Wu Siduo explained as she walked, "The sanctuary is situated 300 meters beneath the ground, and it was designed specifically to be able to defend against powerful soul weapons. It was completed 3,000 years ago, and at around 200 meters beneath the ground, is where the first layer of concrete mixed with alloys lies. There are several dozens of these layers, so even the explosion of a Godslayer missile won't be able to affect the interior of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is actually large enough to house more people, but the attack was too abrupt, and without the sacrifice of the teachers, the protective barrier wouldn't have lasted until all of us could enter the sanctuary.
"The elevator leading to the sanctuary also has a limited capacity, and that was why we suffered so many deaths. Following the explosion, we had no idea what the situation was like on the surface, and it was Teacher Wu who used the facilities inside the sanctuary to gradually dig upward, thereby creating this exit. However, this isn't the only exit; there's also another exit further away. The forefathers of our academy prepared these emergency measures well in advance, and it was what saved all 216 of us."
Only after descending for over 100 meters did the terrain begin to flatten, and at this point, Tang Wulin could already see the aforementioned layers of concrete and alloys.
This was quite a stunning sight to behold, and it would indeed be able to stand up against even the most powerful modern weapons. The forefathers of Shrek Academy had used their wisdom and foresight to give those of the present generation an opportunity for survival.
"Wu Siduo?" Right at this moment, a familiar voice suddenly sounded up ahead.
However, the voice quickly became rather tense and wary. "Who's that with you? Why do I hear two sets of footsteps?"
Soul power fluctuations erupted as the voice rang out, and a massive black scythe abruptly appeared before slashing directly toward Tang Wulin.
Wu Siduo merely smiled and didn't say anything. A slightly resigned look appeared on Tang Wulin's face, and golden light flashed as his Golden Dragon Spear appeared in his right hand before blocking the inky-black scythe amid a crisp clang.
"It's me, Xu Yucheng!"
The familiar voice and the giant scythe naturally belonged to none other than Xu Yucheng.
In the dark corner, a figure flashed, and Xu Yucheng appeared before Tang Wulin and Wu Siduo before being completely rooted to the spot at the sight of the former. He then rubbed his own eyes vigorously, and his dumbfounded expression coupled with his cold features presented a rather comical contrast.
Following the passage of a year, Xu Yucheng was clearly more mature than before, but his disposition had also become even colder.
As he stared at Tang Wulin, he instantly withdrew his scythe, and exclaimed, "You, you're still alive?"
Tang Wulin nodded firmly before striding forward and giving him a massive hug.
Xu Yucheng's facial muscles spasmed slightly, and he glanced at Wu Siduo before turning to Tang Wulin. "Let go of me! I don't wanna be hugged by a stinky man like you!"
Tang Wulin immediately burst into laughter upon hearing this. This guy's personality was foul as ever. A total of seven soul rings had appeared around him just now, indicating that he was also already a Soul Sage!
All of the most prodigious members of their class seemed to have reached the Soul Sage level in their early twenties. It was no exaggeration to say that they were definitely the most exceptional batch of students Shrek Academy had seen in the past millennium. Perhaps this was compensation from the heavens for the massive ordeal that Shrek Academy had suffered.
"How did you survive?" Xu Yucheng asked.
Tang Wulin replied, "I'm sure many other people are interested in hearing the answer to this question, so let's meet up with Teacher Wu first before I tell you the answer."
"Alright." Xu Yucheng gave him a firm nod before turning to glance at Wu Siduo.
"Why do you keep looking at me? Hurry up and lead the way!" Wu Siduo snapped.
Xu Yucheng heaved a faint sigh before shaking his head and leading the way forward.
Tang Wulin's heart stirred slightly, and he could roughly guess the reason behind Xu Yucheng's rather peculiar emotional state. He and Luo Guixing had always been pursuing Wu Siduo, but Wu Siduo had proposed to Tang Wulin, making it seem as if he were their rival in love.
Tang Wulin didn't know if their relationship had progressed during the past year, but judging from Xu Yucheng's reaction, it didn't seem to be going all that well. Otherwise, he wouldn't be appraising Tang Wulin as with that hint of enmity in his eyes.
Thinking back to the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention, Tang Wulin was struck by a warm sense of nostalgia. If only he could go back to those times! If he could go back in time with his current memories, he would prevent this tragedy from taking place at all costs.
After descending deeper into the sanctuary, Tang Wulin was surprised to find that the environment in here was actually quite dry and refreshing. The roof was around six meters tall, so it wasn't claustrophobic at all, and Tang Wulin's heart was currently filled with excitement.
He had already prepared himself to shoulder all of the pressure of rebuilding Shrek Academy, but never did he think that he would have so many allies here.
There were over 200 Shrek Academy students here! Even though they were only students and wouldn't provide as much assistance to him as teachers, the fact that they were still alive alongside Wu Zhangkong instilled him with immense hope.
With that in mind, Tang Wulin was barely able to contain himself and was filled with anticipation.
After Xu Yucheng opened a mundane-looking stone door, they passed through it to arrive in a more cavernous space, and Tang Wulin could sense powerful soul power fluctuations here.
Xu Yucheng said, "Everyone has been cultivating here, and even though the resources can't compare to what the academy had in the past, everyone is more dedicated and determined than ever."
Xu Yucheng was a man of very few words, and it was quite rare for him to say so much in one go.
Wu Siduo also smiled, and chimed in, "It really is great that you're back; Teacher Wu will be ecstatic. In order to ensure confidentiality, we didn't install any communication devices in here, so let me go and find Teacher Wu. You two can wait here for me."
She then rushed off in a flash, and Xu Yucheng's eyes remained fixed on her this entire time. He was still very persistent toward her, but neither he nor Luo Guixing had managed to capture her heart.
Compared to Tang Wulin, Xu Yucheng knew Wu Siduo much better, and he knew just how prideful she was. She wanted the best of everything, and that was why she had been so determined to confess to Tang Wulin. She had failed in the end, but it was undoubtedly the case that she had never forgotten Tang Wulin. Even after he had disappeared for three years, she had still rejected Xu Yucheng and Luo Guixing without any hesitation in preference for Tang Wulin.
Now that he was back, even though his return would undoubtedly be greatly beneficial to the revival of Shrek Academy, Xu Yucheng knew that it would be even more difficult for him to win Wu Siduo's heart now.
Tang Wulin could see the slightly dejected look on Xu Yucheng's face, and he wound an arm around his shoulder as he asked, "What are you thinking about? The future rebuild of Shrek Academy or Wu Siduo?" Tang Wulin was quite observant, and Xu Yucheng had never excelled at hiding his own emotions, so Tang Wulin was naturally able to see that he was in low spirits.
Xu Yucheng raised his head and glanced at Tang Wulin before a wry smile appeared on his face. "There's no need to comfort me; this isn't your fault. We're just too weak. By the way, I haven't sparred with you in many years; we should do that when we get the chance."
Wu Siduo was very competitive, and so was he. Ever since he had first entered the academy, Xu Yucheng had always been an extremely exceptional disciple. His soul power had already reached rank 76, which was even higher than Wu Siduo.
Despite that, he knew that he still didn't have much of a chance against Tang Wulin, but he couldn't just give up before trying!
"Sure!" Tang Wulin agreed without any hesitation. This was his way of showing respect to Xu Yucheng.
Not long after that, a streak of white light flashed from the distance, and a white figure abruptly appeared in front of Tang Wulin.
He still wore his usual white robes, and despite the fact that he had grown a few strands of white hair, he was still just as cold and handsome as ever. He was still the frosty white-robed swordsman that he once was.
However, as Tang Wulin looked into his eyes now, he could see a sense of exhaustion coupled with unprecedented determination.
This was Wu Zhangkong!
"Teacher Wu!" Tang Wulin was almost sobbing as he stepped forward before bowing deeply toward Wu Zhangkong.
Wu Zhangkong's face was a little pale, and his eyes were still as cold as ever, but a hint of emotion crept into his gaze in the instant that he caught sight of Tang Wulin.
He grabbed onto Tang Wulin's shoulders and forced him into an upright position before staring intently at him, as if he were trying to see through him.
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