One day later.
Having just graduated from the Moonlight Pavilion, Tang San consulted Tang Hao. Unlike in the original storyline, both the Moonlight Pavilion and Shrek Academy were in the Heaven Dou Empire's Imperial Capital. Moreover, Shrek Academy had suffered a surprise attack from Spirit Hall a few days earlier, prompting Tang San to visit the academy ahead of time to see what he could do to help.
Five of the Shrek Seven Devils reunited. With Flender gravely wounded and Liu Erlong, Zhao Wuji, and others killed in battle, events did not unfold as they had in the original storyline. Flender and Zhao Wuji did not join forces to test the current abilities of Tang San, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Ma Hongjun.
The deaths of Liu Erlong, Zhao Wuji, and other core teachers had cast a deeply oppressive pall over Shrek Academy.
"Fatty, what's wrong?"
Inside an office, Tang San questioned Ma Hongjun, who had walked in with a troubled expression.
Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dai Mubai were also in the room.
"Another twelve students asked to withdraw today," Ma Hongjun said.
"Mm." Tang San acknowledged him.
"Those students actually chose to leave at a time like this! Don't they know how devastating a blow that is to our academy?" Ma Hongjun said indignantly.
"Everyone already knows who killed Teacher Erlong and Teacher Zhao Wuji. They only want to withdraw because they don't want to be dragged into the whirlpool of conflict between Spirit Hall and Shrek Academy," Tang San said soothingly.
"But they owe our academy for teaching them! Leaving one after another at such a critical moment is utterly disloyal!" Ma Hongjun remained furious.
"Fearing death and cherishing life is only human nature. Fatty, try to take it in stride. Although many have left,