Chapter 331: Tang San Returns to Shrek
After Ning Bei explained the attitudes of the four single-attribute sects toward the Haotian Sect and Spirit Hall, Xue Qinghe fell into deep thought. After a long pause, she cautiously asked:
"What do you think about me trying to win over the four single-attribute sects using the identity of the Emperor of the Tiandou Empire?"
"But you will eventually return to Spirit Hall, won't you?"
"I understand. I won't personally approach those sects. Instead, I'll send people of notable status from the Tiandou Empire to do it. This way, even if I leave Tiandou Empire in the future, it won't affect their allegiance."
After thinking for a while, Ning Bei believed this method should work. It was certainly better than trying to intimidate or coerce them under the name of Spirit Hall. If it really didn't work, the last resort could still be pursued.
"Do as you see fit. If you need help, just ask."
"Mm, once things are settled with these sects, I'll take you to see my grandfather. Your divine examination has already been delayed for quite some time."
Ning Bei nodded in agreement with the little angel's plan, and in her heart, she began to anticipate the sparring with Qian Daoliu, the Sky-Invincible Limit Douluo.
After having dealt with Ah Du and Hu Liena near the City of Slaughter, Tang San headed straight for the Tiandou Empire. Along the way, he heard many shocking pieces of news from passing merchants and mercenaries.
For example, the Star Luo Empire, which had stood for hundreds of years, had collapsed and been overtaken. If he wasn't mistaken, Dai Mubai was the second prince of this Star Luo royal family. He wondered what had happened to him.
Then, he heard that one of the top three sects, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect, had been nearly wiped out. This news made Tang San particularly sensitive because his second martial soul, the Haotian Hammer, represented one of the top three sects, the Haotian Sect. His teacher, Yu Xiaogang, was also from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect. Tang San had already guessed that it was likely the work of Spirit Hall, as only they had such terrifying power on the continent.
"Does this mean that Haotian Sect and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will also become targets of Spirit Hall? I can't believe so many things have happened in just two years."
"I wonder where my father is. There hasn't been any news in all these years. Should I go to Haotian Sect to find out?"
"Never mind, I should go visit Shrek Academy and see the teacher. Maybe he can give me some advice on controlling killing intent."
After thinking for a moment, Tang San entered the gates of Tiandou City and headed straight toward Shrek Academy. No matter what, the teacher had been the one to stop him and let him leave first when things had happened, so it was important to go and give a report of safety.
As the familiar sign of Shrek Academy came into view, Tang San felt as if he had returned to a different world. In fact, it really felt like he had just returned from another world filled with slaughter.
After standing still for a few seconds, Tang San smiled at the gate guard.
"Please inform Master Yu Xiaogang and Dean Flender that I am here."
"Huh?"
The drowsy gate guard looked Tang San up and down. He thought the person looked familiar but couldn't quite place where he had seen him before. He then spoke politely.
"Please wait here. I'll be right back."
"Thank you."
After the guard left, Flender's figure appeared at the gates. Upon seeing Tang San, he was so surprised that he immediately took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.
"Tang San?"
Flender's tone was filled with disbelief. After all, he had personally seen the place where Tang San had been trapped, and he had assumed Tang San had perished. He never expected to see him alive in front of him now.
Tang San understood the thoughts of Flender and had a good impression of this dean who had been willing to risk his life to protect him even though they weren't related by blood.
"It's me. It's been a long time, Dean Flender."
"It really is you! Oh my God, Master can finally hear some good news!"
Flender was overjoyed. The recent bad news had nearly driven Yu Xiaogang to the brink of mental collapse. Recently, he and Liu Erlong had taken Yu Xiaogang back to their sect and personally witnessed the tragic situation of their homeland. Yu Xiaogang had fainted after vomiting blood on the spot. His last shred of hope had been shattered. Now that Tang San had returned, maybe it would bring some comfort to his old friend.
Tang San paused for a moment before cautiously asking:
"How is the teacher?"
"How is he? Not well at all. For the past two years, he has been feeling extremely guilty about your situation. Recently, when he found out about the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect, he became even worse."
When talking about his teacher, Flender's face was full of sorrow. He stepped forward, grabbed Tang San's hand, and began leading him toward the small courtyard in the back garden of the academy.
"You should go see him quickly. You're probably the only one who can help him get back on his feet."
Hearing about Yu Xiaogang's dire condition, Tang San's lingering resentment toward his teacher vanished. As a teacher, Yu Xiaogang hadn't been able to provide much help, and Tang San had nearly written him off for his inability to protect him. But now it seemed that Yu Xiaogang had always been thinking about him, but was limited by his own capabilities.
Not stopping Flender's actions, Tang San suppressed the reflexes he had developed in the City of Slaughter and followed Flender to the small courtyard at the back of the mountain.
Before they even entered, Flender happily called out.
"Master, come quick! Look who's back!"
The first person to come out was Liu Erlong. When she saw Tang San standing behind Flender, she froze for a moment. Then, she asked in a voice filled with doubt.
"Tang San?"
"It's me, Teacher Erlong."
Hearing the familiar voice, Liu Erlong covered her lips and took a few steps back, then, with eyes full of joy, she turned and ran inside. Moments later, she appeared, pushing Yu Xiaogang in a wheelchair.
Yu Xiaogang was still muttering in resistance, saying, "Erlong, I told you I want to be alone. What are you doing?"
But his words stopped abruptly when he saw Tang San, his lips trembling as he almost cried out.
"Little San?"
"Your unfilial disciple, Tang San, is sorry for making you worry, teacher."
No matter what he was feeling inside, Tang San still placed great importance on manners, calling himself "the unfilial disciple" and bringing tears to Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
"It's so good, you're safe! It's all my fault. I couldn't help you."
Time had ravaged Yu Xiaogang, and in the short span of two years, Tang San could see the signs of old age on him. This confirmed that Flender's words earlier were not exaggerated.
"This isn't your fault, teacher. You've done everything you could. If there's anyone to blame, it's Spirit Hall for using any means necessary."
"Spirit Hall!!!"
Both master and disciple gritted their teeth when they mentioned Spirit Hall. They truly wanted to storm into Spirit City and turn it upside down.
Seeing that Yu Xiaogang had regained some vitality, Liu Erlong quietly breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared that Yu Xiaogang wouldn't be able to hold on much longer, but now, things seemed to be turning around. After exchanging a glance with Flender, the two discreetly left the space to give the reunited master and disciple some time alone.
(END CHAPTER)
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