After finalizing his arrangements, Wu Lan returned to the hotel where Xiao Wu, Bi Ji, Zi Ji, and Zhu Zhuqing awaited him.
"Let's find a proper house," he said with a faint smile.
"Something spacious. No more cramming into inns."
Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled. "Finally!" she exclaimed, while the others exchanged eager glances.
They spent the day exploring the capital, visiting bustling districts, sampling delicacies, and viewing elegant properties. Laughter followed them wherever they went, a rare moment of carefree joy.
But far from this cheerful scene, shadows gathered in the heart of the Grand Palace…
In the Grand Palace
Inside a luxurious hall, a middle-aged man sat across from a handsome young man.
"I heard a talented group is coming to join the academy under Qin Ming's request," the man spoke calmly, but seriousness in his tone.
"Yes, Uncle," the young man replied respectfully. "I've heard that Qin Ming secured them the opportunity to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament using the Imperial Academy's second quota."
The man's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his expression cold.
"And do you understand what that means?"
The young man lowered his gaze slightly, considering his words before replying with certainty:
"If they join… my brother's influence will grow stronger."
A thin, calculating smile crept across the man's face.
"Good. You understand. And you know what to do?"
"Yes, Uncle. Don't worry. I will handle it," the young man assured him, a flicker of confidence glinting in his eyes.
"Good. But remember…" The man's voice dropped, sharp as a blade. "Do not let your guard down, especially around Xue Qinghe's people."
At that name, the young man's body stiffened. Fear flashed briefly across his eyes before he masked it with a calm expression.
"Understood, Uncle. I'll be careful."
Far from the palace and its schemes, the Shrek group continued their journey toward the capital, unaware of the storm awaiting them.
Tang San led at the front, his expression dark. Anger still boiling within him over Wu Lan's audacity in taking Xiao Wu away the previous day. As he silently cursed Wu Lan, a soft voice broke his thoughts.
"Third Brother…"
Ning Rongrong stood beside him, her voice sweet and gentle, unlike her usual arrogant tone. Her eyes seemed delicate, almost shy, as if she had become an obedient young lady.
Tang San's anger melted instantly. She's finally obedient, he thought with pride. With her submission, the resources of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would soon be within his grasp. The thought filled him with satisfaction.
If Wu Lan had been present, he would have laughed until his stomach hurt. Tame Ning Rongrong? Impossible. That girl's arrogance was etched into her very bones. If she was acting like this, it was surely part of a scheme.
But Tang San didn't know her well enough. Lost in his pride, he enjoyed every moment of her apparent obedience.
Behind them, Oscar clenched his fists, jealousy burning in his chest as he watched Rongrong's attention fixed entirely on Tang San.
Yu Xiaogang, being carried by Flender, silently observed from a distance. He couldn't hear their conversation, but Rongrong's expression told him enough. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's support, Tang San would rise even faster. Satisfaction glimmered in the master's eyes.
Flender, however, glanced at Oscar and sighed. That boy… He wished he could help, but some things were beyond anyone's control. With a heavy breath, he increased his pace toward the next town.
on there way they stopped near soul arena located in certain city.
Just like in the original storyline, Yu Xiaogang arranged for the group to fight in the Soul Arena against a notorious team to gain Killing experience.
To fill the gaps in their lineup, Flender recruited two temporary members along the way.
Tang San's hidden weapons claimed lives without hesitation, coldly efficient in battle.
Rongrong, Oscar, Ma hongjun face turned pale and ran off to rest area to vomit.
When their emotions finally settled, the group resumed their journey toward the capital with mixed emotions.
One Day Later - Heaven Dou Capital
The Shrek group finally arrived at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Without pause, they approached the grand gates, only to be halted by an arrogant voice.
"Who are you?"
A group of young nobles stood before them, clad in luxurious attire. At their head was a youth with his chin raised high, disdain gleaming in his eyes, when looking at everyone, as if the academy itself belonged to him.
Flender stepped forward, his tone polite yet firm.
"We are from Shrek Academy. We've accepted Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's invitation for an exchange. Please, guide us in."
The noble smirked, his eyes glinting with mockery.
"Exchange students? Hah. You look more like beggars who wandered in from the streets. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy doesn't just let anyone in."
Laughter and jeers erupted from his companions.
"Yeah, get lost!" one sneered.
Anger surged through the Shrek group.
Before anyone else could respond, Dai Mubai snapped.
In a blur, he lunged forward and drove his fist into the arrogant noble's stomach.
Bang!
The young man flew several meters before crashing to the ground with a painful grunt. Gasps erupted from young man's entourage, their eyes wide with disbelief.
But Mubai wasn't finished.
"Not enough," he growled, striding toward his fallen target. "I finally found a punching bag to vent my frustration!"
Blow after blow rained down, each strike carrying the weight of pent-up fury.
The young man's screams echoed through the courtyard, mingling with Mubai's harsh laughter.
For a full minute, fists struck flesh in a relentless rhythm.
Finally, Flender intervened, dragging Mubai back.
"That's enough."
The young man lay trembling, blood trickling from his lips. He tried to curse them, but was interrupted by the arrival of Qin Ming.
Qin Ming Arrives
Qin Ming's sharp eyes swept across the scene. Without sparing the beaten young man a glance, he greeted Flender and his group warmly.
"Teacher Qin!" the bruised young man cried out, his voice hoarse with rage.
"They attacked me for no reason! These savages dared to hit me!"
"Why did you stop them?" Qin Ming countered, his tone flat and unimpressed.
The young man gaped, his face a mask of disbelief.
He tried to explain but Qin Ming did not listen.
"That's enough," Qin Ming continued. "No more excuses. Go run ten laps around the field."
Humiliated, the young man glared at the departing Shrek group as Qin Ming led them toward the academy's three directors.
Grinding his teeth, he turned and stormed toward a luxurious house in the capital.
[Author's Note:
🌟 A Huge Thank You! 🌟
I'd like to give my gratitude to Cristian Garcia for supporting me on Patreon! 🙏🔥
Your support means more than words can say, it gives me the drive to keep writing and pushing Wu Lan's story forward. Every chapter exists thanks to readers like you who believe in this journey.
Thank you for standing with me and helping this world grow stronger! ✨
]