Gurgle, gurgle!
Deep within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—
The once-pristine paradise had been completely overtaken by a dark, purple-black creep. The Zerg’s living bio-matter spread endlessly, and countless grotesque organic structures rose one after another across its surface.
Massive spore towers dotted the basin, their silhouettes ominous against the strange glow of the springs. A new Zerg hive cluster was taking shape right in the heart of this forbidden land.
Lin Fan dared to construct a base aboveground only because this was the domain of the Poison Douluo. Few soul masters ever ventured here, and fewer still knew the secrets of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Even if someone stumbled in by chance, they would never recognize these alien structures for what they were.
Suspended above the emptiest stretch of creep was a humanoid cocoon, supported by countless fleshy tendrils. The outline of a lithe, graceful body could already be discerned within, even through the tight white membrane.
Lin Fan stood with arms crossed, silently observing the rapid hatching and expansion of the swarm. His eyes grew distant, lost in thought—until a sharp tearing sound snapped him back.
Rip—!
A seam opened across the cocoon. A glimpse of snow-white skin shone through, catching Lin Fan’s gaze. The shell trembled violently, the cracks widening.
The cocoon, now drained of energy, crumbled away like snow, its remains falling in pale fragments. The tendrils retracted back into the creep, gently lowering the transformed body within.
With a final bang, the cocoon burst apart, scattering like drifting snowflakes.
Dugu Yan slowly opened her eyes. Her once-bright pupils now shimmered in red and green, eerie and enchanting. Her cropped hair had grown into flowing, dark emerald locks that reached her shoulders.
The immature girl had crossed the threshold of time itself, emerging as a stunning young woman. Her slender waist bore subtle lines of strength, her legs long and shapely, her skin pale and flawless. Her figure had blossomed, more full and graceful than before. Her delicate face still carried traces of youth, but now radiated vitality and allure.
She lifted her arms, examining her transformed body. Lines of luminous green light coursed beneath her skin, visible along her veins like living streams of toxin-infused energy.
Lin Fan nodded in satisfaction.
“From this moment on, you are a peerless Poison Body. The swarm has fused its toxic genetics with yours. Even if your soul power is exhausted, your blood and flesh will naturally generate virulent poison—stronger even than that of your Jade Phosphor Serpent.”
A smile curved across Dugu Yan’s lips. She raised her hand, watching rich green soul power swirl around her palm.
“Thank you, my Lord.”
Her voice was clear, crisp, carrying both decisiveness and resilience. Where Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu exuded charm and softness, and Qian Renxue carried noble elegance, Dugu Yan now stood as the embodiment of a sharp, capable woman.
She cast Lin Fan a meaningful glance.
“My Lord, how should I repay such kindness?”
Lin Fan studied her quietly. Though strengthened through genetic modification, this process was not equivalent to the hatching of a true Queen of Blades. The transformation was powerful—but fell short of that rare, exalted evolution. Unfortunately, the stringent conditions for such a rebirth meant that only Xiao Wu and Qian Renxue had been chosen for that privilege.
Seeing his silence, Dugu Yan stepped closer, her jade-like hand brushing his arm with deliberate grace. Her touch was cool, supple, like living carved jade. She leaned against him softly, her eyes shimmering.
“Are you satisfied, my Lord?” she whispered, her head resting lightly against his chest.
Lin Fan did not answer. Instead, a crimson gleam flickered in his eyes as a thread of psychic will surged through the Zerg network into her mind. Dugu Yan gasped, her face flushing with sudden warmth, her gaze flickering with both shyness and unspoken emotion.
The night deepened.
Moonlight spilled into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, silver beams falling across the purple-black ground. The silence was broken only by faint, rhythmic sounds, like a quiet harmony echoing through the cavern. If one listened closely, it resembled the gentle hum of a girl’s song—soft, tender, as if carrying boundless affection.
Meanwhile, in the Great Spirit Arena, the Shrek Academy team prepared for their next match.
“Next up—Shrek Academy!”
Flender inhaled deeply, turning to the six Shrek monsters with a confident smile.
“Go. Show them the pride of Shrek!”
Everyone nodded, excitement blazing in their eyes. Everyone except Tang San. His expression shifted subtly as he calculated inwardly.
We can win this round. But the next two… we’ll need to tread carefully. If we keep winning too smoothly, advancing straight to the finals, that will only draw unnecessary attention.
He glanced at Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing’s eager faces, a pang of guilt flickering in his heart.
Forgive me. I only want what’s best for you all.
High in the stands, Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes. She had noticed Tang San’s hesitation. He had been holding back this entire match, letting his teammates claim victory.
“Hmph.”
She waved lightly to her attendant, whispering instructions. The attendant bowed and left to deliver her command.
Bibi Dong’s gaze returned to Tang San and Yu Xiaogang.
“Let’s see how long you can suppress your true strength. I refuse to believe you can resist forever.”
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