When the spatial crack opened once more, Fang Yang returned to Shrek Academy with Gu Yuena and Na'er.
The reborn Sea God Lake sparkled under the sunlight, its clear waters reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The newly planted weeping willows by the shore had already sprouted tender green branches, swaying gently in the breeze.
On Sea God Island, the Golden Tree that had survived the catastrophe, though no longer as lush as before, had already produced spots of new green at its thick roots.
The tender buds trembled slightly in the breeze, displaying tenacious vitality.
"You're back."
A gentle voice came from not far away.
Ya Li stood beneath the Golden Tree, her simple green dress fluttering lightly in the wind.
She had sensed the spatial fluctuations, a warm smile on her elegant face.
"Master's wife!"
Na'er quickly stepped forward, affectionately linking arms with Ya Li.
Fang Yang nodded slightly: "Sister Ya Li, how is the academy?"
"The academy's reconstruction is progressing smoothly."
Ya Li spoke softly, "Meanwhile, the Sun-Moon Federation has issued the highest-level bounty order."
"The Holy Spirit Cult stole God-Slaying weapons and launched a terrorist attack on Shrek Academy, causing tens of thousands of deaths."
"The Sun-Moon Federation has listed the Holy Spirit Cult as their number one wanted target, with the bounty amount setting a new historical high."
"That's within my expectations."
Fang Yang nodded calmly.
Just then, a cold and clear figure arrived on Sea God Island.
"Fang Yang."
Wu Zhangkong was still dressed in snow-white robes, those dark green eyes rarely showing a trace of joy.
His gaze lingered on Fang Yang for a moment, then swept over Gu Yuena and Na'er as he slightly bowed in greeting.
Fang Yang asked: "Teacher Wu, what's the matter?"
Before Wu Zhangkong could answer, several familiar voices rang out.
"Fang Yang, long time no see."
Hearing this voice, Fang Yang was slightly startled.
He saw Tang Wulin and Ouyang Zixin walking hand in hand, Xie Xie holding Zheng Yiran's hand, all their faces showing the joy of reunion after a long separation.
"Why have you all returned?" Fang Yang rarely showed a trace of surprise.
"What, are we not welcome?"
Xie Xie laughed heartily, stepping forward to pat Fang Yang's shoulder.
His tone carried some complaint, "Fang Yang, you fellow, you left back then without even saying goodbye. That was pretty heartless."
"You've been gone for three years without a single message," Tang Wulin also nodded with a smile. "If it weren't for this incident at Shrek Academy, would you still not have planned to contact us?"
At this time, two more voices came: "We've returned too!"
Zhang Yangzi and Zhou Hanyou, Wang Jinxi and Zhou Tian'er walked over together, clearly all in pairs.
"Exactly, exactly!"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi spoke in unison in agreement.
Xie Xie glared at them unhappily: "And you two still have the nerve to say that? Later you learned to do the same, slipping away without a word."
"Well... that..."
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi were immediately at a loss for words, exchanging an awkward smile.
"I didn't expect you all to return."
Fang Yang's gaze slowly swept across these familiar faces, his tone carrying emotion.
His former friends had now all grown into soul masters capable of standing on their own, emitting auras that could not be underestimated.
"With such a major incident at Shrek Academy, of course we had to return," Tang Wulin said seriously.
Xie Xie took over.
"Wulin and I were out on a Tang Sect mission."
"We only heard about the Holy Spirit Cult's attack on the Tang Sect and the academy after returning, and immediately rushed back."
"We were training at the War God Temple and came as soon as we heard the news," Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi said in unison.
"Xie Xie, I couldn't tell you cared so much about the academy," Gu Yuena's cold voice suddenly rang out, the corner of her lips carrying a faint smile.
"Huh? You are..."
Xie Xie looked at Gu Yuena, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes.
Gu Yuena said nothing, an ice cone condensing between her slender jade fingers, emitting a dark cold light.
"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, Sister Gu Yue!" Xie Xie immediately remembered, quickly waving his hands, then turning to Na'er, "Then this must be Na'er."
"Hello."
Na'er nodded gently, her platinum hair fluttering lightly in the breeze.
The obvious changes in Gu Yuena and Na'er's appearances naturally aroused everyone's curiosity.
"Martial soul evolution, appearance also changed accordingly," Gu Yuena explained indifferently, her tone calm as water.
"I see."
Everyone nodded, showing expressions of sudden realization. It wasn't rare for martial soul evolution to cause changes in appearance.
"By the way, why don't I see Xiaoyan?" Xie Xie suddenly asked.
Fang Yang answered calmly: "Xiaoyan returned to Eastsea City."
"I see..."
Everyone nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.
At this time, Xie Xie seemed to remember something, his eyes lighting up.
"Fang Yang, I heard you've become Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion."
He stepped closer, grinning: "Look, with our relationship, giving me a position as Sea God Pavilion Elder wouldn't be too much to ask, right?"
Before Fang Yang could answer, a cold voice rang out.
"Xie Xie."
Wu Zhangkong's gaze swept over lightly, and Xie Xie immediately fell silent, awkwardly stepping back.
Watching this scene, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
A long-absent warm atmosphere spread across Sea God Island, as if dispersing some of the gloom of recent days.
"Since everyone has returned."
Ya Li spoke gently, "Why don't we all go to the Sea God Pavilion to sit and catch up properly."
"Yes, Your Eminence Holy Spirit." Everyone nodded upon hearing this.
Ya Li walked in front, Fang Yang holding Gu Yuena and Na'er's hands closely following behind.
Wu Zhangkong followed silently behind.
Tang Wulin held Ouyang Zixin's hand, Xie Xie held Zheng Yiran's hand. Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi held Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er's hands respectively.
The group walked slowly toward Sea God Island.
As the core of Shrek Academy, Sea God Island was the first to be rebuilt after the destruction.
This time, the Sea God Pavilion was not built on the Golden Tree, but stood in the center of Sea God Island.
After several days of careful repair, this pavilion symbolizing Shrek Academy had already restored its former solemn dignity.
The pavilion gleamed in the sunlight, its flying eaves and upturned corners exuding an ancient and elegant atmosphere.
The newly erected wooden plaque on the door bore the three vigorous characters "Sea God Pavilion."
Entering the interior of the Sea God Pavilion, Ya Li indicated for everyone to be seated in the conference hall.
In the spacious hall, the long table made of agarwood emitted a faint fragrance.
Wu Zhangkong asked: "Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, how has your training at the Tang Sect been?"
"Teacher Wu, I'm now at Level 81 soul power," Tang Wulin spoke.
"My soul power is only Level 78, a bit slower than Wulin," Xie Xie scratched his head embarrassedly.
"Not bad."
Wu Zhangkong nodded slightly, satisfied with Tang Wulin and Xie Xie's performance.
However, he also knew that Tang Wulin and Xie Xie's high soul power levels were due to consuming considerable resources at the Tang Sect.
The Tang Sect had always spared no effort in cultivating core disciples.
"Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi, what about you?" Wu Zhangkong turned to the other pair.
"Hehe, Teacher Wu, Wang Jinxi and I are both at Level 77 soul power. We gained a lot from our training at the War God Temple," Zhang Yangzi spoke.
Wang Jinxi nodded silently.
"Not bad."
Wu Zhangkong nodded slightly, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes.
Xie Xie asked curiously: "Teacher Wu, why don't you ask about Fang Yang's soul power level?"
Wu Zhangkong said nothing, simply looking at him like he was an idiot.
Fang Yang was capable of spatial teleportation with Gu Yuena and Na'er—this level of strength had long exceeded the scope of ordinary soul masters. Soul power level was no longer the standard for measuring his strength.
"Alright."
Xie Xie understood, awkwardly touching his nose, drawing a round of light laughter from everyone.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)