*****
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy,
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was the finest academy in the Heaven Dou Empire and was directly affiliated with the Imperial Family. Built across a vast mountain, the academy possessed excellent facilities and resources. However, it only accepted students of noble birth, making it a prestigious institution reserved for the empire's elite.
At this time of day, a group of four people could be seen strolling through the academy.
Although students and teachers constantly came and went throughout the academy, the arrival of this particular group immediately attracted an unusual amount of attention. Wherever they went, nearby students would stop what they were doing and turn their gazes toward them, curiosity filling their eyes.
Dugu Yan, who was happily guiding Lev, Tsunade, and Zhu Zhuqing around the academy, paid little attention to the surrounding gazes. She was simply excited to show them around the place she had once spent so much time in.
The girls among the students couldn't help but blush whenever their gazes landed on Lev. His appearance had become even more striking after five years of cultivation and training.
The boys, meanwhile, were equally excited upon seeing Tsunade and Zhu Zhuqing. Their beauty immediately caught everyone's attention, leading many of them to whisper among themselves and wonder if the two were newly transferred students.
Before long, rumors about the handsome young man and the two beautiful women accompanying Dugu Yan spread throughout the academy like wildfire.
"Who are they?"
"Are those two new students?"
"I've never seen them before."
"Wait, is that Dugu Yan? She's the one showing them around!"
The curiosity of the academy's students continued to grow as more people gathered to catch a glimpse of the newcomers.
Meanwhile, while Lev and the others were leisurely exploring the academy, another gathering was taking place inside a particular room within the academy.
Several familiar figures had gathered there, and the atmosphere inside was considerably more serious than the lively scene outside.
*****
Inside a Room,
Inside a quiet room, four people could be seen gathered together, talking among themselves with smiles and anticipation on their faces. They were none other than Yu Xiaogang, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Ma Hongjun.
"It's already been five years. I think they should be on their way back to the academy by now," Flender suddenly said while looking out through the window.
Many things had happened during those five years, but there was one thing that Flender had never forgotten—their promise to reunite at the academy after five years. Now that the promised day had finally arrived, he couldn't help but feel excited.
"Don't worry, Dean. I can feel that they're coming," Ma Hongjun replied with a grin.
Unlike the others, Ma Hongjun was the only student who had remained behind instead of leaving to pursue his own path. He continued training under Flender and the others throughout the five years.
However, he didn't feel dissatisfied about it. On the contrary, Ma Hongjun was genuinely grateful for everything Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Zhao Wuji had done for him during those years.
While the group continued talking, the door suddenly opened.
A tall and handsome young man wearing noble-looking clothes walked into the room with a smile on his face.
"Fatty, you're still as loud as a chicken," Dai Mubai said with a grin.
Upon entering the room, Dai Mubai couldn't help but feel nostalgic. It had been a long time since he had returned to this familiar place. Looking around, memories of the past immediately surfaced in his mind, filling him with both joy and excitement.
"Boss Dai, you're finally back! I thought you wouldn't return after going home!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed excitedly.
He immediately jumped toward Dai Mubai and shamelessly hugged him.
"Idiot. We made a promise five years ago to meet again at the academy. Of course I will come back."
Dai Mubai pushed Ma Hongjun's face away before finding a place to sit.
"Well, where are the others? Am I the first one to arrive?"
Not long afterward, the door opened once again.
Ning Rongrong entered the room, now possessing the appearance of a graceful and delicate young woman.
She was followed shortly afterward by a more mature-looking Oscar, who had a small spirit beast companion accompanying him. The unfamiliar creature immediately attracted the curiosity of everyone inside the room.
Seeing their old companions return one after another, the previously quiet room quickly became crowded and lively.
However, there was still one person they were waiting for.
And just moments later, the door opened once again.
A handsome young man with long blue hair stepped inside.
"It's good to see you again, everyone."
It was Tang San.
He had finally returned.
"You're finally back, Tang San!"
Yu Xiaogang, who had been waiting for this moment, immediately became excited upon seeing his disciple return safely.
"Teacher."
Tang San respectfully cupped his hands and greeted him.
No matter how many years had passed, a master would always remain a master in his heart.
Seeing that the final member they had been waiting for had finally arrived, Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun immediately surrounded Tang San and greeted him enthusiastically.
After five long years, the members of the former Shrek team had finally reunited.
They had all experienced different journeys during those years, endured countless hardships, and grown considerably stronger.
Naturally, they had countless stories to share.
As they began recounting their experiences from the past five years, laughter and excited voices soon filled the entire room.
For the first time in five years, the old companions were together once again.
"If only Lev and Zhu Zhuqing were here," Yu Xiaogang softly said.
Although five years had already passed, he still hadn't forgotten those two extraordinary youths. Despite never having had a particularly good relationship with them, they had once been members of the academy, and their existence had left a deep impression on everyone.
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, the atmosphere inside the room immediately became quiet.
Five years ago, after arriving at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ning Rongrong's father had told them about what Lev had done. He was the person who had uncovered the Spirit Hall's infiltration of the Heaven Dou Empire, an event that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the current war.
It was also through Ning Fengzhi that they learned about the strength Lev had been hiding from them.
At that time, Lev had already become a Spirit Emperor and had even managed to contend against two Titled Douluos.
Yu Xiaogang and the others had been completely shocked.
After all, they clearly remembered that Lev had only been a Spirit Elder when he left the academy. Yet, in just a short period of time, he had somehow crossed several major realms and reached a level that even they could hardly comprehend.
As everyone fell silent, Oscar suddenly broke the awkward atmosphere.
"Actually, I saw Lev three years ago when I was hunting for my fourth spirit ring."
Everyone immediately turned toward him.
"I was in the Extreme North at the time. I accidentally entered the territory of a powerful spirit beast and nearly lost my life. Fortunately, Lev happened to be there and saved me."
Yu Xiaogang and the others were surprised by his revelation.
They immediately became curious.
Why had Lev been in such a dangerous place? And more importantly, what had he been doing there?
"Then, did you see Zhuqing with him?" Dai Mubai immediately asked.
Even after five years, he still hadn't forgotten Zhu Zhuqing. He had already made up his mind that if he encountered her again, he would do everything he could to take her back from Lev.
Oscar shook his head.
"No. Boss Dai, I know something happened between you two in the past, but you should let it go already."
He looked at Dai Mubai seriously.
"Lev is someone beyond our comprehension."
Although Oscar hadn't known Zhu Zhuqing very well back then, he had spent an entire year living alongside Lev. During that time, he had personally witnessed Lev's strength, training, and the extraordinary things surrounding him.
Thinking about everything he had gained and learned during that year, Oscar couldn't help but feel grateful toward Lev.
"Why do you say that?" Flender curiously asked.
There had to be a reason behind Oscar's attitude.
Flender knew about the conflict between Dai Mubai and Lev and had always believed that Lev was the one at fault. However, he had never interfered because he considered it their personal matter.
"I lived with him for a year, and I saw how brutally he trained himself in that place."
Oscar's expression became serious.
"You might not believe me, but I personally saw him kill a bear-type spirit beast that was even larger than the Titan Giant Ape we encountered in the Star Dou Forest."
He looked down at his hands, which were trembling slightly just from recalling the scene.
"That guy killed it with nothing but his fists."
Flender and the others widened their eyes in disbelief.
Even Dai Mubai's expression changed.
A faint sense of fear surfaced within him as memories of his previous encounters with Lev returned.
He already knew that Lev was terrifyingly strong five years ago.
But if Lev had continued training for another five years in a place as dangerous as the Extreme North, then just how powerful had he become?
The thought alone made Dai Mubai feel uneasy.
Yet despite that fear, his determination hadn't disappeared.
He still wanted Zhu Zhuqing back.
And this time, he wasn't alone.
"Also, Lev gave me something before I left."
Oscar suddenly continued.
"It's up to you whether you want to use them."
As he spoke, he reached into his spatial ring and took out a small bag.
He had guarded this bag carefully for the past three years because he knew that the things inside were extremely valuable. If their existence were exposed, they could potentially cause powerful organizations to fight over them.
However, before Oscar could open the bag and reveal its contents, loud voices suddenly came from outside the room.
Everyone immediately turned toward the door.
Something was happening outside.
"Fatty, go take a look," Flender ordered.
Ma Hongjun immediately went outside to investigate.
A moment later, he returned with a strange grin on his face.
"Fatty, what's all that noise about?" Dai Mubai asked curiously.
Ma Hongjun's grin became even wider.
"I heard some students saying that Dugu Yan is guiding three people around the academy. Apparently, they're all extremely good-looking, especially the two women."
He revealed a creepy smile.
"Hehe. Dugu Yan is already considered one of the academy's goddesses. If there are two more beautiful women here, then we definitely have to take a look!"
Dai Mubai rolled his eyes at Ma Hongjun's reaction before suddenly becoming interested himself.
"What do you all think? Why don't we go outside and take a look? Besides, I want to see how much the academy has changed."
"I think that's a good idea," Tang San agreed.
He was also curious to see how much the academy had changed during the five years they had been away.
After everyone agreed, Ma Hongjun immediately took the lead.
The group then left the room together and headed toward the location where the newcomers had become the center of attention.
None of them expected that the people they were about to encounter would completely change the atmosphere of their long-awaited reunion.
Arriving at a place filled with curious students, Tang San and the others squeezed through the crowd until they finally saw the people they had just been talking about back in the room.
Meanwhile, Lev, who had continued greeting the surrounding students with warm smiles, suddenly shifted his attention toward the people he was already familiar with. Sizing them up for a moment, he then stepped closer and greeted them.
"Never thought that we would meet here again. How long has it been? Five years?"
Seeing Lev after five years left Tang San and the others at a loss for words. They were completely shocked by the person standing before them. They had always acknowledged that Lev was handsome, but his appearance now was on an entirely different level—even Dai Mubai could not compare to him.
Just as they thought, Lev had matured tremendously over the past five years. He was far more handsome than before, but what attracted their attention the most was the faint aura of sacredness surrounding him. It was an indescribable presence that made him stand out from everyone else.
There was no wonder that the female students around them had gone crazy upon seeing him.
While they were still staring at Lev, three more figures soon approached and stood beside him. They were Zhu Zhuqing, Tsunade, and Dugu Yan.
The appearance of the three beautiful women immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding male students. Some even whistled at them, although they quickly restrained themselves from going too far. Given the status of the people involved, they could certainly cause trouble for themselves if they acted recklessly.
Most importantly, Dugu Yan was among them. With Dugu Bo's reputation and strength, merely thinking about provoking her was enough to make most people abandon such thoughts.
This time, Tang San and the others shifted their attention toward Zhu Zhuqing.
'Beautiful.'
That was the only word that came to their minds.
After five years, Zhu Zhuqing had completely blossomed. Her figure had developed into that of a mature and alluring woman, making it difficult for anyone to believe her actual age at first glance. Her graceful curves and imposing figure naturally attracted countless gazes from the surrounding men.
Tsunade, on the other hand, also attracted considerable attention. Although she wasn't as young as the others, her beautiful face and otherworldly figure gave her a completely different charm. Her presence alone was enough to make many of the people around them unable to look away.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai was completely dumbfounded after seeing Zhu Zhuqing again.
For the past five years, she had remained deeply engraved in his mind. Countless times, he had imagined what it would be like to meet her again, but none of those fantasies could compare to the reality before him.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing standing beside Lev with a fairy-like appearance made his heart beat rapidly. The fear and doubts he had carried with him before meeting her gradually disappeared.
What remained was only his determination.
He would get Zhu Zhuqing back.
No matter what method he had to use.
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, couldn't help but stare at Lev.
Just like everyone else, she was stunned by his current appearance. His handsome features and sacred aura were so extraordinary that she couldn't help but blush as her imagination began running wild.
For a brief moment, she even imagined what it would be like if someone like Lev became her husband.
However, the moment her gaze shifted toward Zhu Zhuqing and Tsunade standing beside him, she immediately snapped out of her fantasy.
Her expression became slightly bitter.
She had already expected that a man like Lev would never lack women around him.
But seeing it with her own eyes was still another matter entirely.
"Nice meeting you again, Lev." Oscar greeted him with a smile.
Remembering how grateful he was to Lev for saving him back then, Oscar's perception of him had completely changed. He had come to understand that Lev was actually a good person toward those who treated him fairly, while being merciless toward those who crossed him.
Seeing Oscar, Lev simply looked at him and gave him a nod. Just as Oscar had told the others, Lev had indeed met him three years ago and had even allowed him to stay with them for some time in the Extreme North.
"I thought you would stay in that cold place for a few more years," Oscar continued. Knowing the history between them, he felt that he was probably the only one who could converse with Lev normally, especially with everyone else still recovering from the shock of seeing him again.
"Well, that place can no longer help me grow stronger, so I decided to return. Besides, I still have some unfinished business to take care of here." Lev smiled as he answered.
"Lev, I think you just arrived. How about we eat something together? We can talk while we eat. I'm really happy to see all of you meeting each other again after so many years." Flender suddenly spoke up and suggested the idea. He was genuinely happy to see the original Shrek Seven Devils gathered together once again after such a long time.
"That's a good idea. Unfortunately, I think I'll have to pass this time, Dean Flender. I still have something to take care of. Next time we meet, I'll surely invite you all for a meal." Lev politely declined.
He had no intention of becoming close to them again. Their relationship had never been particularly deep to begin with, and after five years, he had already moved on. However, that didn't mean he would deliberately ignore them.
"W-Well, I'll take you up on that offer next time, then." Flender awkwardly replied after being rejected.
"Mmm. See you next time."
With that, Lev bid them farewell before turning around and leaving, with Tsunade, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan following behind him. Dugu Yan still had not finished showing them around the academy, so they continued their tour.
Seeing Lev and his group leave, Tang San and the others remained where they were, still processing everything that had just happened.
Suddenly, someone spoke up, breaking the silence.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I should head home first. I also have something I need to take care of." Dai Mubai suddenly said.
Seeing the opportunity, he intended to return to his family immediately and inform them that Zhu Zhuqing had appeared again.
At this point, he was already prepared to become Lev's enemy, regardless of how strong Lev had become. He could no longer suppress his feelings—or perhaps it was more accurate to call them an obsession—after seeing Zhu Zhuqing again.
"Mubai, you should forget about it already." Flender sighed and reprimanded him.
After hearing Oscar's story earlier and witnessing Lev's current strength with his own eyes, Flender could only describe Lev as an indestructible wall standing before them. Even though they were only a meter apart, Flender felt as if he were an ant standing before a towering mountain.
"Yeah, Mubai. Although I understand your feelings, I also want you to stop whatever you're planning." Tang San supported Flender.
Despite Lev's innocent and friendly appearance, Tang San's instincts kept warning him that Lev was extremely dangerous. After five years of training under his father and building up his current strength, he had thought that he had already become considerably powerful.
Yet, after seeing Lev again, Tang San realized just how enormous the gap between them was.
"Sorry, everyone, but I've already made my decision." Dai Mubai said before turning around and leaving.
He admitted that Lev was strong, but he had the entire Star Luo Empire behind him now. In his mind, no matter how powerful an individual was, an army of powerful spirit masters would eventually overwhelm him.
Unfortunately, he had no idea that the decision he made today would eventually become one of the reasons behind the destruction of his family.
Seeing Dai Mubai leave, Flender and the others could no longer stop him. He was clearly determined, and they could only hope that nothing would happen to him that he would regret later.
Not long after Dai Mubai left, another voice suddenly interrupted them, drawing everyone's attention.
"Everyone, I also need to return to my clan. My father ordered me to immediately report anything I hear or discover regarding Lev. I'm sorry."
Ning Rongrong said her farewell before leaving immediately. Her father had repeatedly reminded her to return to the clan whenever she encountered or heard anything concerning Lev.
This time, Tang San and the others were truly left behind.
"How ironic, isn't it? This was supposed to be a reunion." Zhao Wuji laughed bitterly, his voice filled with mixed emotions after watching Dai Mubai and Ning Rongrong leave one after another simply because of Lev's appearance.
"We can do nothing about that. Let's head back and eat." Yu Xiaogang sighed before speaking.
Even he had not expected the reunion to turn out this way.
With that, Tang San and the others could only follow Yu Xiaogang and return to their room, leaving behind the chaotic reunion that had barely even begun.
*****
Inside a Mansion,
After eating and roaming around the academy, Lev and the others had lunch together before finally heading back. They did not return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, however, but instead went to the mansion where Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were currently living.
Since Lev no longer had anything to fear, there was no reason for him to continue hiding his identity or moving around discreetly. He could now openly reveal himself without worrying about being hunted down.
Inside the mansion, Tsunade, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan could be found together, having their own girl talk. Since they had not seen each other for five years, they had plenty of things to discuss, especially Tsunade's life in the Extreme North and everything she had experienced during that time.
Meanwhile, Matatabi and Saiken were conversing with Salamander and the other Elemental Spirits, along with the other tailed beasts. They had not seen each other for five years, so they were naturally excited to learn about what had happened to one another during their time apart.
Matatabi and Saiken, in particular, were especially interested in hearing about what everyone had experienced since they had been left behind while Lev and Tsunade were training in the Extreme North.
On the other hand, inside one of the mansion's halls, Lev could be found sitting comfortably on a sofa together with Dugu Bo. Nearby, the five goblins were also present, minding their own business and making no attempt to disturb the two as they conversed.
"Looks like you've trained them well." Lev smiled as he looked toward the goblins he had left in Dugu Bo's care.
Seeing their current levels and, more importantly, their appearances, Lev could not help but feel satisfied. They had completely transformed from the weak and useless monsters he had summoned five years ago into dangerous and powerful creatures.
"Even I'm still surprised by how quickly they have grown over the past five years. How about you, Young Master? How were you during those five years?" Dugu Bo replied with a smile.
He had returned to the mansion as quickly as possible after the goblins informed him of Lev's arrival. He was extremely happy to know that Lev had finally returned.
More importantly, after meeting him again, Dugu Bo was completely certain that even if he used every ounce of strength he possessed, he probably wouldn't even be able to touch Lev.
"Well, my days of training are finally over. On the other hand, how have things been on your side?" Lev asked.
Before leaving five years ago, he had given Dugu Bo several orders to carry out in his absence. He had already guessed that his return would soon reach the ears of various influential people, meaning it was finally time for him to begin putting his plans into motion.
"I have completed everything you asked, Young Master. They are only waiting for your order." Dugu Bo replied with a smile.
Five years ago, Lev had already begun planning to establish an organization of his own, and one of the most crucial aspects of that plan was manpower.
With the resources Lev had left behind, Dugu Bo had secretly recruited numerous people to work under Lev's command, all without the knowledge of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"How is the situation inside the palace?" Lev then asked.
Although Dugu Bo had already been prepared to abandon the empire and openly follow Lev, Lev had specifically ordered him not to do so. Acting prematurely would only complicate matters.
Instead, Lev had instructed him to remain within the empire, keep his eyes open, and carefully monitor the movements of everyone within the palace.
"Everything is more or less the same, except that security has become much tighter. There have been several assassination attempts against the Emperor during these past few years." Dugu Bo reported.
As one of the pillars of the empire, Dugu Bo had access to considerable information regarding what was happening inside the palace, so he was naturally aware of such incidents.
"Is that so?" Lev muttered before calmly standing up.
"Well, it doesn't matter. I have something to take care of later. You should go and prepare everyone. Tomorrow, this empire will cease to exist."
Lev s
poke calmly before leaving the hall.
Although he had only just returned, there were already many things he needed to take care of. For now, however, he had one particular place he needed to visit and wanted to finish dealing with it before nightfall.
"As you command, Young Master."
Dugu Bo bowed deeply toward Lev with great respect.
Hearing Lev's words, he could not explain why, but a strange excitement began to well up inside him.
He had spent his entire life serving and working for the Heaven Dou Empire. Yet after meeting Lev and witnessing his extraordinary strength and vision, Dugu Bo's perspective had completely changed.
His purpose was no longer to serve the empire.
From now on, his purpose was to serve Lev—and he would do so without question.