At that moment a woman in a long green dress emerged from the depths of the Garden of Rest. Her figure was slender, her skin fair, her features delicate and soft. Jade-green hair fell freely to her shoulders, matching the same deep, clear color of her eyes. Every movement she made was filled with grace, and nature itself seemed to respond to her steps.
She appeared no older than thirty, yet her gaze carried an ancient wisdom. She seemed the very embodiment of harmony, gentleness, and serene beauty.
Approaching Wang Tianyu, the woman gave a slight bow.
"Greetings, Pavilion Master Wang. Welcome to the Garden of Rest. Please wait a moment — the other representatives will arrive shortly."
Wang Tianyu returned the bow with equal lightness, his voice respectful and measured.
"Elder Bi Ji, you are too courteous."
Despite her outward youth, this woman's true age far exceeded Wang Tianyu's many times over. In the world of Spirit Beasts, her name was known to all. The Emerald Swan — Bi Ji, possessor of the most powerful healing abilities in existence. Though her combat strength was not considered exceptional, she still held fourth place in the rankings of the Great Spirit Beasts.
The top three were led by the Beast God Di Tian, the Evil Eye Tyrant Xie Di, and the Heavenly Snow Woman Xue Di.
But much had changed over the millennia. Xie Di had fallen long ago. Xue Di, once magnificent and untameable, had become the spirit soul of Huo Yuhao — founder of the Spirit Pagoda. Of the original top three, only Di Tian remained, now facing the last trial Heaven and Earth had set before him.
Bi Ji's gaze moved softly across the group of Shrek Academy students, and a faint smile touched her lips.
"Shrek Academy, as magnificent as always."
But when her attention settled on the first-years, a barely perceptible surprise flickered in her eyes.
They're only twelve or thirteen. Why are there so many students this young here?
Noticing her mild surprise, Wang Tianyu calmly offered an explanation.
"During the internal trials, something unusual occurred. These first-years are the team that, under the leadership of their class representative, challenged the upperclassmen. They defeated every team in the Outer Court, including the sixth-years, and earned the right to attend today's ceremony."
A hint of interest appeared in Bi Ji's gaze.
"First-years who defeated sixth-years? That is truly remarkable."
"Fan Yue, Lan Xuanyu — step forward," Wang Tianyu said suddenly.
As the two students approached, he was just about to introduce them when a booming laugh rang out. It was the kind of laugh that seemed to make the ground tremble and the air compress.
"Ha-ha-ha! Brother Tianyu, always in a hurry as ever. Already promoting your students before the rest of us have even arrived?"
A tall man was approaching the group at an unhurried pace. He radiated authority and power that instinctively made those around him lower their heads. A solid frame, a straight posture, and a perfectly fitted military uniform underscored his status. Three stars on his epaulettes spoke clearly of his rank — few in the Federation could claim the same.
"Didn't see you yesterday, Yan Hui. Where did you disappear to?" The corner of Wang Tianyu's lips lifted slightly. "How about a spar?"
Yan Hui laughed loudly and openly, his laughter rolling through the garden.
"How could I say no? You think I'd pass up an opportunity like that? It's been a long time since we trained together. Let's see how much you've improved." He narrowed his eyes. "Though — you were always the laziest one among the seven of us, so I won't expect too much."
Behind him stood twelve people in military uniform. Their bearing, focused expressions, and cold gaze marked them as seasoned fighters. Among them, three young officers stood out particularly. The others looked somewhat younger, and some wore no rank insignia at all — which only emphasized their special status. In the military, rank did not always reflect true strength; sometimes those without it possessed unique talents that set them apart from all the rest.
Fan Yue and Lan Xuanyu, standing close by, could clearly feel the powerful and fierce aura radiating from Yan Hui.
This man seems stronger than the Pavilion Master, Fan Yue thought.
Yan Hui turned to Bi Ji and smiled slightly.
"The War God Temple. First War God Yan Hui greets Elder Bi Ji."
The War God Temple. Fan Yue went still for a moment. Father said that he and Mother were War Gods too. Could this man have known them?
He knew very little about his parents' past. Only at the moment of his awakening had he first learned what position his father had held. Before that, Fan Hobin had always said he was nothing more than an ordinary officer.
Bi Ji responded with a gentle smile.
"Welcome, War God Yan."
Yan Hui shifted his gaze to Lan Xuanyu, interest flickering in his eyes. But in the very next moment his full attention was fixed entirely on Fan Yue. The smile disappeared, replaced by open bewilderment.
Fan Yue? Why is he here? Fan Hobin said he had no Battle Soul... Did he actually awaken one? I wonder — did he inherit Lan Yue's Battle Soul, or Fan Hobin's?
But Yan Hui composed himself instantly. The smile returned to his face — broad and easy.
"What promising young sprouts."
"That's enough," Wang Tianyu said with a dry smile. He waved a hand toward Fan Yue and Lan Xuanyu, signaling them to return to their places.
"Don't start sizing up my students so early."
For a moment his gaze lingered on Fan Yue. Then Wang Tianyu looked at Yan Hui and sent a direct thought.
Yan Hui. We'll discuss this later.
Yan Hui gave an almost imperceptible nod. He knew perfectly well that Wang Tianyu understood far less than he did.
"Yan Hui, how did you manage to rile up Brother Wang again?" came a clear, calm voice as a young man stepped closer.
The voice seemed to ease the tension in the air, while at the same moment drawing the attention of everyone present.
The arriving group stood out at first glance. Snow-white robes bearing an ancient crimson symbol clearly indicated their origin — the Tang Sect, one of the greatest forces in human history.
The young man walking at the front was particularly striking. Black hair fell loosely to his shoulders, and his bearing carried a relaxed confidence. A light smile gave him a friendly yet enigmatic quality. He appeared no older than twenty, yet his gaze revealed a maturity and depth that did not match his face.
Yan Hui laughed and waved a hand.
"Tang Miao, if you'd been another minute late, someone would already have started poaching our people."
"This loudmouth never misses a chance to promote the War God Temple," said a woman standing nearby, her voice cold.
"Linshuan, there's no need to worry," Tang Miao smiled. "The Tang Sect and Shrek Academy have always been one."
His tone was light, almost breezy.
Bai Linshuan laughed involuntarily, but the laugh vanished quickly. Her gaze returned to Yan Hui, and in it there flashed a cold, almost icy sharpness.
"Years pass and you never change, Yan Hui. Always looking for a way to pull talent toward yourself."
Yan Hui snorted, irritation creeping into his voice.
"That's rich, coming from the Tang Sect and the Spirit Pagoda. Every year, before the Outer Court has even finished graduating, you two show up first and take the best. I'm giving fair warning — this year we're ready to move too. Even if it means—" he smirked, "—bribing Brother Wang."
At that moment Bi Ji, who had been standing slightly apart, finally spoke. Her voice was soft, but it carried clearly to everyone present, drawing their attention at once.
"Enough. We are not here for idle conversation. More important matters await us."
Tang Miao gave a respectful nod.
"You are right, Elder Bi Ji. Time does not wait."
Bai Linshuan gave a slight bow.
"Elder Bi Ji, we meet again."
"A pleasure," Bi Ji replied with a light smile and a brief nod.
Gathered here now were the most powerful organizations of the Federation.
The War God Temple led by Yan Hui. The Tang Sect under Tang Miao. The Spirit Pagoda with Bai Linshuan. And Shrek Academy, represented by Wang Tianyu.
Each of them radiated its own aura. Four distinct forces had invisibly divided the space between them, forming a clear equilibrium. Though outwardly everyone maintained composure, a quiet confrontation hung in the air — a collision of strength, status, and influence.
Alongside them, a considerable number of young people had gathered — the elite of the Federation's new generation.
Bi Ji stepped forward, and the murmur gradually stilled. Though she was not the strongest present, the Beast God Di Tian stood behind her — and so everyone listened to her words with care.
"Now that all parties have arrived, we may begin. As agreed with the Federation, once every ten years representatives of humanity receive the opportunity to visit us and determine whether spirit masters and Spirit Beasts may form contracts."
"Since the Beast God Di Tian is undergoing his final heavenly tribulation this year, the gathering was postponed by one year. Now I ask all young people who sincerely wish to form a contract to step forward, release their aura, and enter the Garden of Rest. Let each seek a compatible partner. If both parties express willingness, the contract will be formed in the presence of all."
A restrained ripple of excitement passed through those present. Many straightened unconsciously, preparing to step forward.
Noticing this, Bi Ji spoke again, her voice growing firmer.
"During the selection process, please keep your emotions and youthful impulses in check. The Garden of Rest is a place of peace and harmony. Any fighting between spirit masters is strictly forbidden here. In the event of a conflict, the offenders will be immediately disqualified and permanently barred from entering the Garden of Rest."
These words fell like a cold warning.
The prohibition applied specifically to clashes between spirit masters. If a Spirit Beast chose to test a person — that would not be a violation of the rules. After all, both sides were seeking a worthy and capable partner.
Wang Tianyu returned to the Shrek Academy delegation.
The Academy had brought the largest group — more than fifty people, nearly equal to all other participants combined. This made clear how deep Shrek's connection to the world of Spirit Beasts truly ran.
But even that number offered no guarantees.
The outcome of the selection depended not on strength or status, but on compatibility — on the resonance between a spirit master and a beast, on potential, will, and character. Many Spirit Beasts had no desire for a contract at all. If they sensed nothing of what they sought in a person, they preferred to remain in solitude rather than bind their fate to an unsuitable partner.