Volume 2: The Beginning
Strolling through Suoto City, a boy and a girl eagerly explored its landmarks. Their eyes lit up at the mere mention of Shrek, though not because of the academy's recent fame. No—what glimmered in their gaze was a wistful longing, a quiet yearning...
Tang San frowned slightly, calculating in his mind. Five thousand gold coins a year… That was an astronomical amount. Even his modest income as a blacksmith wouldn't cover a fraction of such a cost. But he knew that for soul practitioners—especially those of higher rank—other paths would open. Hunting soul beasts, working for nobles, forging and selling enchanted tools—these ventures brought in far more wealth than any common trade could. And Shrek Academy, from all he had heard, offered its disciples every means necessary to focus solely on cultivation, free of worldly concerns.
Once a run-down school, Shrek had transformed into a name known across the Balak Province. An academy that accepted only monsters—but if you were chosen, paradise awaited. With such a small number of students, resources were abundant, training was personal, and expectations... uncompromising: to reach the 45th rank by age 20 at the latest.
Given the entry requirement—no older than twelve, and a soul power no less than rank 25—a student was expected to grow twenty ranks within eight years. That meant an average of 2.5 ranks per year. The academy itself would bear all expenses—but in the form of a loan. Tuition at Shrek was steep: 5,000 gold coins a year per person. Forty thousand over the course of eight years. Yet in return, its graduates became part of the Douluo elite.
The loan system was brutally simple: payment could be made at any time within the year. The academy covered all current expenses—no interest, no hidden fees. The flat rate included three hearty meals a day—often with spirit beast meat—housing, utilities, intense group and private training under experienced masters, help with hunting spirit beasts, and various other necessities.
Thanks to her enhanced spiritual awareness, Fu Huan sensed two familiar auras long before they approached the academy. Her perception was nothing short of astonishing—she could feel the flow of energy far beyond the academy walls. And now, those two auras raced straight toward her. A faint smile softened her usually cold expression. Quietly, she slipped away from the academy to meet them.
Tang San's spiritual power was notably higher than that of most soul masters his age—he stood at the thirtieth rank. Though he lacked the ring to ascend to thirty-one, he already knew which plant-type beasts might suit the advancement of his spirit. Still, he was in no rush. Fu Huan had advised him in a letter two months earlier not to hasten the process, reminding him that cultivated energy never dissipated—it lingered, settling into his cells, waiting for a breakthrough.
Xiao Wu's soul power mirrored Tang San's. The two of them—like matching boots—raced along the edge of the academy grounds. Fu Huan had already located them but made no effort to reveal herself. She had also identified four other promising figures in the city—each worthy of being called a monster—and their arrival at this moment was almost certainly tied to the academy's registration.
Dai Mubai was walking not far from the academy, lost in thought, pondering his upcoming training and Fu Huan's words. Her belief in his potential still echoed in his mind. As he walked, his sharp hearing caught snippets of a conversation around the corner.
"…so what is this place, Shrek?" came Tang San's voice.
"It's where monsters gather," Xiao Wu replied. "The conditions are tough—but fair. Still, we're really here because of her, right? Because of Fu Huan."
Tang San nodded, though he added with a trace of caution, "She's strong, no one denies that. And we owe her a lot. But her methods…"
Xiao Wu nudged him to go on.
"She's… direct. She believes the best way to learn is through pain and trials. But she's a genius. She always knows what she's doing. She saw more than just strength in us—she saw potential. She saw what others missed. And she's always supported us…"
Dai Mubai frowned. He wasn't blind to how harsh Fu Huan's methods could be, but he understood what drove her. She pushed her students to their limits, forcing their true abilities to surface. Hearing these newcomers speak of her—grateful, yes, but distant—irked him. They didn't understand yet. They didn't see what lay ahead, or how instrumental she had been in shaping their path. And it bothered him, the way they spoke of her in the third person, as if she weren't right there among them.
"And the tuition…" Xiao Wu continued. "Five thousand gold coins a year! Sure, they cover everything, but still…"
"They don't understand," Dai Mubai thought. "They don't understand what this place demands. They don't understand the dedication every teacher pours into their students. They don't understand the power it unlocks. And they don't understand what Fu Huan has given them."
He stepped from around the corner, his face unreadable. Tang San and Xiao Wu fell silent, surprised to see him.
"Do you have something to say about Shrek Academy?" Dai Mubai's voice was calm, yet steel laced his tone.
Tang San exchanged a glance with Xiao Wu. He had no wish to stir trouble, but he had always spoken his mind.
"We were just talking—" he began.
"You were talking about Fu Huan," Dai Mubai cut in, his eyes narrowing. "And from what I heard, you're grateful—but you speak of her as if she's not here, as if you don't quite grasp what she's done for you."
Xiao Wu stepped forward, ready to defend Tang San, but he stopped her with a silent gesture.
"We are grateful," Tang San said firmly. "We know we owe her a great deal. We came here because she believed in us, and we believe this is the best place for us. But we're also trying to understand what awaits us, and discussing our impressions."
"Understand?" Dai Mubai's voice turned sharp. "You speak of Fu Huan as if you don't know her. She gave you… more than you realize. She saw what others overlooked and gave you a chance to grow stronger. She guided you. And I'm not convinced you understand what that truly means."
"We do understand how much we owe her," Tang San replied. "We came to learn and grow. And we are thankful for her support. But we believe open conversation and the pursuit of understanding is part of that growth."
"Open conversation?" Dai Mubai gave a short, dry laugh. "I've studied here for years. I've seen her pour her soul into every student. I've watched countless newcomers arrive with ambition, but no grasp of the trials ahead. And as a senior student, it's my duty to ensure you do understand where you are—and what's expected of you."
He looked directly at Tang San, his gaze filled with challenge. "I won't let anyone show disrespect to Fu Huan. She's the reason many of us have become stronger than we ever imagined. And I won't allow disrespect to the academy she helped shape. If you have complaints—say them to her face. Until then… show respect. To those who are stronger than you, to those who gave everything for this place, and to those who've given something of themselves for you. Prove you're worthy of the faith she's placed in you."
Tang San frowned. He didn't fear Dai Mubai, but he didn't want to start a fight either. He sensed that there was more behind Dai Mubai's words than mere defense of the academy—something personal.
"I respect strength," Tang San said. "But not arrogance. And I won't let anyone silence me. I don't believe respect is owed simply because someone is stronger. Respect must be earned. And I believe I have the right to ask questions, to seek understanding. I am grateful to Fu Huan for her support. But that doesn't mean I will blindly accept everything she says without striving to understand it for myself."
"Then prove it," Dai Mubai said, his eyes gleaming. "Prove you belong here. Prove you're worthy of her tutelage. Prove you deserve her respect. Prove you're worthy of her faith. And prove you're ready for what lies ahead at Shrek."
Tang San and Xiao Wu stood side by side, facing Dai Mubai.
"Come at me together," Mubai said with a grin, summoning his White Tiger spirit. Three spirit rings appeared around him—intimidating, though he only used the first two in battle.
Tang San and Xiao Wu summoned their own spirits.
Though Tang San wanted to face Mubai alone, seeing the fire in Xiao Wu's eyes, he said nothing.
Dai Mubai—Power-type Spirit Master, Spirit Grandmaster, Rank 39.
Tang San—Control-type Spirit Master, Spirit Master, Rank 30.
Xiao Wu—Agility-type Spirit Master, Spirit Master, Rank 30.
Each wore a faint smile. The duel began.
Their seamless coordination caught Mubai off guard, but he wasn't easily overwhelmed.
"First spirit skill—Binding!"
Tang San's skill shot out to restrain him. At the same time, Xiao Wu darted forward with speed that belied her form. Years of training under Fu Huan bore fruit. She bypassed Tang San's technique and activated her second spirit skill—Short-Range Teleportation—closing the gap to strike.
But Mubai met her attack head-on, sending her flying with a counter.
Though she landed hard, Mubai had barely taken damage. He'd faced worse from Fu Huan and the other instructors.
Timing it right, Mubai finally activated his first soul skill:
"White Tiger Light Wave!"
A concentrated blast of energy surged toward them. Though they dodged, Mubai had already predicted their movement. Targeting Xiao Wu first, he closed in and released the skill again. She narrowly evaded, but the blast clipped her ankle, sending her skidding away.
Seeing her fall, Tang San's fury rose—but then Mubai activated his second soul skill:
"White Tiger Body Enhancement!"
His speed and strength surged. He shattered Tang San's Binding and sent him flying toward Xiao Wu with a single strike.
Though injured, neither of them would concede. They began to regroup—but a sudden rift tore through the ground between them, hurling them apart.
On the rooftop nearby, Fu Huan watched with a faint, pleased expression.
The trio broke into a cold sweat, realizing that what had seemed like a simple flick of her finger had caused the rupture. Fu Huan rarely interfered when Dai Mubai sparred with new students. But this time, it seemed the newcomers had caught her interest—Dai Mubai realized this at once.
Tang San and Xiao Wu barely recognized the once-cold Fu Huan, her face now adorned with a soft, serene smile.
"Fu Huan… do these two intrigue you?" Dai Mubai asked, trying to mask his awe at her power.
"Yes," Fu Huan replied without turning. "This is Tang San and Xiao Wu. We studied together back in Nuoding."
"Fu Huan!"
"Fu-jie!"
Tang San and Xiao Wu called out warmly, forgetting the battle moments earlier.
"We wanted to join Shrek because we heard it only accepts monsters," Tang San said, a bit sheepish. "But maybe our resolve wasn't as firm as we thought."
"What… what was that technique?" Xiao Wu asked, her voice trembling slightly as she remembered the devastating slash. "You could've killed us with a flick of your hand!"
Fu Huan shrugged, as if it were nothing. "Just a simple spatial rift. Nothing special."
The three were drenched in cold sweat. If that was a simple rift, what would a true one be like?
Fu Huan's gaze swept over them. There was more in her eyes than mere satisfaction.
"It's good that you came," she said. "But don't expect exceptions. Shrek takes in only monsters. You'll have to prove you belong here."
Then she turned to Dai Mubai.
"And you… try not to kill them next time."
With that, Fu Huan walked away—confidence, grace, and strength radiating from her every step—leaving Dai Mubai stunned, and Tang San and Xiao Wu filled with quiet resolve to face whatever awaited them.