After the carriage left the area of Cloud Mist Mountain, the long silence inside was broken by Tang Yuehua's gentle voice.
"Second Brother, Little San, what are your plans next? If you don't mind, you can come back to the Moonlight Pavilion with me for a while, and we can discuss it further."
She looked at her haggard-looking brother and nephew across from her, her eyes still filled with worry.
Tang Hao leaned against the carriage wall, his eyes slightly closed, as if he had exhausted even the strength to speak.
What plans can I possibly have for the future, with this crippled body?
After a brief moment of recuperation, Tang San opened his eyes and said, "Aunt, Moonlight Pavilion is a place with many people and eyes. My father and I have sensitive identities, Spirit Hall has many informants. I'm afraid this will bring trouble to you and Moonlight Pavilion."
He looked at Tang Hao and continued, "I want to go back to the Shrek Academy first. Dean Flender and the others are trustworthy people. We can stay there for now and then make further plans."
Tang Hao's eyelids twitched slightly, and he finally spoke in a low, hoarse voice. "... I'll listen to the Little San."
Tang Yuehua sighed softly, knowing her brother was troubled, and didn't insist. "Alright, you can come to me anytime if you need anything. Be careful in everything you do."
The carriage didn't stop along the way, taking Tang Hao and his companions directly to a spot not far from the gates of the Shrek Academy.
Tang Yuehua gave them some more detailed instructions, left them some emergency medicine and money, and then reluctantly watched the three of them leave.
Shrek Academy, Dean's Office.
While Flender was handling school affairs, his disciple Ma Hongjun helped him by serving him tea and water.
Just then, a soft knock sounded on the door.
"Come in." Flender said without even looking up.
The door was pushed open, and Tang San and his companions entered.
" Your His Excellency Haotian? You're Little San? What are you doing...?"
Flender quickly walked around the table, and only when he saw Tang Hao did he recognize Tang San, his face full of shock.
"Dean, I apologize for disturbing you." Tang San bowed with clasped hands. "We... have nowhere to go right now. I wonder if the academy could temporarily take us in and provide us with shelter?"
Flender looked at Tang Hao, then at Tang San: "What are you saying? Little San, you're originally from the academy; the academy will always be your home."
Just then, the door to the dean's office was pushed open again, and a figure walked in with a hint of urgency—it was Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai was clearly surprised to see so many people inside, and he was visibly taken aback when he saw Meng Yiran.
He didn't recognize Tang San at first, but after Ma Hongjun's introduction, he finally believed that the person in front of him was Tang San.
But Dai Mubai quickly composed himself and bowed to Flender, saying, "Dean, I have something to discuss with you."
His expression betrayed a hidden excitement beneath the anxiety.
Flender frowned. " Mubai, what's the rush?"
Dai Mubai took a deep breath, deliberately lowering his voice. "This student has come to resign from the academy. There is an urgent matter at home that requires my immediate return to the Star Luo Empire, and I am afraid I can no longer remain at the academy."
"Resignation?" Flender was startled again.
Dai Mubai's eyes flickered, and he didn't explain in detail, "Yes, the situation is urgent, we must set off immediately."
In fact, a month ago, driven by extreme fear and a thirst for power, Dai Mubai reached a secret agreement with the Spirit Hall.
The Spirit Hall promised to help him remove the biggest obstacle to inheriting the throne: his elder brother, Dai Weisi. From then on, he would have to obey the Spirit Hall.
He had thought it would be a long process, and even doubted whether the Spirit Hall could actually accomplish it.
However, just a few days ago, a letter from the Star Luo Imperial Family, written in urgent language, was delivered to him.
The letter briefly informed him that Crown Prince Dai Weisi had unfortunately perished in an "accident" and ordered him to return to Star Luo City immediately to prepare to assume the position of heir apparent!
When the message arrived, Dai Mubai was overjoyed. The biggest obstacle had actually disappeared so "unexpectedly"!
The throne is within reach!
But what followed was a bone-chilling cold and a deep fear.
The Spirit Hall's methods were so mysterious and efficient that even he, the beneficiary, felt a chill run down his spine.
If the Spirit Hall could eliminate Dai Weisi so "unexpectedly," could it also "unexpectedly" disappear itself if necessary in the future?
This fear fueled Dai Mubai's urgent desire to return to the Star Luo Empire immediately, seize real power as soon as possible, and cultivate his own strength.
He needs trusted confidants, people who can help him establish himself in the Star Luo Empire.
At that moment, upon seeing Tang San and Tang Hao suddenly appear, Dai Mubai's heart skipped a beat.
He knew Tang San's talent and abilities all too well.
Although the Clear Sky Hammer seemed to have a problem, his control over the Blue Silver Grass, his Hidden Weapon weapon skills, and his combat intelligence were far beyond what ordinary people could match.
More importantly, Tang San has the influence of the Clear Sky Sect, the legendary Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao who once shook the continent, and his unpredictable and deadly Hidden Weapon. If he could be put to use...
As for Ma Hongjun, as a brother, his fighting ability is also quite good, and he is closer to him.
And all it takes to satisfy him is a woman.
A plan quickly took shape in Dai Mubai's mind.
He turned to Tang San, forcing a trace of brotherly affection onto his face, and invited, " Little San, I didn't expect to meet you here. Judging from your appearance... you seem to be facing difficulties as well. My elder brother, Dai Weisi, has unexpectedly perished, and the Star Luo Imperial Family has undergone a dramatic change. I need to return immediately to inherit the position of crown prince."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Tang Hao and Meng Yiran continuing, "We've been brothers, and I know your abilities very well. If you have nowhere to go for the time being, why don't you come with me to the Star Luo Empire? There, I can provide you with shelter and resources to build your own power."
Dai Mubai's words were like a pebble thrown into a pond, creating ripples in Tang San's heart.
He did need a stable place to stay. Shrek Academy could provide temporary shelter, but it was not a long-term solution, and its resources were limited.
I need time and resources to explore the possibility of repairing my Martial Soul.
As for the Star Luo Empire... if Dai Mubai can truly inherit the position of Crown Prince, or even ascend the throne in the future, the support it can provide is far beyond what Shrek can match.
More importantly, with the support of the royal family, the Tang Sect 'Tang Sect Secret Arts can be greatly promoted and carried forward in this world.
Tang San quickly weighed his options and finally looked at Dai Mubai, saying, "Alright, since Boss Dai has so kindly invited me, then I'll go on this adventure with you."
Seeing this, Dai Mubai was overjoyed and immediately said, "There's no time to lose, we need to set off as soon as possible. Fatty, why don't you come along too?"
Ma Hongjun glanced at Flender, then at Dai Mubai and Tang San, and gritted his teeth. " Boss Dai, Third Brother, I'll go with you! I want to go out and make my own way in the world!"
Tang San nodded, then remembered someone else. "Dean, is Teacher... still at the academy? There are some things we might need Teacher's help with on our journey to the Star Luo Empire."
He thought of Yu Xiaogang. Although his teacher's theories were sometimes limited, he was erudite and knowledgeable, especially in the research of Martial Soul and the management of forces. He had always taught him everything he knew, and if he could travel with him, it would be a great help.
Flender's expression shifted slightly, and he nodded. " Xiaogang is in his room. I'll go get him."
A moment later, Yu Xiaogang followed Flender to the dean's office.
Upon hearing Dai Mubai's invitation and Tang San's decision, Yu Xiaogang's eyes, which had been dimmed by the destruction of Tang San's martial soul, suddenly lit up with a glimmer of light.
The Star Luo Empire, a completely new environment, and the possibility of encountering the Star Luo Imperial Family's secret scriptures in the future—perhaps we can find clues about the repair of Martial Soul?
Even if he couldn't participate in the future power shifts and influence building of an empire, it would undoubtedly be fatally attractive to someone like him who had dedicated his life to theoretical research but had repeatedly suffered setbacks in reality.
"I'll go."
Yu Xiaogang spoke almost without hesitation, his voice hoarse with excitement.
At this moment, Liu Erlong, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, also arrived at Flender's office.
"Teacher Erlong," Tang San bowed, "Are you...?"
Liu Erlong looked at Yu Xiaogang with complicated emotions, then at Tang San and Tang Hao, and finally slowly shook her head.
A flicker of pain and resolve flashed in her eyes. "I won't go. I built this academy from scratch; there are too many things and people here, I can't let them go."
Yu Xiaogang's almost eagerness to leave and pursue new "opportunities" gradually extinguished the last embers of hope in her heart.
Perhaps it's time to face reality and focus on what we can control right now.
The group quickly assembled.
Dai Mubai, Tang San, Meng Yiran, Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang, Ma Hongjun, a total of six people.
There wasn't much of a farewell, it was even a bit rushed.
A more spacious carriage, which Dai Mubai had arranged beforehand, quietly stopped at the back gate of the academy.
The group quietly boarded the vehicle, the wheels turned, and it sped off towards the Star Luo Empire.
Inside the carriage, everyone was filled with anticipation, their minds already sketching out the blueprint that might unfold in the Star Luo Empire.