From the distant horizon, faint black dots gradually came into view, growing clearer as they descended.
"They're finally back," Yan Shaozhe said with a smile.
Xian Lin'er, unable to contain her excitement, stepped forward. "At last," she murmured, her eyes brimming with joy.
"Welcome home, children," Yan Shaozhe called out warmly as the five senior academy members moved to greet the returning Shrek team.
Xian Lin'er maintained her composure, but Zhou Yi couldn't hold back. She hurried forward, scanning each student carefully. Her gaze lingered on Qianran, and only after confirming he was unharmed did she breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
Though the team hadn't been gone long, the changes in them were stark.
The Shrek elders were astounded by the sheer power emanating from these young talents. Their auras were vastly more refined and potent than when they had left the academy.
Their raw soul power and the cohesion of their energy left even seasoned Titled Douluo uneasy.
Cai Mei'er had mentioned some details about the tournament in her letters, but seeing the team's transformation in person was an entirely different experience.
Even among Shrek's prodigies, this group now stood out as exceptional.
Some, like Zhu Lu, Ning Tian, and Wu Feng, had once been considered talented but not extraordinary. Yet under Qianran's influence, they had leapt several tiers in potential.
Others, like Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan, already showed signs of surpassing their original limits.
Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao, already among the academy's brightest stars, had been pushed to a once-in-a-century level of talent. Xiao Xiao, in particular, now stood among the strongest young talents in a century, thanks to Qianran's efforts.
Ma Xiaotao had reached quasi-Soul Sage status, and Ling Luochen's evolution to Ultimate Ice was nothing short of miraculous.
Even Cui Yajie, who had been the least affected by Qianran, now displayed visible progress.
This group was undoubtedly a future crop of Titled Douluo in the making.
Back at Shrek Academy
The four deans led the triumphant team to Sea God's Pavilion. A small boat awaited them at the edge of Sea God Lake, prepared to ferry them across.
"You've accomplished so much for the academy," Yan Shaozhe announced as they boarded. "Competing with a reduced lineup in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament and still emerging as champions is a feat that will be forever recorded in Shrek's history.
"As a reward, the academy will grant your prizes at the Sea God Pavilion."
Inside the pavilion, the students underwent a ceremonial purification and received their rewards.
Afterward, Qianran found himself being pulled aside by Xian Lin'er and Zhou Yi.
Sea God Pavilion—Private Chambers
"Zhou Yi has really nurtured some incredible talents," Yan Shaozhe remarked, watching the group leave. Despite her relatively low rank in the academy hierarchy, Zhou Yi had produced a class of prodigies unlike any other.
"Lin'er and Zhou Yi spoil Qianran too much," Qian Duoduo chuckled.
"If you had a student or disciple as extraordinary as him, you'd spoil him too," Fan Yu replied.
Their apparent favoritism for Qianran might have seemed excessive, but it was also entirely justified. Qianran's performance in the tournament had been nothing short of legendary. Not only had he crushed every other genius, but he had also elevated his peers, raising the limits of their potential.
Such a student was a treasure, and Xian Lin'er and Zhou Yi's behavior was hardly surprising.
In Xian Lin'er's private chambers, the moment the door closed, she threw herself into Qianran's arms, holding him tightly. Tears glistened in her eyes.
The days without Qianran had been agonizing. She had spent her time worrying about him, dreading the possibility of harm.
With his unparalleled talent, Qianran was undoubtedly a target for many would-be assassins.
"Qianran, I missed you so much," Xian Lin'er said, her soft hands roaming over him, as if to confirm he was whole and unharmed.
"I missed you too," Qianran replied, his voice filled with warmth.
Though he had no shortage of women by his side, Xian Lin'er's unique charm was irreplaceable. Her elegance, her devotion—no one else could compare.
With his hands exploring her curves, Qianran's breath quickened. Gently, he lifted one of her silk-clad legs onto the desk, carefully removing her navy-blue high heels. He caressed her stockings, tracing the curve of her legs like an artist admiring a masterpiece.
Her legs were soft and fragrant, utterly intoxicating.
Blushing furiously, Xian Lin'er tried to stifle her gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. Then, remembering the privacy of her chambers, she let her hand fall.
The rooms in the Sea God Pavilion were soundproof and completely secure. No one outside could hear or see what happened within.
"Don't tear my dress. I only have one like this," Xian Lin'er said quickly, recalling Qianran's fondness for ripping clothes.
"Then take it off yourself," Qianran teased, kissing her on the forehead. "If it gets dirty, people might notice something's off when you leave."
Though Xian Lin'er had once hesitated to fully embrace her feelings for Qianran, her guilt over Qian Duoduo holding her back, their reunion ignited a fire between them.
She cast a shy glance at Zhou Yi before unbuttoning her dress.
When her blue bikini-clad figure emerged, it added a vibrant, passionate energy to the room's classical elegance.
Qianran, unable to resist, let his eyes roam over her form, drinking in every detail.
Zhou Yi stood awkwardly to the side, unsure of what to do. She wanted to join in but hesitated, afraid Xian Lin'er might take offense.
(End of Chapter)
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