"Never underestimate the greed in people's hearts. Even if they know the consequences, they are still willing to take a chance."
Leng Yaozhu glanced at Lin Xiuran, paused, and then said, "Moreover, at that time, some people in Shrek Academy believed that Yu'er was a soul beast in human form, and this belief became more widespread after they learned that Yu'er was an adopted daughter of the Leng family."
"They didn't even verify with our Leng family. They chose to keep this information from us, wanting to wait and see until level 70. Many people unilaterally concluded that Yu'er was a transformed soul beast based solely on her aura and bloodline. If it weren't for the Sea God Pavilion's silence and Zhuo Shi's protection, we probably wouldn't have had to wait for an evil soul master."
Whether it's the Tang Sect or Shrek Academy, how could they not be tempted by someone who might be a transformed soul beast? The implications are self-evident.
A 100,000-year soul ring—enough to tempt countless hearts.
Lin Xiuran recalled for a moment, then said, "From what Teacher Wu said, my mother once escaped from the Holy Spirit Cult and ended up in Donghai City. But why didn't she choose to return to Shrek Academy and the Leng family?"
"Yu'er definitely won't return to Shrek Academy. She was already captured by the Holy Spirit Cult. Even if she came back, would Shrek Academy accept her openly? They would definitely harbor resentment. How could Shrek Academy trust someone who was captured by the Holy Spirit Cult? Living under the scrutiny of others might be worse than death."
"As for the Leng family?" Leng Yaozhu smiled bitterly, "Although I am the current head of the family, the Leng family is not my personal fiefdom. If I could make all the decisions, Yu'er wouldn't have felt so alienated from the Leng family back then."
"Moreover, even the entire Shrek Academy couldn't save Yu'er and you. Yet Yu'er managed to escape with you. Don't you think they'll be suspicious?"
Leng Yaozhu paused, taking a slight breath, and whispered, "Actually, according to what I've gathered these past two days, Yu'er's life was probably already nearing its end after leaving the Holy Spirit Cult. That might be one of the reasons she didn't choose to come back."
Lin Xiuran's gaze narrowed slightly, but he remained silent for a moment.
The matter was too complicated. It wasn't just his mother who had taken him in; she also had her own identity.
If that's the case, his own identity was still a mystery. Whether it was Gu Yuena or Sister Wu, there must have been a reason they came to his Sea of Spirituality; it couldn't be as simple as they made it out to be.
He wasn't unaware of the phoenix bloodline within him and the gradual changes in the Spirit Hall; his bloodline was even stronger than Tang Wulin's Golden Dragon King.
This demonstrated his special nature in many ways, but he truly had no way of knowing why.
Leng Yaozhu chuckled, tucked the blanket around him, and asked, "What are you planning to do in the future? Are you going back to Shrek Academy?"
"What do you think?" Lin Xiuran naturally understood that Leng Yaozhu knew the situation better than he did, so it was better for her to decide.
Leng Yaozhu gently pinched Lin Xiuran's cheek and said with a smile, "Little rascal."
"I've already taken care of things at Shrek Academy, so you don't need to worry about it. Besides, Shrek Academy didn't suffer any major losses. It was during the holidays, so there weren't many students, and the demons were quickly brought under control. Plus, Zhuo Shi protected you, so it won't affect your studies at Shrek Academy. However, although this matter is kept secret, some students within Shrek Academy might still find out, and your biggest problem will be the criticism."
"That's also my biggest worry."
Leng Yaozhu sighed softly. Leng Yu had suffered immense criticism and rumors back then. Therefore, he didn't want Lin Xiuran to repeat the same mistake. "So my suggestion is that you continue your studies at Shrek Academy's inner court. They have some things that our Spirit Pagoda doesn't have. But you have to come back to the Spirit Pagoda every night, and you have to stay there during the holidays. I'll be responsible for your safety."
Leng Yaozhu's expression became very serious when she said this. She was naturally very concerned about Lin Xiuran.
"I'll follow your instructions, teacher." Lin Xiuran took a deep breath. There was no use in thinking about it now; only becoming stronger was the most effective thing to do.
Leng Yaozhu glanced at him and said, "I think you should call me aunt."
Lin Xiuran was taken aback, then said somewhat awkwardly, "Aunt?"
Hearing this, Leng Yaozhu's excitement was palpable, but at the same time, a bitter tear slid down her cheek as she smiled.
She was indeed the renowned Tianfeng Douluo, and also the deputy tower master of the Spirit Pagoda, possessing a status and strength that the world looked up to. These were things that the world desired but did not crave, but she also envied some things that ordinary people had. Her third sister had died young, and her second sister had betrayed the family and become an evil soul master. In some ways, she was truly a pitiful person.
Seeing Lin Xiuran now, even without blood ties, still felt incredibly warm and familiar, at least filling her heart considerably.
Before, she was more like a walking corpse, devoid of family and love; in everything, she seemed like a failure.
But now, looking at Lin Xiuran, she suddenly felt that this was good enough; at least she had a great deal of motivation to move forward.
At least, she was no longer alone.
In the Tang Clan,
a handsome young man sat in the main seat, quietly listening to the reports from his subordinates.
"Director Zhao Tou Tie was killed by Lin Xiuran from Shrek Academy's inner court. He was also a member of the Spirit Pagoda and seemed to have some connection with the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo. Hall Master, should we take any action regarding this matter?"
A Super Douluo from the Tang Sect had died just like that, but the Hall Master of the Tang Sect Douluo Hall showed no anger whatsoever.
He said calmly, "I have already contacted Tianfeng Douluo about this matter. Zhao Tou Tie's actions are indeed a loss for our Tang Sect. However, it has been found that Zhao Tou Tie has many unexplained assets and rare resources under his command. It has also been found that he has repeatedly embezzled Tang Sect's public property, the amount of which is large enough to warrant the removal of his cultivation and expulsion from the Tang Sect."
"Normally speaking, even so, our Tang Sect should demand an explanation from the Spirit Transmission Tower. However, this matter is not closely related to the Spirit Transmission Tower, and it is far too complicated. Lin Xiuran is also a member of Shrek Academy, and there are too many vested interests involved. Therefore, no one is allowed to take action against Lin Xiuran without orders."
Many people below fell silent. Some of the senior members looked as if it were a matter of course, as if they had known all along that the Hall Master would make such an arrangement.
Loving the book so far! Check out 30+ advanced chapters on Patreon
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of this chapter)