Standing in front of Dormitory 226, Jing Xiaoyu glanced at the advanced door lock and couldn't help but smile. It seemed Shrek Academy was keeping up with the times. He had thought the ordinary students' dormitories wouldn't be too impressive, but the card-reader lock was a pleasant surprise, proving the academy's commitment to quality.
Even before stepping inside, Jing Xiaoyu figured that if the entrance was this modern, the interior of the dormitory couldn't be too shabby.
Taking out his student ID card, he swiped it across the lock. With a soft click, the door opened. Jing Xiaoyu pushed it ajar and stepped inside, only to be met with another surprise: the dormitory was a two-bedroom suite.
Looking around, he immediately understood the earlier instruction to "occupy any available room." The shared living area had a minimalistic design. A long wooden table with two chairs sat in the center, completely bare otherwise. The simplicity gave the space a somewhat stark atmosphere.
Past the living area, a glass door led to a small balcony. The balcony featured three metal rods mounted above for hanging and drying clothes.
On either side of the living area were two bedrooms, their doors close to the dormitory entrance and facing each other. The door on the left was shut, signaling someone had already moved in. The right bedroom door was open, so Jing Xiaoyu headed inside.
The bedroom was about the same size as the living area and just as simply furnished. It had a single wooden bed large enough for one person, a wooden desk against the wall, a chair that matched the ones in the living area, and two tall wardrobes. The room also boasted an attached washroom and a small balcony.
Jing Xiaoyu was especially impressed by the private washroom. It turned out the dormitory wasn't just two bedrooms—it was a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite with a shared living area.
Standing on the bedroom's balcony, he looked at the forest and pathways below. A soft murmur escaped his lips: "The dorm is better than I expected."
From the balcony, he could see over to the other bedroom's balcony. Hanging there were two freshly washed sets of uniforms, still damp. "Looks like my roommate is neat and likes to keep things clean," Jing Xiaoyu thought to himself.
Returning inside, Jing Xiaoyu began unpacking. First, he made his bed. Then, he hung up his clothes in the wardrobe and arranged his toiletries in the washroom. Once everything was in place, he sat on the bed, took out his communicator, and dialed a number.
"Xiaoyu? Is that you?" A familiar, warm voice answered.
"Mom, it's me!" Jing Xiaoyu replied cheerfully. "I just wanted to let you know I've been admitted to Shrek Academy! I thought I'd call and share the good news with you and Auntie!"
"Really?" His mother, Jing Ziyuan, exclaimed with joy. In the background, Jing Xiaoyu could hear her calling out, "Everyone, my son got into Shrek Academy!"
"Wow, congratulations!"
"That's amazing news! You've got to treat us all to a celebration!"
"I knew it! Xiaoyu was destined to get in! Look, didn't I say so?"
"You've made me so proud, Xiaoyu!" Jing Ziyuan's voice came back, full of emotion.
Jing Xiaoyu chuckled. "I can hear everything, Mom. Did you go and brag in the office already?"
"So what if I did?" Jing Ziyuan retorted confidently. "My son is so outstanding; I'd be crazy not to show off a little!"
"Haha, you've got a point." Jing Xiaoyu laughed heartily.
Mother and son chatted for a long time, basking in their shared joy, before finally ending the call amid laughter and congratulations from her colleagues.
"Phew!" Jing Xiaoyu put away his communicator, shaking his head with a helpless smile. He could already imagine his mother celebrating with a few drinks tonight.
Feeling slightly tired, Jing Xiaoyu lay back on the bed to rest. It had been a long day, and while he wasn't physically exhausted, the mental strain was catching up with him.
---
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy's inner courtyard, the environment was a stark contrast to the bustling outer campus. Lush greenery covered the land like a verdant carpet. In the center lay Sea God Lake, its crystal-clear waters shimmering under the setting sun. Golden hues reflected off the surface, casting an almost divine glow. The tranquil atmosphere made it feel like stepping into a dreamlike sanctuary.
At the heart of Sea God Lake stood the renowned Sea God Island, shrouded in mist and ethereal light. The island was home to a vast primeval forest, and at its center stood a towering ancient tree—the Golden Tree, Shrek Academy's spiritual and symbolic core.
The tree soared over a hundred meters into the sky, its massive branches sprawling outward like a protective canopy. Sunlight filtered through its leaves, forming ethereal beams of light. At the tree's base sat a wooden house, one of many that dotted the island, serving as quarters for the academy's most prestigious figures.
Inside one such treehouse, Saint Spirit Douluo Yali was gently brushing the hair of a stunning young girl with silvery hair and violet eyes.
"All done, Nian'er. Do you like it?" Yali asked with a warm smile.
The girl, Na'er, glanced at her reflection. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail, exuding a youthful and lively charm. Her delicate features lit up with delight. "Yes, I love it!" she exclaimed.
"I'm glad." Yali nodded, her tone softening. "You seemed distracted earlier. Were you thinking about your brother?"
Na'er's gaze turned wistful. "Yes. My brother used to help me braid my hair all the time."
"Did he now?" Yali's thoughts wandered to the boy she'd seen earlier in the day. Remembering the two girls who had been by his side, she teased, "Your brother certainly seems popular with the girls."
Na'er didn't respond immediately, but after a brief pause, she looked up, her eyes filled with determination. "Godmother, I want to go to the outer academy!"
"Hmm?" Yali blinked in surprise. Then, realizing Na'er's intentions, she chuckled softly. "I'm fine with it, but you'll need your godfather's permission."
"I'll convince him!" Na'er declared confidently, her silver eyes sparkling with resolve.
"What are you two plotting now?" A cheerful voice interrupted. A tall, handsome man stepped into the room, his presence both unassuming and commanding.
This was none other than Sky God Douluo Yun Ming, the current Pavilion Master of Sea God Pavilion, hailed as the strongest individual on the Douluo Continent.
"Yun Ming!" Yali greeted him warmly.
"Godfather!" Na'er beamed.
"What's going on here?" Yun Ming asked with a smile, glancing between the two.
"Na'er wants to attend the outer academy," Yali explained, her tone teasing. "I told her it's up to you."
"Is that all?" Yun Ming chuckled. "If Na'er wants to go, let her. I have no objections."
"Really? Thank you, Godfather!" Na'er practically leapt for joy, her heart brimming with anticipation. Soon, she would reunite with her brother.