After completing our enrollment, Tang Ya, Jiang Nannan, Huo Yuhao, and I officially became students of Shrek Academy. As we exited the administration building, I ran my thumb over the cold metal surface of my newly issued student token. The academy's emblem shimmered in the late afternoon light, a mark of prestige and promise.
Beside me, Tang Ya twirled her own token between her fingers, her sapphire-blue hair catching the sun. "Monsters, remember? Geniuses and perverts," she said, quoting Dean Flander's infamous motto with a mischievous grin.
Behind us, Huo Yuhao lingered quietly, his gaze fixed on the token in his palm. Noticing his hesitation, I gave him a nudge. "Relax, Yuhao. You belong here as much as any of us. Especially with a unique martial soul like yours."
He looked up and gave a small nod, tucking the token safely into his robe. I reached into my belt and pulled out a storage soul tool, shaped like a silver belt embedded with twenty-four small gemstones that gleamed with moonlight.
"Here," I said, offering it to him. "Your first gift as a Tang Sect disciple. Each of these gems holds one cubic meter of space. Perfect for carrying supplies... or snacks."
Yuhao took the belt reverently, running his fingers over its intricate carvings. "How does it work?"
"Channel your soul power into the central gem. It'll respond to your intent. But don't lose it. These aren't easy to make. You need rare metals and the craftsmanship of a Spirit Guidance Master."
Later that day, as the academy settled into its evening rhythm, I strolled through the campus alone. Students sparred in the training grounds. Groups huddled around scrolls, debating techniques and formations. The air buzzed with energy. Though our identities remained concealed, I could already hear whispers.
"Did you hear? The Tang Sect has new prodigies."
Of course, strength would be our true introduction. Let them whisper for now.
After dinner, the group dispersed to our assigned dorms. I walked alone to my private wooden house near the training grounds, a tranquil contrast to the rest of the bustling campus. Grandpa Xuan had arranged it personally. I understood why—privacy was a necessity when cultivating with Heavens Gate Martial Spirit.
As I stepped inside, I glanced toward the distant dorm buildings. A confrontation was about to brew in Dorm 201. Yuhao would soon meet his roommate—Wang Dong. That encounter, I knew, would shape much of his early days at Shrek.
Meanwhile, At Dorm 201
Huo Yuhao approached his assigned room, noticing that the lights were already on. He assumed his roommate had arrived and hurried forward, raising his hand to knock.
The door creaked open before he could touch it. Standing in the entrance, he found himself face-to-face with an elegant, androgynous youth with striking blue hair tipped with pinkish-red. Without a word, the stranger brushed past him and stepped onto the balcony.
"Hello, I'm your roommate," Yuhao offered politely.
The youth turned slightly, casting a dismissive glance over his shoulder. "There are rules. Remember them."
He counted them off with a crisp tone:
"One: Don't bring anyone into the dorm casually. Two: No nudity. Three: No snoring. Four: Don't disturb me while I cultivate. Five: You can clean the room, but don't touch my bed. Got it?"
Yuhao frowned. "Why should I listen to you?"
The youth turned fully, eyes gleaming. "Because if you don't, I'll kick your ass. Try me."
Yuhao bristled. "What's your name? I don't fight nobodies."
"Wang Dong," came the cool reply. "And yours?"
"Huo Yuhao."
Wang Dong smirked. "Great. I think your name will be forgotten by tomorrow. Come on, fool."
In Front of the Dorms
The two boys faced each other beneath the twilight sky. A few leaves circled them as if nature itself signaled the start of their duel.
Unbeknownst to them, Elder Mu En rested beneath a nearby tree, quietly observing the confrontation.
Yuhao summoned his martial spirit, his first white ring appearing as he shifted into a defensive stance. Wang Dong, confident and unbothered, folded one arm behind his back.
"One hand is enough for you," he taunted.
He dashed forward in a zigzag, aiming a right-handed strike. Yuhao parried expertly, deflecting the blow. Wang Dong followed up with a flurry of three rapid kicks. Yuhao blocked again and retaliated with a low sweep and a flurry of punches. Wang Dong danced away, retaliating with a reverse kick that forced Yuhao back.
They were evenly matched in technique, but Yuhao lacked the raw power.
"That all you've got?" Wang Dong mocked, leaping into the air for a flying kick.
At that moment, Yuhao activated his Spirit Eyes. Time seemed to slow. His awareness expanded. Every move, every breath of wind, was crystal clear.
Elder Mu En's eyes narrowed. Even from a distance, he could sense the extraordinary potential behind Yuhao's skill and perception.
Wang Dong's strikes came faster, but Yuhao anticipated and dodged them all, parrying with grace and countering with Tang Sect techniques.
But exhaustion crept in. Yuhao was nearing his limit. As he stepped back, he misjudged the distance and slipped from the edge of the dorm rooftop.
Wang Dong rushed to the railing, only to find Yuhao gripping the edge, climbing back with gritted teeth.
Without hesitation, Yuhao activated one of the special skills granted by Tianmeng Ice Silk Worm—Soul Shock.
Wang Dong faltered.
Yuhao seized the moment, charging forward and pinning Wang Dong to the ground.
"Are you convinced now?" Yuhao said, breathing heavily.
"Get off me!" Wang Dong snapped.
"Admit defeat."
"...Fine. I lost."
Yuhao rose. "If I had a blade, you'd be dead. Your rules? I didn't follow them out of fear. I respected you as a roommate. Don't insult me again."
With that, Huo Yuhao turned and walked away, leaving Wang Dong wide-eyed and silent beneath the moonlit sky.