Mu En's eyes immediately lit up, the undisguised delight in them plain to see.
He suddenly slapped the armrest of his bamboo chair, making it let out a piercing creak. He sat bolt upright, his voice rising several notches. "Good, good, good! Since she has such potential, I'll make an exception and grant her core disciple status today! Once you've gotten settled, you need to make a trip to Sea God Island, understand?"
"Understood, Master." Tang Wulin nodded with a smile, his voice carrying the high spirits of youth.
Mu En waved a hand and lay back down in his bamboo chair, mumbling, "Hurry up and go. Don't stand there getting in the way of my sunbathing."
Tang Wulin chuckled and turned back to wave at Na'er. "Let's go. We'll put your things away, then head to Sea God Island."
Na'er hurried after him, clutching the sleeve he offered her. She looked up at him with an obedient, expectant smile. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the plane tree leaves, falling into her purple eyes like shattered diamonds, glittering brightly.
Tang Wulin led Na'er toward the dormitory building. The creaking sway of the bamboo chair mingled with the rustling of wind through the plane tree leaves, making Shrek Academy peaceful and serene in the afternoon.
Still, Shrek Academy's situation really needed to change. Once he became Pavilion Master, he would have to straighten things out properly.
Tang Wulin led Na'er to the dormitory stairwell and smiled as he released the wrist he had been holding.
He lowered his gaze toward the little girl before him, who only reached his chest. Her long silver-white hair fell smoothly over her shoulders.
In the dim light of the corridor, it gleamed with a faint, gentle radiance.
Those clear purple eyes were quietly lifted toward him.
She waited silently for him to speak.
Tang Wulin smiled softly and raised a hand to gently pat her soft hair, his movements tender, as though soothing a docile kitten he had just brought home.
"Your room is 403."
"Brother's room is on the first floor, so I won't walk you up. The boys' rooms are on the lower three floors, while the girls' rooms are on the fourth. Boys aren't allowed to go to the floor where the girls live."
He paused slightly, then added softly, "If anyone bullies you..."
He reached into his outer robe pocket and took out a brass key, dangling it lightly from his fingertips. The metal clinked together, producing a crisp, pleasant chime.
Then he held it before Na'er so she could clearly see the tiny words engraved on it.
"108."
"If you feel wronged, come to 108 and find Brother."
Na'er tilted her head slightly, then nodded. She handed the key back to Tang Wulin and smiled sweetly, her eyes curving.
"I'll remember. 108."
"Alright, go upstairs and get your things sorted out."
Tang Wulin took back the key and casually tucked it into his pocket.
"Once you've settled in and rested, classes still won't have started tomorrow morning, so Brother will take you around Shrek City."
"Especially Sea God Island. The scenery there is far more beautiful than the Outer Court."
Na'er obediently acknowledged him, turned, and slowly headed upstairs. Her silver hair swayed gently with her steps, and her skirt brushed lightly past the corner of the stairway. Her slender figure quickly vanished into the shadows of the second-floor landing.
Only a few strands at the ends of her silver hair swayed outside the railing for a moment before disappearing completely.
Tang Wulin stood quietly where he was for a moment before turning and slowly making his way down the corridor toward his own dormitory.
Dormitory 108 was the third room beside the corridor restroom.
Most of the paint on the doorframe had long since peeled away.
The dark, rough wood beneath was exposed.
A thin layer of dust had gathered along the edges of the door crack.
Tang Wulin inserted the key into the lock and gently turned it twice.
With a soft click, the door opened.
He had not yet stepped inside.
A thick, stifling smell of dust rushed at his face. Caught off guard, he turned his head and coughed twice, raising a hand to fan away the floating dust before him.
He narrowed his eyes and quickly swept his gaze across the room.
A thick layer of dust had accumulated on the windowsill.
Half an inch of dust covered the tabletop, blanketing every object.
The bare bedframe had only an old, dingy straw mat spread over it.
Several dried strands of cobweb hung from the corners.
In one corner, an old broken clay jar of unknown age lay upside down, crooked and battered.
The entire room was desolate and cold, as though no one had lived there for a very long time.
Even shallow footprints could be seen on the surface of the dust, old traces that made it seem as if the room had gone unattended for months.
Tang Wulin stood in the doorway in silence for two breaths, then raised a hand and gently rubbed his brow.
Good grief, he had nearly forgotten!
His room in Sea God Pavilion could be elegant, clean, and tidy. He had forgotten about the terrible conditions in the Outer Court.
Oh no, oh no. After getting used to such comfortable dormitories, he was somewhat unaccustomed to living in the Outer Court.
Still, this place seemed much better than the work-study student dormitory Tang Wulin and the others lived in.
He took half a step back and gently closed the door.
Then he turned to look at the neighboring dormitory door.
The neighboring door was clean and neat, without any mottled dust.
Warm yellow light seeped through the crack in the door.
Faint sounds of movement could be heard from inside.
It looked like someone lived there and had already tidied up. Judging by how clean the outside was, this person was probably good at cleaning!
He slowly walked over, curled his fingers, and gently knocked three times.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Footsteps inside approached from afar, growing clear. The door was gently pulled open from within, revealing a thin, youthful face.
It looked familiar!
Huo Yuhao?!
Huo Yuhao wore a faded old outer robe and tightly held a clean rag in his hand. He had clearly been wiping down the table just moments ago.
When he looked up and saw Tang Wulin at the door, he visibly froze for a moment. Then his blue eyes brightened slightly, filled with delight.
"Brother Tang?"
Tang Wulin casually leaned against the doorframe, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face. He raised a hand to scratch the back of his head and gestured toward his own door.
His tone was lazy and casual, natural and frank.
"Yuhao, my room is way too dusty. I really can't be bothered to clean it myself."
"Help me clean it, and I'll give you one Gold Soul Coin. How about it?"
His gaze was open and clear, and a gentle smile rested on his lips.
There was not the slightest hint of condescension or charity in his manner. Instead, it felt as though he were sincerely entrusting him with a simple task.
He seemed exceptionally humble and courteous.
Huo Yuhao was slightly stunned. He lowered his head to look at the rag in his hand.
Then he looked back at Tang Wulin's perfectly justified lazy expression and instantly understood his intentions and consideration. The fingers clutching the rag tightened slightly as a burning warmth surged through his heart.
Tang Wulin immediately realized from his expression that this guy seemed to have persuaded himself.
He nodded hard, his tone sincere and earnest.
"Alright! Don't worry, Brother Tang. I'll definitely clean it until it's spotless!"
Tang Wulin raised a hand and lightly tossed the key in his hand toward him.
Huo Yuhao lifted a hand and caught it steadily, gripping it tightly in his palm.
Tang Wulin raised a hand to pat him on the shoulder and smiled warmly.
"Thanks. I'm heading out for a while. I'll come back later to get the key."
As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and headed toward the end of the corridor.
His steps were light, calm, and unhurried.
Huo Yuhao stood in the doorway, quietly watching his retreating figure.
Before you continue