"Senior Yu Yan, there's a really pretty girl at the gate asking for you."
One afternoon, while Yu Yan and Xiao Wu were researching in the library, a junior from Exotic Beast Academy trotted up, delivered that line, glanced at Xiao Wu, then spun around and bolted.
The kid even activated Martial Soul Possession while sprinting off—slowing down was not an option. Everyone at Exotic Beast knew Yu Yan and Xiao Wu were childhood sweethearts; if the girl hadn't slipped him three gold coins, he'd never have risked the message.
"???"
Yu Yan stared, bewildered, as the junior vanished. He turned to Xiao Wu, who was eyeing him oddly. "I honestly have no idea what's going on."
"Whether you know or not, we'll find out at the gate."
Convinced by his bewilderment, Xiao Wu closed her book and stood up.
"All right. I'm curious who's looking for me too."
Side by side they reached the academy gate and found Ning Rongrong sampling local snacks.
They'd visited Heaven Dou City—and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—often enough to know her well, which only deepened their curiosity.
Last visit they'd even discussed where she'd study; both had recommended Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
First, it was the finest Spirit Master academy on Douluo Continent, with top facilities and instructors.
Second, it sat inside Heaven Dou City, close to her sect—near home, safe from bullies.
Convinced, the adventure-hungry Rongrong had agreed.
Exchanging glances, they walked over. The slightly closer Xiao Wu spoke first. "Rongrong?"
Turning, Rongrong spotted them, cried "Xiao Wu!" and hugged her arm, beaming.
"Rongrong, didn't you say you'd attend Heaven Dou Royal Academy? What brings you here?"
Still clutching Xiao Wu's arm, she answered the question burning in both their minds.
At first she had enrolled—until would-be suitors swarming to curry favor with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School drove her crazy. After a week she stormed out, determined to find another advanced academy.
Leaving Heaven Dou City, she traveled without incident to Suotuo City and spent time at a high-level academy tucked inside a small village.
After a stint at Shrek Academy she couldn't stomach the teaching style, the lecherous stares, or the total lack of other girls. Under cover of darkness she fled—again.
Remembering Yu Yan and Xiao Wu were at Exotic Beast, she had asked and trekked her way here, arriving today.
Hearing she had still attended Shrek, Yu Yan grew curious about its current state.
When he'd gone to Suotuo to recruit Zhu Zhuqing, he'd meant to check on Tang San and Shrek, but Ma Hongjun and Oscar brought the violent Zhao Wuji to his door, forcing him to abandon the plan.
Even with Zhao Wuji dead, Shrek still boasted two Spirit Saints and two Spirit Emperors—dangerous if they ganged up.
Worse, Titled Douluo Tang Hao lurked in Suotuo; no one knew when he might strike.
However gifted, Yu Yan couldn't yet face a powerful attack system Titled Douluo, so he'd left with Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing without completing his reconnaissance.
Now, with Rongrong fresh from Shrek, he could fish for news.
From the candid girl he learned the academy's situation.
After Zhao Wuji's death, instruction fell to Spirit Saint Shao Xin (Candy Bean Spirit) and Spirit Emperor Li Yusong (Dragon-pattern Staff). Flender and Lu Qibin scoured Suotuo and beyond hunting the killer.
Since her departure, five students remained: Rank 37 Spirit Elder Dai Mubai, Rank 30 Spirit Elder Oscar, Rank 36 Spirit Elder Tang San, Rank 32 Spirit Elder Ma Hongjun, and Rank 29 Spirit Grandmaster Hai Xing.
The odd Ranks made Yu Yan's expression flicker; detailed questioning revealed the reasons.
Dai Mubai had always been Rank 37; Oscar had just broken through—nothing surprising.
The lecherous Fatty Ma Hongjun, slain by Xiao Wu, had luckily triggered a Phoenix Nirvana and revived at Rank 30.
Yet, lacking sufficient accumulation, his top-tier Evil Fire Phoenix had degenerated—its brilliant plumage now resembled a plucked chicken.
Tang San's spirit power, however, had leapt far ahead of the original timeline: instead of a fresh Spirit Elder, he now stood at Rank 36.
Hearing this, Yu Yan glanced at Xiao Wu; he recalled an online post claiming that without her nearby, Tang San's Innate Full Spirit Power and Mysterious Heaven Skill should have pushed him even higher by age twelve.
Apparently, that theory held true.
Hai Xing, Tang San's loyal sidekick and sole heir of a Vast Sea City noble house, was loaded.
Thanks to this wealthy follower, Tang San was no longer the ordinary, un-awakened Blue Silver Emperor boy of the original story; he looked decent, carried a unique aura, and was the only presentable student at Shrek.
Rongrong found Tang San acceptable mostly because he never looked at her with lecherous eyes.