Chapter 176: Tang San Appears

After Dai Mubai communicated with Flanders and several teachers, he immediately went around greeting each person individually, handling everything thoroughly.

He especially bumped fists with Yang Xiong: "Xiao Xiong, after all these years you look even taller than I appear; it seems you've improved a lot these years."

Yang Xiong laughed, "Everyone has their own path; congratulations on forging your own future as well."

Now Dai Mubai is about 1.9 m tall, Yang Xiong about 1.95 m; their heights are similar, but Yang Xiong's build looks roughly two points sturdier.

A faint smile appeared on Dai Mubai's face: "After so many years of experience, I've gradually realized my pursuits; the things I once cared about now seem meaningless."

Yang Xiong sincerely offered his blessing: "Congratulations, we'll always be teammates."

Flanders opened, a bit puzzled: "Mubai, what do you mean? Has your family's issue been resolved?"

Everyone is well aware of the Star Luo Empire's imperial heir system and its bloodiness and cruelty, especially since the Star Luo royal family gave Dai Mubai only five years back then.

Dai Mubai's face appeared unusually calm: "Director, I have chosen my own path; I've spoken with the Star Luo royal family, and I've renounced both the Crown Prince seat and the Imperial Heir position."

"From now on, I will have no further ties to the throne, nor need the Star Luo Empire's wealth or status; the Star Luo Empire will not interfere with any of my actions."

The others' faces paled at his words; Flanders hurriedly asked: "Mubai, were you threatened by the Star Luo imperial family? Why make such a choice?"

Dai Mubai smiled: "These years I've been training with Zhu Qing abroad, witnessing a broader Soul Grandmaster world; rather than being trapped by the Star Luo royal family, I'd rather cultivate peacefully, perhaps reaching a higher realm in the future."

Flanders, thoughtful, said: "Very well, your choice may be right, but won't the Star Luo royal family still make things difficult for you?"

Dai Mubai shook his head: "I had a serious talk with my elder brother Davis, and received approval from the Emperor and the Elder; from now on, both I and my descendants will forever lose the right to inherit the throne, and even if we return to the Star Luo Empire we'll only serve as Elders."

"I don't want my descendants to endure the Star Luo imperial family's suffering, nor to turn on each other; even Zhu Qing has approved this."

The others fell silent; renouncing the throne indeed requires great courage, but it also prevents brothers from killing each other in later generations, making the exact pros and cons hard to judge.

Yang Xiong, watching Dai Mubai's demeanor, couldn't help feeling a bit admiring; he hadn't expected Dai Mubai to awaken earlier than in the original work and to be so decisive—the Star Luo royal family's quagmire truly is treacherous.

But Yang Xiong suddenly thought of a problem: if Dai Mubai makes this choice, won't his descendants be completely cut off from the throne, and could his descendant Huo Gua still appear?

However, Dai Mubai was also surprised by Oscar's situation; he knew that Dai Mubai had previously trained hard and honed his skills on the Douluo Continent.

It turned out his soul power was surpassed by Oscar, and he seemed both happy for his friend's growth and a spark of fierce pursuit flashed in his eyes.

Under everyone's gaze, the two actually locked wrists, apparently to compare their strength.

The crowd's laughter and chatter returned, reminiscent of the team's early days, with everyone competing and improving together.

At that moment, a voice came from afar: "You're all having so much fun, let me join too!"

Someone looked at the approaching figure; his build was somewhat similar to before, his face vaguely familiar, especially his voice, yet his temperament was completely different.

The others stared, and the person turned out to be Tang San.

Compared to five years ago, Tang San's physique had changed dramatically.

He had originally been only 1.7 m tall, looking slender with an ordinary face.

But now Tang San stands over 1.85 m, his muscles extremely solid, as if he's grown two layers thicker.

His face still bears a faint resemblance, yet compared to his youthful past, it now looks far more resolute.

Yang Xiong instantly understood the change; previously Tang San mainly cultivated Blue Silver Grass, focusing on control, making him agile.

Now Tang San must have spent years hard‑training with the Clear Sky Hammer, which emphasizes brute, domineering strength, so practitioners of power become sturdier and more resolute.

Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar and the others were instantly delighted.

"San Ge, you can't be Tang San, can you? Your physique and aura have changed so much over these years."

Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun and Oscar circled Tang San, observing him closely, even unable to resist pinching his muscles.

At this moment Tang San's muscles are extremely firm, each one appearing very hard.

Conversely, his gestures exude a hint of aristocratic aura, unlike his former youthful or raw demeanor.

Even Yang Xiong faintly sensed a trace of killing intent emanating from Tang San; this aura isn't directed at anyone, but is a byproduct of excessive killing.

Yang Xiong was especially shocked: Tang San's soul power is already Level 60.

By Yang Xiong's estimate, Tang San should have reached Level 60 long ago.

Given Tang San's talent, he was already Level 42 during the Soul Master Competition, meaning he only advanced eighteen levels in five years—a painfully slow pace.

In the original, Tang San trained with Tang Hao and rose eight levels in a year; the three years spent in Killing City and Yue Xuan slightly delayed his soul power cultivation, yet he attained the Killing God Domain.

From his current state, Tang San seems to have undergone experiences akin to Killing City and even Yue Xuan.

Yet his condition suggests he never went to Killing City; the aura there is far colder and crazier, whereas Tang San's current aura feels far more ferocious.

Moreover, Yang Xiong noticed a strange fact: whether in the original or now, Tang San is exactly Level 60, which suggests that, mysteriously, Xiao Wu must be sacrificed to Tang San, as if caught in a fatal loop.

Yet Yang Xiong hasn't reached the stage to absorb a Soul Ring; even those around him are still a bit behind, and there's no reason to go to the Core Zone of the Star Dou Great Forest.

……

Tang San still greets everyone with the gentle demeanor of a modest gentleman.

Yang Xiong also bumped fists with Tang San; over the years they've been teammates and rival competitors, each striving to surpass the other.

"Yang Xiong, after all these years, I think you've become stronger; when the time comes I'll challenge you again."

Yang Xiong's mouth twitched a smile: "Tang San, you're always welcome, but if you lose you can't refuse to settle up."

Tang San laughed loudly: "Fair competition among us, pushing each other forward—that's what true teammates are."

Yang Xiong nodded: "Indeed, may we always get along like this."

Dai Mubai, standing nearby, laughed: "Why not have a match now? Let us see the strength of Shrek's two strongest."

Yang Xiong, hooking his arm around Dai Mubai's shoulder, said: "That's not ideal; better wait until Tang San obtains a Soul Ring, otherwise the fight lacks meaning."

Dai Mubai looked a bit helpless: "You two are monsters; I truly don't know whether having monsters as teammates is good or bad."

Tang San also smiled: "Yang Xiong, don't worry; I'll eventually surpass you. Even if I can't beat you now, even if I can't defeat you at the Soul Emperor stage, I can still reach Soul Douluo or even Title Douluo and fight you then."

After greeting everyone, Tang San approached Yu Xiaogang, bowing: "Teacher, I'm back; I've become stronger too."

Yu Xiaogang laughed: "Xiao San, you're great; your growth over these years has been excellent, and training you is the proudest thing of my life."

Yu Xiaogang now looks truly delighted; the two are as close as father and son, and clearly Tang San's growth means everything to him.

Liu Erlong, standing aside, suddenly said: "Since everyone's so happy, why not have the Shrek Academy teachers and students hold a Soul Fighting Competition, letting the juniors see the glory of your runner‑up performance back then."

The others, upon hearing this, were thoughtful at first, but soon they all seemed a bit excited, and each of them looked like they were rubbing their fists, eager to show off.

Flanders said helplessly, "Er Long, I'm afraid fighting so many people alone would be beyond my strength; you know they're all Little Monsters."

Er Long gave Flanders a cold glance: "Boss Flanders, how could I possibly betray you? I'm not letting you go at it alone; isn't Teacher Zhao still here? With the two of you fighting Shrek and those Little Monsters, it should be completely fine."

Zhao Wuji's interest was instantly piqued: "Boss Flanders, I've been itching for a fight lately, and it's been a long time since I sparred with Tang San and Dai Mubai; I'd like to test their strength."

This Shrek gathering brought many people; apart from Xiao Wu, there were Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Qin Shuang, Zhu Zhuqing, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan.

In total there were exactly ten people; although their development varied, their strength had indeed risen greatly compared to back then, and dealing with two Soul Douluo should pose no problem.

But Zhao Wuji glanced at Yang Xiong and quickly said, "Boss Flanders, a match isn't a problem, but Xiao Xiong absolutely cannot fight; otherwise I won't take the field."

The others were startled by this, while Yang Xiong showed a hint of helplessness.

Normally Yang Xiong and Zhao Wuji are evenly matched, but with Oscar and Ning Rongrong's support, even Flanders and Zhao Wuji together couldn't handle them.

Flanders thought for a moment: "Fine, Mu Bai, Tian Heng, Tang San, you can decide on a seven‑person team and discuss tactics; I'll face your seven with Teacher Zhao, so the sides will be fair."

The Shrek teachers and students instantly split into two teams, each discussing tactics.

Yang Xiong also watched as everyone arranged tactics; Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Yu Tianheng merely analyzed the situation briefly, then immediately confirmed the personnel and formation, even devising corresponding tactics.

By contrast, the Flanders side seemed a bit hesitant; Zhao Wuji, though rough, also didn't want to be beaten for no reason.

And Flanders still wore a shrewd merchant's grin; he hoped even more that Er Long would step in.

But seeing Er Long's stance, it seemed he wanted Flanders to showcase the dean's flair.

(End of Chapter)