Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

Shrek Academy, large training ground.

The training ground was much larger than the one at the original Shrek Academy. Over the years, Blue Tyrant Academy had been supported by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and although that support was no longer present, the academy was still strong. At least for now, the funds were sufficient to keep it running.

At this moment, the teachers hadn't arrived yet, but there was already one person standing on the field—Tang San, who was feeling quite down after being teased by Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun during breakfast earlier for joking about his teacher.

He had been standing there for about twenty minutes when the others started arriving one by one. However, Ma Hongjun was nowhere to be seen.

Today's lesson was to be taught by the Grandmaster. After the others had arrived, they waited under the scorching sun for more than an hour before the Grandmaster finally showed up, strolling leisurely towards them.

Seeing his swaying walk, Xiao Wu couldn't help but laugh. It wasn't that she wanted to mock the Grandmaster, but the way he walked was just too funny.

A middle-aged man, walking with a wiggling behind and a stiff face—it was an odd and amusing sight.

Hearing the laughter, the Grandmaster's face darkened. After more than a month of rest and treatment, his body had mostly recovered. However, due to losing something very important, his walk had become quite strange.

You couldn't really blame Xiao Wu for laughing. The Grandmaster was usually a very serious person, and this sudden change in his demeanor was simply too stark. It was understandable that she couldn't hold back her laughter.

And it wasn't just Xiao Wu—besides Tang San, the others were also struggling to suppress their laughter. Dai Mubai, in particular, couldn't help but recall how bold Ma Hongjun had been that day. A month had passed, and the Grandmaster still hadn't fully recovered, which suggested just how intense the situation had been.

Listening to Xiao Wu's bell-like laughter, Tang San instinctively wanted to stop her, but when he opened his mouth, no words came out. His teacher was already standing in front of Xiao Wu.

The Grandmaster's eyes were fixed on Xiao Wu, his face stiff as he asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Xiao Wu waved her hand, smiling sweetly, "Grandmaster, I'm not laughing at you. I just thought of something funny, that's all."

Upon hearing this, the Grandmaster's face twitched a bit, but he didn't say much more, seemingly afraid that Xiao Wu might notice something. After a brief scolding, he awkwardly walked to the front of the group.

Sweeping his gaze over everyone, he quickly noticed that Ma Hongjun was absent. Frowning slightly, he asked, "Where is Ma Hongjun? Doesn't he know that I'm teaching today? Did he oversleep again?"

Dai Mubai quickly stepped in to defend his friend. "Grandmaster, I saw Fatty earlier this morning. He's probably too deep in meditation and didn't hear the class bell."

Upon hearing this, the Grandmaster shifted his hips uncomfortably and, in front of everyone, said, "Dai Mubai, go get him."

"Got it," Dai Mubai nodded and was about to head to the dorms when he saw a chubby figure running towards them. It was Ma Hongjun, the one who was late, but there was no sign of panic on his face—only excitement.

Seeing Ma Hongjun's eager expression, the Grandmaster's face darkened like a stormy sky. If it hadn't been for Ma Hongjun, he wouldn't have lost something so precious that day, and on top of that, his uncle had caught him in the act. It was one of the darkest moments of his life.

Now, his "little brother" was gone, and aside from Luo San Pao, who still accompanied him, he had lost the ability to be a man. Sometimes, when he fed white radishes to Luo San Pao, he couldn't help but fantasize—if only his "brother" was still there, it might have been as big as that radish.

Once Ma Hongjun returned to the group, the Grandmaster cleared his throat and was about to start teaching his prized theory of martial souls. However, the moment he opened his mouth, he noticed that Ma Hongjun was staring at him excitedly, which made him frown. "Ma Hongjun, why are you so excited?"

"Grandmaster, don't get the wrong idea. My evil fire hasn't flared up again, so don't worry about what happened that day." As he spoke, Ma Hongjun waved his hands in denial, quickly clarifying. "I just broke through to level 30, so I went to find the Dean. He said I should let you know—he wants you to come over. I think he's planning to take me to the Sunset Forest to get my spirit ring."

Hearing this, the Grandmaster was taken aback but soon smiled approvingly. "Very well. In that case, today's class is canceled. Everyone else, prepare yourselves. We'll head to the Sunset Forest to help Ma Hongjun obtain his third spirit ring. Along the way, I'll teach you more about spirit beasts."

With that, the Grandmaster turned and left without looking back, leaving the group somewhat dumbfounded. So, by "canceling class," he meant he was just going to teach theory in the forest instead.

"Zhuqing, don't you think the Grandmaster is being a bit unnecessary?" Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue, clearly displeased. "Martial soul theory is useful, but does he have to teach it every day? My ears are going numb from hearing it so much."

"Mhm," Zhu Zhuqing coldly nodded in agreement, her voice as icy as usual. "I think so too."

Tang San, eager to learn from the Grandmaster, didn't pay attention to what Xiao Wu and the others were saying. Excited, he quickly headed back to his dorm to prepare. For him, every lesson from the Grandmaster was a step forward in his journey of growth.

As the Grandmaster often said, while practical combat experience is important, martial soul theory is even more crucial. Only by understanding the theory could a spirit master maximize their potential in actual combat.

An hour later, at the gates of Shrek Academy.

Flender, Liu Erlong, and the Grandmaster stood at the entrance, watching as the students arrived on time. Pride filled their hearts.

Liu Erlong hadn't planned to go, but when she heard the Grandmaster was joining, she decided to accompany him to ensure his safety, leaving Zhao Wuji to stay behind at the academy while she, Flender, and the Grandmaster went to the Sunset Forest.

Looking at the group, Flender said, "Kids, we're heading to the Sunset Forest. Let me make something clear. Although the Grandmaster, Liu Erlong, and I are coming with you, if we encounter any spirit beasts under 2,000 years old, you'll need to work together to defeat them.

"Though there are still some tensions among you, remember that you are all from the same academy, and you are classmates. During this trip, I hope you can set aside your differences and help Ma Hongjun obtain his third spirit ring. Only by working together can you have a chance at winning the upcoming Spirit Master Elite Tournament."

After saying this, Flender scanned the group, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

"Dean, you're the best! I'm so moved!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed emotionally. "You care so much about helping your cute student get his third spirit ring. I'm really touched!"

"Cut it out!" Flender laughed and scolded, "Can't you talk properly, you little rascal? Do you need a beating?"

"Hehe, just kidding, Dean, just kidding," Ma Hongjun grinned, waving his hand.

"You'd better be." Flender gave him a glance, then said lightly, "It's getting late. Let's head out."