Chapter 35 - Reunion?

________________

Heaven Dou Imperial Academy,

Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is the best academy in the Heaven Dou Empire that belongs to the Imperial Family. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is present on a vast mountain and has the best facilities from which, however, recruits only people of noble birth.

At this time of the day, a group of three people could be found roaming around the academy. Though it was normal for people to come and go inside the place, this time however, was completely different as whenever the three go it causes the other nearby students to stop what they were doing and feel great curiosity to know them.

Dugu Yan, who was guiding Lev, Sia, and Zhu Zhuqing, around was filled with excitement and joy as she toured them around the academy not minding the gazes of the other students around. The girls could be found blushing while looking at Lev whereas, the boys were also shouting after seeing another two beautiful women in the academy thinking that they might be transfer students.

Just like that, the news about handsome and beautiful youths walking and looking around together with Dugu Yan spread in just a minute throughout the academy gaining the curiosity of everyone.

Meanwhile, when Lev and the others were roaming around. There was also a gathering happening in a particular room inside the academy.

________________

Inside a room,

In a room for which peace and quietness preside, a group of four people could be found talking to each other with smiles and anticipation in their expressions. These people were none other than, Yu Xiaogang, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Ma Hongjun.

"It's already been five years. I think they were now on their way back here to the academy." Flender suddenly said while looking outside through the window. Many things have happened during these five years, and he was feeling excited for a reason the promised date for them to come had already come.

"Don't worry, Dean. I can feel they were coming." Ma Hongjun, who was still fat and small replied with a smile. Unlike the rest, he was the only student who hadn't left and continued to be instructed by Flender and others, but it doesn't mean he felt bad for it as he was very grateful for their help all these years.

Meanwhile, as the group kept on having a conversation, the door of the room suddenly opened and a handsome tall man wearing something noble could only use entered the room with a smile.

"Fatty, you're still loud like a chicken." Dai Mubai said and greeted with a smile on his face. Looking at the place, he immediately felt nostalgic thinking how long has it been since he left this place. Just thinking about makes him smile and express his joy and excitement.

"Boss Dai, you're finally back! I thought you wouldn't be back after going home." Fatty replied with excitement as he immediately jumped off and hopped on Dai Mubai shamelessly.

"Stupid, we made a promise back then to meet five years later in the academy. Of course, I will be back. Well, where are the others? Am I the first one to arrive?" Dai Mubai replied before pushing Ma Hongjun's disgusting face off him and finding a place for him to sit.

Not long after, Ning Rongrong, who now had the appearance of a delicate woman, also entered the room and then followed by the matured Oscar who had a small spirit beast companion with him gaining the curiosity of the people inside.

Seeing everyone coming back one by one, the group suddenly became crowded however, they were still waiting for one person and just a moment later, a handsome youth with long blue hair then could be seen opening the door.

"It's good to see you again, everyone." Tang San, who arrived late, greeted the people inside with a smile on his face.

"You're finally back, Tang San." Yu Xiaogang who was waiting for this moment excitedly said after seeing his disciple coming back in one piece.

"Tang San meets the teacher." Tang San immediately greeted. No matter how long they haven't seen each other, a master is always a master.

Seeing that the person they were waiting for had finally arrived, Dai Mubai and the others then went and greeted him with excitement, after five years, they finally saw each other once again. They had a lot of things to talk about, and one of them was their journey during these past five years. With that, happiness and laughs could be heard throughout the whole room.

"If only Lev and Zhu Zhuqing were here." Yu Xiaogang softly said. Though it has been a long time, he still hasn't forgotten about those two monsters. Despite not having that good relationship with them, they still were once a part of their academy.

Hearing Yu Xiaogang's words made everyone in the room become silent. Five years ago, when they arrived at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ning Rongrong's father talked and shared with them that Lev was the person who had uncovered the plan of the Spirit Hall which resulted in this war. From then on, they also come to know about the power that he has been hiding from them upon knowing that he was already a Spirit Emperor and could contend against two Titled Douluos.

That time, Yu Xiaogang and the others were shocked especially upon knowing how Lev could be a Spirit Emperor as they all knew that he was still a Spirit Elder when he left the academy. The same expression could be seen in the others as they themselves couldn't believe such absurdity.

As the room became silent, Oscar looked at them before he broke the awkward atmosphere. He said, "Actually, I saw Lev three years ago when I was hunting my 4th spirit ring. I was in the Extreme North that time and was saved by him after I accidentally invaded a particular spirit beasts' territory."

Yu Xiaogang and the others were surprised after hearing Oscar as they immediately looked at him wanting to know more about it since their meeting wouldn't just end like that. They also wanted to know why Lev was in such a place knowing how dangerous that place was.

"Then, did you see Zhuqing with him?" Dai Mubai immediately asked. Up until now, he was still thinking of Zhu Zhuqing as he was already determined to take her back from Lev if ever there was a time when they see each other again.

Meanwhile, Tang San was also curious about the whereabouts of Lev. Though he still thinks of Xiao Wu, it isn't the same as before. He has now accepted the fact that they really came from two different worlds, but one thing remains and that is he still wanted to beat him at least once.

"No. Boss Dai, I know something has happened between you in the past, but you should forget about it already. Lev is someone beyond comprehension." Oscar shook his head after seeing Dai Mubai was still the same even after five years had passed. Though he didn't meet Zhu Zhuqing back then, he once lived with Lev for a year and has been in his care for that duration. Thinking about the things he has earned and learned that time, he really felt grateful for him.

"Why is that?" Flender curiously asked as there must be a good reason for it. He knew the reason behind the disagreements between Dai Mubai and Lev and thought that Lev was the one at fault, but he didn't want to meddle because it was their private matters.

"I lived with him for a year and I saw how cruel he trained himself in that place. You might not believe me, but I saw him kill a bear-type spirit beast bigger than the Titan Giant Ape we encountered back in Star Dou Forest using only his fist." Oscar answered as he looked at his hands shaking just by remembering how he saw such an amazing thing in his life. Living him with really opened his eyes and thought that he really was built differently.

This time, Flender's and the other's eyes widened upon hearing Oscar. Dai Mubai, on the other hand, suddenly felt fear as he experienced what happened back then. He knew that Lev was already strong and the thought that he had become much stronger really scared him however, he remained adamant and determined to get Zhu Zhuqing because he was now not alone.

"Also, Lev gave me something when I left, and it will be up to you if you use them." Oscar followed before he took out a bag from his spatial ring. This was something he had been carrying with great care since the items inside were something that might even cause war between organizations.

However, before everyone could see what was inside the bag, the group suddenly heard loud voices coming outside the room. They each felt something was wrong and so Ma Hongju went outside wanting to know what was happening.

"Fatty, what's that noise all about?" Dai Mubai curiously asked while looking at Ma Hongjun seeing him smirking weirdly.

"The student said that Dugu Yan was guiding three youths inside the campus and said that they were all good looking especially the two females. Hehe." Ma Hongjun answered with a creepy and perverted smile on his face. Dugu Yan was already a goddess in the academy but hearing that there would be more excites him.

"What do you all think? How about going out and checking them out? Also, I wanted to see the place again." Dai Mubai looked at everyone and suddenly suggested.

"Well, I think it's a good idea." Tang San replied that he also wanted to see the place they had attended before wanting to see if there were many changes.

As they all decided, Ma Hongjun then took the initiative to take the lead as they all guessed, the academy really has changed in the past five years. With that, with Ma Hongjun's lead, they then went toward the youths having the center of attention.

__________________________________

Arriving at a place filled with many curious people, Tang San and the others squeezed through the crowd for which they then saw the youths they had just talked about back in the room.

Meanwhile, Lev who continued to greet the crowd with warm smiles, suddenly shifted his attention to the people he was very familiar with. Sizing them all up, he then moved closer to them. He greeted, "Never thought that we would be meeting here again. How long has been? Five years?"

Seeing Lev, after five years, made Tang San and the others not know how to react to Lev's greeting. They were completely shocked after seeing the current him in their eyes right now. They admitted that he was handsome before, but his appearance right now really was something to behold that even Dai Mubai couldn't compare to.

Just like they thought, Lev right now was very mature in every way. He had become more handsome than he was five years ago. Most especially, an aura of sacredness could be felt just being seeing him. There's no wonder that the female students had gone crazy upon seeing him.

Meanwhile, as they were staring at Lev, another three youths came beside him. They were Zhu Zhuqing, Sia, and Dugu Yan. Looking at them makes the men around to whistle but they still control themselves not to go overboard, given their status as nobles, they could actually use them to make a move, it's just they couldn't as Dugu Yan was with them. Given her grandfather's identity, it was already enough to stop their thoughts about her.

This time, Tang San and the other's attention shifted as they looked at Zhu Zhuqing from which they could only say in their minds 'Beautiful'. Zhu Zhuqing, after five years, had acquired an extremely well-developed figure that is somewhat inconsistent with her age. If not seeing her face, likely one would believe she is an adult young lady, especially since her imposing bosom which even more attracts all men's attention even more.

On the other hand, another girl also attracted them. Though she lacked compared to Zhu Zhuqing's body proportions, her cuteness was something that reached not just their hearts but also the men around.

Meanwhile, Dai Mubai was dumbfounded after seeing Zhu Zhuqing again. Seeing the person he was thinking about all day long appears with a fairy-like appearance made his heart beat faster. The fears and doubts he had faded as his heart and his mind decided to get her back no matter what method he would use.

Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, was looking at Lev. Just like everyone, his appearance right now really was otherworldly. She could not help but blush like everyone else as her mind ran wild imagining him somehow becoming her husband but when she looked at Zhu Zhuqing and the other girl beside him, she woke up and then felt bitter all of a sudden.

"Nice meeting you again, Lev." Oscar greeted them back with a smile. Remembering how thankful he was to meet him back then, it was enough to change his perception of him as he really was a good person to those who treated him fairly while cruel to those who were not.

Seeing Oscar, Lev just looked at him and gave him a nod. Just like what Oscar had told the others, Lev really had met Oscar three years ago and even had time to let him live with them in the Extreme North.

"I thought you would stay in that cold place for a few more years." Oscar followed. Knowing the past they had, he felt like he was the only person who could probably be able to converse with him normally seeing everyone still surprised.

"Well, that place can no longer help me get stronger. So, I decided to head back. Also, I still have unfinished business to do here." Lev smiled and answered.

"Lev, I think you might have just arrived. How about we eat something so we can talk with everyone? I felt happy and excited seeing each one of you has seeing each other in this place." Flender woke up and suddenly suggested that he really was happy after finally seeing the original Shrek Seven Devils gathered once more after how long.

"It's good. Unfortunately, I think I will pass this time Dean Flender. I still have something to do, you see. Next time we meet, I will surely invite you all for a meal." Lev declined as he really never planned on getting along with them again since they pretty much weren't that close. He has already moved on, but not to the point that he will ignore them.

"W-Well, I'll take that offer next time then." Flender awkwardly replied after being rejected.

"Mmm, see you next time." Lev said as he bid his farewell before turning around and leaving the place as Dugu Yan still hadn't done touring them inside.

Seeing Lev and his groups leaving, Tang San and the others were still in their place when suddenly someone talked which woke them all up.

"I'm sorry everyone, I better head home first as I also have things to do." Dai Mubai suddenly said. Seeing the opportunity, he was going to tell his family that Zhu Zhuqing had come back. He was now ready to become Lev's enemy no matter how strong he was as he really couldn't stop his feeling or more like obsession anymore upon seeing Zhu Zhuqing.

"Mubai, you should forget about it already." Flender sighed and reprimanded. After hearing Oscar's story earlier and seeing Lev now, he could say that Lev have already become an indestructible wall as he himself thought that he was an ant looking at how high he was even though they were just a meter apart.

"Yeah, Mubai. Though I understand your feelings, I also want you to stop whatever your plan is." Tang San supported. Despite Lev's innocent and friendly appearance, his instinct and dangerous censor keep telling him that he is dangerous. He felt doubt and shocked as despite training with his father for the past five years, building up what he is now, he could see just how far and wide the gap between them.

"Sorry everyone, but I already decided." Dai Mubai then left before saying those words. He admits that Lev was strong, but he had the Empire on his back now. He thought that no matter how strong Lev was, an army of spirit masters would still win. Unbeknownst to him, his decision today might become the reason behind the destruction of their family.

Seeing Dai Mubai leaving, Flender and the others could no longer stop him seeing how determined he was. They were just hoping that nothing bad happened to him that he would regret afterward.

Not long after Dai Mubai, another voice then interrupted gaining everyone's attention.

"Everyone, I also need to head back to my clan as my father ordered me to immediately bring back any news I have regarding Lev. I'm sorry." Ning Rongrong said before leaving immediately as her father always reminds her to head back whenever she sees and hears anything about Lev.

This time, Tang San and the others were really left behind.

"How ironic isn't it, this was supposed to be a reunion. Hahaha." Zhao Wuji laughed with mixed emotions after seeing that just by seeing Lev, Dai Mubai, and Ning Rongrong started leaving one by one.

"We can do nothing about that. Let's head back and eat." Yu Xiaogang then said. He sighed as he also didn't expect this situation.

With that, Tang San and the others then could only follow them and head back.

___________________________

Inside a mansion,

After eating and roaming around the academy, Lev and the others then eat lunch together before heading back. They weren't back in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well but in the mansion in which Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were living. As Lev has no longer anything to feel afraid of, he no longer needs to hide and show himself openly.

Inside the mansion, Sia, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan could be found together having some girl's talk on their own. As they haven't seen each other for five years, they have all the time to talk about things, especially Sia's life back in the Extreme North.

Meanwhile, a group of foxlike creatures could also be found in some corner of the mansion. Sylveon, who was high and mighty, as she looked at her siblings. Just like their master, they also hadn't seen in a year and so they wanted to hear what happened to them. Just like Sylveon, the other two have also evolved however, unlike her, the gap between their spirit power is way too obvious.

One of them had a lithe body structure and vegetation protruding from its body. Its tail and ears are stylized to resemble torn and tattered leaves. Besides the leaf-like ears and tail, there is a multitude of smaller leaves growing from its body; leaves grow out from the knee joint areas on the forelegs and hind legs, its chest, and its back. A larger, curled leaf grows from the middle of its forehead and is the same, soft-green color as all the other leaves. Its body is tan-colored, while its feet are brown-colored.

Meanwhile, the other one resembles a black cat or a black rabbit. It has mainly sleek black fur with luminescent yellow rings encircling its ears and tail and round yellow circular patterns on its forehead and on each of its upper legs. Its physical characteristics resemble a feline, with a short muzzle and a small triangular nose, but its large ears are reminiscent of a hare or a rabbit. It has red eyes and a slightly bushy black tail with a single yellow ring encircling its thickest part; the tail thins out at the tip.

The Eevees of Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing have already evolved to Lefeon and Umbreon, respectively. Both were being trained and cared for but still had an obvious difference as the Extreme really was just too cruel and dangerous unlike this place.

Meanwhile, inside a hall of the mansion, Lev could be found sitting comfortably on a sofa while together with Dugu Bo. Looking closely, there were also other five creatures with them inside minding their own business not trying to disturb them both.

"Looks like you've been training them well." Lev said with a smile as he looked at Goblins that he had left in Dugu Bong's hand. Seeing their levels and most especially appearances, they really have changed from being a useless and weak monster to some dangerous and powerful beast.

"I am still surprised by how fast they have grown for the past five years. Just what really are they, Young Lord?" Dugu Bo replied with a smile as he looked at Lev. He has actually headed back as fast as they could after the goblins told him about his arrival. He was very happy knowing that Lev was already back, and he was completely sure, upon meeting him, that even if he used all his strength right now, he could not see himself touching him.

"My days of training were finally over. How were the things on your side?" Lev then asked since he had left several orders to Dugu Bo before leaving. He had already guessed that his arrival had also reached the ears of many people and so it was also already time for him to make a move following all his plans.

"I have completed what you asked, Young Lord. They were now only waiting for an order." Dugu Bo replied with a smile. Five years ago, Lev thought of creating an organization of his own and one aspect crucial to this plan was to have people. Given the resources he left behind, he recruited many people to join under his wings secretly unbeknownst to the Emperor.

"How's the situation inside the palace?" Lev then asked. Though Dugu Bo was already prepared to leave things behind to betray the Empire, he ordered not to do so since it would only make things complicated. With that, he then just told him to open his eyes and check everyone's move in the palace.

"It's all the same with the exception that it became more guarded as there are multiple times the Emperor has been exposed to assassinations." Dugu Bo then relayed. As one of the pillars of the Empire, he more or less knew the happening inside the palace and so he knew about such things.

"Is that so? Well, it doesn't matter. I have something to do tonight. You go and prepare the people. Tomorrow, this empire will soon cease to exist." Lev listened before he stood up and left the place. Though he has just arrived, he still has many things to do. For now, he planned on visiting a place and finished it before night.

"As you ordered, Master." Dugu Bo bowed with great respect. Hearing such words, he doesn't know why but he kind of feels excited. Though he was once living and working with the empire all his life, seeing Lev already enlightened him and so changed his purpose of living and that is to serve him without question.