Guided by the college staff, they met Flender and Liu Erlong in a quiet meeting room.
Flender looked a bit older, but his eyes were still sharp; only his brows showed the weariness and helplessness of a college administrator.
Liu Erlong's change was even more dramatic. She sat there, still upright, but the fiery passion and shrewishness in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a deep weariness and a lingering gloom, as if something within her had been completely extinguished.
"Dean Flender, Teacher Erlong." Ning Rongrong stepped forward as a representative and bowed, her tone carrying a complex sense of respect.
Regardless, these two people in front of them were their former teachers.
" Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Bing'er, Huo Wu, you... you've all grown up." Flender pushed up his glasses, a complex smile appearing on his face. His gaze swept over them, and he felt the powerful fluctuations of their Soul Power, deeply shocked.
It's only been a few years? These children have already reached such a level!
Liu Erlong also raised his head, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone, lingering briefly on Xiao Wu. A barely perceptible flicker of emotion flashed in his eyes, but it quickly returned to its usual calm, and he simply nodded. "You've come."
The atmosphere was somewhat tense.
Ning Rongrong tried hard to find a topic to talk about. "Dean, Teacher Erlong, the academy has changed so much."
Flender sighed, "Yes, thanks to the Xiao San and the Grandmaster, the academy no longer has to worry about funding. But..."
He hesitated, then shook his head and said nothing more.
Managing an academy that is under the high attention of the empire and whose internal conflicts are becoming increasingly acute is far more stressful and difficult than managing the small, dilapidated academy of yesteryear.
Shui Bing'er spoke up at the right moment, steer the conversation toward some of her observations about the Spirit Hall Empire and the development of Soul Tool, in an attempt to ease the tension.
However, when the conversation inadvertently touched upon the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and his past, the air in the meeting room seemed to freeze instantly.
Liu Erlong's face turned noticeably paler, and her hands, resting on her knees, clenched slightly.
Flender quickly tried to smooth things over. "Let bygones be bygones; there's no point in bringing it up now."
However, Ning Rongrong and the others roughly guessed something from Flender's helpless look and Liu Erlong's reaction.
Ever since the Spirit City incident and the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Liu Erlong's mentality has completely collapsed.
They later learned that they had been effectively placed under house arrest in Spirit City until news of the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the exposure of Xue Qinghe's true identity spread, at which point they were released.
After returning to Heaven Dou City, the relationship between Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang deteriorated rapidly, becoming filled with an insurmountable rift.
Yu Xiaogang blamed everything on Xuan Ming, believing that Xuan Ming was responsible for the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and that Xuanming had even used "evil magic" to kill his father, Yu Yuanzhen, in Spirit City, without even returning his remains and Soul Bone.
He swore an oath to never share the same sky with Xuan Ming.
But Liu Erlong felt deeply exhausted.
She didn't have much affection for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and even felt only resentment towards her nominal father Yu Luomian.
Ironically, when the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was in trouble, Yu Luomian, who had his cultivation crippled by Xuan Ming in his early years and was recuperating in Heaven Dou City, and Yu Tianxin and her family who stayed behind to take care of him, all escaped the calamity—in other words, those who were actually related to her by blood were all unharmed.
Moreover, back in Spirit City, in full view of everyone, it was Yu Xiaogang first lost his mind and stirred things up, becoming a pawn in the Spirit Hall struggle of the Wuhun Hall, and then Yu Yuanzhen also took the initiative to kill Xuan Ming.
If one had to pinpoint the exact reason, Xuan Ming's actions were more akin to self-defense.
In Liu Erlong's view, the tragedy of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan may have stemmed from Yu Xiaogang's insistence on getting involved in the Spirit Hall's conflicts.
Yu Xiaogang naturally could not accept this "accusation," believing that Liu Erlong was making excuses for her "enemy," and the two had a fierce argument.
Since then, their relationship has plummeted to a freezing point; although they live in the same Heaven Dou City, they are practically strangers.
Seeing Teacher Liu Erlong's disheartened appearance, Ning Rongrong and the others also felt bad.
The former Liu Erlong, though hot-tempered, was full of energy and dared to love and hate.
Now it seems to have been ripped out of its soul, leaving only an empty shell.
Chapter 432 is essentially the same.
Xiao Wu couldn't help but ask softly, "Teacher Erlong, are you... alright?"
Liu Erlong raised his eyes, looked at Xiao Wu, and forced a bitter smile, "It's alright... let it be like this."
She clearly didn't want to talk about it further.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong and the others didn't press the matter further. After chatting for a while about the current situation of the academy and the Spirit Hall Empire, they got up to take their leave.
As they left Shrek Academy and looked back at the ever-receding gates, the girls felt a little heavy-hearted.
"Teacher Erlong... seems like a completely different person," Xiao Wu whispered, her voice filled with heartache.
The once fiery and passionate Teacher Erlong is now just an empty shell.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded silently.
They could understand Liu Erlong's pain, caught between his former love and the cruel reality; the sense of being torn apart was enough to destroy a person's spirit.
Xiao Wu hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "How about... we ask Xuan Ming to take a look at Teacher Erlong? Maybe he can help Teacher Erlong get through this. After all, they're old acquaintances, Xuan Ming shouldn't refuse, right?"
Ning Rongrong shook her head upon hearing this. "I'm afraid that won't work."
Seeing Xiao Wu's puzzled look, she explained, "The relationship between Xuan Ming and Teacher Liu Erlong is different from ours."
It was more like... sibling affection? Or perhaps, back then, Teacher Liu Erlong's feelings for Xuan Ming were a kind of pity and care for a younger brother with extraordinary talent but a pitiful background.
Xuan Ming towards her were more of respect and a sense of helplessness towards his violent older sister. Tang Yuehua, the Pavilion Master, was in a similar situation.
Ning Rongrong tried hard to sort out these complicated relationships. "Although Master Tang Yuehua had so many scandals with Xuan Ming back then, the essence of their relationship is very clear."
Xuan Ming has been studying at the Moonlight Pavilion since he was seven or eight years old. For nearly ten years, he has always been seen as a smart, well-behaved, and pitiful younger brother in front of Tang Yuehua.
Tang Yuehua's affection for him, though extraordinary, was ultimately the love of an older sister for her younger brother, not romantic love.
The subsequent troubles were also caused by Tang Yuehua's concern that something might happen to Xuan Ming.
"Given Teacher Erlong's current state, if we let Xuan Ming, with his brains, handle this..." Ning Rongrong helplessly spread her hands, "He'll most likely be at a loss."
Xiao Wu was unwilling to give up. "But what can we do now? Dean Flender has liked Teacher Erlong for so many years, but he still couldn't persuade her, could he?"
Teacher Erlong's social circle is so narrow, consisting only of Yu Xiaogang and the academy; she doesn't even have a single friend to talk to. Right now, the only one who can truly provoke her and speak to her on a deeper level is probably Xuan Ming."
Zhu Zhuqing frowned and reminded him, "This isn't appropriate. After all, Xuan Ming killed Yu Yuanzhen and has a blood feud with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. If he shows up, it will be awkward for both sides."
Several girls stopped at the street corner, looked at each other, and fell silent for a moment.
In the end, Ning Rongrong made the decision. "How about this, we'll contact Xuan Ming first and tell him the situation. Whether he needs help or not, let him decide for himself."
Xiao Wu nodded and took out a palm-sized, strange scale from her Storage Soul Tool. The scale emitted a faint chill and a weak dragon's might.
This is a communication token left to them by Xuan Ming, connected to his Divine Consciousness. As long as they concentrate, they can contact him at any time, and even teleport directly to his side when necessary. If teleportation is restricted, Xuan Ming will sense the signal and rush over as soon as possible.
Xiao Wu gripped the dragon scale tightly, closed her eyes, and used her Divine Consciousness to convey Liu Erlong's current condition.
Xuan Ming, who was far away in Spirit City, received the message from Xiao Wu almost immediately.
Sensing the despairing state of Liu Erlong as described in Xiao Wu's thoughts, and their request for his help, Xuan Ming stood by the window of the Pope's Palace and sighed softly.
I'm mentally exhausted.
Liu Erlong's situation reminded him of Tang Yuehua.
The reason he had previously insisted that Tang Yuehua stay away from the conflict between the Clear Sky Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire was that he didn't want her to fall into a similar painful situation.
He hoped that Tang Yuehua could maintain that detachment and tranquility.
But now, Liu Erlong has inevitably reached this point.
Should he go and comfort Liu Erlong?
How should he explain it?
Should I go and tell Liu Erlong, "Let go of Yu Xiaogang, he's not worth it"?
Or to put it more bluntly. " Yu Yuanzhen's death was his own fault; Yu Xiaogang's obsession was the root cause. Try to think more positively."
Even if these words are true, coming from the "murderer," they would only seem incredibly ironic and cruel, and might even have the opposite effect.
He understood Liu Erlong's pain, that despair built on the gap between false hope and cruel reality, but he was not good at handling such delicate emotional entanglements.
After thinking for a moment, he vanished from his spot in a flash, and appeared outside Gu Yuena's residence the next moment.
Gu Yuena was sitting in the courtyard, toying with a crystal that emitted a soft glow, seemingly studying something. Sensing Xuan Ming's aura, she looked up, "What's wrong?"
Xuan Ming sat down opposite her and explained Liu Erlong's situation and Xiao Wu and the others' requests. Then he asked, "Do you... have any suggestions for this situation?"
After listening, Gu Yuena frowned slightly and shook her head. "I know nothing about what exactly happened between you and that Liu Erlong. I can't give you any specific advice."
"However, this kind of thing is actually very easy to solve. Just like with Qian Renxue before, you should know what to do."
Xuan Ming raised an eyebrow. " Qian Renxue? Can that be considered the same situation?"
Qian Renxue's problem stems from her obsession with him, while Liu Erlong lies in the collapse of her beliefs and emotional trauma.
Gu Yuena shook her head and said calmly, "The essence is the same. Women, regardless of their strength, all harbor a deep-seated desire to be protected and guided."
Liu Erlong's current problem is that the beliefs and emotional pillars that have supported her for many years have collapsed. She has lost her direction and fallen into self-doubt and despair.
"In the past, in her eyes, you might have been a younger brother who needed her care, who worried her, and whom she couldn't help but pity. But now, the situation is very different."
You could be her older brother, or more accurately, a protector strong enough for her to rely on and trust.
She further explained, "What Liu Erlong needs most now is not empty comfort, nor analysis of the past, but a new and more solid pillar."
You need to make her feel that the little one who used to need her protection has grown up and become a powerful being who can shelter her and protect her from the wind and rain.
You need to demonstrate your strength and responsibility, so that she subconsciously feels that relying on you, or at least trusting your guidance, is safe and has a future.
"When she feels this strong protective force from you, most of the panic and emptiness she feels from losing her support will be filled. The rest will naturally be soothed by time."
Heaven Dou City.
The space rippled slightly, and Xuan Ming's figure quietly appeared deep in a secluded alley. He concealed his aura, and the two dragons behind him disappeared, not wanting to cause any unnecessary commotion.
Instead of heading directly to the Shrek Academy, he turned and walked towards the familiar building in the city center— Moonlight Pavilion.
Chapter 433 Xuan Ming's Guidance
The Moonlight Pavilion remained as tranquil and elegant as ever, with melodious music filling the air. Xuan Ming appeared outside Tang Yuehua's music room without disturbing anyone, like Gui Mei.
Tang Yuehua was sitting by the window, her fingertips lightly caressing the strings of her zither, a lingering worry on her brow. Sensing a familiar presence, she suddenly looked up, and when she saw Xuan Ming, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, only to be replaced by a deeper, more complex emotion.
"You've come." Tang Yuehua's voice was still gentle, but it carried a hint of weariness.
"Yes, I came to see you." Xuan Ming walked into the music room and sat down opposite her. "How have you been lately?"
Tang Yuehua sighed softly, her fingertips unconsciously plucking a string, producing a slightly somber note. "What else can I do? Just like always, teach the students, play the zither. But... the situation in Heaven Dou City is becoming increasingly critical."
She raised her head and looked at Xuan Ming, her eyes pleading. " Xuan Ming, I know there are some things I shouldn't say, but... Clear Sky Sect is my root after all. I hope... you can leave them a chance to live, don't drive them to extermination."
Xuan Ming remained silent for a moment, his eyes unwavering. "This is not something I should concern myself with. The affairs of the Empire are decided by Bibi Dong. The fate of the Clear Sky Sect depends on their own choices."
"If they behave themselves, the Spirit Hall Empire won't cause trouble for them. But if they insist on courting death, the Empire won't show mercy. That's the rule."
He looked at Tang Yuehua's slightly pale face and continued, "The empire belongs to Bibi Dong; I'm merely assisting from the sidelines. Besides..."
"There's a deep-seated blood feud between me and the Clear Sky Sect."
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua's lips moved, but she ultimately said nothing. She knew that Xuan Ming was referring to Tang Hao's attack on her back then, as well as grudges from even earlier times.
She was powerless to refute this.
Xuan Ming clearly didn't want to discuss the matter further. He had lunch with Tang Yuehua, chatting about everyday matters until the atmosphere eased slightly. After the meal, he got up to take his leave.
"I'm going to the Shrek Academy," Xuan Ming said. " Xiao Wu and the others are waiting for me over there."
Tang Yuehua nodded, Xuan Ming nodded slightly. His figure gradually faded and disappeared from the spot.
Xuan Ming's figure appeared silently in the familiar forest behind the Shrek Academy.
Passing through layers of tree shadows, the once vibrant cabin in the woods came into view.
The cottage remained the same, but a lingering, deathly silence permeated the surroundings.
The flowers and plants in the yard looked somewhat messy due to neglect, and a few withered leaves swirled in the wind, adding to the desolation.
Liu Erlong sat on the stone steps in front of the small house.