Ye Feiyang pursed his lips, thinking to himself: If it weren't this good, would you be willing to take me as your master?
However, he wouldn't reveal these thoughts.
Changing the subject, he asked, "Do you still remember my warning that a Titled Douluo was targeting you?"
In reality, the conditions had long been met, and both parties were willing, so the matter of taking a disciple could have been settled smoothly.
But Ye Feiyang still wanted to add one more strong push to ensure Xiao Wu's resolve was completely firm.
"Of course, I remember," Xiao Wu replied softly, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor. "Because of your words, I often wake up in the middle of the night and hide under the covers, secretly wiping away tears."
Now, she no longer doubted that Ye Feiyang was deceiving her.
"Teacher, do you know that person?"
"Of course, I know," Ye Feiyang said nonchalantly, as if discussing a trivial matter. "If I told you who it was, you'd probably be shocked."
Xiao Wu paused slightly. Even if you don't tell me, I've been living in constant fear these past few days!
She grumbled inwardly, several possible figures flashing through her mind, but she couldn't pinpoint who it was.
"You bringing this up now... are you planning to tell me the truth?" she asked softly, her heart involuntarily speeding up.
"I have that thought. It's fine to tell you now," Ye Feiyang's tone held a hint of playfulness. "However, revealing it might affect your relationship with Tang San. Do you still want to know?"
"What? It's related to Third Brother?" Xiao Wu blurted out, her eyes widening instantly.
Ye Feiyang lightly pursed his lips—the way she called him "Third Brother" was indeed smooth.
He didn't feel like he was sowing discord.
Ultimately, in the eyes of the so-called "protagonist group," he had probably long been labeled a "villain."
Since that was the case, as a "villain," using some tricks and schemes was only reasonable, wasn't it?
Opportunities wouldn't just fall into one's lap; if you wanted something, you had to fight for it.
The Xiao Wu before him was, in itself, a great opportunity for Tang San.
He had long wanted to snatch this "sword sheath."
Besides, everything he said was the absolute truth. As for how others might interpret it, that was none of his business.
"It is indeed related. What, you don't believe me?"
Hearing that this matter was connected to Tang San, Xiao Wu's heart felt as if it were being fiercely clutched by something, making it difficult to breathe.
"Tell me, I want to know." She took a deep breath, her voice firm.
Ye Feiyang leisurely rested his hands behind his head, saying with a relaxed expression, "This person is Tang San's father, Tang Hao, known as the 'Clear Sky Douluo'."
"In fact, he's been lurking in the shadows, watching Tang San's every move. Guess when you entered his field of vision?"
"If it weren't for you getting close to Tang San, you probably would have already..."
Before he could finish, he saw Xiao Wu freeze in place, her face etched with horror and disbelief. Her lips trembled slightly, but she couldn't utter a word.
"Teacher, is this true?" After a long while, she managed to squeeze out the words.
"Why would I lie to you? I even fought him a few days ago, precisely because you've been distancing yourself from Tang San lately and were about to break free from his control," Ye Feiyang's tone remained relaxed. "But don't worry, I've already beaten him away."
Xiao Wu's heart trembled violently. She didn't even have the mental capacity to be surprised that Ye Feiyang could defeat a Titled Douluo.
Her mind was now filled with: If this is true, then all these years, haven't I been like a caged prey?
Recalling how she used to often follow Tang San back to Holy Soul Village in the past, she now felt a chill run down her spine.
The reliance she thought she had found actually hid such a background?
But if he had such a status, why did Tang San still come to be a work-study student? Wasn't that clearly setting up a trap, no, a trap for Soul Beasts?
Ye Feiyang quietly observed Xiao Wu's reaction, muttering to himself: Could this girl turn dark after learning this?
Looking at her, it shouldn't be the case.
If she turned dark, it wouldn't be fun anymore. He preferred the innocent and lively Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu forced a smile that was uglier than crying, her voice hoarse. "Thinking back now, I was like a clown..."
"Teacher, am I particularly foolish?"
Ye Feiyang shook his head, his tone sincere. "You're not foolish, just inexperienced and unaware of the wickedness of human hearts."
"Back then, your strength was still weak; how could you have detected a Titled Douluo who was deliberately hiding?"
Changing the subject again, he asked, "Do you remember why you took human form?"
"To... to avenge my mother." Xiao Wu spoke of the goal buried deep in her heart, her voice tinged with confusion. The years of peace had made her almost forget her original intention.
"Then think carefully, what have you done these past few years?" Ye Feiyang's words were like sharp knives, piercing the softest part of her heart.
Xiao Wu was instantly speechless, unable to say a word.
Yes, what had she been doing all these years?
She possessed powerful innate strength and could have accelerated her growth, but in reality, her Soul Power progression was slow.
When did she almost forget her original hatred and goals?
Thinking back on the past six years, she had chased after Tang San almost every day, gradually leaving her cultivation behind.
If she had continued to cultivate diligently, with her talent and advantages, she might have already reached the Soul King or even Soul Emperor realm by now.
"I, I was wrong, Teacher." Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes began to redden again. "Is there still hope for me?"
"Of course, there is." Ye Feiyang gave a firm and affirmative answer.
Xiao Wu suddenly looked up, her eyes reigniting with light. "I'll work hard! Teacher, please help me!"
"As my disciple, I will naturally help." Ye Feiyang smiled slightly. "Alright, just act like you don't know anything, and everything will continue as usual."
"That old schemer won't be bothering you again anytime soon."
Xiao Wu still felt a sense of emptiness in her heart—having spent so many years with Tang San, it would be a lie to say she had no feelings for him.
"Teacher, do you think Third Brother knows who I am?" After hesitating for a long time, she finally asked the question.
Ye Feiyang did not hide anything. "He doesn't know yet."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu felt a little better.
But even so, she felt she couldn't face Tang San as she had before.
She knew very well that things could never go back to how they were between them.
"Teacher, why don't I move in with you? I, I'm a little scared to go back to Shrek." She requested in a low voice, a hint of vulnerability in her tone.
Ever since she learned of Tang Hao's existence, she had felt insecure. Now, the only person she seemed to be able to rely on was Ye Feiyang.
"Oh? Aren't you afraid your Third Brother will overthink it?" Ye Feiyang raised an eyebrow, teasing her intentionally.
Xiao Wu glared at him indignantly. "Teacher, I only see him as a brother. I was foolish when I was young..."
Thinking of the absurd things she had done in the past, Xiao Wu felt like dying.
She had originally just wanted to snuggle up for warmth, but who would have thought that in the end, her reputation would be almost ruined.
Although nothing had happened, she dared not imagine what Ye Feiyang and the others would think of her if they knew about these things.
But looking at the faint hint of amusement in Ye Feiyang's eyes, she felt that perhaps Ye Feiyang already knew everything about her past.
She secretly shook her head and gave a wry smile—if it was as she thought, did that mean she could only honestly be his disciple for the rest of her life?
Oh dear, suddenly she felt so unwilling!
At this thought, a wave of indescribable frustration washed over her, wishing she could go back in time and redo everything.
"Why the long face? Is there something unhappy you want to share to make me happy?" Ye Feiyang teased intentionally.
Xiao Wu couldn't even force a fake smile. At this moment, she was still trapped in complex emotions, unable to extricate herself.
"Teacher, if my past is unbearable, would you still be willing to take me as your disciple?" She finally voiced the worry hidden in her heart.
"Hmm?" Ye Feiyang raised an eyebrow. After a moment of thought, he slowly spoke, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness. "Xiao Wu, if you don't even know how to cherish yourself, why would you expect others to understand or tolerate you?"
"You are you, and you don't need to explain anything to anyone, including me."
"Let the past be the past. People need to live in the present. Understand?"
Xiao Wu's heart was once again touched, and she felt the warmth of being understood and accepted once more.
Could she truly let go of the past and start her life anew?
She definitely could—Teacher said people should live in the present, and Teacher would definitely help her.
At this thought, the knot in her heart seemed to unravel at this very moment.
Heavens, this man looked imposing, but his heart was so soft and warm. How could anyone be so kind?
The lingering doubts and anxieties in her heart were once again gently swept away by Ye Feiyang's few words.
"Alright, go back. Since you've made your decision, say a proper goodbye to the past."
"Can... can you accompany me?" Xiao Wu's voice held a hint of pleading.
"No." Ye Feiyang refused decisively and straightforwardly. "You must face this matter alone. Go, let me see your determination."
Xiao Wu understood—some paths, after all, could only be walked alone.
She nodded and turned to walk in the direction of Shrek Academy.
Ye Feiyang returned to Supreme Academy, but his gaze never truly left the movement across the way.
Xiao Wu walked to Tang San's dormitory door with a restless heart, raising her hand several times, but lacking the courage to knock.
Just as she mustered her courage again, Tang San's voice suddenly came from behind her: "Xiao Wu? Are you looking for me?"
Xiao Wu was startled by the sound—how could this person walk without making a sound?
Seeing Tang San again, her heart was filled with mixed emotions.
After all, Tang San had never harmed her, and they even shared many happy memories.
But he was simply too dangerous.
It was one thing not to know certain things, but once the truth was known, there was no going back.
She was truly tired of living day after day in fear and caution.
"Brother Tang, I have something I want to tell you," Xiao Wu took a deep breath, her tone incredibly serious.
Tang San also noticed the abnormality in her expression, and his heart tightened inexplicably. "Okay, tell me, I'm listening."
"Brother Tang, thank you for taking care of me all these years."
"I was foolish when I was young and caused you a lot of trouble. I'm sorry."
"Xiao Wu..." Tang San vaguely sensed something and urgently wanted to interrupt her, but Xiao Wu stopped him with a shake of her head.
"Don't speak yet, let me finish."
Tang San pursed his lips and fell silent.
"I'm telling you this because I want you to know: if possible, you will always be my Brother Tang."
"But I've decided to withdraw from school. From now on, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend school with you anymore."
This sentence struck Tang San like lightning, and his expression changed drastically.
He grabbed Xiao Wu's shoulders, his voice trembling, "Why? Xiao Wu, why are you withdrawing from school? Did someone force you? Is it Ye Feiyang... it must be him forcing you, right? I'll go ask him for an explanation!"
Anger surged through Tang San, and his entire face turned grim.
He absolutely could not accept Xiao Wu leaving, never!
During this time, he had considered many possibilities, but he never expected Xiao Wu to voluntarily propose leaving.
Was it because he had neglected her before?
He suddenly felt immense regret. When they first arrived at the academy, Xiao Wu had mentioned wanting to transfer. If he had listened to her back then, would today's events have been avoided?
But he insisted on staying. Had she already sensed something from that moment?
Was she giving him a chance? But why didn't she make herself clear?
He told himself this, as if believing that Xiao Wu was being forced could somehow salvage the situation.
"Brother Tang, no one is forcing me. This is my own decision," Xiao Wu gently pushed his hand away, her tone calm yet firm.
"You can call me heartless, or you can sever ties with me... I'll accept it all."
"What can you do if you go find Brother Feiyang now?"
Tang San's eyes widened in disbelief, "What did you say? Why do you call that person 'Brother Feiyang'? I don't believe you, you must be lying to me!"
Looking at the nearly frantic Tang San, Xiao Wu felt utterly exhausted.
At this moment, she truly felt that Tang San's feelings for her might have long surpassed simple sibling affection.
If it were in the past, she might not have thought much of it, but now, her heart was filled only with weariness.
"I've said what I needed to say. Brother Tang, from now on, let's go our separate ways."
"If you're willing, I'll still consider you my brother."
After speaking, she no longer looked at Tang San and walked straight past him, heading out of the academy.
For her, it was enough to give Tang San an explanation.
As for the academy teachers? Ye Feiyang could handle it; she didn't want to seek trouble for herself.
Saying those words to Tang San had already taken all her courage.
Besides, right now, no one in Shrek Academy would dare refuse Ye Feiyang's request, right?
Well, there was one stubborn person – Yu Xiaogang.
But would his opinion matter to Ye Feiyang?
Tang San stood frozen, lost and confused, his mind in chaos. He even felt that Xiao Wu at this moment was somewhat unfamiliar, somewhat cruel.
He finally understood what had been quietly slipping away these past few days – it was Xiao Wu.
She no longer belonged to him. She wouldn't be following him around all day anymore, and he wouldn't hear her call him "Brother Tang" anymore.
He closed his eyes, and a tear quietly rolled down from the corner of his eye.
At this moment, his hatred for Ye Feiyang reached its peak.
He was determined to win Xiao Wu back, and only by becoming strong enough could he achieve that.
No longer lost, his steps firm, he turned towards Yu Xiaogang's dormitory with a single thought in his mind:
"Teacher, please help me!"
Inside Supreme Academy, Xiao Wu, carrying bags of luggage, walked through the gate with some trepidation.
As soon as she stepped in, she saw three familiar figures smiling and looking at her.
"Xiao Wu, you're here!" Ning Rongrong gracefully stepped forward, taking the luggage from her hands, her tone cheerful.
"The teacher said you would definitely come, and he was right again."
"We've already prepared a room for you. We can cultivate together from now on," Zhu Zhuqing also came forward to help, a gentle smile on her face.
Xiao Wu looked up at Ye Feiyang and said in a low voice, "Teacher, I've already explained things clearly to him. As for the dean of Shrek Academy..."
Ye Feiyang grinned and waved his hand, "Why bother with them? If they have something to say, they can come find me directly."
"You settle in first. I'll come find you later."
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing helped Xiao Wu tidy up her room and put away her belongings. Before long, everything was neatly arranged.
Ye Feiyang arrived as promised and walked into Xiao Wu's room.
Zhu Zhuqing had learned her lesson this time and had tea ready early, not wanting to be called "unobservant" again.
She handed a teacup to Xiao Wu and softly reminded her, "If you're taking a master, you need to offer tea to your teacher."
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