LRAB Chapter 70 Don't Worry About Having No Friends on the Road Ahead
Chapter 70 Don't Worry About Having No Friends on the Road Ahead
A cold wind swept across the training field, swirling up a few fallen leaves. Flander remained silent for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, his eyes behind his glasses opening and closing repeatedly.
He recalled Yu Xiaogang's private words from a few days ago—"Flander, Tang San is my only disciple, and also my hope for proving the theory of Martial Souls. His talent may very well change the entire landscape of the Soul Master world..."
He recalled Yan Zu's various behaviors since entering the academy: his composure far beyond his peers, his unfathomable control over his soul power, his unassuming yet humble and dignified temperament... and the zither music that echoed in the academy that night, as if it were a gift from another world.
However, he had to make a choice. Just like twenty years ago in the Golden Triangle, he ultimately chose to back down.
"...Okay." Flander's voice was a little hoarse. "I approve your withdrawal from school. The tuition will be fully refunded, and also..." He took out a badge from his pocket, the insignia of a Shrek Academy teacher, "Take this. Wherever you go, you will always be a friend of Shrek."
Yan Zu looked at the badge that gleamed faintly in the twilight and shook his head gently: "Friends shouldn't have such things. Take care, Dean."
He turned and left, his clothes fluttering in the night wind. Zhu Zhuqing silently followed, and the two figures quickly disappeared at the end of the training field.
Flander stood there, the badge in his hand gleaming coldly. He suddenly felt old, so old that he had forgotten the original intention behind the founding of Shrek Academy.
Yan Zu returned to the dormitory and told everyone about his decision to drop out of school.
"If Azu is leaving, I'm leaving too!" Xiaowu immediately declared, tightly gripping Yanzu's arm. "I'll leave with you, wherever you go, I'll follow you!"
Yan Zu knew that Xiao Wu and Rong Rong had come to Shrek Academy because of him, and since he was leaving, he would definitely take them with him. So he said, "Of course we'll go together. Pack your things, we'll leave tomorrow."
That night, the lights at Liuli Residence stayed on until late. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong were packing their luggage, their faces showing uncertainty about the future, but even more so, anticipation for their new life.
Yan Zu stood in the courtyard, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, his mind filled with countless thoughts. Leaving Shrek Academy meant that he would have to face the storms of the future alone, but he did not regret it.
He believes that as long as he stays true to himself, he can always unite like-minded people and put his ideals into practice.
Meanwhile, in the boys' dormitory area.
Oscar tossed and turned in bed. The scenes from the day replayed in his mind: Yan Zu's dignified demeanor when facing Flander, and the resolute "we cannot work together if we have different paths" attitude when he turned to leave.
"A food-type Soul Master... one who doesn't dare to cause trouble is a mediocre talent..." Oscar sat up with a wry smile, looking out the window towards the direction of the Glazed Residence. The light there was still on, like a lone star in the night.
He recalled his dream when he entered university—to become the first food-type Title Douluo in the Douluo Continent.
But his experiences at Shrek Academy over the years have taught him that in this place where "those who dare not cause trouble are mediocre," a food-type Soul Master without combat power is dangerous.
"Yan Zu..." Oscar murmured to himself, "If it were you, you could probably point me in a different direction, right?"
He got out of bed, put on his coat, and quietly pushed open the dormitory door.
Almost at the same time, Zhu Zhuqing, having finished her training, silently slipped through the dormitory like a night owl, her destination also being Liuli Residence.
But halfway there, she suddenly stopped.
In the shadows of the dormitory corner, Dai Mubai leaned against the wall, arms crossed, the intimidating aura emanating from his White Tiger Martial Soul particularly strong in the night.
"Are you going to find him?" Dai Mubai's voice was devoid of emotion.
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent.
"Zhu Qing, don't forget our engagement." Dai Mubai took a step forward, the moonlight illuminating his handsome yet gloomy face. "And don't forget, you and I both have the blood of the Star Luo Empire flowing in our veins. We are destined to return there and face that life-or-death struggle."
"So what?" Zhu Zhuqing finally spoke, her voice colder than the night. "So I'm supposed to wait like a caged bird, waiting for you to fight Davis to the death, and then bet that you'll be the one who survives?"
Dai Mubai's expression changed: "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is," Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, her purple eyes flashing with a resolute light in the darkness, "I want to take control of my own destiny. I will no longer depend on anyone, including you."
She walked past Dai Mubai and continued forward with firm steps.
Dai Mubai reached out to grab her, but froze the moment he met her gaze—it was a look he had never seen before, cold yet intense, like a flame burning beneath the ice.
"You'll regret this," Dai Mubai said from behind her.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't turn around: "At least I won't regret my choice today."
Light footsteps sounded outside the door. Yan Zu turned around and saw Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar standing at the door, looking somewhat hesitant.
"Zhuqing, Oscar, what brings you here?" Yan Zu stepped forward, his tone gentle.
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath, her eyes becoming unusually firm: "Yan Zu, I've thought about it for a long time, and I also want to leave Shrek Academy and leave with you."
Oscar nodded, a serious expression on his face: "Me too, Yan Zu. I want to follow you and continue my cultivation."
Yan Zu was somewhat surprised: "Have you thought this through? Leaving Shrek Academy means giving up the academy's protection and guidance, and the road ahead will be even more difficult."
"I've thought it through." Zhu Zhuqing's voice carried a hint of relief. "During my time at Shrek Academy, I learned a lesson: if I don't want to be bullied and if I want to break free from the constraints of my family, I can only rely on becoming stronger myself. Dai Mubai's escapism and despair completely disappointed me, but you can give me the direction and strength to become stronger. I don't want to rely on anyone anymore; I want to be independent and self-reliant, to stand on my own two feet in this world."
She paused, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Thank you for your guidance these past few days. Your combat skills have benefited me immensely. I believe that with you, I can become stronger, break free from my sister's shadow, and live my own life."
Oscar said earnestly, "Yan Zu, I've always wanted to become a powerful food-type Soul Master, a Title Douluo, so that everyone knows that food-type Soul Masters are not a burden. At Shrek Academy, although everyone recognizes me, I always feel that my potential hasn't been fully explored. But you're different. You're not only strong, but you also know how to teach according to aptitude, allowing everyone to give full play to their strengths."
He scratched his head, revealing a simple, honest smile: "Besides, I think your personality is more suitable for me. Shrek's philosophy that 'those who dare not cause trouble are mediocre' makes me feel very insecure."
"I'm just a food-type Soul Master; fighting isn't my forte. Following you, I can focus on my cultivation and contribute to the team. I believe that under your guidance, I will definitely achieve my dream of becoming a food-type Title Douluo."
Looking into their resolute eyes, Yan Zu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar were both people of great loyalty and affection, and that their choice was not impulsive but well-considered.
Hearing the commotion, Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong came out of the house. Upon hearing Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar's decision, both of them smiled happily.
"Great! Zhuqing, Oscar, you two come with us too!" Xiaowu exclaimed excitedly. "That way we can be together again!"
Ning Rongrong laughed and said, "From now on, we're a team! With Azu leading the way, me providing support, Xiao Wu and Zhu Qing handling close combat, and Oscar providing sustain, we're sure to become a powerful team on the continent!"
"I am grateful that you are willing to believe in me." Yan Zu said sincerely, "Following me, you will not have a Soul Saint-level teacher to guide and protect you, and you may encounter many dangers and difficulties in the future. I cannot guarantee that I can make you all become Title Douluos, but I can guarantee that I will fight alongside you and never abandon or give up on you."
He faced the four men and said, word by word:
"From today onward, we are no longer classmates, but fellow travelers. This road will be difficult; we may get hurt, we may fail, and we may even die—but we will face it together."
Ning Rongrong was the first to place her hand on the back of his: "When have I ever been afraid?"
Xiao Wu immediately placed her hands on top of Xiao Wu's: "I...I want to become stronger, strong enough to protect the people I want to protect. I...I don't want to lose my family again."
Oscar grinned and clapped his hand on Xiao Wu's: "Count me in! I'm going to become a Food-Type Title Douluo!"
Finally, it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn. Her hands were icy cold, yet they covered everyone's hands with unwavering determination: "I will never regret it."
Five hands clasped together, resembling a small pyramid in the moonlight. Yan Zu felt the warmth from their palms and suddenly recalled a poem he had read in a past life—
"Do not worry about having no friends on the road ahead, for who in the world does not know you?"
He smiled, a genuine smile of relief: "Then, welcome to the team."
Volume One: The Five Souls Hidden in the Edge (End)
Volume Two: The Rise of Dawn
(Thanks to reader Xianluohe for the monthly ticket support)