The setting sun cast its slanted rays across the neat streets of the Bright Capital, while spirit tool streetlamps lit up one by one.
Bei Bei could no longer suppress the excitement surging in his heart. He took a large step forward and stood before Tang Ya.
Countless questions churned within him. Where had she gone all these years? Why was she in the Bright Capital? Most importantly—had she been living well?
Yet his emotions were in such turmoil that ten thousand words jammed in his throat. For a moment, he didn't know which one to say first.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Donger quickly followed after him.
Both of them were equally shocked. Especially Huo Yuhao—being a member of the Tang Sect, he carried especially deep feelings toward this long-missing Sect Leader.
"Sister Xiaoya… why are you here?" Huo Yuhao steadied himself and spoke first, breaking the silence.
Tang Ya looked at the three familiar faces before her. A gentle, calm smile appeared.
She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "That's a long story. Since we've met, let's sit down and talk properly."
With that, she led them to a nearby snack stall.
She moved with practiced ease, ordering several Bright Capital specialties—noodles and pastries—then poured warm tea for all three of them.
Once they were seated, Tang Ya looked at Bei Bei, whose expression was filled with complicated emotions, and slowly began recounting her experiences over the past few years.
"Back when I was still at Shrek Academy, I already felt I'd reached a bottleneck," Tang Ya said calmly, as though narrating someone else's life. "Without relying on special methods, it would have been extremely difficult for me to develop further—let alone revive the Tang Sect."
"So I chose to leave the academy and return alone to the old Tang Clan site in the Heaven Dou Empire."
At this point, a trace of lingering fear flashed through her eyes.
"But I didn't expect that near the old site, I would fall into the schemes of Evil Soul Masters."
"They exploited my desire for power and forcibly triggered the Devouring Attribute within my Blue Silver Grass. During that time, I completely lost control and fell into the path of an Evil Soul Master, nearly going beyond redemption."
Hearing this, Bei Bei's grip tightened unconsciously around his teacup, his knuckles whitening.
"Just when I was about to lose myself completely," Tang Ya continued, "Liu Yuan happened to pass by."
"He stepped in and saved me. Even after seeing the evil aura around me, he didn't kill me. Instead, he forcibly suppressed it and brought me back to the Sun Moon Empire."
"After arriving in the Bright Capital, he didn't abandon me either. He specifically arranged Soul Engineers who researched spirit mutations and mental purification, and even sought out experts highly skilled in purification techniques to completely eradicate the evil poison in my body."
"After a long period of treatment, the evil influence was finally removed, and my spirit returned to purity. That's why I can sit here and talk to you normally today."
When she finished, Bei Bei, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Donger all fell silent, shock and realization written across their faces.
Bei Bei let out a long sigh, his expression complicated. "So that's what happened… If Liu Yuan hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would've been unimaginable. Xiaoya, it seems our Tang Sect owes Liu Yuan another enormous debt."
Huo Yuhao spoke softly as well. "Even though we're no longer on the same side as Brother Liu Yuan—and may even meet as opponents soon—I have to admit he's helped us far too much."
"Despite his current status, he still remembers old bonds. That kind of character… really deserves respect."
Tang Ya nodded seriously. "Yes. Over these years, I've received immense care from him. If not for Liu Yuan, I might already be a walking corpse—or worse."
Bei Bei was silent for a moment, then looked straight at her. "Then what happened after you recovered? Why didn't you come back to find me? Even a letter would've been enough. Do you know how worried I've been all these years?"
A trace of guilt flickered in Tang Ya's eyes, but it quickly hardened into resolve.
"Bei Bei, I thought about that for a long time."
"At Shrek Academy, as a pure Spirit Master, my talent had already reached its limit. A qualitative breakthrough would've been extremely difficult."
"Liu Yuan once had a long conversation with me. He suggested I try the path of a Soul Engineer."
She paused, then continued. "He said that if I truly wanted to revive the Tang Sect, I couldn't cling stubbornly to ancient hidden weapons and cultivation methods alone."
"In this new era, the Tang Sect's hidden weapons must integrate with spirit tools. He hoped I could rebuild the Tang Sect's glory using methods of the new age. I tried—and found that this path suited me far better."
"After several years of effort, my spirit tool skills advanced rapidly. I've now passed the assessment and officially become a Fifth-Rank Soul Engineer."
"On top of that, to make up for the damage to my foundation back then, Liu Yuan helped me obtain many precious Immortal Spirit Medicines that improve aptitude."
"With those resources, my spirit power has also reached Rank Fifty."
Tang Ya looked at Bei Bei sincerely. "So for these past few years, I've stayed at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."
"On one hand, the environment here truly suits my growth."
"On the other hand—and this is the most important—I owe Liu Yuan too much. I couldn't just leave without accomplishing anything. I wanted to achieve something meaningful first, so that one day I could truly repay his kindness."
After she finished, everyone fell into deep thought.
They wanted Tang Ya to return to Shrek—but from her perspective, this choice was entirely reasonable.
Kindness had to be repaid. And Tang Ya was never someone who would forget a debt.
Seeing the atmosphere grow heavy, Tang Ya smiled and deliberately changed the subject.
"Enough about me. Why did all of you suddenly come to the Bright Capital together? Don't tell me you're also here for this All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament?"
The three exchanged glances, then nodded.
"That's right. We're representing Shrek Academy," Huo Yuhao replied.
Hearing this, Tang Ya's lips curled into a slightly playful smile. "Then you're going to have a rough time."
"As far as I know, Liu Yuan is also participating this session, representing the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy—and he's the captain."
Bei Bei's hand trembled as he lifted his teacup, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.
Though he'd long suspected it, hearing confirmation still sent a heavy pressure crashing down on him.
Huo Yuhao's expression turned solemn. He lowered his voice and asked cautiously, "Teacher Xiaoya… you've been staying at the academy. How strong is Brother Liu Yuan now, exactly? Has he broken through to Spirit Saint?"
Tang Ya burst into a clear, bell-like laugh and lightly tapped Huo Yuhao on the forehead.
"Little Yuhao, that's not very nice. We've only just reunited and you're already scouting the enemy?"
Huo Yuhao flushed, scratching his head awkwardly. "I just… want to be mentally prepared."
Tang Ya's smile faded, her expression turning serious.
"There's very little I can tell you."
"As I said, Liu Yuan has treated me exceptionally well. Whether morally or out of gratitude, I cannot betray him."
"So regarding the secrets of his Spirit, his Spirit Abilities, or any specific combat details—I absolutely cannot disclose those."
Though disappointed, the three nodded in understanding.
Tang Ya took a sip of tea and spoke in a low, steady voice.
"But as an old friend, I can give you one very clear warning."
"The current Liu Yuan is far, far stronger than when you last saw him in Star Luo City."
"In fact, the two aren't even on the same level anymore."
She looked directly at Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei, her expression grave, without the slightest exaggeration.
"To be honest, in this tournament, none of the participating teams truly have much hope."
"Liu Yuan's strength has already surpassed my understanding."
"If he's willing to go all out, without caring about conserving strength, then I suspect that no matter which team he faces—he has the ability to sweep them all by himself."
One against seven. A complete sweep.
Those words carried immense weight.
And after hearing them, Huo Yuhao and the others were completely stunned.
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