```
"Qin Xiao is young, yet he possesses great strength...."
Ning Fengzhi said in a deep voice, "An eighteen-year-old Titled Douluo, no one can predict how far he will go in the future. I believe, he has a great possibility of reaching the level of Tang Chen of the Hao Tian Clan, the level of that Great Priest in the Martial Soul Hall!"
"If he were to join my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, I am confident that the landscape of the Soul Land would be changed,"
Ning Fengzhi did not conceal his ambition, "More importantly, he is not just a sapling; he has already grown into a towering tree. As a Titled Douluo strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, his value is immeasurable! With him on our side, the strength of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could skyrocket in an instant! What is the Hao Tian Clan compared to that?"
"The Sect Master is truly the Sect Master, so quickly weighing the pros and cons."
Sword Douluo said admiringly, however, the next moment, a question surfaced in his mind: "But, what kind of conditions could we possibly offer to entice his interest? I can sense that the kid who was struck by lightning is deliberately maintaining a distance from us."
"How could there be no opportunity?"
Ning Fengzhi said, his mouth curving into a smile, "Tang Hao will help us."
Tang Hao? Sword Douluo was puzzled why Ning Fengzhi would say that.
"Uncle Jian, you just said it yourself, if Qin Xiao were your enemy, you'd feel restless, wanting to get rid of him quickly, right?"
"Tang Hao is not a fool, of course, he knows the dangers of letting Qin Xiao grow unchecked."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes were filled with a wise light, "He has already failed once, he should be aware that he can't kill Qin Xiao alone...."
Sword Douluo's eyes brightened as he responded, "So, he must seek help, and the Hao Tian Clan is Tang Hao's reliance. Even though he is a renegade of the sect, he would have to shamelessly seek help from the sect. Otherwise, letting Qin Xiao grow would be disastrous."
"That's partly right, and partly wrong."
"Why?"
"Have you forgotten, Uncle Jian? The Sect Master of the Hao Tian Clan, Tang Xiao, is Tang Hao's own elder brother. Tang Hao can directly seek assistance from Tang Xiao without having to endure the sect's disdain. Blood is thicker than water; Tang Xiao will definitely help Tang Hao!"
Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, "Considering the time, they might already be on their way to Shrek Academy."
Sword Douluo fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Sect Master, for the sake of that kid struck by lightning, is it really worth it to tear our relationship with the Hao Tian Clan?"
"What's there to consider worth or not?"
Ning Fengzhi waved his hand nonchalantly, "These years, the Hao Tian Clan has remained hidden and did not emerge; we have been facing the Martial Soul Hall alone. Moreover, does the Hao Tian Clan truly have the courage to be our enemy? The Martial Soul Hall alone is enough trouble for them."
Upon hearing this, Sword Douluo's eyes lit up, "Haha, good, then I will witness the heroic spirit of the Hao Tian Clan's strongmen."
"Mm-hmm." Ning Fengzhi nodded, "Next, I'll need you to pay close attention to the movements of Shrek Academy. When Tang Hao and Tang Xiao show up, we too must make our timely appearance, ensuring that we provide aid when it is most needed."
Sword Douluo nodded firmly, "Sect Master, leave this matter to me with confidence."
...
"Ning Rongrong, can you not find the cafeteria by yourself? Why keep following me?"
Qin Xiao frowned and spoke to Ning Rongrong, who was trailing him like a shadow.
Originally, he had intended to return to his quarters to rest.
However, once he completely relaxed, he realized that although his Soul Power was hardly expended, his physical energy consumption was immense.
In short, he was hungry.
Just passing by the cafeteria, he thought to grab something to eat.
"You said it yourself, the cafeteria is right ahead. I'm following you simply because I'm slower in walking...."
Ning Rongrong spoke boldly, although quite unconvincingly.
"Oh."
Qin Xiao drawled, "So that's the case, you should have said so earlier; I'll help you."
"What does that mean?"
Ning Rongrong's face changed slightly, and the next moment, she watched in horror as sparks of electricity danced between Qin Xiao's fingers.
She began to retreat, her face stricken with panic, "No, don't..."
Yet, for Qin Xiao, dealing with disobedient young witches meant only one method: electrocuting them!
He flicked his finger, and sparks accompanied by lightning landed on Ning Rongrong.
"Stop!"
"Ahh!"
Ning Rongrong let out a shriek, running faster than a rabbit.
Qin Xiao called out from behind her, "Helping others is the foundation of my joy. Next time you need help, just ask me directly."
...
When Qin Xiao entered the cafeteria, he was somewhat astounded.
"Damn, this is amazing!"
"The cafeteria really does have mushroom soup, and it's even made with 'red umbrella with a white handle' mushrooms..."
Qin Xiao's gaze fell on Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar.
Ma Hongjun said with an ingratiating look, "Your Highness, please try the delicacy; this mushroom soup is delicious."
```
Qin Xiao shook his head.
There are always people who want to harm me...
But before he could sit down, he discovered another problem.
"Flander, Zhao Wuji..."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Li Yusong, Lu Qibin, and other teachers, he asked, "What's the matter with all of you? If you have something to say, just speak directly."
He noticed that their looks toward him were very odd.
"Your Highness, we just want to know, who was the powerful adversary you fought with today?"
Zhao Wuji rubbed his hands, asking somewhat nervously.
Qin Xiao's expression unchanged, said lightly, "Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Sword Douluo."
Everyone was stunned at first, then their faces showed great admiration.
Setting aside victory or defeat, to have battled with Sword Douluo meant one was undoubtedly among the top powerhouses of Soul Land.
That was a realm they could never reach in their entire lives!
"Awesome!"
"Your Highness, please give me your autograph, I'm your fan!"
Zhao Wuji was even more fervent in his admiration.
Qin Xiao: "...."
Honestly, being admired by a rough man like Zhao Wuji, he didn't think it was something to be pleased about.
His strength, I'll never match in this life! Is there truly no possibility of washing away this disgrace?
Dai Mubai was extremely frustrated, and even felt despair.
There and then, he picked up the mushroom soup on the table, "Come on, Little Ao, Fatty, let's finish this bowl of soup."
He hoped that by substituting soup for wine, he could forget all sorrows.
...
That night, Qin Xiao received a message.
Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun had been poisoned by drinking too much mushroom soup.
Luckily, Flander flew hundreds of miles in the night to find a healing Soul Master, which saved the lives of the three men.
...
"Tang San, do you regret sending Er Ming to provoke Qin Xiao?"
In the Aquipeia Forest, Xiaowu suddenly asked the distant Tang San.
Hearing this, Tang San paused, regret?
Why should I regret?
The Titan Ape wasn't able to kill Qin Xiao, so I only feel a pang of regret!
Mystic Sky Records, rule number three: If you confirm the opponent as an enemy, as long as they have a way to meet their demise, don't show any mercy; otherwise, it will only cause more trouble for yourself.
So, now that Qin Xiao was confirmed as an enemy, if Tang San had the opportunity, he would spare no effort to kill him.
Leaving the disaster that was Qin Xiao behind would only bring more trouble!
But could Tang San give a truthful response to Xiaowu's question?
The answer was no!
Tang San understood that Xiaowu's estrangement for so long was because she wanted to hear him express some regret, right?
If this were outside of the Aquipeia Forest, he would have the confidence to say, "What wrongdoing does Tang San admit to?"
In all my life, I've done deeds without regrets!
But this was the heart of the Aquipeia Forest, and he couldn't leave without Xiaowu's help, not with his strength alone!
A true man should know when to bend or stand; I'll endure this... Tang San made up his mind, his face went through a myriad of changes, and with filled with guilt he said, "Xiaowu, I've thought it through, it's my fault. If not for my insistence on sending Er Ming to test Qin Xiao, this accident wouldn't have happened."
"I was too eager for quick success and instant benefits. Er Ming's death, I bear undeniable responsibility!"
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a dagger gleaming with cold light appeared in his hand and was raised high.
"Xiaosan, what are you doing?"
Xiaowu exclaimed in alarm.
"I've made my decision, living with this guilt is also immeasurably painful for me; I am willing to atone for Er Ming with my life!"
Tang San said, then with a sad smile, "Xiaowu, farewell!"
With those words, the dagger shimmering with cold light stabbed fiercely towards his chest.