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After Dai Mubai communicated with Principal Flender and the teachers, he promptly greeted everyone individually, handling matters meticulously.
Especially when he bumped fists with Yang Xiong: "Little Xiong, it's been so many years since we last met, and you've grown even taller and stronger than me. It seems you've improved a lot over these years."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Everyone has their own path. Congratulations on finding your future."
Dai Mubai was now about 1.9 meters tall, while Yang Xiong stood at around 1.95 meters. Though their heights were similar, Yang Xiong's physique appeared noticeably more robust.
A faint smile appeared on Dai Mubai's face: "After so many years of training, I've gradually discovered what I truly want. The things I used to care about excessively now seem meaningless."
Yang Xiong sincerely offered his blessings: "Congratulations. We'll always be teammates."
Flender looked puzzled: "Mubai, what do you mean by this? Have you resolved the issues with your family?"
Everyone was well aware of the Star Luo Empire's brutal and bloody succession system, especially the five-year deadline given to Dai Mubai by the imperial family years ago.
Dai Mubai remained calm: "Principal, I've chosen my own path. I've communicated with the Star Luo Imperial Family—I've renounced both the crown prince position and the right to inherit the throne."
"From now on, I will have no connection to the throne, nor will I rely on the wealth or status of the Star Luo Empire. They will no longer interfere in any of my actions."
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. Flender quickly asked: "Mubai, did the Star Luo Imperial Family threaten you? Why would you make such a decision?"
Dai Mubai chuckled: "Over the past few years, Zhuqing and I have traveled and witnessed a broader world of soul masters. Rather than being trapped by the Star Luo Imperial Family, it's better to focus on cultivation. Perhaps I can reach higher realms in the future."
Flender thought deeply: "Very well, perhaps your choice is correct. But will the Star Luo Imperial Family stop pressuring you?"
Dai Mubai shook his head: "I had a serious talk with my older brother, Dai Weisi, and gained the approval of my father and the elders. From now on, neither I nor my descendants will ever have the right to inherit the throne. Even if I return to the Star Luo Empire, I'll only serve as an elder."
"I don't want my descendants to endure the suffering of the Star Luo Imperial Family or engage in fratricidal struggles. Zhuqing agrees with this decision as well."
Everyone fell silent after hearing this. Renouncing the throne required immense courage, but doing so could prevent future sibling conflicts. Whether it was a gain or loss was hard to say.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but feel admiration for Dai Mubai. He hadn't expected Dai Mubai to awaken earlier than in the original storyline and to act so decisively. The quagmire of the Star Luo Imperial Family was indeed treacherous.
However, Yang Xiong suddenly thought of a question: If Dai Mubai made this choice, wouldn't his descendants forever lose the chance to inherit the throne? Would Huo Hacker still appear in the future?
But Dai Mubai was also surprised to see Oscar's current state. After all, Dai Mubai had trained hard and undergone rigorous trials across the continent of Douluo.
Yet, Oscar's soul power had surpassed his. Dai Mubai was happy for his friend's growth, but a hint of competitive fire flickered in his eyes.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the two began an arm-wrestling match, clearly intending to compare their strength.
The scene returned to its former lively atmosphere, reminiscent of their days as a team—everyone competing and improving together.
At that moment, a voice came from afar: "You're all having so much fun; let me join in too!"
Someone looked toward the approaching figure. His build and appearance were somewhat familiar, and his voice sounded recognizable, but his demeanor was completely different.
Everyone took a closer look—it was Tang San.
Compared to five years ago, Tang San's physique had changed significantly.
Previously, he was only 1.7 meters tall, with a relatively thin and weak build and an ordinary face.
But now, Tang San stood over 1.85 meters tall, with solid muscles. He appeared to have bulked up considerably.
Though his facial features still bore a resemblance to his younger self, the youthful naivety had been replaced by a much firmer and resolute demeanor.
Yang Xiong immediately understood the reason for this change. In the past, Tang San primarily cultivated Blue Silver Grass, focusing on control, which made him appear agile.
But now, after years of intense training with the Heaven Splitting Hammer—a martial spirit known for its ferocity and emphasis on strength—his body had naturally become more muscular and robust.
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar were delighted.
"Xiao San, are you really Tang San? Your physique and demeanor have changed so much over the years."
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar surrounded Tang San, inspecting him closely and even pinching his muscles.
Tang San's muscles were now incredibly firm, each one rock-hard.
But contrary to his physical transformation, his movements exuded a noble air, far removed from his previous youthful awkwardness.
Yang Xiong even sensed a faint killing intent emanating from Tang San—not directed at anyone, but rather a natural result of having killed too many times.
What shocked Yang Xiong most was that Tang San's soul power was now at level 60.
According to Yang Xiong's estimation, Tang San should have reached level 60 long ago.
Considering Tang San's talent, he was already at level 42 during the Soul Master Tournament. That meant he had only increased by 18 levels over five years—an unusually slow pace.
In the original storyline, Tang San trained with Tang Hao and advanced by eight levels in just one year. However, due to spending three years in Slaughter City and Yue Xuan, his cultivation had been somewhat delayed. During that time, he obtained the Killing God Domain.
Judging from Tang San's current state, he must have undergone similar trials to those in Slaughter City or Yue Xuan. However, his aura suggested he hadn't gone to Slaughter City—their auras were entirely different. Slaughter City's aura was colder and more frenzied, while Tang San's current presence felt fiercer.
Yang Xiong noticed something strange: whether in the original story or now, Tang San's soul power was exactly at level 60. Could it be that fate had destined Xiao Wu to sacrifice herself to Tang San, creating an unbreakable cycle?
Moreover, Yang Xiong himself wasn't ready to absorb a soul ring yet, and none of the others were close either. There was no reason to venture into the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest.
…
Tang San remained as gentle as ever, greeting everyone warmly like a true gentleman.
Yang Xiong bumped fists with Tang San. Over the years, they had been both teammates and rivals, each striving to surpass the other.
"Yang Xiong, it's been so long. I feel like you've grown even stronger. Someday, I'll challenge you again."
A faint smile appeared on Yang Xiong's lips: "Tang San, you're always welcome. But if you lose, you can't back out of it."
Tang San burst into laughter: "Fair competition among friends, pushing each other to improve—that's what makes us true teammates."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Indeed. I hope we can always get along like this."
Dai Mubai interjected with a laugh: "Why don't you two fight now? Let's see the strength of Shrek's two strongest members."
Yang Xiong draped his arm over Dai Mubai's shoulder: "That doesn't seem appropriate. We should wait until Tang San acquires his soul ring. Otherwise, the fight wouldn't mean much."
Dai Mubai looked a bit helpless: "You two are real monsters. I don't know whether it's a blessing or a curse to have teammates like you."
Tang San also laughed: "Yang Xiong, don't worry. Sooner or later, I'll surpass you. Even if I can't defeat you now or as a Soul Emperor, I'll challenge you again as a Soul Douluo or even a Title Douluo."
After greeting everyone, Tang San approached Yu Xiaogang and bowed respectfully: "Teacher, I'm back, and I've grown stronger."
Yu Xiaogang smiled: "Xiao San, you've done very well. Seeing your growth is the greatest pride of my life."
Yu Xiaogang genuinely looked happy. Their bond was like that of father and son. Clearly, Tang San's growth meant everything to him.
Liu Erlong suddenly spoke up: "Since everyone's in such high spirits, why don't the teachers and students of Shrek Academy hold a soul battle? Let these juniors witness the prowess that earned you second place in the tournament."
Everyone pondered this suggestion, but soon excitement spread among them. They began rolling up their sleeves, eager to showcase their skills.
Flender sighed: "Erlong, fighting against so many of them alone might be a bit overwhelming. You know they're all little monsters."
Liu Erlong shot Flender a glare: "Boss Flender, how could I possibly harm you? I'm not asking you to fight alone—there's also Teacher Zhao. With the two of you facing off against these little monsters, it should be completely manageable, right?"
Zhao Wuji's interest was piqued: "Boss Flender, I've been itching for a fight lately. It's been a long time since I last sparred with Tang San and Mubai. I'd like to test their strength."
Several people attended this Shrek reunion, excluding Xiao Wu. Those present included Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Qin Shuang, Zhu Zhuqing, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan.
There were ten people in total. Though their paths had diverged, their overall strength had significantly improved compared to before. Facing two Soul Douluos shouldn't pose much of a problem.
However, after glancing at Yang Xiong, Zhao Wuji quickly added: "Boss Flender, fighting isn't a problem, but Little Bear absolutely cannot participate. If he does, I won't take the field."
Everyone was astonished by this statement, while Yang Xiong wore a faintly helpless expression.
Normally, Yang Xiong was evenly matched with Zhao Wuji. But with Oscar and Ning Rongrong's support, even Flender and Zhao Wuji combined wouldn't be able to handle him.
Flender thought deeply: "Alright then. Mubai, Tianheng, Tang San—you seven can form a team and strategize. It'll be Teacher Flender and Teacher Zhao versus you seven. This way, both sides will be evenly matched."
The Shrek teachers and students quickly split into two teams, each devising their tactics.
Yang Xiong watched as everyone discussed their strategies. Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Yu Tianheng analyzed the group's situation briefly before finalizing their lineup, formation, and corresponding tactics.
In contrast, Flender and his group seemed hesitant. Though Zhao Wuji was tanky, he didn't want to endure a beating without reason.
Flender still wore his calculating merchant's smile, secretly hoping Liu Erlong would step in.
However, judging by Liu Erlong's demeanor, she clearly wanted Flender to demonstrate the principal's prowess.
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