Chapter 14: The Truth About Shrek Academy

Two and a half years later—Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

The massive combat arena, constructed from seamlessly interlocked spirit-forged stones, stood as a testament to the sect's strength. Three figures faced off in its center, the tension crackling in the air like a drawn bowstring.

At the edge of the arena stood a young man, barely eleven or twelve, yet exuding a heroic presence far beyond his years. He held a clear-blue sword, motionless yet commanding. His white robes billowed slightly in the breeze, contrasting with the cascade of silver hair draped over his shoulders. His features were sharp—sword-like brows, starry eyes, and a noble forehead gleaming under the sunlight.

This was Chen Junting.

Opposite him stood two young women, both stunning in their own right—Ning Tian and Wu Feng.

Wu Feng's fiery crimson eyes glowed with determination.

"Xiaofeng, this isn't enough."

Chen Junting's calm voice barely carried emotion. He flicked his wrist, the gleaming Seven Kill Sword cutting effortlessly through the wave of fire that rushed toward him. The flames dissipated instantly, as if they had never existed.

Wu Feng grit her teeth. "Hmph! Don't underestimate us!"

Her two yellow soul rings gleamed as she activated her Flame Dragon Claw, the air twisting with heat. "Ning Tian, give me an enhancement!"

"Buzz—"

Two beams of golden light surged into Wu Feng's body. Her speed doubled in an instant, and in the blink of an eye, she was already upon Chen Junting, her dragon-clawed fist wreathed in flames, aiming straight for his face.

Yet—

A flash of silver.

Before her attack could land, the Seven Kill Sword flicked upward. The tip of the blade barely brushed her claw, yet it was enough.

Clang!

A sharp crack echoed as Wu Feng's momentum was shattered, forcing her to retreat hurriedly. The golden-red dragon scales on her arm fluttered under the force of impact. She barely avoided an immediate defeat.

Chen Junting remained still, his sword returning to its idle stance. His expression hadn't changed in the slightest.

He could have ended the match instantly. A single full-powered strike from him—especially with all three of his soul skills activated—would have overwhelmed Wu Feng and Ning Tian in mere moments.

But that wasn't the point of this battle.

To grow stronger, one must experience struggle.

He smirked. "Xiaofeng, Xiaotian… just a little more."

Wu Feng pouted. "Tch, liar."

She knew all too well what his 'little more' meant. It was an entire chasm between their skills, one that couldn't be crossed so easily.

Chen Junting only chuckled. But before he could respond—

Shing!

The first yellow five-pointed star on his Seven Kill Sword lit up. A sharp crescent of sword energy slashed through the air, aiming directly for Ning Tian.

"Shameless swordsman!" Wu Feng roared.

Attacking while talking?! This guy was insufferable!

However—

Boom!

Before the attack could reach Ning Tian, Chen Junting slashed out once more. A second wave of sword energy intercepted the first, causing both to dissipate.

"Huh?" Wu Feng blinked. "Why stop?"

Then, she saw it.

A surge of soul power erupted from Ning Tian's body. Her aura fluctuated wildly, before stabilizing—stronger, more refined.

Her breakthrough had come.

Wu Feng gasped. "Xiaotian! You… you advanced!?"

Ning Tian slowly opened her eyes, her gaze shining like polished jade. A faint smile graced her lips. "Yes. Level thirty."

An eleven-year-old reaching the thirtieth rank—this was a feat that few in the history of soul masters could claim.

Chen Junting's eyes softened as he walked up to her. He studied the girl standing before him, her hands still delicate yet steady, her skin as flawless as fine jade. But beyond her beauty was something else—potential.

"With this breakthrough," he murmured, "you've already surpassed our ancestor Ning Rongrong when she was your age."

Ning Tian blushed slightly but shook her head. "Brother Junting, I still have a long way to go."

Chen Junting didn't respond, but a thought had already formed in his mind.

He needed to take Ning Tian to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. If he could obtain an immortal herb for her, she could evolve her martial soul into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.

But… getting there was no simple matter.

Wu Feng, oblivious to his thoughts, was already excitedly discussing potential third soul ring options with Ning Tian.

Just then, a group of Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect disciples arrived, dressed in immaculate white robes. They bowed respectfully.

"Master Chen, the Sect Master has requested your presence."

Chen Junting's eyes flickered.

He had a feeling he already knew what this was about.

Shrek Academy-better known as Academy of Monster

Recognized as the best soul master academy on the continent

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Nine Treasures Glazed Tower – Third Floor Balcony

Sitting before a polished wooden table, Ning Bowen, the Sect Master, poured himself a cup of fragrant Dragon Well tea. The aroma drifted through the open balcony, where the view overlooked the sprawling sect grounds.

Chen Junting entered and greeted him. "Uncle Ning."

Ning Bowen gestured toward the opposite seat. "Sit."

A delicate porcelain teacup was placed before him. Chen Junting took it without hesitation.

The older man smiled knowingly. "You already know why I called you."

Chen Junting sipped his tea before answering. "Shrek Academy."

Ning Bowen nodded. "Have you decided?"

Chen Junting exhaled. "I still don't see the point."

With the resources of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, what could Shrek Academy possibly offer him?

Ning Bowen chuckled. "That's because you've only seen its surface."

The Sect Master's gaze turned sharp. "Did you know? Ten thousand years ago, Shrek Academy had no outer and inner court distinction. The outer court you see today is merely a compromise—an academy built to cater to nobles and 'geniuses'."

Chen Junting's brow furrowed. "A compromise? Shrek Academy?".Chen Junting found it hard to believe

Ning Bowen took another sip of tea. "All great powers must compromise. But true Shrek… exists only in the Inner Court."

"The Inner Court?"

"The Inner Court is where only the most talented are admitted. There, students receive the real teachings of Shrek Academy. It's where the Ancient Golden Tree resides, offering the most powerful mimicry training environment on the continent."

A realization dawned upon Chen Junting.

Shrek Academy's outer court was just a mask. The true inheritance lay within its Inner Court—a place where only the worthy could enter.

And that was what Ning Bowen wanted.

"You want me to enter the Inner Court," Chen Junting murmured, "recruit talented individuals, and bring them into the sect. Using Shrek's resources… to benefit us."

Ning Bowen chuckled. "Exactly. Using their own power to strengthen ourselves."

A slow smile crept onto Chen Junting's lips.

"Understood. I'll take care of Xiaotian and Xiaofeng."

The two locked eyes.

And laughed.

(End of Chapter)

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