Spirit City — Aftermath
Spirit City remained under a suffocating tension after Tang Hao's attack. The Continental Elite Soul Master Competition had been indefinitely postponed.
Unlike the original trajectory of events in the story that took place after more than 5 years, Spirit Hall did not announce anything regarding its assault on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Jiang Mo and Lu Ping had returned to Spirit City at the fastest possible speed—with the bodies of Jun Wuhen and Chu Yue for proper burial.
What truly happened at the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's territory would never be publicly known.
So the reports of any other force claimed only an unprecedented catastrophe.
A meteorite had descended from the sky and precisely fell where one of the 3 great clans resided.
The fire and shockwaves had destroyed every fragment of evidence—
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Shrek Quarters — Spirit City
Inside the temporary quarters of Shrek Academy, the atmosphere was equally heavy.
Flender stood by the window, brows furrowed and Yu Xiaogang paced restlessly.
Liu Erlong remained silent, arms folded, her usually fiery temperament subdued.
Yu Xiaogang suddenly stopped pacing. "I don't know how Little San is doing," he said, voice filled with complicated emotion. "But I know he must be safe with his father—the Clear Sky Douluo."
His tone carried confidence and pride.
Flender glanced at him speechless, his gaze shifted to the side where Dai Mubai was, sitting alone beneath pale moonlight.
A bottle of strong liquor hung loosely in his hand. His golden hair, fell messily over his shoulders. His eyes were blank and unfocused.
During the tournament, they had faced the Star Luo Royal Team.
It was then—That Dai Mubai learned the truth from Zhu Zhuyun who cursed him in front of entire audience.
Zhu Zhuqing, his fiancée was already dead. She died while attempting to cross the Star Dou Forest alone.
With her death—His qualification for the throne competition ended automatically.
It was the slow realization.
'She came for me. And I was not there... I was ...'
He stared at the moon.
'They left early due to some emergency… I don't even know if I can return to Star Luo City now.'
Flender stepped forward instinctively, intending to console him.
But before he could—He noticed someone from their group was missing.
He turned toward the doorway. His son, Fren leaned casually against the frame.
"Fren," Flender asked, voice tired, "where is Ma Hongjun?"
Fren snorted faintly."That lecher went out this morning," he said coldly. "With a disgusting grin on his face."
Though Fren had gradually accepted the father he met after years of separation— He could not stand his father's disciple Ma Hongjun.
On the side, Oscar frowned.
"Hongjun choosing this time to fool around…"
He shook his head. "This isn't good. After Clear Sky Douluo attacked the stadium, we're already being watched with unfriendly eyes."
His thoughts drifted elsewhere.
The moment Tang Hao rescued Tang San and Xiao Wu—
Ning Fengzhi had appeared swiftly and without hesitation, he took Ning Rongrong away under the pretext of ensuring her safety.
Oscar tried to appear calm, but inside—he wondered when she would return.
Flender pressed his throbbing temple.
The future felt uncertain and unstable.
He muttered under his breath.
"What happens next…?"
Liu Erlong stepped closer, her hand gently rested on his forehead.
Yu Xiaogang suddenly stood upright, indignation flashing across his face.
"I am still a guest elder of Spirit Hall!" he declared sharply.
"Does anyone dare to make trouble for Ma Hongjun, he is also a student taught by me!"
Knock. Knock.
The sound was soft. Every pair of eyes shifted toward the door.
Flender's gaze sharpened instantly.
After Tang Hao's rampage in Spirit City, no unexpected visitor could be treated lightly.
He gave Oscar a subtle signal. Oscar nodded and walked toward the door, steadying his breathing before pulling it open.
The moment it opened—
A familiar figure stood there, wearing pink dress. A smile spread across Oscar's face.
"Rongrong, you're back!"
Relief visibly washed over the room. Liu Erlong exhaled.
Even Yu Xiaogang's expression softened.
"Ahem."
A low, deliberate cough sounded from behind her.
Oscar froze. Slowly, he leaned slightly to the side.
Behind Ning Rongrong stood two figures.
Ning Fengzhi stood calmly, robes pristine, bearing the composure of a seasoned ruler.
Beside him—Was Gu Rong, the Bone Douluo.
His eyes were cold , as he stared at Oscar as if he was evaluating something.
When Oscar met that gaze, a chill ran down his spine involuntarily. He straightened subconsciously.
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes slightly at Oscar's frozen expression, but her playful demeanor faded quickly.
"Oscar," she said, her tone unusually serious, "I've come for something important."
Oscar's smile disappeared.
He knew her well enough to understand— If Ning Rongrong dropped her usual teasing tone, it meant real business.
Flender immediately stepped forward, assuming the role of the leader of the group.
He cupped his hands politely.
"Clan Leader Ning, Your Excellency Bone Douluo, welcome to our humble quarters."
His voice was respectful. Even if the current situation was tense, courtesy had to be maintained.
Ning Fengzhi returned the gesture with a gentle smile.
But this time— The gentleness carried weight.
"I appreciate the hospitality, Principal Flender," he said calmly. "However, I'm afraid I cannot accept your gracious invitation."
His gaze swept across the room from Yu Xiaogang to Liu Erlong.
"I have not come with good news."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
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(Author notes: Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun left in some kind of emergency is part of Qian Renxue's manipulation in Star Luo Empire)