The Gateway of Balak
To the uninitiated, the Heaven Dou Empire was an unbreakable monolith. In reality, it was a fractured giant. The empire was divided among four great kingdoms and one duchy, each operating with near-total autonomy. If not for the imperial family's overwhelming military grip, civil war would have torn the continent apart long ago.
Anchoring the empire's southern border was the Kingdom of Balak. Directly bordering the rival Star Luo Empire, Balak boasted the most formidable military of the four kingdoms. It was the heavily armored gateway of Heaven Dou. Within this kingdom lay two vital veins: the political heart of Kundela, and the agricultural and economic powerhouse on the border—Suotuo City.
The midday sun beat down relentlessly as three youths approached Suotuo City's heavily garrisoned western gates. They looked no older than twelve or thirteen and carried no luggage.
The first boy, Tang San, had black hair falling to his shoulders and wore a crisp, pale blue outfit. A belt inlaid with twenty-four pieces of jade rested at his waist. While his features weren't strikingly handsome, he carried a serene, approachable aura, a faint smile permanently resting on his lips.
Beside him walked Kyle. Taller at 180 centimeters, he wore a pristine white outfit equipped with contrasting, heavy-duty hand guards. His striking black-and-white hair framed a face that, despite his imposing height, still held a trace of innocent youth.
But it was the girl between them who drew the most stares. Xiao Wu wore a fitted pink outfit that accentuated her slender waist and developing figure, her long black hair tied into a neat scorpion braid that cascaded down to her lower back. Her perfectly proportioned legs moved with an energetic spring. With her large, intelligent eyes and exquisitely soft features, she radiated a charming, intangible beauty that easily eclipsed the two boys beside her.
Xiao Wu wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, her curved eyebrows knitting in a pout. "Finally. I really don't know what Grandmaster is thinking. We had unconditional offers from several top-tier intermediate spirit master academies, yet he sends us to take an exam at this obscure 'Shrek Academy'."
Tang San chuckled softly. "Teacher asked me and Kyle to take the exam. He didn't ask you to come; you insisted on tagging along. Be glad Balak borders the Fasinuo Region, or you'd have an even longer walk to complain about."
Xiao Wu shot him a cold glare. "Truly without a conscience! Who asked you to be my older brother? Whatever happens, you both have to take me to play in Suotuo City for the next two days to repair the injury to my fragile, youthful heart."
"The formidable, highest-ranking boss of Nuoding Academy has a fragile heart?" Kyle teased, prompting a laugh from Tang San.
Five years had passed since they entered the Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy. Under the Grandmaster's tutelage, Tang San and Kyle had come to respect him like a father. When he directed them to Shrek Academy, they obeyed without hesitation. And where Tang San and Kyle went, Xiao Wu naturally followed.
"In any case, do you promise?" Xiao Wu pressed, sticking out her lower lip.
"As you wish," Tang San smiled. He rarely opposed her. Since the three had forged their sibling-like bond, he and Kyle naturally fell into the roles of protective older brothers.
Suotuo City was a bustling labyrinth compared to Nuoding. Army patrols marched through streets packed with a chaotic, endless flow of merchants and travelers. After grabbing a quick bite, Xiao Wu's eyes locked onto a striking, three-story building painted in vibrant shades of rose-red. Its architecture mimicked a massive blooming rose.
"Rose Hotel. Little San, Little Kyle, we're staying here!" she declared.
Stepping inside, they were enveloped by a warm, intoxicating fragrance of roses that seemed to soothe away their travel fatigue. The interior was a sleek blend of white, silver, and rose-red.
Tang San approached the counter. "Excuse me, we need two rooms."
The attendant stood up hurriedly, his eyes darting between them. "I'm sorry, we only have one room left."
Tang San frowned. Even though they were close, they were growing up. "Just one?"
"Yes, ah, only one," the attendant replied, giving Tang San a knowing, exaggerated wink that completely flew over the boy's head.
Xiao Wu beamed. "One room is fine! We shared a dorm in Nuoding anyway. Plus, we'll save money to buy beautiful clothes."
Tang San shook his head in defeat. He wasn't stubborn; he could simply cultivate on the floor at night. "Fine. We'll take it."
Just as the attendant reached for the keys, a chilling voice cut through the lobby.
"I believe that room belongs to me."
The trio turned to see a young man walking toward the counter, a beautiful twin girl clinging to each of his arms. He stood about 180 centimeters tall—matching Kyle in height with broad shoulders and long, straight golden hair cascading down his back.
But it was his eyes that commanded the room. They were Evil Eyes—deep blue, each containing a twin pupil. The gaze they emitted was dangerously cold, slicing through the air like a physical blade. Even at a glance, Tang San and Kyle instantly registered the same thought: He is extremely strong.
The blonde youth let his gaze sweep over Xiao Wu, a flicker of astonishment flashing in his twin pupils before he turned to the counter. "You're new, right? Call your manager."
The attendant shivered under the glare and scrambled to the back.
"Brother," Tang San said, his voice dropping in temperature. "It seems we were here first."
The blonde youth didn't even turn his head. "So what?"
Xiao Wu, whose temper was a stark contrast to Tang San's calm, stepped up. "So, you can get lost!"
The youth finally turned, his cold eyes locking onto Xiao Wu. He nodded slowly. "Very good. It's been a long time since anyone dared to speak to me like that. You're Spirit Masters? Step forward, all three of you. If I lose, I leave. If not, you get out."
The twin girls beside him giggled, releasing his arms and stepping back without a hint of worry.
Before things could escalate, Manager Wang rushed out, sweating profusely. "Young Master Dai! Please, there's no need for fighting. My subordinate is new and didn't know the rules. I will arrange another room for you immediately." He turned apologetically to Tang San. "Sorry, young travelers. That room is reserved for Young Master Dai."
Tang San would have let it go, but Xiao Wu was already fired up. "We aren't giving it up. Don't think we're easy to bully just because we're younger!"
"Put all the damages on my tab," Dai Mubai told the manager, his eyes glinting sharply.
Xiao Wu lunged forward, but Tang San caught her shoulder. "Leave it to us," he said softly but firmly. "I told you I'd always protect you. This is between men. Kyle and I will handle it."
Seeing the resolve in his eyes, Xiao Wu backed down. "Be careful."
"Stop talking," Dai Mubai sneered. "Come at me together."
Kyle and Tang San stepped forward. "Please."
Dai Mubai didn't waste a breath. He launched a devastating right hook. The movement was simple, but the kinetic force and speed behind it were staggering.
"Six Realm Technique: Second Style: Revenge Counter."
Kyle didn't dodge. He caught the heavy strike with his left hand, buckling slightly as he absorbed the immense shockwave. In a fluid, masterful motion, he funneled the kinetic energy through his stance, redirecting the impact straight into his right fist, and fired it back at Dai Mubai.
The blonde youth's eyes widened as his momentum was halted dead in its tracks. He caught my fist? Before Dai Mubai could recover, he leaped into the air to launch a descending strike. But Tang San was already moving. Utilizing the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Tang San became a blur, appearing directly at Dai Mubai's flank and driving both palms toward his shoulders.
Dai Mubai twisted mid-air with incredible combat instinct, dodging Tang San's push and countering with a downward fist that sent a shockwave through the floorboards.
Simultaneously, Kyle closed the distance. "Six Realm Technique: First Style: Instantaneous Punch!" With his feet planted and unable to dodge, Dai Mubai was forced back by a concentrated blast of pure physical force.
"Still want to continue?" Tang San asked calmly.
Dai Mubai wiped his chin, a thrilling smirk forming. "Of course. You forced me to use spirit power, which means in pure martial arts, I've already lost. But I won't be satisfied until I measure your true strength."
"White Tiger, Body Enhancement!"
A blinding pale light erupted from his body. The phantom of a massive white tiger roared behind him. From beneath his feet, three spirit rings rose, radiating overwhelming pressure: Yellow... Yellow... and Purple.
"A Thousand-Year Spirit Ring!" Xiao Wu gasped.
"Dai Mubai. Martial Soul: White Tiger. Battle Spirit Elder, Rank 37. Please."
Kyle slowly opened his right hand. A surge of brilliant white light materialized into a heavy, two-meter-long spear etched with tiger patterns. He gave it a twirl, the sheer weight of the weapon producing a low hum in the air.
"Kyle. Martial Soul: Spear of Yang. Spirit Grandmaster, Rank 29. Please."
Tang San raised his hand next. Deep blue light flourished as slender, serpentine vines covered in fine thorns sprouted from his palm.
"Tang San. Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass. Spirit Grandmaster, Rank 29. Please."
Dai Mubai raised an eyebrow. "Blue Silver Grass? Let's see what a useless spirit can do."
"There are no useless spirits," Tang San echoed the Grandmaster's teachings, his voice steady. "Only useless spirit masters."
A fierce grin spread across Dai Mubai's face, his twin pupils flashing with a mix of amusement and respect. "Well said. 'There are no useless spirits, only useless spirit masters.' Let's test that theory."
With a deafening roar, Dai Mubai shot forward like a fired arrow, his hands morphing into razor-sharp, pale claws. Tang San retreated at lightning speed, using the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, his hands dancing in a blur as a massive, surging net of Blue Silver Grass erupted from all directions to engulf the White Tiger.
The White Tiger ripped through the vines, but to his shock, they were incredibly tough and immediately regenerated. The sweet scent of tea filled the air as the grass wrapped tightly around him.
His vines are this strong with one less ring? Dai Mubai realized.
His first spirit ring flared brightly. White Tiger Shield Body Barrier. A dome of white light expanded, repelling the vines.
But Kyle was already airborne. "Six Realm Technique: First Style: Instantaneous Pierce!" Kyle drove his heavy light-spears straight into the barrier, shattering the white dome like glass and forcing Dai Mubai to leap backward.
"Don't forget I'm here!" Kyle shouted.
Landing hard, Dai Mubai roared. His second spirit ring lit up. White Tiger Intense Light Wave! A devastating ball of white energy blasted from his mouth, ripping the remaining Blue Silver Grass to shreds and sending a violent shockwave through the lobby. Tang San paled, stumbling back as his spirit connection was jarred.
"The attack power of a beast spirit will always trump a tool spirit," Dai Mubai said, brushing off his shoulders. "Your grass is tough, Tang San, and Kyle, your physical strength is absurd to wield that spear so fast. But you lack experience."
Tang San smiled weakly. "Not necessarily."
Suddenly, Dai Mubai stiffened. Surviving strands of Blue Silver Grass had crept up his legs, binding him tightly. The fine thorns dug into his skin, and a wave of numbness washed over him.
"My grass is poisonous," Tang San explained. "When you exerted your spirit power to break our attacks, you accelerated the venom in your bloodstream. You've lost."
Dai Mubai's evil eyes shimmered with a dangerous light. "Extraordinary. If I only had two rings, I truly would have lost. But let me show you the power of a Thousand-Year Ring."
The purple ring pulsed. "White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
The air around Dai Mubai warped. His muscles bulged, his aura doubled, and with a deafening explosion, he shattered the venomous vines into dust.
Kyle immediately activated his second spirit ring, his Spear of Yang doubling in size and mass. He hurled it with bone-crushing force, but Dai Mubai merely swatted it away, completely uninjured.
The transformation faded as Dai Mubai looked at the two panting boys. "Your physical strength and control far exceeded my expectations. But under my Vajra Transformation, my attributes double for half an hour. With my Rank 37 spirit power, your attacks simply can't pierce my defenses. It is an absolute difference in strength."
He turned toward the door, signaling the twins to follow. "I think we will meet again soon. Go to Shrek Academy. If anyone gives you trouble, tell them the Evil Eye White Tiger, Dai Mubai, sent you."
"How do you know we're going there?" Xiao Wu called out.
"Because I'll be waiting for you."
With that, the golden-haired youth vanished out the door. Xiao Wu crossed her arms, huffing in disbelief. "What a suspicious guy. He doesn't look like a good person at all. Little San, Little Kyle, when we get to Shrek Academy, we are definitely going to teach him a lesson."
Tang San smiled faintly, looking towards the door where Dai Mubai had disappeared. "I don't think he's that bad. Although he appears cold and arrogant on the surface, he does have principles."
Xiao Wu pouted in frustration. "Not that bad? He's clearly a womanizer! Bringing two girls to a hotel room in broad daylight—what kind of decency is that? What Evil Eye White Tiger? I think he's more deserving of the name 'Lewd Tiger'!"
Kyle interjected with an innocent, guileless expression. "But Sister Wu, we also came to this hotel in broad daylight. What's wrong with that?"
Xiao Wu's face flushed for a moment, at a loss for words.
Tang San could only shake his head at the two of them. "It's not our place to judge his character. But from that fight earlier, his ability can't be underestimated. His strength is far above ours, yet he didn't use it to bully the weak. He conceded on the room issue, and from his parting words, he seems willing to look out for us if we enter Shrek Academy."
"Oh? So you mean he conceded just now?" Xiao Wu asked skeptically, still unable to forget Dai Mubai's arrogance. "Ge, if he had fought seriously earlier, would we really have had to leave?"
"Even if we had to leave, it would only be Kyle and me retreating. That's why I forbade you from interfering," Tang San replied calmly. "The difference of one spirit ring is absolute. After he used White Tiger Vajra Transformation, even the three of us together might not have been a match for him. However... if he had pushed the issue, we would have had a ninety percent chance of killing him provided Kyle unsealed his power and I used all my hidden weapons."
Hearing the word "kill," Xiao Wu murmured softly, sensing the seriousness beneath her adopted brother's gentle words.
They turned back towards the reception desk. Manager Wang, wearing an apologetic smile, handed over a golden key. Due to the earlier incident, Manager Wang even waived their lodging fees for the next few days as compensation.
The top floor of Rose Hotel had only a few exclusive rooms with poetic names like Blue Beauty, Pink Gentleness, and White Purity. Their room was at the end of the hallway: Red Ocean.
The nameplate on the door was adorned with a carving of a crystalline red rose. Xiao Wu looked at Tang San with a coy smile. "Brother... I think this hotel is really meant for couples."
Tang San smiled. "What's done is done."
However, the real shock came when they opened the door. The room was vast, dominated by silver and red. But what stopped them in their tracks was a pile of thousands of blazing red roses arranged into a giant heart symbol in the center of the room. A silk ribbon lay atop it, inscribed with: "One Thousand and One, You Are My Only One."
"Wow, this place is huge!" Kyle exclaimed in amazement, letting his gaze wander around.
Tang San massaged his temples. "No wonder Dai Mubai brought two girls here. Xiao Wu, if the smell of these roses is too strong, I'll call a waiter to clear them out."
Xiao Wu snorted softly, walked over to the pile of roses, and took a sniff. "Ge, you're really so dense. What girl doesn't like roses? If you stay like this, how will you ever find a wife? This room is beautiful. I like it."
"I'm only twelve; talking about a wife is way too early," Tang San retorted, rubbing his nose awkwardly. "You should rest. Kyle and I will meditate to recover our spirit power. Afterwards, we'll go for a walk."
Entering the sleeping area, they were once again stunned. The bed was a giant heart shape, draped with translucent red muslin curtains that exuded a romantic and ambiguous aura. Tang San quickly averted his gaze, choosing to sit cross-legged on the sofa in the outer room with Kyle to recover their spirit power, while Xiao Wu happily bounced onto the plush mattress.
That afternoon, they strolled through Suotuo City. The city was far busier and more expensive than Nuoding. Passing by an alley, Xiao Wu's eyes were drawn to a shop that looked dilapidated. Its signboard was worn, but the carvings above it: an image of a sword, a hammer, and a blue lightning dragon the same symbol as the Spirit Hall token belonging to Grandmaster.
The shop was dim and dusty. Inside, a middle-aged man sat in a creaky rocking chair. His face was exceptionally unique a protruding chin, wide cheekbones, and a slightly crooked nose, making him look like a shoe sole. Square-framed crystal glasses completed his appearance, giving him a cunning yet lazy look.
On the wall, Tang San spotted a chunk of crystal about the size of a human head. The crystal looked dull, filled with yellowish impurities within. Yet Tang San's heart began to race. His eyes lit up.
"Uncle, how much for this crystal?" Tang San asked.
The man didn't even open his eyes. "One hundred gold spirit coins."
Xiao Wu immediately protested. "A hundred gold coins for this dirty-looking crystal?! Are you trying to rob us?!"
"A hundred coins is the fair price," the man mumbled lazily. "Pay up if you want to buy it. If not, please leave."
Tang San held Xiao Wu back and took out his wallet. "Alright, I'll buy it."
"Your money's not enough," the man suddenly retorted. "The price just went up to two hundred gold coins."
"Uncle, this is extortion!" Kyle spoke up, his tone calm but firm. "Brother San, this is unreasonable. We'd better save our money for other necessities."
"Exactly!" Xiao Wu chimed in.
Tang San stared intently at the man. "Two hundred. Will the price change again?"
"Five hundred gold coins. Non-negotiable. Pay or leave."
Tang San's patience ran out. Although the crystal was extremely valuable in his eyes, he refused to be toyed with. He turned and signaled for Xiao Wu and Kyle to leave.
"If you don't have enough money," the man's voice sounded again, "I can accept two hundred for now. You can pay the rest in installments of ten coins a month... plus ten percent interest."
Tang San sighed deeply, held back Xiao Wu's outburst, and placed two pouches of gold coins on the counter. Hearing the clink of the coins, the middle-aged man finally opened his eyes. His gaze suddenly froze when he saw the jade belt around Tang San's waist.
"Wait," the man said. "Where did you get that sleeve protector and belt?"
"My teacher gave it to me. You recognize it?"
The cunning expression on the man's face instantly faded, replaced by a complicated look that was hard to decipher. He waved his hand. "You're his student... Just take the crystal. It's free. Now go, don't disturb my sleep."
Confused but unwilling to miss the opportunity, Xiao Wu immediately hugged the crystal. The three of them quickly left. After they disappeared from sight, the middle-aged man stared at his shop's ceiling and murmured, "Grandmaster, oh, Grandmaster... You won't be able to hide from me this time."
Back at the hotel, Tang San locked the door tightly and produced his massive forging hammer.
"Step back a bit," Tang San instructed Kyle and Xiao Wu.
Channeling all the power of the Mysterious Heaven Skill into the hammer in his hand, Tang San swung with the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique.
*BAM!*
The dull crystal shattered into pieces. From within the fragments, thousands of golden specks of light exploded outward like magical fireflies, floating and filling the dim *Red Ocean* room.
"Goodness..." Xiao Wu was stunned, watching the rice-sized golden grains scatter across the bed and floor.
"Quick, help me gather them all! Don't miss a single one!" Tang San exclaimed, using the Controlling Crane Catching Dragon technique to suction the golden grains towards his hand.
After collecting over twenty thousand golden grains, Tang San placed one in his palm. Channeling his spirit power, the grain stretched, transforming into an extremely fine, flexible golden thread, nearly invisible to the naked eye.
"This is called Golden Thread or Crystal Hair," Tang San explained. "Its age is at least 10,000 years. When infused with spirit power, it becomes as sharp as a needle. I call it the Dragon Beard Needle."
To demonstrate, Tang San flicked the needle towards a thick blanket. It pierced the fabric without a sound, and in an instant, the surrounding area of the blanket wrinkled and tightened powerfully, forming a hard lump.
Xiao Wu's eyes widened in horror as she realized its mechanism. "Ge... if this thing is shot into a human body... will this thread coil up their flesh and muscles from the inside? Unless the flesh is cut open, this needle can't be removed!"
"This hidden weapon is too cruel!" Xiao Wu exclaimed with a shiver.
Tang San looked at the golden needle in his hand with a deep gaze. "Weapons have no inherent good or evil, Xiao Wu. It's the person using them who determines that. If we use it to punish evil, then this deadly weapon *is* justice itself."
The next morning, they left Suotuo City heading south, searching for Shrek Academy's location according to Grandmaster's instructions.
Instead of finding a grand building befitting an advanced academy, their steps halted in front of a small, shabby-looking village. A rotting wooden fence surrounded the village, and at the entrance stood an old table. A worn-out sign hung above the gate with crude writing: "Shrek Academy", accompanied by a green monster head logo.
"Brother... are you sure Grandmaster didn't write down the wrong address? This looks more like a farm than an academy," Xiao Wu whispered in disbelief.
In front of them, dozens of parents and children queued with faces full of disappointment. At the registration table, an old man dressed like a poor peasant collected registration fees.
A father placed ten gold coins into a wooden box. The old man felt the hand of the man's son, then lazily waved his hand. "Your bones tell me you're over thirteen years old. You're rejected. Go."
"Wait! My son just turned thirteen, please make an exception!" the father pleaded.
"Our rules are absolute. This academy only accepts children under thirteen. Next!"
"Then give us back our registration fee! You're running a scam academy!" the father shouted angrily.
The old man sighed wearily, glancing towards the shade of a tree nearby. "Mubai, someone wants their money back. Handle it."
From a tree branch, a figure jumped down gracefully. The blonde-haired man with a pair of Evil Eyes landed in front of the angry father. It was Dai Mubai.
"You want your money back?" Dai Mubai said coldly. "Beat me, and I'll return it all."
WHOOOOSH!
A terrifying spiritual pressure erupted. Three spirit rings two yellow and one purple rose from beneath Dai Mubai's feet, radiating the fierce aura of the White Tiger that instantly silenced the entire crowd at the village gate.