Flandre chuckled and said, "It's just habit, isn't it? Fine, forget it. Doesn't seem like we're short on money right now anyway. Alright, we'll do it your way."
Liu Erlong glanced at the sky outside and said, "It's almost time. Get yourself ready."
Over the years, Shrek Academy's forest had been extensively modified from its original state. Not only had numerous simulated cultivation zones been designated, but the entire area had been reorganized. At the very center of the forest, a massive training ground had been constructed. Surrounded by lush green trees, its surface was carpeted with a lawn formed by Blue Silver Grass. The academy had grown considerably compared to its early days — the student body had expanded, and it now bore the additional mission of cooperating with the imperial royal family. This new training ground served a multitude of purposes.
Long before the appointed time, a large crowd of students had already gathered around the green field, waiting patiently. Shrek Academy currently boasted roughly a thousand students in total, though this figure did not include those under the royal family's special assignment — the group being trained under the Great Master's unified program.
The enormous field was lined with people well in advance. While these students could not compare to the original Shrek Seven Devils in terms of talent, they had each been carefully selected by the academy. At the very least, they possessed above-average aptitude.
Tang San and the other four entered the forest alongside the Great Master. Just as they were about to reach the green field, the Great Master halted his steps and turned to Tang San. "Little San, find something to cover your face."
Tang San blinked. "Teacher, why?"
The Great Master said, "You left far too deep an impression on Spirit Hall back then. Your appearance and bearing have changed completely now, which is very favorable for your safety. So it's best not to expose yourself if you can help it. That way, even if Spirit Hall's people want to find you, it won't be easy."
Tang San suddenly understood. His feelings for the Great Master went far beyond mere gratitude — they were the feelings one had for family. He quickly nodded and pulled the green mask the Shrek Seven Devils had once used from Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlit Night, placing it over his face.
The Great Master thought for a moment, then addressed the others. "You should all put yours on as well. A little air of mystery never hurts."
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing understood. This, too, was the Great Master's way of protecting them. The masks the Shrek Seven Devils had worn back then were precious mementos for every one of them — each had kept theirs. They complied without hesitation, donning the masks and instantly concealing their true faces.
By the time they arrived at the field, Liu Erlong was already standing at its center, addressing the crowd in a loud voice.
"…teachers in charge of each class, please manage your students. Cheering is permitted, but there must be no disorder, and entering the field is strictly forbidden. Anyone caught in the crossfire of a Soul Skill does so at their own risk."
As the vice-headmaster, Liu Erlong had always been known for her strictness. Students feared her, and even the teachers did. Under her command, the classes on the field arranged themselves in orderly rows and waited in silence. Even the noisy chatter gradually died down.
Just then, the Great Master led Tang San and the other four into the field. The masks on their faces, combined with the Great Master leading the way, left no doubt as to their identities. In an instant, the previously silent field erupted into a boiling sea of sound. Cheers rose like a volcanic eruption.
The Great Master and Liu Erlong, husband and wife, exchanged a smile. Soon, Tang San and the others reached the center of the field.
"S—e—n—i—o—r—s— welcome!" No one had organized it, yet the field erupted in a thunderous welcome. The voices were perfectly synchronized, as though rehearsed in advance. A massive wave of sound rolled upward — the students of Shrek Academy paying their respects to the former glory of the Shrek Seven Devils.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others were visibly startled by the scene. All five quickly offered a slight bow, returning the courtesy to their junior students. The atmosphere on the field instantly surged to yet another peak.
The cheering continued until Flandre and Zhao Wuji made their entrance. Flandre's rich, powerful voice rang out: "Alright, everyone, settle down." Though he was only one man, the sheer force of his Soul Power carried his voice over the noise and drowned out every last cheer.
Flandre had spotted the masks on the five Shrek members' faces. He immediately understood the reasoning behind them and asked no questions. Taking his place at the very front of the crowd, he began to address the assembly.
For the students, among the academy's leadership, the most familiar faces were undoubtedly the Great Master and Liu Erlong — one overseeing academics, the other overseeing all manner of affairs. This headmaster, Flandre, was rarely seen. Now, with a single commanding shout, he made them feel just how powerful this headmaster truly was.
Flandre swept a satisfied gaze across the crowd. In the students' eyes, he saw the light of fervent passion — exactly what he had most hoped to see.
"Five years ago, Shrek Academy achieved something extraordinary. Eleven students representing the academy — including the Shrek Seven Devils — defeated every advanced Soul Master academy and claimed the title of champions at the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Five years later, today, the five most important members of that original team have returned to the academy. They have all grown up, and they have all become far more powerful. Today's exhibition match is not here for your entertainment. It is here to show you what the absolute pinnacle looks like at your age."
At these words, he paused. The entire field had fallen deathly silent, every ear listening intently to his speech.