Finally, all eyes turned to Lin Xiuran.
Lin Xiuran thought for a moment and answered, "It should be Lingbing Douluo's wife, the Dragon-Butterfly Douluo, Tang Wutong."
But the others' expressions immediately changed. Xie Xie looked puzzled. "I remember Dragon-Butterfly Douluo wasn't Lingbing Douluo's wife."
Tang Wulin nodded in agreement beside him.
"Ah?" Lin Xiuran was confused. That couldn't be wrong—weren't they the male and female leads of the ultimate Tang Sect? How could he be mistaken?
Wu Zhangkong calmly explained, "The one you faced is indeed Dragon-Butterfly Douluo, but she is not Lingbing Douluo's wife."
Lin Xiuran fell silent. So this Douluo differed from what he knew. Could it be because of the butterfly?
No, that shouldn't be—he came from this time period. How could it affect the past?
Wu Zhangkong simply assumed Lin Xiuran had misremembered, then continued: "You have no reason to feel discouraged. Those who defeated you were all legendary masters. If you can improve in Hero Hall, you may even have the chance to face the trials of the original Shrek Seven Devils in the future."
"I'll join!"
Tang Wulin was the first to respond—undoubtedly the right choice. Some fate arranged by Tang San had already taken effect.
Xie Xie hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'll join too."
Wu Zhangkong said, "No need to decide immediately. You can go back and consult your family."
Xie Xie shook his head. "No need. I don't want to miss this opportunity. Teacher Wu, I'll join. I also believe I can convince my family."
Naturally, their gaze turned to Gu Yue. Having been together for so long, they hoped she would join too.
But Gu Yue shook her head. "Sorry, Teacher Wu, I won't join."
Tang Wulin couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
"I already have an organization I want to join. I can't join the Tang Sect," Gu Yue said calmly. The Spirit Pagoda would be the key to her plan, so she had to enter it.
Although the others felt a little disappointed, there was nothing they could do. Choices like these were personal.
All eyes naturally turned to Lin Xiuran. He hadn't made his decision yet.
In fact, he wanted to join, but before he could speak, Wu Zhangkong interrupted:
"You don't need to join the Tang Sect."
Lin Xiuran was confused, as were the others. Why would Wu Zhangkong advise against it?
Wu Zhangkong shook his head and sighed. "I won't harm you. If you really joined, you would regret it in the future."
Lin Xiuran didn't doubt him and nodded. "Alright, Teacher Wu, I'll listen to you."
He had no reason to distrust Wu Zhangkong. Over the past days, he had done nothing but help him—taking care of him in the hospital and getting him into Class Zero.
Gu Yue glanced at Lin Xiuran, her eyes slightly brightened, thoughtful.
"All right. That concludes today's test. Next, you'll fill out some forms, and then you'll officially be a member of the Tang Sect's outer circle. I will later explain all the rules, benefits, and duties of the Tang Sect."
With that, there was nothing else to do. They returned by bus. Having finished the final exam, they would have a day off at the academy.
That night, Lin Xiuran was thinking about where to spend the holiday. Aside from the academy, he had nowhere else to go.
But it didn't matter. All he wanted now was to get stronger, and training in the dormitory was just as good.
As he was lost in thought, a knock at the door interrupted him.
"The door isn't locked. Come in."
The door opened, revealing a girl with black hair and black eyes, her aura cool and composed—Gu Yue.
"Hello, Lin Xiuran."
He was somewhat surprised by her visit but responded politely. "Hello. Is there something you need?"
Gu Yue nodded lightly. "I have something I want to discuss with you."
"Sit first, there's no rush." Lin Xiuran courteously brought out a chair.
Gu Yue sat down, glanced around his room, and then explained: "I want to invite you to join the Spirit Pagoda."
"Spirit Pagoda?" Lin Xiuran was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected this invitation.
But Teacher Wu had mentioned that apart from the Tang Sect, he could consider the Spirit Pagoda. Joining a powerful organization would be good for his future.
"We can discuss it." Lin Xiuran nodded. Although the Spirit Pagoda later had many risks, at this point, joining the wealthiest organization wasn't a loss. At least the benefits would be certain.
Seeing Lin Xiuran's willingness, Gu Yue smiled slightly. She was curious about him and naturally wanted him to join, which would also allow her to better understand him.
She then began explaining some details.
Meanwhile, within Lin Xiuran's Spirit Sea, a girl lounged casually on a patch of void, observing the outside scene, frowning slightly.
"This guy… he met the Silver Dragon King so quickly. Fate?"
The girl shook her head, playing with her long pink-blue hair draped over her shoulder.
"Fate, huh…"
Suddenly, a voice rang in Tang Wutong's ear. Her eyes widened, and she quickly looked back.
Silver hair, purple eyes, cold and peerless. She recognized this person!
"Gu Yue Na… Silver Dragon King!? How are you here?"
She rubbed her eyes, hardly believing it, and looked outside. She shook her head in disbelief.
"No mistake… the person outside is definitely the Silver Dragon King."
Gu Yue Na looked at Tang Wutong's astonished expression and chuckled lightly. "Since you still have awareness in this world…"
"That's natural. I don't trust him," Tang Wutong replied instinctively, forgetting the issue she was facing.
Tang Wutong studied Gu Yue Na for a while, then asked, "This is also a fragment of awareness? Why is it so broken?"
Gu Yue Na didn't answer, only looking calmly at the Tang Wutong outside.
Although Tang Wutong didn't understand the situation, she still asked, "Have you recovered your memory? But the one outside seems not to have it."
"If he hadn't sealed my memory, it wouldn't have come to this," Gu Yue Na said coldly, her eyes carrying a chilling intent.
Tang Wutong didn't get angry at the mention of her father. Instead, she revealed a sympathetic expression. "It couldn't be helped. If I hadn't been forced under supervision, none of this would have happened."
Gu Yue Na glanced at her lightly and said, "You paid a heavy price for this fragment of awareness."
Tang Wutong gave a bitter smile, her eyes glimmering with faint starlight and hope. "But… I think it was all worth it."
[Author's Note:
Tang Wutong is a minor character in this story, that's certain. But don't worry—the ending will be good]
(Chapter End)