26 C26// The Previous Generation, Treading Lightly

[Shrek Academy, Battle Soul Arena]

A group of seven youths was spearheaded by one old man. It was Xuan Zi, who was leading the newly crowned generation of Shrek's Seven Devils while happily eating a drumstick.

Looking at his master's face from the side, Xin Qing knew that whatever the reason he called them together for, it probably meant that he could have some fun. Thinking to this point, even he was chuckling with his eyes hidden under the straw hat, giving him a rather crazed vibe.

The remaining six members all decisively took a step to the left, away from the strange master and disciple. Huo Yuhao was at the center of the group, allowing the six to quickly get along with each other. Whenever he talked about including Xin Qing, however, the group would fall quiet.

Huo Yuhao sighed to himself. 'How come no else sees that Brother Xin isn't a bad person? Sure. he's a little strange, but...' As Huo Yuhao continued to listen to the almost inaudible cackling of said Brother Xin, he found it hard even convincing himself.

And so, with this odd atmosphere, they had arrived at the Battle Soul Arena. Now, the oldest of the group, Beibei had asked Xuan Zi the question they were all thinking. "Teacher Xuan, why have you brought us out here?"

Taking one final bite of his chicken leg, his greasy lips began to move as he spoke, "Delicious!" Seeing that his students attention was now on him, he coughed lightly before continuing. "Delicious... battles, of course, what else?"

Everyone looked confused. Wang Dong asked, "But Teacher, haven't we already beat the strongest students in the Seven Devil's Exam?"

Stroking his beard, now also greasy from his hand, Xuan Zi had a small smile. "The strongest students of your year perhaps, but do you really think that's all Shrek has? You seem to forget that there has been many here before you, your seniors, for example."

Xiao Xiao spoke up, "Does that mean we'll be fighting our seniors?" While they were all somewhat nervous hearing this, they were more excited at the chance to prove themselves.

Xuan Zi nodded. "But not just any seniors. The previous generation of the Shrek's Seven Devils. Guys, introduce yourselves." At this time, a group of mostly unknown youths appeared from the other entrance of the arena.

Standing in front with familiar blonde hair and blue eyes, a elegant and handsome youth said with a smile. "Hello, Juniors. My name's Dai Yaoheng, White Tiger Spirit. Pleased to meet you." His eyes meticulously scanned the group before his eyes lingered on Xin Qing with an odd expression.

After him, a tall boy with a rather girly appearance and posture said with his hand over his heart, "I'm the glamorous Gongyang Mo. My spirit is the Rainbow Dragon." He winked with his long eyelashes, causing most in the crowd to not know how to react.

Luckily, a small, eager boy pushed past Gongyang Mo and stumbled forward. "Ooh, ooh! Don't forget about me! I'm Yao Haoxuan, King Ape Spirit." After stumbling, he was stood almost directly before the eerie Xin Qing, but he was completely fine, only showing curiosity in his bright eyes.

Looking at him, Xin Qing was reminded of a less cheeky and more naive Mo Yu'er. He gave the kid a sunny smile, causing even the likes of Xiao Xiao to forget how nefarious he was for just a moment.

Within the other seven devils, a girl dressed in icy blue from head to toe was staring at him with a strange fixation. In her eyes seemed to be.... hope? Proclaiming grandly with her head raised high, she said indifferently, "I'm Ling Lou Chen, Ice Element Spirit."

Following her, another stoic but determined boy said in a bland voice, "Chen Zai Feng. Soul-chasing Sword." Seeing him look away, it seemed that that was all he planned to say.

Finally, the last member of the previous generations introduced herself, and to Xin Qing, it was a familiar face which gave him mixed emotions. Draped in a racy, red silk, she removed her black face veil as she said. "I've been looking forward to this. Ma Xiaotao, Evil Fire Phoenix."

While she said this to the entire group of the new seven devils, her eyes had never left Xin Qing's figure. Seeing this, they all turned to look at him but without a reply as he only brightly smiled in innocence.

After that, the new generation of Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Beibei, Tang Ya, and Xu Sanshi introduced themselves, leaving Xin Qing.

Removing his hat briefly and playing with the brim, Xin Qing's almond eyes narrowed as he continued to smile, giving him a lovely countenance. "It's Xin Qing as in 'Clear heart.' I'm fond of swords as is my spirit."

Dai Yaoheng smiled impassively as he asked of fake interest, "Clear heart? Are you sure it's not as in 'Conscienceless?'"

Most of the people present frowned slightly, as they were not here to make enemies. Ma Xiaotao in particular seemed displeased as wisps of fire were being released from her fingertips.

Xin Qing paused slightly at the interruption before the corners of his lip upturned. Before Ma Xiaotao could do anything, he faintly responded, "Pretty sure. I've never regretted anything I've done. Never. In fact, I'm rather proud of my achievements. Why, is that strange, Senior Dai?"

Dai Yaoheng's expression darkened slightly before returning to normal. "No, it's not strange at all. I... was just making sure."

Xin Qing gave a sigh of relief. "Ah, that's good. Senior knows when to tread lightly, like a kitten."

Ma Xiaotao laughed lightly, causing Dai Yaoheng to turn slightly red.

When Xuan Zi saw Dai Yaoheng's fist begin to clench, he decided to intervene. "Enough with the introductions, I brought you all together in order to fight and grow as comrades. I hope that you will not forget my intentions."

Dai Yaoheng was much better than his brother Dai Huabin in this regard, able to quickly recollect himself and adapt. Cupping his hands, he said, "Of course, Teacher Xuan. I will follow your intentions."

Seeing this, Xuan Zi was reassured as the fourteen students were divided into two teams of seven and began their first bout of many.