Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

"Come here, Erlongmei, let me introduce you. These are the most valuable students and teachers of Shrek Academy today." Flander turned to the side and pointed to Zhao Wuji and the others first.

He introduced them one by one: "This is Zhao Wuji, the Soul Saint, the vice dean and practical instructor of the academy... This is Teacher Li Yusong... Teacher Lu Qibin... Teacher Shao Xin..."

Liu Erlong forced herself not to look at Yu Xiaogang. Following Flander's introduction, she nodded slightly to the Shrek teachers as a greeting, but anyone could see that her mind was not on the subject at all.

After introducing their teacher, Flander finally looked solemnly at the Shrek Seven Devils, cleared his throat, and raised his voice slightly, carrying a hint of barely perceptible pride and... perhaps a deliberate attempt to change the subject:

"These little guys are the Shrek Seven Devils, the little monsters of our Shrek Academy this generation."

"Captain, Dai Mubai, Martial Soul: Evil-Eyed White Tiger, Level 39 Power Attack Type Battle Soul Venerable."

"Tang San, Martial Soul Blue Silver Grass, Level 36 Control-type Battle Soul Master."

"Cinderella, Martial Soul Crystal Dancing Shoes, Level 36 Agility-Attack Type Battle Soul Master."

"Zhu Zhuqing, Martial Soul Netherworld Cat, Level 31 Agility-Attack Type Battle Soul Venerable."

"Oscar, Martial Soul Sausage, Level 31 Food-type Weapon Soul Master."

"Ma Hongjun, Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix, Level 31 Power Attack Type Battle Soul Venerable."

"Lin An, Martial Soul Miracle Veil, Level 35 Control-type Weapon Soul Master."

Each time he introduced someone, Liu Erlong's gaze would linger briefly on that person, but it was quickly replaced by an even stronger concern for Yu Xiaogang.

After the introduction, Flander looked at the Shrek students with their varied expressions and finally gave them the answer they most wanted to know:

"This is Liu Erlong, the dean of Blue Tyrant Academy. Perhaps... you have heard of her before. She was the last member of the Golden Iron Triangle who roamed the world of Soul Masters with me and Grandmaster."

Chapter 368 Love Me, Love My Dog

The Golden Triangle.

Dean Flander, the Master, and this Dean Liu Erlong!

The Shrek Seven Devils and the other teachers suddenly realized, but what followed was an even stronger curiosity and desire to explore.

So the master had such a past?

To be able to roam the world of Soul Masters alongside Dean Flander and this powerful female dean, leaving a name for himself, what was the master like back then...?

Moreover, judging from the current situation, there must be an extraordinary past between the master and Dean Liu Erlong!

Even after the introductions, the atmosphere remained subtle and tense.

Liu Erlong's gaze was almost fixed on Yu Xiaogang, while Yu Xiaogang kept his head down as if there were some priceless treasure on the ground beneath his feet.

Seeing this, Flander knew that the conversation that was about to begin was not suitable for these younger colleagues to overhear.

He winked at the teacher.

Yin Shu understood immediately and stepped forward with a polite smile, saying to the Shrek academy students, "You have all come from afar and must be tired. The Dean is reunited with an old friend and must have a lot to say. Why don't I take you to settle down first? The academy has already prepared accommodations for you to rest."

This is clearly an invitation to leave.

Although the Shrek Seven Devils and their teachers were itching with excitement, they knew their limits and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes, let's go settle in first."

"Thank you for your help, Teacher Yinshu."

"Dean, Master, please continue your conversation. We'll be leaving now."

Following Yinshu, the group left the lakeside flower garden, turning back every few steps, and headed out of the forest.

Only when they had walked far enough away that the thatched hut and the three silent figures were completely out of sight did the group seem to shed an invisible pressure and breathe a sigh of relief.

Immediately, the curiosity that had been suppressed all the way erupted like a volcano!

"The Golden Triangle? My God! The master actually has such a cool past?" Ma Hongjun was the first to exclaim, his small eyes wide open.

Oscar stroked his chin, his peach blossom eyes gleaming with gossip: "It's not just the past! Didn't you see the way Dean Liu looked at the master? He was practically dripping with water... cough, he was practically devouring the master! And the master's reaction, like he'd seen a ghost... no, even scarier than seeing a ghost! There's definitely a story behind this! A big story!"

Dai Mubai's brows remained furrowed as he said in a deep voice, "The Golden Iron Triangle... seems to be a well-known trio in the Soul Master world decades ago, with a unique style of doing things, but they disappeared without a trace later. I never expected... it would be Dean Flander, Grandmaster, and this Dean Liu."

Lin Anzi's eyes seemed thoughtful as she said softly, "The master's reaction was indeed very unusual. He's usually such a calm and rational person..."

Although Zhu Zhuqing didn't speak, her cool cat-like eyes looked at Cinderella and Tang San, clearly waiting for their opinions.

Cinderella sighed softly and said in a low voice, "Teacher Xiaogang's emotions... are fluctuating a lot. I've never seen him like that before."

Tang San gripped Cinderella's hand tightly and nodded.

The love, hate, and grudges of one's elders are always something that piques people's curiosity.

Not to mention Oscar and Ma Hongjun, who love to join in the fun and are always eager for chaos, even Zhu Zhuqing, who is usually aloof and cold, couldn't help but huddle together with Cinderella and Lin An. The girls exchanged glances and guesses in hushed tones.

Although Dai Mubai maintained the airs of a captain, his perked-up ears and frequent glances into the depths of the forest betrayed his true intentions.

Amidst this complex mix of shock, curiosity, and a touch of worry for the master, the group was led by Yinshu to the dormitory area arranged for them by Lanba Academy. But their hearts remained, clearly, by the lake in that tranquil forest, and with those three figures seemingly frozen in time.

……

I wonder what Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flander talked about by the lakeside flower garden.

Is it a tearful reunion after a long separation? Is it a settlement of past grievances? Or is it a silent exchange of glances?

The Shrek members had no way of knowing.

All they knew was that as night fell, when Dean Flander returned to the dormitory area alone, his expression was complex and hard to decipher, showing both deep exhaustion and a sense of relief.

Master Yu Xiaogang did not appear until late at night.

The following day, as the Shrek Seven Devils began to familiarize themselves with the environment and facilities of Blue Tyrant Academy under the guidance of Teacher Yinshu, Dean Liu Erlong appeared.

Completely different from the woman who was emotionally distraught and lost control of her emotions by the lake yesterday, she now wore a smart, dark purple dean's robe, her long hair was tied up, and her makeup was exquisite, reverting to the image of the powerful female dean who oversees the vast academy.

She walked slowly along the edge of the training field, her gaze sweeping over the Shrek Seven as they adapted to the new venue.

Her steps faltered slightly when her gaze fell upon Cinderella.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Liu Erlong walked straight towards Cinderella.

A gentle and kind smile appeared on her face, completely different from yesterday, even with a hint of obvious...warmth.

"You must be Cindy?" Liu Erlong's voice was soft and pleasant, a stark contrast to the trembling and choked voice of yesterday.

She walked up to Cinderella and carefully examined the blonde, blue-eyed girl with a face as delicate as a porcelain doll, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration and... a deeper, softer light.

"I've heard Xiaogang mention you before. He said you're exceptionally intelligent and quick to understand, and that you're his most beloved and proudest student."

Cinderella was slightly taken aback. When she met Liu Erlong's smiling eyes, which seemed to see through people's hearts, she instantly understood.

It turned out to be the case.

It's because of Teacher Yu Xiaogang.

Dean Liu Erlong showed such special enthusiasm to Yu Xiaogang because Yu valued and liked him as a "good student".

This is a case of loving someone because you love their house and everything around them.

It was also a way... perhaps even Liu Erlong herself hadn't clearly realized it, an attempt to get closer to that stubborn and escapist man by getting close to the people Yu Xiaogang valued.

Cinderella immediately put on a demure, slightly shy smile and bowed slightly: "Dean Liu, you flatter me. It is all thanks to your excellent teaching, teacher. Student Cindy greets the Dean."

Her response was polite and humble, her clear blue eyes perfectly portraying the role of a well-behaved and sensible student who was loved by her teachers.

Liu Erlong's smile deepened. She reached out as if to pat Cinderella's shoulder, but then naturally withdrew her hand, her tone becoming even gentler: "No need for formalities. Once you're at Blue Tyrant Academy, feel at home. If you need anything or have any questions about cultivation, feel free to come to me anytime. Xiao Gang's student is my student."

Chapter 369 The Timing of Taking Action

The affection in Liu Erlong's words was quite obvious.

Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others standing to the side exchanged glances, all understanding the source of this sudden special treatment.

Oscar and Ma Hongjun exchanged glances and silently mouthed each other: The master has a lot of influence!

Liu Erlong offered a few more words of encouragement to the Shrek Seven Devils, but her obvious favoritism and enthusiasm for Cinderella was clearly conveyed to everyone present.

Then, accompanied by her teacher, Yinshu, she turned and left to handle the academy's affairs.

The training ground has temporarily returned to calm.

But the Shrek Seven Devils all knew that their days at Blue Tyrant Academy would probably become more comfortable because of Grandmaster's mysterious past and Dean Liu Erlong's lingering complex feelings for him.

Feeling the gazes of her teammates around her, Cinderella lowered her eyes gently, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her fair cheeks.

Is she Mr. Yu Xiaogang's most beloved student?

She smiled silently to herself.

This identity might bring some unexpected benefits at Blue Tyrant Academy.

……

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Deep within Queen Eva's chambers in the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace.

Unlike the hustle and bustle outside and the atmosphere of the upcoming competition, this place is shrouded in an invisible tranquility and luxury.

The heavy velvet curtains blocked out most of the light, leaving only a few soul-guided lamps embedded in the walls emitting a soft and constant halo, coating the expensive carpets and antique furniture in the room with a warm luster.

A delicate, cool fragrance filled the air, creating a subtle contrast with the faint sounds of court music drifting in from outside the window.

Queen Eva reclined on a large, soft couch covered with snow-white animal hides, her fingertips lazily toying with a string of understated black pearls.

Today she wore a dark green court dress, which made her skin appear even whiter. Her smooth black hair was neatly combed and styled into an elegant updo. Her emerald eyes, in the dim light, were like deep pools, with unfathomable thoughts surging beneath their calm surface.

Opposite her, Qian Renxue, or rather, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, shed the gentle, refined, and patriotic facade he wore in court and before his ministers during the day.

She sat upright, dressed in simple moon-white casual clothes. Her face lacked some of the prince's majesty, but had more of her own cool and sharp temperament. However, the weariness of years of tension between her brows was still faintly visible.

There were no servants in the room; even the closest palace maids had been dismissed.

This space belongs only to the two of them at this moment, along with those secrets and schemes that cannot be told to outsiders.

"How has Xue'er been lately? I haven't seen the child for some time." Eva spoke first, her voice as smooth as a pearl in her hand, filled with concern, but revealing little emotional fluctuation.

She looked up at Qian Renxue, as if she were truly just a kind and caring elder who looked after her junior.

Qian Renxue picked up the warm black tea in front of her, took a sip, and felt the warmth from the porcelain cup on her cold fingertips, which softened her expression unconsciously.

"She's fine, you don't need to worry. Her cultivation has stabilized at level 59, just one step away from becoming a Soul Emperor. She's currently at the academy, doing final practice and preparation with her teammates for the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."