Chapter: 16

Inside the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena, the Shrek group observed for a while. The teams that took the stage were unremarkable; none of them even had a Soul Elder.

Seeing this, Dai Mubai suggested that his teammates return to the academy and focus on training instead.

"Rongrong."

As the Shrek group exited the Great Spirit Arena, a sudden voice called out from ahead.

At the exit, Ning Fengzhi was standing there, waving at the Shrek group.

"Father."

Seeing him, Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, and she excitedly ran over to embrace Ning Fengzhi.

Oscar's expression became a bit unnatural at the sight of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's leader. The aura of a superior made him uncomfortable.

Especially since he wanted to pursue Rongrong, he knew he had to win the approval of this powerful clan leader. Now, he was acutely aware of the gap between them and wondered if he really stood a chance.

Ning Fengzhi, gentle and refined, took Ning Rongrong's small hand and approached the Shrek group, showing a kind smile.

"You're all here. You must be Rongrong's friends."

The Shrek group recognized his identity. Understanding his prestigious status, even the substitute members quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.

"No need to be so formal. Today, I'm just Rongrong's father, not a clan leader. At most, you can consider me an elder," Ning Fengzhi said warmly, without any airs, appearing particularly approachable.

This won the hearts of all the Shrek team members.

"Father, let me introduce everyone to you." Ning Rongrong, with a sweet smile, began introducing everyone to her father.

"This blond guy is our captain, Dai Mubai. This chubby one is Ma Hongjun. And this is Third Brother, the one who taught me about hidden weapons..."

After the introductions, Ning Fengzhi had a general understanding of everyone present.

What surprised him was that, apart from Tang San, the talent among the Shrek Seven was extraordinary. Even the lowest innate soul power among them exceeded level seven.

However, he didn't know that six of them had consumed immortal herbs. For instance, Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai were now close to achieving full innate soul power.

After the introductions, Ning Fengzhi's gaze fell on Tang San. He smiled and said, "Congratulations, Xiao San. I didn't expect you to acquire a ten-thousand-year soul ring so quickly."

"You're too kind, Uncle Ning. Luck played a part as well," Tang San replied modestly, bowing slightly.

"Yes, don't be arrogant. Keep it up," Ning Fengzhi encouraged. He thought highly of Rongrong's classmate, believing he was no ordinary person.

"Eh?"

His gaze swept over the Shrek team, and he frowned slightly, asking in confusion, "Where's that young man who was with you earlier? Is he not here?"

"His name is Chen Xuan. After the match, he said he wasn't feeling well and went back to the academy," Ning Rongrong explained.

"Oh, I see."

Ning Fengzhi nodded, not thinking much of it, and didn't dwell on it.

Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath and spoke, "Chen Xuan didn't return to the academy. He's staying at a nearby hotel."

"A hotel?"

Tailong was puzzled for a moment, scratching his head in confusion. "Is there even a hotel around here?"

This area was somewhat remote, with few passersby, not as lively as the central districts.

"Tailong, you don't know?" Dai Mubai stepped in to explain, "There's a Rose Hotel about a kilometer or two away."

"Rose! Hotel!" Upon hearing these words, Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up instantly.

He sidled up to Dai Mubai, grinning mischievously. "Boss Dai, I have a feeling that Chen Xuan's 'illness' is just an excuse. I bet he's eager to..."

The fat man didn't finish his sentence, but he winked at Dai Mubai. Having frequented hotels and nightclubs for years, the two understood each other without words.

Zhu Zhuqing's expression turned icy, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

Dai Mubai, sharp as ever, noticed something was off and immediately pushed Ma Hongjun aside, saying righteously, "Fatty, if you keep talking nonsense, I'll rip your mouth off. I only have eyes for Zhuqing now, no other woman."

"Oh really? Then why do you know so much about that place?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice was cold.

Dai Mubai was rendered speechless, unable to defend himself.

Zhu Zhuqing's face was frosty, her eyes full of disdain for Dai Mubai. She scoffed, "Men are all the same—no good at all."

Her childhood experiences were tragic; she had seen all kinds of people, and the men around her were all schemers. Even her father was no exception.

"Seventh Sister, that's not fair," Xiao Wu objected, defending Tang San. "Don't say that. My Xiao San has never been to such places."

Zhu Zhuqing didn't argue back, staying silent, but she believed Xiao Wu's words.

"Um..." Jiangzhu clutched her chest, lacking confidence as she spoke in a small voice, "Chen Xuan hasn't been to such places either. He probably just went to rest."

Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were unconvinced. They rolled their eyes, unwilling to believe it. Other than someone as exceptional as Tang San, what normal man wouldn't go to such places?

Zhu Zhuqing furrowed her brows, recalling the scene on the back mountain. At that time, Chen Xuan had sighed at her, his gaze full of pity, as if he were feeling sorry for her.

What a strange man—that was her impression of Chen Xuan.

"Who are you trying to fool, Jiangzhu? You're not Chen Xuan's girlfriend, so how could you know he hasn't been there?" Oscar said. Even Tailong and Huang Yuan shared the same sentiment—it was just a matter of frequency.

Jiangzhu's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she insisted, "Chen Xuan isn't that kind of person. I believe in him."

Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun exchanged glances, feeling completely speechless.

Ning Fengzhi rubbed his forehead, finding this group of young people full of energy, making it hard for him to get a word in.

However, because of this exchange, he became more interested in Chen Xuan. From what Rongrong had mentioned, it seemed Chen Xuan was also a support-type spirit master.

"Xiao San, what do you think?" Dai Mubai asked, grabbing Tang San by the shoulder.

"I think..." Tang San paused before continuing, "I think we should request funds from the dean to book some hotel rooms for everyone to rest in, so we don't have to keep running back and forth."

"Brother, I agree!" Xiao Wu's eyes lit up, raising both hands in support.

After each spirit battle, they had to run 10 to 20 kilometers back to the academy. She was exhausted and had long wanted to stop this routine.

"Xiao San, that might be difficult," Dai Mubai sighed, shaking his head. "That Rose Hotel costs a gold soul coin per night. Three rooms for a month would be a hundred gold soul coins. Knowing the dean, I doubt it'll happen."

The Shrek group's hopes were instantly dashed. Given Flender's stingy nature, it was indeed unlikely.

"I don't care. Brother, figure it out. If not, I'll just squeeze in with Chen Xuan," Xiao Wu pouted, crossing her arms, acting a bit spoiled.

"I'll go talk to the teacher," Tang San sighed, feeling helpless. There was no way he'd let Xiao Wu stay in another man's room.

Shortly after, the Shrek group returned to the academy. Tang San went straight to Yu Xiaogang to discuss his idea.

Later, the Grandmaster personally approached Flender about the matter.

As expected, Flender, being the miser he was, dismissed it with the excuse of the academy's tight budget.

...

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