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Ning Fengzhi and Sword Chen Xin soon returned to the convoy.
After exchanging greetings with Ning Tianchen and the others, they entered Xue Qinghe's carriage.
For the rest of the journey, they didn't speak with the Seven Treasures team again. Clearly, this trip to Spirit City had left them with much to reflect on, requiring Ning Fengzhi and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to discuss matters further.
On the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest
Tang Hao, his body gravely injured, brought Tang San and Xiao Wu here.
"Xiao Wu, remember what I told you. Before reaching maturity, do not meet with Xiao San!"
Tang Hao knew his condition—he no longer had the strength to protect Xiao Wu.
If Xiao Wu stayed by his side, the Spirit Hall and even the soul-hunting teams of various powers would inevitably come after her. At that point, not only would he fail to protect Xiao Wu, but it might also put both him and his son in grave danger.
"Father, does Xiao Wu really have to leave?" Tang San lowered his head, his mood somber.
"Brother San, don't make things difficult for your father," Xiao Wu said as she threw herself into his arms. "Brother San, these past few years with you have been the happiest of my life. This parting is for the sake of a better reunion in the future."
"Brother San, I'm currently at level forty-three. Once I break through to level seventy, we'll be able to see each other again. By then, your cultivation mustn't fall behind mine, okay?"
Tang Hao added, "Xiao San, the cultivation talent of a transformed spirit beast far surpasses that of an ordinary soul master born with full innate soul power. If Xiao Wu can find some opportunities within the forest, I believe it won't take long before you two can reunite."
The two shared a tender moment before Xiao Wu turned around and walked deeper into the forest.
"Brother San, next time we meet, it'll be my turn to protect you."
Watching her retreating figure, Tang San felt a deep sense of reluctance.
"Xiao San, train hard. Otherwise, like today, when surrounded by powerful enemies, you won't have the ability to protect her."
As he spoke, a mouthful of black blood spurted from Tang Hao's mouth.
His condition visibly deteriorated at a rapid pace. He aged drastically, becoming gaunt and emaciated.
Tang San was shocked and immediately checked his pulse.
"Father, how did you sustain such severe injuries? Stay here—I'll go find help."
Tang Hao grabbed him and shook his head weakly. "Xiao San, once you appear in the city, the Spirit Hall will surely track us down. Moreover, I've already consulted the best healing-type soul masters on the continent—these old wounds cannot be cured."
Would he become an orphan once again in this life?
Tang San clenched his fists tightly, roaring inwardly, "No, absolutely not. I still have my knowledge of medicine—I must save Father."
With that, he settled Tang Hao comfortably and began searching for medicinal herbs in the forest.
Tang Hao's injuries had damaged his vital essence; without replenishing his life force, recovery would be impossible. The healing herbs Tang San gathered could only stabilize his current condition—they couldn't heal him completely.
A few days later, Tang Hao gradually regained consciousness.
He grasped Tang San's hand and led him to a nearby waterfall to practice the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique.
As for the issue of twin martial souls, Tang Hao had no immediate solution. They would have to wait until Tang San broke through to level fifty and awakened the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline before reassessing the situation.
---
When the convoy reached a village, Bao Zhen and Huang Wu disembarked, bidding farewell to everyone.
"We have missions assigned by our sect. Although there's no time limit, this place is close to our destination, so we'll take our leave."
"Let's meet again in five years."
Ning Tianchen and the others exchanged brief farewells, and the carriage continued onward.
"Two are gone. I suppose once we return to the sect, we'll all go our separate ways," Chen Huayu said, leaning against the carriage window, clearly reluctant.
Ning Tianchen replied, "There's no feast that doesn't end. As His Majesty Xue Ye said, this is just a minor experience in our lives. In the future, we'll encounter many more colorful and meaningful events."
He added, "And in five years, I don't want to see anyone among you lagging behind in cultivation!"
Everyone quickly promised.
The rest of the journey was smooth, with no unwelcome interruptions.
The results of this year's tournament had already been announced by the Spirit Hall to the entire continent.
When the news reached the Tiandou Empire, the entire nation erupted in celebration.
Emperor Xue Ye even declared that the day Seven Treasures Academy won the championship would henceforth be celebrated as the Tiandou Empire's Victory Day, with nationwide festivities.
Though still en route, the Seven Treasures team had their ways of staying informed.
Upon hearing the news, everyone was ecstatic.
"I never expected His Majesty to hold us in such high regard. Victory Day—it's been elevated to a national level!"
Ning Tianchen couldn't help but recall the large-scale sporting events from his previous life.
The Soul Master Tournament was akin to the Olympics or the World Cup. Any champion team would receive global attention, and their citizens would regard them as national heroes.
Ke Jie reminded them, "This is the honor you deserve, but don't let it go to your heads. This is just the beginning of your journey. Wherever you are in the future, always prioritize your cultivation."
"Pfft, Headmaster, we're not kids anymore," Ning Rongrong teased, sticking out her tongue.
After some playful banter, Ke Jie continued, "By the way, there's something else—though it doesn't concern you directly, it's worth listening to."
The Spirit Hall had publicly announced the cancellation of Shrek Academy's results in this year's tournament and permanently revoked both the academy and its participants' eligibility to compete in future tournaments.
The reasons given were as follows:
During the preliminaries and advancement rounds, Shrek Academy openly defied the Tiandou Emperor, which was considered an insult to imperial authority! Upon investigation, the Spirit Hall confirmed that Xiao Wu of Shrek Academy's team was indeed a transformed spirit beast. Sheltering a spirit beast was deemed a threat to societal stability. Before the finals, Shrek Academy harassed opposing participants, causing psychological trauma.
…
The Spirit Hall's statement spanned thousands of words, essentially listing ten crimes committed by Shrek Academy.
"The Spirit Hall has branches in every city across the continent. If these notices are plastered everywhere, Shrek Academy might as well close its doors tomorrow," Ning Rongrong said cheerfully.
Ning Tianchen chimed in, "Whether they close or not makes little difference to us. However, their land could be acquired and repurposed as a warehouse for Seven Treasures Mall."
"Boss, you're really going for the kill," Chen Huayu burst out laughing, clearly approving of the idea.
As the group chatted, one of Xue Qinghe's guards arrived at the carriage, inviting Ning Tianchen for a discussion.
Ning Tianchen didn't refuse.
If the past five years had been dedicated to preparing for the Soul Master Tournament, then from this day forward, everything he did would be aimed at protecting the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect during the Spirit Hall's soul-hunting campaign.
The only person who could stop Bibi Dong was Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
Entering the carriage, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Chen Xin were also present.
After respectfully greeting them, Ning Tianchen was seated beside Xue Qinghe.
Ning Fengzhi was the first to ask, "Tianchen, have you distributed all the soul bones?"
Ning Tianchen provided a detailed account of the situation.
Chen Xin was surprised. "That Spiritual Skull Bone would have suited you well too. Did you not take it?"
Ning Tianchen explained, "Grandfather, I already have an external soul bone. My need for other soul bones isn't pressing. Previously, I came across a theory about external soul bones while reading ancient texts."
"If my external soul bone reaches a hundred thousand years, it might eventually form a full-body armor. Thus, ordinary soul bones make little difference to me."
A fifty-thousand-year Spiritual Skull Bone—was that considered ordinary?
Even a ninety-seven-level Title Douluo like him would find such a soul bone tempting.
Xue Qinghe interjected with a smile, "Brother Tianchen has grand ambitions. Perhaps in the future, he'll aim for hundred-thousand-year soul bones?"
Ning Tianchen smiled and nodded.
Xue Qinghe reminded him, "I've come across a soul master theory: A hundred-thousand-year spirit beast will always produce a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, and the soul bone will be from a part of the body it doesn't already possess."
This theory was recorded in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but only the first half—regarding the soul bone's origin—was known.
"Therefore, Brother Tianchen might consider absorbing some ten-thousand-year soul bones."
Xue Qinghe stopped there and quickly changed the subject. "By the way, after the tournament ends, do you have any plans? Earlier, I discussed this with Teacher. If you're willing, you could assist me in handling some state affairs—consider it an early introduction to how the country operates."
Ning Tianchen bowed. "Once we return to the sect, I'll focus on training under Grandfather for a while. Afterward, I've already chosen a place for training and plan to spend a few years there. Thus, I'm afraid I won't be able to accept Your Highness's offer in the short term."
Ning Fengzhi said, "Tianchen, don't rush to decline."
"This matter has Uncle Sword's approval. During the Soul Master Tournament, your displayed talent was extraordinary. Though the Spirit Hall hasn't made a move against you yet, there's no guarantee they won't send assassins in the future."
"If you stay within the sect, you'll be safe. But that would mean you can't leave the sect even for a step. Therefore, after your training, you can stay at Qinghe's Manor for a while. Whenever you wish to travel, Qinghe will arrange escorts for you."
"Meanwhile, the sect will send someone who resembles you to depart alongside you, but with a different destination—to confuse the Spirit Hall's spies."
Xue Qinghe added, "Brother Tianchen, rest assured. I'll ensure your safety."
It must be said, Ning Fengzhi's arrangements were meticulous.
However, Xue Qinghe was also part of the Spirit Hall. If negotiations went poorly, wouldn't this be like walking into a trap?
After some thought, Ning Tianchen decided to delay his response. "Uncle Ning, I haven't thought this through yet. I'll first train under Grandfather, and when the time is right, I'll give you my answer."
Xue Qinghe smiled and accepted. "Very well, Brother Tianchen. When the time comes, I'll look forward to seeing the results of your training."
"Yesterday, Father sent me a message saying that you're the empire's greatest contributor and the pillar of its future. Therefore, the empire will keep a close eye on your cultivation."
Ning Tianchen didn't mind.
After all, the Tiandou Empire was making an investment in him. How could they feel secure if they didn't see results?
...
At the same time, the entrance to Shrek Academy was surrounded by countless protesting parents.
Aside from teachers like Zhao Wuji and others, the remaining teachers, upon seeing the notices posted by the Spirit Hall, didn't even bother to say goodbye. They packed their belongings and fled the academy immediately, fearing that their association with Shrek Academy would harm their future prospects.
By the time Zhao Wuji realized what was happening, nearly all the teachers at Shrek Academy, except for a few old comrades, had already left. Moreover, the remaining students were flocking to the principal's office to withdraw from the academy.
Outside the academy, some parents even demanded refunds of their tuition fees as well as compensation for emotional distress.
As the acting principal of the academy, Zhao Wuji didn't dare make any decisions on behalf of Flender.
For a while, he sat in the principal's office with Li Yusong and Lu Qibin, staring at each other in silence.
"Old Zhao, what are we going to do? What exactly happened to Principal Flender and the others at the Spirit Hall that caused them to issue an empire-wide announcement?" Li Yusong sighed.
He had thought he could live out a peaceful retirement at Shrek Academy, but who would have expected such trouble?
Currently, the Tiandou Empire's Ministry of Education hadn't yet made a statement, so they were still able to retain their status as a high-level soul master academy. However, given the current situation, it was only a matter of time before the Ministry of Education shut them down, and they, as teachers, would be blacklisted. No other academy would take them in.
Where would they go?
Zhao Wuji felt overwhelmed—his head was spinning. He wasn't good at navigating these kinds of complicated situations, and his mind went blank.
"How the hell should I know?! What is Flender doing? Is he trying to destroy the academy?!"
In his view, when they entered Tiandou City, they might as well have joined Seven Treasures Academy instead.
Seven Treasures Academy was now the champion team, and it was rumored that the Tiandou Empire would even fund their operations. If they had joined Seven Treasures Academy back then, wouldn't they be basking in glory now instead of being stuck in this mess?
Lu Qibin suggested, "Old Zhao, Old Li, why don't we just disband or start over? I don't want to follow Flender anymore. Have we ever had a single good day since following him?"
Upon reflection, ever since they started Shrek Academy with Flender, they had been struggling daily just to survive.
Back then, they even went out onto the streets themselves to promote Shrek Academy and recruit new students.
Two years ago, when they came to Blue Tyrant Academy, life became slightly better, but due to the academy's financial difficulties, they received no income—only food and shelter.
Looking back now, following Flender seemed like a mistake.
Zhao Wuji sighed. "We're not young anymore. Are we really supposed to go back to our old lives of fighting and killing? Besides, even if we had the capital, how could we possibly start a business? And even if we did, could we manage it?"
Even if they had the money to start something, could they really run it?
Li Yusong sighed and walked to the door. "I want to return to my hometown. With my abilities, I can awaken martial souls for children in the village and guide their cultivation—it shouldn't be a problem. Then, by charging a fee for apprenticeship, I can get through the rest of my life."
"After striving for so long and still achieving nothing, I'm tired too. Old Zhao, I'll leave first. When the principal comes back, please tell him for me."
With that, he opened the door of the principal's office and left through a small gate in the academy.
"Old Lu, what are your plans?" Zhao Wuji didn't try to stop him.
In truth, he didn't want to continue living this hard life either. With his Soul Sage strength, even without joining any faction, he could work as a bodyguard or escort goods for a security company, which would be much better than the current situation.
Lu Qibin bitterly smiled. "Old Zhao, let's leave together. My hometown is in the Star Luo Empire, and I want to go back and see it. In the future, I can become a specially hired teacher at a junior soul master academy."
"Old Zhao, with your strength and age, you won't be rejected by any high-level soul master academy if you apply to teach there."
Zhao Wuji couldn't help but recall Ning Tianchen's figure.
In his twenty years of teaching, Ning Tianchen was the only student who truly satisfied him. If circumstances allowed, he would gladly serve as a sparring partner for him in the future.
But would the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect accept someone with as many misdeeds as him?
"Old Lu, you and Old Li go together. At least you'll have each other to rely on during the journey. After I deal with those parents, I'll leave too. The road ahead is long, and I hope we meet again someday."
Lu Qibin nodded with a smile.
Given his and Li Yusong's ages, they probably only had about fifteen more years to live. Zhao Wuji, on the other hand, had better talent and might break through to become a Soul Douluo in the future. Plus, he was younger and still had the energy to strive in the outside world.
Fifteen years might seem like a long time, but for people their age, it wasn't very long at all.
After this parting, they likely wouldn't see each other again.
---
Shrek Academy's group lagged twenty miles behind the main group. They were still unaware of the calamity that had befallen the academy.
Along the way, Flender and Liu Erlong's injuries hadn't been treated. However, with their Soul Sage strength, their wounds had mostly healed after several days.
On the other hand, Yu Xiaogang wasn't as fortunate.
The injuries within his body were showing signs of worsening. Without treatment, he wouldn't last until they reached Tiandou City.
"Aunt Erlong, there's a city not far ahead. Let's go in and find a healing-type soul master to treat Uncle Xiaogang's injuries," Yu Tianheng suggested.
Concerned for Yu Xiaogang's well-being, Liu Erlong immediately agreed without hesitation.
Flender sighed deeply beside them.
Tang Hao had taken Tang San away, and there was no telling when he'd return.
Ma Hongjun's brain condition was worsening—he was becoming increasingly delirious, and there was a chance he might end up completely mentally impaired.
It wasn't just him; Dai Mubai was also extremely worried.
The only hope for curing their injuries lay with Tang San. If he didn't return, wouldn't Dai Mubai be doomed to remain impotent for life?
How would he ever seduce women with his handsome looks in the future?
Unknowingly, evening fell, and their carriage entered the nearby Yangjiao City.
This was just a small city, comparable in size to Nuoding City. The strongest person in the city was only a Soul Ancestor.
Shrek Academy's group entered the city without drawing much attention.
Flender and the others urgently searched for a healing-type soul master and didn't bother interacting with the local powers.
Later that night, Flender found a Soul Elder-level healing-type soul master and two Soul Grandmasters to treat Yu Xiaogang. He also had them examine Ma Hongjun's symptoms.
Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng went into the city to buy dinner for everyone. On the way, they passed by a bulletin board and were drawn to the announcements posted there.
The first notice, of course, listed the rankings of the championship soul master tournament.
Seeing that Shrek Academy wasn't mentioned, Yu Tianheng angrily exclaimed, "How dare the Spirit Hall target us like this!"
Yu Tianxin patted his shoulder. "Tianheng, look at the next notice."
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