"Thank you,"
Tang Ya nodded politely to Jiang Qingtong, but in her heart, she regarded the offer as nothing more than polite words.
> "The bustling world is all for profit; all comings and goings for gain."
If even Shrek Academy, with its deep historic ties to the Tang Sect, had turned a blind eye in her time of need, what reason did she have to trust the kindness of a stranger she'd just met?
Especially one so young. If the offer had come from Elder Hong, perhaps it would've sounded more credible.
But Jiang Qingtong noticed her guarded expression.
"Sect Master Tang, do you think I was just being polite?"
Tang Ya was caught off guard by her bluntness. A bit embarrassed, she replied,
"I didn't mean it that way."
Jiang Qingtong smiled.
"It's fine. It's perfectly reasonable. After all, we just met. But I wasn't being polite—I meant what I said."
Both Tang Ya and Beibei were stunned by her seriousness.
"You mean it?" Tang Ya asked.
Jiang Qingtong nodded.
"If you're willing, you could reestablish the Tang Sect in the Sun-Moon Empire. You would have full support. And once the sect is strong enough, reclaiming your base in Heaven Dou City wouldn't be so difficult."
"Sun-Moon Empire? Miss Jiang… you're from the Sun-Moon Empire?" Tang Ya fell into deep thought, but Beibei was visibly shocked and stared at Jiang Qingtong in disbelief.
Noting Beibei's reaction, Jiang Qingtong asked lightly,
"Why? The Sun-Moon Empire is now part of the Douluo Continent. Does Mr. Beibei think we don't belong in the Star Dou Forest?"
"…Apologies. I overreacted," Beibei realized he'd lost composure and quickly cupped his hands in apology.
Tang Ya looked at Jiang Qingtong and suddenly asked,
"If the Tang Sect were to be reestablished in the Sun-Moon Empire… how much support would we actually receive?"
"Xiaoya!" Beibei interrupted her, clearly uncomfortable with where the conversation was going.
Realizing she had spoken out of turn, Tang Ya cleared her throat and added,
"Forgive me, Miss Jiang. I spoke out of line. The Tang Sect has stood for thousands of years. We're not considering such a move for now."
Even though she declined, she had not firmly refused, which made Jiang Qingtong smile.
"I understand. After all, the Tang Sect was once as glorious as Shrek Academy itself."
That comment cut deep, and Tang Ya's expression showed it.
Noticing her discomfort, Beibei gently placed a hand on her shoulder and said to Jiang Qingtong,
"Pardon us, Miss Jiang. Xiaoya's a bit tired. We'll head back for now. Yuhao, Miss Jiang, we'll speak again soon."
"Mm." Huo Yuhao nodded and stood with Jiang Qingtong, watching them leave.
Old Hong, watching their backs as they walked away, sighed.
"So this is what remains of the once-mighty Tang Sect? Didn't Shrek and the Tang Sect have a bond like family? And yet they did nothing while the Tang Sect was wiped out?"
"Shrek's been at the top too long to lower themselves," Jiang Qingtong said quietly, watching until Beibei and Tang Ya were out of sight.
"They're the strongest academy on the continent, yet they wouldn't lift a finger. I've heard the stories too—without the Sea God Tang San of the Tang Sect, Shrek Academy wouldn't even exist. Seems the real Shrek isn't quite like the legends," Huo Yuhao said, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Jiang Qingtong nodded in agreement.
"Yuhao, how about I have Elder Hong escort you to the Sun-Moon Empire?"
Huo Yuhao blinked.
"You're not coming with me, cousin?"
She shook her head.
"No, I've got some business to take care of. But once you're there, my brother will take good care of you."
"…Business?"
Huo Yuhao looked from her to the distant outline of Shrek City.
"You're going to join Shrek Academy, aren't you?"
"Smart boy," Jiang Qingtong admitted with a smile.
There was no reason to deny it.
And Huo Yuhao immediately understood why someone from the Sun-Moon Empire would want to infiltrate Shrek Academy—after all, there was no other place on the continent with a higher concentration of elite martial souls.
Before departing, Huo Yuhao glanced at Jiang Qingtong. After hesitating a moment, he said softly,
"Be careful, cousin."
"Don't worry," she replied with a nod.
Old Hong added,
"Girl, if anything happens, contact me immediately! I'll come running with reinforcements! Worst-case scenario, just return to Mingde Hall. Us old bones can hustle a little harder and find you some new martial souls."
"I got it, Elder Hong." Jiang Qingtong waved cheerfully. "You and Yuhao take care on the road too."
After bidding farewell, she turned and headed toward Shrek City.
Though located in the Heaven Soul Empire, Shrek City was completely under the jurisdiction of Shrek Academy. Even the City Lord, Shi Xing, was an academy graduate.
Back in the city, Beibei had escorted Tang Ya home. Her residence was a small courtyard granted by the Academy out of old friendship with the Tang Sect.
Calling it a "base" was generous. With so few members left, the Tang Sect had no right to such a term anymore.
"Xiaoya, are you alright?" Beibei asked gently as he helped her sit down.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," Tang Ya replied, shaking her head.
Still uneasy, Beibei began to massage her shoulders.
"Don't let what Miss Jiang said get to you. The Sun-Moon Empire isn't some kind of paradise. The Academy and Grand Elder Xuan all have their reasons…"
Tang Ya nodded and patted his hand.
"I understand."
But only she knew what she truly felt inside.
Could Shrek Academy really not help the Tang Sect even regain a foothold in Heaven Dou City?
That didn't sound like justice or fairness.
"Beibei, I'm a bit tired," she said softly. "You should head back to the Academy. Don't let me interrupt your training."
Beibei hesitated.
"I could take a few days off."
Tang Ya smiled and pushed him gently.
"No need. I'm not so fragile that I need someone watching me every second."
Seeing her smile, Beibei finally nodded. He reminded her once more to take care and then left for Shrek Academy.
After he was gone, Tang Ya clenched her fist and slammed it against the wall beside her.
"Father… Mother… can I really restore the Tang Sect?" she whispered, eyes reddening.
"If I… if I took the Tang Sect to the Sun-Moon Empire… would you forgive me?"