Finally, before sunset, the Grandmaster and his group arrived at Blue Tyrant Academy.
The Grandmaster took a step forward and initiated a conversation with the academy's gatekeeper.
"Hello, we're here to see Xiao Bei."
"Xiao Bei?"
The gatekeeper looked puzzled. He didn't recognize anyone at the academy by that name.
"Are you referring to a student? I don't know anyone called Xiao Bei. Could you provide their full name?"
The Grandmaster hesitated briefly before explaining:
"Well, we're looking for Meng Bei, the one who posted the recruitment notice near the city gate."
The gatekeeper suddenly understood.
"Oh, you mean Meng Bei, the one forming a team recently. Wait here, I'll go notify him."
Meanwhile, Meng Bei was helping a fatigued Liu Erlong back to her cottage. On the way, they were stopped by the gatekeeper bringing the message.
When Meng Bei heard the gatekeeper's report, his eyes lit up.
"Aunt Erlong, Dean Flender and the Grandmaster have arrived. Let's go welcome them!"
Liu Erlong's face turned pale instantly.
Clinging to Meng Bei, she looked at him with pleading eyes and whispered softly:
"Please, Xiao Bei, don't make me go. I don't want to see Xiao Gang."
Seeing her reaction, Meng Bei didn't press her.
Considering the gatekeeper was still present, it wasn't appropriate to act out of line.
After a moment's thought, Meng Bei made a decision and told the gatekeeper:
"It's getting late today. Arrange accommodations for them in the academy. We'll handle the evaluation tomorrow."
"Understood," the gatekeeper replied and promptly left.
Soon, only Meng Bei and Liu Erlong were left.
Meng Bei resumed supporting Liu Erlong as they made their way to her cottage. As they walked, he slid an arm around her slender, alluring waist.
Liu Erlong's cheeks flushed a deep red, her body squirming slightly. While she seemed to resist, her actions betrayed her as she leaned closer to him.
When Meng Bei refrained from advancing further, Liu Erlong surprised him by sliding her hands under his shirt.
Meng Bei was astonished. Her years of solitude had clearly left her yearning, and her desires were something only someone of his exceptional caliber could fulfill.
Taking advantage of the moment, Meng Bei leaned in to nibble on Liu Erlong's ear, whispering:
"Aunt Erlong, the Grandmaster and the others are staying at the academy. Are you sure you don't want to see them?"
Liu Erlong's expression turned somber. She hesitated briefly before shaking her head repeatedly, leaning against Meng Bei like a delicate bird seeking shelter.
"Xiao Gang... It's better if I don't see him. For both of us, it's better this way," she murmured.
"Oh?"
Meng Bei's tone was teasing.
"Are you really so heartless? Dean Flender told me you two were once about to get married."
Liu Erlong's face changed slightly, a hint of annoyance flashing as she muttered, "Flender shouldn't go around talking about that."
She sighed softly, resting against Meng Bei's chest as she explained:
"We did have a wedding back then, but it never happened. That was all in the past. Besides, I've already given myself to you. You're the most important person in my life now. As for Xiao Gang, I just feel a bit nostalgic."
"I see..."
Meng Bei smiled lightly, as if unconcerned.
By this time, the two had reached Liu Erlong's private cottage.
Meng Bei pushed the door open, guiding Liu Erlong inside before shutting it firmly behind them.
The moment they were alone, Liu Erlong shed her earlier reservations, becoming far more assertive.
Perhaps discussing Yu Xiaogang had stirred feelings of guilt in her, prompting her to take the initiative in compensating Meng Bei.
Not long after, inappropriate behaviors unfolded once again.
Suddenly, a sharp smack broke the moment as Meng Bei slapped Liu Erlong's voluptuous figure.
"Ah!" Liu Erlong yelped in surprise, unsure how to react.
Meng Bei delivered another firm slap, causing her fair skin to tremble.
"Xiao Gang, Xiao Gang—you call his name so fondly, yet you say you only feel nostalgic? From now on, you're not allowed to have any lingering feelings for other men. Got it?"
Meng Bei ordered sternly, punctuating his words with more slaps.
Liu Erlong's flawless skin bore visible handprints as she knelt tearfully at Meng Bei's feet, her voice filled with remorse:
"Please don't be angry. My heart belongs only to you. I won't think about anyone else ever again."
Meng Bei chuckled, clearly satisfied.
"Then let me test if you're telling the truth."
Elsewhere in Blue Tyrant Academy, the Grandmaster and his group were temporarily assigned to guest rooms.
The official reason given was that it was late, and the evaluation would take place the next day.
While the explanation seemed reasonable, the Grandmaster couldn't shake the feeling that Meng Bei was deliberately making things difficult.
Even so, compared to the humiliation at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Blue Tyrant Academy's treatment was much more accommodating.
Most importantly, the rest of the Shrek Academy members wanted to stay and clear up any misunderstandings with Meng Bei, leaving the Grandmaster with little choice but to go along.
As night fell and the Grandmaster lay in his guest room, he found himself unable to sleep. A persistent sense of unease gnawed at him.
Trying to dismiss his worries, he thought, What's there to be nervous about? At worst, I'll apologize to Meng Bei tomorrow. I'm the elder—surely he wouldn't dare make things difficult for me.
He reassured himself, but the uneasiness remained.
Deciding a walk might help, he left his room and strolled under the night sky, hoping to calm his restless mind.
Not far away, hidden in the shadows, Meng Bei and Liu Erlong observed him quietly.
At the sight of Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong was momentarily stunned.
Aging... unfamiliarity...
These were her first impressions of the Grandmaster.
But as she continued to watch, memories of the past surfaced, casting a shadow over her thoughts.
Meng Bei noticed her dazed expression and felt a pang of irritation.
Placing a firm hand on Liu Erlong's waist, he pressed down, causing her to stumble. She instinctively caught herself against a nearby tree, maintaining her balance.
Dressed in combat leather at Meng Bei's insistence, Liu Erlong's mature and curvaceous figure was accentuated, making her appear both commanding and alluring.