Douluo: Yu Hao is reborn, this Tang San is different

Chapter 111 A famous teacher gives birth to a great disciple

The mountain mist, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, wafted over them, and the moist air filled their lungs. The fatigue of the Shrek crew's trek quietly dissipated in this gift of nature.

Sun Buyu, who was leading the way, deliberately avoided the topic of the previous conflict and instead transformed into a guide. With his fingertips, he traced the layout of the academy across the layered mountains: "The main campus is located halfway up the mountain, and the simulated cultivation areas are scattered like stars, some hidden in the dense forest, and some by the lake."

The master stroked the Martial Soul Manual in his sleeve, his gaze fixed on the depths of the clouds: "Teacher Sun, may I ask what the current scale of your academy is?"

Sun Buyu sighed softly, brushing aside the strands of hair that fell across his forehead: "There are over five hundred students, all from prominent families in the empire; and over fifty instructors, which is quite a large number..."

His words abruptly stopped as he gazed at the faintly visible glazed tiles in the distance, a hint of sorrow settling between his brows.

Everyone remained silent in tacit agreement, and the rustling of the mountain wind through the treetops seemed to be telling him what he hadn't said.

After navigating several winding mountain roads, the main campus of the Tiandou Royal Academy suddenly came into view. The bright yellow walls stood majestically, and the glazed tiles on top of the walls shimmered with a warm luster in the setting sun. The five-meter-high walls were like an impregnable fortress, protecting the academy in its embrace.

As dusk deepened and the last rays of sunset faded from the horizon, the academy lit up with twinkling lights, like stars fallen from the night sky.

Sun Buyu led the group through the corridors, where few students were seen along the way.

"Most of them are in seclusion in the mimicry zone, cultivating their skills."

He explained, pushing open the carved wooden door and leading everyone into the elegantly decorated reception room, "Please rest for a moment, I'll go find Teacher Qin Ming now."

What do you all think of this place?

Flanders stroked the armrest of the sandalwood chair, his gaze sweeping over his companion.

Shao Xin took off the candy pouch from his waist, picked up a candy and put it in his mouth: "The spiritual energy is abundant, making it more suitable for cultivation than I imagined. Even the air smells sweet."

Zhao Wuji leaned back on the cushions, stretching his burly body: "It is indeed a good place to retire. It's close to Tiandou City, making it convenient to purchase medicinal herbs and supplies. It's just that those noble children..."

He pursed his lips, eliciting a knowing chuckle.

As they were talking, hurried footsteps approached from afar.

Qin Ming strode into the room, his bronze face flushed with excitement: "We've been waiting for the teachers!"

He raised his hand to perform a grand salute, but Flander stopped him with a smile.

"Stop with the formalities!" Flander patted him on the shoulder. "How are things going here? The hospital won't back out, will they?"

Qin Ming's eyes were full of confidence: "Don't worry! The Royal Fighting Team's performance in actual combat is the best proof. The academy has already vacated the west wing of the courtyard."

He led the group through the moon gate, and a quiet courtyard came into view.

A path paved with blue bricks leads to a separate room, bright and clean, with brand-new bedding neatly folded. Freshly picked wildflowers are also displayed in the reception room. Outside the courtyard, the green mountains are like dark eyebrows, and in the distance, the lake glistens. A winding path leads straight to the foot of the mountain.

The Shrek members exclaimed in amazement as they pushed open their respective room doors. Zhu Zhuqing gently stroked the soft bed, while Oscar tidied his newly changed clothes in front of the bronze mirror.

"Senior Qin is so reliable!" Ma Hongjun's loud voice echoed in the courtyard.

As night fell, everyone gathered in the reception room.

Qin Ming poured a cup of tea, his gaze earnest: "This place is close to the foot of the mountain, making it convenient to get to the city, and we can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. I wanted to take the teachers to the city for a welcome dinner, but it's already getting late..."

“No need to spend money.” Flander pressed down on his hand as he tried to get up. “We Shrek people have never been concerned with trivial matters.”

Qin Ming insisted, "Dean, if it weren't for your exceptional admission and your meticulous guidance back then, where would Qin Ming be today?" His voice trembled slightly, "Now that I can finally repay you in some way, let me do my part."

At 3:45 AM, before the morning bell of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy had even rung, Qin Ming had been pacing back and forth in front of the Shrek Academy gate for quite some time.

He raised his hand to knock on the door, but then noticed the wrinkles on his cuffs and hurriedly straightened them—he was to meet the three Soul Masters of the Education Committee today, and could not afford to be impolite in the slightest.

"Qin Ming, don't be nervous." Flander's voice came from inside the door. The Shrek Academy Dean was fastening the cloth buttons at his collar, his gaze sweeping over the empty west wing.

"The mistress didn't come home last night, and the master is a little uneasy. Let's go and come back quickly."

The group arrived outside the council hall, where the vermilion gates were already wide open.

Three elderly men dressed in black Contra suits stood with their hands behind their backs, their martial spirit patterns embroidered with gold thread appearing and disappearing in the morning mist.

In the center, Meng Shenji's silver hair fell to his shoulders, and his thin, bony hands gently caressed the black demon bird totem on his cuffs; to his left, Bai Baoshan stood like an iron tower, the emblem of the Heavenly Star Furnace Martial Soul at his waist gleaming with a cold metallic light; to his right, Zhi Lin's face was calm, and the cuffs with the Azure Vine pattern rose and fell slightly with his breath.

"Shrek Academy greets the three seniors." Flander clasped his hands in a salute, and the others behind him bowed in turn—only Grandmaster frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the mountain path outside the council hall several times, the matter of Tang San's failure to return last night weighing heavily on his heart like a boulder.

Meng Shenji stepped forward and gestured for support, saying, "Dean Flander, there's no need for such formality. I've long heard of your academy's reputation for only accepting monsters, and seeing you today, I can confirm it's well-deserved." His gaze swept over the Shrek Seven Devils, lingering briefly on Dai Mubai's wicked eyes and Xiao Wu's rabbit ears, before suddenly stopping.
"However... where is that genius soul master named Tang San? I've heard Qin Ming mention him."

Upon hearing this, the master's fingers involuntarily tightened, his nails almost digging into his palm. Flander coughed lightly and said seriously, "My disciple Tang San went out yesterday and did not return all night. After we finish discussing important matters with the seniors, we will send people to look for him."

Bai Baoshan patted his belly with his chubby hand, causing the gold thread on his suit to ripple: "Young people are bound to be eager to start practicing martial arts early. Let's talk about serious matters first, and not let the children's affairs interfere with the overall situation."

He turned to the Shrek Academy students, his gaze lingering on Zhao Wuji for a moment longer. "This must be Teacher Zhao Wuji? A level 76 Battle Soul Emperor. Back then, his Immovable King Body technique caused a lot of trouble for many people in the Spirit Hall."

Zhao Wuji clasped his hands and laughed, "Senior Bai, you flatter me. It's just some Jianghu tricks."

He spoke humbly, but his gaze swept into the council hall—three Soul Douluos personally greeted him at the door and knew the Shrek Academy's faculty inside and out, clearly having come prepared in advance.

Zhilin suddenly spoke, his voice meandering like a vine: "The Shrek Seven Devils are even more outstanding than rumored." His gaze fell on Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, "The little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, your family actually let you wander outside?"

Ning Rongrong subconsciously gripped the hem of her skirt, about to speak, when Flander interrupted, "Rongrong joined Shrek voluntarily. Our academy has never discriminated based on background, only on talent." He paused, glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Grandmaster, "Just like when Grandmaster joined us back then, no one cared that he came from the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family."

Meng Shenji's pupils contracted slightly—Yu Xiaogang's name was always a taboo within the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family. He quickly regained his smile, gesturing for everyone to enter:

"This is not the place for discussion. Please come inside."

The interior was simply furnished, with only three stacks of files on the central long table, the top stack of which was clearly labeled with information on Shrek Academy students.

The master's gaze swept over the name "Tang San" on the file, and his heart tightened again.

"Master, how have you been?" Zhilin suddenly spoke, interrupting the master's thoughts. "Back then, in the Spirit Hall's database, I saw your book, 'The Ten Core Competencies of Spirit,' and your discussion on twin spirits still benefits me greatly to this day."

The master cupped his hands and said, "These are just some superficial insights; I hope you will forgive my ignorance, senior."

Seeing the master's displeasure, Flander spoke up at the opportune moment: "Three seniors, we have come here for two reasons. First, we have accepted Qin Ming's invitation to join your esteemed academy. Second, we wish to find a broader platform for our children. As for teaching matters, we have only one request—"

“Freedom,” Meng Shenji interjected, a smile playing on his lips. “Qin Ming has already conveyed your academy’s philosophy. Rest assured, at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, all teachers can decide their own teaching content and schedules, and the academy will allocate an additional three thousand gold soul coins per month as a stipend. As for these children…” He glanced at the Shrek Seven Devils…
"If you wish to participate in the Heavenly Dou-level student assessment, you may do so at any time."

Dai Mubai stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "We are here not for the assessment, but to become stronger." His voice carried the arrogance of a prince of Xingluo. "If your academy has suitable opponents, we are ready to fight at any time."

Bai Baoshan laughed heartily, causing the candlelight in the hall to flicker: "Good! Young people should have this kind of spirit! How about the training ground tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)? Let's see just how tough the monsters of Shrek Academy really are!"

The atmosphere inside the council hall grew increasingly heated, but the master remained distracted.

He gazed at the rising sun outside the hall, estimating the time Tang San had disappeared. Given Tang San's speed, he should have returned long ago.

Unless... he really did meet with misfortune in that dangerous place.

“Master, don’t worry.” Flander suddenly kicked him lightly under the table and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “After we finish our business, I’ll go to Tiandou City with you. Xiao San is tough; he’ll be fine.”

Zhilin's gaze suddenly swept towards the master, a faint smile appearing on his lips: "Master seems to have something on your mind? Why don't you speak frankly, perhaps we can help."

The master was startled, but remained outwardly calm: "I'm just worried about the student. It's his first time traveling alone, so it's understandable that I'm concerned."

Meng Shenji waved his hand: "Training is an essential part of a student's growth. How about this, after today's meeting, I'll send the academy's scout team to assist in the search? There's no one they can't find within thirty miles of Tiandou City."

Flander quickly thanked him, but he knew in his heart that the three Soul Douluos sent out a scout team not so much to help, but because they were curious about Tang San's twin martial souls.

But this is not the time to worry about these things. As long as we can find Tang San as soon as possible, any help is welcome.

The aroma of tea in the council hall gradually faded, and the morning light bathed the blue bricks inside. As the Shrek members rose to take their leave, the Grandmaster deliberately lagged behind, glancing at Dream God as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Suddenly, the sound of dragging footsteps came from outside the corridor on the stone slab. The two footsteps approached from afar, but carried an eerie rhythm.

Before anyone could react, a rough voice pierced through the carved wooden door:
"Is Chief Engineer Meng Shenji here?"

Meng Shenji nearly dropped the teacup in his hand. He stood up abruptly, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes.

Bai Baoshan and Zhilin exchanged a glance, their previously peaceful faces instantly clouded with gloom. The three hurriedly went to the palace gate, only to see the gilded doors being violently pushed open, bringing with them a chilling aura that rushed into the palace.

The first to step in was the young man who had been taught a lesson by Dai Mubai yesterday. He stood tall and proud, a malicious sneer on his lips, his gaze sweeping over the Shrek Academy students like a venomous snake.

Beside him stood an elderly man in a bright yellow brocade robe with dragon patterns, his hands clasped behind his back. The robe was embroidered with intricate peony patterns in gold thread, but the luxurious attire could not conceal the sinister look in his triangular eyes.

Everyone's attention was quickly drawn to the figure on the old man's right—a hunched old man with long, dark green hair growing wildly like weeds, a sunken face with a bluish-gray tinge, and emerald-like eyes staring intently at them, sending chills down their spines.

Strangely, no one noticed how he moved at all, as if he were a shadow attached to the old man.

"Prince Xuexing, what brings you here?" Meng Shenji suppressed his unease and forced a smile.

The old man, known as Prince Xuexing, snorted coldly and casually pointed at the Shrek group with his finger adorned with a jade thumb ring: "I heard these bastards caused trouble at the academy gate yesterday? And even injured my nephew, Xue Beng?"

Just as Flanders was about to retort, a dull thud came from outside the hall as something heavy fell to the ground.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a dark green figure appear like a ghost, carrying a bloody and mangled person and slamming him heavily to the ground.

The newcomer was none other than Dugu Bo. He shook the blood off his hands, a mocking sneer on his face: "Isn't Your Highness looking for troublemakers? I caught this kid in Sunset Forest. He stole my treasure and dares to call himself a member of Shrek Academy."

All eyes were focused on the person on the ground. The person had a bruised and swollen face, tattered clothes, and was covered with whip marks and bruises of varying depths. It was Tang San, who had disappeared overnight.

He struggled to lift his head, and the moment he saw the Shrek Seven Devils, a flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly overwhelmed by the intense pain.

"Tang San!" Grandmaster and Flander rushed forward almost simultaneously, but were forced back by the Azure Phosphorus Poison rising from Dugu Bo's body.

"That brat sneaked into my medicine hut yesterday," Dugu Bo sneered, his long, slender fingers tracing the blood-stained nails.
"He stole my herbs and I caught him red-handed."

His gaze swept over the Shrek students, his eyes full of mockery.

"I heard you're his teachers? It's true what they say, a good teacher produces a good student, but all the good disciples they produce are good at is stealing chickens and dogs!"

Upon hearing this, Flander's pupils suddenly contracted, and the veins on his temples bulged.

He took a step forward, the wings of his Cat-Owl Martial Soul faintly visible behind him: "Don't you dare make false accusations! Tang San is definitely not that kind of person!"

"I've already shown him great mercy by sparing his life." Dugu Bo touched the remaining poison marks on his fingertips, his emerald eyes gleaming coldly: "Whether he stole it or not, you can ask him yourself."

(End of this chapter)