In the stillness of the late-night campus, the only sounds were the soft glow of streetlights casting their light into the darkness. The principal's office remained lit, the door slightly ajar, and faint voices could be heard from within.
"Professor Shen, after careful consideration, the school committee has agreed to your request to return to teaching," the principal said kindly. "However, I am curious about your sudden leave of absence a while back. Was there an urgent matter?"
"Family affairs required my attention," Shen Gongbao replied with a smile, his voice still deep and resonant, though it seemed to carry less sharpness and more tranquility than before. "I truly appreciate the opportunity to return to campus."
The principal flipped through the documents on his desk. "Your previous course evaluations were outstanding; the students really enjoyed your teaching style. What courses do you plan to offer this time?"
"I would like to continue with Eastern Mythology and Culture," Shen Gongbao said softly. "Perhaps I will introduce some new perspectives and content."
The principal nodded in agreement. "Then it's settled. I hope you can stay for a long time this time and bring more exciting courses to our students."
Shen Gongbao smiled slightly, a hint of deeper meaning in his expression. "Of course, I will stay longer this time. After all, there are unfinished matters here."
"What? Professor Shen Gongbao is back?" Nezha exclaimed, jumping up from his bed and nearly hitting his head. "Isn't he already...?" He made a sealing gesture.
Ao Bing put down the book he had been reading, his expression serious. "Yes, there's an announcement on the school bulletin board stating that he left for family reasons and is now returning to teach again. He will continue offering Eastern Mythology and Culture."
Nezha sat back on the edge of his bed, furrowing his brow. "How is that possible? We clearly saw him subdued by the Dragon King's power, and you used a Sealing Potion to permanently seal his demon powers!"
"I'm just as confused," Ao Bing said quietly. "That Sealing Potion should be unbreakable. Even if he has returned, he should only be an ordinary person now, without any supernatural abilities."
"Could it be some kind of illusion? Or perhaps someone else is impersonating him?" Nezha speculated.
Ao Bing pondered for a moment and said, "It's possible, but there's another explanation—he may indeed have been sealed of his demon powers, but his knowledge and wisdom remain intact. Even as an ordinary person, his understanding of myths and supernatural phenomena far exceeds that of most."
Nezha frowned, "So you're saying he might really just be back to teach, without any evil plans?"
"I'm not sure," Ao Bing shook his head. "But regardless, we need to stay vigilant. Shen Gongbao is not an ordinary opponent; even without his demon powers, his mind and knowledge are dangerous enough."
Nezha thought for a moment, then suddenly brightened. "I have an idea! We can take his class and observe him up close. If he really has any schemes, we'll catch on in time; if he's just here to teach, we won't miss out on a good teacher!"
Ao Bing hesitated. "That carries risks. What if he recognizes us?"
"Come on," Nezha rolled his eyes. "We defeated him fair and square; of course he knows us. But he no longer has demon powers—what can he do to us? Besides, if he does have any ulterior motives, it’s better for us to observe him proactively than wait for him to come after us."
After considering it for a moment, Ao Bing slowly nodded. "You make a good point. Alright, we'll take his class, but we must remain alert at all times."
"Deal!" Nezha clapped excitedly. "Who knows, maybe this time we can learn something truly useful from him!"
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