Outside Shrek Academy, the lingering glow of sunset spilled over the ancient walls, gilding the timeworn academy with a golden edge.
Holding Gu Yue's hand, Tang Wulin bypassed the main entrance and slipped furtively into a secluded alley.
"Gu Yue, Gu Yue..." Tang Wulin lowered his voice and shook her arm like a kitten begging for affection. "We can get straight to the Sea God Pavilion from here. Let's go this way and give them a surprise."
At his air of mystery, a helpless smile flickered in Gu Yue's violet eyes. She nodded gently. "All right. Whatever you say."
They followed the alley to its end, where a weathered wall stood before them.
Tang Wulin stopped and glanced around. Once he was sure no one was there, he pressed one hand lightly against the wall, keeping a firm hold on Gu Yue with the other.
"Hold on tight."
The moment he spoke, the wall rippled as though it had turned to water. Tang Wulin pulled Gu Yue along, and with a flicker of movement, they passed straight through it!
When they reappeared, they were standing on the lawn near the Sea God Pavilion.
"Let's go!"
Tang Wulin gave an excited, low shout and pulled Gu Yue into the Sea God Pavilion like a gust of wind.
Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the atmosphere had been rather somber.
Yun Ming, Ya Li, Tang Wutong, and the others sat around a conference table, discussing the academy's reconstruction. Though everyone was doing their best, a lingering shadow clouded their faces—a shadow cast by the two figures who had "departed."
Bang!
The doors were flung open.
Everyone instinctively looked toward the entrance.
When they saw the two figures standing there, a deathly silence fell over the Sea God Pavilion.
"Wu... Wulin?" The teacup in