The Finals Draw Near, Hidden Feelings Arise

Chapter 18: The Finals Draw Near, Hidden Feelings Arise

The battle ended, but the cheers across the arena did not subside for a long time.

The Young Seven Monsters stood shoulder to shoulder at the center of the field. Though they were still breathing hard, their eyes shone brighter than ever. This victory, won without protection or outside help, allowed them to truly find their footing and earned the genuine recognition of every student in the academy.

Adult Tang Wulin slowly walked over to them. He made no unnecessary movements; simply standing there was enough to put everyone at ease.

Xu Lizhi rubbed his stomach as he handed steaming buns to each of his companions. "Everyone, eat something and regain your strength. There are still plenty of matches ahead."

Xie Xie clicked his tongue as he gnawed on a bun. "That was way too close. I thought we really weren't going to hold on."

"We worked well together," Xu Xiaoyan said with a soft smile, gentle starlight in her eyes.

Ye Xinglan sheathed her sword and spoke calmly. "It's still not enough. The finals will be harder."

She had hit the nail on the head.

As the referee announced the results one after another, the direction of this Youth Tournament became clear—the Shrek Seven Monsters had fought their way forward and entered the final without suspense.

Their opponents were a powerful team that had long dominated the Inner Academy. Their coordination was exceptionally seasoned, and in cultivation, experience, and soul skill combinations, they far surpassed every opponent the Seven Monsters had faced before.

Young Tang Wulin looked at the finals notice, his expression turning slightly solemn. "The next match will be the real test."

Gu Yue stood at his side, but her silver-violet eyes were not on the arena announcement. Instead, they had secretly remained on Adult Tang Wulin beside her.

His earlier words—"When the tournament is over, I'll tell you everything"—kept echoing in her heart.

The future...

A face identical to Tang Wulin's...

A familiarity with every one of them...

The answer was practically laid out before her, yet she did not dare to truly voice it.

She feared the truth would be too shocking. She feared this sudden companionship was only a dream. Even more, she feared that once she learned the truth... everything would return to how it had been.

Adult Tang Wulin seemed to notice her gaze and turned to meet her eyes.

Their eyes met. There was not the slightest hint of concealment in his gaze, only tenderness and affection that had crossed through time.

That look was too heavy, too familiar. Gu Yue's heart tightened slightly, and she hurriedly looked away.

"Senior," Young Tang Wulin suddenly said, his tone serious. "In the finals, can you... not make a move?"

Everyone was stunned.

Xie Xie quickly tugged at him. "Wulin, are you crazy? What if they go too far?"

Tang Wulin shook his head, looking firmly at Adult Tang Wulin. "I want to win the championship with my companions, using our own strength. You've already taught us so much. The rest is a path we should walk ourselves."

Adult Tang Wulin was slightly taken aback, then a faint smile slowly appeared on his lips.

This was the Tang Wulin he knew.

He never relied on protection, never feared powerful enemies, and was always willing to use his own hands to protect those around him.

"Alright." He nodded gently, his voice steady. "For the finals, I'll only watch. I won't make a move."

"No matter what happens, you'll deal with it yourselves."

"I believe in you."

Those simple words gave the Seven Monsters endless confidence.

Gu Yue raised her eyes and looked at Adult Tang Wulin again. The unease in her heart quietly faded away.

No matter who he was or where he had come from, he was someone who stood behind them, believed in them unconditionally, and protected them.

The setting sun gradually sank, stretching everyone's shadows long.

The Young Seven Monsters gathered together, discussing their strategy for the finals in low voices, their tones earnest and passionate.

Adult Tang Wulin stood some distance away, quietly watching them. His golden eyes were filled with relief and pride.

The regrets of his past life, the amends of this one.

He no longer needed to step in and shield them.

These youths had long possessed the courage and strength to stand on their own.

And the secret hidden deep within time would soon be completely revealed after the finals came to an end.