"Alright, let's end today's discussion here. You may visit this place again tomorrow."
Wang Feng nodded slowly. He knew there was no point in pushing further. The woman's emotions were still turbulent, and too many old wounds had just been reopened.
He turned around slowly and walked toward the dimensional gate.
Wang Feng's figure disappeared into the light of the gate.
The silver-haired woman stood in silence. Though she was usually alone like this, for some reason, this time, she felt a little lonely.
...
**Shrek Academy, Poseidon Lake, Poseidon Island.**
The evening light shimmered softly on the tranquil surface of the lake, casting golden-red ripples across the water. The peaceful atmosphere seemed untouched by time, like a world of its own amidst the bustling academy.
Suddenly, a figure flew across the lake at incredible speed and landed in front of the residence of the current Poseidon Pavilion Master—Mu En.
The figure landed with a soft thud in front of the ancient wooden house standing firm by the lakeside—the home of Mu En, the living legend and highest authority of the Poseidon Pavilion.
The man's robes fluttered gently as a powerful aura surrounded him. There was no mistaking it—Xuan Zi. His expression was stern, but a trace of unease flickered in his eyes.
He strode quickly to the door and knocked three times.
A deep yet warm voice soon came from inside, "Enter."
Xuan Zi pushed the door open and stepped in. Inside, Mu En sat calmly as usual, as if he had already known who was coming before the knock. The scent of warm tea filled the room.
"You returned alone," Mu En's voice was composed, yet carried a sharp undertone.
Xuan Zi nodded. "Wang Feng is still in the core of the Star Dou Great Forest."
Mu En took a sip of tea without hurry. "Is he in danger?"
"He said… he'll be fine," Xuan Zi replied quietly, then added, "But I can't fully trust that. In a place like that, even with his strength, he could… vanish without a trace if something unexpected happens."
Mu En's gaze remained steady, though his eyes grew slightly more serious. "Then why did you leave him there?"
Xuan Zi clenched his fists at his sides. "Because he asked me to leave. I hesitated, but—" He took a deep breath, "He insisted. And I knew… I wouldn't be able to help him escape if he was truly captured. So I decided to return… and bring reinforcements."
Mu En nodded slowly. "You did the right thing."
Xuan Zi raised his head. "Master, we must send a rescue team. We don't know what's happening in there. Wang Feng might be attempting something risky. After all… he is the next candidate for Poseidon Pavilion Master."
Mu En set down his teacup. The atmosphere suddenly grew heavier.
"I understand. I will first convene a meeting with the elders of the Poseidon Pavilion to discuss this. You said Wang Feng will remain there for a few more days, correct? That means he should be safe for now."
"But we must also prepare as quickly as possible. Regardless, Wang Feng is still in the hands of another party. We don't know what kind of treatment he's receiving there."
.....
**Shrek Academy, Dormitory Building.**
In front of the dormitory, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong had just returned from today's classes.
As usual, after entering their room, they changed clothes and set up their grilled fish stall.
A long line of customers had already formed, waiting to buy Huo Yuhao's grilled fish. With Wang Dong's help, Huo Yuhao quickly set up the stall.
By the time they finished selling, the sky had already darkened.
After packing up, they returned to their room. Huo Yuhao continued his training, while Wang Dong lay down on his bed.
Late into the night, Huo Yuhao finally stopped practicing.
In the quiet room, a voice suddenly came from Wang Dong's bed. "Yuhao, are you done training?"
Huo Yuhao turned toward Wang Dong, who was still lying down. "Ah, sorry, did I disturb your sleep?"
Wang Dong shook his head slowly, then sat up while rubbing his slightly drowsy eyes. "No, I just… couldn't sleep."
The peaceful atmosphere of the room made their conversation feel more intimate in the silent night. Huo Yuhao sat on the edge of his own bed, facing Wang Dong.
"Is something bothering you?" Huo Yuhao asked, trying to read Wang Dong's expression.
Wang Dong let out a deep sigh. "Yuhao, actually… I wanted to talk about Wang Feng."
"Any news about him?"
Wang Dong shook his head. "No. That's the problem. It's been over twenty days since he left for the Star Dou Forest to hunt for a spirit soul, but there's still no word. I'm getting worried..."
"You're really close to Wang Feng," Huo Yuhao murmured, though his words were clearly heard by Wang Dong.
"W-Who said I'm close to him? I just… well, I only—"
Before Wang Dong could continue, Huo Yuhao suddenly laughed. "Come on, you don't even need to say it. I can see exactly what's going on between you two."
"Aren't you close to him too!? You even enrolled together!" Wang Dong protested, though a faint blush colored his cheeks.
"N-No way! Wang Feng and I are close, but we're just friends."
"Then why does he always treat you so well?"
"I don't know either… Wang Feng has always been like that. But that doesn't mean I understand his intentions."
Wang Dong teased, "Yuhao, don't tell me… you like him?"
"I-I-I don't! I just think Wang Feng is a really good person. He always helps me when I'm in trouble, and he… comforts me when I'm sad." The more Huo Yuhao spoke, the redder his face became.
"I often see you daydreaming when he's not around."
Wang Dong continued, "You don't need to be embarrassed. After all, we're both girls, and I already know your real identity. Besides, your behavior is suspicious—only a blockhead like Wang Feng wouldn't realize you're actually a girl disguised as a boy."
Huo Yuhao's face flushed. "In that case… you're no different, Wang Dong. On your first day in the dorm, you even kissed him."
Wang Dong retorted, "W-W-Why are you bringing that up!? I didn't do it on purpose! I lost my balance and fell, and then it just… happened."
"But you act like this all the time. You always get jealous when a girl approaches Wang Feng and then take it out on him afterward." Huo Yuhao stated a fact that was hard to deny.
"I just don't want those girls to interfere with Wang Feng's cultivation. If he gets too close to them, he might neglect his training and his strength will stagnate." Wang Dong scrambled for an excuse.
"I know you like Wang Feng—no matter how much you deny it."
"Y-You're wrong! I'm not like that!"
Wang Dong, at a complete loss, pulled the blanket over his face to hide.
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