In the fifth year after the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament ended, Heaven Dou City had grown far more prosperous than before.
Shrek Academy had expanded three times, too.
At dawn, several young people stood outside the academy Gate. Dai Mubai had grown even taller, and his Level 64 Soul Emperor aura was steady and imposing. Zhu Zhuqing had reached Level 60. Her black hair fell past her shoulders, and she looked like a slender blade hidden in the night.
Ning Rongrong had reached Level 60, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shone with an even clearer light. Oscar had gained a scar running from the corner of his eye to his chin. At Level 61, he had less mischief in his eyes and more of the resilience that came from surviving life-and-death ordeals.
Ma Hongjun was Level 57. He was still round, but his Phoenix Flame was several times purer than it had been five years ago.
When the five first met, they each maintained a dignified air.
Three sentences later, Dai Mubai had Ma Hongjun pinned to the ground, and Ning Rongrong was laughing so hard she could barely stand straight. That unruly scuffle quickly washed away the distance the years had put between them.
"Why aren't Third Brother and Xiao Wu here yet?" Ma Hongjun scrambled up and looked around.
No one could answer.
At the street corner opposite the academy, a Blue Hair young man stopped.
Tang San had reached Level 59. His appearance after the Blue Silver Emperor's awakening was unrecognizable, but the chill left by Slaughter City still lurked in his eyes. He looked at the companions he had not seen in so long, and a smile had just touched his lips when Dai Mubai stepped in front of him.
"Friend,