Return to Heaven Dou!

A gust of wind, carrying the scent of old wood and earth, swept across the empty playground, stirring up a few withered leaves.

Yu Xiaogang stood at the somewhat dilapidated entrance of the academy, watching the Shrek students packing their final belongings, his brows furrowed as usual.

A cool breeze suddenly slipped into his collar, making him shiver violently, followed by a loud sneeze.

Achoo!

He rubbed his slightly sore nose, a strange feeling creeping through him. Who was talking about him?

Is it Liu Erlong is far away in Heaven Dou City, a woman with fiery passion yet who also makes him feel vaguely pressured and guilty?

Is it his father Yu Yuanzhen, who has been in seclusion for many years and has been out of contact with anyone?

Or... that name buried deep in his heart, so complex it suffocated him— Bibi Dong?

The thought had barely formed in his mind when he Sheer Force suppressed it, feeling only absurdity mixed with an indescribable flutter in his heart.

How could that be...?

"Teacher, do you have a cold?"

Tang San's concerned voice rang out beside him, interrupting Yu Xiaogang's thoughts.

The boy's handsome face was etched with worry, and Xiao Wu, who was packing her bags beside him, also cast a glance at him.

Yu Xiaogang waved his hand, his voice as somber as ever.

"No, I was just thinking about some things."

He quickly changed the subject, unwilling to dwell on that inexplicable emotion.

"Have you packed your luggage? We should get going."

"All done, teacher."

Tang San nodded, but still couldn't help but ask the question that had been bothering him.

"But teacher, do we really have to go to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Shrek Academy... can't we think of another way? Dean Flender, he..."

Yu Xiaogang turned around, his gaze sweeping over the land that had witnessed Shrek's brief period of glory, a hint of helplessness and determination flashing in his eyes.

"I understand Flender's feelings, but reality is cruel. Shrek doesn't have officially recognized qualifications and cannot participate in the upcoming Continental Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academy."

"More importantly, the resources here can no longer support your future growth. You are all exceptionally gifted children, the prototypes of Golden Generation. Staying here will only waste your potential."

"The Heaven Dou Royal Academy offers the best Mimicry Cultivation Environment, more systematic teaching resources, and opportunities to encounter higher-level opponents. For your future, this is a necessary choice."

Tang San fell silent.

He knew his teacher was right; Shrek was too small, and the stage was too small.

But the attachment and reluctance to leave the academy in my heart still remain heavy.

He didn't argue further, but silently tied the last small package tightly, his eyes hardening.

Looking at his disciples, Yu Xiaogang's inexplicable feeling about "sneezing" was replaced by his plans for their future and a slight worry about the future.

Unbeknownst to him, far away in Spirit City, a person who saw him as the source of all his suffering and was determined to crush him completely had already Lock-On his sights firmly on him, this "Poison Point."

After calming Bibi Dong, Lin Xia finally felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders, but her sense of mission grew even stronger.

He acted swiftly and solemnly bid farewell to Qian Daoliu.

Qian Daoliu's eyes were deep, containing his expectations for his disciple and his concern for the safety of his granddaughter and her sweetheart.

He didn't say much, but simply patted Lin Xia on the shoulder and said in a deep voice:

"Remember your identity, remember the Spirit Hall. Plan your actions carefully, and prioritize the overall situation. Xiao Xue... and Bibi Dong are both in your hands."

Lin Xia nodded solemnly.

"Rest assured, Master, I have already planned out the three purposes of this trip. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

After bidding Qian Daoliu, Lin Xia immediately began to select generals.

He had to assist Qian Renxue in taking control of the upper echelons of the Heaven Dou Sect with overwhelming force, find a quiet place for Bibi Dong to recuperate and suppress Rakshasa Evil Thought, and finally, completely eliminate Yu Xiaogang, the "source of Inner Demon."

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan—the absolute core of the Golden Generation —are incredibly strong and work together seamlessly. They are the sharpest swords in his hands, responsible for assisting Qian Renxue in key operations and providing military deterrence.

Ye Lingling – the successor of the Nine Heart Begonia, a top-tier healing-type Soul Master, is the lifeline of the team, and her monitoring of Bibi Dong's condition is especially crucial.

Dugu Yan Grandmaster of controlling the Medusa Martial Soul. Not only is she powerful in combat, but her backer Dugu Bo, although eccentric in personality, holds a special position and influence in the Heaven Dou Empire. Her identity can play an unexpected role in certain situations.

Once the troops were assembled, Lin Xia didn't hesitate at all.

A specially modified, unassuming yet extremely spacious and comfortable carriage quietly drove out of Spirit City.

Inside the carriage, Bibi Dong was wrapped in a thick blanket, resting with her eyes closed. Her face still showed the paleness and fatigue of someone recovering from a serious illness, but the deep-seated loneliness between her brows seemed to have faded slightly after leaving the Spirit Hall.

Lin Xia rode in the same car with her, constantly monitoring her breathing.

Qian Renxue, along with Hu Liena and the others, rode in a smaller carriage to facilitate their discussions on the Heaven Dou matter.

The convoy, escorted by elite knights of the Spirit Hall and bearing the banner of the "Spirit Hall Holy Son Exchange Group," set off on the official road leading to Heaven Dou City in a grand yet courteous manner.

A month-long journey, traversing a vast country.

For Lin Xia and the motion-sick Bulbasaur (a Minimize form of Venusaur, which Lin Xia held as a "heater" and to comfort his Pokémon), the bumpy journey was truly unbearable.

Bibi Dong spent most of her time with her eyes closed, meditating. Occasionally, she would open her eyes and see Lin Xia trying to suppress her discomfort while still paying close attention to her. Her expression would become extremely complicated.

Qian Renxue seized every moment on the road to maintain contact with the "Xue Qinghe" force within Heaven Dou City through secret channels, issuing commands silently, spreading like Spider Web towards the core of power in the Heaven Dou Empire.

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, and the others knew that this trip was of great importance, so they devoted themselves to cultivation and adjusting their condition along the way, striving to be at their peak when they arrived.

Ye Lingling carefully tended to everyone's minor discomforts, especially Bibi Dong.

Dugu Yan often looked out the window with sharp eyes, as if recalling everything in Heaven Dou City and thinking about how to facilitate the actions of the Spirit Hall within her grandfather's sphere of influence.

Finally, as dusk settled, the majestic silhouette of Heaven Dou City appeared on the horizon.

The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the heart of this empire with a solemn yet slightly mysterious golden edge.

The convoy did not head directly to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, but shortly after entering the city, it turned onto a secluded road leading to the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace Villa.

This was a secret hideout meticulously arranged by Qian Renxue.

The gates of the villa opened silently, and what greeted them was not the entourage of the Crown Prince's Mansion's residence, but a uniform group of guards dressed in inconspicuous gray clothes, with sharp eyes and restrained demeanor.

These people are Qian Renxue's core team, known as the "Shadow Guards," whom she has cultivated for many years and who are absolutely loyal to her.

The leader strode forward and bowed to Qian Renxue and Lin Xia, who had just gotten out of the car. His voice was deep but clear.

"Young Master, Your His Highness the Holy Son. Everything is arranged properly. The villa and its surroundings have been cleared and are absolutely safe."

Qian Renxue regained Xue Qinghe's gentle and refined demeanor, and nodded slightly.

"Thanks for your hard work."

He then looked at Lin Xia, a barely Frisk hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes.

"Xiao Xia, settle your mother first. We'll talk in detail later."