After a thrilling night raid, the Heaven Dou Empire delegation became far more cautious. The Royal Knights' escort force was visibly strengthened, with both patrol frequency and coverage more than doubled. The mood within the group also grew much heavier. The ease and cheer brought by their victory in the promotion matches had vanished, replaced by an oppressive sense that a storm was about to break.
Inside Shrek Academy's carriage, everyone remained silent. Dai Mubai wiped down his Tiger Claw, his gaze fierce; Zhu Zhuqing rested with her eyes closed, though her aura was colder than usual; Xiao Wu unusually leaned quietly by the window, watching the scenery race past outside; Ma Hongjun and Oscar had no mood to tease each other, their brows tightly furrowed; Ning Rongrong gently stroked the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, lost in thought.
Tang San was still regulating his breathing, but everyone could sense that the aura around him had become more restrained than before—and more dangerous. That attack had been like a fuse, completely igniting the vigilance and resolve buried deep within him.
Xiao Xiaoxiao sat across from him, her Spiritual Power continuously extended outward like the most loyal sentry, alert to even the slightest unusual Soul Power fluctuation. She could clearly feel that the closer they came to Spirit City, the heavier the invisible pressure in the air became. It was as though the entire city were a dormant giant beast, opening its jaws and waiting for them to enter.
"Just now... thank you." Tang San suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Xiao Xiaoxiao, his voice low. If she had not sensed the killing intent in advance, they might not have reacted so quickly.
Xiao Xiaoxiao shook her head, her face still somewhat pale. "It was what I should have done.