(Also known as: Current Status of the Shrek Seven Devils — The Plot Officially Begins)
When Qiangu Yuan heard Yin Zhang say that he could offer a Helping Hand to rapidly increase his strength—directly pushing his spirit power from Rank 89 to Rank 90—his eyes widened in shock.
At first, he found it hard to believe. But recalling the extraordinary opportunities Yin Zhang had brought about before, excitement quickly surged through him.
Although he was already at Rank 89 and only one step away from Rank 90, this final hurdle was an insurmountable barrier for the vast majority of Spirit Douluo, one that many could never overcome in their entire lives.
If he truly reached Rank 90, he would be able to absorb a spirit ring and step into the realm of a Titled Douluo.
The temptation was overwhelming.
That would mean the Qiangu Family would possess three Titled Douluo simultaneously—an unprecedented glory they had not seen in hundreds of years.
With this thought, Qiangu Yuan could no longer remain calm.
Forgetting the aloofness he had shown Yin Zhang just moments earlier, he hurriedly asked,
"Xiao Zhang, the Helping Hand you mentioned… what kind of method is it?"
Yin Zhang chuckled.
"The method itself is actually simple, but I can't tell you right now. I need to leave Spirit City for a while. When I return, I'll bring back the means to help you break through to Rank 90. By then, I'll also know the location of a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast—a sub-dragon species perfectly suited for you."
Hearing that it wouldn't happen immediately, Qiangu Yuan's excitement cooled slightly. But as he processed the rest of Yin Zhang's words, his enthusiasm quickly reignited.
Leaving Spirit City wasn't an issue at all.
At most, it would take a few months—an insignificant span of time to him now. Compared to breaking through to Rank 90, waiting a few months was nothing. If others were offered such an opportunity, they would willingly wait years without complaint.
With that in mind, Qiangu Yuan relaxed completely.
After spending some time playing with his little niece, Qiangu Bai, Yin Zhang left on his own and soon found Hu Liena. She was sitting idly in the training grounds, bored enough to count pebbles on the ground.
This time, Yin Zhang had come with a clear purpose—to take her out to travel together.
"Nana," he said with a smile, "do you know why I came to find you today? If you guess right, there's a surprise."
Already in high spirits, Hu Liena grew even more excited.
"Don't make me guess! I don't want to play games—just tell me, Brother Zhang!"
Yin Zhang laughed helplessly.
"Alright. I'm planning to leave Spirit City and travel across the continent for experience. I wanted to ask if you'd like to come with me."
Hu Liena jumped up instantly.
"Brother Zhang! Are you saying I can travel the continent with you and Sister Yunying? But my teacher would never agree!"
By the end of her sentence, her tone had clearly dimmed.
Yin Zhang gently patted her head.
"I forgot to mention—Sister Yunying left Spirit City last night to train alone in Slaughter City. So if you come with me, it'll just be the two of us."
"As for your teacher," he added lightly, "that's not a problem. I can take you with me, and there's nothing your teacher can do about it."
The moment Hu Liena heard that Qiangu Yunying had already left—and that traveling with Yin Zhang would mean a world of just the two of them—her previously downcast eyes lit up instantly.
It was as if a fox tail had appeared behind her.
She completely ignored the unfamiliar words Slaughter City, threw her arms around Yin Zhang, and giggled.
"That's wonderful! Of course I'm willing!"
Yin Zhang could only smile helplessly.
Since Hu Liena had agreed, there was nothing more to discuss.
---
Outside Suotuo City, in the Balak Kingdom.
Oscar, who had awakened his spirit two years ago, now possessed more than ten ranks of spirit power.
Because the person who awakened his spirit had been Flender—who was out trying to make extra money at the time—Oscar had been taken straight to Shrek Academy after astonishing him.
Looking at the rundown academy, Oscar sighed deeply.
"When will the number of students in this broken place ever exceed the number of teachers?"
---
Elsewhere.
Still pursuing side income, Flender arrived at a small village known as Poultry Village.
As the name suggested, most villagers awakened poultry-type spirits. Among them, the Grass Chicken Spirit was the most common.
Flender glanced at the chubby boy standing before him and found him rather amusing.
"Kid, stand properly. I'll awaken your spirit. Let's just hope it's something decent—at least not poultry. Otherwise, you probably won't even have spirit power, and you won't qualify to become a Spirit Master."
The boy immediately grew anxious.
"My name is Ma Hongjun! I'm destined to be a Spirit Master! The spirit I awaken will definitely be a Phoenix—not some local chicken!"
As Ma Hongjun stepped into the awakening formation, only a few seconds passed before a clear phoenix cry echoed through the air.
Flender froze.
A Phoenix… for real?
Staring more closely, he soon frowned and sighed.
"It is a Phoenix Spirit, but strictly speaking, it's more like a local chicken that hasn't fully mutated. I don't know what side effects it might have, but even so, it's still a top-tier spirit."
"Little Fatty, your name is Ma Hongjun, right? Place your right hand on this crystal and let's test your spirit power. If it's good enough, I might consider taking you as my disciple."
Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up instantly.
A Spirit Saint as a master—how exciting would that be?
---
Holy Spirit Village.
Su Yuntao looked at the ordinary boy before him and frowned at the awakened spirit.
"Blue Silver Grass. A trash spirit."
Just as he turned to leave in disappointment, the boy spoke up,
"Grandmaster, you haven't tested my spirit power yet."
---
On the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.
The Titan Giant Ape gazed at the departing girl, its eyes filled with reluctance.
The girl waved casually and walked briskly toward a nearby village.
"Er Ming, you don't need to follow me! Help me tell Da Ming that when I have time, I'll definitely come back to visit you!"
---
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
The little witch Ning Rongrong looked at Ning Fengzhi, who was playing with her younger brother and sister nearby, her expression full of grievance.
"Daddy! Rongrong is over here!"
---
Star Luo Empire.
Dai Mubai was drowning in despair.
"Should I… just run away?"
---
The Zhu Family.
After learning that she already had a fiancé, Zhu Zhuqing was completely confused. She looked at her sister, Zhu Zhuyun—who had always doted on her the most—and asked softly,
"Sister… who is my fiancé?"