Morning sunlight stretched across the Shrek Academy training grounds, casting long shadows that shimmered like molten gold. Birds chirped lazily from the treetops while a gentle breeze tugged at the banners above the stone archway. It was a morning too peaceful, too serene—an ironic stillness before what was to be announced.
In the main courtyard, students gathered in murmuring clusters, their voices quiet but anxious. Tension swirled in the air like the coming of a storm, though the sky remained stubbornly blue.
Li Wei stood with his hands behind his back near the outer wall, his black blazer catching the wind just enough to ruffle the hem. He glanced toward the horizon, where the sun was climbing higher with every moment.
His thoughts were still at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Rongrong last embrace lingered on his chest, soft as memory, warm as spring. But there was no time to dwell on it. Duty always came next.
From the far end of the courtyard, footsteps approached with military precision. Flender silhouette appeared atop the steps of the outer hall. His cloak billowed behind him, golden eagle insignia bright on his chest.
Behind him, Liu Erlong, Yu Xiaogang and Zhao Wuji flanked his sides like twin walls of discipline.
"Students of Shrek Academy!" Flender voice echoed, deep and commanding. The murmurs fell into silence. "As you all know, the Continental Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is approaching. This year, we will field two teams."
Eyes widened across the courtyard. Two teams? That hadn't been done before.
Flender continued, his expression unreadable. "Team One will be led by Dai Mubai as captain."
From the left, Dai Mubai stepped forward, golden hair catching the light. His posture was upright, proud, every movement honed by the weight of leadership. He didn't smile. He didn't need to.
"Members of Team One," Flender said clearly, "are as follows: Tang San."
Tang San walked up beside Dai Mubai, quiet and poised. His Blue Silver Grass martial spirit hummed softly beneath his skin, as if anticipating challenge.
"Tai Long."
The broad-shouldered martial artist from the pure attack system stepped forward. His martial spirit of Vigorous Orangutan seem to shimmer along his body. He offered a nod of respect, glancing briefly toward Tang San, perhaps remembering their spar months ago.
"Huang Yuan. Jing Ling. Jiang Zhu."
Each stepped forward in turn—agile Huang Yuan with his lone wolf spirit, sharp-eyed Jing Ling with his skeleton martial spirit, and the ever-serene Jiang Zhu with her healing sceptre martial spirit.
They activate the martial spirit to give an atmosphere.
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward slightly. "We've also selected five substitute members. Their names will not be announced today. Strategy must be preserved."
Li Wei narrowed his eyes slightly. He could sense Yu Xiaogang logic. Deploying the full force of Shrek strength too early would invite countermeasures. A game of patience and preservation. Tactical. But that only for the lower level, against an overwhelming and elite force that just pure nonsense.
He knows that Yu Xiaogang still has a sway toward Flender as the member in Li Wei team can be said to be true monster. Still beings relegated to team two.
"And now," Flender said, raising his hand, "Team Two."
His gaze swept across the crowd and settled on the White-clad figure near the back.
"Li Wei. You will serve as Team Two captain."
Li Wei stepped forward. His expression was calm, but inside, a quiet storm gathered.
Flender tone changed subtly. Warmer. Less formal. "Your team will consist of Seven members only. As per your own request, there will be no additional substitutes."
Li Wei met Flender eyes, nodding once. He didn't want substitutes. Not for this. He himself can be said to have a lot of abilties to consider as several skill.
Flender began listing names:
"Zhu Zhuqing."
She stepped forward with feline grace, silent and poised. Her eyes flicked to Li Wei, and just for a moment, her expression softened. Her Hell Civet martial spirit form along her body.
"Ning Rongrong."
She appeared from the back line, glowing slightly with poise. She gave Li Wei a small, almost mischievous smile. Then activating her Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"Xiao Wu."
The rabbit girl bounded forward, waving cheerfully to the crowd. Her eyes sparkled with excitement—and something deeper, fiercer. She the activate her martial spirit of Soft Bone Rabbit.
"Meng Yiran."
Meng Yiran stepped forward without hesitation. Her Serpent Cane martial spirit rested over one shoulder. She gave Oscar a small wink before moving to stand beside the others.
"Oscar."
He gave a half-bow to the crowd before making his way forward. "As long as I get to show off, I'm happy." He then activate the Sausage Martial Spirit.
"Ma Hongjun."
The chubby firebird strutted forward with exaggerated swagger. "The Phoenix rises, ladies and gents." Activating his own Evil Fire Phoenix martial spirit.
The courtyard stood in stunned silence for a heartbeat.
Just seven of them.
No extras. No backup.
"Are they serious?" someone whispered.
"Isn't that risky?"
Yu Xiaogang answered the unspoken question. "Team One will rotate members and conserve strength across the preliminary rounds."
Li Wei then answer them, "The Team Two will advance as a single strike unit—direct, fast, decisive. There no need for the reserve unit as most the fight will be only be myself against the other team."
All of the other student exclaim in shock. They know the rumour about the team two that can be said to be another level. If describe about the Shrek academy, team two can be said to be direct representative of the school.
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "More like a storm."
Li Wei turned to face his team. Zhu Zhuqing expression was cool but resolute. Xiao Wu looked excited. Rongrong had her usual confidence, though her eyes kept checking his. Ma Hongjun looked nervous—but his fists were clenched. Oscar had his game face on. And Meng Yiran? She looked like she was already ready to tear the arena apart.
He met each gaze, one by one. "We go as one. We come back as one."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "No gaps."
Xiao Wu grinned. "Let's make it fun."
Rongrong whispered, "Let's make it unforgettable."
Flender raised his hand. "This is the team list. You will begin joint training tomorrow. Team One—Yu Xiaogang will oversee your strategy sessions. Team Two—Zhao Wuji will assist, but direction is left to your captain."
Everyone turned toward Li Wei.
He offered a smile. Just a faint one.
"I don't need followers," he said. "I need stormwalkers. I need people who break the line, not only just holding it. That why, we will stand this mountain wall together and break it."
Meng Yiran's eyes flashed. "Then you've got us."
Oscar whistled. "Best pep talk ever."
The academy courtyard settled. The teams were drawn. The stage was set.
And far in the distance, under the rising sun, the continent turned its gaze toward Shrek.