Wu Zhangkong's conversation with Nangong Xiong didn't last long. In truth, the situation was relatively simple, and everything was straightforward. Nangong Xiong had only sought Wu Zhangkong to confirm what the survivors had mentioned about the golden-red phoenix.
"Alright, I think I can conclude my inquiry," Nangong Xiong said with a hint of admiration in his gaze. "The person who saved you all was, more than likely, the Phoenix Sovereign of the Spirit Pagoda. That golden fire phoenix could only be hers—no one else in the Federation possesses that level of power."
Wu Zhangkong nodded. "I thought so too. The Phoenix Sovereign is a figure of unmatched power."
"Oh? So you know of the Phoenix Sovereign?" Nangong Xiong was a bit surprised.
"I'm a former student of Shrek Academy," Wu Zhangkong explained.
"That explains it!" A look of understanding flashed across Nangong Xiong's face. "So you're one of Shrek Academy's star students. No wonder you showed such courage in the face of danger and took on a stronger evil soul master. Impressive!"
"You flatter me, Senior." Wu Zhangkong's response was humble and steady.
"Why would the Phoenix Sovereign appear in Eastsea? Passing through by chance, or…" Nangong Xiong muttered, before shrugging off his speculation. "Anyway, I still have work to do with this incident. I won't take up any more of your time."
With a wave of his hand, Nangong Xiong's figure blurred and vanished on the spot.
"He… he's gone!" Xie Xie stared, stunned.
Wu Zhangkong glanced at him. "Xie Xie, once this break ends, your training intensity will double."
Xie Xie's face fell, and he cried, "Why, Teacher Wu?"
Ignoring him, Wu Zhangkong shifted his gaze to the parking area. A nondescript bus was just pulling in, and he said, "The bus is here. Let's go."
Without waiting, he strode towards the parking lot, followed closely by the students. Long Hengxu trailed behind to deal with the staff calling after them.
"Shaoyu, does this count as disturbing public order?" Xu Xiaoyan whispered, holding Jing Shaoyu's hand with an excited glint in her eyes.
"It does," Jing Shaoyu chuckled. "Normal passengers aren't supposed to climb over the barrier and walk into the parking area."
Hearing this, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie—who had just hopped over the barrier—exchanged sheepish smiles before catching up. Truth be told, they had no idea what Wu Zhangkong was up to.
The group quickly reached the bus, and Wu Zhangkong stopped and gestured to them. "Get on."
Without hesitation, Jing Shaoyu boarded first, followed closely by Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue. The sight that greeted him on the bus left him astonished. Inside this ordinary-looking bus was a unique layout with only twenty seats in what should have been space for sixty. Five elderly men sat there, smiling warmly at them.
"Lord Mayor! Elder Ji, Headmaster! What are you all doing here?" Jing Shaoyu exclaimed in surprise.
Sure enough, the five elders were Eastsea's most influential figures, led by Mayor Ouyang Jian, Spirit Pagoda Master Ji Changming, Eastsea Academy Headmaster Yu Zhen, Chief Justice Gao Yuliang, and Defense Chief Qi Tongwei.
"We're here to bring you home, of course!" Ouyang Jian said with a smile. "Congratulations on the honor you've won for Eastsea City."
"Children, you've endured much," Headmaster Yu Zhen said with a guilty expression, bowing deeply to the Zero Class students. "We failed to protect you properly, and you suffered for it."
"No, Headmaster, please!" Jing Shaoyu quickly replied, waving his hands. "This wasn't your fault."
"Rest assured, the academy will see to it that you are duly compensated and comforted," Yu Zhen said with a glint of determination in his eyes. "Those evil soul masters dared to target our academy's students—unforgivable!"
"Absolutely," Qi Tongwei, the Defense Chief, added coldly. "Eastsea may not be known for its strength, but we aren't a pushover. I've already requested assistance from the Federal Judiciary and extended an invitation to the other four cities. This time, we will purge all evil in our region!"
"Wu Zhangkong, Director Long, you two also performed admirably," Yu Zhen continued, looking at the teachers. "Director Long, I will recommend you to the Board of Trustees for the position of Dean of the Junior Division. Wu Zhangkong, you may also request any assistance from the academy within reason, and we will make sure it's granted."
Hearing Yu Zhen's words, Long Hengxu was visibly thrilled, his face flushed with excitement. "Th-thank you, Headmaster!"
Wu Zhangkong remained composed, nodding slightly without saying a word.
"Well, old man Yu, let's get the kids home first," Ji Changming said, laughing. "We can discuss things more thoroughly once we're back."
Ouyang Jian agreed with a nod. "Let's go home then. Driver, let's move."
"Understood," the driver responded.
The bus started moving, heading towards Eastsea City.
As they drove, Jing Shaoyu learned through the elders' conversation that after they reached Shanshui City, Long Hengxu had reported the incident to the academy. Headmaster Yu Zhen, furious and worried, had immediately informed Mayor Ouyang Jian. Upon learning that Eastsea's young talents were on the train involved in the attack, Ouyang Jian quickly organized this welcoming party.
On board the bus were the city's five most influential leaders, each a Soul Douluo. This level of attention was on par with what would have been arranged for a visit from the Federation's Speaker.
The five elders surrounded the children, radiating excitement.
Yu Zhen spoke up, "Now, children, what rewards would you like? Rest assured, the academy will try to meet your wishes to the fullest."
"Heh, heh!" Ouyang Jian chuckled. "And if the academy can't provide it, the Mayor's office will. You won two championships for Eastsea City—the first time in over a decade!"
"A reward?" Jing Shaoyu smiled. "To be honest, Mayor, Headmaster, we haven't really thought about it yet."
"Yeah!" Xu Xiaoyan added cheerfully. "Our teacher said we'd get a seven-day break. Can we think about rewards after we're back from that?"
"Oh? Hahaha! Forgive us for not considering that. Then we'll talk about rewards after your break," the elders laughed.
The atmosphere relaxed with the elders' laughter, and for the first time, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, overwhelmed by all these high-ranking figures, felt at ease.
"Wulin," Xie Xie whispered, "What's the deal between Captain and the Mayor? They seem close, don't they?"
"No idea," Tang Wulin shrugged.
"Right…" Xie Xie scratched his head awkwardly. "Guess I forgot you're not from around here. Do you know any of these elders?"
"Just the Headmaster. The rest, it's my first time meeting them," Tang Wulin replied.
Xie Xie smirked proudly. "Want me to introduce them?"
Tang Wulin rolled his eyes. "If you're out of things to say, maybe close your eyes and meditate instead of babbling nonsense."
Xie Xie objected, "Hey, I was just being nice and trying to help you feel comfortable. You could show a little gratitude!"
Tang Wulin replied dryly, "Well, thanks for that."
Throughout the journey, Gu Yue remained quiet, but she kept her hand resting on Jing Shaoyu's arm, occasionally nudging his leg to get his attention. It was clear that she didn't enjoy this environment, particularly seeing Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan chatting freely with th
e elders, which left her feeling somewhat isolated.
Fortunately, the bus soon entered Eastsea City.
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