Return to Shrek, the Seven Monsters' Strength

Dugu Bo pretended to think it over before replying, "I've calculated it carefully. My granddaughter is only seven years older than you. When you're eighteen, she'll only be twenty-five. You two are quite suitable for each other."

Tang San was greatly alarmed. "Suitable for what? We're not suitable at all. Old Monster, don't go around playing matchmaker."

Dugu Bo chuckled and threw an arm around Tang San's shoulders. "That's not up to you. Although you brat have some attainments in the study of poison, I have my own methods as well. With a little trick, I can make you submit obediently."

"Old Monster, you... you want to force me?"

Seeing the serious look on Dugu Bo's face, Tang San was thoroughly startled. He was not afraid of Dugu Bo's cold, rigid expression; what he feared was Dugu Bo's unpredictable smile.

"Why are you making that face? Could it be that my granddaughter truly isn't worthy of you, you little brat?"

Dugu Bo fixed Tang San with his emerald eyes and questioned him.

Tang San said, "Isn't Dugu Yan with Yu Tianheng already? Yu Tianheng is quite strong, and behind him stands the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. He's no worse than me, perhaps even stronger. Besides, maybe your granddaughter has already slept with Yu Tianheng and made it a done deal."

Dugu Bo froze at Tang San's words, and his expression instantly turned ugly. "Th-this... is indeed possible. Forget it. We'll discuss this another time!"

Only after seeing Dugu Bo abandon the idea did Tang San let out a small sigh of relief.

By then, the two had arrived at the academy gates.

The Blue Tyrant Academy plaque had already vanished, replaced by an enormous gilded plaque bearing five large, glittering words: "Shrek Academy." Flender's signature was written at the side.

Tang San hurried forward and explained a few things to the gate guard, who immediately turned and ran into the academy.

"Old Monster, let's wait here for a moment. Don't forget what you promised me—you can't harm anyone from Shrek Academy."

Dugu Bo stood where he was with his head held high, saying nothing.

Before long, a group emerged from the academy and headed toward the gates. At the front was Shrek Academy's dean, Flender. Following him were Liu Erlong, Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, Lu Qibin, Shao Xin, and Li Yusong—a total of seven people. Nearly all of Shrek Academy's high-level combatants above Rank Sixty had gathered.

There were two reasons for this display. First, they had come to welcome Tang San's return. Second, the gate guard had said a few extra things about Dugu Bo, making Flender and Yu Xiaogang sense danger. That was why they had summoned everyone to come together. The seven of them were here to stand against Dugu Bo.

Seeing all the academy teachers, Tang San happily hurried forward to greet them. "Teachers, I'm back."

Seeing Tang San return safely, Yu Xiaogang finally felt the weight in his heart lift.

At that moment, Flender's attention was entirely fixed on Dugu Bo, his expression full of vigilance.

Tang San noticed that the atmosphere was off, so he specifically explained to Flender and the others why Dugu Bo had come. He also told them that Dugu Bo was willing to serve as a Shrek advisor. Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, everyone's solemn expressions turned to surprise.

Flender even swallowed hard. "Xiao San, is what you said true?"

Tang San nodded. "Senior Dugu agreed, though he won't remain at the academy permanently."

After receiving Tang San's confirmation, the Golden Iron Triangle exchanged glances.

A moment later, Flender waved his hand and led the teachers toward Dugu Bo.

Flender took the lead, walking ahead with exceptional enthusiasm. His shoehorn-shaped face was plastered with a brilliant smile. "Senior Dugu, hello."

Dugu Bo nodded to Flender in return.

After exchanging a few words, Dugu Bo was willing to come, and Shrek warmly welcomed him. The two sides immediately reached an agreement.

"I've delivered Tang San back to you. I'm tired as well. Find me a quiet place to rest. I don't like being disturbed."

Dugu Bo gave Flender a serious look.

"Senior Dugu, please follow me." With that, Flender walked ahead to lead the way.

As Dugu Bo passed Tang San, his lips moved as he whispered something to him before following Flender away.

Watching Flender lead Dugu Bo into the distance, Liu Erlong could not help asking Tang San, "Xiao San, how did you do it? That Old Monster actually agreed to come to our academy. It's unbelievable."

Tang San smiled slightly. "Perhaps we get along rather well. I happened to help him with something, and he said he came to repay the favor."

"No matter what, this is a good thing."

Yu Xiaogang spoke from the side.

"Teacher, is everyone doing well? How are my companions now? Over the past half year, I've missed you and them dearly."

Yu Xiaogang smiled and nodded. "They're all doing well. I didn't tell them what you had gone off to do. I only said that you had entered seclusion to cultivate. You returned at just the right time. If you had come back a few days later, we might not have been here."

"Why?"

Tang San looked at his teacher in confusion.

"Xiao San, wait a moment."

After speaking, Yu Xiaogang turned his gaze toward Liu Erlong. "Erlong, go attend to things with the other teachers. I'll talk with Xiao San."

"Xiao San, let's go inside the academy and talk as we walk!"

Tang San followed Yu Xiaogang into the academy.

Along the way, the two told each other about their circumstances and changes over the past half year. Yu Xiaogang also learned some things about Tang San's dealings with Dugu Bo.

"Teacher, how strong are my companions now?"

Tang San had been separated from his companions for half a year and still cared deeply about them.

Yu Xiaogang's lips curved upward. "Over the past half year, they've all made considerable progress. Ma Hongjun, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing have all broken through Rank Thirty and obtained their third Soul Rings. Oscar's Soul Power has risen by two ranks, while Xiao Wu has risen by three. Dai Mubai is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through the Rank Forty bottleneck. I believe it won't take much longer. Once he reaches Rank Forty, we'll accompany him to hunt a soul beast and obtain his fourth Soul Ring."

Hearing that his companions had all improved so much, Tang San was delighted.

Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San with concern. "Xiao San, you've been with Dugu Bo for the past half year. Has your Soul Power cultivation fallen behind? What rank are you now?"

Tang San saw through Yu Xiaogang's concerns and replied, "Teacher, don't worry. I haven't neglected my cultivation. My Soul Power has already reached Rank Thirty-Seven."

Yu Xiaogang stared at Tang San in shock, hardly believing his ears. "What did you say? Your Soul Power has already reached Rank Thirty-Seven?"

Tang San answered seriously, "Yes! Under the pressure of that education committee member at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, my Soul Power had already reached Rank Thirty-Four. Later, while cultivating with Dugu Bo, it rose another three ranks."

"It seems my worries were completely unnecessary. Now I can finally rest easy. In less than half a year, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament will begin. At this rate, perhaps you'll have a chance to reach Rank Forty by then as well. If that happens, it'll be impossible for your Shrek Seven Monsters not to become famous."

"Xiao San, your companions are currently doing mimicry training every day. Teacher will take you to see them. You haven't met for so long—you should have a proper reunion."

With an irrepressible smile on his face, Yu Xiaogang took Tang San's hand and led him deeper into the academy.