Tang San said nothing, but his eyes had already made his attitude clear.
He needed a battle.
A fair and square battle to prove that his teacher Yu Xiaogang's theories were not wrong!
To wash away the humiliation brought by the bloodline suppression just now!
"A team battle?"
Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, seeming to find the idea interesting.
She looked at Ning Rongrong, who merely shrugged to show she didn't mind.
"Fine."
Dugu Yan made the decision for Chen Xuan.
"But not now."
She held up one finger, her expression proud.
"Seven days from now, at the Academy Martial Arts Arena."
"The teachers said no fighting on campus. But on the arena, fists and feet have no eyes. You'll be responsible for your own lives."
"I hope you still have the courage to stand here and talk then."
"Deal!"
Dai Mubai agreed without the slightest hesitation.
"Let's go!"
He gave Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan a long look, then turned and left, his heart full of anger and resentment.
The five members of Shrek walked out of Blue Silver Academy without looking back.
Silence returned to the courtyard.
"A bunch of fools who don't know how high the sky is."
Dugu Yan curled her lip in disdain.
Ning Rongrong watched them leave, her expression somewhat complicated, but she soon regained her composure.
"Come on, junior sister. We should report back to our teacher, too."
"Mm."
Meanwhile, Chen Xuan was strolling with Ah Yin along a shaded path on campus.
The air here made her feel more comfortable than ever before.
Every plant was sending her feelings of warmth and joy.
"This place is so different from the outside."
Ah Yin looked around curiously, her voice gentle as a mountain spring.
"I set up a Supreme Spiritual Vein here," Chen Xuan explained. "It gathers the purest life energy and worldly essence within a thousand li. For plant-type Soul Masters, this is the best cultivation sanctuary."
Ah Yin nodded, only half understanding.
She could feel her body greedily absorbing the energy around her, every cell cheering with delight.
They crossed a bamboo grove and arrived at an elegant bamboo house.
The house stood quietly amid a sea of Blue Silver Grass, blending into its surroundings with a natural charm.
"This is where you'll stay."
Chen Xuan pushed open the bamboo door, and a fresh, grassy fragrance swept over them.
The furnishings inside were simple, yet everywhere carried the breath of nature.
The table and chairs were made from Ten-Thousand-Year Warm Jade. The bed was woven from the branches of the Ancient Tree of Life and covered with soft Blue Silver Grass leaves.
Barefoot, Ah Yin stepped onto the polished floor and clearly felt the immense yet gentle life energy rising from deep beneath the earth.
She went to the window and opened it. Beyond lay an endless sea of Blue Silver Grass.
A breeze swept past, sending waves through the grass like rippling jade-green water.
"I love it."
Ah Yin turned back to Chen Xuan and gave him a pure smile.
Her smile seemed to brighten the entire bamboo house.
"Teacher, that young man just now..."
Ah Yin sat down at the table, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"The way he looked at me was strange."
Chen Xuan poured her a cup of tea. Its fragrance filled the room.
"His name is Tang San."
His voice was calm.
"He's your son."
"Buzz."
Ah Yin's hand paused slightly as she held the teacup.
"My son..."
She repeated the words softly, confusion in her eyes.
Her memories were a blank slate.
Aside from the teacher before her, who had brought her back to life, she knew nothing about this world.
And yet, when she heard the words "my son," something deep inside her was gently plucked.
An inexplicable feeling quietly took root.
"You've only just come back to life. There's a lot you don't remember."
Chen Xuan's voice softened.
"Don't rush. Let things take their course."
"I brought you back to life not to make you bear the shackles of your past. From now on, you're simply Ah Yin, my disciple."
Ah Yin looked up into Chen Xuan's deep eyes. The confusion and unease in her heart gradually faded.
She nodded.
"I understand, Teacher."
Though she had lost her memories, her instincts told her she could trust this man completely.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
"Teacher."
It was Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong.
"Come in."
The two girls entered. First they respectfully bowed to Chen Xuan, then turned to study Ah Yin curiously.
Their teacher's wife was truly beautiful, and her bearing was extraordinary.
"What is it?"
Chen Xuan's gaze never left Ah Yin.
Dugu Yan stepped forward and reported everything about the challenge issued by the five members of Shrek.
"A team battle?"
A faint smile appeared on Chen Xuan's face, carrying a hint of nonchalance.
"Fine. It'll give you something to do."
He lifted his teacup and took a light sip.
"Since they issued the challenge, we'll accept."
"Teacher, then who should we send out to fight?"
Ning Rongrong asked.
With her, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling, they had only three people.
"You can decide for yourselves. You don't need to ask me about every little thing."
Chen Xuan waved his hand, as if he couldn't care less.
"Besides you, there's Leng Leng at the academy. If that's not enough, find a couple of people in Heaven Dou City."
"Teacher, you mean..."
Dugu Yan was a little unsure.
"I mean that a few little brats like them aren't worth my trouble."
Chen Xuan set down his teacup and stood up.
"Seven days is plenty of time for you to prepare."
"Remember, you're students of Blue Silver Academy and disciples of me, Chen Xuan."
"When you strike, don't leave your opponents with any illusions."
"Yes, Teacher!"
Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan answered together, their hearts tightening.
They understood.
Their teacher wanted them to use a resounding victory to announce the rise of Blue Silver Academy!
"Go."
"Yes."
The two girls respectfully left the bamboo house.
Only Chen Xuan and Ah Yin remained inside.
"Teacher, they're..."
Ah Yin asked curiously.
"They're my other disciples."
Chen Xuan walked over to her and gently brushed his hand across her smooth blue hair.
"From now on, they'll be your senior sisters."
"Starting today, I'll teach you how to regain control of the Blue Silver Emperor's power and become the freest ruler on this continent."
Ah Yin looked up at Chen Xuan, her eyes shining with trust and anticipation.
Outside the Martial Arts Arena, the five members of Shrek left with grim expressions.
"Damn it! This is just too much!"
Ma Hongjun slammed his fist into a rock by the road and shattered it.
"That dean and those two women are all far too arrogant!"
"Rongrong... How did she become like this?"
Before you continue