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The period after returning from the Blood God Legion had been truly healing for Tang Wulin. He reunited with the surviving forces preserved by the teachers of Shrek Academy—Wu Sisuo, Wu Zhangkong, and the Light Dark Douluo Long Yeyue—as well as his former classmates from Shrek. These days left him overwhelmed with emotions.
Back then, the academy's teachers had burned themselves out to buy a single minute, allowing all the students to take shelter in an underground refuge deep beneath the campus. Thanks to their sacrifice, the students survived, and Wu Zhangkong was preserved as part of the remaining forces.
This was Shrek. This was Shrek Academy!
Even after twenty thousand years of history, the spirit of Shrek's people had not faded. In the most critical moments, they still made the same choice. This was Shrek—the heroic Shrek!
With a thud, Tang Wulin knelt toward the direction of the Sea God Lake, tears streaming down his face as he kowtowed heavily three times.
Wu Sisuo also knelt beside him, gazing at the Sea God Lake before them. It was as if they could still see the faces and hear the voices of Shrek's past heroes.
Even Long Yuxue, who had followed Tang Wulin as part of the Blood God Squad, was moved to tears, staring blankly at the scene. No wonder her family elders and her father held Shrek in such high regard—it truly deserved it.
Later, he also met the Holy Spirit Douluo and the Tang Sect's leader, Zang Xin. Unexpectedly, however, Zang Xin insisted on passing the position of sect master to Tang Wulin with unwavering determination.
And so, Tang Wulin became the true leader of both Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect.
Looking back now, he still found this period of his life miraculous. He had taken on immense responsibilities, carrying the expectations of everyone as he moved forward. Yet, he also felt this was what he was meant to do.
But…
What truly brought him joy was Old Tang's awakening. Since the battle against the abyssal plane, where Old Tang had saved his life, he had remained dormant in that strange sealed space until recently, when he finally recovered. Before fully awakening, Old Tang had imparted something important to him.
Thinking of this, Tang Wulin couldn't help but frown and sigh softly. "Bai Xu… just who are you?"
Old Tang had told him:
"Wulin, from now on, you need to pay special attention to one person."
"Who?"
"That boy your age—Bai Xu." Old Tang continued, "I sensed something unusual about him. But at the time, my spiritual imprint was fully focused on resisting the Abyssal Sage King's devastating strike. I didn't have the chance to investigate him thoroughly. You'll need to keep a close eye on him. I have a feeling he's not simple."
Tang San had reached this conclusion based on intuition. At the time, Bai Xu had been relatively far from the center of the battlefield, but he was still engaged in combat using his Five Elements ability. Moreover, the Abyssal Sage King had occasionally glanced in his direction, as if observing him. But with only a trace of divine sense remaining, Tang San couldn't afford to divert his attention. Soon after, he fell into deep slumber again.
Tang Wulin was puzzled. "Old Tang, what's wrong with Bai Xu?"
Old Tang remained silent for a moment before replying, "His cultivation method… likely doesn't originate from the Douluo Continent."
!!!!
Tang Wulin was shocked. "How is that possible? I've fought him many times, and I've never seen him use any unusual techniques!"
He then recounted details from his battles with Bai Xu over the years. Aside from Bai Xu's unusually strong physical body, his twin martial souls and innate full soul power were nothing out of the ordinary.
Old Tang couldn't immediately explain it either. With a sigh, he said, "The next time you see him while I'm awake, I might be able to discern his true nature. For now, be cautious. Avoid unnecessary contact with him."
Tang San's frown deepened. Even he hadn't anticipated this.
Could Bai Xu be like him—a visitor from another world? Had he somehow arrived here by chance and ended up siding with the Silver Dragon King?
"From Wulin's memories of their battles, even his Golden Dragon bloodline was defeated by Bai Xu!? Other than the Dragon God, who in this world could rival the Golden Dragon King's bloodline? Even a reincarnated God King might not necessarily win against it." Tang San's expression grew increasingly grave.
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that Bai Xu was likely another outsider like himself—and the techniques he wielded must be some kind of body-refining secret manual!
"It seems there's an unforeseen variable in this ten-thousand-year plan. The final imprint was meant as a contingency against the Abyssal Sage King—it can't be triggered lightly…"
With this in mind, Tang San's thoughts darkened. "For the future of Douluo Continent… no more accidents can be allowed to happen!"
---
Meanwhile.
After returning, Gu Yue had devoted herself to finalizing the ten-thousand-year spirit soul project. Meanwhile, Bai Xu had been assigned to a department with real authority. Qiangu Dongfeng seemed intent on grooming him, gradually exposing him to the core of the Federation's power.
Three months later…
"Bai Xu, there's a matter… that requires you to personally visit the Dou Ling Empire."
And so, Bai Xu boarded a ship bound for the Dou Ling Empire.
"Master, are you sure about this? I can sense something off about Qiangu Dongfeng's intentions. There seems to be a scheme at play here," the World Spirit materialized, perched on Bai Xu's shoulder. Its host had already reached the eightieth rank. After Bai Xu obtained his eighth spirit ring—bestowed by the World Spirit itself—the spirit could feel the beauty of impending rebirth more vividly than ever.
Once Bai Xu reached the ninetieth rank, the World Spirit would be reborn through him, gaining a true physical form to walk the continent—no longer an ethereal existence.
'We'll know once we see for ourselves,' Bai Xu replied indifferently.
Beep beep!
The soul communicator rang again.
The moment Bai Xu answered, a timid, complaining voice came through: "Bai Xu, how could you leave without telling me?"
"Heh, Na'er, you've only just regained control of your body. Take your time adjusting," Bai Xu chuckled.
"Gu Yue has already completed the ten-thousand-year spirit soul project. All that's left are some finishing touches. It's been surprisingly easy," Na'er sounded cheerful. She hadn't been out in so long. After learning about the relationship between Gu Yuena, Gu Yue, and Bai Xu, she had been overwhelmed with shyness.
Every night, she found herself reminiscing about the past, lost in fantasies. Yet Bai Xu had never acted inappropriately toward her. He respected her boundaries, never crossing the line without her consent.
"Have you gone to see your brother?" Bai Xu asked.
"No… this identity isn't suitable for that. I'm not the willful girl I used to be. I can't delay Gu Yue's plans just for my brother—even though Master's wife is still alive, it's better to wait until everything is settled…"
Suddenly, Na'er whispered, "Bai Xu, you're in trouble. Gu Yuena is furious. Even while I've been in control, she's been fighting with Gu Yue in the spiritual sea… When she takes over again, you'll have to face the consequences."
Bai Xu sighed. "Our relationship is already complicated. Might as well make it even messier."
Na'er immediately understood, her face flushing red. "That… that wouldn't be appropriate…"
"Haha, just joking. Anyway, I need to go cultivate now."
"Bai Xu…"
"Hmm?"
Na'er, now more aware of the situation, cautioned him softly, "On this trip… be careful."
"I will."