"Na'er often speaks of you," Yun Ming's voice smooth as jade, yet laden with unshakable authority.
He stood hands clasped behind his back, black hair flowing like midnight silk, an immortal descended—transcendent, untouchable.
"Meeting you today—it truly lives up to your name."
Fang Yang bowed slightly, respectful yet unbowed: "You honor me, Pavilion Master."
Yun Ming shook his head, eyes piercing through souls: "Your flame… is extraordinary."
His tone remained gentle, but curiosity flickered in his gaze.
"Haha—it's nothing before Your Grace," Fang Yang smiled humbly.
"Intriguing," Yun Ming chuckled, then abruptly shifted: "Fang Yang—you need not take further exams."
Silence shattered the hall.
"Pavilion Master—your meaning?" Fang Yang asked calmly, face unreadable.
"Simple," Yun Ming said, robes fluttering. "I'll test you myself."
"YOU'LL TEST HIM?!" Elder Cai gasped, wrinkled face stunned.
Shen Yi sucked in a breath—only legends earned the Pavilion Master's personal trial!
"Understood," Fang Yang nodded sharply, battle-lust igniting in his eyes.
"Fang Yang…" Gu Yue whispered, worry flashing in her black eyes, fingers clutching her sleeve.
Fang Yang turned, smiling reassuringly: "Don't worry—I'll be back soon."
"Mm," Gu Yue nodded.
Xu Xiaoyan clenched her fists, giving an encouraging thumbs-up.
Yun Ming watched, inwardly musing: "Peerless talent and looks… yet lacking in fidelity."
Fang Yang addressed Tang Wulin's group: "After I leave, follow Gu Yue's lead to pass the entrance exam."
"Yes, Captain!" they chorused.
"Ready, Pavilion Master," Fang Yang faced Yun Ming, composure unbroken.
Yun Ming nodded, sleeve flicking—silver light flashed.
Both vanished—leaving a hall of stunned silence.
---
Before Shrek Inner Court's Gates
Space warped—Yun Ming and Fang Yang materialized.
In the distance—a familiar figure knelt, spine unbent, blue hair cascading like frozen rivers, a statue of defiance.
Fang Yang smirked inwardly: "Knew he'd return to apologize."
He hurried over: "Teacher Wu!"
Kneeling there was Wu Zhangkong—Azure Blade of Ice, his white robes stark against the stone.
Wu Zhangkong whirled, emerald eyes widening at Fang Yang and Yun Ming.
"Pavilion Master!" He bowed hastily, then urgently urged Fang Yang:
"You still have exams—return at once!"
(He assumed Shen Yi had leaked his whereabouts.)
"Teacher Wu, I—" Fang Yang started—
"No need to fret—he's with me," Yun Ming soothed, voice calming as spring rain.
"Pavilion Master…" Wu Zhangkong stammered.
Yun Ming studied him: "If I recall—you're Zhuo Shi's disciple, Wu Zhangkong."
"Pavilion Master, I…" Wu Zhangkong faltered.
"Wu Zhangkong—I know your tale," Yun Ming said, then called out:
"Zhuo Shi—you've watched long enough. Will you let your disciple kneel here forever?"
Sigh…
A towering red-haired elder stepped from the shadows—Zhuo Shi, Level 97 Super Douluo, Title: Scarlet Dragon, Spirit: Scarlet Armored Dragon, Three-Word Battle Armor Master, One of Shrek's Twin Saint Dragons.
"Respects, Pavilion Master," Zhuo Shi boomed, bowing deeply.
He turned to Wu Zhangkong, voice trembling: "Rise."
"Thank you, Master," Wu Zhangkong lifted his head, joy flashing in his eyes.
Zhuo Shi said nothing, but concern bled through his stern facade.
Wu Zhangkong's eyes reddened, memories flooding back—his master's iron discipline, his own betrayal…
He spoke three words, raw with remorse: "Master… I was wrong."
Zhuo Shi stiffened, turning away—voice gruff: "Knowing your error is enough."
Wu Zhangkong rose—legs buckling from kneeling too long.
Fang Yang rushed to steady him.
"Ah, Zhuo Shi—still a soft heart beneath that thorny bark," Yun Ming teased.
"Pavilion Master…" Zhuo Shi muttered, helpless.
"Enough—your reunion is yours," Yun Ming said, turning to Fang Yang. "We depart."
"But, Pavilion Master—" Fang Yang hesitated, supporting Wu Zhangkong.
"Go with him," Wu Zhangkong urged, pushing Fang Yang away—then stumbled again.
A steadying hand caught him—Zhuo Shi's.
"Kneeling so briefly—and already weak?" Zhuo Shi grumbled.
"Master, I…" Wu Zhangkong's voice cracked, the icy warrior now a penitent child.
"Come, Fang Yang," Yun Ming called.
"Yes," Fang Yang glanced back at the reunited pair, smiling faintly for his teacher.
---
They entered Inner Court—lush greenery, air sweet with petrichor.
Ahead—lifelike statues:
- Center: Tang San and the Original Shrek Seven Devils
- Left: Huo Yuhao's generation
- Right: Shrek's Golden Iron Triangle founders.
Yun Ming didn't demand obeisance—only named them.
Deeper in, they reached a forest path.
Ancient trees arched overhead, sunlight dappling the mossy earth.
Then—a sapphire lake appeared, crystal-clear waters mirroring sky and forest—a living painting.
The air hummed with purity, mist and greenery weaving paradise.
By law, only Title Douluos dwelled on Sea God Island.
Even Zhuo Shi's disciples couldn't stay long—let alone bring outsiders.
But rules bent to power.
Yun Ming's word WAS the law.
"This is Shrek's heart—Sea God Island!" Yun Ming announced by the lakeshore, smile serene.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)