The next day, Wang Feng, Mu En, and Xuan Zi set off in the morning after having a light breakfast prepared by Wang Feng. The cool morning air in the Star Dou Forest greeted them with fresh air and the sunlight beginning to shine through the trees.
Wang Feng bid farewell to the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, which stood still from a distance, as if watching them depart. Although no words were exchanged, there was a mutual understanding between them.
"Master, Elder, if there's nothing else to discuss, we can leave now," Wang Feng said calmly, looking at his two masters who were preparing themselves.
Mu En nodded, his expression remaining calm. "Of course, let's go. Time waits for no one."
Xuan Zi also nodded. "Yes, we must hurry to avoid any disturbances that may arise during our journey."
With those words, they began their journey towards Shrek Academy. The Star Dou Forest, filled with soul beasts, seemed peaceful and full of mystery, but Wang Feng knew that danger always lurked within. As someone who had gained extraordinary power, he had to be cautious with every step.
After some time, they reached the edge of the forest and approached the road that would lead them to a more open area.
The journey continued in silence, with only the sound of their footsteps on the damp ground. The forest gradually receded, and they began entering a more open area.
Finally, after a tranquil journey, they arrived in Shrek City in the afternoon. The bustling atmosphere of the city greeted them. The streets were filled with all sorts of people, both from Shrek Academy and outsiders with their own business. The hotter air and the fast-paced life of the city were a stark contrast to the quiet of the Star Dou Forest they had left behind.
Wang Feng glanced around, feeling a bit awkward with the crowd. He had not been in the city for a long time, especially after spending most of his recent time in solitude or on the road.
They then proceeded towards Shrek Academy.
Upon arriving at the gates of the academy, they were greeted by someone unexpected: Yan Shaoze, the Dean of the Department of Soul Martial Arts, and Qian Duoduo, the Vice Dean of the Department of Soul Tools.
Upon reaching the gates of Shrek Academy, Wang Feng and his two masters were greeted by the unexpected figures of Yan Shaoze, the Dean of the Department of Soul Martial Arts, and Qian Duoduo, the Vice Dean of the Department of Soul Tools. The two of them seemed to be debating something.
Yan Shaoze, upon turning his gaze, accidentally saw Wang Feng and his group approaching.
He stopped debating with Qian Duoduo and immediately walked over to them.
"Master, are you alright?" Yan Shaoze asked Mu En.
Yan Shaoze looked at Mu En carefully, his expression showing deep concern, but Mu En merely smiled and nodded slowly. "We're fine. We just returned after a long journey. There's nothing to worry about, Dean Yan."
Qian Duoduo, walking beside him, snorted with a hint of irritation, but quickly calmed down upon seeing that everything was fine. "You really never change, Yan Shaoze. You're always this worried."
"Thank you for your concern," Mu En said, still calm and unbothered by Yan Shaoze's unease.
Wang Feng, hearing the conversation, found it natural. After all, his master Mu En held a significant position at the academy.
Mu En said to Wang Feng, "Now that we are at the Academy, you no longer need protection. I will be leaving now."
After saying that, Mu En and Xuan Zi went to Poseidon Island, followed by Yan Shaoze and Qian Duoduo.
Wang Feng stood for a moment at the gates of Shrek Academy, watching his two masters disappear from sight with Yan Shaoze and Qian Duoduo.
Wang Feng then started walking into the academy. He headed straight to his dormitory to rest. He had been in the forest for many days, and he missed his friends a little.
Coincidentally, the academy was currently in the break period, and his friends were likely in their rooms.
Wang Feng walked towards the dormitory with a calm yet purposeful stride. When he arrived at the door of his room, he turned the doorknob and tried to open the door.
But it was locked and could not be opened. Wang Feng called out to Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao to see if they were inside.
Wang Feng stood for a moment in front of the room door, feeling slightly confused as the door was locked. He knocked gently and called out, "Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, are you in there?"
A few seconds later, a voice came from inside, followed by footsteps approaching.
The door slowly opened, leaving a narrow gap. Wang Dong, already wearing loose clothing but still looking somewhat disheveled, appeared behind the door, his face flushed.
"Wa-Wang Feng, wait a moment. We're changing clothes inside," Wang Dong hurriedly closed the door.
Wang Feng raised an eyebrow. Since when could they change clothes together? So among the three of them, was he the only one who had never changed clothes with them?
He waited patiently for a while in front of the door, though he was a bit curious about what was going on inside.
Finally, the door opened again, this time wider. Huo Yuhao appeared behind the door, wearing casual clothes that were neater than before, though still slightly disheveled. His face also appeared slightly red, just like Wang Dong's earlier.
"Wang Feng, sorry if we kept you waiting," said Huo Yuhao with an awkward smile. His voice also sounded a bit strange to Wang Feng.
"Ah, no problem," Wang Feng replied calmly, trying not to focus on the tension between them. "I just returned from my trip. Looks like you two just finished... resting."
Wang Dong, who was standing behind Huo Yuhao, seemed uncomfortable and immediately hid his face as if trying to avoid Wang Feng's gaze. "W-What's wrong? We shouldn't be this awkward when we meet."
Wang Feng looked at his two friends for a moment, then smiled lightly. "I just wanted to see you both. After a long journey, it feels strange to be here again. How about you? Anything new?"
Wang Dong nodded, and carefully added, "We just... haven't done much. Just taking a short rest."
It seemed like both of his friends were trying to maintain some emotional distance or were hiding something from Wang Feng. However, he decided not to delve into it further and changed the subject.
"If that's the case, how about we have lunch together?" Wang Feng suggested, hoping to regain the peace he once had with them after the tension-filled journey.
Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao exchanged looks, then both nodded, their smiles beginning to return.
"Alright, let's go," said Wang Dong, slightly more relaxed.
"Wait a moment, okay. I'll put my things away first." Wang Feng walked in and looked at his bed, which was still neat even though he had been away for a long time.
He placed his things on the bed first, planning to tidy them up later.
"Okay, done. Let's go."
The three of them then walked out of the room, heading to the dining area in the dormitory, without further discussion about the strange occurrence that had just happened. However, Wang Feng couldn't shake off his curiosity about what was going on between them.
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