Xue Qinghe's Visit

Dai Mubai covered his mouth and chuckled, patting Tang San on the shoulder. "Little San, you've got to learn from your big brother."

When it came to emotional intelligence, Dai Mubai prided himself on being better.

Zhu Zhuqing shot him a cold, disgusted look. The thought of being tied to such "dirty men" made her feel even more desperate to break free from her fate. Unintentionally, she recalled the carefree and happy moments she had spent with Chen Xuan—moments that felt liberating.

Xiao Wu let out a sigh of relief. Her previously tense expression softened. No one was paying attention to her anymore, and just a moment ago, her heart had been pounding with anxiety. Absentmindedly, she rubbed her lower abdomen, her clear eyes filled with a gentle warmth.

Chen Xuan had witnessed the whole scene but remained silent, continuing to follow behind the group.

...

Not long after, the group arrived at the Shrek Academy's camp, where a large white tent had been set up along with eight smaller ones. Captain Rockson saluted the group and said, "Master Flender, dear participants, please rest early. The advancement matches will start tomorrow morning without an opening ceremony. You'll be guided to the competition venue when it's time."

"Thank you, General Rockson," Flender responded with a smile.

"Not at all," Rockson replied, somewhat flustered by Flender's politeness. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Although Rockson was a spirit master and captain of the Royal Knights' third battalion, his strength was only at level forty-four. Naturally, he respected a spirit saint like Flender. It was evident that most of the empire's military consisted of ordinary people, with spirit masters being in the minority. This shortage of talent explained why the Heaven Dou Empire, and its various smaller kingdoms and duchies, were so eager to recruit spirit masters.

Chen Xuan pondered, "Are the empire's spirit masters generally this weak? Even a battalion captain is only at the Spirit Elder level. The others must be even weaker."

It was no wonder that the Spirit Hall dominated the world, with no one daring to provoke it. They were the continent's strongest force for a reason: accepting commoner spirit masters, awakening spirits for free, and providing monthly subsidies in the form of gold soul coins. Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou Empire's system was the complete opposite—commoners had almost no chance of getting their spirits awakened for free, let alone receiving monetary support.

This was why most commoner spirit masters ultimately chose to join the Spirit Hall. By winning hearts from the start, they earned the favor of the common people.

After Rockson left, Flender began assigning tents. Xiao Wu and Liu Erlong shared one tent, while Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong shared another. Flender bunked with Master Yu Xiaogang, and the remaining tents were left for Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others to figure out amongst themselves.

In the end, Chen Xuan ended up sharing a tent with Ma Hongjun and Tai Long. Tai Long snorted in disdain, not even sparing Chen Xuan a glance as he headed straight for his bed.

Chen Xuan rolled his eyes, speechless. The two had fallen out last time over a dispute concerning Yu Xiaogang, and though a long time had passed, Tai Long clearly hadn't forgotten or forgiven.

"Fatty, let's head to the main camp," Chen Xuan said to Ma Hongjun, not wanting to deal with Tai Long's attitude any longer.

At this time, Tang San and Dai Mubai were sitting at a table, discussing their daily plans. Since the tournament was now focusing on individual matches rather than team battles, all the training they had done over the past month seemed useless.

Around noon, two guests arrived at Shrek's camp. One was Ning Fengzhi, the head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. If his visit had been expected, the other guest came as a surprise to everyone: Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.

Sensing their presence, Tang San quickly stepped out to greet them. "Uncle Ning, Your Highness, what brings you here?"

Accompanying Ning Fengzhi was none other than the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe.

Xue Qinghe had a gentle and refined appearance. Although his attire was simple and not overly luxurious, he still exuded an air of nobility.

"I'm here to watch the advancement matches with my father," Xue Qinghe said with a warm smile. "I thought I'd take the opportunity to check in on you, Tang San. How's your stay? If you're uncomfortable, I can arrange for someone to find a better place for you."

Tang San quickly waved off the offer and invited both guests into the main camp.

"Master Ning, what brings you here?" Flender asked with a beaming smile as he hurried forward to greet them.

"Ning Clan Head, please have a seat," Flender added, his face full of joy as he led them to the main seats.

"Nonsense, I just came to check on Rongrong," Ning Fengzhi replied with a gentle smile. "I haven't seen her in a while, and I've missed her."

Just then, a familiar voice rang out from outside the tent.

"Dad!" Ning Rongrong burst in, throwing herself into her father's arms.

Ning Fengzhi's face lit up with a wide smile, the kind only a proud father could have.

"Dad, what are you doing here? I just sent you a letter yesterday!" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.

Ning Fengzhi chuckled and patted her head. "I came to discuss something with Dean Flender and to check on you."

Flender, eager to oblige, quickly offered his help. "Master Ning, you're too polite. Whatever you need, I'll do my best to assist."

At this moment, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others entered the tent, having been called by the Master. Upon entering, Chen Xuan immediately noticed the refined young man, whom he instantly recognized as Xue Qinghe. Ning Fengzhi, of course, was also familiar to him.

Xue Qinghe's sharp gaze met Chen Xuan's, and he took a moment to observe him closely.

"Is this the person she's looking for?" Xue Qinghe wondered, somewhat doubtful. Chen Xuan seemed far too ordinary, with his spirit power not particularly impressive. Nevertheless, Xue Qinghe put these thoughts aside—completing the task at hand was all that mattered.

Ning Fengzhi's primary reason for visiting was to ask Flender and Yu Xiaogang to take on some disciples from his clan, believing their training methods had been instrumental in Rongrong's rapid progress. Additionally, he offered financial support to Shrek Academy.

At first, Flender hesitated, but upon hearing about the financial aid, he quickly agreed.

"Rest assured, Master Ning. We'll treat your disciples with the same dedication we show our little monsters," Flender promised with a wide grin.

"Thank you, Dean Flender," Ning Fengzhi responded graciously. His gaze then shifted to the students.

"I heard your academy has a student with a ten-thousand-year spirit ring. Who might this young talent be?" Ning Fengzhi asked casually.

The mention of this caused Yu Xiaogang to freeze, his face growing tense. Having just secured a major deal, Flender was too excited to notice his old friend's discomfort. He quickly called Chen Xuan over for an introduction.

"Master Ning, this is my student, Chen Xuan. Like Tang San, he absorbed a ten-thousand-year spirit ring for his fourth ring."

Chen Xuan respectfully cupped his hands and bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, Master Ning."

Xue Qinghe's expression remained neutral, showing no surprise.

Ning Fengzhi nodded approvingly. "The education at your academy is truly unparalleled. Master Yu, your reputation is well deserved. You've nurtured two students capable of absorbing such powerful spirit rings."

Yu Xiaogang remained stoic, though the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his pride. Despite his calm exterior, he was clearly pleased by the praise.

"Master Ning, you flatter me. Tang San's success in absorbing an eleven-thousand-year spirit ring wasn't just luck—it was a result of his daily hard work and strong physical constitution. As for Chen Xuan, his talent is not lacking either. He had the benefit of age and experience, which allowed him to absorb a soul beast that had just reached ten thousand years."

With his hands behind his back, Yu Xiaogang elaborated on the conditions needed to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

"I see," Ning Fengzhi said, enlightened. "So, in addition to physical strength, age and experience also play a crucial role."

"Master Yu, your wisdom is truly unparalleled," Ning Fengzhi said, full of admiration. "You are indeed one of the finest minds on the continent."

Watching the exchange, Chen Xuan couldn't help but shake his head in silence. He had underestimated Yu Xiaogang's competitiveness. Even in something like this, he had to prove a point for his students.

Moreover, Chen Xuan thought to himself, Who said my spirit ring was just barely ten thousand years? It was actually thirteen thousand years and later grew to over thirty thousand.

"Master, I have something to say," Chen Xuan suddenly interrupted.

Yu Xiaogang's brows furrowed, and his expression darkened. He recognized the voice all too well.

"Master, I think you've made a small mistake. My fourth spirit ring isn't just ten thousand years old—it's thirteen thousand five hundred years."

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