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Mo Lan stepped forward, her gaze lingering on Fang Yang and Gu Yue.
Gratitude shone in her eyes.
"I'm Mo Lan—thank you both for your aid," she bowed slightly, voice tinged with reverence.
She'd never imagined two youths could wield such terrifying power…
"Just luck," Fang Yang smiled modestly.
Mo Lan inwardly scoffed:
"Luck? You call defeating a Soul Emperor luck? And obliterating an Abyss-empowered Evil Soul Master—also luck?"
"If that's luck, others don't even deserve the word!"
But she composed herself, tone earnest:
"Rest assured—I'll keep your soul fusion skill a secret."
"Thank you, Senior Mo Lan," Fang Yang said warmly.
She waved it off. "A small return for your heroism."
Just then—thud, thud, thud…
Steady footsteps approached.
Wu Zhangkong strode in, blue hair fluttering, aura icy as glacial winds.
"Teacher Wu," Fang Yang and Gu Yue chorused.
Wu Zhangkong gave a curt nod. "The scene's been cleaned."
"Good," Fang Yang replied, then turned to Mo Lan. "We'll leave the aftermath to you, Senior Mo Lan."
—
Soon, Sun Moon Federation backup arrived.
Under Mo Lan's detailed briefing, they grasped the full truth, preparing their official report.
The soul-guided train reached Tian Dou City Station.
"We'll disembark here, Senior Mo Lan," Fang Yang said, hand in Gu Yue's.
Mo Lan's eyes glistened with sincerity.
"I'm truly indebted to you both."
She produced two sleek train cards, handing them over.
"Federal VIP Passes—free travel on any soul-guided line, with top-tier privileges."
Though no powerhouse herself, her status as Governor Mo Wu's daughter made this a trivial gift.
"Thank you, Senior Mo Lan," Fang Yang accepted with a grin.
(Though inwardly: "After this 'Train Killer' ordeal… I won't be boarding trains for a while. Let Tang Wulin have that title…")
"The train continues to its next destination…" Mo Lan smiled, waving farewell. "Fang Yang, Gu Yue—may our paths cross again."
She boarded the train, resuming her duty as conductor.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue watched it vanish into the horizon.
"Let's go," Wu Zhangkong's cold voice cut through the air.
They followed him out of the station.
Fang Yang gazed at Tian Dou City—an ancient metropolis dwarfing Donghai.
Established 20,000 years ago, it was once capital of the Tian Dou Empire,
the continent's greatest city during the Spirit Hall era.
Though now "ordinary" after the Sun Moon Empire's conquest, its strategic heart remained: near Star Dou Forest, close to Shrek City—the soul of Douluo Continent.
"Teacher Wu—why are you in Tian Dou City?" Fang Yang asked.
"Meeting a friend," Wu Zhangkong replied flatly.
Fang Yang instantly recalled—he was visiting his lost love…
"May Gu Yue and I join you?"
Gu Yue glanced at him, puzzled.
Wu Zhangkong paused—then nodded. "Follow."
They wandered Tian Dou's streets—warm, humid, lush with greenery, air crisp and clean.
Suddenly, Fang Yang pointed to a shop wafting irresistible aromas.
"Teacher Wu—what's that? Smells amazing! Let's try it!"
"Sharp eyes," Wu Zhangkong said, leading them to the storefront.
The wooden sign, though aged and yellowed, bore four bold characters:
"YU HAO GRILLED FISH."
"Legend says this recipe was passed down by Huo Yuhao himself—the Spirit Pagoda's founder," Wu Zhangkong explained.
"Famous across central Douluo—Tian Dou, Shrek, and Star Luo Cities."
"Rumor claims he won Tang Wutong—the Sea God's Daughter, the Dragon-Butterfly Douluo—with this very dish."
Fang Yang scoffed inwardly: "Huo Yuhao—the 'Chosen One'—brainwashed by Tang San into a loyal Tang family dog…"
Inside, the shop bustled despite off-hours—80% full, grilled fish perfuming the air.
They took a corner table. Wu Zhangkong, clearly a regular, ordered with practiced ease: multiple classic flavors, several fish per dish.
The fish arrived—skin crackling gold, flesh tender and juicy.
Crispy fragrance melded with succulent meat—divine harmony.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue feasted joyfully, feeding each other bites, cheeks brushing.
Wu Zhangkong watched—eyes shadowed with bittersweet memory.
This scene… mirrored his own youth, his beloved beside him…
But she was gone. He remained—a ghost among the living.
Fang Yang leaned to Gu Yue, whispering: "Buy two white chrysanthemums."
She nodded, slipping out.
Wu Zhangkong ate silently, pretending not to notice.
When Gu Yue returned, Fang Yang cooed: "Open up."
He fed her a morsel, then ate his remaining portion from her lips.
Gu Yue's cheeks flushed pink.
"Sir—thirty grilled fish total. Your bill is…"
"I'll pay, Teacher Wu," Fang Yang offered.
"No need. I'm covering it," Wu Zhangkong said coldly—paying before Fang Yang could protest.
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