The next day.
On the training grounds of Eastsea Academy.
Led by Tang Luochuan, the members of Zero Class stood together, surrounded by teachers and students of Eastsea Academy, all bidding them farewell one last time.
"Teacher Wu, you and the children..."
"Have a safe journey, and do come back to visit often."
Dean Yu Lian and Academic Director Long Xuheng gazed at the young boys and girls before them, their faces filled with unconcealed emotion.
It felt like just yesterday they were still little kids, and now, in the blink of an eye, they were heading to Shrek Academy.
Over the years, the children of Zero Class had brought their academy countless honors—whether it was first place in the Tianhai Alliance Grand Competition or being recognized as the strongest in the coastal city...
The children of Zero Class would always be their pride.
"This time, when you leave for Shrek Academy's entrance exam, don't come back... cough What I mean is, study hard at Shrek Academy and don't embarrass our Zero Class."
"Remember to visit often."
Yu Lian stepped forward and gently patted Wu Zhangkong and Tang Luochuan on the shoulders, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.
No matter what...
He would never forget such outstanding children.
"Mmm..."
Wu Zhangkong and Tang Luochuan's expressions were far from calm as they looked at the elderly man who had to stand on a stool just to reach their shoulders. They couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated.
"..."
As Tang Wulin watched the crowd coming and going, he soon froze in surprise. Many had come to see them off—even Yun Xiao, his former roommate, was among them.
Yet, no matter how long he waited, he couldn't spot the one person he truly wanted to see.
"This doesn't make sense..."
"Did she not come?"
A trace of disappointment flickered in Tang Wulin's eyes as he murmured to himself.
"Wu Lin, what are you thinking about?"
Noticing his younger brother's distracted state, Tang Luochuan also realized who was missing from the crowd. After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head helplessly.
So typical—avoiding the pain of farewell by not showing up at all...
"Didn't you notice Sister Mu Xi isn't here either?"
"Maybe they're waiting for us at the station."
Tang Luochuan had considered many possibilities before settling on this explanation, speaking earnestly. After all, Mu Xi wasn't part of Zero Class and was a special admission student—she was probably already waiting for them at the station.
"At the station...?"
Tang Wulin's innocent face instantly brightened with hope. He refused to believe Sister Zixin wouldn't come to see him off.
"Teacher Wu, let's go."
In an instant, he turned eagerly toward Wu Zhangkong, his expression full of anticipation.
"Oh?"
"Alright, it's time to leave."
Wu Zhangkong gave a slight nod and smiled.
Not long after, at Eastsea City's Soul Guidance Train Station.
"Sister Mu Xi, Uncle Mu Chen."
As soon as they entered the station, Tang Wulin spotted Mu Xi and Mu Chen waiting for them. He immediately dashed over, faster than ever before.
"Wu Lin, you're here."
Mu Chen greeted him with a smile, but he soon noticed the boy's gaze wasn't fixed on him or his daughter.
"Hmm?"
"Wu Lin, are you looking for someone?"
For a moment, Mu Chen looked puzzled.
"Uncle, Sister Mu Xi..."
"Did Sister Zixin not come with you?"
Tang Wulin's face was etched with bitterness as he murmured,
"No?"
Mu Chen shook his head blankly, while Mu Xi beside him stared at Tang Wulin with equal helplessness.
"She didn't come," Mu Xi said bluntly.
"This…"
At those words, the light in Tang Wulin's eyes instantly dimmed. She hadn't come…
Did Sister Zixin really not come to see him one last time…
For a moment, his face was painted with unmistakable desolation.
"Wu Lin," Mu Xi said, her gaze inexplicably carrying a hint of amusement as she looked at the visibly troubled and sorrowful Tang Wulin. "You're really upset, aren't you?"
"Yeah…"
Tang Wulin forced a bitter smile and nodded. At this point, even if he wanted to claim he wasn't troubled, she probably wouldn't believe him.
"You don't want to let her go, do you?" Mu Xi pressed further.
"I don't," Tang Wulin admitted, his eyes reddening as he nodded.
"Here."
With a light hum, Mu Xi retrieved a letter from her Soul Guidance Device as if performing a magic trick and handed it to him.
"Huh? What's this…?" Tang Wulin froze, confusion written all over his face.
"She absolutely refused to say goodbye, but she also couldn't bear to just drift apart from you. So, I spent all night comforting her."
Mu Xi pointed at her dark circles and sighed. "This is the letter she finally left for you after I spent the whole night coaxing her."
For the sake of this potential future couple, she had gone to great lengths!
"What are you standing there for?"
Mu Xi shook the letter in her hand. "Take it already."
"Thank you, Sister Mu Xi!"
Tang Wulin snapped out of his daze, his eyes instantly lighting up as he carefully took the letter like a treasure, grinning widely. "May good people live long and happy lives! I hope you find true love soon!"
"You're welcome."
Mu Xi chuckled and shook her head, thinking to herself that Wu Lin really did have a conscience. If the two of them could build a happy life together in the future, nothing would be better.
As for finding true love…
Her gaze drifted toward Tang Luochuan, who stood not far behind Tang Wulin, her eyes flickering with emotion. But just as quickly, she glanced at Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan beside him.
The light in her eyes faded again. Her true love…
Might not be so easy to win over.
"Sister Zixin didn't come."
"But she left a letter…"
Tang Luochuan smiled, his eyes settling on the letter his brother held so preciously. Who else could it be from, if not Ouyang Zixin?
"It took me a whole night of coaxing to get this!"
Mu Xi hurried over, pointing emphatically at her dark circles as she declared righteously.
"You've worked hard, Sister Mu Xi."
Tang Luochuan immediately gave her a thumbs-up, grinning.
"Not hard at all."
Mu Xi waved it off, smiling. "As long as they can live happily, that's all that matters."
Of course…
If she could live happily with Luo Chuan too, that would be even better!
"…"
Nearby, Gu Yue listened quietly, lost in thought.
In the future…
She and Na'er would also live happily with Luo Chuan!
"So."
"Wu Lin likes that girl from the Ouyang family, huh."
While waiting for the bus, Mu Chen, who was watching the little boy reading the letter beside him, quickly understood the situation. A smile spread across his face as he said cheerfully:
"Hmm..."
"Uncle Mu, do you think if I show exceptional talent at Shrek Academy, I could bring Zixin along?" Tang Wulin grinned, then seemed to remember something as he looked at Mu Chen with hopeful eyes.
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Mu Xi's eyes immediately lit up with similar anticipation. She hadn't considered this approach before.
Perhaps her own talent wasn't outstanding enough.
But Luo Chuan and Wu Lin definitely qualified. If they made the request, would Shrek's leadership relax their conditions?
"Well..."
At this question, Mu Chen fell into deep thought. Seeing his reaction, both Mu Xi and Tang Wulin froze, their hearts suddenly suspended.
"This is bad... seems hopeless," Tang Wulin couldn't help but think nervously.
Only Tang Luochuan noticed clearly - the corners of Mu Chen's mouth were practically twitching with suppressed amusement.
"Before answering your question, let me tell you about Shrek's most powerful forging master," Mu Chen finally shook his head slightly with a smile.
"Hmm?"
"Dad, I know this one - it's that forging master named Feng Wuyu. Peak eighth rank, quite familiar with you," Mu Xi responded thoughtfully.
"Exactly, him." Mu Chen nodded.
"He's not just a Super Douluo and president of Shrek's Forging Association - he's also part of the academy's senior leadership."
"He became a seventh-rank Saint Craftsman at age 47 - a full thirty-five years later than Luo Chuan," he explained slowly.
"A seventh-rank Saint Craftsman in his forties..." Mu Xi looked contemplative while Tang Wulin stood stunned.
"Seems... pretty mediocre," Gu Yue remarked after glancing at Tang Luochuan, unable to hold back her assessment.
"Let's not say that. It's actually decent ability," Tang Luochuan chuckled and shook his head. They couldn't compare everyone to these three. Considering Feng Wuyu pursued forging while advancing his cultivation, it wasn't that...
Well, still rather weak talent.
"I'm not telling you this to mock him," Mu Chen continued seriously.
"But if Wu Lin seeks his help, I believe he absolutely wouldn't refuse..."
"As one of Sea God Pavilion's Elders and part of the academy's leadership, he could certainly assist you. Having additional strong supporters would naturally be better."
Mu Chen smiled knowingly. These two youngsters - Luo Chuan and Wu Lin - both bore the makings of Divine Blacksmiths! Even his daughter now showed such potential. Once they reached Shrek Academy...
They'd thoroughly humble that old geezer.
As for this favor? The old man would never refuse - after all, it might become his stepping stone to attempting Divine Blacksmith status himself.
"Sea God Pavilion Elder..." Tang Wulin murmured expectantly.
"Actually."
"I might be able to help with this matter too."
At this moment, Wu Zhangkong offered with a slight smile.
"Teacher Wu!"
"You have a way too?!"
Tang Wulin nearly jumped with excitement - he'd almost forgotten his teacher was originally from Shrek Academy!
"President Mu Chen mentioned Elder Feng, who is my teacher's sworn brother. The two of them are known as the Twin Holy Dragons of the inner court."
"He's long known that I've been mentoring two children with dragon-type Martial Souls in Eastsea. Perhaps he could help you too."
Teacher Wu Zhangkong said with a smile. He had often seen Wu Lin and that little girl from the Ouyang family running laps on the academy's training field - the two youngsters had left quite an impression on him.
Ah, the awkward innocence of youth...
If he could help in some way, he thought it would be quite nice.
"Long live Teacher Wu!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Wulin immediately exclaimed with joy.
The Twin Holy Dragons of the inner court - just the name sounded impressive. And they were Teacher Wu's own mentors too. With such powerful figures...
"Sister Zixin."
"I won't make you wait too long..."
Tang Wulin took a deep breath and silently vowed to himself.
He...
Absolutely wouldn't!
PS: -Mini Theater-
"Actually..."
"My teacher might be able to help too?"
Later, when Na'er learned about this situation, she thought about her own teacher - the world's number one powerhouse and Sea God Pavilion Master, Yun Ming - and quietly raised her hand.
Tang Wulin: "..."
I had no idea!
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