"Do you know, after hearing about your situation, my grandfather was eager to meet you. But you disappeared before, so there was no chance for him to meet you..."

After hearing this news, Wang Zhan remarkably managed to remain calm, despite the astonishment filling his heart.

What happened to me? Have I become so arrogant that even the vice president seems ordinary?

Not long after, Song Dongming, Huang Pufeng, and even Chen Mengshu and Sun Kelan, two women, appeared in front of Wang Zhan.

"Hahaha, you finally came back!" Huang Pufeng exclaimed.

Previously, Wang Zhan had disappeared for a month, and they truly believed he was going to die. But who would have thought? In the blink of an eye, Wang Zhan appeared before everyone with renewed vigor, giving them a huge surprise.

Song Dongming also let out a huge sigh of relief and smiled. "Are you going to leave again after coming back this time? I never would have thought that you'd actually reclaim the title of number one in the Martial Arts Academy Federation for our Martial Arts Academy. Although it's not yet time for the College Entrance Examination, we believe that from next semester, the Martial Arts Academy will undergo a big change!"

Perhaps this also verified the saying that a school improves as soon as one graduates.

But Wang Zhan's attention was obviously not on these matters, but on his friends. Although they hadn't known each other for long, these people had shown him considerable kindness, support, and help since he started college. They could be considered his secondary mentors.

So, Wang Zhan also grinned and responded to each of them, "Long time no see!"

As for Song Dongming's question, although it caused the atmosphere to grow somewhat silent, Wang Zhan answered without hesitation. "Yes, I have to go. And after I leave this time, I probably won't have much time to come back."

Wang Zhan had several objectives for this trip.

The first was to see his mother, Yang Cui. They hadn't seen each other for a very long time, and he suspected his mom would like nothing better than to throw him out.

The second was to meet with these good mentors and friends, including Mentor Duan Kun, Senior Song Dongming, Senior Huang Pufeng, Cheng Shu, and Senior Sister Chen Mengshu, among others. Sun Kelan wasn't on this list; she just happened to be present.

The third, naturally, was to handle his transfer procedures. A month had passed since he returned, meaning one month of his one-year agreement with Edward was also gone. Wang Zhan considered it essential to put this mission on his agenda.

What was somewhat regrettable was that he didn't get to see any of his sister Wang Qi's classmates. It seemed they had all accepted missions and gone out; not a single one remained at the Martial Arts Academy.

As for the homeroom teacher, Academy leaders, and student representatives, Wang Zhan didn't give them a second thought.

Whether I see them or not, it's better not to. Out of sight, out of mind.

「...」

Just then, the wind from a fist suddenly erupted from behind Wang Zhan, carrying a fierce technique, and was about to land on his back.

"Wind and Cloud Break—Wind Rises and Clouds Surge!"

It was Duan Kun! The one-armed Martial General who, despite his injury, had recognized Wang Zhan's talent, shown him great kindness, and saved him from many unnecessary detours.

Wang Zhan smirked. Ignoring the gazes of the students before him, he met Duan Kun's attack with a fierce palm strike of his own, unleashing a violent gust of wind as he roared, "Wind and Cloud Break—Wind Tiger Cloud Dragon!"

BOOM!

With a heavy, muffled thud, the bluestone slabs under Duan Kun's feet were instantly shattered by Wang Zhan's immense pressure, causing Duan Kun to sink into the ground.

A keen glint flashed in the eyes of Song Dongming, Huang Pufeng, and the others at this scene.

Huang Pufeng thought, Wang Zhan... he's become even stronger!

Song Dongming, on the other hand, was fixated on the power of Wang Zhan's palm strike. Even though I've also learned a Wind and Cloud Break technique, in a real fight, Wang Zhan could incapacitate me with a single palm!

From that moment, he finally realized just how immense Wang Zhan's talent was. Although Wang Zhan's past habit of kill-stealing wasn't exactly orthodox, his abilities were truly enough to astound the world.

But Duan Kun, far from being annoyed after losing face, burst out laughing. "Excellent, excellent! Good lad! It seems I truly am old. After just two short months, I'm already no longer your match."

Wang Zhan wouldn't dare press his advantage. He quickly and solicitously helped Duan Kun out of the crater, teasing, "Mentor, please. Even if you weren't old, do you really think you'd be my match?"

"HAHAHA..."

With Wang Zhan's assistance, Duan Kun leaped back onto solid ground. He then pulled a stack of documents from his robes, glanced at their surroundings, and said with a booming laugh, "They're all a bunch of short-sighted fools. Here, take these. Leaving the Chu State Martial Arts Academy isn't your fault; it's the Chu State Martial Arts Academy's loss! Sooner or later, they'll regret it. I'm off!"

With that, he departed with an air of nonchalance, not lingering for a moment.

But Wang Zhan was stunned by the documents before him. These were all the papers he needed to prepare for becoming an exchange student after leaving the Chu State Martial Arts Academy.

Duan Kun had already sorted everything out for him long before Wang Zhan returned, clearly out of concern that Wang Zhan shouldn't face any more difficulties from others.

At this thought, Wang Zhan felt a warmth spread through his heart.

Then, looking at Duan Kun's retreating figure, he immediately noticed something. My mentor... he seems very much at ease.

He immediately turned and asked Cheng Shu, "Cheng Shu, did something happen to my mentor?"

Logically, he shouldn't meddle in such affairs. But Duan Kun was his mentor, after all. If he had the ability to help, how could he not?

Cheng Shu hesitated for a moment before replying in a low voice, "He had some disagreements with the two vice-deans and the two deans, so he resigned. I heard he'd rather return to the battlefield and wait to die as a cook than stay around such short-sighted people. This whole thing started because of you; it caused a huge uproar at the time..."

Wang Zhan understood. It must be because news of me being abandoned by the Chu State Martial Arts Academy, and my subsequent plans to leave, reached Duan Kun's ears. That's what led to today's events, wasn't it?

SIGH!

"Cheng Shu, do me a favor!" Wang Zhan said with great solemnity.

"Tell me," Cheng Shu replied.

"Help me make some arrangements for my mentor. No special treatment is necessary, just a place for him to stay for the time being. I still need a little more time, but I'll personally come to get him when things are settled."

Wang Zhan knew that empty promises were worthless without tangible results. He decided he would personally come to persuade Duan Kun after he had established his company.

Cheng Shu, however, looked troubled. "Wang Zhan, you should know your mentor's temperament. Once he's made a decision, who besides himself can possibly change his mind?"

It dawned on Wang Zhan.

Yes, that's the crux of it. If no one can persuade Duan Kun, with that stubborn temper of his that not even four horses could drag back...

Thinking of this, Wang Zhan could only manage a helpless smile. "Well, let me try to think of something first. It seems this can't be rushed. But regardless, I must thank you."

Cheng Shu immediately looked displeased and rolled his eyes at Wang Zhan. "Our Brother Wang, after advancing in rank, has finally learned to be polite to us lowly grubs, huh?"

"HAHAHA..." Wang Zhan grinned, his smile as bright as sunshine.

「...」

「In a faculty dormitory area.」

Inside a dormitory room of about one hundred square meters, Yang Cui, a woman with a wavy tinfoil perm, was eagerly and attentively brewing tea for the two great beauties before her. Her words were as sweet as honey as she constantly enumerated Wang Zhan's shortcomings.

"That little rascal hasn't returned home once since he left. Yao Yao, Auntie isn't trying to be critical, but you two grew up together, childhood sweethearts, you've even seen each other in diapers! In the future, you absolutely must help Auntie discipline him properly, you hear?"

Yao Yao's face flushed crimson. She couldn't help but feel that Yang Cui was saying some rather crude things.

What does she mean, 'seen each other in diapers'? I've always guarded my chastity like jade, except for that one time a certain scoundrel stole my first kiss!

Thinking this, Yao Yao shyly responded, "Yes, Auntie, I will. Please rest assured!"

HISS... A bit too affected. Yang Cui immediately got goosebumps, a chill running down her spine. This little lass is fine otherwise, but she's just unbearable at times like these. I don't know what on earth Wang Zhan is thinking. Doesn't he know to teach this girl Yao Yao to change her ways? Such a good girl, too!!

Fortunately, Yang Cui didn't betray her inner thoughts. Her face was all joy and excitement as she even grabbed Yao Yao's small hand, placing it in her own and giving it an affectionate squeeze. "That's wonderful, just wonderful! Auntie certainly believes in you. When Wang Zhan comes back, Auntie will pass on my family heirloom to you. After that, Wang Zhan will be your responsibility..."

"Mom, I'm back!"

Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives.

The little bastard who had caused Yang Cui, now in her middle age, to be forced to leave her hometown, who had disappeared to who-knows-where to mess around, nearly scaring his old mother to the point of hanging herself—that little bastard was back!

Yang Cui's heart suddenly clenched, her blood pressure skyrocketing. Yet, she lifted her head, an undeniable joy on her face as she said, "It's good you're back, it's good you're back..."

She even wiped away a tear. "As long as you didn't die out there somewhere, for your old mother to see you one last time is satisfaction enough..."

Wang Zhan's heart immediately tensed. Something's off. Something's very off. This is bad...

However, before he could react, Yao Yao's expression over there changed. "Wang Zhan, what are you standing there in a daze for? Hurry up and come comfort your mom! Is this how you repay her for giving birth to you and raising you?"

This made Yao Yao quite indignant. That heartless deadbeat! Doesn't he realize that when his mom cries, I feel like crying too? It instantly reminds me of my own experiences.

"Oh, oh, oh, coming, coming! Mom, what are you crying about? I'm back, aren't I?"

"You're back, but your sister isn't!" Yang Cui said, choking back sobs. "You two little bastards. I haven't seen her in so long, and neither of you even thinks to make a phone call..."

Wang Zhan could only promise, "Mom, don't worry. Once I finish handling the matters at hand, I'll go find Sis immediately. I swear I'll bring her back to you safe and sound!"

「...」

At last, Yang Cui's sobs gradually subsided.

Wang Zhan said, "Mom, rest assured, I'll be obedient from now on!"

But just then, both Yao Yao and Yu Lan were stunned by Yang Cui's next move.

Unseen by them, a feather duster had somehow appeared in Yang Cui's hand—and it looked like a specially "reinforced" one at that.

The very next moment, before anyone could react, Yang Cui exploded into action. "Obedient?"

The feather duster descended upon Wang Zhan's arm like a torrential rainstorm. THWACK! THWACK!

"Damn! Mom, spare me!" Wang Zhan, seeing things were turning ugly, quickly begged for mercy, dodging left and right.

But Yang Cui paid him no heed, her sharp tongue lashing out relentlessly, giving Wang Zhan no place to hide. "You rotten kid... Stand still for me!"

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