"Oh Xiao... Ahem, Edward is right. This isn't a bad thing—it's an opportunity for Xiaosan."
Yu Xiaogang pointed at Tang San and said, "Look at the Eight Spider Lances on his back now. Their color has changed, and their aura is completely different from before, isn't it?"
"Indeed. It's brimming with brutality and bloodlust." Flender stroked his beardless chin. "Could it be that the Eight Spider Lances are absorbing the Man-Faced Demon Spider's soul power?"
"Even if that's not the exactly that, it's close enough." Yu Xiaogang explained, "Because the Eight Spider Lances seems to be evolving. No matter what the process is, the result is irreversible."
Everyone understood this in their hearts. But at that Motherent, Liu Erlong's voice suddenly cut through the air—though it had nothing to do with Tang San.
"Xiao Wu, would you be willing to take me as your Teacher?"
The Motherent those words fell, astonishment painted everyone's faces. Only Yu Xiaogang reacted with a complicated gaze.
And now, Liu Erlong bore no resemblance to the fierce woman who had pummeled the Giant Earth King earlier. Instead, she radiated the warmth of a loving mother.
It was precisely this tenderness that made Xiao Wu recall her own mother's embrace from long ago. Almost instinctively, she threw herself into Liu Erlong's arms, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I am willing."
"Good… Very good."
The two embraced tightly. Then, Liu Erlong's gaze shifted toward Yu Xiaogang, carrying a hint of resentment.
The others tactfully averted their eyes, pretending not to notice—except for Ma Hongjun, who let out an exaggerated whistle. Unfortunately, Dai Mubai smacked him on the forehead, shutting him up.
"In the future, if you wish… you can call me 'Mother' instead of 'Teacher.'"** Liu Erlong whispered.
"Mother…"
Xiao Wu burst into tears again, Motherentarily forgetting even Tang San, who was in the throes of his transformation beside her.
"I don't mean to interrupt this touching Moment, but if you don't act soon, that Pit Demon Spider over there is going to die."
Xiao Tianyang's voice rang out abruptly, startling everyone with his sudden reappearance.
Liu Erlong shot him a glare, her anger barely restrained. If not for him earlier, Xiao Wu wouldn't have nearly died—nor would this scene have unfolded.
She didn't believe his timely intervention was a coincidence. Call it a woman's intuition—but this time, she was right.
That said, Xiao Tianyang harbored no ill intent. If he had wanted Xiao Wu dead, he had countless simpler methods. His actions were deliberate, recalling the original course of events.
He had been the first to notice the Man-Faced Demon Spider's approach but chose not to warn them. Instead, he lurked nearby, ready to intervene if necessary.
And intervene he did.
In truth, that spider's attack would never have struck Xiao Wu without his tacit permission. Even if it had, so what?
Xiao Tianyang carried miraculous medicines with him, capable of healing all but the most instantly fatal wounds.
And if he had stopped the attack outright? Would this heartfelt reunion between Liu Erlong and Xiao Wu have happened?
His actions had deepened Tang San's love early for Xiao Wu, making him realize she was more than just a sister—she was the most important person in his life.
They say a man matures after facing life-or-death trials. Tang San was no exception.
Not only had he gained enlightenment, but he'd also seized a tremendous opportunity. And now, Liu Erlong and Xiao Wu had formed a bond deeper than teacher and disciple—they were family.
Wasn't that another beautiful tale for Shrek Academy?
Yes, Xiao Tianyang's methods had been risky, even seemingly callous. But as the saying goes: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Sacrifices were inevitable. Yet in the end, Xiao Wu had lost nothing—instead, she'd gained both love and family. A true victory.
By all logic, Xiao Tianyang had not only avoided blame but achieved something remarkable.
But Liu Erlong? She wasn't one for logic.
The terror of nearly losing Xiao Wu still gripped her heart. Now that they were mother and daughter in spirit, her fury was justified.
If Liu Erlong were reasonable, she wouldn't be Liu Erlong!
But this wasn't the place for reckoning.
First, Xiao Tianyang's identity had to remain hidden. Exposing him now would jeopardize not only their current mission but also his future plans.
Tang San and the others would never betray him, but the more who knew, the greater the risk.
The Spirit Hall already coveted Xiao Tianyang. If they discovered he was also "Edward," even Miao Zhenshan's influence might not save him.
The Spirit Hall feared Miao Zhenshan, but that didn't mean they'd back down. A prodigy like Xiao Tianyang undoubtedly held secrets—and if Bibi Dong couldn't control him, she'd eliminate him.
Liu Erlong and the others knew Bibi Dong too well to take that risk.
But again—if she were reasonable, she wouldn't be Liu Erlong.
'Hmph. I'll note this down for now. You'll answer for it when we return!' she vowed silently.
Meanwhile, Tang San had returned to normal. He leapt off the shriveled carcass of the Man-Faced Demon Spider, his eyes brimming with tenderness as he gazed at Xiao Wu.
"Xiao Wu…"
His soft call made Xiao Wu lift her tear-streaked face from Liu Erlong's embrace.
"Brother!"
She rushed into his arms, and the two held each other tightly—no more barriers, only pure emotion.
Yet they were still young, inexperienced in matters of the heart. They understood each other's feelings but had no idea what came next.
And then—
"I did warn you. That Pit Demon Spider is on its last legs."
Everyone: "…"
Even Yu Xiaogang and Flender were at a loss for words. The two stepped aside, and Flender muttered under his breath, "That scenery-wrecking brat… I'll teach him a lesson when we get back. If I don't, next time he'll probably start flying to the heavens!"
"But… the Pit Demon Spider really is dying," Yu Xiaogang admitted, defending Xiao Tianyang. "Looking back, he is right about Pit Demon Spider."
Flender shot him a glance, then sighed deeply.
…
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