"..."
"For everyone's sake."
Yun Ming's mouth twitched, and he fell silent.
His gaze swept over the other young men and women nearby. As for the boys like Wu Lin, Xie Xie, Wei Xiaofeng, Wang Jinxi, and Zhang Yangzi, there was no need to mention them.
The "everyone" Luo Chuan referred to naturally included not only girls like Gu Yue, Na'er, Yuanen Yehui, and Dai Yun'er. This little rascal...
"This kid's talent is indeed remarkable, but he's such a flirt. If it weren't for Na'er loving him so wholeheartedly and Luo Chuan treating Na'er well..."
"I really feel like breaking them apart."
Yun Ming shook his head helplessly, ultimately only managing to say, "Take good care of Na'er and everyone else." His gaze no longer lingered on the other party, instead turning toward Tong Yu's direction.
It was only at this moment that his expression improved slightly.
"Your Excellency Tong Yu, it's fine that you're returning to your hometown with Luo Chuan and the others this time, but don't go and never come back."
"I'll be waiting for you in Shrek City."
A smile reappeared on Yun Ming's face as he spoke with a tone of emotion. Over the years, this Ultimate Douluo, who had come to the Douluo Continent to protect Luo Chuan, had developed a deep friendship with him due to residing in Shrek City.
In this era, Shrek Academy truly had students everywhere—in the War God Hall, Tang Sect, the Federation, and even various legions.
But in Shrek City, there were actually only him and Elder Long as true Ultimate powerhouses. The latter was often in seclusion and rarely appeared, making it difficult for Yun Ming to find a strong peer to communicate with.
And Tong Yu happened to fill this void for him.
Moreover, due to the uniqueness of Tong Yu's Martial Soul, every time they conversed, it took quite some time, creating an impression that Tong Yu was his true love, while Ya Li was just an accident.
"Of course not. As long as Luo Chuan returns, I won't leave his side until his cultivation surpasses mine."
At this, the usually stern Tong Yu also shook his head, a faint smile flashing across his face before his mood quickly turned somber again.
He didn't know if he would ever have the chance to atone for his sins, but he would strive until the very end.
"Then it seems we'll still be able to meet. Luo Chuan can't possibly never come to the academy, right?"
Yun Ming laughed heartily and said slowly.
"..."
In the distance, Tang Luochuan, who had long since decided not to attend Shrek Academy, quietly rubbed his nose upon hearing this. It seemed Elder Yun's hopes were dashed!
"Luo Chuan..."
"I think so too."
Tong Yu responded with a smile, but when it came to protecting Luo Chuan...
His gaze shifted to the young man not far away, and Tong Yu's mood couldn't help but grow complicated. In just over three years, the other party had grown to such a terrifying level.
With a god's inheritance, Godly Spirit Rings, and top-tier Super Artifacts, given these advantages, even a Titled Douluo...
Would find it difficult to be his match.
And if Luo Chuan were to unleash his trump cards, even a Super Douluo or an Ultimate Douluo might not be able to withstand them.
Tong Yu often found himself wondering: if they truly encountered an unexpected situation someday, would he be the one protecting Luo Chuan, or would Luo Chuan utilize the God's Domain to whisk them both away?
"Somehow this doesn't feel like atonement at all. On the contrary, it might even become my opportunity to ascend to godhood..." Tong Yu couldn't help but entertain these complicated thoughts.
"Alright, it's about time..." Yun Ming finally broke the silence, his smile fading as he turned his gaze toward the young members of the Shrek Academy delegation nearby. "Come, Yue'er, Tong Yu, let's escort the youngsters to their destination."
"Yes, Pavilion Master." Cai Yue'er responded immediately before shifting her attention to the others. "First-year Class Two: Tang Luochuan, Gu Yue, Na'er, Xu Xiaoyan, Ye Xinglan, Wu Siduo, Dai Yun'er, Xie Xie, Wei Xiaofeng, Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi... Second-year Class One: Yuanen Yehui, Ouyang Zixin, Lan Fozi... Classmate Mu Xi is already waiting for you in Tianhai City. It's time for us to depart."
"Everyone please gather around me and the two Crowns beside me."
"Yes, Dean Cai." The group of youths promptly responded and quickly assembled.
In the next moment, as Cai Yue'er, Yun Ming, and Tong Yu channeled their Soul Power, their figures levitated briefly before vanishing into thin air, leaving only Nanali standing dumbfounded in place.
Though she was an Evil Soul Master, at least while maintaining her cover she was merely an attendant by Lady Fozi's side. Even if they didn't want to bring her along, was this really necessary?
"...Damn Atlas Douluo!"
Nanali trembled with rage, storming off to Lan Fozi's dormitory before utilizing her formidable cultivation to head toward Tianhai City herself. She never expected to qualify for official passage anyway - she'd have to sneak aboard a ship.
...
In the distance.
Tianhai City.
When Tang Luochuan's group reappeared, they had already arrived at the coastal city of Tianhai, whose shoreline served as the departure point for the Douluo Continent exchange delegation.
Tianhai City Starlight Grand Hotel.
As the city's premier hotel, this was where the Tianhai Alliance Grand Competition had been held previously, and now served as the gathering point for the exchange delegation.
"Elder Cai, greetings. I'm Federal Secretary Li Yulong. Are all the Shrek Academy delegation members present... Ah!" The middle-aged man noticed Cai Yue'er the moment Tang Luochuan's group appeared and immediately approached.
However, his attention was quickly captured by the handsome man standing nearby, his eyes widening in astonishment. The reason was simple - this was the era's foremost powerhouse, someone even the Federation treated with caution, a figure whose terror nearly matched that of Tang San himself: Atlas Douluo Yun Ming!
"Cloud... Cloud Underworld Crown, are you also going to Star Luo Continent?" Li Yulong felt momentarily bewildered. The Federal headquarters hadn't received any news about this!
While having Cai Yue'er, a Super Douluo, accompany the delegation to Star Luo Continent posed no issues - ensuring the delegation's safety without requiring Federation resources - but Atlas Douluo...
Weren't they worried about alarming the Star Luo imperial family?
And who was this man beside Yun Ming...
He doesn't seem like a simple character either.
"Hahaha, Secretary-General Li, there's no need for such formality. I'm merely here to see the students off."
"This time, only Yue'er and the expert beside me from Star Luo Continent will be going."
Seeing the other party's expression shift dramatically, Yun Ming quickly waved his hands and spoke calmly.
"That's good, that's good..."
"But an expert from Star Luo Continent?"
The Secretary-General first seemed thoughtful, then paused in surprise, unable to contain his curiosity.
"Previously, the eldest princess of the Star Luo royal family came to Douluo Continent. This expert is the one guarding Princess Dai Yun'er."
Yun Ming offered no further explanation, keeping his words brief.
"So that's how it is..."
Only then did Li Yulong take a deep breath. He had been terrified, thinking Shrek Academy had already established good relations with Star Luo Continent. If that were the case, dealing with them would likely be...
Even more challenging.
"..."
Noticing the emotions flickering across the Secretary-General's face, Tang Luochuan's expression turned profound. In the original storyline, although the bombing of Shrek was orchestrated by the Spirit Transfer Pagoda and the Holy Spirit Church, the Federation...
Was certainly not opposed to it.
In this era, Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect were far too conspicuous—a single academy and an organization spanning the entire continent, all while maintaining a facade of neutrality. Who else would they target if not them?
Beside him, Gu Yue shared the same sentiment. As the young Pagoda Master, she was well aware of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's internal plans regarding Shrek and its collusion with the Holy Spirit Church.
As the two were lost in thought, a figure in red suddenly appeared, landing abruptly beside Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue.
"Gu Yue, Luo Chuan."
Only when she turned to look at them did a faint smile appear on her lips as she spoke softly.
She was none other than Leng Yaozhu, Deputy Pagoda Master of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, renowned as the Phoenix Douluo.
"Your Majesty, Heavenly Phoenix!"
At the sight of her, Li Yulong, who had been feeling somewhat despondent, immediately brightened and spoke with reverence.
Compared to Yun Ming of Shrek—a ticking time bomb—the Leng Yaozhu before him was a neutral powerhouse highly regarded by the Federation and the least ambitious figure within the Spirit Transfer Pagoda.
Moreover, she was also one of the Federal Councilors.
"Secretary-General Li."
Leng Yaozhu offered a slight smile in greeting but said nothing more, simply standing beside her disciple and Luo Chuan.
"Leng... Leng Yaozhu?"
Cai Yue'er froze at the sight of the figure before her, frowning slightly, clearly not expecting her to appear here.
Their strained relationship had begun in their youth, starting when Cai Yue'er viewed the other as a rival in love. Since then, their rapport had never improved...
Was she also going to Star Luo Continent?
And when had she grown stronger again...
It wasn't just Cai Yue'er; even Yun Ming's gaze was drawn to the figure before him, his expression momentarily dazed. He hadn't expected Leng Yaozhu to journey to Star Luo Continent this time as well.
That, however, wasn't the main point. Previously, Leng Yaozhu had only advanced to the limit level with Luo Chuan's assistance. How was it that now, at a glance, she seemed to possess the bearing of a Demigod?
"..."
Naturally, Leng Yaozhu noticed Cai Yue'er's gaze and Yun Ming's presence beside her, but she paid them little mind.
As for Cai Yue'er, she held no particular thoughts about her—merely someone with limited capabilities and a thoughtless disposition.
As for Yun Ming...
Perhaps in the youthful ignorance of the past, she did regard him as a target to chase after, but that was all in the past—especially after witnessing Gu Yue and Luo Chuan...
What Atlas Douluo, the world's strongest?
Perhaps his fortune was indeed powerful, but in the face of a son of destiny like Luo Chuan, whether it was talent, opportunities, or abilities, it simply couldn't be compared.
"Not even worth one of Luo Chuan's fingers."
Leng Yaozhu snorted lightly, thinking to herself. Her Gu Yue's Luo Chuan was the true invincible one in the world!
————————
Gu Yue: Teacher, you just need to know that Luo Chuan belongs to me. Don't go thinking he's yours someday.
Leng Yaozhu: Heh, you just reminded me...
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "QueenTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!