"I… I definitely understand it. You don't think such a trivial trick could stump me, do you?"
Bibi Dong looked at Dai Chengfeng, her heart instinctively flustered for a moment.
She couldn't even remember how many years it had been since she last felt this way—cornered like a tiger on a tree!
However, Bibi Dong was no stranger to high-stakes situations. In an instant, she regained her composure and even came up with an excuse.
"Originally, as your teacher, I shouldn't delay answering your questions…"
"But unfortunately, I have important matters to attend to tomorrow, and it will take a few days. Once I'm free, I'll teach you!"
After saying this, Bibi Dong avoided Dai Chengfeng's expectant gaze, turning her back to him. Her papal crown swayed slightly with the movement, but it couldn't hide the tension in her stiffened back.
"Chengfeng, you may leave now. I have work to do!"
Dai Chengfeng lowered his eyes to conceal his amusement and respectfully bowed.
"I see. Then I shall take my leave."
As he turned to leave, just as he was about to step out, he suddenly heard a faint thud from behind—like the sound of something hard hitting a cushion.
Dai Chengfeng paused briefly, imagining Bibi Dong's flustered and embarrassed expression, nearly bursting into laughter.
However, knowing that overdoing things would only make matters worse, Dai Chengfeng decided not to tease her further.
But just as he prepared to pretend he hadn't heard anything and continue on his way…
Taptaptap~
At this moment, hurried footsteps approached.
The somber figure of Gui Mei rushed into the Pope's Hall, bowing respectfully to Bibi Dong with a slightly serious expression.
"Your Holiness, the person you asked me to monitor has entered the city earlier than expected!"
"The person I asked you to monitor… entered the city early?!"
Upon hearing Gui Mei's report, Bibi Dong was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her usual authoritative demeanor.
However, a fleeting trace of unease still flickered across her eyes and brows.
"I understand."
Though Bibi Dong's voice remained icy, it carried a hint of barely noticeable urgency, and her eyes flashed with a mix of complexity and anticipation.
"You may leave now."
"Yes!"
Gui Mei came and went in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng, pretending he hadn't heard anything, continued walking toward the exit of the Pope's Hall, his mind brimming with curiosity…
That person?
Who was Gui Mei referring to?
Could it be Yu Xiaogang?
After all, only Yu Xiaogang could evoke such a reaction from Bibi Dong.
But why was Yu Xiaogang coming to Spirit City at this time?
Didn't he go to Shrek Academy with Tang San after being harshly disciplined by me in Nuoding City for his insolence?
Shrek Academy…
Would he bring along my foolish older brother?
For a moment, though countless questions filled Dai Chengfeng's mind, he didn't ask Bibi Dong anything and quietly exited the hall.
Bam—
As Dai Chengfeng left, Bibi Dong waved her hand, and the doors of the Pope's Hall slammed shut. Now alone in the room, the facade of authority she had maintained crumbled like a sandcastle, and her fingers dug deeply into the velvet cushion.
"Yu Xiaogang…"
Bibi Dong whispered his name, her voice so hoarse that it sounded unfamiliar even to herself.
Past memories coiled around her heart like venomous snakes. The once youthful and passionate boy now stood before her as nothing more than a mentor devoted entirely to Tang San.
In her mind, images overlapped and then tore apart.
Soon, Bibi Dong slowly walked to the window, gazing at the bustling streets of Spirit City bathed in sunlight. Her gaze pierced through the towering buildings, as if she could already see Yu Xiaogang stepping through the gates of the city.
A breeze lifted her long hair. "If you've come to see me this time…"
"But if you're still here only for your disciple!"
A cold glint ignited in Bibi Dong's eyes, and her soul power surged uncontrollably, corroding the intricate carvings on the window frame, leaving blackened marks.
"Don't blame me then!"
---
On the continent of Douluo, at the entrance to Spirit City.
Rumble rumble~
A simple carriage rolled slowly into the city. Compared to the luxurious carriages of merchants nearby, this one seemed out of place, yet it drew attention nonetheless.
Inside the carriage sat four young men.
The first bore a five-tenths resemblance to Dai Chengfeng. His face was stern, and his eyes exuded a hint of arrogance.
The second had short blue hair and wore blue clothes. His demeanor was calm, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence.
The remaining two were a chubby redhead with a round face full of excitement, and a scruffy white-haired "uncle."
Driving the carriage was a man dressed in black with a buzz cut.
These five individuals were none other than Master Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar.
This situation differed from the original story.
Because of Dai Chengfeng, Yu Xiaogang harbored resentment after being disciplined and sought revenge.
Xiao Wu, on the other hand, had been temporarily taken back to the Star Forest by Da Ming and Er Ming under Dai Chengfeng's guidance.
Therefore, Tang San had no lingering attachments in Nuoding City's Primary Soul Academy and was brought to Shrek Academy nearly two years earlier by Yu Xiaogang.
At this point in time, Ning Rongrong had yet to join Shrek Academy.
As for Zhu Zhuqing?
She would likely never set foot in Shrek Academy in this lifetime. After all, since no one was persecuting her anymore, why leave her hometown?
"Look!"
The carriage slowly made its way through the streets of Spirit City. Ma Hongjun and Oscar pressed their faces against the windows, marveling at the bustling streets.
Tall buildings, a constant flow of people, and the dense aura of soul power in the air…
Everything about the city filled them with awe and wonder.
They pointed excitedly.
"Wow! This is Spirit City! Even grander than I imagined!"
Ma Hongjun's eyes widened in amazement.
He rubbed his hands together, grinning with excitement. "This time, we'll make a big splash in Spirit City and show everyone just how formidable the four monsters of Shrek Academy are!"
Dai Mubai's eyes gleamed with fierce determination. "Exactly!"
"Though our numbers at Shrek Academy are small, each of us is an elite!"
Tang San nodded with a smile, his eyes shining with resolve. "We will prevail!"
Hearing this, Ma Hongjun burst into laughter. "Once we make a name for ourselves in Spirit City, Dai Mubai, we'll have girls falling head over heels for us!"
"All you ever think about is girls…"
Ma Hongjun's comment triggered a burst of laughter among the group.
Yu Xiaogang, driving the carriage, glanced back at his students' lively expressions and felt a surge of pride.
But his expression quickly turned serious and resolute. "This trip to Spirit City is both an opportunity and a challenge for you."
"Here, you'll face talented soul masters from all over the continent. But I believe that with your talent and hard work, you will rise above the rest."
"However, Spirit City is the stronghold of the Spirit Hall, whose influence is vast and whose experts are numerous…"
"Be cautious in your actions and never underestimate your opponents."
Tang San nodded earnestly, his eyes flashing with determination. "Teacher, we understand."
"We will give it our all and live up to your expectations."
The carriage continued down the street, heading toward the predetermined lodging for the members of Shrek Academy.
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