Sign-In in Douluo Dalu.

Chapter 423.

"No wonder Feng'ge was so strong! Was he sparring with Er Ming at such a young age?"

Xiao Wu couldn't help but marvel. She knew better than anyone how powerful Er Ming was.

"Xiao Wu, when will Wang Feng come back to visit us again?"

The massive figure of Da Ming emerged from the lake, his voice echoing with a deep longing. "Even after all these years, I still miss him."

Xiao Wu paused, unsure how to respond. A sigh escaped her lips as she glanced away.

"I don't even know if Feng'ge is alive or dead," she muttered to herself. "But something tells me… he's still out there."

"Yeah, me too," Er Ming chimed in from nearby, his expression unusually contemplative. Then, with a grin, he added, "I miss that durable body of his!"

Er Ming's loud laughter reverberated through the forest, causing the surrounding trees to shake.

Da Ming: "…"

Xiao Wu: "…"

"I want to leave this place…" Xiao Wu said softly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I have a five-year promise with Xiao San and Brother Feng. I should be able to see them again by then."

"No!" Da Ming's tone was firm, cutting through her thoughts. "It's too dangerous outside now. Just a few days ago, I noticed soul masters in strange attire scouting the area. They seemed to be gathering information about us. I have a bad feeling about this, Xiao Wu. You absolutely cannot leave now."

Er Ming nodded in agreement, his usual jovial expression replaced with seriousness.

"But if I stay here, I won't be able to meet Xiao San…" Xiao Wu murmured, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Don't worry," Da Ming reassured her. "Didn't you always say Tang San is incredibly resourceful? He's probably getting stronger even now. When the time comes, he'll find his way to you."

"But if you leave," Da Ming continued in a grave tone, "those Soul Hall people might be hunting you. It's far too dangerous."

Xiao Wu nodded reluctantly, her gaze distant. She stared at the endless sky, lost in thought.

"The five-year promise is near. Xiao San, Brother Feng… are you both okay?"

Heaven Dou City, Shrek Academy.

Shrek Academy had become one of the most –renowned institutions on the continent. Its name carried the legacy of the Shrek Seven Devils and the legendary figure known as Jiu Yikai. The academy's reputation had soared to unimaginable heights.

Today, however, the atmosphere at Shrek Academy was particularly lively.

At the grand entrance, three figures slowly approached—a man and two women.

The man was tall and handsome, his blond hair gleaming under the sunlight. He carried himself with a natural air of authority, every gesture exuding confidence. Beside him walked a delicate woman with flowing sky-blue hair, her demeanor cheerful and approachable.

The second woman, however, stood out the most. Her icy expression, coupled with a stunning figure and striking beauty, created an aura that seemed to repel any who dared to approach. Yet her allure was undeniable. Her elegance and poise were captivating, drawing countless gazes from the passing students.

Her every step was a testament to perfection, eclipsing even the charm of the blue-haired woman beside her.

"Sister Zhuqing, your Shrek Academy is really something," said the woman with azure hair, her voice lilting with amusement. She leaned slightly toward the blond man. "It's far grander than our Skywater Academy. Today is the day of your Shrek Seven Devils reunion. Do you think all of you will be here?"

"Of course!" the blond man replied confidently. His presence was commanding, like a king surveying his domain.

These three were none other than Dai Mubai, Shui Yue'er, and Zhu Zhuqing.

They made their way to the academy's expansive square, which had been renovated and enlarged multiple times over the years. It now bustled with activity, students sparring in various matches across its vast expanse.

Although the trio refrained from revealing their identities, the two women still caught the attention of many. Whispered comments and stolen glances followed them as they passed.

The quiet hum of the square was suddenly interrupted by a loud commotion.

"Behold my Phoenix Fire Wire!"

A rotund figure roared from the distance, his voice booming. Flames erupted across the square as he unleashed his soul skill, sending his opponent sprawling to the ground in defeat.

The crowd erupted in awe.

"Wow, he's so strong!"

"Is he one of the legendary Shrek Seven Devils?"

"Senior, do you have any plans tonight?"

The defeated challenger could only groan in frustration, while the victor basked in the crowd's admiration.

A group of excited students swarmed around the fiery-haired fat man, cheering and asking questions. Before long, he was completely surrounded, his booming laughter drowned out by the commotion.

Nearby, a young man with a neatly trimmed beard stood watching, chuckling softly.

"This guy," he remarked with amusement, "even after five years, he still can't resist showing off."

Dai Mubai, standing not far away, couldn't help but laugh as he observed the scene. "The last time I saw them was three years ago. These two wandered over to the Star Luo Empire and even crashed at the Star Luo Palace for a while."

In the past five years, Ma Hongjun and Oscar had traveled extensively across the continent, exploring new places and meeting old friends. During their journeys, they'd visited the Star Luo Empire several times and had crossed paths with Dai Mubai.

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, clearly familiar with the stories.

Dai Mubai's eyes lingered on Oscar for a moment before he broke into a grin. "Oscar and that beard of his. Still pretending to be some worldly uncle, huh?" He chuckled as if recalling a particularly amusing memory. "When he showed up at my palace, he caught the eye of a noblewoman. Traveling the continent for so many years has given him a weathered, rugged charm. Combine that with the beard, and he's become quite popular among women of… a certain age."

Dai Mubai smirked. "But I heard he finally found a girlfriend at our Star Luo Royal Academy. She's also a food-system soul master, just like him. Apparently, her martial soul is white beer. Can you imagine? White beer and grilled sausages—a match made in heaven!"

He shook his head with a wry smile, the humor of it not lost on him.

At that moment, a soft, melodious voice cut through the laughter.

"And what about the fat one? Hasn't he found anyone yet?"

The three turned toward the voice, only to see a beautiful young woman approaching. She wore a simple yet elegant pale white dress, her hair styled delicately. A gentle smile graced her lips, and an almost ethereal light seemed to surround her, lending her an air of grace and nobility. Despite her refined demeanor, her presence was warm and soothing, like a spring breeze.

It was Ning Rongrong.

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened slightly as a memory surfaced. 'This is Rongrong's first dress from our days at Shrek Academy…'

"Rongrong, long time no see! It's been over five years. You've changed so much," Dai Mubai said, his tone filled with admiration as he looked her over.

"Sister Rongrong, hello!" Shui Yue'er greeted her politely, her voice tinged with respect.

Ning Rongrong walked up to Zhu Zhuqing, –her eyes lighting up as she reached out and took Zhu Zhuqing's hand. The closeness between them was evident.

She glanced at Dai Mubai and teased, "Boss Dai, what do you think? Doesn't it feel nice having someone take care of you?"

Dai Mubai coughed, his expression turning serious, though the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement. "It's wonderful. Truly. I've come to realize how beautiful it feels to be looked after. I think… I've fallen in love with the idea."

Shui Yue'er blushed and playfully pinched Dai Mubai's arm, making him laugh.

Ning Rongrong joined in the laughter, her smile bright and genuine.

By this time, Oscar and Ma Hongjun had managed to extricate themselves from the crowd and were making their way over to the group.

"Boss Dai!" Ma Hongjun called out, his voice loud and cheerful. "I could hear you from all the way over there!"

Though he was still heavy and fat, Ma Hongjun had grown taller and broader, giving him a more solid, burly appearance. His demeanor had matured as well, exuding a calm confidence.

Oscar, standing beside him, radiated a different kind of charm. His sharp eyes sparkled with intelligence, and his posture suggested someone who had grown both in wisdom and strength.

"It's been five years," Oscar said with a warm smile. "Long time no see, everyone."

The four of them exchanged looks, their faces breaking into smiles. There was no need for words, the bonds they shared spoke louder than anything they could say.

"It seems like everyone's gathering," Zhu Zhuqing remarked, her voice soft but filled with anticipation.

In the distance, a lone figure approached, his silhouette becoming clearer with each step.

...….

Please support me and read atleast 20 chapters ahead at my patréon.

patréon.com/PrimorDuous.

I'll be very grateful. Thanks.

...