"Stand down! They are not evil soul masters—the evil soul master has been eliminated!"
Mo Lan's clear voice cut through the tension just in time.
The lead mecha captain turned, recognized her face—and instantly raised his hand:
"All units—stand down weapons! It's Miss Mo Lan!"
Mo Lan's status was no ordinary matter: her father, Mo Wu, was not only Tian Dou City's governor but also a heavyweight senator in the Federation Parliament.
The mecha pilots swiftly retracted their weapons—their hum fading into silence.
Fang Yang stood motionless, expression calm as still water.
Though his soul power receded, the faint aura of pressure still sent subtle chills through the pilots.
The captain bowed deeply:
"Thank you both. Without your intervention… the consequences would have been unthinkable."
Gratitude outweighed his lingering dread. Those who saved Miss Mo Lan deserved the highest courtesy.
"It was nothing," Fang Yang replied evenly.
Tang Wulin shook his head modestly:
"We merely did what any soul master would. You're too kind."
Mo Lan's gaze shifted to Tang Wulin—curiosity flickering.
"Fang Yang… who is this?"
"My friend, Tang Wulin," Fang Yang introduced simply.
Mo Lan nodded earnestly: "Thank you, Tang Wulin."
"You overstate it," he demurred. "Any soul master would act."
She smiled faintly: "Today truly owes much to you both."
"Senior Mo Lan—we're glad to help," Fang Yang said.
"It's our duty," Tang Wulin added.
Announcement chimed:
"Attention passengers: the train will soon resume operation. Thank you for your cooperation."
Mo Lan checked her phone:
"With the crisis resolved, I must attend to follow-up matters."
"You're bound for Tian Dou City right? Contact me if you need aid."
She handed Tang Wulin an elegant business card.
"Thank you," he accepted politely.
"Fang Yang—you already have my contact," she smiled.
"Mm," he nodded.
Mo Lan departed and the mecha squad withdrew in orderly silence.
The passengers murmured quietly, casting respectful glances at the two youths.
Fang Yang and Tang Wulin exchanged a quiet smile, returning to their seats as the train resumed its journey.
---
Hours later, the soul-guided train docked smoothly at Tian Dou City Station.
"Senior Mo Lan—we'll take our leave," Fang Yang said.
"I wishing you success in your exams," she smiled.
"Thank you!" they chorused, waving as they vanished into the station's flowing crowd.
Outside the station, Tang Wulin suggested:
"Fang Yang—come with me to the Tian Dou Blacksmith Association?"
"I'll ask Senior Uncle Zhen Hua to arrange exam opponents."
Fang Yang considered—then nodded. It was indeed more efficient than what he had planned.
They arrived at the Blacksmith Association's grand hall—bustling, dignified, radiating the prestige of master artisans.
At the front desk, Tang Wulin smiled:
"I am Tang Wulin. I wish to see President Zhen Hua."
The attendant glanced at the youths:
"President Zhen Hua is occupied—he cannot receive visitors casually."
"Please verify my credentials," Tang Wulin insisted.
Moments later—the attendant's eyes widened.
A Rank-5 Blacksmith at his age? It was unheard of!
"President Zhen Hua is hosting a lecture in the central hall—you may proceed directly."
In the hall's heart, Zhen Hua stood before a forging station, preparing.
Blacksmiths stood respectfully at a distance—as if merely gazing upon Divine Artisan Zhen Hua was a sacred honor.
"President," Tang Wulin approached.
Zhen Hua looked up—delight lighting his face:
"Wulin! What brings you here?"
His gaze shifted to Fang Yang: "And this young man?"
Beside him, a middle-aged man studied Fang Yang—astonishment flashing in his eyes.
Peerless talent. Roaring blood essence. A prodigy of the rarest caliber!
"My friend, Fang Yang," Tang Wulin introduced.
"President," Fang Yang bowed respectfully.
"Good," Zhen Hua nodded. "What brings you both?"
Tang Wulin explained Shrek Academy's final exam—and his need for opponents in unfamiliar Tian Dou City.
"Shrek Academy? Excellent! Leave it to me," Zhen Hua declared warmly.
"Stronger or weaker opponents?"
"Stronger, please! Thank you, President!" Tang Wulin beamed.
"Shrek's exams intrigue me! Your opponents will be arranged."
Zhen Hua turned to Fang Yang—then paused.
"I'll take him," Mu Ye spoke up—calm, decisive.
"Mu Ye, you…?" Zhen Hua blinked, surprised.
His old friend—volunteering so readily?
"Is there a problem?" Mu Ye arched a brow.
"Very well," Zhen Hua chuckled, leading Tang Wulin away. "Wulin—allow me to test your forging!"
He guided Tang Wulin toward the association's exclusive domain—
the Blacksmith rooms.
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