Ning Rongrong recounted how Xiao Wu had been captured by the Titan Giant Ape but later returned safely, and how she had rescued Tang San from the hands of an Evil Soul Master.
"Isn't he mysterious? Even Dean Flender couldn't do anything about that Evil Soul Master. She just went out for a while and came back with Tang San. I suspect he's also from a major faction, with a powerful guardian following him—possibly even a Titled Douluo!" Ning Rongrong spoke mysteriously, like a divine detective.
"But the major factions on the continent are few and far between, and there's none this young lady doesn't know about. Which faction could Xiao Wu belong to?" Ning Rongrong was puzzled again.
Dugu Feng chuckled inwardly. No matter how hard you rack your brain, you'd never guess—she's a 100,000-Year Soul Beast!
"What about the others?"
"There's also the team's Supportive Soul Master, Oscar. He actually has Innate Full Soul Power, and his support effects are no weaker than our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Once he graduates from the academy, I must have Father recruit him into the sect. Otherwise, hmph!" Ning Rongrong snorted delicately.
Clearly, if Oscar refused, there would be consequences. She wouldn't allow any existence that could threaten the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Even the Nine Star Begonia family was only tolerated because their Martial Soul Defect was too severe—only two members could exist in the world at any time, posing no threat whatsoever. That was why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School permitted their existence.
"Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing—you must know them. You even fought Zhu Zhuqing in a soul battle before. They're from the Star Luo imperial family and the Zhu Family, and their talents are astonishing. But the most special one is Tang San. He has Twin Soul Spirits, as I told you last time. But what's most impressive about him are his hidden weapons. Father spent five million gold coins to collaborate with Tang San and purchase the hidden weapons he crafted. These weapons can greatly enhance the safety of our family's direct-line supportive soul masters! I have no idea how he learned to craft these hidden weapons—he's the same age as us!" Ning Rongrong praised, then demonstrated by pulling out a Zhuge Divine Crossbow from her Storage Soul Tool.
"Try it!"
Dugu Feng took the Zhuge Divine Crossbow and, under Ning Rongrong's guidance, quickly loaded the mechanism. A series of metallic clangs rang out.
"Whoosh!"
A sharp sound echoed through the cavern as sixteen pitch-black Iron Essence Crossbow Bolts shot out, embedding themselves deep into the cavern walls until they disappeared from sight.
"The more people who use the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, the greater its power. If equipped by an army or a soul master regiment, it would be terrifying!" Ning Rongrong had her own insights into these hidden weapons.
"Rongrong, these hidden weapons are very important to your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Has Uncle Ning ever considered crafting them himself?" Dugu Feng asked with a smile.
Mentioning manufacturing, Ning Rongrong sighed helplessly. "Of course he has! But Tang San is too cautious. His Zhuge Divine Crossbows all have anti-disassembly mechanisms. If anyone tries to figure out how they're made, they self-destruct upon disassembly. Father tried but failed! However, Bone Grandfather told me Father has already gone to Gengxin City to seek out Master Lou Gao—the same craftsman who made the Eight Treasure Ruyi Soft Armor. With continuous research and the financial resources of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, we'll eventually crack these hidden weapons!" Ning Rongrong declared confidently.
The premature exposure of the Clear Sky Sect's strength had far-reaching consequences.
Ning Fengzhi's attitude toward the Clear Sky Sect underwent a significant shift.
Upon acquiring these hidden weapons, his first thought was to master them himself, ensuring he would never be at the mercy of the Clear Sky Sect in the future.
Dugu Feng was pleased to see this development.
"Tang San truly lives up to being Haotian Douluo's son—astonishing talent and meticulous thinking. This gives us more confidence in opposing the Soul Hall in the future!"
Dugu Feng concealed his hostility toward Tang San.
If he showed any animosity, Ning Rongrong might also display hostility when interacting with the Shrek Seven Devils later, potentially alerting the hidden Tang Hao.
"I'll introduce you to them later!" Ning Rongrong said cheerfully.
Dugu Feng nodded in agreement.
Time flew by, and five days passed in the blink of an eye.
Early morning, at the gates of Blue Tyrant Academy in Heaven Dou City.
Ning Rongrong stood gracefully in a pink dress.
Beside her was Dugu Feng.
Hand in hand, the two entered Blue Tyrant Academy.
They followed a small path through the academy, eventually reaching the very back—a dense forest.
This was also the simulated cultivation environment of Blue Tyrant Academy.
As they approached, Flender was the first to notice them.
"Rongrong, you're finally back! If it weren't for Bone Douluo taking you away, I would've thought something had happened to you!" Flender teased. Then his eyes widened. "Huh? Your Soul Power..."
He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Good heavens!
Ning Rongrong had only been gone for five days. Back then, she was at level 35.
Now, she was clearly a Soul Ancestor!
Five levels in five days?
Was this a joke?
Ning Rongrong made an adorable face, sticking out her tongue playfully. "You're not mistaken, Dean. I am a Soul Ancestor now.
With my father's help, my Martial Soul underwent a second awakening, and my strength improved significantly!
That's why it took a bit longer.
This is Dugu Feng beside me. Dean, you've met him before!"
She and Dugu Feng had already prepared an explanation for her sudden power boost.
"Young Master Dugu, the most talented of the younger generation in the Heaven Dou Empire. I've long heard of your reputation!" Flender still wore an expression of disbelief—how could a Martial Soul awaken a second time?
But as a man of the world, he quickly turned his attention to Dugu Feng.
His mind racing, Flender clasped his hands in greeting, pretending this was his first conversation with Dugu Feng.
Internally, he marveled at how well-matched Ning Rongrong and Dugu Feng were—like a golden couple in terms of family background, strength, and talent.
Poor Oscar, though. Flender silently mourned for him for three seconds.
Dugu Feng nodded slightly without speaking. A cold and aloof demeanor suited his status.
"Dean, gather everyone. I have something to tell you all!" Ning Rongrong said frankly.
"You're back so early—they haven't started their training yet. Come, let's wait for them outside the dormitory!" Flender led the way as the three entered the forest.
Only then did Dugu Feng realize that the "dormitory" Flender mentioned was a row of thatched huts.
Just as they arrived, a young man in tight-fitting clothes leaped down from the roof of one of the huts, his movements agile.
Dugu Feng recognized him at a glance—it was Tang San.
A faint purple light flickered in Tang San's eyes; he must have been practicing his Purple Demon Eyes.
Seeing Tang San again, Dugu Feng felt no ripple of emotion.
Without his Eight Spider Lances or the Immortal Herb, and having lost months of cultivation time due to Dugu Feng absorbing part of his life force, Tang San was a shadow of his former self.
Tang San's strength was much weaker now, only at level thirty-four, eleven levels below him.
He probably never imagined that the very person he'd wronged was standing right before him.
Besides Tang San, Tang Hao must also have his eyes on this place!
Yet Dugu Feng's expression remained flawless, utterly calm.
(End of Chapter)