The moon hung on the branches.
Stars dotted the sky.
In the elegant courtyard, Ye Tian leisurely sipped hot soup.
His stomach was full.
The feeling of weakness had also dissipated significantly.
Beside him, Xiao Wu sat on the stone stool opposite, her arms resting on the stone table, her hands propping up her chin. Her rabbit ears were folded and intertwined, her face relaxed in a smile.
"Your sister Xiao Wu hasn't cooked for anyone in years. You're the first to receive such treatment, Ye Tian."
"Then I really must thank Sister Xiao Wu." Ye Tian set down his bowl, wiped his mouth, and smiled handsomely.
"Speaking of which, Ye Tian, are you really not planning to teach at Shrek Academy?"
Xiao Wu cast him a glance and explained, "It's not just about the decent income you'd get from teaching there. Nowadays, Shrek Academy is renowned throughout the entire Heaven Dou Empire. If you teach there, you won't have to worry too much about safety."
"Thank you for your concern." Ye Tian smiled faintly. "But I really don't like staying in a bustling big city like Heaven Dou City."
His true thoughts, of course, couldn't be shared with Xiao Wu—he could only offer an excuse.
"Alright then, to each their own. Since you've already decided to leave, I won't push too hard."
Xiao Wu slowly stood up, stretching lazily, her curvaceous figure on full display.
She stared at Ye Tian's refined and amiable face, waving her hand:
"It's getting late. I'll head back to rest."
But Xiao Wu had only taken a few steps when she suddenly stopped.
"Rongrong, what brings you here?"
After a pause, Xiao Wu quickly stepped forward, linking arms with Ning Rongrong, who stood at the entrance.
"Am I interrupting the two of you?"
Ning Rongrong smiled politely, her tone courteous.
Xiao Wu tilted her head in confusion and asked, "Why would it be an interruption?"
Good grief, she wasn't even trying to hide their relationship anymore.
Ning Rongrong pursed her lips.
Then, her smile brightened again:
"Ah! I was being too formal!"
Hearing this, Xiao Wu tightened her grip on Ning Rongrong's hand:
"I've noticed that even after five years apart, we've become so distant in our conversations. We really need to reconnect. I'll sleep in your room tonight."
"Sounds great." Ning Rongrong was more than willing.
Truth be told, she was terrified that Xiao Wu and Ye Tian would spend the night together—that would make it impossible to drive them apart.
"By the way, what brings you to Ye Tian so late at night?"
Xiao Wu tilted her head, puzzled.
Ning Rongrong's eyes flickered. Her real purpose in coming to Ye Tian's courtyard was to test him under the cover of darkness while no one was around.
But she hadn't expected Xiao Wu to still be here.
Upon spotting Xiao Wu, she had intended to slip away unnoticed.
But she was a step too late—Xiao Wu had already seen her.
Now that Xiao Wu had asked, she couldn't possibly tell the truth.
That would definitely earn Xiao Wu's disapproval.
So Ning Rongrong chuckled awkwardly, twirling a lock of her hair:
"I've been thinking about what I said in the auditorium earlier, and I realize it was too harsh. After much deliberation, I decided to come and apologize to Ye Tian."
Hearing this, Ye Tian's lips twitched.
Since when had Ning Rongrong become so polite?
Was this still the same proud little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?
Suppressing his surprise, Ye Tian waved dismissively:
"It's fine. To be honest, I didn't even take it to heart. I can't even remember what you said in the auditorium."
"See, Rongrong? Ye Tian is really nice."
Xiao Wu patted Ning Rongrong's shoulder cheerfully.
Yet, upon hearing Ye Tian's words, a flicker of displeasure flashed in Ning Rongrong's eyes.
Was her status so insignificant that Ye Tian couldn't even recall a single thing about her?
But on the surface, Ning Rongrong remained all smiles:
"Thank you for forgiving me. I used to be too prejudiced against you. It's late—I should head back to rest."
With that, Ning Rongrong turned and left without a second glance, ignoring Xiao Wu's arm still linked with hers.
This move left Xiao Wu stunned. She glanced blankly at Ye Tian before quickly catching up to Ning Rongrong.
Watching the two girls' retreating figures, Ye Tian's lips twitched again.
Was that really an apology?
Ning Rongrong had failed miserably at hiding the murderous intent in her eyes before leaving.
Clearly, Ning Rongrong was still the same as before.
Ye Tian lowered his head in thought. Perhaps due to some unknown reason, she was deliberately trying to get close to him.
This left him somewhat puzzled.
Recalling his earlier encounters with Ning Rongrong that day, her expression during their first meeting had been full of disdain.
But the moment she noticed him with Xiao Wu, her attitude had done a complete 180.
Though her demeanor still carried traces of contempt, her words and actions were almost friendly.
"…So the issue lies with Xiao Wu."
With this realization, Ye Tian began to piece things together.
Xiao Wu…
A sudden clarity flashed in his eyes.
Could Ning Rongrong have mistaken him for Xiao Wu's boyfriend?
If so, everything made sense.
Except… he and Xiao Wu were just friends.
"What a big misunderstanding." Ye Tian chuckled self-deprecatingly.
Fortunately, only two of the Shrek Seven Devils had arrived so far.
If Tang San were here and saw how close he was with Xiao Wu, he'd probably explode in rage.
And Dai Mubai—he'd definitely be shocked too.
Ye Tian and Dai Mubai had crossed paths twice before—in East Sea City and Elephant Armored City.
Their relationship was practically that of enemies.
"Better leave as soon as possible." Ye Tian steeled his resolve.
---
…
News of Prince Xue Xing's youngest daughter, Xue Lanlan's injury, had spread throughout Heaven Dou City overnight.
The streets buzzed with rumors of Shrek Academy offering a hefty reward of 100,000 gold spirit coins for a miracle doctor.
Prince Xue Xing's Residence.
Fresh from handling affairs at the imperial palace, Prince Xue Xing returned home only to receive the devastating report about his beloved daughter.
His mind went blank. His eyes burned red, widening in fury as he grabbed the guard by the collar:
"Say that again! What happened to Lanlan?!"
The trembling guard stammered in fear:
"Y-Your Highness… Young Lady Lanlan was attacked by a man-eating flower spirit beast!"
The confirmation struck Prince Xue Xing like a thunderbolt. His vision darkened, and he staggered back, collapsing into his chair.
Xue Lanlan was his one and only precious daughter!
Since childhood, he had coddled her like a jewel—the apple of his eye, the pride of the prince's household!
Memories of playing with his daughter flooded his mind.
In recent years, with the Spirit Hall's aggressive rise, the political pressure on the Heaven Dou Empire had grown immense.
As a prince, Xue Xing was buried under endless paperwork, his days consumed by duties.
This left him with little time for leisure.
The only joy in his weary life was his daughter.
Now, his beloved treasure—his most cherished companion—was in danger. How could he not panic?
"How did Shrek Academy handle this?" Rubbing his temples, Prince Xue Xing's expression shifted slightly.
In his shock over his daughter's injury, he had nearly forgotten the most urgent matter—assessing her condition.
The guard cautiously prostrated himself:
"The spirit beast that bit Young Lady Lanlan was a venomous man-eating flower…"
BAM!
Before he could finish, the guard was sent flying across the hall.
Furious, Prince Xue Xing glared at him:
"I entrusted you all with protecting my daughter! What were you doing?!"
"Guards! Drag him away and give him eighty heavy strikes!"
The guard's vision swam—eighty strikes were enough to kill a man!
"Wait!"
Just as the soldiers moved to act, Prince Xue Xing raised his hand, halting them.
His rage stemmed from knowing that the venom of a man-eating flower was deadly—few survived its poison.
But he couldn't punish the guard yet.
He still didn't know if his daughter had received treatment.
Clenching his fists, Prince Xue Xing coldly demanded:
"What did Shrek Academy do?"
At this point, he could only pray that Shrek Academy's resources were enough to save his daughter.
"Shrek Academy has already posted a bounty across Heaven Dou City!"
The guard hurriedly explained, not daring to delay.
"Anyone who can cure Young Lady Lanlan's condition will receive 100,000 gold spirit coins!"
"Hmph! What good is a bounty?! I want my daughter treated!"
Prince Xue Xing's voice bordered on hysterical.
He wanted to kick the guard again, but that might kill him on the spot.
Clutching his graying hair, he jabbed a finger and roared:
"Mobilize everyone in the residence! Find a doctor who can save Lanlan!"
"And summon the Poison Douluo! Spare no expense!"
"Also, send for the imperial physicians—get them to Shrek Academy at once!"
After barking orders, Prince Xue Xing's fury subsided slightly.
The entire prince's residence buzzed with urgency.
Just then, a tearful voice rang out.
"Xue Xing, you heartless wretch! I told you not to send our daughter to Shrek Academy!"
"Why didn't you listen?!"
"If anything happens to her, I'll personally report you to His Majesty!"
A beautiful woman in a crimson palace gown rushed in, her face streaked with tears.
The moment she reached Prince Xue Xing, she unleashed a flurry of punches on him.
Despite his status, Prince Xue Xing dared not retaliate against his wife—especially since he was at fault.
"My dear, crying won't help now."
He pulled her into an embrace, soothing her.
"Indeed, Princess Consort Xiao, you must take care of yourself!"
The household steward chimed in.
Hearing this, Princess Consort Xiao stopped crying but still glared at Xue Xing.
Her voice was icy:
"The venom of that man-eating flower is deadly! If she isn't treated in time, our daughter will die!"
"And yet, here you stand!"
"Are you waiting for news of Lanlan's death?!"
Prince Xue Xing's face darkened, but he couldn't refute her.
In his panic earlier, he had forgotten the most crucial step—going to Shrek Academy himself to check on his daughter.
"Your Highness, please don't worry. A young man named Ye Tian has already stabilized the poison in Young Lady Lanlan's body. He said she should be safe for three days. Dean Flender personally confirmed this."
Seeing Princess Consort Xiao's distress, another guard quickly interjected.
"What did you say his name was?" Prince Xue Xing's eyes widened as he seized the guard's collar.
"Y-Ye Tian!" the guard stammered.
"You know Ye Tian?" Princess Consort Xiao studied her husband's expression.
Prince Xue Xing's face lit up with hope:
"Yes! Not only do I know him, but Ye Tian is also one of the rarest medical geniuses in the world!"
"With him here, our Lanlan will be saved!"
"B-But… Ye Tian demanded a fee of one million gold spirit coins!" The guard swallowed hard.
"You fool! Why didn't you tell me Ye Tian was in Heaven Dou City sooner?!"
"Even if it were ten million, I'd pay it to save my daughter!"
Prince Xue Xing could no longer stay put. He had to rush to Shrek Academy immediately to find Ye Tian!
---
The next morning, at Shrek Academy.
Early in the day, Xiao Wu pounded on Ye Tian's door.
"Ye Tian, open up! I have great news!"
"Hold on, I'm coming!"
Still drowsy, Ye Tian forced himself out of bed and dressed.
The pills he'd taken the night before had left him in a deep slumber. Though awake, he couldn't stop yawning.
Soon, he opened the door, half-asleep, and blinked at the excited Xiao Wu.
"What's got you so thrilled this early?"
Xiao Wu bounced with joy:
"The leader of the Shrek Seven Devils—the crown prince of the Star Luo Empire and his future princess—have arrived in Heaven Dou City!"
"And let me tell you, Dai Mubai is loaded! He's treating Rongrong and me to a gathering at the Eastsea Grand Hotel!"
Lowering her voice conspiratorially, she added:
"Do you know how exclusive the East Sea Grand Hotel is? It's the finest in Heaven Dou City!"
"Their signature hot pot—made with top-secret ingredients—is something ordinary people can't even taste!"
"You should be thanking me for inviting you!"
"Uh…"
Ye Tian scratched his head awkwardly.
The East Sea Grand Hotel was his family's business.
Since when had it expanded to Heaven Dou City?
He knew it had to be his because Xiao Wu mentioned hot pot—a dish that relied on specialty spices produced only at the Butterfly Farm in East Sea City.
No doubt, the Eastsea Grand Hotel here was under his name.
As for the hot pot Xiao Wu raved about? He'd eaten it countless times—it wasn't that special to him.
"Thanks, but no thanks. My stomach can't handle spicy food. You go ahead!"
The food wasn't the issue.
He just didn't want to run into Dai Mubai.
(End of Chapter)