Xu Xiaoyan tilted her head back, the entire star-strewn cosmos reflected in her wide eyes.
She whispered in awe: "Wow… this starry sky is truly beautiful!"
Gu Yue followed her gaze. Stars glittered with impossible clarity—seemingly within reach.
She gave a faint nod, admiration flickering in her eyes: "Indeed."
Fang Yang surveyed the platform, sensing the ambient energy.
"The Star-Gazing Platform's design is ingenious."
"It not only gathers stellar energy but simulates the galaxy's environment itself. Truly a rare cultivation ground."
"Agreed," Tang Wulin added with a nod.
For a breath, all stood silent—lost in the heavens above.
Then—seven figures emerged.
Clad in Tianding Starry Sky Soul Master Academy's black uniforms—star-embroidered chests gleaming—five young men and two women, aged twenty to thirty, regarded them with measured curiosity.
Not all academies demanded Shrek's genius-tier standards. Such ages and ranks were commonplace across the continent.
After brief introductions, Fang Yang's gaze swept the opponents—unmoved, unreadable.
"The platform's guardian is ready. The barrier will activate shortly," Li Zhilong announced warmly, with a gentle smile. "Remember—this is a sparring exchange, stop before causing serious harm."
Both teams ascended the central arena.
"Prepare!" Li Zhilong's voice rang out.
HUMMMM—
Soul-guided arrays lining the platform blazed to life—halos swirling, light weaving skyward.
Thousands of beams converged into a single, colossal pillar of radiance—piercing the void in a spectacle of cosmic grandeur.
Bathed in starlight, the Tianding team shimmered with golden halos—auras surging, home-field advantage blazing.
Yet—a purer, brighter radiance bloomed around Xu Xiaoyan.
Golden starlight coalesced around her, more refined than theirs.
"Miss Xu—how do you feel?" Li Zhilong asked, stunned.
Her stellar affinity was… monstrous.
"Perfect!" Xu Xiaoyan beamed, cheeks flushed with exhilaration.
"So… comfortable. So powerful!"
She wasn't just adapting—she was thriving.
"Begin!" Li Zhilong declared, shock barely concealed.
WHOOSH!
Tianding's seven soared—Martial souls unleashed, soul rings blazing.
Their leader (six rings: two yellow, two purple, two black) forged a starlight spear, tip aimed at Fang Yang's group.
Shrek remained calm.
"Gu Yue," Fang Yang murmured.
Gu Yue raised a hand—elemental tides surging.
"Elemental Deprivation!"
CRACK!
The Tianding team's starlight halos flickered—dimmed, suppressed.
Gu Yue's Elemental Mastery had severed their stellar conduit.
"ATTACK!" the spear-wielder roared.
Starlight arrows, blades, shockwaves rained down—
THUMP
Xu Xiaoyan tapped her Star Scepter.
A colossal star wheel erupted—engulfing the arena.
"First Soul Skill: Star Chain!"
"Third Soul Skill: Stellar Radiance!"
Chains of solidified starlight—thick, luminous, absolute—lashed upward.
SNAP!
They coiled around all seven opponents mid-flight.
Stellar energy flooded their meridians—sealing soul power, shattering skill circulation.
Like clipped-wing birds, they plummeted—crashing onto the arena, immobilized, dazed.
They were unharmed… yet utterly defeated.
Silence.
Li Zhilong's jaw hung slack. Minutes passed before he found his voice:
"Th-the match… is over. Shrek Academy… VICTORY!"
Xu Xiaoyan's radiance softened. Her face glowed with effort and joy, eyes bright as newborn stars.
"Xiaoyan, flawless execution," Fang Yang praised, voice warm.
Gu Yue offered a rare, approving nod.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged grins—victory swift, decisive, total.
Li Zhilong and Tianding instructors rushed to free the students.
As they rose, their gazes locked on Xu Xiaoyan—awe, disbelief, reverence.
How could one girl… dominate their sacred sky?
"We yield," Fang Yang bowed slightly to Li Zhilong and the opponents.
Li Zhilong shook his head, wry smile returning.
"Shrek Academy… truly lives up to its legend."
He turned to Xu Xiaoyan, bowing deeply:
"Miss Xu—your stellar affinity… I have never witnessed its equal in all my years of teaching."
"Truly impressive!"
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read a completed exclusive novel (Over 250 Chapters) + get up to 40 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)