Reporting

"Hey, tell me if you have anything to say."

Wu Zhangkong heard the impatient voice on the phone and twitched the corner of his mouth. He said respectfully, "Teacher, I have something to report to the academy. We have some results from the investigation in Skysea City."

"What! You do? That was fast." Zhuo Shi exclaimed. He had expected the task to be a long shot, but he didn't think they would actually find something.

"It seems like a coincidence." Wu Zhangkong told him about Tang Wulin's speculation.

Zhuo Shi listened and said, "If that's true, it will be tricky to deal with. Oh well, let's leave the headache to Yun Ming."

He spoke loudly, not caring who heard him. Wu Zhangkong could only keep quiet. He respected his teacher, even if he didn't agree with him. He asked, "Teacher, what should we do next?"

Zhuo Shi ordered, "You've done well. This matter is very important. Keep exploring the sea for now and don't let anyone notice. Then stay in Skysea City. There's no need to rush back to the academy."

Wu Zhangkong said, "No need to rush back? They're at a good age to practice. Why waste time like this?"

He couldn't help but argue when it came to his students. He knew the academy had the best training environment and atmosphere.

Zhuo Shi snapped, "If you want to travel back and forth, be my guest."

"What do you mean?" Wu Zhangkong asked, confused.

Zhuo Shi said, "It's about the Star Luo Exchange Group. The decision has been made. The Federation is worried about their safety and plans to escort them back in a month."

He spat out the word "escort", showing his disdain for the Federation's fools. Wu Zhangkong understood that the Federation was afraid that the secret area they had discovered would fall into the hands of the Star Luo Empire.

"What does that have to do with us? The Federation won't ask us to escort them, right?" Wu Zhangkong asked doubtfully.

"What are you thinking? Do you think the Federation would trust us with this?" Zhuo Shi said angrily. "I told you to wait in Skysea City because the academy decided to let you go to the Star Luo Continent with the Star Luo Exchange Group for an exchange and study program."

Wu Zhangkong said, "Going to the Star Luo Continent for an exchange and study program? Shouldn't that be for the inner courtyard students?"

He had seen this kind of program before. The inner courtyard students had participated in it. And since it was far away, the exchange lasted for a long time. The outer courtyard students would benefit more from staying at the academy.

Zhuo Shi sighed and said, "I know what you're thinking. But this exchange is different from the previous ones. It was arranged by the Federation and it involves not only our academy, but also Sun Moon Academy."

"And there are several geniuses in the Star Luo Empire who are about the same age as your students, so this exchange program is for the outer courtyard students, to make a better impression."

"More importantly, a secret realm controlled by the Tang Sect in the Star Luo Empire is about to open. Didn't you say Tang Wulin had a bloodline problem? This could be an opportunity for him."

Wu Zhangkong said, "Is that so? I understand. When do we leave?"

"It depends on how the federation arranges it, but it won't be more than a month. They won't let them stay here for long. That's all you need to know. I'll talk to Yun Ming about the Skysea City issue." Zhuo Shi ended the call.

Wu Zhangkong shook his head slightly, seeing his teacher was still as decisive as ever. He put away his phone and landed back on the deck.

Tang Wulin came over and asked, "Teacher Wu, what did the academy say? When can we go back?"

He wished he hadn't taken this mission, if not for the many contribution points. He would rather practice in the academy, whether it was building battle armor or improving his skills faster than in the outside world.

The others also looked at Wu Zhangkong, feeling the same way. They had completed the task, and there was no point in staying here any longer, even if it was to fool the outsiders.

Wu Zhangkong saw their expressions and said, "We won't be going back to the academy soon. We have a new task after this."

"Ah? A new task?" Tang Wulin sounded disappointed, but he asked, "Teacher Wu, can you tell us what the task is?"

Wu Zhangkong nodded and said, "There's no harm in telling you. The academy has decided to send you to the Star Luo Continent for an exchange program. It was supposed to be six months later, but something changed and they moved it up."

"Star Luo Continent? Exchange program?" Tang Wulin repeated, thinking for a moment. He looked at Wu Zhangkong and said, "Teacher Wu, can I skip this exchange program?"

He knew that the Star Luo Continent was far from the Douluo Continent. They could only travel by boat, and it would take months to get there and back. Plus the time they would spend there, it would be a year wasted.

Tang Wulin really didn't want to go. He had plenty of training resources at Shrek Academy, and with the help of the Tang Sect, his progress was faster than ever. Going to the Star Luo Continent would mean losing a year of precious training time.

The others frowned, clearly reluctant to join the exchange program.

Wu Zhangkong could tell what they were thinking. He sighed inwardly and said earnestly, "This exchange program will benefit you. It will broaden your horizons. And most importantly, it will show the people of the Star Luo Continent the genius of our Shrek Academy."

"Besides, this exchange program is very important. If you refuse to join, it might affect your chances of competing for the spots of Shrek's Seven Monsters. Do you still want to say no?"

"We'll join!" They all said in unison.

They changed their minds as soon as they heard about Shrek's Seven Monsters. It was a prestigious title for them, and they wouldn't give up any opportunity to earn it.

Wu Zhangkong had only guessed that this was the reason why the academy had chosen them for the exchange program, but he felt it was likely.

He nodded and said, "Good. Besides exploring the area for now, you should also try to learn more about the Star Luo Continent."

"Yes." They all agreed.

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