Shrek Outer Court
"Fang Yang—I'll leave you here," Ya Li halted, smile warm as spring sun.
Fang Yang bowed slightly: "Understood, Sister Ya Li. Safe travels."
She nodded, turning away—robe fluttering like willow leaves.
Fang Yang stood still, mind racing:
"They must've passed the entrance exam… I hope all's well."
Then—
"FANG YANG!"
He turned instinctively—Shen Yi strode over, jade-green gown highlighting her porcelain skin, aura gentle yet radiant.
"Teacher Shen," Fang Yang greeted politely, smile faint but sincere.
Shen Yi approached, concern in her eyes: "Did you pass the Pavilion Master's trial?"
Her voice trembled with anticipation.
"I did," Fang Yang replied calmly, steadfast as ever.
Relief washed over her face: "I knew you would!"
She patted his shoulder, pride glowing in her eyes.
Fang Yang asked: "Did Tang Wulin's group pass?"
"Of course!" Shen Yi beamed. "Especially Gu Yue—her elemental mastery left examiners awestruck!"
Fang Yang's lips curved: "I knew they'd shine."
Shen Yi studied him—thoughtful:
"Class Zero truly is extraordinary. Each of you holds limitless potential. The future is yours."
"Thank you, Senior Teacher Shen," Fang Yang said earnestly.
"Come—I'll take you to them," she led the way, gown swaying in the breeze.
"And I'll brief you on academy life."
---
In the distance, Tang Wulin spotted them first, waving wildly:
"Look—Teacher Shen! Fang Yang's back!"
Joy rang in his voice.
Wu Zhangkong turned, impeccable in white, ice-blue hair stirring in the wind, aura serene as mountain snow.
Forgiveness from his Master Zhuo Shi had lifted a lifetime's weight.
"Senior Brother," Shen Yi smiled warmly.
"Junior Sister," Wu Zhangkong replied—cool, yet softened.
Xie Xie couldn't contain himself, lunging to sling an arm around Fang Yang:
"Playboy Yang—you're finally here! We've been waiting forever!"
The group swarmed around, faces alight with joy.
"How'd it go?" Tang Wulin burst, eyes wide with curiosity.
"What did the Pavilion Master test you with?"
Fang Yang smirked: "Nothing much—just exchanged a few moves with him."
"That's IT?!" Xie Xie gaped, dramatic.
"I thought he'd test you brutally—then take you as his direct disciple!"
"XIE XIE!" Tang Wulin elbowed him sharply, warning glare.
Fang Yang nodded seriously:
"Xie Xie—how'd you know the Pavilion Master wanted to take me as his disciple?"
Silence froze the air.
"Wha—WHAT?!" Xie Xie stammered, disbelief cracking his voice.
Tang Wulin gaped. Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged stunned glances.
Xu Xiaoyan blinked, innocent: "So… did you accept?"
Even Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi locked eyes on Fang Yang, shock and awe warring in their gazes.
Fang Yang shook his head, calm as still water: "I declined."
"WHAT?!"
The group shouted in unison, faces pale with disbelief.
This was no mere offer—it was the continent's apex powerhouse extending his hand!
Atlas Douluo Yun Ming—Shrek's pillar, Sea God Pavilion Master!
Discipleship under him was a dream beyond dreams!
"You… refused?" Wu Zhangkong's voice remained icy, but emerald eyes flickered with turmoil.
"Yes," Fang Yang confirmed.
"Why?" Wu Zhangkong pressed.
All eyes burned with desperate curiosity.
"I didn't want to," Fang Yang said simply—three words, final as fate.
"This…"
Silence crushed them again.
How could anyone reject such destiny?
Wu Zhangkong sighed, helpless: "But… it's the Pavilion Master…"
He couldn't fathom Fang Yang's defiance.
"Enough—Fang Yang's choice is made," Shen Yi smoothed tensions, smile gentle.
"We respect his path."
The group nodded slowly—acceptance dawning.
Wu Zhangkong fell silent, mind churning.
"Senior Brother—let's get them enrolled," Shen Yi prompted.
"Agreed," Wu Zhangkong nodded.
---
Shrek Academy Registrar's Office
"These are your Shrek Academy ID cards," the registrar declared sternly, handing out metallic cards etched with intricate soul-guided arrays and names.
"They prove your identity, grant campus access, dorm entry, and track Contribution Points. Lose or damage one—10,000 Contribution Points to replace."
Each received:
- Two dark-green uniforms
- A campus map
- An academy rulebook.
Under Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi's guidance, they headed to the dormitories.
Along the way, Shen Yi lectured:
"Contribution Points are Shrek's lifeblood. Earn them via missions, tournament wins, or trade. Spend them on resources, elite training grounds, or mentorship."
She emphasized: "They're Shrek's currency—worth far more than Federation Credits."
The group listened intently, nodding as they walked into their new lives.
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