Chapter 503: The Changes of Five Years (Part 2)

Tang San smiled. "Could it be anyone else but me? My appearance has changed somewhat. Perhaps we could enter the Academy first, and then I'll explain. How have Dean Flandre, Vice Dean Liu Erlong, and the Teacher been? Are they all well?"

Though Zhao Wuji still found it hard to believe that this handsome, elegant young man before him was Tang San, the Eight Spider Lances on his back and the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand were undeniable. He nodded. "They're all well. Come on, let's go inside and talk. What are you lot doing, looking so tense and ready to draw swords? Are you trying to tear down the Academy?"

Dai Mubai quickly retrieved a long robe from his Soul Tool and slipped it on the instant he withdrew his Martial Soul. "A misunderstanding, this was all a misunderstanding. We didn't recognize little San either. I still can't believe it. But, you shouldn't know the agreed time for our reunion!"

Tang San said helplessly, "I'll explain it all to you once we're back inside. Actually, the Teacher has seen me like this before. He was the one who told me about this gathering. When you see the Teacher, you'll believe me."

Zhao Wuji nodded. "I heard from the Great Master that you came back once before, but left in a hurry. Stop standing around, get inside quickly. You're all the pride of the Academy. If that skinflint Flandre knew you were back, he'd probably be so excited he'd fly up to the sky."

With Zhao Wuji leading the way, there was naturally no further obstruction. The five monsters of Shrek Academy followed him into the Academy grounds.

Because of Tang San's display of strength, along with his brief explanation, Dai Mubai and the others were gradually coming to believe him.

After all, Tang San was now also at the five-ring level. At their age, very, very few people could reach that level.

"Third Brother, tell me, what have you given me before?" Ning Rongrong asked as she walked beside Tang San.

Tang San smiled. "You still don't trust me? Did you ever use the Flying God Claw afterwards? And those Hidden Weapons—is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan still equipped with them?"

A glint of understanding appeared in Ning Rongrong's eyes. "It seems you really are Third Brother. But how could you change so much? It's almost impossible to believe. And you've become so handsome."

Walking ahead, Dai Mubai couldn't help but turn back to look at Tang San, a bitter smile on his face. "If you really are little San, I'm going to be jealous. Your talent was already better than all of ours, and now you've become this handsome too—how are we supposed to live? You've already got Zhuqing, and you're not pining after beauties anymore, so why care about this? Zhuqing wouldn't fall for someone else just because you're not as handsome as me. Are you still not satisfied? Let's wait until we see the Teacher and the others, and I'll explain everything then, to avoid saying it twice."

Shrek Academy's main teaching building was twice the size it used to be, but the enrollment scale hadn't increased. Only the hardware facilities were much more complete than before. The imitative cultivation grounds were now basically comprehensive, suitable for students with various Martial Souls to train.

"How come little Ao isn't here yet? Did he forget what day it is?" Tang San asked, puzzled.

Hearing this, Ning Rongrong's eyes reddened again. By now, everyone had entered the teaching building. Dai Mubai turned around and patted Tang San's shoulder. "Don't ask. We'll tell you when we see the Great Master and the others later. We haven't seen each other in five years; let's catch up properly."

Flandre was lounging lazily in the enormous chair in his office. These past few years, his life had been quite comfortable. Although he was the Dean, many Academy matters no longer needed his personal handling. The Academy's affairs were presided over by Liu Erlong, and teaching the students was entrusted to the Great Master, that super theorist.

As the Dean, he no longer needed to worry about the Academy's funding. The entire Academy's operations were financed by special allocations from the Tian Dou Empire.

Coupled with the Empire's regard for him, his status within the Tian Dou Empire was now extremely high, making him an object of courtship for countless nobles and dignitaries.

Perhaps it was due to his state of mind, but his Soul Power had progressed considerably over these years. He had already reached level eighty-three, officially becoming a Soul Douluo. Even Zhao Wuji had just broken through to level eighty. Aside from that elusive Poison Douluo, the Academy now effectively had two Soul Douluos. Liu Erlong had also reached level seventy-nine, just a step away from breaking through to level eighty.

The Dean was considering whether to have some of the newly delivered royal tea when a knock sounded at his office door.

"The door's unlocked, come in," Flandre said languidly.

The few people who might come to his office were all familiar companions, so they were naturally casual.

The door opened, and Zhao Wuji's familiar figure walked in.

"Boss, what are you doing?" Zhao Wuji asked with a grin as he approached Flandre.

Flandre glanced at him and chuckled. "Perfect timing, I was just about to have some tea. Since you're here, you do it. Saves me from getting up."

Zhao Wuji stared at Flandre, dumbfounded. "My Dean, you're getting lazier and lazier!"