The people from Shrek Academy were carried back to the academy.
Aside from Xiao Wu, whom Tang San had shielded in his arms and who had suffered only minor injuries, everyone else was gravely wounded and unconscious. Tang San was the worst off. Several of his meridians had been shattered, and even his Soul Power had become dangerously unstable. He coughed up blood the entire way back.
After they returned to the academy, Yu Tianheng and Zhu Zhuyun were taken back to their respective quarters to recover. In the rest room at the back of the academy, only Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the newly awakened Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar remained.
Xiao Wu's eyes were red as she carefully wiped the blood from Tang San's face with warm water. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Third Brother, does it hurt? It's all my fault. I couldn't even help you just now..."
Tang San took her hand and smiled weakly, his voice hoarse. "Silly girl, it's not your fault. Having me protect you is enough."
He paused, then gently patted her hand. "Xiao Wu, I'm a little thirsty. Could you get me a cup of hot water? Warm, not too hot."
"Okay! I'll be right back!" Xiao Wu nodded quickly, wiped her tears, and hurried out. She didn't notice how the tenderness in Tang San's eyes vanished the instant he watched her leave, leaving only a cold, crazed gleam.
The moment the door to the rest room closed, Dai Mubai pushed himself upright, clutching his chest. He coughed up blood as he cursed, "Damn it! What the hell is Nebula Academy? That Seven-in-One Soul Power Fusion Skill was beyond anything we could stop! Tang San, we've lost this match. There's no way we can advance in the Preliminary Tournament now!"