"It seems you saw through it after all."
Tang Wutong showed a trace of helplessness, then explained, "I recovered my childhood memories. I'm no longer called Wang Dong'er; I'm called Tang Wutong. This is my true name."
"Tang Wutong? Surname Tang..."
Bei Bei and the others exchanged glances.
Wang Dong'er belonged to the Clear Sky Sect, and the Clear Sky Sect was the Tang family's sect. It was only natural for her surname to be Tang; her previous surname, Wang, was actually the strange one.
However, was she really the same Wang Dong'er as before?
Recovering childhood memories and her original name, yet changing so drastically—was this truly normal?
Wang Dong'er's personality was self-reliant, proud, independent, and meticulous. The Tang Wutong before them gave off a feeling that was more innocent and naive, with an almost childlike curiosity about everything around her. The disparity between the two was immense.
Suppressing their doubts, Xiaoxiao and the others reluctantly accepted Tang Wutong's explanation and changed their address, no longer calling her "Dong'er," but "Wutong."
They also learned that Tang Wutong was a Master, and her Servant, Vita, was actually "sisters" with Sparkle, sharing an extraordinarily close relationship.
When they heard this news, the expressions of Xiaoxiao and the others grew strange, and their eyes held a touch of sympathy for Tang Wutong.
To be close enough to be called "sisters" with someone as temperamental and chaos-seeking as Sparkle, was this gentle and elegant Miss Vita truly normal?
Moreover, the clear dependence Tang Wutong showed toward Vita caused doubts to multiply in the hearts of Xiaoxiao and the others.
The Wang Dong'er of the past was extremely independent and strong-willed, with quite a stubborn personality. She would never have relied on others to this extent.
As they proceeded along the path to register and enter Mingdou, where the Shrek Academy and Clear Sky Sect teams were headed, Tang Wutong's behavior made the Shrek group's hearts grow cold.
She showed intense curiosity about everything in Mingdou, her eyes filled with a desire to explore. Yet, at the same time, her gaze held a subtle sense of distance from everyone, as if, in her eyes, others existed on a different plane, separated by an unbridgeable gulf.
That hidden, innate air of superiority sent a chill down the spines of Xiaoxiao and the others.
This was absolutely not the Wang Dong'er they remembered.
Wang Dong'er, while possessing some pride, showed it through confidence in her strength and respect for powerhouses. She never had this kind of haughty demeanor that treated everyone else as dust.
Watching Tang Wutong's completely different demeanor and actions, Xiaoxiao quietly lowered her head, her eyes filled with confusion and loss.
Bei Bei tightly clenched his fists, his knuckles slightly white, and Jiang Nannan dropped her eyelids, her long lashes concealing the complex emotions in her eyes.
The sun in Mingdou was still bright, and the streets were still prosperous, but the hearts of the Shrek team were covered in a faint shadow.
Lu Jingming did not immediately lead the group to the grand Mingdou hotel designated for participating academies in the Sun Moon Empire.
After all, the accompanying group wasn't composed solely of contestants and lead teachers. By the rules, the rest of the entourage was not allowed to stay at the hotel exclusively reserved for the competition.
Only the contestants Lu Jingming personally selected, such as Wang Qiu'er and others, and the lead teacher, Jing Liu (Jingliu), were permitted to cross the threshold of the Mingdou Grand Hotel.
As for everyone else not on the contestant list, they had to find their own inns or hotels.
However, Lu Jingming was not without a base of operations within Mingdou.
"Yingying, it's been a long time. You've worked hard during these days."
In front of a quiet, three-story building in the city, Lu Jingming looked at the white-haired girl waiting there and spoke warmly.
The white-haired girl was Ji Yingying. As the Yama King of the Wuchang Division, she had been leading the division's covert operations in Mingdou for years, contributing greatly to Haeundae City.
Standing beside Ji Yingying was a girl with long pink hair and wheat-colored skin—Nana.
She was currently looking at Lu Jingming with intense curiosity. Although she had heard many legends about the City Lord and had been consistently instructed to serve him faithfully, this was her first time seeing him in person.
"A'Ming!"
Seeing Lu Jingming, Ji Yingying's originally icy, cold eyes instantly softened. The change was so drastic it was as if an emotionless mannequin had suddenly gained warmth and transformed into a living, breathing girl.
Nana, witnessing this moment, immediately looked incredulous.
Having followed Ji Yingying for a long time, she knew exactly how cold and ruthless this decisive, vicious Wuchang Douluo was.
It was rare enough for Ji Yingying to engage in normal conversation with others, let alone display such a soft expression.
Under Nana's wide-eyed gaze, Lu Jingming stepped forward, gently took Ji Yingying's small hand, and the two walked side-by-side into the small building behind them.
Nana stood frozen, her mind replaying the sight of Ji Yingying's slightly flushed earlobes. She felt her worldview shattering—was this really the terrifying Wuchang Douluo? This was clearly a young girl deeply in love!
"Everyone, please follow me."
Nana's daze lasted only a second. She quickly remembered her duty, bowed respectfully, and led Gu Yue and the others into the small building.
This building was provided by the Ordinary Alliance and was one of the Wuchang Division's secret strongholds in Mingdou, generally well-concealed.
Of course, after this incident, the secrecy of this stronghold would likely vanish.
After all, with Lu Jingming and his entourage entering so openly, the Sun Moon Empire's spies watching in the shadows weren't fools and would certainly notice the anomaly.
But Lu Jingming never intended to hide.
He knew clearly that after this Holy Grail War concluded, the Wuchang Division would have no need to continue operating in Mingdou; the city was already rife with danger.
He could almost certainly conclude that after the curtain closed on this Soul Master Tournament, Xu Tianran would fiercely launch his war.
Regardless of whether Xu Tianran's plan to eliminate all participating forces and the Masters and Servants of the Holy Grail War succeeded, as long as he had the residual capacity, he would definitely seize the opportunity to launch the war of unification afterward.
In that case, the formerly safe Wuchang Division, if it remained in Mingdou, would undoubtedly become a prime target for Xu Tianran's attacks.
As for their ally, the Ordinary Alliance, they could only look out for themselves. Whether they could see the current situation clearly depended on the foresight of Shangguan Wei'er.
Speak of the devil, and she appears.
Not long after Lu Jingming settled into the stronghold, Shangguan Wei'er, the Alliance Leader of the Ordinary Alliance, arrived for a visit.
"City Lord Lu, I believe this counts as our first official meeting? Truly, a hero emerges in youth. City Lord Lu is indeed extraordinary, possessing the demeanor of a celestial being descended upon the mortal world."
Shangguan Wei'er was clad in flowing red robes, her black hair cascading like a waterfall. Her appearance was stunning, like a seductive and charming maiden in her prime.
Even Lu Jingming, who was accustomed to beautiful women, had to admit that this Alliance Leader Shangguan indeed possessed considerable allure.
Shangguan Wei'er felt the same way. Although she had seen photographs of Lu Jingming, seeing him in person still made her gasp in admiration.
In both appearance and temperament, Lu Jingming stood head and shoulders above every man she had ever met.
Even Xu Tianran, who sat as Regent with a disability and wielded sole power, seemed slightly inferior compared to Lu Jingming.
"Alliance Leader Shangguan, there's no need for pleasantries. I imagine you didn't come all this way just to compliment me."
Lu Jingming's expression was calm.
Being complimented by a great beauty was certainly pleasant, but Shangguan Wei'er was old enough to be his mother. Moreover, he had been complimented so many times over the years that the initial novelty had long worn off.
"Very well, City Lord Lu is indeed a straight-shooter. I'll get straight to the point. I wish to bring the Ordinary Alliance to defect to City Lord Lu, to leave Mingdou, and to leave this Sun Moon Empire."
Shangguan Wei'er's expression hardened, a hint of unconcealed fear in her eyes. She spoke in a low voice.
These words stunned even Lu Jingming. He looked at her incredulously.
The Ordinary Alliance was no small organization; it was one of Mingdou's three major underground forces, backed by the Sun Moon Empire's aristocracy, thriving within the Empire's borders.
Even after the Sunset Alliance, supported by the Holy Spirit Church, challenged the Ordinary Alliance, taking many territories and businesses, the Ordinary Alliance remained a colossal force not to be underestimated.
Yet, the controller of such a massive organization, a Title Douluo adept at playing the long game, was now proposing to submit to him, the City Lord of Haeundae City from another empire. This was truly bizarre and fantastical.
Lu Jingming shook his head, wondering if he had misheard. He asked uncertainly, "Alliance Leader Shangguan, are you sure you're not joking?"
"City Lord Lu, Wei'er is absolutely serious. You may not know this, but Xu Tianran has gone mad. I don't want to stay in Mingdou for one moment longer."
Shangguan Wei'er put on a tearful, pitiful display, looking utterly helpless and deserving of sympathy.
This act immediately drew a cold look from Gu Yue beside him.
Not just Gu Yue, but Ji Yingying, who was guarding Lu Jingming, was also staring coldly at Shangguan Wei'er.
Sensing the several icy stares around her, Shangguan Wei'er immediately stiffened, dropping the pathetic look and returning to her normal demeanor, as if the previous display had been an illusion.
Indeed, she was an expert actress, honed by years of navigating Mingdou's aristocratic circles.
Lu Jingming naturally wouldn't easily believe her explanation.
He did harbor thoughts of taking in the Ordinary Alliance. After all, they were a pool of talent, and Haeundae City's greatest lack right now was skilled personnel.
But his original plan was to wait for Ye Guyi to grow, then use her influence, intervening when the Ordinary Alliance was in dire straits to gradually assimilate them through a mix of grace and coercion—not having them inexplicably seek refuge like this.
"Alliance Leader Shangguan, speak plainly. Only through honesty can we establish trust."
Lu Jingming lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingertip. His tone was calm, yet it invisibly pressured Shangguan Wei'er.
Shangguan Wei'er wanted to say a few jesting words as she usually would, but being locked in several cold gazes, she stiffened and honestly explained, "City Lord Lu, as you know, the Ordinary Alliance controls most of Mingdou's entertainment and catering industries. Those of us in this line of work are acutely sensitive to the city's darker side."
Shangguan Wei'er's tone seemed level, but Lu Jingming caught a hint of deep-seated fear on her composed face.
As Shangguan Wei'er slowly revealed more, Lu Jingming's brow gradually furrowed.
It seemed Xu Tianran had not only targeted forces outside Mingdou and the Jingyang Mountain Range, but also people within Mingdou itself.
Many lower-level members of the Ordinary Alliance had recently gone missing.
Though they were just insignificant street thugs, Shangguan Wei'er was highly perceptive and immediately sensed something was wrong.
Through her connections, she vaguely discovered that the top echelon of the Sun Moon Empire, including the great nobles she often dealt with, had undergone bizarre personality changes, no longer acting like themselves.
The entire upper stratum of the Sun Moon Empire, with the exception of a few individuals, seemed to have unknowingly fallen under the control of an unseen, dark hand.
Shangguan Wei'er was skilled at reading people. She noticed that the great nobles who usually cherished their lives had suddenly become extraordinarily reckless, carrying an almost suicidal tendency, driven more by a desire to destroy everything.
This strange change had even affected several major figures controlling the Empire's central lifelines, including some Ninth-grade Soul Engineers.
And while the Regent, Xu Tianran, seemed outwardly normal, whenever Shangguan Wei'er faced him, she felt a bone-deep terror.
She knew clearly: the Sun Moon Empire had changed, and Mingdou had changed.
If she didn't take action now, there might never be another opportunity.
Therefore, taking advantage of this Soul Master Tournament, Shangguan Wei'er decisively chose to cling to a powerful faction.
Within the Sun Moon Empire's borders, she could no longer find anyone trustworthy. She could only turn to Haeundae City, her former underground ally.
Lu Jingming listened quietly, his fingertip still lightly tapping the tabletop, his mind racing with calculations.
"It's not impossible for you to defect to me," Lu Jingming slowly began. "But I need to know: What can you bring me? Also, why do you think I would risk offending the Sun Moon Empire to accept your Ordinary Alliance?"
A hint of joy flashed in Shangguan Wei'er's eyes. She quickly replied, "City Lord Lu, the Ordinary Alliance has operated in Mingdou for many years. Our intelligence network and connections across various industries are far beyond what typical forces can match. If we defect to Haeundae City, all of this can be used for you. Furthermore, we control many assets and businesses in Mingdou, which can serve as our pledge of allegiance. As for Xu Tianran, his attention is currently focused on the Soul Master Tournament and the Holy Grail War. If we move quickly enough to leave Mingdou before he realizes, he may not immediately strike against us. Moreover, with City Lord Lu's strength, would you truly fear a single Xu Tianran?"
Having been an ally of Haeundae City for so many years, Shangguan Wei'er was reasonably informed about its strength. Otherwise, she wouldn't have thought of defecting to Haeundae City to escape Mingdou, which, in her eyes, had become a powder keg.
Lu Jingming neither confirmed nor denied her statement.
He knew that accepting the Ordinary Alliance would indeed bring many benefits to Haeundae City, and he didn't plan to refuse.
"Don't rush. Go ahead and prepare. I'll notify you after this Tournament ends."
Lu Jingming's tone was calm.
Shangguan Wei'er was somewhat anxious but knew she couldn't push too hard. She could only nod: "Very well, I await City Lord Lu's news."
With that, she stood up, bid farewell, and left the stronghold.
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