# Chapter 20: Revelations
The dormitory assignments proved fortuitous for Chen Sheng. After years of sharing accommodations during his time at Notting Academy, having a room to himself—however modest and wooden—felt genuinely luxurious. The dilapidated appearance was irrelevant; what mattered was privacy and uninterrupted space for his evening activities.
Chen Sheng secured his door carefully and began opening his accumulated treasure chests, eager to assess what rewards the day's events had generated.
『Treasure Chest: Cooking Utensils Set』
Chen Sheng stored this without interest. Cooking held no appeal for him.
『Treasure Chest: Ancient Map (Location Unknown)』
He filed this away mentally. Perhaps eventually useful, but unclear for now.
『Treasure Chest: Music Cultivation Manual』
Again, stored without consideration. His priorities lay elsewhere.
『Treasure Chest: Body Strengthening Card (Physical Enhancement)』
Chen Sheng examined this reward carefully. A body strengthening card would enhance his physical capabilities. He activated the card immediately.
Golden light suffused his body as the enhancement took effect. His muscles seemed to subtly reorganize, becoming denser and more efficient. His physical resilience increased dramatically—he now possessed strength equivalent to a Spirit King even without deploying his martial souls. This was an invaluable advantage for prolonged engagements.
『Treasure Chest: Decorative Pendant (Worthless)』
Discarded mentally.
『Treasure Chest: Ancient Scroll (Illegible)』
He stored this with minimal attention.
『Treasure Chest: Historical Encyclopedia』
Perhaps useful eventually, but not immediately applicable.
『Treasure Chest: Martial Soul Improvement Card (Evolution)』
Chen Sheng held this reward reverently. A martial soul improvement card was exceptionally rare. He activated it immediately, directing the upgrade toward his White Tiger martial soul—his primary and most developed spirit.
Brilliant golden light erupted from his body as his White Tiger martial soul underwent profound transformation. The tiger's form became increasingly majestic, its size expanding until it dominated the entire room. Its coloring deepened to an ancient amber-gold, with veins of deep purple lightning crackling across its ethereal form.
But the transformation extended beyond mere appearance. Chen Sheng sensed a fundamental shift in the martial soul's nature and power. The quality had transcended its previous level, ascending to true divine-grade status—the highest known classification.
More remarkably, his consciousness received a new designation from the spirit itself: Ancient White Tiger.
The name itself suggested history, power, and legitimacy. This wasn't merely an upgraded beast spirit—this was something that transcended normal classification.
As the transformation stabilized, Chen Sheng noticed changes extending to his physical form as well. His features, already attractive, became noticeably sharper and more refined. His eyes now carried flecks of golden light, and his overall presence radiated a subtle aristocratic authority. His temperament shifted as well—he appeared mature, more dignified, carrying an inherent gravitas that hadn't existed before.
『Treasure Chest: Void Breaking Sword (Divine Rank Martial Soul)』
Chen Sheng's breath caught. This wasn't simply an item—it was an entirely new martial soul, and a divine-ranked one at that.
A Void Breaking Sword materialized before him, a beautiful weapon wreathed in blue ice and black void energy. Golden pattern-work traced intricate designs across its blade, suggesting both elegance and devastating power.
Without hesitation, Chen Sheng made a decision that would distinguish him from every other spirit master on the continent. He fused the Void Breaking Sword with his spirit.
Light exploded outward as the fusion completed. Chen Sheng now possessed three martial souls—something that defied the known limitations of spirit master cultivation.
The Void Breaking Sword coexisted alongside his White Tiger and Eight-Winged Archangel martial souls, creating a unique configuration that granted him unprecedented flexibility in combat.
This discovery demanded secrecy. Having multiple martial souls would generate unwanted attention and potentially dangerous questions about his origins.
『Treasure Chest: Beast Aura Concealment Bracelet』
Chen Sheng examined this reward with immediate recognition of its value. The bracelet was exquisitely crafted from a silvery-black metal, adorned with subtle runes that seemed to shimmer when viewed from different angles.
According to its description, the bracelet could completely conceal the aura of transformed soul beasts, rendering their true nature virtually undetectable to external perception.
This was precisely what Xiao Wu needed—a means to hide her 100,000-year soul beast essence from Spirit Hall hunters and other potential threats.
Chen Sheng decided to gift this to her immediately. After six years of cultivation together, Xiao Wu understood his knowledge of her true identity. When he had first discovered her nature, she had been terrified. But his promise—"I'll always protect you even it cost my life"—had settled something fundamental in her heart. Those words had created a space reserved exclusively for him.
『Treasure Chest: Decorative Mask』
Stored without consideration.
『Treasure Chest: Historical Records (Damaged)』
Filed away mentally.
『Treasure Chest: Spirit Ring Age Improvement Card (1,000 Years)』
Chen Sheng applied this to his first spirit ring immediately, increasing its age from 3,800 years to 4,800 years. The adjustment provided minor power enhancements and better resonance with his upgraded martial soul.
The day's acquisitions had been genuinely valuable. Chen Sheng allowed himself to rest, knowing tomorrow would bring new opportunities and challenges.
---
Early morning sunlight filtered through the academy windows as Chen Sheng and Tang San woke simultaneously—the result of years cultivating disciplined routines. Xiao Wu, trained by Chen Sheng for six years, joined them in waking early, having internalized the same commitment to consistent practice.
Tang San departed immediately for solitary cultivation of his Purple Demon Eye technique, seeking privacy for his specialized training.
Chen Sheng retrieved the Beast Aura Concealment Bracelet and made his way toward the girls' dormitory.
He found Xiao Wu near the courtyard, already anticipating his arrival—their years together had created an intuitive understanding of each other's patterns.
Chen Sheng presented the bracelet without elaborate explanation. "A gift. For you."
Xiao Wu examined the beautiful bracelet, her eyes widening as she sensed its purpose. The realization struck her—he had thought of her safety, had taken action to protect her before she even expressed concern.
She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, and immediately felt the change as her 100,000-year soul beast aura dimmed to nearly undetectable levels. For the first time since arriving at Shrek Academy, she felt genuinely secure.
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Warmth and Gratitude emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
"Thank you, Brother," she whispered, the words carrying emotional depth that transcended simple gratitude.
---
By mid-morning, the group had gathered to explore the surrounding village, seeking the academy's cafeteria and familiarizing themselves with their new environment.
"Brother, should we go for a walk in the village?" Xiao Wu suggested, her curiosity evident. "I'm not sure where the academy's cafeteria is located. We paid significant money for registration—they should provide meals, right?"
Chen Sheng checked the time and nodded. "Let's go. Tang San should be finishing his cultivation soon."
Just as they began walking, Tang San descended from the academy rooftop where he had been practicing.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing emerged from the girls' dormitory simultaneously, having finished their own morning routines.
"Xiao Wu, Chen Sheng, you both woke early for cultivation, right?" Ning Rongrong greeted them warmly, though her expression suggested mild concern. "I hope I'm not the last one waking up. I started cultivating once I noticed Zhu Zhuqing was already practicing on her bed."
Tang San, recognizing the need for local guidance, didn't hesitate to extract Oscar from his bed despite the boy's initial reluctance. However, the prospect of three attractive young women joining the expedition transformed Oscar's demeanor entirely. He not only woke quickly but also took the time to shave off his unkempt beard completely.
When the group reconvened, everyone stared at Oscar in genuine shock. The transformation was remarkable—without the heavy beard, his features were actually quite refined. He appeared like a completely different person.
Dai Mubai, recognizing the situation, hastened to salvage Oscar's reputation. "Don't judge Little Ao based on yesterday's appearance. That unkempt look was because there were very few people at the academy. Now that three beautiful young women have arrived, he naturally wants to present himself properly."
Dai Mubai had intended to remain in his dormitory but ultimately decided joining the group made more sense socially. Additionally, he harbored a genuine desire to improve his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing—perhaps demonstrating more responsibility would help restore her respect.
---
As the group navigated the village paths, Ning Rongrong deliberately positioned herself closer to Chen Sheng, then smiled with calculated charm.
"Chen Sheng, are you interested in joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
she asked directly, seemingly unconcerned about speaking in front of the others. "Your combat abilities and overall talent are genuinely impressive. I could introduce you to our Sect, and perhaps arrange for you to meet the Titled Douluo who protect us."
Chen Sheng registered genuine surprise at her directness. Was she truly dropping all pretense so quickly?
However, rather than responding to her proposition, he addressed her with pointed observation. "As expected of the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. I'm simply curious—why would Sect Master Ning and those two Titled Douluo permit you to travel to Shrek Academy alone?"
Ning Rongrong's smile froze instantaneously. Her carefully maintained composure cracked.
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
"How did you know?" she managed, her voice barely controlled.
Her question itself constituted tacit admission of everything Chen Sheng had deduced.
Tang San and Dai Mubai exchanged surprised glances, clearly processing this revelation. The person standing before them was actually Ning Fengzhi's most beloved daughter—the little princess of one of the Upper Three Sects.
A flash of hostility briefly illuminated Dai Mubai's eyes before he consciously suppressed it.
Chen Sheng explained with apparent casualness. "Your indicators were quite obvious, actually.
First, your martial soul is distinctive and unmistakable to anyone with proper knowledge.
Second, you possess a temperament and bearing that ordinary Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples simply don't manifest. Most importantly, you possess sufficient authority to guarantee meetings with Titled Douluo—something that wouldn't be easily available unless you held significant status. Connecting these observations made the conclusion relatively straightforward."
Ning Rongrong absorbed this analysis, nodding slightly. "I suppose I was rather transparent. My intentions were indeed too obvious."
She re-extended her formal invitation. "Since you've already discerned my identity, I see no reason to maintain pretense. As the daughter of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's Sect Master, I'm officially inviting you to join our organization. With your talent and strength, you would surely earn my grandfather's approval. My father is perpetually eager for talented individuals and would undoubtedly provide you with exceptional cultivation resources and opportunities."
Chen Sheng considered her proposition carefully. Ning Fengzhi might indeed provide cultivation resources, but "vigorously" might be an overstatement unless Chen Sheng demonstrated absolute loyalty to the Sect—a level of commitment he wasn't prepared to make without understanding the Sect's long-term trajectory and his own ultimate objectives.
The only realistic alternative was marriage into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—a complete binding arrangement that would ensure the Sect's investment remained secure. Chen Sheng recognized that Ning Fengzhi would likely pursue this approach if Ning Rongrong displayed even the slightest romantic affection toward him.
It's not narcissism, Chen Sheng reflected internally. My appearance is objectively attractive, and my first three spirit rings exceed thousand-year quality—which is remarkable. Even if my innate spirit power seemed ordinary to outsiders, I possessed advantages they couldn't perceive. If circumstances aligned favorably, achieving the God Realm could be described as virtually certain.
He voiced his response carefully. "I appreciate the invitation, but I'm not particularly interested in being bound to a Sect at the present time. I prefer to maintain flexibility regarding my future path."
Ning Rongrong appeared disappointed but unsurprised. She understood that joining a Sect required significant personal commitment and sacrifice. Any organization investing substantial resources into cultivating talent would naturally expect substantial loyalty in return.
However, her perspective shifted. She could still report her discoveries back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School through written correspondence. This expedition had proven remarkably productive—she hadn't anticipated discovering not just one but multiple prodigies for potential recruitment.
Not only Chen Sheng, but Xiao Wu and Tang San also possessed remarkable talent. While slightly less exceptional than Chen Sheng, they would still represent significant assets for the Sect if recruitment could be arranged.
Ning Rongrong's mood brightened considerably. Her "escape" from the Sect had resulted in discovering multiple genuine talents. She would compose a detailed letter immediately upon returning to the academy.
---
Oscar, observing Ning Rongrong's enthusiastic attention toward Chen Sheng, felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy and dissatisfaction. He noted that Chen Sheng's relationship with Xiao Wu appeared remarkably intimate—surely that meant Chen Sheng wouldn't harbor romantic intentions toward Ning Rongrong, correct?
『DING! DETECTED Oscar's Envy and jealousy emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
With this rationalization, Oscar immediately volunteered himself. "Ning Rongrong, do you think I could also join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? You should know about my martial soul capabilities. I'm also the first food system Spirit Master on the entire continent with innate full spirit power."
Ning Rongrong, having received no affirmative response from Chen Sheng, turned her attention to Oscar's proposal. Her expression shifted to one of evident skepticism.
"Oscar, what concrete evidence do you possess demonstrating innate full spirit power?"
she challenged directly. "If you're a commoner, shouldn't you have had your spirit awakened freely by Spirit Hall officials, just like Chen Sheng and the others? And more importantly—" she paused deliberately, "I spent considerable time thinking about this yesterday. Even accounting for the food system's notorious difficulty regarding cultivation, why would someone fourteen years old only be at level thirty?"
Her questions struck with surgical precision.
Ning Rongrong had spent her evening in genuine contemplation. When Flender had introduced Oscar as possessing innate full spirit power, she had been genuinely astonished. She herself possessed innate level nine spirit power—the highest recorded in her Sect's history. Yet Flender claimed Oscar possessed innate full spirit power?
She had verified her understanding: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit, limited by inherent limitations in the spirit's lineage, could theoretically reach maximum innate level nine.
Her father, even with all his exceptional qualities, had only achieved innate spirit power approaching level nine. This represented the absolute ceiling.
The revelation had initially impressed her. But reflecting further, she recognized logical inconsistencies.
Ning Rongrong herself was only level twenty-six—and she had just turned twelve years old. Her Sect provided comprehensive support: spirit power cultivation, body strengthening exercises, and specialized technique training through the Heart Separation Control method. Even with these advantages and despite her casual approach to training, she had achieved level twenty-six in just over a decade.
Oscar was two years her senior but only four spirit power levels ahead. Under normal circumstances, with Shrek Academy's limited resources—the food system requiring virtually no special cultivation environment since Oscar's advancement came through continuous food production—he should have achieved significantly higher levels.
"Oscar, if you wish to join a major Sect, they will almost certainly demand verification of your claims," Ning Rongrong stated matter-of-factly. "They'll require Spirit Hall awakening certificates or other concrete proof. And I must ask directly: is there any logical issue with the analysis I've presented? I'm not particularly diligent with my own cultivation, yet I've achieved level twenty-six. What explains your comparatively modest advancement?"
Oscar's smile froze. He felt genuine anger at her questioning his character.
"Ning Rongrong, your doubt is an insult to my character!" he protested, his voice tight with barely controlled emotion.
Ning Rongrong shook her head gently. "Oscar, if you perceive this as insulting, then I apologize. But these are legitimate questions that any respectable Sect would ask. I'm simply being thorough—something necessary for evaluating serious proposals."
Dai Mubai recognized the deteriorating situation and intervened diplomatically. "Ning Rongrong, you've misunderstood Little Ao. He's primarily limited by laziness and the inherent difficulty of food system cultivation. Those factors alone explain his development curve."
Dai Mubai reflected that if Flender hadn't begun personally supervising their cultivation intensively six months prior, Oscar might still be level twenty-nine. But he kept this detail private—publicly defending Oscar while privately acknowledging his shortcomings seemed the wisest approach.
Ning Rongrong, however, remained largely uninterested in Oscar's explanations. Her true concern was Chen Sheng's rejection of her Sect's invitation.
Oscar's sudden self-recommendation had interrupted her direct engagement with Chen Sheng—an unwelcome intrusion on her plans.
She felt no particular resentment toward Oscar; she simply found him considerably less relevant compared to Chen Sheng's exceptional abilities. No matter how powerful Oscar's food system proved, could it realistically compare to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's amplification capabilities?
Ning Rongrong retained genuine pride in her martial soul's strategic value.
---
The group's exploration of the village took an unexpected turn as they navigated the narrow streets. A distressed woman's voice suddenly penetrated the morning air.
"What are you doing? Let go of me! Fatty, I really can't stand you anymore. Let's end this—please!"
A simply dressed woman struggled desperately against the grip of a red-clothed fatty with flaming red hair. His expression radiated predatory intent.
"Why? Why do you suddenly want to break up? Am I not satisfying you?"
Ma Hongjun demanded, refusing to release the woman's wrist despite her obvious distress.
Chen Sheng and the group arrived just as the woman continued pleading. "No, it's not that. It's that you demand too frequently. I simply can't endure it anymore. Fatty, you understand I'm just an ordinary person—I can't compare to Spirit Masters. Please, just let me go. I beg you."
Ma Hongjun's expression darkened with unmistakable lust. He examined the woman with leering intensity, his voice dripping with lecherous intent. "Suihua, since we're ending things, how about one final parting encounter? For old times' sake?"
The woman's expression shifted to pure disgust. She couldn't tolerate this anymore. But she was ordinary, defenseless against a Spirit Master.
Ma Hongjun's grip tightened painfully as his victim's resistance weakened—simple physics dictating that she couldn't overcome his spiritual force advantage.
Xiao Wu's reaction was instantaneous and violent.
"Bastard, pervert! What exactly are you doing?!" she snarled, her form blurring with accelerated movement.
Without verbal warning, she materialized directly beside Ma Hongjun and executed a perfectly calibrated kick that sent him flying backward through the air.
CRASH!
Dust erupted as Ma Hongjun impacted a wooden structure, the impact hard enough to momentarily stun him.
"Ah!" Suihua gasped in shock, unable to process how someone had suddenly appeared and violently removed her assailant.
Before anyone could fully process the situation, Ma Hongjun's form flickered with spirit power as he summoned his Phoenix Fire martial soul and leaped onto the roof of a nearby dwelling.
"Who is it?!" he roared, his voice carrying both aggression and curiosity.
"It's your grandmother! Who told you to bully an innocent girl? Isn't it disgusting?" Xiao Wu responded, her voice cold with fury as she pointed toward Ma Hongjun.
Ma Hongjun's gaze focused on Xiao Wu, and his expression immediately shifted to unmistakable lechery. His mouth practically watered as he registered her beauty.
"Letting her go is fine," he called down, his tone dripping with predatory confidence. "But I haven't seen you before. How about you replace her and accompany me for a night? I'm quite skilled—you'll definitely enjoy yourself."
Chen Sheng's expression hardened noticeably, his eyes narrowing with dangerous intensity.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged meaningful glances, both immediately recognizing the displeasure radiating from Chen Sheng.
Dai Mubai sighed internally, his expression shifting to grim resignation. This idiot Fatty is finished. He's provoked most dangerous individuals present simultaneously. May whatever deity he believes in grant him mercy.
"Talk about it after you can beat me!" Xiao Wu declared, gathering her spirit power with visible intensity, preparing for combat.
"First Spirit Ability, Phoenix Fire Wire!" Ma Hongjun immediately manifested his technique, releasing burning threads of spiritual fire.
His expression shifted to barely concealed satisfaction. Was there such a good opportunity falling directly into his lap?
Despite the forceful kick he'd received earlier, Ma Hongjun believed the impact had surprised him—surely now, with the advantage of elevated position and distance, he could engage more effectively.
Xiao Wu's eyes suddenly glowed with brilliant pink light.
"Second Spirit Ability, Charm!" she activated her technique.
Ma Hongjun's consciousness immediately fogged. Her alluring presence overwhelmed his resistance. His Phoenix Fire Wire, now directed by compromised judgment, streamed wildly across the village.
The heated threads struck nearby thatched structures, instantly igniting them into flame.
Chen Sheng's expression shifted to one of urgent focus. He couldn't allow the fire to spread uncontrolled—the village would suffer catastrophic damage.
From his hand materialized a magnificent sword wreathed in blue ice and black void energy. Golden patterns traced its blade as Chen Sheng deployed his second martial soul for the first time in public.
"Void Breaking Sword!" he called out, the weapon blazing with incredible power.
Ice surged from the blade, extinguishing the Phoenix flames with brutal efficiency while simultaneously attempting to minimize collateral damage. The Sword Qi accompanying his technique added additional control precision.
However, everyone present registered the same shocking realization: Chen Sheng possessed a second martial soul—and it was distinctly different from his White Tiger.
Tang San froze, his mind struggling to process this impossibility. He stared at Chen Sheng with complete shock evident in every line of his body.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened dramatically, her expression suggesting she was witnessing something fundamentally incomprehensible.
Ning Rongrong's mouth fell slightly open. She had been contemplating Chen Sheng's abilities for hours, yet this revelation exceeded even her elevated expectations.
Xiao Wu's expression shifted to one of pride and admiration. She had always known Chen Sheng was remarkable, but witnessing his power externally validated her assessment completely.
Dai Mubai appeared utterly stunned, his complexion paling noticeably as he struggled to reconcile this discovery with everything he understood about spirit cultivation.
Oscar's typical cheerful demeanor evaporated, replaced by genuine disbelief.
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Profound Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Zhu Zhuqing's Amazement and Hidden Admiration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Shock and Increased Fascination emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Pride and Satisfaction emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Disbelief and Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Oscar Suprise and Jealousy emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Ning Rongrong's initial shock gradually transformed into calculated composure.
She recognized that demonstrating such a martial soul publicly was either a significant tactical error or a calculated decision. Regardless, it reinforced Chen Sheng's exceptional status.
She turned her attention toward Ma Hongjun, who remained charmed and unaware of the dramatic transformations occurring around him. Her expression shifted to profound annoyance at the disruption to her interaction with Chen Sheng.
Ning Rongrong summoned her own martial soul. "First, strength; second, speed!"
"Eh, wait..." Dai Mubai attempted to prevent her amplification, but he was fractionally too slow.
Xiao Wu, feeling the dual amplifications now enhancing her capabilities, allowed herself a slight smile. The corners of her mouth curved upward as she regarded Ma Hongjun.
Let this pervert experience Xiao Wu Jie's own techniques, she thought with grim satisfaction.
Propelled by Ning Rongrong's enhancements and her own exceptional agility, Xiao Wu launched herself toward Ma Hongjun with devastating velocity.
Chen Sheng, recognizing that Xiao Wu was handling the situation effectively, moved to contain the spreading fires before they could threaten the village structures.
Ma Hongjun, still charmed and confused by the sudden environmental shifts, proved defenseless against Xiao Wu's assault.
However, before the battle could escalate further, Flender's commanding voice cut through the chaos.
"Stop! All of you, cease immediately!"
The Dean materialized between the combatants, his expression stern but controlled. His gaze swept across the group, cataloging the damage and situation.
When his eyes registered Chen Sheng's second martial soul—the Void Breaking Sword, still manifesting ice and black void energy—Flender's composed expression flickered noticeably.
Flender's eyes widened with undisguised shock. Two martial souls? At his age? And the second onelook even more powerful?
Yu Xiaogang, who had arrived alongside Flender, froze in place. His theoretical knowledge of martial soul cultivation—his entire professional foundation—suddenly seemed inadequate to explain what he was witnessing.
『DING! DETECTED Flender Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Yu Xiaogang's Disbelief emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
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