Fan Yue slowly opened his eyes and carefully exited the simulation capsule. In a depressed state, he left the room and then walked out of the villa.
A small but cozy courtyard opened up before him. The grass glowed with a soft green light, and a solitary tree was scattered with delicate blossoms. Fan Yue walked up to the tree and leaned his back against its trunk.
His mind and heart were overflowing with emotions. He needed to compose himself. The best way to gather his thoughts was the fresh air, filling his lungs with tranquility and a light coolness.
What troubles me more? The loss? Or the fact that Dong Qianqiu is clearly interested in Lan Xuanyu?
His mind was indeed troubled by the second question. But for some reason, his heart yearned to know the answer to the first; a fire had ignited within it that would not be extinguished until he understood.
Gradually, all his thoughts were consumed by this flame, and a strange, unpleasant taste appeared in his mouth—unfamiliar and sharp.
A smirk unexpectedly appeared on his face.
"Ha-ha... So this is the taste of defeat..."
The smirk instantly vanished, and he grit his teeth, realizing that this feeling was so repulsive he never wanted to experience it again.
The girl's words echoed in his head:
"That was a not bad fight. You are talented, but there is even more pride in you. Your mastery of Soul Skills is mediocre. And your swordsmanship is even worse—it is terrible. But if you become calmer and hone your control, you will become one of the pillars of the Federation."
As her words played over in his mind, Fan Yue slowly stood up and carefully broke off a thin branch.
"The girl is right."
"But it's not just that. I relied too heavily on my Soul Skills."
Memories of the recent battle replayed in his mind, and gradually, it dawned on him.
"My swordsmanship... I threw away everything my father taught me."
Fan Yue felt as if he had spat on all his father's efforts. The realization made him sick with himself.
But, gathering his strength, he whispered quietly:
"It is time to repeat everything father taught me."
The branch cut through the air. First a vertical strike, then horizontal, a thrust, an upward slash, an oblique cut, and a lateral strike.
These were the simplest, most basic forms of sword art, but in Fan Yue's execution, they looked incredibly powerful. In every movement, there was precision, an internal rhythm, and lightness.
Gradually, his movements became more complex. Simple forms merged into a smooth, flowing stream, and he lost track of time, completely immersed in the mastery of the sword.
When the first rays of dawn painted the sky gold, he froze.
"Father..." he whispered. "I haven't found my own sword yet. So for now, I will fight with yours."
He looked up at the flowering tree. Petals fell gently, creating an incredibly beautiful scene that imprinted itself on his consciousness. It seemed that the whole world around him was covered in this soft rain of flowers, each petal gliding smoothly to the ground, as if slowing the flow of time.
Before this moment, the tree had just been beautiful in his eyes, but now it seemed completely different.
Fan Yue inhaled the scent of the flowers deeply, and at that moment, his heart felt peace. The mere contemplation of this scene soothed him, as if the world itself was saying, "Everything will be fine." With a faint smile, he quietly entered the villa.
Today he arrived slightly later than usual.
Lan Mengqin and Dong Qianqiu were already sitting in the classroom, with light fatigue on their faces. Xiao Qi, as always, was bent over a tablet, checking student data.
"Hello, Teacher Xiao," Fan Yue greeted calmly.
The teacher nodded shortly without looking up from the screen.
"Hi, how did everything go yesterday?" Fan Yue asked, approaching the girls.
Seeing that Fan Yue didn't look depressed, both girls sighed with relief.
Dong Qianqiu smiled. "Hi. It was... intense."
Lan Mengqin, leaning her elbow on the table, added slowly, "In the team battle, we defeated the third years."
Fan Yue blinked, raising his eyebrows slightly.
"Defeated... the third years?" he asked again, a spark of surprise and admiration flashing in his eyes.
It seems Shrek doesn't accept monsters for nothing. But it looks like this year's students are on a completely different level, he thought.
Dong Qianqiu looked at Fan Yue and said in a slightly awkward voice, "Yue, about that... Don't be mad at Xuanyu, that's just the kind of person he is."
Fan Yue nodded and replied, "I wouldn't hold a grudge against him for something like that. Besides, to some extent, I agree with his decision."
Hearing this, Dong Qianqiu breathed an even bigger sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, the classroom filled with other students, the noise died down, and Xiao Qi began the lecture.
When the lecture came to an end, Fan Yue was the first to leave the room, walking toward the Array Engraving Department without looking back.
Meng Hao was already waiting for him in the classroom.
Fan Yue bowed slightly and sat in his seat.
"Did you read the books I gave you?" asked Meng Hao.
Fan Yue nodded.
"Good, let's start practicing."
Fan Yue sat in the meditation room, cultivating the Blood Breath technique. Red patterns covered his body like snakes, writhing all over him and pulsating in time with his breathing.
Slowly exhaling, he stopped cultivating, and all the patterns instantly dissolved.
"Not enough. The life force is too low. The bloodlines within me are still not awakened; I need to absorb a massive amount of life force to wake them."
Fan Yue frowned slightly, considering the situation.
"I'll have to spend my only yellow emblem for an hour of cultivation at the Sea God Lake."
The Sea God Lake was one of Shrek Academy's treasures; the Eternal Tree, which served as the life core of the entire Planet Douluo, grew there. Therefore, the density of life energy in that place was transcendent.
Most students didn't use this opportunity for a number of reasons: lack of emblems or low affinity for life force. Plus, only the first visit cost 1 yellow emblem; subsequent visits cost 3 yellow emblems.
In truth, Fan Yue didn't want to spend the yellow emblem, but he had no choice—he had to awaken his bloodline as soon as possible.
I must become a God within 8 years, or I will die. If I can awaken the Phoenix bloodline, my potential should increase even further. This should accelerate my progress.
Fan Yue left the villa and headed toward the Sea God Lake. The journey was quite long; only after an hour did he arrive at his destination.
Before him stood a small and cozy wooden house, behind which lay the vast Sea God Lake and the Eternal Tree reaching into the clouds.
"Students don't come here often," a male voice spoke from the wooden house.
A man in white robes stepped out. He had long black hair neatly tied back with a green ribbon. Bright eyes, a straight nose, sharp brows. Overall, he looked attractive, and an aura of loftiness hovered around him.
Fan Yue bowed slightly.
"Hello, um... teacher? I am Fan Yue."
"I am Tang Yue, the caretaker of the Sea God Lake. This is your first time here, so the price is 1 yellow emblem."
Fan Yue nodded and handed over one yellow emblem.
"Follow me." Tang Yue entered the wooden house, which had another door leading to the Sea God Lake.
Fan Yue examined the house carefully, and suddenly his eyes widened in surprise.
An array? Incredible, I've never seen such complex arrays in my life. It acts as both a defensive and a containment formation.
"Surprising, you were able to discern the array. But you don't have time to examine it," said Tang Yue.
Fan Yue nodded, composing himself, and followed him.
At that moment, the sensations were completely different; even the world around him had changed. Everything was painted in a combination of green, emerald, and turquoise colors. Even the water in the Sea God Lake, which had seemed dark blue, became the color of green jade. The life force was so dense it was hard to breathe.
His Bloodline Vortex prepared to absorb the life energy, but Fan Yue held it back throughout the journey, including this moment. This was necessary to cause an explosive effect from the sudden influx of power.
Tang Yue pointed to the lily pads scattered across the surface of the lake.
"Choose any lily pad and just sit on it."
Fan Yue jumped forward and sat on one of the pads. He closed his eyes and inhaled slowly.
Well, let's begin.
As soon as the Bloodline Vortex was released from the pressure, it spun at a mad speed. A huge stream of life energy rushed into Fan Yue's body. At that same moment, a rich green halo shone around him.
Seeing this, Tang Yue's eyes widened in surprise.
"Life Affinity Constitution! What the hell is the Outer Court doing? Such a child should have entered the School of Life immediately. His affinity for life is definitely over 90%! First Lan Xuanyu, and now this child. I need to contact Teacher."
Nine Soul Rings rose from beneath Tang Yue's feet: six black and three red. He then took off, flying toward the Eternal Tree. As he flew, green light surrounded his body, forming a pair of graceful light green wings.
Meanwhile, red patterns began to appear on Fan Yue's body, one after another, like living threads crawling across his skin. The patterns on his forehead became brighter and more saturated. He didn't convert the absorbed life force into soul power but held it in its pure form, condensing it within himself, allowing every drop of energy to penetrate the depths of his body and soul.
But even his Bloodline Vortex couldn't assimilate the Life Force that quickly. So, Fan Yue began to essentially create beads of Life Force next to the vortex. He created a very small bead, but it looked like a real gemstone.
At the same time, outside, Fan Yue was being watched by Tang Yue and an old man in white and green robes. The old man had a long, thick white beard and long white hair combed back, and his gaze was soft and kind. He made a good impression.
"Teacher Shu, what do you think of this child? Should we quietly transfer him to the Inner Court to avoid disputes, like with Lan Xuanyu?" Tang Yue asked respectfully.
Old Shu stroked his beard and smiled slyly.
"Ha-ha, after that brat Wang Tianyu stopped me from taking Lan Xuanyu to the Inner Court, I think he'll be watching me closely. So, we'll do it differently. Let this young man study in the Outer Court for now, since they couldn't see his talent. But I will take him as a personal disciple in secret from everyone. And when he blossoms and the Academy wants to claim him, they won't be able to do a thing."
Tang Yue nodded, thinking slightly. How long has it been since Teacher took anyone as a disciple?
"But Teacher Shu, what are those patterns on his body?"
Old Shu didn't hear Tang Yue's words. Looking at Fan Yue's face, he couldn't shake a strange feeling, as if the young man reminded him of someone.
Who does he remind me of?
At this time, Fan Yue continued to condense life force, creating energy crystals.
The tenth! This amount of life force is enough to awaken the bloodlines.
The energy crystals rushed into the Bloodline Vortex one by one, causing his body to tremble. It began to seem to him that his body was about to tear apart. Veins bulged, skin turned red, his heart beat with deafening force, and soft steam escaped from his mouth as if his organism itself was trying to get rid of the excessive energy.
"I must withstand this..." he wheezed, clenching his teeth.
Blood boiled, bones cracked, muscles tore. Fan Yue's throat constricted so tightly that neither sound nor scream could break through. The pain was unbearable; his face twisted into a terrible grimace. There was no turning back—he would either endure, or the backlash would destroy his Bloodline Vortex and leave him with incurable internal injuries.
Crack.
Suddenly, a faint cracking sound came from his body, yet it was so distinct that Old Shu and Tang Yue heard it clearly.
The world around them froze. The wind stopped, the noise vanished, time seemed to stand still.
And then Fan Yue heard the call.
Deep in his heart, in the very essence of his soul, a pure, melodic voice rang out. It wasn't loud—but it pierced his entire being.
"Though in heart you are human, from this day forth, in soul you are a Phoenix."
"If you find the Golden and Silver Demon Bird, you will become my rightful successor."
"I will give you what you desire, but in return, revive and protect the Phoenix Clan."
Images flashed before his inner eye—a sky engulfed in fire, crumbling continents, and a bird whose wings spanned the heavens themselves. One of its eyes shone with gold like the sun, the other with silver like the cold moon.
But at the same time, the death of this bird was revealed to his gaze. The Phoenix fell from the sky, its entire body covered in terrible wounds, yet even so, it was still beautiful and mesmerizing in appearance. Watching the Phoenix's fall from the sky was a majestic Dragon with nine-colored scales. Its scales were dull, and its entire body was marred by all kinds of wounds. Watching the Phoenix fall, the Dragon's gaze was full of regret and powerlessness.
In the last moment of its life, the Phoenix let out a quiet and melodic, but sorrow-filled cry.
"Kiiiii!!!"
As if answering the call, a powerful cry erupted from Fan Yue's body, and a shadow of a Phoenix, woven from scarlet threads, flared up above him.
Flame engulfed his body. The red patterns on his forehead merged into a single majestic symbol—the Mark of the Phoenix. The remaining red patterns gradually disappeared one by one.
The surrounding flame didn't burn; it was soft and pliable. It didn't destroy but brought order to everything that was chaotic in his body.
His body slowly became covered in a black layer, like charred skin.
The life force, which until now had been ready to tear his body apart, was completely absorbed by him.
Now he felt every drop of living energy around him—the people, the grass, the water, even the breathing of the Eternal Tree. Everything seemed to silently welcome him, as if recognizing something kindred and close in him.
"A Phoenix? It's a Phoenix!" Tang Yue exclaimed.
Old Shu looked intently at Fan Yue, deep surprise reading in his gaze.
Phoenix Bloodline... It seems this is good fortune for the entire School of Life!
A smile appeared on his face, and he stroked his beard contentedly.
"How good that a barrier is installed here. No one from Shrek knows about him yet. But it's only a question of time."
This child will become the Successor of the School of Life! But first I need to speak with the Eternal Tree.
"Tang Yue, if this child wakes up before I arrive, don't let him leave. I need to settle a couple of questions." After these words, Old Shu's figure rose into the air, and he flew toward the Eternal Tree.
When the flame completely disappeared, the shadow of the Phoenix behind his back also evaporated.
But Fan Yue was in no hurry to open his eyes; he felt that the Dragon Bloodline was about to awaken within him.
When the last tongues of flame faded, leaving behind only barely perceptible warmth, the Phoenix shadow slowly dissolved into the air. But Fan Yue knew perfectly well that the awakening of the Phoenix bloodline was only the first half of what was to be born in his body.
He exhaled slowly, stabilizing his breath, and concentrated on the Blood Breath again.
The Bloodline Vortex accelerated once more. Life force entered his body from all sides without stopping, in dense waves, like riverbeds converging into him. And the more he absorbed, the clearer it became that the previous limits of his body had vanished. It seemed to him that he could now absorb life force endlessly, like a bottomless pit.
Suddenly, it felt like lightning ran down his spine. Immediately after, a wave of energy rolled through his body—sharp, untamable, as if trying to break out. It was vastly different from the Phoenix's power. Furious, unbridled, and domineering.
The energy gathered in the center of his chest, and a soft golden glow broke through from there. A moment later, it became brighter until it began to burst through the charred skin. The skin cracked, and a web of these cracks quickly spread over his entire body.
Behind Fan Yue's back appeared something that could not be clearly seen. A silhouette, blurred as if hidden by a thin veil of mist, appeared behind him, not seeking to reveal its true form. It showed no wings, scales, or fangs—nothing familiar. But even in such an incomplete form, a suppressing aura emanated from it.
But what was truly frightening were the eyes. Two perfectly distinct eyes, clearly visible through any veil. There was no emotion or interest in that gaze; they looked down from above as if everything around them held no significance.
Something snapped inside Fan Yue. His chest shuddered, and a deafening roar erupted from the depths of his soul.
"Raaaaaargh!!!"
The dark, charred skin cracked like a fragile shell and instantly crumbled into dust. Every drop of life force inside him seemed to flare up, submitting to the new, rebellious energy of the bloodline.
His eyelids fluttered, and he threw his eyes open. It was as if flames were burning in them; the combination of gold and crimson was incredibly mesmerizing. But the vertical pupils gave the eyes a sense of danger.
However, far more striking than their color was the gaze itself—incredibly cold, indifferent, looking at everything as if standing above the world. Exactly the same as the one shimmering in the dragon silhouette behind his back.
Tang Yue shuddered, feeling a powerful aura pressing not on his body, but on his very essence. His bloodline, his Martial Soul—everything seemed to resist this pressure, and in response, his body reacted unconsciously, releasing the Five Elements Qilin Martial Soul.
Where did he get a Dragon Bloodline as well? And why is it so strong that it forced me to release my Martial Soul?
Even Tang Yue, being a Titled Douluo (Rank 90+), couldn't understand how a Spirit Master could combine two of the world's greatest bloodlines... Phoenix and Dragon. It was an impossible combination.
He exhaled slowly, calming his bloodline and Martial Soul, his gaze focusing on Fan Yue.
"It seems someone truly unique has been born in this era. How good it is that Shrek Academy doesn't know of his existence yet. I'm afraid to even imagine what would happen then."
Fan Yue exhaled slowly, clearly feeling his body filled with unimaginable power. It was hard for him to even imagine what he was capable of now.
He raised a hand and touched his chest. Something glittered under his uniform. He lifted the fabric and noticed a single golden scale in the center of his chest.
Just one? It seems my body cannot yet fully reveal the full power of the bloodlines.
Fan Yue closed his eyes again and stopped using the Blood Breath technique.
All questions must be left for later. Right now, the most important thing is to stabilize the bloodlines and the flow of life force.
Gradually, the golden scale on his chest and the Phoenix Mark slowly dissolved into his body.
Only two hours later was Fan Yue able to stabilize his condition. When he opened his eyes, the flow of power in his body had become more pliable; barely taking a step, he instantly found himself on the shore.
So fast? he barely had time to think, surprised by his own speed.
But looking at his Soul Communicator, he started.
"What? I was here for two whole hours!"
"And where am I supposed to find three yellow emblems!?" Fan Yue cried out helplessly.
Suddenly, Old Shu's laughter rang out.
"Ho-ho, young man, you need not worry about that."
When Fan Yue raised his head and looked at Old Shu, only one word came to his mind.
Strong!
He distinctly felt the immense life force emanating from the old man; he seemed to be the very embodiment of life. Old Shu's gaze was full of wisdom, but his eyes seemed to see him from the inside.
"Um... hello, teacher?" Fan Yue said politely.
But unexpectedly, his knees gave way, and he fell. He didn't even understand how it happened; he didn't feel any pressure, yet his legs refused to obey him.
"Ho-ho-ho. Seeing me for the first time and already want to become my disciple?" Old Shu laughed, stroking his beard.
Seeing this, Tang Yue just sighed helplessly.
Teacher is seemingly an adult, but he behaves like a child.
What is happening? Fan Yue tried to get up, but his legs seemed to no longer belong to him.
Old Shu smiled and ruffled Fan Yue's hair.
"Alright, enough childish games."
After these words, Fan Yue suddenly jumped up, getting back on his feet. He looked at the old man and asked with interest:
"Do you really want to become my teacher?"
Old Shu smiled broadly and laughed good-naturedly.
"Ho-ho! Young man, you are sharp; I like it. I won't beat around the bush. Become my disciple, and join the School of Life."
Fan Yue bowed without hesitation and said, "Please, take me as a disciple!"
"Well done, well done, you know what is good for you. Better than some who hesitated for half an hour," Old Shu said, casting a glance at Tang Yue.
Tang Yue's smile twitched, and he lowered his head slightly.
"Raise your head, young man. From this day on, you are my personal disciple. I am the head of the School of Life; most call me simply Elder Shu or just Old Shu. But you call me Teacher Shu. Remember, from this day on, no one in the entire Federation can bully you!"
"Yes, Teacher Shu!" Fan Yue answered loudly.
"Teacher Shu, what is the School of Life? Am I a member now? Or do I need to pass a trial?"
The old man waved his hand and said, "What do you need that for? You are the most worthy candidate. Your affinity for life force is even stronger than mine. So you are already a member. As for the School of Life..."
"In short, the School of Life is the organization responsible for controlling life force and life cores on all planets of the Federation, as well as protecting them and the Eternal Tree. Although it might seem we are part of Shrek, that is not the case. The School of Life belongs to everyone."
Fan Yue nodded. "I see. Indeed, such an organization is necessary for the Federation to maintain the planets."
"You need not worry about payment. You can come here whenever you want now, and for free. Just don't overdo it with absorbing life force. Tomorrow I will begin instructing you."
Fan Yue's eyes shone at Old Shu's words. He bowed quickly.
"Thank you, Teacher Shu!"
"Fan Yue, do not tell anyone that you are my disciple and a member of the School of Life. This accursed Academy doesn't allow students to join the School of Life if they are studying in the Outer Court. But if someone wants to take you as a disciple and won't accept your refusal, contact me immediately! I cannot forbid you from using your full power, but try not to use it unnecessarily."
There was a devious smile on Old Shu's face.
Ha-ha! Let him capture the Academy's attention first, and then I'll dash their expectations.
"I obey!"
At that moment, a green ribbon appeared in front of him. He took it carefully and looked questioningly at Teacher Shu.
"What is this ribbon, Teacher Shu?"
The old man pointed to an identical ribbon in Tang Yue's hair, and then showed his own wrist, which was tied with the exact same ribbon.
"There is nothing special about this ribbon, but I give this gift to everyone I accept as a disciple. This ribbon is a sort of small thread connecting me and all my disciples to each other. No one except me and my disciples knows about this."
Old Shu walked up to Fan Yue and patted him on the head.
"From this day on, I will care for you like my own son. And all my disciples are one family. Remember that."
The old man's words were full of warmth and sincerity. For a moment, Fan Yue felt as if his father was standing before him. He smiled and, without hesitation, tied his grown-out hair with the green ribbon.
Clasping his hands together, Fan Yue looked at Old Shu.
"Thank you, Teacher Shu! I will remember your words!"
Old Shu nodded and said, "For now, you need to rest. Tang Yue, see your junior brother out."
Tang Yue nodded, and together with Fan Yue, they headed toward the wooden house.
Old Shu watched Fan Yue's back with a deep gaze. Then he shifted his gaze to the Eternal Tree.
Why was such a candidate with immense potential rejected? He could have grown into the most outstanding head of the School of Life. Eternal Tree, is Lan Xuanyu really a more suitable candidate in your eyes? Well, my disciple can become the Chief Elder; that is the third most important figure in the School of Life. So that is also good.
Old Shu's figure disappeared in a soft green flash.
"Teacher Tang Yue, how would you describe Teacher Shu?" asked Fan Yue.
Tang Yue chuckled and said, "Call me Senior Brother."
Fan Yue nodded. "Alright, Senior Brother."
Tang Yue thought about the answer, then said with a light laugh:
"Teacher Shu is... selfish, cunning, and also a pervert. There were once rumors that he peeped on Senior Sister—the Vice-Dean of the Inner Court, Wang Tianyu—while she was taking a bath."
Fan Yue's eyes darted to the side, and a mix of confusion and shock appeared on his face.
Is Teacher Shu really like that? But looking at him, you wouldn't say he's a pervert.
But Tang Yue suddenly stopped. His face became serious, and his voice filled with sincere pride.
"But despite all that."
"Teacher Shu is the best mentor one could wish for. He can be strange, he can be annoying, but when the time comes, he is the one who will stand in front, shield us from any trouble, and take the blow himself. He protects those he considers close, even if the whole world is against him."
A fire lit up in his eyes.
"Thanks to him, the School of Life reached its current level. Thanks to his mind, persistence, and endless hard work, the School of Life in the Federation became what we know it to be. Yes, he is not a saint. But that is exactly what shows he is human. I am sincerely glad to be his disciple."
Tang Yue cast a glance at Fan Yue and said, "Soon, you will understand everything yourself. And now, bye, Junior Brother. Better not cultivate for about two or three days; your body is still undergoing changes."
Fan Yue nodded and clasped his hands together.
"Thank you for the advice, Senior Brother. Goodbye."
Tang Yue also clasped his hands.
"See you soon, Junior Brother."