Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

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Inside the Star Dou Forest.

Tang San, Yu Tianxin, and Yu Tianheng had already finished their soul-hunting mission, but because Dai Mubai hadn't broken through to the 60th rank for some time, they were delayed.

This day, Dai Mubai successfully broke through to the 60th rank. With good luck, they didn't spend much time searching for a soul beast. After absorbing the soul ring, he successfully advanced to the Soul Emperor level.

This soul-hunting mission was finally completed.

As for Tai Long, he had just broken through to the 58th rank, still far from reaching the 60th rank.

The Shrek Five Monsters team was about to set sail soon, so naturally, they wouldn't waste any more time.

After leaving the Star Dou Forest, they had already entered the territory of the Tiandou Empire.

Due to their excellent disguise and deliberate suppression of their auras, they weren't recognized by the soldiers of the Tiandou Empire.

Just as they arrived in Suotuo City, Tang San's group heard the news that the wolf bandits had been annihilated.

At Ning Tianchen's insistence, Zhao Yi omitted their names when making the public announcement. However, some merchants who had stayed behind in Xingnan City and had seen Ning Tianchen in Tiandou City spread the word that the hero who resisted the wolf bandits was him.

However, these merchants had no business ties with the Sky Sword Sect or the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, so they didn't hype it up. The news only spread within a small circle.

By coincidence, a merchant had just arrived in Suotuo City. After recounting Ning Tianchen's deeds, some residents of Suotuo City began discussing Ning Tianchen and the Sky Sword Sect during their tea breaks.

Tang San's group had endured many hardships in the forest, so they stopped at a teahouse in the city to rest and happened to overhear this conversation.

"Ning Tianchen again!" Dai Mubai gritted his teeth in frustration.

Hadn't his injuries been caused by Ning Tianchen and his group?

Tang Xiao subtly gestured, using a sound-transmission technique to remind them, "Don't make a scene! Have you forgotten what Grandmaster said?"

"The more outstanding Ning Tianchen appears, the more people will want him gone. If he's killed, the continent will belong to you all in the future."

The group understood the principle that trees that stand tall are the first to be blown down by the wind.

"Hmph, let him have his moment. When we return from this trip, our strength will surely undergo a transformation. By then, the title of the continent's top genius might just change hands," Yu Tianxin sneered.

They didn't linger in the teahouse and instead booked a room at an inn in the city.

Hanhai City was located in the western part of the Tiandou Empire, and they needed to cross nearly half the empire to get there.

The journey was long, so they needed to pick up the pace.

With accommodations settled, the next step was to purchase supplies for the road.

A casual remark by Yu Tianxin immediately caught Tang San's attention.

"You're saying that after Principal Flender left the academy with Fatty, he returned to Suotuo City?"

At the time, he and Xiao Wu had been taken away by Tang Hao, so he wasn't aware of what happened afterward.

Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang and Flender had a falling out, with the latter reportedly abandoning them and retreating to some corner of the continent to live in seclusion. No specific location was mentioned.

Yu Tianheng, unaware of what Yu Xiaogang had told Tang San, explained, "At the time, Principal Flender left a letter and disappeared completely."

"In the letter, he mentioned taking Hongjun to see a doctor. Principal Flender lived in Suotuo City for decades, so it's likely he returned here."

"At the time, Hongjun's condition was quite serious. I wonder if his brain condition has improved after all these years."

Upon hearing this, Tang San's eyes lit up.

Flender had once been at the 78th rank, stronger even than Liu Erlong.

Now that Liu Erlong had broken through to the Soul Douluo level, Flender's strength must also have grown significantly.

The Tang Sect had just been established, and its influence was minimal. They needed to unite every possible ally.

They had all once been Flender's students, so if they approached him to come out of retirement, he would likely not refuse.

With this in mind, Tang San formed a plan. "Tianheng, Tianxin, Tai Long, you've never been to the original Shrek Academy. Since we're here, why don't we go take a look? Perhaps Principal Flender is still there."

When they left Suotuo City, Flender had promised to preserve Shrek Academy so they could visit anytime.

Tang San naturally didn't doubt Flender's words.

Tai Long grew excited. "Really? I've always wanted to see it!"

Dai Mubai confidently smiled. "Of course! Shrek Academy in Suotuo City holds countless memories for us. Back then, it was me, Fatty, Xiao Ao—cough, cough, never mind that traitor."

"Let me tell you something—"

Tang Xiao silently followed behind them. He also wanted to see what kind of teacher could produce a genius like Dai Mubai.

---

Tang San led the group out of the city.

Along the way, Tai Long and Yu Tianxin felt puzzled—was Shrek Academy really located in the suburbs?

After some explanation, their admiration for Dai Mubai and Tang San grew even stronger.

To grow into top-tier geniuses of the continent in such humble conditions spoke volumes about Shrek Academy's teaching standards.

It was a pity that Shrek's dream hadn't been realized before being ruthlessly crushed by the Spirit Hall.

Tang San smiled and said, "Once we eliminate the Spirit Hall and stabilize the continent, we might be able to restart Shrek Academy. By then, Shrek Academy will undoubtedly become the number one institution on the continent."

"Count me in! Let's strive for the rise of Shrek," Dai Mubai said earnestly.

The others quickly chimed in with their agreement.

As they talked, the group unconsciously arrived at the village where Shrek Academy was located.

Due to years of neglect, the signboard of Shrek Academy was badly worn and on the verge of falling off.

Fortunately, the villagers rarely meddled in outside affairs, so it hadn't been removed.

Tang San pointed to the village. "Look, that's where I sparred with Teacher Zhao when I first enrolled."

"That side is our dormitory, and over there is the principal's office."

Aside from the dilapidated signboard, the wooden houses inside were clean and tidy, clearly maintained regularly.

Tang San smiled at the group. "It seems Principal Flender and Fatty are living here. Let's go inside and take a look."

Tang Xiao, however, looked puzzled. "Are you sure Principal Flender and Ma Hongjun are living here alone?"

No wonder he asked—his perception revealed that at least a dozen people, all soul masters, were currently residing here.

Unaware of the situation, Tang San quickly turned to Yu Tianheng and the others.

"We don't know either. After Principal Flender left the academy, we haven't received any news from him. Perhaps Principal Flender restarted Shrek Academy, and the others are students here?"

Their conversation drew the attention of the residents inside the wooden house.

A portly middle-aged man with a bushy mustache hurried over.

Seeing Tang San and the others, the man bowed respectfully. "What brings you here?"

The man's attire clearly marked him as a merchant, completely unrelated to the academy.

Moreover, according to Tang Xiao's perception, the people hiding inside the wooden house had their martial souls ready, poised to attack them at any moment.

After hearing Tang Xiao's warning, Tang San furrowed his brows.

He then bowed back to the man and asked, "Excuse me, sir. I remember this used to be Shrek Academy. Has it moved elsewhere?"

The man visibly relaxed, and the hidden soul masters inside the wooden house retracted their martial souls.

The man explained, "Five or six years ago, this was indeed Shrek Academy. However, someone has already sold it to me, and all the paperwork is legal and compliant."

"As for where Shrek Academy moved to, I'm afraid I don't know."

"Gentlemen, now that everything has been clarified, please leave. Strangers aren't very welcome here."

With that, the man returned to the wooden house and closed the door.

(Note: After joining Lanba Academy, Flender received money from Liu Erlong and purchased the original site of Shrek Academy.)

Tang Xiao quietly reminded them, "That man is likely the owner, and the people hiding inside are probably bodyguards. This place has been converted into a warehouse. Let's go."

Dai Mubai was visibly emotional. "How could Principal Flender do this? Shrek Academy holds so many memories for us—how could he just sell it off like that?"

It wasn't entirely Flender's fault.

After the failure in the soul master competition, the dissolution of Shrek Academy, and Yu Xiaogang's betrayal, Flender left with Ma Hongjun, having nowhere else to turn.

Selling the academy was an act of desperation.

But Tang San and Dai Mubai couldn't understand.

They had originally agreed that Shrek Academy would be preserved forever as a memorial to the hardships they had endured along the way.

Flender's actions were, without a doubt, a blatant betrayal of them.

Tang Xiao patted the shoulders of the two, lamenting, "Let's go. Go back and rest well tonight—we'll set off tomorrow."

"Shrek Academy hasn't been overly altered by those people. When you have the chance in the future, you can buy this place back and rebuild Shrek Academy as it was in your memories."

Faced with the undeniable truth, Tang San had no choice but to accept the situation.

After one last glance at the wooden structure, he silently clenched his fists.

As they left the village, they finally noticed a small wooden house at the entrance.

There were fruits and a signboard placed outside the wooden house.

When they arrived earlier, their eyes were only on Shrek Academy, so they overlooked this place.

"Pay to consult all matters regarding soul master cultivation theory." Dai Mubai, already in a foul mood, couldn't resist going over to cause trouble.

"I'd like to see which fool dares to swindle people here!"

Tang San and the others didn't stop him. With a mindset of watching the chaos unfold, they followed along.

Approaching the wooden house, Dai Mubai casually picked up a piece of fruit from the stall and said nonchalantly, "I heard that you offer consultations on soul master theories? I have a few things I'd like to ask you."

An aged voice came from inside the wooden house. "One gold soul coin per question, guaranteed to be what you need."

"The apple you're eating is worth one copper soul coin. Leave the payment for both the apple and the consultation on the counter."

Seeing that the person inside had no intention of showing themselves, Dai Mubai sneered, "Hiding like a coward—clearly just a fraud."

"I can't stand charlatans. Consider yourself unlucky today."

With that, Dai Mubai activated his martial soul, ready to smash the stall.

A powerful surge of soul power emanated from inside the wooden house, seemingly intent on teaching Dai Mubai a lesson.

Tang Xiao reacted swiftly, stepping in to block the attack for Dai Mubai.

"Such behavior shows a complete disregard for us," Tang Xiao said coldly.

The door of the wooden house slowly opened, and an elderly man with glasses, white hair, shriveled skin, and a frail appearance walked out.

"Principal Flender?"

Upon recognizing the old man's face, Tang San and the others were shocked.

It was indeed Flender.

However, the vibrant spirit he once had was gone, replaced by endless desolation and regret.

Seeing Tang San and the others, his expression remained unchanged.

Previously, he hadn't recognized Dai Mubai's voice—it wasn't his fault.

After suffering injuries, Dai Mubai's body had developed abnormally, causing his voice to take on a softer, more feminine tone.

"Principal, how did you end up like this?"

Tang San urgently wanted to get to the bottom of the matter.

Though Flender's age was advanced, a soul master shouldn't age this rapidly, especially since he now possessed Soul Douluo-level strength.

Flender didn't say much, simply gesturing for everyone to enter the house.

Inside, Ma Hongjun lay on the only bed, drooling, his gaze vacant, and occasionally making unintelligible "ah-ba-ah-ba" sounds.

"What happened to Hongjun?"

Tang San hurried to the bedside to examine Ma Hongjun's condition.

Flender hung his head, overcome with remorse. "It's all my fault. If only I had corrected Hongjun's habits earlier, he wouldn't have ended up like this. It's all my fault—I'm not fit to be his teacher."

Back then, after leaving Tiandou City with Ma Hongjun, Flender returned to Suotuo City.

He sought treatment for Ma Hongjun far and wide, even lowering himself to act as a hired hand for certain families.

Later, after earning some money, he sold the academy's land and raised 200,000 gold soul coins for Ma Hongjun's treatment.

With the money, he nearly scoured the entire continent for healing-type masters and medical experts.

To gather medicinal herbs, Flender ventured deep into the Star Dou Forest multiple times, narrowly escaping death at the hands of soul beasts on several occasions.

Yet, despite trying every possible method, Ma Hongjun's condition never improved—in fact, it worsened until he became completely mentally impaired.

Eventually, Flender's hair turned white overnight. He brought Ma Hongjun back to this village and opened this shop.

He never forgot to save money to treat Ma Hongjun's illness.

Though Ma Hongjun's brain disease wasn't Flender's fault, he treated the boy like a father, never abandoning him.

After Tang San finished diagnosing Ma Hongjun, he silently lowered his head.

He could tell that when Ma Hongjun's condition was still mild, simply administering some stimulating medication would have cured his brain ailment.

But now, after dragging on for so long, it was basically untreatable.

Of course, Tang San had been taken away by Tang Hao back then and didn't return to Tiandou City until four years later, so he had no knowledge of this matter.

However, he felt that if Yu Xiaogang had used the money to purchase medicinal herbs at the time, Ma Hongjun might have had a chance.

Now, facing Flender, Tang San felt a pang of guilt. The words he had planned to use to recruit Flender stuck in his throat, unspoken.

Flender composed himself and turned his gaze toward Dai Mubai, asking, "Mubai, how are your injuries?"

Dai Mubai, feeling ashamed, didn't respond.

Tang San answered for him, "Mubai's situation is quite complicated. This trip is specifically to find medicine for him."

Flender quickly grabbed Tang San's hand, pleading, "Xiao San, please help me find the herbs to cure Hongjun. In the future, I, Flender, will serve you however you wish…"

Tang San gently patted his hand. "Principal, there's no need to say such things. Fatty is one of us. If we can find suitable herbs, how could we possibly stand idly by?"

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