The sun rose gently over Lamba Academy, its golden rays stretching across the training fields, dormitories, and meditation halls — buildings that had stood proudly for more than a decade under the protection and passion of Liu Erlong.
But today, something was different.
Inside the main hall, all of Lamba Academy's teachers and senior disciples had gathered. A tense silence filled the space, broken only by the sound of Dean Liu Erlong's firm footsteps as she stepped to the front.
Her crimson robe flowed like flame, and though her face remained stern, her eyes showed a strange mix of resolution and sorrow.
"I've summoned you all here today," she began, "to inform you of a major change."
A murmur rose through the crowd.
"As of this morning, Lamba Academy has been sold. Ownership will be transferred to a new benefactor — a powerful force that has taken interest in this academy's potential."
Shock rippled through the staff.
"Dean Liu… what does this mean?" one of the senior instructors asked. "Are we being replaced?"
Liu Erlong raised her hand calmly. "No. Nothing will change for you — not your roles, not your students, not your responsibilities. The academy's structure will remain intact. I made sure of that."
"Then… why, Dean?" a younger soul instructor asked, eyes filled with disbelief.
She looked away for a moment, her voice softening. "Because there are things in this world more important than buildings and gold. Because... the person I thought I lost forever may still be alive."
The staff fell silent, now sensing the emotional weight behind her words.
With a final bow, Liu Erlong stepped aside.
From the shadowed corridor entered the clone, calm and composed, his aura quietly dominating the space. Though his presence felt unnatural, no one could deny the soul pressure he subtly emitted.
"This academy will serve as a training ground," he announced, "for one disciple — chosen by my master. You are not expected to serve or bow. Only to continue teaching, as before. Your dean has negotiated well for all of you."
When the meeting concluded, Liu Erlong remained behind as the clone approached her in private.
"Well?" she asked sharply. "You've had your academy. Now give me the truth."
The clone nodded. "As promised. Yu Xiaogang is alive."
Her heart leapt.
"He has been living in Soto City, in the western province. He is one of the founders of a new academy — Shrek Academy, formed by your old companion, Flender."
"Shrek…?" she repeated, stunned. "That old bird finally made good on his dream."
The clone continued. "Your husband disappeared all those years ago chasing soul theory and martial soul mutation data. After that He's kept a low profile since, training a small group of exceptional students alongside Flender and a few others."
Liu Erlong's throat tightened. The name Shrek Academy was unfamiliar, but the emotions were not. The fire in her soul — long dampened by time — now sparked again.
"…So he's been alive this whole time… and never came back for me?"
The clone tilted his head. "Sometimes we hide for those we love… even when it hurts."
She clenched her fists, silent. "I'm going to him."
The clone stepped aside. "My master anticipated you would. That is why he gave you this information — so you may go freely."
Liu Erlong's eyes flared with renewed purpose. "Good. Because whether I punch him or kiss him… he'll have to face me."
She turned toward the door, her last glance cast upon the academy she had built — and just surrendered.
"Farewell, Lamba Academy. Serve your new purpose well."
Then she walked out, her crimson figure blazing a path toward Soto City… and toward the man she never stopped loving.