Xue Qinghe's Invitation

Amidst deafening cheers, the seven members of Shrek stepped down from the Soul Fighting Platform.

Tang San walked at the front, his silver-white team uniform gleaming softly under the lights.

Dugu Yan and Xiao Wu, as before, linked arms with Tang San on either side, waving excitedly towards the stands, as if both celebrating and asserting their dominance.

On the VIP platform, Xue Qinghe's gaze remained fixed on Tang San, his golden eyes gleaming.

She remembered that year deep in the Sunset Forest.

At that time, Tang San was just a disheveled child who had almost lost his life under the claws of the Ten Thousand Year Red Flame Tiger, the little boy who called her "Fairy Sister" in Sunset Forest.

Now, he has grown into a genius Soul Master is admired by all. His handsome face, dashing temperament, and strong physique have made him the object of admiration for all the girls in the entire Soul Fighting Arena.

Is this fate?

But I wonder if he still remembers that "Fairy Sister" from before?

A faint, suppressed girlish thought rose in Xue Qinghe's heart.

Her gaze fell on Dugu Yan and Xiao Wu beside Tang San.

Xue Qinghe's expression froze. The blissful expressions on the two people's faces made her feel extremely jealous and envious.

A shadow crossed Xue Qinghe's golden eyes; it was the possessiveness in her heart stirring within her.

No. He belongs to me, and he must be mine.

Xue Qinghe said to himself.

As for the reason, she herself didn't know; perhaps she didn't want to know, or perhaps she refused to admit it.

The seven Shrek Academy members gradually disappeared into the shadows of the players' tunnel under the gaze of 80,000 people.

Even after the match ended, the cheers from the crowd lingered for Jiujiu.

The seven Shrek members walked through the long player tunnel to the lounge.

The three academy teachers, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Qin Ming, all had smiles on their faces.

The resounding victory in the opening match made Shrek famous, and the dean, vice dean, and team leader were naturally overjoyed.

Before long, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, Ning Fengzhi, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Bone Douluo Gu Rong, arrived at the rest room of the Shrek Academy.

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up when she saw Ning Fengzhi. She opened her arms and threw herself into his Ning Fengzhi, saying sweetly, "Daddy! What brings you here?"

Ning Fengzhi smiled and caught his daughter, patting her head affectionately. "Come see your team."

Ning Rongrong snuggled against her father, then turned to look at Bone Douluo standing beside her, and sweetly called out, "Grandpa Bone."

A rare hint of gentleness appeared on Bone Douluo Gu Rong's usually cold and stern face.

Xue Qinghe's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Tang San.

His lips curved into a wider smile, brimming with undisguised intimacy. "Third brother, congratulations on your resounding victory. The entire Heaven Dou City is talking about you today."

Tang San smiled, reached out and shook hands with Xue Qinghe, his tone natural. "Brother Xue, why did you come all the way here? This is such a small matter, it's not worth your personal trip."

Xue Qinghe laughed and said, "Of course I should come personally to matters concerning my own brothers. If I don't come, wouldn't it make me seem like an incompetent elder brother?"

The two addressed each other as brothers, and their conversation was very intimate.

The other Shrek members were astonished. When did Tang San become so familiar with the Crown Prince?

Flender stood to the side, his eyes lighting up, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.

Her team included not only Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but also Tang San, a disciple of the Crown Prince, Dugu Yan, the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo, Ye Lingling, the successor of the Nine Heart Begonia.

Any one of these people would be a highly sought-after asset by various families and powerful organizations, and now they are all gathered at the Shrek Academy.

Flender felt that Shrek's future had never been brighter.

Ning Fengzhi chatted with his daughter for a few minutes before walking up to Tang San.

His gaze was gentle as he encouraged him, "Young man, you are excellent. Shrek Academy is very strong this year and has a good chance of going far. I believe you can lead this team to bring glory to the Heaven Dou Empire."

Upon hearing this, Tang San bowed slightly and replied humbly.

After Ning Fengzhi finished speaking, he prepared to take his leave.

He took Ning Rongrong's hand, gave her a few more words of advice such as "train hard and take care of your health," and then turned and walked towards the door.

Xue Qinghe did not leave immediately.

He turned to face Tang San and said, "Third brother, would you be free to come to my residence tonight? Let's have a few more drinks together. You've won a great victory today, and as your elder brother, I have to celebrate with you properly."

This was his life-saving charm, so Tang San naturally wouldn't refuse. He quickly agreed, "Brother Xue's invitation is very kind; I will certainly go."

Xue Qinghe smiled and nodded, then turned and left with satisfaction.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly turned back, his gaze lingering on Tang San for a moment.

Tang San was very familiar with that look in his eyes. Dugu Yan and the others usually looked at him with the same tender affection, carrying an indescribable ambiguity.

Tang San's heart skipped a beat; he sensed something was amiss, something was very, very amiss.

He quickly looked away, pretending he hadn't seen anything.

Xue Qinghe seemed to realize his lapse in composure, quickly turned around, and quickened his pace to catch up with Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo.

The three figures disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Tang San and his team left the lounge, preparing to return to the academy.

The group walked through the contestants' passage and headed towards the exit of the Great Soul Arena.

Upon arriving at the academy's passageway, Tang San suddenly slowed his pace.

Ahead, seven or eight beautiful women were standing on one side of the passageway, dressed in matching light blue outfits.

The flock of women, like a flowing scenic line, frequently drew the attention of passing staff.

Tang San recognized the school uniform at a glance; it belonged to the Skywater Academy.

And at the very front was Shui Bing'er, whom he had met briefly a few years ago in a small town on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.

She wore a light blue, fitted outfit with silver waves that accentuated her slender figure. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, and her icy blue eyes were calm as water, yet they held a subtle, deliberately suppressed emotion.

Beside Shui Bing'er, her younger sister Shui Yue'er blinked her big eyes, as if searching for something.

The other female students from the Skywater Academy stood behind them, each with a beautiful face and a slender figure.

Even Dai Mubai, whose face had been cut off, couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Shui Yue'er was the first to see Tang San. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and she quickly waved to Tang San. Her movements were lively and bold, without any of the reserve expected of a girl.

Tang San smiled slightly and led Dugu Yan, Xiao Wu, Ye Lingling and the others forward.

Xiao Wu and Shui Bing'er had met before, so she waved to them as well.

Shui Bing'er watched Tang San approach, her icy blue eyes lingering on his face for a moment before quickly looking away, only to involuntarily look back again.

Her fingers unconsciously twisted together. She took a deep breath and spoke softly, "I didn't expect you to participate in the Soul Master Tournament. Your team is very strong."

Tang San smiled, his tone humble and polite. "Thank you. Your Skywater Academy is also very strong. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."

Shui Bing'er nodded slightly, her lips moved a few times, and finally she managed to squeeze out only one sentence. "Thank you. I wish you all the best in your endeavors."

Shui Yue'er watched from the side, a hint of exasperation on her lips.

The two chatted for a while, exchanging pleasantries.

Tang San noticed that Dugu Yan's grip on his arm was tightening, so he quickly made an excuse to take his leave.

Shui Bing'er watched Tang San's retreating figure and softly hummed in agreement.