In the hotel where Tang Feng and his companion were staying in Heaven Dou City, the morning light shone through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the soft carpeted floor.
When Tang Feng woke up, the unique, cool fragrance of Zhu Zhuqing lingered around his nose, mixed with the lingering lingering scent of their passionate night together.
In his arms, a warm and soft body lay in his embrace. She was fast asleep, one arm and one leg draped over Tang Feng, her long hair scattered on the pillow.
In her sleep, her usually sharp features lost their cool and beautiful edge, revealing a rare tenderness and dependence, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows under her eyes.
Tang Feng didn't move, but just quietly looked at the person in his arms, his fingertips unconsciously Entanglement a strand of her hair.
Thinking about the new position he tried last night, Tang Feng felt a surge of excitement again.
Kittens are incredibly flexible; they can effortlessly strike all sorts of poses, making them irresistible.
For the past three days, Tang Feng has been in a state of almost languid peace, setting aside all other matters and simply spending time with her, wandering through the bustling and vibrant Heaven Dou City.
They watched side by side the thrilling battles of Soul Master in the Great Soul Arena and lingered among the dazzling array of rare and exotic treasures in the auction house.
In the night market as the lights come on, sample all kinds of snacks and release lanterns with thousands of other people to make wishes.
The sun was shining brightly in the afternoon.
The two changed into inconspicuous casual clothes and, like an ordinary couple, strolled leisurely through the relatively quiet college district in the south of the city, hand in hand.
The pure relaxation and companionship of the past few days have given both of them a rare touch of gentleness in their expressions.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the familiar gates of the Shrek Academy.
Zhu Zhuqing paused slightly, her cat-like eyes gazing at the playground and familiar buildings faintly visible inside the gate, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes.
She unconsciously recalled the time she spent training hard here, especially the time she received a lot of care from Vice Dean Zhao Wuji.
She turned her head and whispered to Tang Feng, "Shall we go in and see Teacher Zhao?"
Tang Feng naturally had no objection and nodded with a smile.
The two walked hand in hand into the academy.
In the afternoon, the students were either attending classes in the classrooms or doing physical training on the playground, making the area seem somewhat empty.
They walked straight towards the teachers' office area.
Upon arriving at the vice dean's office, he met Zhao Wuji, Flender was also present.
Flender brewed tea himself, and the fragrant aroma dispelled the slightly stale smell in the room.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to the recent situation at the college.
Flender pushed up his glasses and asked with a touch of nostalgia, "Speaking of which, where are Little Ao, Rongrong, and that kid Tai Long? Didn't they come back with you to visit?"
Zhu Zhuqing picked up her teacup and replied softly, "They are all diligently cultivating at the sect. These past few days, Brother Feng and I happened to be strolling around Heaven Dou City and passed by the academy, so we stopped by to visit the dean and Teacher Zhao."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji's face showed a look of satisfaction, and he laughed heartily, "Good, good! You young fellows still have a conscience and haven't forgotten about us old bones!"
" Teacher Zhao took great care of me back then, and I've always remembered that." Zhu Zhuqing Zhu Zhuqing looked at Zhao Wuji, her tone sincere.
Flender smiled, then, as if remembering something, the relaxed expression on his face faded, replaced by a complex look.
He put down his teacup, his tone softening slightly. "Speaking of which, there's something... you might not know. Something significant has happened in the Star Luo Empire."
Flender lowered his voice and continued, "It is said that Star Luo Empire Dai Weisi of Xingluo suffered an accident and perished. The Star Luo Imperial Family urgently summoned Dai Mubai back. Mubai left the academy yesterday and returned to the Star Luo Empire."
Tang Feng narrowed his eyes slightly.
Dai Weisi's demise? An accident? The image of the Spirit Hall flashed through his mind in an instant.
Zhu Zhuqing, sitting next to Tang Feng, also narrowed her eyes slightly.
Born into the Star Luo Empire family, she understood the bloodshed and ruthlessness of power struggles better than most.
Dai Weisi's "accident" is probably not as simple as it seems on the surface.
Flender continued without pausing, "Those who left with him included Tang San, His Majesty Tang Hao, Grandmaster, and Hongjun. Judging from Mubai's words before leaving, he invited them to go to the Star Luo Empire to seek development."
Tang San also went to the Star Luo Empire?
A hint of surprise flashed through Tang Feng's mind.
It seems that the story has taken a significant turn from what was originally known.
Dai Mubai an ambitious man. Now that his biggest obstacle, Dai Weisi, is dead, he has made a strong comeback and urgently needs to cultivate his own power.
Winning over Tang San, who possesses exceptional talent but is currently facing difficulties, is indeed a smart move.
But... was Tang San aware of the risks involved in negotiating with a tiger for its skin?
What role did the Spirit Hall play in this matter?
Tang Feng and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance. Without a word, they both saw the solemnity and a hint of foreboding in each other's eyes.
The waters of the Star Luo Empire are likely to become turbulent.
Tang Feng's thoughts raced.
The situation on the mainland is turbulent, and the Spirit Hall is making increasingly frequent moves behind the scenes.
If the Clear Sky Sect wants to take the initiative in the storm that may sweep across the continent in the future, relying solely on the sect's existing resources is not enough.
It needs a broader influence, as well as a stable and high-quality source of talent.
Right before their eyes was a ready-made "seed" with a deep connection to the Clear Sky Sect.
Tang Feng's gaze slowly swept over Flender and Zhao Wuji's expressions, and an idea suddenly came to mind.
"Dean Flender, Vice Dean Zhao,"
Tang Feng spoke, his expression solemn, "Today, Zhu Zhuqing and I have come not only to visit, but also to discuss something with you both."
Flender's expression turned serious. "Young Master Tang, please speak."
Tang Feng said sincerely, " Shrek Academy has cultivated many talents such as Zhu Zhuqing, Oscar, Tai Long, and Ning Rongrong. Now they are all core members and friends whom my Clear Sky Sect relies on."
"The situation on the mainland is currently turbulent, with the Spirit Hall increasingly pressuring various Soul Master forces and academies. The future landscape of the Soul Master World is likely to undergo a dramatic upheaval. An academy without strong backing will face immense difficulties in its survival and development."
Flender and Zhao Wuji both held their breath, vaguely guessing what was going on.
Tang Feng continued, "At the same time, our Clear Sky Sect also aspires to make achievements in the field of Soul Master education. Therefore, on behalf of the Clear Sky Sect, I would like to formally invite Shrek Academy to join the Clear Sky Sect and become the first advanced Soul Master Academy directly under the Clear Sky Sect."
"This move is not an annexation, but an integration. The Clear Sky Sect will provide funds and resources to expand school buildings, improve facilities, and introduce teachers, and will provide the academy with the strongest support through the power of the sect."
His gaze finally settled on Flender, and he solemnly promised, "Dean Flender remains the dean of the academy, and the academy's management will still primarily be led by you. The Clear Sky Sect is a supporter and guarantor; the Clear Sky Sect will give priority to opening its doors to outstanding disciples cultivated by the academy. Little Ao's present may well be the future of many more Shrek Academy students."
Finally, he asked sincerely, "What are your thoughts, Deans?"
Flender fell silent, his eyes flashing rapidly.
Shock, excitement, weighing the options, concerns... a multitude of emotions churned within him.
Becoming an affiliated academy of the Clear Sky Sect means that Shrek will have unimaginable resources, and their wishes will truly have a chance to come true.
However, Shrek will also bear the deep imprint of the Clear Sky Sect, losing some of its independence.
However, Tang Feng's promises carried significant weight: retaining the college's core management authority, respecting its educational traditions, and prioritizing the recruitment of graduates...
More importantly, with the Clear Sky Sect, the "Number One Sect Under Heaven," as their backer, Shrek's future is more than just limitless.
Moreover, Zhu Zhuqing's relationship with Tang Feng provides the most solid foundation of trust for this collaboration.
After a moment's thought, Flender's face broke into a hopeful smile, and he solemnly said, "We are deeply honored by the Young Sect Master's high regard! It is an honor for all the teachers and students of Shrek Academy to be favored by the Clear Sky Sect! I, Flender, on behalf of all the teachers of the academy, am willing to join the Clear Sky Sect and serve the sect!"
"I, Old Zhao, have no objection!" Zhao Wuji readily nodded.
After speaking, Flender hesitated slightly, then added, "As for Erlong... she comes from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and her identity is rather special, so we must fully respect her personal wishes."
Tang Feng nodded understandingly, his tone calm. "We understand Dean Liu's situation. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Clear Sky Sect are allies, and this academy also owes a debt of her heart and soul to it. Whether or not she formally joins is entirely up to Dean Liu's own choice; we will never force her. In any case, she is an important member of the academy."