Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong had long since prepared an explanation to silence any doubts.
They modified the story they had told the Snow Empress and relayed a refined version of it to the elders.
When the truth came out — that Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong indeed shared no blood relation, though their appearances were nearly identical and they possessed a martial soul fusion technique — even Xuanzi couldn't help but sigh.
"Is there truly such a coincidence in this world?"
Yan Shaozhe and Elder Song still looked doubtful. Their instincts told them there was more to this story than met the eye, but they couldn't pinpoint where the inconsistency lay.
After all, who could possibly imagine something as absurd as one soul in two bodies?
Xuanzi fell into deep thought for a long moment before shifting the subject.
"The next Continental Soul Master Tournament will be held soon — this time in Mingdu. Before that, the exchange students from both sides will be returning to their academies. What do the two of you plan to do?"
The timing of his question was deliberate. He wanted to see where their loyalties truly lay.
If Jiang Shengyu chose to return to Mingdu, then the Academy would need to act preemptively — and quietly remove Jiang Qingtong from their future plans.
Jiang Qingtong glanced at Xuanzi, then at Elder Zhuang, and smiled.
"Of course I'll represent the Academy in the tournament! I was a reserve member in the last one — if I give up now, wouldn't that mean quitting halfway?"
The visible relief that washed over Xuanzi's face was unmistakable.
As long as she was willing to represent Shrek Academy in the upcoming tournament, it proved that her heart still leaned toward the Academy. And with the competition being held in Mingdu, stepping onto the stage as a Shrek representative meant she would be cutting off her roots and support back in the Sun Moon Empire.
Even if she wished to return one day, that path would likely be closed to her.
At that moment — it was time for another test of acting skill.
Jiang Shengyu looked at her in apparent surprise.
"Qingtong, you're really going to represent Shrek Academy? But… the tournament's in Mingdu…"
Qingtong nodded with conviction.
"Of course! I've studied here for years. The Martial Soul Department has taught me so much about cultivation. Besides, I already represented Shrek once before — why stop now?"
Jiang Shengyu fell silent.
That silence was enough. The gathered elders all breathed a collective sigh of relief. There's hope!
"Have you really thought it through?" Shengyu asked again.
"Yes, brother!" Qingtong said earnestly. "You should be supporting me — wouldn't it be better if we both stayed with the Academy?"
Xuanzi and the others nodded in agreement with her, turning to Jiang Shengyu.
"That's right, Shengyu. Qingtong's words make sense. Representing Shrek doesn't mean severing ties with the Sun Moon Empire entirely — the Empire is still part of the Douluo Continent. The Academy won't ask you to abandon your homeland."
After a long pause, Jiang Shengyu sighed softly.
"Let me… think about it."
Standing nearby, the Snow Empress wore an amused smile, as if silently saying: Go on, keep acting — I'm enjoying the show.
After Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong left the Sea God Pavilion, Xuanzi finally exhaled deeply.
"It seems we can relax now. Qingtong's loyalty to the Academy is genuine. With her persuasion, I'm sure Shengyu will decide to stay as well."
"That went a bit too smoothly," Elder Song said slowly, still harboring unease.
But Xuanzi waved her hand dismissively.
"Elder Song, doesn't that just prove how strong Shrek Academy's spirit is?"
Elder Song did not reply directly. She pondered a moment before saying,
"Elder Xuan, allow me to serve as supervising teacher during the Soul Master Tournament. Mingdu is a dangerous place — if we let Wang Yan lead the team again, he might not be able to handle unexpected situations."
Xuanzi nodded without objection.
"Very well."
At that moment, Yan Shaozhe suddenly remembered something.
"By the way — does anyone know where Beibei went?"
Qian Duoduo answered,
"I think I saw him heading toward the outer courtyard. He looked in quite a hurry — seemed like something urgent."
"What urgent matter could he possibly have right now?" Xuanzi asked curiously, glancing at him.
Cai Meier sighed softly.
"After such a blow, it's only natural he's not in the right state of mind. Elder Mu pushed him hard back then — forced him to let go of Tang Ya. He finally managed to convince himself… and now he sees the situation with Qingtong and Shengyu. Who wouldn't be shaken?"
Everyone nodded in quiet understanding.
Xuanzi sighed.
"Elder Mu entrusted Beibei to us. We must not let him down. With Beibei's talent — and the Dragon Core aiding his cultivation — he's destined to become an Ultimate Douluo one day. The position of Sea God Pavilion Master will one day be his."
"Understood." Everyone nodded solemnly.
Whatever had passed between Beibei and Tang Ya, no one knew. But the very next day after the Sea God's Fate Festival, Tang Ya quietly came to see Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong to take her leave.
Her expression was complex as her gaze lingered briefly on Qingtong.
Qingtong caught that look and said softly,
"Sister Tang Ya, please don't be too sad about Beibei."
Tang Ya gave a faint, sorrowful smile and shook her head.
"No… I've no sadness left. I made things clear to him — from now on, I am simply the Tang Sect's master. He will be Shrek Academy's successor. From this day forward, our paths no longer cross."
In Tang Ya's heart, the Tang Sect had always come before everything — even before herself.
Several days passed after Tang Ya's departure before Jiang Feixin returned from the Star Dou Forest.
When she first came back, she didn't speak at all — remaining silent for days.
It wasn't until the third day that she appeared before Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong, holding a small box in her hands.
"This is…" Qingtong looked at the box in surprise as Feixin handed it over.
Feixin coughed lightly, turning her head aside with her hands behind her back.
"A gift. For both of you! I asked Bi Ji about it — she said in situations like this, you're supposed to give gifts. This is a Life Crystal from the Lake of Life, very helpful for cultivation! I even asked Bi Ji to purify it for me."
"Thank you," Jiang Shengyu said sincerely.
Feixin shot him a cold glare.
"If you ever treat Qingtong badly, don't blame me for what happens next."
As she spoke, she raised a small fist — golden light flickering in her eyes as a faint dragon's might surged from her body.
She was not joking.
Jiang Shengyu could only give a helpless smile and nod.
"Don't worry — of everyone in the world, she's the last person I'd ever hurt."
"Exactly," Qingtong said, smiling brightly.
Feixin narrowed her eyes and stared at Shengyu for a long moment before grinding her teeth.
"You'd better keep that promise. Otherwise, I'll drag you into the Star Dou Forest myself and let the Scarlet King tear you apart!"
Far away in the Star Dou Forest, the Scarlet King sneezed suddenly.
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