After communicating with Flander and the other teachers, Dai Mubai immediately greeted everyone individually, handling everything meticulously.
He especially bumped fists with Yang Xiong: "Little Xiong, you look even taller than me after so many years. It seems you've improved a lot over the years."
Yang Xiong smiled and said, "Everyone has their own path. Congratulations on forging your own future as well."
Currently, Dai Mubai is around 1.9 meters tall, and Yang Xiong is about 1.95 meters. Their heights are similar, but Yang Xiong's physique looks slightly stronger.
A smile appeared on Dai Mubai's face: "It was only after experiencing so many years of training that I gradually discovered my true pursuit. The things I used to care about so much now feel completely meaningless."
Yang Xiong sincerely offered his blessings: "Congratulations, we will always be teammates."
Flander opened his mouth with a hint of confusion: "Mubai, what do you mean by that? Has your family's problem been resolved?"
Everyone was very clear about the inheritance system of the Star Luo Empire's throne and knew the bloodshed and cruelty involved in that process, especially since the Star Luo imperial family had only given Dai Mubai five years.
Dai Mubai's face was exceptionally calm: "Dean, I have chosen my own path. I have communicated with the Star Luo imperial family. I have given up both the position of Crown Prince and the heir to the throne."
"From now on, I will have no further connection with the throne, nor do I need the wealth and status of the Star Luo Empire. The Star Luo Empire will not interfere with any of my actions."
Everyone's expressions changed in surprise upon hearing this. Flander quickly said, "Mubai, were you threatened by the Star Luo imperial family? Why would you make such a choice?"
Dai Mubai smiled and said, "Zhu Qing and I have been training outside for the past few years and have seen a much broader Soul Master world. Instead of being trapped by the Star Luo imperial family, it's better to cultivate in peace. Perhaps I can reach a higher realm in the future."
Flander was thoughtful: "Well, perhaps your choice is correct, but won't the Star Luo imperial family make things difficult for you anymore?"
Dai Mubai shook his head: "I had a serious talk with my elder brother, Dai Weisi, and also received the approval of my father and the elders. From now on, neither I nor my descendants will ever have the right to inherit the throne. Even if we return to the Star Luo Empire, we will only serve as elders."
"I don't want my descendants to endure the pain of the Star Luo imperial family, and I don't want my descendants to kill each other. Even Zhu Qing agrees."
Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. Giving up the right to inherit the throne indeed required great courage, but it also avoided the phenomenon of brothers killing each other among future generations. It was difficult to say what the specific gains and losses were.
Looking at Dai Mubai's appearance, Yang Xiong couldn't help but feel a little admiration. He hadn't expected Dai Mubai to awaken earlier than in the original work and be even more resolute. The quagmire of the Star Luo imperial family was indeed quite treacherous.
However, Yang Xiong suddenly thought of a question. If Dai Mubai made this choice, wouldn't his descendants be completely cut off from the throne? Would his descendant, Huo Gua, still appear?
However, Dai Mubai was also surprised by Oscar's situation. One must know that Dai Mubai had also worked hard to cultivate and trained on the Douluo Continent.
As a result, his soul power was actually surpassed by Oscar's. He seemed happy for his friend's strengthening, and there was even a hint of fiery desire to catch up in his eyes.
Under everyone's gaze, the two actually started arm wrestling, seemingly wanting to compare their strength.
The people present also returned to their usual laughter and joy, somewhat resembling the time when they were a team, competing with each other and improving together.
Just then, a voice came from a distance: "Everyone's having so much fun, I'll join in too!"
Someone looked at the person walking over. Their figure was somewhat similar to before, and even their appearance was a bit familiar, especially their voice, which was also familiar, but their temperament was completely different.
Everyone looked closely and saw that this person was actually Tang San.
Compared to five years ago, Tang San's physique had changed significantly.
He was originally only 1.7 meters tall and looked relatively thin, with a rather ordinary face.
But at this moment, Tang San's height had actually exceeded 1.85 meters, his muscles were very solid, and his whole person seemed to have become two sizes thicker.
Although his face was still somewhat vaguely similar, compared to the immaturity of that year, it had become much more resolute at this moment.
Yang Xiong understood this change in an instant. In the past, Tang San mainly cultivated Blue Silver Grass and leaned towards control, so his whole person seemed to be known for his agility.
But now, Tang San should have spent these years diligently practicing the Clear Sky Hammer, which leans towards fierce and overbearing power, focusing heavily on strength cultivation. And those who cultivate strength generally become more robust and tend towards fortitude.
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and the others were immediately pleasantly surprised.
"Third Brother, you wouldn't happen to be Tang San, would you? Your physique and temperament have changed so much these past few years."
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar surrounded Tang San, observing him closely, even unable to resist pinching Tang San's muscles.
Tang San's muscles were now very firm, and each muscle appeared extremely hard.
But in contrast, his every move revealed a hint of aristocratic aura, completely unlike the immaturity of the past, nor the awkwardness of before.
Yang Xiong even faintly felt a trace of killing intent emanating from Tang San. This killing intent wasn't directed at the others, but was involuntarily released due to excessive killing.
Yang Xiong was especially shocked; Tang San's soul power was actually at level sixty at this moment.
One must know that according to Yang Xiong's estimation, Tang San should have reached level sixty long ago.
Based on Tang San's talent, he was already level forty-two during the Soul Master Competition. This meant he only increased by eighteen levels in five years, which was simply too slow.
One must know that in the original work, Tang San trained with Tang Hao and increased by eight levels in one year. It was only because of the three years in Slaughter City and Moon Pavilion that his soul power cultivation was somewhat delayed, but he gained the Kiling God Domain.
And judging from Tang San's current state, he should have also undergone training similar to that in Slaughter City, and even training similar to that in Moon Pavilion.
But looking at his situation, he should not have gone to Slaughter City. The aura in Slaughter City is completely different from Tang San's current aura. The aura of Slaughter City is colder and more frantic, while Tang San's current aura appears more ferocious.
Moreover, Yang Xiong discovered a very strange thing. Whether in the original work or now, Tang San is precisely at level sixty. Could it be that in the unseen world, Xiao Wu is destined to sacrifice herself for Tang San, as if trapped in a certain death loop?
Coincidentally, Yang Xiong hasn't reached the time to absorb a soul ring yet, and even the others around him are still a bit behind. There's no reason to go to the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest either.
...
Tang San still greeted everyone with the gentle demeanor of a refined gentleman, exceptionally soft.
Yang Xiong also bumped fists with Tang San. For the past few years, they had been teammates, and also competing rivals, both striving to become stronger and surpass the other.
"Yang Xiong, it's been so many years, and I feel you've become even stronger. Sooner or later, I want to challenge you again."
A smile appeared at the corner of Yang Xiong's mouth. "Tang San, you're welcome anytime, but you can't back out if you lose."
Tang San laughed heartily. "Fair competition among us, promoting each other, that's what true teammates are."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Indeed. I hope we can always get along like this."
Dai Mubai, standing nearby, smiled and said, "Why don't you two have a match now? We can also witness the strength of Shrek's two strongest."
Yang Xiong directly hooked his arm around Dai Mubai's shoulder. "That wouldn't be too good. It's best to wait until Tang San gets his soul ring. Otherwise, fighting like this is meaningless."
Dai Mubai looked a bit helpless. "You two are both monsters. I really don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing to have monsters like you as teammates."
Tang San also smiled. "Yang Xiong, don't worry. I will surpass you sooner or later. Even if I can't beat you now, even if I can't beat you at the Soul Emperor stage, I can still fight you when I reach Soul Douluo or even Titled Douluo."
After greeting everyone, Tang San walked up to Yu Xiaogang and bowed. "Teacher, I'm back. I've also become stronger."
Yu Xiaogang smiled. "Little San, you're very good. Your growth over these years has been excellent. Being able to mentor you is the proudest achievement of my life."
Yu Xiaogang looked genuinely happy at this moment. The two were as close as father and son, and clearly, in his heart, Tang San's growth surpassed everything.
Liu Erlong, standing nearby, suddenly spoke. "Since everyone is so happy, why don't the teachers and students of Shrek Academy have a Soul Duel Competition? It will also let these younger students witness the brilliance you displayed when you won the runner-up title back then."
Hearing this, everyone looked thoughtful, but soon they all seemed a little excited, and one by one they looked eager to try, wanting to perform well.
Flander said somewhat helplessly, "Erlong, I'm afraid it's a bit beyond my ability to fight so many people alone. You know they are all little monsters."
Liu Erlong rolled her eyes at Flander. "Boss Flander, how could I harm you? I'm not asking you to fight alone. Isn't Teacher Zhao here? With the two of you fighting these little monsters from Shrek, there should be absolutely no problem."
Zhao Wuji immediately became interested. "Boss Flander, I've been a bit itchy lately, and it's been a long time since I fought Tang San and Mubai. I'd like to test their strength."
Many people came to this Shrek gathering. Besides Xiao Wu who didn't come, there were Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Qin Shuang, Zhu Zhuqing, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan.
There were a total of ten people. Although their development varied, their strength had indeed greatly improved compared to back then. Dealing with two Soul Douluo should not be a problem.
However, after glancing at Yang Xiong, Zhao Wuji quickly said, "Boss Flander, fighting a match is no problem, but Little Xiong absolutely cannot participate, otherwise I won't go on stage."
Everyone was surprised to hear this, while Yang Xiong showed a hint of helplessness.
Normally, Yang Xiong was evenly matched with Zhao Wuji, but with the assistance of Oscar and Ning Rongrong, even Flander and Zhao Wuji together couldn't do anything to him.
Flander pondered, "Alright, Mubai, Tianheng, Tang San, you can decide on a seven-person team and discuss tactics. It will be me and Teacher Zhao fighting against your seven people. This way, it's fair to both sides."
The Shrek teachers and students instantly split into two teams and discussed tactics separately.
Yang Xiong also watched everyone set up their tactics. Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Yu Tianheng only briefly analyzed everyone's situation and immediately confirmed the personnel and formation, even coming up with corresponding tactics.
In contrast, Flander and the others on this side seemed a bit hesitant. Although Zhao Wuji was rough, he didn't want to be beaten for no reason.
And Flander still had the face of a shrewd businessman; he hoped Liu Erlong could make a move.
However, looking at Liu Erlong's stance, she seemed to want Flander to show off the demeanor of a dean.
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