Moon Pavilion.
As a place dedicated to teaching noble etiquette, commoners were not allowed entry.
There was even a rumor that Emperor Xue Ye had always admired Tang Yuehua, but alas, while the falling flower longed to follow the flowing water, the water remained indifferent and carried the flower away.
Regardless of its truth, this rumor had a lasting effect—no one dared cause trouble in Moon Pavilion.
The gate guards, emboldened by their positions, naturally acted arrogantly.
However, when Zhou Sheng'an entered Moon Pavilion, he encountered no trouble at all.
The two guards looked at the unparalleled handsomeness of Zhou Sheng'an, exchanged glances, and allowed him inside without a word, not daring to obstruct him.
It was only after he had left that they began discussing.
"Brother, what's the deal with that young man? He's too good-looking! Seeing him, I just realized that someone this beautiful can actually exist in this world."
"I have no idea either, but he must be someone important. Just look at how he didn't even acknowledge us."
The other guard shook his head.
"With that kind of face, I'd guess he's some noble's… companion. Either way, he's not someone we can afford to offend. Let me teach you how to distinguish these people. If someone looks aggressive, they're soul masters—ignore them."
"As for the proper guests, those with noble bearings who don't even glance at us before walking in, like that guy just now, we must never stop them. They're out of our league!"
"As for the ones who act arrogant toward us, we need to remember their faces…"
The guards began exchanging experiences on identifying important figures.
What they didn't know was that Zhou Sheng'an, whom they had just let through without question, had no noble title whatsoever. He was merely an ordinary commoner.
…
Once Zhou Sheng'an entered Moon Pavilion, the number of gazes fixated on him increased even more.
He even wondered if he should start wearing a mask when going out—this level of attention was quite the hassle.
After speaking with a maid, he was quickly led to Tang Yuehua's room.
Tang Yuehua was a woman of classical elegance and gentleness. At first glance, she appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, but her eyes carried a depth of understanding far beyond that age.
The silver palace dress she wore fit her perfectly. In terms of noble bearing, perhaps only Pope Bibi Dong of the Spirit Hall could compare to her.
The difference was that she lacked the oppressive presence Bibi Dong carried, though she was no less dignified.
Moreover, there was no fluctuation of soul power from her body—she was clearly not a soul master.
When she saw Zhou Sheng'an enter the room, she immediately stood up, her face lighting up with an excited smile.
"Mr. Zhou, I never expected you to come to see me of your own accord!" Tang Yuehua's voice carried a slight tremble.
She hadn't expected her elder brother to be so persuasive, convincing Zhou Sheng'an to come see her!
Previously, she had worried about how to arrange a meeting with him. Now that he had come on his own, it saved her a lot of trouble!
Zhou Sheng'an shook his head slightly, his expression solemn.
"I came to see you because I have some bad news to tell you."
"What…?" Tang Yuehua was taken aback. Hearing his tone, an uneasy feeling arose in her heart.
"On our way back, we encountered Sect Master Tang…"
Zhou Sheng'an then explained everything that had happened.
Tang Yuehua took half a step back, covering her mouth, disbelief flashing in her eyes.
"How… how is that possible?"
She murmured to herself.
Her elder brother was a Titled Douluo—there were very few in the world who could harm him!
Could something like this really have happened just because he went to meet Zhou Sheng'an?
Possessed by an unknown entity, his personality drastically changed?
Panic filled Tang Yuehua's heart, and she anxiously asked, "Mr. Zhou, do you… do you know any more details?"
"From what I observed, his condition seems strongly related to the Blood God Sect. Also, when he reappeared, he carried the scent of blood," Zhou Sheng'an speculated after a brief pause.
Tang Yuehua's expression turned frantic, and she fell silent.
An unknown enemy had caused an unknown condition—she, a woman with no soul power, felt utterly powerless in the face of this crisis.
Suddenly, Tang Yuehua's legs buckled, and she knelt straight down.
"Mr. Zhou, I know my request is presumptuous, but I still hope you can agree… please help me save my elder brother…" Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked up at Zhou Sheng'an.
"…" Zhou Sheng'an quickly took a step back to avoid her kowtow.
Tang Yuehua continued, "Mr. Zhou, I truly don't know what else to do. Only with your help can I have a pillar of support. Please, I beg you to help me. Both Moon Pavilion and the Clear Sky Sect will see you as a great benefactor!"
Her sincerity was evident in her gaze.
Zhou Sheng'an pondered for a moment. In the end, Tang Xiao had encountered this danger because he had sought to befriend him.
Since he knew about it, how could he stand idly by?
Besides, if Liu Erlong truly brought Yu Xiaogang into Blue Tyrant Academy, then he would need to find another place. Moon Pavilion seemed like a good option.
With these thoughts in mind, Zhou Sheng'an reached out to help Tang Yuehua up and said, "Madam, I will, of course, lend a hand. Within my capabilities, I will help Sect Master Tang regain himself."
"Thank you so much!" Tang Yuehua's eyes turned red with gratitude.
…
Meanwhile, Liu Erlong had been led by Director Yin Shu to a hotel to meet an old friend who had traveled from afar.
On the way there, Liu Erlong's mind was a mess, her emotions unable to settle.
She suddenly wondered—was it really worth giving up her lifelong effort in Blue Tyrant Academy for Yu Xiaogang, when their relationship was destined to be impossible?
After seeing a man like Zhou Sheng'an, the filter through which she had viewed Yu Xiaogang had significantly faded.
If it had been before, she would never have had such thoughts.
"Knock, knock, knock…!" Director Yin Shu knocked on the door.
A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a slightly wretched appearance.
"Erlong! How many years has it been since we last met? You're still the same—so young and beautiful, without any change at all!" Flender's eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily.
"!!!" Liu Erlong was momentarily stunned before breaking into a smile.
"Boss Flender!!!"
"You bastard! Why didn't you tell Director Yin Shu your name? I kept thinking…"
Liu Erlong sighed in relief and punched Flender's arm, laughing as well.
Flender grinned in pain and chuckled. "I wanted to surprise you, of course!"
As he spoke, Flender felt a jolt of happiness—he could tell that Liu Erlong seemed even more delighted to see him than she would have been to see Yu Xiaogang!
Could that mean he still had a chance?
Liu Erlong continued, "And you're still the same as ever—completely unreliable! You nearly scared me to death. Why are you even staying here? Come with me to Blue Tyrant Academy—it's my pride and joy!"
"Blue Tyrant Academy… sure! I'm also very curious about this Teacher Zhou you hold in such high regard. Let's see if he's capable of stealing people from under my nose."
Flender stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Liu Erlong rolled her eyes. "Some boss you are! Already thinking of taking my people? Director Yin Shu, hurry and bring Teacher Zhou back!"
"On it!!!" Director Yin Shu responded cheerfully.
Anything was fine—as long as it wasn't that so-called 'Grandmaster' Yu Xiaogang!