Chapter 137.
Following a group discussion, the decision was made to head towards the Blue Bull Advanced Soul Master Academy. The affluence of Heaven Dou City exceeded Wang Feng's expectations, reminiscent of his initial experiences in the capital's cities in his previous life.
The atmosphere was refreshingly different, with numerous shops lining the streets, devoid of the usual street vendors. The entire thoroughfare exuded cleanliness, radiance, and a sense of orderly grandeur.
Before long, Qin Ming guided the group of individuals to Blue Bull Academy. Wang Feng observed the institution, resembling a structure nestled within a forest, surrounded by flourishing trees—though admittedly not on par with the Heven Dou Imperial Academy. Still having such a grand place in the Heaven Dou City, however, was already a very notable accomplishment.
'Liu Erlong.'
Wang Feng glanced at the Grandmaster, knowing that within this academy, the Grandmaster would encounter someone dear to him.
At that moment, the Blue Bull Advanced Soul Master Academy's receptionist ushered Qin Ming and Tang San's group into the institution. Wang Feng followed suit.
"The pace here is also very good," remarked Xiao Wu, her hand in Tang San's.
"Indeed," Tang San agreed. The Blue Bull Academy, surrounded by abundant greenery, seemed conducive to swift cultivation.
"But I still miss our little broken village. Hey~" Oscar chimed in with a smile, reminiscing about the many memories in that humble village.
"After a few years, you might miss this place too," Wang Feng speculated, prompting a collective sigh from the group.
"Wang Feng, I'm hungry. How about you and Oscar whip up a few roasted sausages?" Ning Rongrong approached Wang Feng, her tone soft and endearing.
The eyes of the others lit up at the prospect of the delicious hot grilled sausages, surpassing even Oscar's creations.
"Eat, eat!" Wang Feng playfully scolded Ning Rongrong. "You're almost as fat as a pig, You only know how to eat! Can't you see I'm still injured?"
With that, Wang Feng briskly moved ahead, taking three steps in two.
"..." Everyone.
"..." Ning Rongrong's lips quivered with frustration. She turned to Xiao Wu, asking, "Xiao Wu, have I became fat? He didn't even offer to carry me...!"
"In terms of appearance, how could you be a little pig?" Xiao Wu replied with a smile. "Brother Feng is just kidding. You might resemble a beautiful pig, though?"
"..." Ning Rongrong was momentarily stunned. Xiao Wu, did you just call me a pig?
"Indeed, among pigs, there's no one as lovely as Rongrong." Zhu Zhuqing chimed in, rare approval in her nod.
The group burst into laughter. Shortly after, they entered a hall in the academy where several teachers, led by Flender and including Qin Ming, engaged in conversation with Blue Bull Academy's three test teachers. It was evident, however, that Blue Bull Academy's faculty lagged behind that of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
When Qin Ming and Flender released their soul rings, the test teachers at Blue Bull Academy visibly stiffened in shock. Wang Feng could see it clearly.
Given the proficiency and cultivation of Flender and the other teachers, the students didn't need to undergo testing. Such excellent instructors could only yield capable students. However, due to the high caliber of Flenders' team of teachers, their level and treatment were yet to be determined. Consequently, the group proceeded to find the dean of the Blue Bull Academy.
"Who is the dean of the Blue Bull Academy?" Xiao Wu inquired curiously along the way.
Led by the teacher named Yin Shu, several individuals exited the college's main campus and made their way toward the outer forest region. The dean's presence was not within the main campus, adding an air of wonderment that piqued Xiao Wu's curiosity.
"I'm not sure, but whoever it'll be, must be someone extraordinary. I sense a certain complexity about this academy," Tang San remarked.
"Blue Bull Academy... sounds like an abbreviation for Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon," Wang Feng speculated. "If I had to guess, I'd say it's one of the clan member of Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan?"
The suggestion sparked excitement in everyone's eyes. Wang Feng's deduction seemed reasonable, especially for those acquainted with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, a creature everyone knew well.
Before long, the group arrived at a serene area—filled with lush green trees, a small lake upfront and a quaint wooden house in the distance. It seemed like a secluded heaven, shielded from the hustle and bustle of the world.
As they approached, the gentle melodies of a song reached their ears. The melody was subtle and tender, reminiscent of someone separated for years, expressing a deep yearning for the other half. The song captivated the group, bringing a soft and poignant resonance.
Involuntarily, everyone halted at the enchanting sound. Wang Feng gazed ahead, witnessing the Grndmaster's body quiver, and Flender overcome with tears—an emotional response reserved for reuniting with someone not seen for a long time.
There was no doubt or even surprise for him as it had to be Liu Erlong.
Wang Feng let out a slight sigh. The Grandmaster's journey resonated with the struggles of those who rose from obscurity in the world of martial arts worlds. His natural mutant martial soul faced disdain within the clan but found favor with a goddess like woman. Yet, unlike the main characters from other novel, the Grandmaster lacked a golden finger.
Despite decades of diligent effort, his soul power remained stagnant, compelling him to delve into theoretical knowledge. In a continent governed by martial prowess, lacking true strength left him without the courage to break free from worldly constraints, leading to the only option—escaping from reality.
The Grandmaster's turmoil was evident, almost prompting him to retreat, but Flender intervened.
"The children are here, Xiao Gang. Do you still wish to flee like last time?" Flender whispered.
"You'll only earn the children's contempt. It's time to face her after all these decades. Xiao Feng now faces Title Douluo without fear. Are you still afraid of confronting a woman you love?"
Grandmaster remained silent. Tang San exchanged glances with those behind him, discerning the unspoken meaning. After a moment of contemplation, the Grandmaster took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Soon, the group laid eyes on the cabin's owner—a beautiful woman in her late twenties, maybe in her early thirties. Time had left minimal traces on her face, dressed in a simple blue-black gown, yet still seemed captivating. Though her complexion was somewhat pale, her delicate features and the mature woman's charm and 'fullness' in her figure were, very apparent. Observing Flender and his companions, she too appeared momentarily stunned.
As the woman swiftly approached, the onlookers couldn't help but marvel at her strength. Wang Feng listened as the group began to share memories, while the Grandmaster remained silent.
"Wow... this beautiful woman seems to have a unique connection with the Grandmaster," murmured Xiao Wu from behind.
"Could it be that the Grandmaster abandoned her?" speculated Ning Rongrong, indulging in gossip. Liu Erlong's fervent address to the Grandmaster moments ago fueled the speculation.
Wang Feng shot a disapproving look at Ning Rongrong. Women's intuition, it seemed, was remarkably accurate.
After a short while, a few individuals overheard the trio recounting the past and grasped the identity of the woman—Liu Erlong, was one of the member of the famous Golden Triangles! Ning Rongrong couldn't resist sticking out her tongue.
"So, she's the partner of the dean and Grandmaster... no wonder. But I sense most of her attention is on Grandmaster. It must be Grandmaster who abandoned the group before... How could he do such a thing to this beautiful and powerful big sister?"
Tang San quickly frowned and coughed, "Rongrong, let's not discuss about the teacher behind their back!"
Ning Rongrong complied. Girls themselves tend to gossip. She kept quiet until Wang Feng narrowed his eyes and shot her a disapproving look. While others were curious, they refrained from delving too deep into the matter.
After a while, Flender seemed to conclude his conversation with Liu Erlong, who then turned her attention to Shrek and addressed them.
"Children, you all can consider this Blue Bull Academy as your home in the future. No, it'll be Shrek Academy. Your dean has filled me in on everything, and I'm aware! We've always only enrolled in the civilian children, so our strength might not be formidable. But rest assured, the academy boasts comprehensive facilities, including a simulated practice environment. By next year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament, I'll lead you to triumph over the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, making it clear that Shrek is not to be underestimated!"
Her words were a bit brash, not quite what one might expect from a woman. Everyone, except Wang Feng, was taken aback. Who would have thought that this charming woman had such a hot blooded temperament?
Wang Feng privately mused that if it weren't for him, Liu Erlong might be the person most feared by the Seven Shrek Devils.
After the introduction, Liu Erlong led everyone to the academy's cafeteria for a hearty meal. Following the meal, Grandmaster called for Xiao San and stepped out. Liu Erlong, seemingly oblivious to him, finished her meal quietly, then suddenly walked over to Wang Feng with a smile.
"You're Wang Feng, right?"
Wang Feng was momentarily taken aback, wondering why Liu Erlong sought him out. Shouldn't she be pursuing the master?
"Yes, I am Wang Feng," he quickly replied, nodding.
Liu Erlong glanced at Wang Feng, then at the other students, nodding slightly. "I know all about you, the 'monster captain', you have my admiration. You're good. Come with me. I want to ask you something about Grandmaster."
It turned out she had questions about Grandmaster. Wang Feng followed Liu Erlong as they walked towards the forest.
"I've heard that Grandmaster has been in a small town called Nuoding City all these years? You and his disciple Tang San have known each other for a long time, right?" Liu Erlong inquired in a low voice.
Wang Feng nodded and replied, "Yes, about seven years ago, Tang San and I encountered Grandmaster... He considers Xiao San as his own, and I've also visited Grandmaster often. It hasn't been easy for him. However, he actually has someone in his heart. Six years ago, I saw a picture of a woman in Grandmaster's room, and he cherished it."
Hearing this, Liu Erlong's body trembled slightly.
"Really?" she asked, taking a deep breath.
'Of course, it was a lie.' Wang Feng thought to himself. Yet, he knew that Liu Erlong merely wanted more information about Grandmaster at this moment. Perhaps it would help her regain confidence and confront Grandmaster about everything he was going through.
Grandmaster also must be struggling right now. There was no need to elaborate on the complex relationship between them.
Excluding Grandmaster's martial soul mutation, his strength being notably weak, and to complicate matters, the two are cousins. In a different context, being romantically involved with cousins might raise eyebrows, but in both the Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire, there's no explicit legal prohibition against close relatives marrying. They may have to contend with societal opinions and guidance, but even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan appears unable to intervene with Liu Erlong's choices. At most, it might result in expulsion from the family.
"The woman in the photo—seeing you, I'm convinced it's you," Wang Feng sighed. "So, Grandmaster has you in his heart... Even though he hasn't shared the details of your story with us, I speculate that it's undoubtedly connected to Dean Flender. When you showed a hint of guilt towards the Dean and entrusted him to inherit and manage this Blue Bull Academy, it seems like your way of compensating him in your heart?"
Hearing this, Liu Erlong suddenly turned around, looked at Wang Feng, and chuckled. "It seems Boss Flender was right. You, are exceptionally clever indeed."
'Clever, indeed.' Wang Feng thought to himself. It took knowledge of the original story to discern the intricate relationships between them.
"Let's go, head to the master... By the way, I'll share the story between the three of us. You're all Shrek students, and I'll be your teacher in the future, so these things shouldn't be hidden." Liu Erlong said slowly.
Soon, Wang Feng listened quietly as Liu Erlong recounted the story with the three of them, confirming Wang Feng's suspicions. The master, in the beginning, truly fit the archetype of a underdog. If applied to the Battle Through The Heaven, the Grandmaster would be akin to Xiao Yan, while Liu Erlong would be comparable to Xiao Xun'er.
"So the master is not as good as you," Wang Feng remarked.
"..." Liu Erlong.
Wang Feng let out a light sigh and continued, "So, Teacher Liu, if we reverse our roles, if your mutant Martial Spirit is relatively lackluster, and if you are not beautiful, despised by everyone in the clan, and inherently unable to surpass the 30th level, among the countless individuals, you are a woman who can't even compare with ordinary soul masters."
"And the master? He's handsome, pursued by many outstanding women, born with a mutated and powerful martial soul, destined to be Titled Douluo in the future."
"At this time, you're in love... He loves you deeply, willing to do anything for you, even risking everything else. Can you still bear to accept him under these circumstances? Do you feel worthy of him?"
Hearing this, Liu Erlong was stunned.
This kind of simple empathy, she never thought about it, never considered these things. She simply believed that when she is with the one she loves, she doesn't need to care about other things.
However, when she heard Wang Feng's words and the two reversed their roles.
"Can I accept him?" Liu Erlong felt a sense of helplessness if that were the case. She found it frightening, as if accepting such a scenario was impossible.
"Teacher Liu, you hesitate, and you can't answer... This shows that you can't choose, and you don't even have the courage to accept such an outstanding him!" Wang Feng shrugged.
In the previous life, there was a saying: "Meng Dang Hu," which is truly reasonable. Wanting to overcome numerous obstacles and be with someone you love is not an easy feat.
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