Return to Shrek

"Ahhh!" Tang San snapped back to his senses the moment Tang Yin withdrew his telepathic control. His face turned pale as he glanced at his martial soul—and nearly soiled himself in fear. Without hesitation, he retracted his Blue Silver Grass and turned toward Yu Xiaogang with a look of betrayal and barely restrained fury.

Everyone stared at Tang San like he was some rare, exotic beast on display.

"Master," Tang San growled through clenched teeth, his eyes flashing with murderous intent, "what excuse do you have this time?"

By this point, he was almost certain—Yu Xiaogang had been sabotaging his martial soul on purpose. If the so-called Grandmaster didn't come up with a damn good explanation, Tang San was fully prepared to sever their master-disciple bond on the spot.

Everyone turned to the self-proclaimed master, eyes wide with anticipation, as if watching a drama unfold.

Yu Xiaogang, meanwhile, was panicking inside. But on the outside? He wore his signature expression of indifference—because bluffing was his best self-created skill. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Tang Yin took control again, and out came the most shameless, manipulative speech ever crafted in the name of fatherly love.

"Xiao San," he began solemnly, "do you remember the day I took you as my disciple? You said I was like a second father to you. So tell me—how could a father ever wish for his son to have a bleak future? Your three soul ring may not seem impressive now, but one day… when you become a Titled Douluo, your martial soul will evolve into the most powerful control-type wuhun in the world. That's not a theory—that's your father's promise."

"The first and second soul rings… they weren't accidents," Yu Xiaogang said, his voice heavy with false sincerity. "They were a disguise."

Tang San blinked in confusion.

"I knew you'd hesitate to absorb the soul rings of such hideous soul beasts," the so-called master continued, laying the emotional manipulation on thick. "So I had to make it seem like a coincidence. I couldn't risk your reluctance holding you back."

Then, he added, "But mark my words—when you become a Titled Douluo, there won't be a single soul master on the entire continent who can stand against you. Not one."

The speech was utter nonsense, wrapped in emotional blackmail and tied with a ribbon of theatrical sincerity. And yet, it worked.

Moved to tears—because apparently emotional manipulation overrides common sense—Tang San lunged at Yu Xiaogang like a koala on caffeine, leaping into his arms and wrapping his legs tightly around the older man's waist.

"Master!" he cried, sniffling like he'd just watched a tragic love story. After all, Tang san was a person lacking parental love.

Tang Hao, who had been watching this whole scene unfold, looked like he was about to cough up lava. His eyes bulged so hard they nearly fell out of their sockets, and a visible puff of steam escaped his nostrils.

"Yu Xiaogang…" he growled, voice low and dangerous. "Good. Very good. So now you're the second father, huh? You've already won Tang San's trust. But mark my words—the day that trust is broken, I'll skin you alive."

Tang Yin cackled like a maniac in his heart.

"Oh, Xiao San... My foolish odo Xiao San," he sneered inwardly. "I'll destroy both of your martial souls—hahaha! And Yu Xiaogang? You'll die by the hand of your beloved disciple... or maybe Tang Hao's wrath will finish you off first!"

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing and the other girls were reluctantly witnessing Tang San and Yu Xiaogang's public display of affection. Before things could escalate into something truly scarring, Zhao Wuji cleared his throat with a booming cough to break the awkwardness.

"everyone its dangerous in the forest so, let's head back to Shrek by the evening" as he took the lead everyone began following.

Tang Yin, meanwhile, was deep in thought. His body martial soul had troubled him for a long time—he lacked proper equipment to exercise it efficiently. What he really needed was a breakthrough, maybe a golden-ranked second awakening of his body martial soul.

To that end, Tang Yin had considered cultivating the Ice and Fire Alchemy Physique. And if that wasn't extreme enough, he was even contemplating forging a Vajra Indestructible Body—just like Dai Mubai did after consuming the legendary Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.

Midway through the return trip, Tang Yin raised his voice.

"Teacher Zhao!"

Startled, Zhao Wuji slowed his steps and turned his head. "Yes? What is it, Student Tang Yin?" Zhuqing and the girls interested was piqued.

Tang Yin looked up at Zhao Wuji with determination etched across his face. "Teacher Zhao, I'd like to ask you for a favor."

Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What kind of favor?"

Tang Yin bowed slightly, his tone earnest. "Please… I want to get stronger—as fast as possible. Would you allow me to train under your gravity-type soul skill in the coming days?"

The group came to a brief halt, stunned. No one had expected this request, and many of them hadn't even considered gravity as a form of physical training.

Yu Xiaogang, never one to miss a chance to hype himself, immediately spoke up, puffing out his chest. "Haha, Tang Yin! Great minds think alike. I was just about to ask Zhao Wuji the same thing for all of you."

Everyone collectively ignored hypocrite grandmaster.

Zhao Wuji, however, was genuinely impressed. Even as a beast-type martial soul expert, he had never considered using his gravity skill for physical conditioning.

"Hahaha! You really are a monster worthy of Shrek," Zhao Wuji said, grinning with pride. "You don't need to call this a favor. If I'd had your foresight earlier, I would've asked Flender to implement this exercise in our student's soul master training. In fact, I should be the one thanking you, Tang Yin."

Tang Yin's expression softened, touched by the sincerity. In truth, he held genuine respect for Zhao Wuji—more than anyone else in Shrek besides Oscar's teacher. Unlike certain black-hearted principals who extorted students during entrance exams & pocketed the money earned from soul arena in the name of academy funding, Zhao Wuji earnestly taught selflessly.

By the time they exited the forest, the group had grown closer. Meng Yiran had fully integrated with the girls' circle, and even Zhu Zhuqing had warmed up to her. She no longer felt like an outsider.

Ning Rongrong stole occasional glances at Tang Yin, cheeks slightly flushed. Zhu Zhuqing did the same, though she pretended not to notice her own reactions.

By evening, the party arrived back at Shrek Academy. Dai Mubai and Zhao Wuji immediately went off to visit Ma Hongjun and report to Flender. While Tang yin and the others returned to their dormitory.