Chapter 174: Tang San Appears
After a round of drinking and chatting, everyone was clearly very excited.
Dai Mubai communicated with Flender and a few of the teachers, then proceeded to greet each person individually, handling things with great tact.
He especially bumped fists with Yang Xiong: "Xiong, after all these years, you look even more impressive than I do. It seems like you've really improved a lot."
Yang Xiong smiled, "Everyone has their own path. Congratulations on finding your own future."
At this point, Dai Mubai was around 1.9 meters tall, while Yang Xiong was nearly 1.95 meters. The two were almost the same height, but Yang Xiong appeared slightly stronger in build.
Dai Mubai smiled slightly, "It's only after all these years of experience that I've come to realize my own goals. In the past, the things I cared about so much seem meaningless now."
Yang Xiong sincerely gave his blessings, "Congratulations. We will always be teammates."
Flender, a bit confused, asked, "Mubai, what do you mean by this? Has the issue with your family been resolved?"
Everyone was well aware of the bloodshed and cruelty involved in the succession process of the Star Luo Empire's throne, especially since the Star Luo royal family had only given Dai Mubai five years to make a decision.
Dai Mubai appeared unusually calm as he spoke, "Dean, I've already made my choice. I've communicated with the Star Luo royal family. I've given up both the position of Crown Prince and the throne inheritance."
"From now on, I will have nothing to do with the throne. I no longer need the wealth and position of the Star Luo Empire, and the empire will no longer interfere with my actions."
Everyone was shocked upon hearing this, and Flender quickly spoke up, "Mubai, have you been threatened by the Star Luo royal family? Why would you make such a choice?"
Dai Mubai smiled, "Over these years, Zhuqing and I have experienced much during our travels. Instead of being constrained by the Star Luo royal family, it's better to focus on training. Maybe I can reach a higher level in the future."
Flender pondered for a moment, "I see. Your choice may be the right one, but won't the Star Luo royal family trouble you for this?"
Dai Mubai shook his head, "I had a serious talk with my older brother Davis and received the approval of my father and the elders. From now on, neither I nor my descendants will have any right to inherit the throne. Even if we return to the Star Luo Empire, we will only hold the title of elder."
"I don't want my descendants to endure the pain of the Star Luo royal family, and I don't want them to fight each other. Even Zhuqing agrees with my decision."
Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. Giving up the throne inheritance required great courage, but it also prevented the tragic possibility of siblings fighting each other for the throne. It was hard to say whether this was the right choice in the end.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but feel some admiration for Dai Mubai. He hadn't expected Dai Mubai to awaken so much earlier than in the original, and to be so resolute. The Star Luo royal family was truly a mire that trapped people.
However, Yang Xiong suddenly thought of a question. If Dai Mubai made this choice, wouldn't that completely sever the connection to the throne for his descendants? Could his future descendants like Huo Guo still appear?
But Dai Mubai was equally surprised by Oscar's progress. Oscar had been diligently training, and like everyone else, he had been traveling across the Douluo Continent.
To everyone's surprise, Oscar's soul power had surpassed Dai Mubai's, and he seemed happy for his friend's improvement. In fact, there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes, as if he was now driven to catch up.
In front of everyone, the two of them immediately began a friendly arm-wrestling match, seemingly wanting to compare their strength.
The scene soon returned to the lively atmosphere it used to have, almost like when they were in the battle team, competing with each other and growing together.
At that moment, a voice came from afar, "You're all having so much fun, let me join too!"
Everyone turned towards the voice. The figure walking towards them looked familiar, and even the voice was familiar, but the aura felt completely different.
When they looked closely, they realized it was Tang San.
Compared to five years ago, Tang San had changed greatly.
He had once been about 1.7 meters tall and appeared relatively thin, with an average face. But now, he was over 1.85 meters tall, his muscles were solid, and he looked a lot bulkier.
His face, though still somewhat similar, had become much more resolute compared to his youthful appearance back then.
Yang Xiong immediately understood the changes. In the past, Tang San had focused mainly on training his Blue Silver Grass and leaning towards control, making him appear agile and flexible.
But now, it was clear that Tang San had spent the last few years training the Haotian Hammer, which was a much more powerful and domineering martial soul, focusing heavily on strength training. Those who trained strength typically became more robust and resolute.
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and others were all surprised and excited.
"Third Brother, is that really you? Your body and aura have changed so much over these years!"
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar surrounded Tang San and observed him carefully, even unable to resist squeezing his muscles.
Tang San's muscles were now extremely firm, each muscle felt rock-hard.
But in contrast, his movements now exuded a noble aura, completely different from his earlier youth and awkwardness.
Yang Xiong even sensed a faint killing intent coming from Tang San. This wasn't aimed at anyone in particular but seemed to be the result of too many kills, involuntarily emanating from his body.
Yang Xiong was also shocked when he noticed that Tang San's soul power had reached level 60.
Based on Yang Xiong's calculations, Tang San should have reached level 60 a long time ago.
Given Tang San's talent, he had already reached level 42 during the Soul Master Competition. In other words, in five years, he had only increased by 18 levels, which seemed incredibly slow.
In the original story, Tang San trained with Tang Hao and gained 8 levels in just a year, and only after spending three years in the Slaughter City and Yuexuan did his soul power slow down. But he gained the Slaughter God Domain.
From the current state of Tang San, it seemed that he had gone through an experience similar to that of the Slaughter City, or even similar to the trials of Yuexuan.
But it appeared that he hadn't actually gone to the Slaughter City, as the aura in the Slaughter City was vastly different from Tang San's current aura. The Slaughter City's aura was colder and more chaotic, while Tang San's aura now seemed more fierce.
Yang Xiong also noticed something very strange. Whether in the original story or now, Tang San's soul power was exactly 60. Was this a coincidence, or was it that the fate of Xiao Wu had to be sacrificed to Tang San, as if it were part of some kind of unbreakable cycle?
But Yang Xiong also hadn't reached the point where he could absorb a soul ring yet, and the others still had some distance to go. There was no reason for them to go to the core area of the Star Dou Forest.
…
Tang San greeted everyone with the same gentle demeanor he always had.
Yang Xiong bumped fists with Tang San. Over these years, they had been teammates and competitors, both striving to surpass each other.
"Tang San, it's been so many years. I feel like you've gotten even stronger. One of these days, I'll have to challenge you again."
Yang Xiong smiled, "Tang San, you're always welcome. But if you lose, you have to admit it."
Tang San laughed, "We compete fairly, to help each other grow. That's what teammates are for."
Yang Xiong nodded, "That's right. I hope we can always get along like this."
Dai Mubai laughed, "Why don't you two have a match now? Let's see who's the strongest of Shrek."
Yang Xiong immediately draped his arm over Dai Mubai's shoulder, "That's not a good idea. It's better to wait until Tang San gets his soul ring before we fight, otherwise, it wouldn't be meaningful."
Dai Mubai seemed a bit helpless, "You two are monsters. I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse to have teammates like you."
Tang San laughed, "Don't worry, Yang Xiong. I'll surpass you one day. Even if I can't beat you at the Soul Emperor level, I'll fight you when I reach the Soul Douluo or even Title Douluo stage."
After greeting everyone, Tang San approached Yu Xiaogang and bowed, "Teacher, I'm back. I've become stronger."
Yu Xiaogang smiled, "Tang San, you've done well. Watching you grow has been the greatest accomplishment of my life."
Yu Xiaogang looked genuinely happy. He and Tang San shared a father-son-like bond, and in his heart, Tang San's growth was more important than anything else.
Suddenly, Liu Erlong spoke up, "Since everyone is so happy, how about a battle between the Shrek teachers and students? Let the juniors and juniors see the brilliance of the team that got second place back then."
Everyone considered this idea and quickly became excited, each of them eager to perform.
Flender sighed, "Erlong, I'm afraid I can't handle so many opponents by myself. You know they are all little monsters."
Liu Erlong rolled her eyes at Flender, "Big Brother Flender, how could I make you face them alone? You're not the only one fighting; there's also Teacher Zhao. With the two of you, there shouldn't be any problem dealing with these little monsters."
Zhao Wujie immediately became interested, "Big Brother Flender, recently I've been itching for a fight. It's been a long time since I fought against Tang San and Mubai. I'd like to test their strength."
A lot of people showed up at the Shrek reunion, including everyone except Xiao Wu. Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Qin Shuang, Zhu Zhuqing, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan were all there.
Altogether, there were ten people. Although they had all developed differently, their strength had greatly increased compared to the past. Taking on two Soul Douluos shouldn't be a problem.
However, after looking at Yang Xiong, Zhao Wujie quickly spoke up, "Big Brother Flender, having a match is no problem, but Yang Xiong can't participate. If he does, I won't fight."
Everyone was surprised, and Yang Xiong showed a helpless smile.
Normally, Yang Xiong and Zhao Wujie were evenly matched, but with the help of Oscar and Ning Rongrong, even Flender and Zhao Wujie together wouldn't be able to defeat him.
Flender thought for a moment, "Alright, Mubai, Tianheng, Tang San, you can confirm the seven-member team and discuss tactics. It will be a fair match between me, Teacher Zhao, and you seven."
The Shrek teachers and students quickly split into two teams and began discussing tactics.
Yang Xiong watched as everyone made plans. Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Yu Tianheng quickly assessed everyone's situation and confirmed the members and formation, even coming up with corresponding strategies.
In contrast, Flender and the others seemed a bit hesitant. Although Zhao Wujie was rough, he didn't want to be beaten senseless for no reason.
Flender still wore a calculating smile, hoping that Liu Erlong would take action.
However, judging by Liu Erlong's demeanor, she seemed to want Flender to show off his skills as the dean.
(END CHAPTER)
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