While Yu Xiaogang was immersed in his joy, he failed to notice the disdain in everyone's eyes.
Not wanting to remain near Yu Xiaogang any longer, they left immediately.
As they walked, they saw a teacher and a young man approaching. The teacher acted like a servant, while the young man walked arrogantly.
"Young master, the healer you're looking for is here," the teacher pointed toward them.
The young man stood in front of them with an air of arrogance.
"Ye Lingling, how dare you heal the enemies of the Fourth Prince behind his back?" Young man asked with anger expression.
Not giving her any chance to say anything. he continued.
"Now that the Fourth Prince knows your crimes, but he did not punish you, he has generously given you two choices: either follow him, or you will be expelled from the academy." The young man said with scheming face.
He was a subordinate of the Fourth Prince, sent on orders to bring Ye Lingling under his master's control. Having learned her background, he knew that without the academy's protection, her expulsion meant certain death. She would have no choice but to obey the Fourth Prince's Orders. If he succeeded, he would receive a generous reward.
Ye Lingling went pale. She knew the truth, without backing, expulsion equaled death.
"The Imperial Academy Directors will never agree," she said weakly, placing her last hope on them.
But the young man shattered it with mocking laughter.
"Hahahaha, the Directors would never dare to oppose the Fourth Prince." His tone was full of certainty, bolstered by the prince's protection.
Ye Lingling felt despair claw at her heart. Her future seemed sealed, until she suddenly felt warmth on her shoulder.
"It's okay, Lingling. You can join this academy. There's no need to bow your head." Wu Lan's words carried weight, and his touch gave her the long-lost warmth she craved. Her heart fluttered, but when she remembered the danger, she grew hesitant. She did not want to drag him down with her.
Before she could speak, the young man's anger erupted at Wu Lan's interference.
"Who are you, boy? How dare you meddle in the Fourth Prince's business! Do you have a death wish? I'll ki..."
BANG
He never finished.
Wu Lan's fist sank into his stomach, sending him flying into a tree. The young man collapsed unconscious.
"Trash."
Wu Lan scolded coldly.
Liu Erlong, Ye Lingling, and the teacher were stunned. Wu Lan had dared to strike someone under the Fourth Prince.
"You… you…" Ye Lingling stammered, her face pale with worry.
"It's fine. Since I hit him, you have no choice now but to join this academy," Wu Lan said domineeringly, locking eyes with her.
Ye Lingling blushed. Her heart raced with joy, but fear quickly followed. She could not let him suffer danger because of her.
"No, I cannot stay. If I do, your life will be at risk," she whispered, unable to meet his gaze.
"Why? Who is your enemy?" Wu Lan asked sharply, instantly guessing someone was hunting her.
"I don't know. When I was young, they came and slaughtered my clan. Only I escaped because of my aunt's sacrifice." Her eyes reddened at the memory.
Hearing her story, Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, and Liu Erlong all felt sympathy and surrounded her to comfort her.
"It's okay. Even if a Title Douluo comes, I will protect you," Wu Lan said with unshakable confidence in his strength.
"Yes, with Brother here, why should we fear?" Xiao Wu and Zhuqing chimed in, gazing at Wu Lan with affection.
"Ye Lingling, don't worry. I am a Soul Saint, and this is the capital. They cannot touch you here," Liu Erlong added firmly.
Under their persuasion, Ye Lingling finally nodded.
"Alright. Then go pack your belongings and return quickly," Wu Lan instructed.
"Okay." She agreed softly and left to gather her things before trouble could arise.
"What should we do with the Fourth Prince's man?" the teacher asked nervously.
"Of course, throw the trash out of the academy," Wu Lan said indifferently.
The teacher trembled at the order and looked toward Liu Erlong, hoping for a different answer.
"Listen to him." Her voice was firm. Since she had entrusted the academy to Wu Lan, she had to follow his lead.
The teacher nearly cried, caught between both sides, but he had no choice. With a heavy heart, he dragged away the unconscious lackey.
Afterward, Liu Erlong guided Wu Lan's group around the academy.
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang calmed his emotions and began planning his next steps.
Now that his body was healed, he would focus on perfecting his evolution theory. Tang San's martial spirit had already evolved, which he could use as proof, but to strengthen his claim he needed more examples. He already had candidates in mind, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, perfect guinea pigs.
He only needed to find suitable soul beasts to force their martial spirits to evolve.
But before that, Dai Mubai had to pay for making him lose the chance to exploit the Imperial Academy's resources.
Thus, Yu Xiaogang headed toward Dai Mubai's residence to get revenge and resources.
Unaware of the trouble approaching, Dai Mubai was enjoying himself with Ma Hongjun.
At the same time, Tang San finished a round of frustration relieving session. His fists were raw and bleeding, but he did not care. His heart was consumed with killing intent toward the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan for stealing his herbs. Thinking about the herbs made his chest ache.
The only solace was the deal he had struck with Poison Douluo: if Poison Douluo recovered the herbs, he would heal him and his granddaughter.
Tang San had used every trick he knew, even leveraging the granddaughter's condition, to make him agree. With a Title Douluo's support, his chances of retrieving the herbs from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had soared.
Once he reclaimed them, he was certain he could crush Wu Lan.
"Xiao Wu, wait for me. I will save you from that demon."