Under the Golden Ancient Tree, Fang Yang slowly opened his eyes.
The golden light enveloping him gradually dissipated, and everyone watched in surprise.
"Brother!"
Na'er was the first to pounce on him, hugging Fang Yang tightly.
Her delicate body trembled slightly, and her silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, clearly frightened by what had just happened.
Fang Yang gently patted her back: "Na'er, I'm fine."
Yun Ming, Ya Li, and the elders of the Sea God Pavilion exchanged glances, all unsure of what had just transpired.
"Tell us, what exactly happened?" Yun Ming said in a deep voice, staring at Fang Yang with piercing eyes.
His voice, though calm, carried an undeniable authority.
Fang Yang blinked, feigning a bewildered expression: "Well... I don't know what happened either."
Yun Ming's mouth twitched, "You say you don't know?"
His voice clearly conveyed disbelief.
"I don't know what Elder Jin did to you."
Yun Ming continued, his gaze sweeping over the Golden Ancient Tree, "However, I can feel that the Golden Ancient Tree's life energy has decreased by a full fifty percent."
"This..."
Fang Yang was also stunned by these words; he hadn't expected the Golden Ancient Tree to give him such a vast amount of life energy.
Yun Ming's voice grew heavier: "Do you know how many years it takes for the Golden Ancient Tree to accumulate fifty percent of its energy?"
"Five thousand years, a full five thousand years. This energy is enough to withstand two disasters capable of destroying Shrek Academy."
"For Shrek Academy, the loss is simply immeasurable."
The Sea God Pavilion elders remained silent, their expressions becoming exceptionally solemn.
Zhuo Shi's brows were tightly furrowed, while Long Yeyue looked at Fang Yang thoughtfully, seemingly pondering something.
Just then, Yun Ming's expression subtly shifted, as if he had received some information.
He slowly spoke: "Na'er, you should accompany Fang Yang back first."
"Yes, Teacher." Na'er obediently replied.
"Wait a moment."
Long Yeyue suddenly spoke, looking sharply at Fang Yang: "Fang Yang, are you willing to become my Personal Disciple?"
At these words, the Sea God Pavilion elders all showed strange expressions.
One must know that this boy Fang Yang had even rejected Pavilion Master Yun Ming's invitation to take him as a Disciple.
"Who is this...?"
Fang Yang was a little confused; he didn't recognize the person in front of him.
"Fang Yang."
Seeing this, Zhuo Shi quickly introduced, "This is the Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, Long Yeyue Douluo."
Upon hearing this, Fang Yang instantly understood her identity.
This was that cowardly old woman, who was also the War God Hall Master's mistress.
"I'm sorry, I'm not willing."
Fang Yang flatly refused, his tone decisive and without the slightest hesitation.
Long Yeyue frowned, an expression of displeasure on her face: "I am a Rank 99 Limit Douluo, the Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion. Do you understand what that means?"
"Oh? Does that concern me?" Fang Yang retorted, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.
"Presumptuous!"
Long Yeyue was furious, and a powerful aura suddenly erupted from her.
Just as the tension was rising, Yun Ming spoke calmly: "Elder Long, stop."
His voice, though calm, carried an unquestionable authority.
Long Yeyue snorted coldly, retracting her aura, but the anger in her eyes had not dissipated.
Yun Ming waved his hand: "Fang Yang, Na'er, you two may go back."
"Yes."
Fang Yang respectfully bowed, then took Na'er's hand and turned to leave.
After Fang Yang and Na'er had left, Ya Li softly asked: "Brother Ming, what exactly did Elder Jin say?"
Yun Ming sighed: "Elder Jin said... this was his choice, and that we should not interfere."
"What?"
Long Yeyue's eyes widened in surprise; she hadn't expected Elder Jin to make such a decision.
In her opinion, Fang Yang's actions had caused immense loss to Shrek Academy, and he shouldn't be let off so easily.
Yun Ming nodded: "Elder Jin also said that this child, Fang Yang... is very special."
The Sea God Pavilion elders exchanged glances, all unsure why the Golden Ancient Tree would make such a decision.
But since Elder Jin had said so, they could only accept this outcome.
Yun Ming announced: "Today's matter is concluded. Everyone, please return."
"Yes, Pavilion Master."
The Sea God Pavilion elders bowed and retired, their figures gradually disappearing from sight.
Only Long Yeyue remained standing, her face gloomy.
"Is there anything else, Elder Long?" Yun Ming asked.
"Yun Ming, why did you stop me just now?"
Long Yeyue's tone was cold and hard, "Do you know that Fang Yang is from the Spirit Transfer Pagoda?
He is exceptionally talented and has gained an Opportunity from the Golden Ancient Tree. How can we let him leave just like that? This is a huge hidden danger for our Shrek Academy."
"Does Elder Long intend to forcibly keep him?" Yun Ming's eyes narrowed, and his aura suddenly became as profound as an abyss.
"For the future of Shrek Academy, why not!" Long Yeyue said with conviction.
Yun Ming took a step forward, his vast spirit power surging like a tide: "Elder Long, don't forget, I am the Sea God Pavilion Master."
Long Yeyue staggered back two steps, her eyes filled with shock and unwillingness.
She hadn't expected Yun Ming to so resolutely oppose her suggestion, and for a moment, she was at a loss.
Finally, Long Yeyue flung her sleeve angrily: "You will regret this, Yun Ming!"
With that, she turned and left, leaving only an angry back.
"Alas..."
Yun Ming sighed softly, his mind filled with unknown thoughts.
"Brother Ming, are you alright?"
Seeing this, Ya Li immediately looked at Yun Ming with concern, her eyes filled with care and tenderness.
Yun Ming regained his composure and replied: "I'm fine, don't worry."
...
On the way back, Na'er softly asked: "Brother, what exactly happened under the Golden Ancient Tree just now? Why did you receive so much life energy from the Golden Ancient Tree?"
"Nothing much, just helped the Golden Ancient Tree solve a small problem." Fang Yang answered lightly.
Na'er tilted her head, her silver hair gently swaying in the breeze.
Her amethyst-like eyes gazed at Fang Yang: "Brother, is there anything... you want to tell me?"
Fang Yang stopped, pondered for a moment, then looked at her seriously: "Na'er, you..."
"That's right."
Na'er seemed to guess what he was going to ask, and nodded gently.
A hint of imperceptible sadness was in her eyes, "I am the Silver Dragon King, a part of Gu Yue."
"Na'er, I know."
Fang Yang's voice was very soft, yet it carried a reassuring strength.
"Then... will Brother miss me in the future?" Na'er's voice trembled slightly, and her eyes welled up with tears.
Fang Yang reached out and gently stroked her hair, his tone firm and gentle: "Na'er, don't worry, I won't let you disappear."
"Mm."
Na'er nodded vigorously, "I believe Brother."
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