NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 73: Chapter 73: "I Want to Talk to Him Alone, Is That Okay?"
Meng Shu's mood was evidently jubilant. His granddaughter had returned safely, and the young man he admired, Yun Feng, had not only survived but grown stronger. A bright smile hadn't left his face since.
Yun Feng, noticing the good atmosphere, added, "We've gained a lot on this trip. Although we faced a few setbacks, it all worked out in the end. I've broken through to the Soul Ancestor realm! Once we're back, we must celebrate—I'll treat everyone!"
The group erupted in cheers. Having survived life-threatening dangers multiple times and resolving their issues, they finally felt relief and excitement about returning home.
After the Star Dou Forest expedition, all anyone could think of was reaching the academy, enjoying a hearty meal, and collapsing into their comfortable beds for a deep sleep. For days, they had subsisted on dry rations since cooking fires weren't safe in the forest.
Meng Yi Ran, watching the camaraderie among the group, felt a wave of longing. Her grandparents' earlier suggestion lingered in her mind. Amidst a crowd of prodigies, she couldn't help but feel outclassed.
"Maybe joining Shrek Academy wouldn't be so bad," she mused. "But what about my friends at Exotic Beast Academy?"
Caught between her current circle and her past obligations, Meng Yi Ran was torn. Though intrigued, she knew the timing wasn't right.
Meanwhile, Zhao Wuji and Meng Shu, weakened from the heavy toll of activating their Martial Soul Avatars, led the group cautiously out of the forest. Traveling back took significantly less time since they were more familiar with the route and were now only on the outskirts. Despite this, they stayed vigilant, knowing how unpredictable the forest could be.
Once they exited the Star Dou Forest, the group felt an immense weight lift from their shoulders. Though the fresh forest air was gone, the lack of imminent danger allowed them to breathe easier.
"We'll push a little further until we reach the nearby town for a proper rest," Zhao Wuji announced. The group sighed in relief at the prospect of a real meal and bed.
Yun Feng, keeping the mood light, quipped, "If no one's too exhausted, let's hurry. Once we're there, drinks are on me! Dragon Elder, Serpent Elder, and Teacher Zhao—you especially shouldn't decline. Without your help, we wouldn't have made it out alive."
Seeing Yun Feng take the lead, Zhao Wuji laughed heartily. "You're finally learning, kid. Don't forget, your Teacher Zhao can hold his liquor!"
Yun Feng smiled slyly. "Teacher Zhao, you know what they say—any problem solvable with money isn't a real problem."
The group reached the town and rested for two days. While soul power and physical strength could recover quickly, their mental exhaustion required more time. Yun Feng, ever the generous host, covered all their expenses. Thanks to the backing of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, he never lacked funds.
Those two days were filled with drinking, laughter, and relaxation. Even Zhu Zhuqing, usually aloof, softened and bonded with Meng Yi Ran. Perhaps their shared experience of being captured fostered a newfound connection.
As the group prepared to part ways, Meng Yi Ran glanced at Yun Feng, her emotions conflicted. Since her grandparents had spoken to her, she couldn't help but notice Yun Feng more often. Seeing him playfully banter with Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu stirred a faint discomfort in her chest.
She finally made up her mind: once she returned home, she would prepare to visit Shrek Academy.
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang approached her as the group was saying their goodbyes. "Yi Ran, we're leaving soon. Don't you have something to say?" Chao Tianxiang asked gently.
Meng Yi Ran bit her lip, looking at her grandparents and the others before softly saying, "I want to talk to him alone. Is that okay?"
The atmosphere froze for a moment. Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu stiffened, their expressions betraying a mix of unease and resignation. They exchanged glances, silently acknowledging a new competitor.
Despite their feelings, they gave space. "Go ahead," Zhu Zhuqing said calmly, gesturing toward Yun Feng. "We'll wait over there."
As they moved aside, a subtle pang of jealousy lingered in their hearts. They couldn't quite explain it, but perhaps this was what people called love.
Unlike the girls, Ma Hongjun's face lit up with mischief, eagerly watching the scene unfold. Tang San, on the other hand, clenched his jaw tightly, his frustration evident.
Zhao Wuji, respecting Meng Shu's stature, chose to walk ahead, pretending not to notice the tension. Only Oscar seemed visibly dejected. Having harbored feelings for Ning Rongrong since their first meeting, he had been relentless in his attempts to win her over—only to be flatly rejected.
Watching Meng Yi Ran's gaze linger on Yun Feng, Oscar couldn't help but grumble under his breath. "What's so secretive that they have to talk alone?"
Tang San shot him a cold glare, silencing him instantly. Swallowing nervously, Oscar quickly followed Zhao Wuji, leaving Yun Feng and Meng Yi Ran behind.
In Tang San's mind, things were straightforward. He didn't care what the other Shrek students thought or did, but when it came to Xiao Wu or Yun Feng, his feelings were non-negotiable. Even if Xiao Wu seemed closer to Yun Feng, Tang San was determined to win her over.
As Yun Feng watched everyone leave, he turned to Meng Yi Ran, puzzled. "What's this about?" he wondered. "I don't recall doing anything significant for her recently."
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