As Tang Yin watched Ye Lingling's soul power take shape in her hands, he marveled inwardly.
Though it dissipated quickly, the fact that she had grasped his brief instructions and nearly succeeded in forming it spoke volumes.
Her comprehension and talent were far beyond ordinary.
From what Tang Yin understood, Ye Lingling's innate abilities surpassed even Ning Rongrong's.
Moreover, her Nine-Hearted Begonia spirit was truly extraordinary—capable of large-scale group healing.
Unless Ning Rongrong could evolve her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, she wouldn't even be comparable to Ye Lingling.
If I can bring Ye Lingling under my wing and nurture her properly, she'll be a tremendous asset in the future.
Tang Yin made a silent resolution.
For the next while, Tang Yin continued training with the three girls, offering Ye Lingling guidance on shaping her soul power, teaching Zhu Zhuqing key techniques for offense, and thoroughly "disciplining" Dugu Yan—ensuring she recognized the gap between them and leaving an indelible mark on her psyche before finally stopping.
"Alright, Lingling. Keep practicing this shaping technique. Remember, the most crucial part is the precision of your soul power control. The finer your control, the more powerful your attacks will be. Understood?" Tang Yin said, looking at her.
Ye Lingling nodded gratefully. "Tang Yin, thank you."
Without his guidance, she would never have learned a method that allowed an auxiliary spirit master like her to wield combat prowess.
"No need for thanks. We're classmates—and friends, aren't we?" Tang Yin smiled.
Ye Lingling nodded again, etching his words into her heart.
Dugu Yan, watching Tang Yin's attentive instruction toward Ye Lingling compared to his harsh treatment of her, couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration.
Soon after, the group dispersed to continue their cultivation.
By afternoon, Ah Yin had returned with Ning Rongrong after helping her obtain her third spirit ring.
Coincidentally, her third spirit skill was the same as in the original timeline—a soul power amplification ability—but its effects were even stronger now.
To Tang Yin's surprise, when Ning Rongrong returned, she wasn't alone. Her father, Ning Fengzhi, the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, had arrived at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy alongside Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
And accompanying Ning Fengzhi was none other than the Titled Douluo, Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
As soon as the trio arrived, the academy's senior administrators, including Meng Shenji, rushed to greet them and escorted them to a VIP lounge.
"Administrator Meng, there's no need for such formality. I'm only here to visit my daughter, not on official business," Ning Fengzhi said warmly.
Meng Shenji had initially feared that some student had caused a major incident to warrant such esteemed guests. Relieved to hear it was merely a personal visit, he quickly sent for Ning Rongrong and the others.
At that moment, Xue Qinghe spoke up:
"Administrator Meng, I've heard that a group of students from Shrek Academy recently joined our institution, including many talented individuals. I'm quite curious about them—could you invite them as well?"
Understanding the Crown Prince's keen interest in recruiting talent, Meng Shenji didn't hesitate. He immediately sent for both the Shrek Academy team and Tang Yin's group.
"Dad! Grandpa Sword!"
The moment Ning Rongrong spotted Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, she dashed over excitedly.
"Rongrong," Sword Douluo greeted her warmly, though he restrained his delight slightly to maintain his dignified image in front of the others.
Ning Rongrong linked arms with them, leaning forward playfully. "Dad, Grandpa Sword, did you miss me?"
"Of course we missed our Rongrong," Sword Douluo chuckled. "Tell me, how have you been? Have you been working hard?"
"Wait—you've already broken through to rank 31?!"
Mid-question, Sword Douluo sensed her spirit power and was visibly surprised.
Ning Fengzhi, too, was astonished by his daughter's rapid progress and immediately began inquiring about her recent experiences.
After chatting for a while, the three finally turned their attention to the others who had entered—including Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong, who stood among the crowd.
Liu Erlong had been hesitating since arriving at the academy, unsure whether to seek out Tang Yin immediately for a private conversation.
But now, with Sword Douluo, Ning Fengzhi, and even Crown Prince Xue Qinghe present, she remained silent, though her gaze repeatedly drifted toward Tang Yin, who stood beside A'yin.
Tang Yin met her eyes briefly, offering a faint smile before shifting his attention to Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
Finally, his gaze settled on Xue Qinghe—the Crown Prince secretly impersonated by Qian Renxue, the daughter of Bibi Dong and the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall.
This Holy Maiden… I'll need to get to know her intimately in the future, Tang Yin mused.
As his eyes lingered, Xue Qinghe noticed and returned the gaze.
Recognition flickered across her face—Tang Yin was the same person she'd encountered at the underground spirit arena! Back then, she'd considered recruiting him, but he'd left too quickly.
Even though he'd worn a mask at the time, Xue Qinghe instantly recognized him now.
What shocked her even more was his current spirit power level.
Last time, he was only rank 32. Yet in less than a month, he's reached rank 39?!
Seven levels in under a month—how is that possible?
Even with her innate 20th-rank spirit power, such rapid advancement was unimaginable.
"Crown Prince, this is Grandmaster. His published theories are highly regarded in the spirit master world. He currently teaches at our academy. This is Flender, former dean of Shrek Academy…"
"And this is Teacher Ah Yin."
Meng Shenji introduced Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and the others one by one.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes flashed with interest at the mention of Yu Xiaogang—the Grandmaster's reputation preceded him.
Once the teachers were introduced, Ning Rongrong stepped forward to present her classmates. "Dad, these are my friends."
Pointing at Tang Yin, she added, "He's… Tang Yin. He's the reason I broke through to rank 30 so quickly."
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