Salas left with sleeves flung in anger, filled with resentment and fury, and the people from the Spirit Hall and the organizing committee followed suit. The courtyard, which had been tense and oppressive to the extreme, instantly emptied. However, the atmosphere did not ease; instead, it grew even more eerie and heavy due to the Pope's Decree in Yu Xiaogang's hand and Liu Erlong's sharp, piercing question.
Yu Xiaogang tightly gripped the dark Pope's Decree, his knuckles turning white from the force. Facing Liu Erlong's beautiful eyes, which burned with anger, pain, and disbelief, a complex mix of guilt and indescribable agony flashed across his face. He opened his mouth to explain, but his throat seemed blocked. After a long pause, he finally spoke in a dry, hoarse voice:
"Erlong... listen to me, it's not what you think... This token... wasn't given to me by her." Yu Xiaogang took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He knew he had to soothe Liu Erlong now, or things would only get worse. "It was... back then... before I left Spirit City, I took it from that woman... I only did it to protect myself and to... sever ties. All these years, I've never used it, nor have I ever thought of using it. If Salas hadn't been so aggressive today, threatening to cripple your cultivation and wipe out Shrek, I would never have taken it out. Erlong, I..."
"Sever ties? Using that woman's token to sever ties?" Liu Erlong shook her head with a bitter smile, tears blurring her vision. "Yu Xiaogang, do you know what holding that woman's token means? It means the ties between you and her will never truly be cut! As long as this token remains in your hands, there will always be a connection between you and her! Why... why did you keep it?!"
"I..." Yu Xiaogang was at a loss for words. He couldn't tell Liu Erlong that perhaps, deep down, he had kept the token out of a pitiful, lingering thought he himself refused to acknowledge, or as a reminder of that unbearable past. At this moment, any explanation felt feeble and inadequate.
As the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, Ning Fengzhi cleared his throat softly, breaking the silence. He truly did not want to get involved in this complicated emotional entanglement. Besides mediating, he had other important matters to attend to.
"Everyone, now that things have come to this, please remain calm." Ning Fengzhi's voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a soothing power. "Although Bishop Salas has temporarily withdrawn, this matter is far from over. He will surely report it to the Papal Hall. However, since the Pope's Decree is here, I believe His Holiness the Pope will make a decision. For now, Shrek Academy's top priority is to tend to the wounded, stabilize morale, and prepare for what comes next. As for the matter of the token..." He cast a complicated glance at Yu Xiaogang but did not delve deeper, only saying, "Grandmaster has his own considerations. Please, Miss Liu, restrain your Thunder Fury for now. Do not let this damage your relationship or give outsiders another opportunity to exploit the situation."
"You all have surely seen that, after this incident, Shrek Academy has been thrust into the spotlight and become a target for all. Salas will definitely not let this go, and the Spirit Hall's stance remains unclear. Moreover, with Tang San's identity exposed and the Clear Sky Hammer making its appearance, the Clear Sky Sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the Star Luo Imperial Family... all these forces are now focused here. The days ahead will surely be turbulent."
He paused, looking at Flender and Yu Xiaogang, his gaze calm and his tone steady. "Shrek Academy's situation is delicate. There are some matters within the sect that I need to take Rongrong back to handle for now. I will send her back before the team departs for Spirit City."
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback. Flender and Yu Xiaogang exchanged a glance, both seeing understanding in the other's eyes. Ning Fengzhi did not specify the exact reasons, but they could guess a few—at this moment, Shrek Academy had become the center of a whirlpool. For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Rongrong remaining here was indeed a sensitive matter. Lying low for a while and handling sect affairs was a prudent move, both publicly and privately. He did not say he wanted to sever ties with Shrek; instead, he clearly stated he would send her back before the Grand Finals, which was already showing considerable consideration.
Flender took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Sect Leader Ning's considerations are thorough. It is only right for Rongrong to return with you first. On our end, we will stabilize the situation."
Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly and said no more, turning to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, pack your things and return to the sect with your father."
Ning Rongrong was momentarily stunned. Her gaze swept over the unconscious Tang San and her solemn-looking companions, then met her father's unyielding eyes. She pursed her lips and finally nodded. "Yes, Father." She did not ask what matters needed handling; her father's tone and expression made her understand that this was not the time for willfulness.
She turned to Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others, preparing to say goodbye. "Zhuqing, Boss Dai, Xiao Ao, and Xiao Wu..." Her eyes swept over everyone, and she suddenly paused. "Huh? Where's Xiao Wu? She was just here."
At her words, everyone realized that Xiao Wu, who should have been taking care of Tang San, was no longer in the courtyard!
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been quiet all along, frowned slightly upon hearing this, her cool voice breaking the silence. "Just now, when Bishop Salas brought his people in, I didn't see Xiao Wu. She... went out."
"Went out?" Ning Rongrong was startled.
"When did she leave? Where did she go?" Dai Mubai was also taken aback.
Oscar scratched his head. "She didn't run off on her own because the situation looked bad, did she?"
"Impossible!" Ma Hongjun immediately retorted. "Xiao Wu isn't that kind of person! She and Third Brother are so close. With Third Brother injured like this, how could she possibly abandon him and run off on her own?"
Everyone exchanged glances, a sense of foreboding rising in their hearts. The scene had been chaotic earlier, with everyone's attention drawn to Salas, the Pope's Decree, and the arguments. No one had noticed when Xiao Wu had disappeared.
Flender's expression changed. "Quick! Split up and search! That girl... I hope nothing has happened to her!"
Liu Erlong also temporarily suppressed her displeasure and said urgently, "I'll search near the academy's lodgings!"
Yu Xiaogang struggled to his feet. "Flender and I will go ask at the arena exit!"
Instantly, the previously eased atmosphere grew tense once more. Xiao Wu's sudden disappearance cast another layer of shadow over the already overwhelmed Shrek group.
Ning Fengzhi watched the chaotic Shrek members, his brow slightly furrowed. He had come today intending to take his daughter away, while also warning Salas and easing the situation, never expecting another complication to arise. This Xiao Wu...
"Uncle Bone, please take Rongrong back first," Ning Fengzhi said to the Bone Douluo beside him, then turned his gaze to Flender. "Dean Flender, the search must be carried out quickly. If you need assistance, feel free to contact me at any time. Fengzhi will take his leave now."
With that, he led the reluctant and worried Ning Rongrong, escorted by the Bone Douluo, away from this troubled place.
Meanwhile, the members of Shrek Academy were plunged back into chaos and anxiety. Tang San remained unconscious from his severe injuries, Xiao Wu had vanished without a trace, Salas was watching with predatory eyes, the Spirit Hall's stance remained unclear, and Tang Hao might be lurking in the shadows... All of this hung over Shrek Academy like a heavy, oppressive cloud.