Chapter 171: It Became a Soul Ring
"Teacher, I have returned. I am sorry to have made you worry."
Tang San's voice carried a hint of undisguised guilt.
He looked at Yu Xiaogang, his eyes full of apology.
Ever since he had vanished into thin air on the plaza in front of the Pope's Palace, it was as if he had completely evaporated from this world, leaving no clues behind and having no contact with Yu Xiaogang whatsoever.
Over these two years, Yu Xiaogang had constantly worried about Tang San and had tried to inquire about his whereabouts, but to no avail.
At this moment, seeing Tang San return safely, the weight on Yu Xiaogang's heart was finally lifted.
He nodded with relief, his eyes slightly reddening.
"Xiao San, it is good that you are back. You have changed so much; I almost didn't recognize you. It seems you have experienced a lot and grown significantly over these two years."
Tang San lowered his head and said softly, "Teacher, I have indeed had some special experiences over these two years."
Yu Xiaogang gently patted Tang San on the shoulder.
"Yes, it is good that you are back. This is not the place to talk; come with me. I have good news for you: Xiao Wu has also returned to the academy."
Upon hearing this, a look of disbelief flashed in Tang San's eyes.
"What?!! Xiao Wu has really returned?!"
"Shh! Keep your voice down. Xiao San, the fact that Xiao Wu has returned to the academy is currently known only to us few teachers; it must be kept secret for now."
Yu Xiaogang hurriedly made a gesture for silence.
He looked around, fearing that Tang San's voice might be overheard by outsiders.
Tang San nodded quickly, his expression becoming serious.
"Yes, I understand."
"Let's go; I will take you to see her now. Xiao Wu, Flender, and the others will definitely be very happy to see you."
Tang San nodded with a smile and walked with Yu Xiaogang toward the depths of the academy.
Before long, the two arrived at a quiet garden.
There was a wooden house in this garden.
Tang San was all too familiar with this place.
However, this wooden house had been expanded, with several small wooden rooms connected together.
Yu Xiaogang stopped and pointed to one of the wooden rooms, saying, "Some time ago, Xiao Wu also experienced some special events. After returning to the academy, for the sake of her safety, Erlong and I have been living here. That is her room; go and see her."
Tang San could already feel Xiao Wu's aura.
That was the person he had been thinking about day and night. Now that he could finally see her, his heart could not help but race.
Inside the room, Xiao Wu was sitting cross-legged, concentrating on her Cultivate.
Sunlight shone through the window onto her, coating her in a golden radiance.
Sensing a familiar aura, she suddenly opened her eyes.
Through the gap in the door, she seemed to see a familiar figure.
A flash of surprise crossed Xiao Wu's eyes, which immediately transformed into endless joy and excitement.
"Brother, is that you?"
Xiao Wu stood up abruptly, her voice trembling slightly, unable to believe that the person outside the door was indeed Tang San.
Tang San stepped forward quickly and pushed open the door.
Their eyes met instantly.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still.
"Xiao Wu, it is me, I have returned!"
Looking at Xiao Wu in front of him, Tang San's eyes turned slightly red.
Two years had passed, and Xiao Wu had also undergone significant changes; she now possessed a touch of mature temperament.
"Brother, it really is you."
"It is me. I am sorry to have made you worry."
Tang San pulled Xiao Wu tightly into his embrace.
Feeling the reality and warmth of Xiao Wu in his arms, his heart was filled with emotion and happiness.
"It is okay, it is good that you are back. Brother, let us never be apart again."
Seeing the scene of Tang San and Xiao Wu embracing tightly, a relieved smile appeared on Yu Xiaogang's face, and he silently closed the door.
Liu Erlong, in the next room, sensed the movement and came out to check, but only saw Yu Xiaogang with a smile on his face.
"Xiaogang, what are you so happy about?"
"Erlong, Xiao San has returned."
"Is that so? Where is he?"
Liu Erlong was also surprised and looked around.
Yu Xiaogang pointed to Xiao Wu's room and said softly, "They haven't seen each other in so long; they must have a lot to talk about. Let us give them some time alone first. I am going to tell Flender and the others this good news."
Yu Xiaogang turned to leave, but as if thinking of something, he stopped and said to Liu Erlong, "Erlong, you stay here. In case anything happens, there will be someone to look after things."
Liu Erlong nodded, looking at Xiao Wu's room with gentle eyes, and also felt genuinely happy for Tang San's return.
Inside the room, Xiao Wu snuggled into Tang San's arms and asked softly, "Brother, where did you go these past two years?"
Tang San gently stroked Xiao Wu's long hair and said softly, "Father took me to a very far place, where I practiced the Clear Sky Hammer for a year. Later, I went to another place and trained there for a year. However, no matter where I went, I was always thinking of you in my heart. Now, I have finally returned, and we will never be apart again."
Upon hearing this, a happy smile appeared on Xiao Wu's face.
She knew that Tang San's return meant they could once again face the challenges and difficulties of life together, just like before.
The two embraced quietly, enjoying this rare peace and happiness.
Xiao Wu suddenly thought of Tang Hao.
"By the way, Brother, did Uncle Tang not come back with you?"
Mentioning Tang Hao, Tang San's expression changed instantly. His heart suddenly felt as if it were being twisted by a knife, and tears welled up in his eyes.
Sensing Tang San's abnormality, Xiao Wu also became nervous.
"Brother, what is wrong?"
"My father, he... he might no longer be with us."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu felt as if she had been struck by a bolt of lightning, freezing in place like a wooden statue.
She had just been immersed in the joy of seeing Tang San again, and she had not expected to hear such heartbreaking news so quickly.
She felt it was unbelievable and could not accept it.
That was the peerless and invincible Clear Sky Douluo!
"Brother, what exactly happened? How could this..."
Tang San clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and his gaze suddenly became fierce.
"All of this was caused by Long Chen! Sooner or later, I will tear him into pieces!"
"Long Chen? Why is it him again!!!"
Mentioning Long Chen, Xiao Wu also felt angry.
Tang San held Xiao Wu's shoulders, looked into her eyes, and said with a serious expression, "Xiao Wu, I heard that Long Chen and Dugu Bo killed your friend in the forest center, that one-hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast. A few days ago, my father and I also went to the forest center. I want to tell you something; you must prepare yourself mentally."
Upon hearing this, a bad premonition suddenly arose in Xiao Wu's heart.
"Brother, did you see Da Ming?"
"Da Ming? Are you talking about that one-hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast that can speak human language?"
"Yes, that is it."
Tang San shook his head.
"I was just about to tell you about this. I did not see its physical form, but it seems it has already become Long Chen's eighth Soul Ring."