her powerful legs—specifically, her lower body.
Thus, among the Six Techniques, Ye Wen first instructed Jiang Nannan to master Shave, Gale Kick, and Moon Step, all of which focused on the lower body.
Though Jiang Nannan was the most beautiful girl in the outer court, she was far from delicate. On the contrary, in the original timeline, she even earned the title of "Mad Rabbit Demon," showcasing her ruthlessness toward herself and her insatiable thirst for power.
However, aside from the two girls, there was another person present.
"Handsome Master, please take me as your disciple!" Xiao Xiao pleaded sweetly.
Ye Wen glanced helplessly at the petite and adorable loli-like Xiao Xiao.
"Little girl, how many times have I told you? Your ties to Shrek are closer than mine. If you reveal your twin spirits, those elders in the Sea God Pavilion won't refuse to take you as a disciple. Why would you want to follow someone like me, a soul master of questionable origins?"
At this, Xiao Xiao pouted and said, "Shrek has too many rules. I don't want to be tied so closely to them~"
Ye Wen didn't respond but instead gave Xiao Xiao a deep look.
His memories of Xiao Xiao were sparse.
However, based on his investigations in this world, Xiao Xiao wasn't just a member of a fallen noble family. Her parents were extraordinary individuals—both were Titled Douluo.
Her father, in his final moments, even broke through to the 99th level, reaching the realm of a godlike Douluo. Unfortunately, he ultimately perished in battle against beings like Di Tian. Her mother met a similar fate, dying in the same beast tide.
Perhaps because of this, Xiao Xiao didn't want to form a deep bond with Shrek.
Though Shrek hadn't directly caused her parents' deaths, their involvement in the war indirectly led to their demise.
Even so, in the original timeline, Shrek's PUA techniques were highly effective, leading Xiao Xiao to voluntarily reveal her twin spirits before the freshmen tournament.
But in this world, thanks to the butterfly effect of Ye Wen's presence, Xiao Xiao had new options.
Though young, Xiao Xiao was well-versed in the art of being a loli.
Soft voices, relentless persistence~
While Xiao Xiao's potential was undeniable, her allegiances were already clear. Ye Wen had no desire to train a future traitor who might turn against him.
However, influenced by Huo Yuler, Xiao Xiao had set her sights on Ye Wen as her "master."
After all, in Xiao Xiao's eyes, if Huo Yuler—a girl whose first spirit ring was a worthless white ring—could be trained to such heights, then someone like her, with twin spirits, would surely achieve greatness under Ye Wen's guidance.
Moreover, Xiao Xiao was clever.
Having just finished ten thousand push-ups and half-dead, Huo Yuler chimed in with support.
"Master, please take Xiao Xiao as your disciple! She has twin spirits. Together, we'll surely make our sect famous across the continent."
"Yes, handsome master! If you take Xiao Xiao, she'll definitely bring glory to our sect in the future."
The more Ye Wen listened to their words, the more absurd they sounded. He even suspected they were trolling him—and he had evidence.
"Enough!" Annoyed by their incessant chatter, Ye Wen snapped.
Sure enough, under the imposing aura of an adult, the two immediately backed down. Jiang Nannan simply glanced at them before continuing her training.
Bring glory to the Tian Xing Sect? To say such a thing in front of a 99th-level master? Ridiculous!
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