Originally, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Ning Rongrong looked like they were reuniting after a long time. Yang Xiong quietly stayed in the background.
Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi looked at Yang Xiong. "Xiaoxiong, what do you think of these hidden weapons? And what do you think of your classmates?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying, "These hidden weapons are all quite powerful. They're especially effective for support-type soul masters, very suitable for our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"As for my classmates from Shrek, they all have great talent, but most come from notable backgrounds. They can become friends of our clan, but they're not worth putting too much effort into recruiting. Only Ma Hongjun and Oscar come from commoner backgrounds, perhaps they could join our clan."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "I've looked into your Shrek classmates too. They're indeed impressive. But aren't there two among them named Tang San and Xiao Wu? Are they not worth recruiting?"
Yang Xiong's expression grew serious. "Clan Leader, is the Haotian Clan worth recruiting? Is it even possible to recruit someone from them?"
The other three were taken aback, not understanding what Yang Xiong meant.
Ning Rongrong asked in confusion, "Xiaoxiong, what do they have to do with the Haotian Clan?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned serious as well. "Xiaoxiong, speak clearly. Did you discover something else?"
Yang Xiong looked at Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, do you remember during our entrance exam, when Tang San fought Zao Wou-Ki alone? Besides using strange hidden weapons, he also pulled out a small black hammer. That should be the legendary Haotian Hammer."
Ning Rongrong quickly responded, "If Tang San's martial spirit is the Haotian Hammer, then what's with his Blue Silver Grass?"
Yang Xiong replied, "Twin martial spirits. Tang San should have twin martial spirits, with the Haotian Hammer being his second one."
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned grave. "You mean the Haotian Clan has resurfaced? Why haven't we received any information?"
Yang Xiong shook his head. "It's not about the clan itself. Back in the Star Dou Forest, when I asked Teacher Lin Gong to rescue Xiao Wu, he was intimidated at the last moment by the aura of a Titled Douluo—most likely someone from the Haotian Clan. And as far as we know, there's only one Titled Douluo from the Haotian Clan active in the outside world."
Ning Fengzhi pondered this carefully. A sharp light flashed in his usually gentle eyes. "Haotian Douluo, Tang Hao!"
Yang Xiong nodded. "Rongrong, do you remember? Tang San once said his father was an ordinary blacksmith named Tang Hao."
Ning Rongrong thought hard. "He did mention that once, but I didn't pay much attention."
Ning Fengzhi exchanged a glance with Sword Douluo. "Uncle Jian, this concerns the Haotian Clan. It might not be so simple. But we should first observe Tang San's attitude. He himself may not even know his connection to the Haotian Clan."
"Xiaoxiong, keep the fact that Tang San is from the Haotian Clan a secret for now. Just act like you don't know. I'll handle it personally."
The four soon arrived at the Education Committee building. Aside from the original three committee members and the faculty and students of Shrek Academy, sitting in the central position was a refined young man.
This man appeared somewhat thin, but every movement radiated elegance and nobility, and he gave off a surprisingly friendly air. He should be Prince Xue Qinghe, the one Ning Fengzhi mentioned.
In fact, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe were quite alike in their conduct, both appearing refined and speaking with hidden depth. Truly worthy of being master and disciple.
After some discussion, it was clear that both Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi were very pleased with the Shrek faculty and students, showing clear signs of wanting to draw them in.
Once everyone had left, only Xue Qinghe, Ning Rongrong, and Yang Xiong remained in the committee hall. Tang San had been taken by Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo for a private meeting—clearly to discuss the hidden weapon transaction.
Ning Rongrong seemed very familiar with Xue Qinghe, calling him "Brother Qinghe," while he called her "Sister Rongrong," almost like real siblings. Yang Xiong felt more like a third wheel.
Xue Qinghe looked at Yang Xiong. "Yang Xiong, I've known Rongrong since childhood. She's my teacher's daughter, and I've always regarded her as a real sister."
Yang Xiong gave a slight bow. "Greetings, Your Highness. You and Rongrong seem to have a great relationship. Rongrong has always wished for a big brother."
Xue Qinghe smiled and nodded. "Rongrong is very dear to me. My master and I both dote on her."
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected, "Brother Qinghe, Xiaoxiong, no need to be so formal. Our families are very close."
Xue Qinghe looked at Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong with a warm, protective expression.
"Rongrong is our little princess. Now that you two are together, I hope you treat her with the same care and affection."
Yang Xiong felt speechless at Xue Qinghe's overly smooth demeanor. No wonder even someone as shrewd as Ning Fengzhi was so trusting. Yang Xiong studied Xue Qinghe's face closely, trying to detect any feminine features.
Noticing Yang Xiong's strange gaze, Xue Qinghe said, "Yang Xiong, we're all family. If you have something to say, just speak freely."
From Yang Xiong's perspective, it was obvious that Xue Qinghe wanted to win over both him and Ning Rongrong. Otherwise, a busy prince wouldn't say such things.
After thinking for a moment, Yang Xiong spoke. "Your Highness, I've long heard of your great reputation. You're known for your diligence and love for the people. But there's something that puzzles me."
Xue Qinghe asked, "Do my actions raise any concerns?"
Yang Xiong casually sipped his tea. "Not at all. In fact, Your Highness is admirable in every way. But I've heard that despite your age, there have been no rumors of engagement or romance. Isn't it about time to consider a crown princess? The Emperor must be concerned about the royal succession."
A slight awkwardness appeared on Xue Qinghe's face. "I've indeed been too busy and may have overlooked that."
Yang Xiong smiled. "Don't take it the wrong way, Your Highness. Our families are close, and Rongrong sees you as a brother. That's why I bring it up. In fact, our clan has many excellent female disciples, both beautiful and talented, perhaps a good match for Your Highness. It could be a wonderful alliance."
Xue Qinghe seemed to avoid the topic. "Yang Xiong, you must be joking. I have many responsibilities. Perhaps my father will arrange a marriage for me."
The three were sitting close together. Yang Xiong suddenly grasped Xue Qinghe's hands just as he was about to lift his tea cup, appearing very enthusiastic.
"Your Highness, your marriage is tied to the future of the Heaven Dou Empire. It's not something to be taken lightly. Even though I haven't been at the Royal Academy long, I've heard that Prince Xue Beng is quite sociable, he's never short of girlfriends. Maybe you should take a page from your younger brother."
Xue Qinghe calmly pulled back his hands. "Yang Xiong, you jest. Xue Beng is indeed a bit unruly. If he ever offended you, I apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong didn't back down. "Your Highness, I feel like we've hit it off. If you do have any health concerns, feel free to confide in me. I have some knowledge of medicine and might be able to help."
Ning Rongrong quickly added, "Brother Qinghe, Xiaoxiong reads a lot and knows many things. If you have any issues, just tell us. Should I introduce some female disciples from our clan to you?"
Xue Qinghe forced a smile. "I haven't really thought about it. I'm truly too busy with state affairs."
"Ah, I just remembered an urgent matter I must handle. Please excuse me, and Rongrong, help me explain to our teacher."
Watching Xue Qinghe leave in a hurry, Ning Rongrong looked a bit disappointed. "Brother Qinghe is always so busy. We rarely get to meet."
Yang Xiong still wore a smile. "You seem to really like this Prince Xue Qinghe, but I think he's a bit too calculating."
Ning Rongrong looked displeased. "Don't say that about him. Emperor Xue Ye entrusts him with many responsibilities. He's far busier than we are."
Meanwhile, Tang San, invited by Ning Fengzhi, entered a private room.
After some discussion, they finalized the hidden weapon deal: Tang San would provide blueprints, Ning Fengzhi would have personnel forge the parts, and Tang San would assemble them.
Tang San provided only the technology, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan handled materials and manufacturing. It saved Tang San time and earned him high profits, almost like getting something for nothing.
Ning Fengzhi was generous, agreeing to pay 10,000 gold coins per set for 500 sets, five million gold soul coins in total. For the wealthy Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, this was pocket change.
After the deal, Tang San seemed like he had more to say.
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly. "Tang San, feel free to speak. Our clan holds some weight in the soul master world. If you have any troubles, tell me."
Tang San said, "Clan Leader Ning, could this transaction include one of your clan's self-created soul skills? I'm willing to waive the five million gold coins."
Ning Fengzhi laughed. "Paying for a deal is standard. But if you only want an ordinary self-created skill from our clan, I can include one for free, as a sign of good faith."
Tang San hesitated, then asked, "Clan Leader Ning, I once saw Yang Xiong use a skill called Rasengan. Could that one be granted to me?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression changed slightly. "Tang San, I'm afraid that one is off-limits. Rasengan is Yang Xiong's own creation. I promised him it would never be shared. I'm afraid I can't give it to you."
"Of course, if you want another skill, we can consider it."
Tang San had fought Yang Xiong many times recently and greatly admired the Rasengan. Neither he nor Yu Xiaogang could figure out its secret. He even tried practicing it secretly but got nowhere, so he hoped to acquire it through the deal, even offering to give up five million coins.
He said, "Clan Leader Ning, wasn't Rasengan developed under Bone Douluo's guidance? Doesn't that mean it belongs to your clan?"
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged a look. When did Bone Douluo mentor Yang Xiong? When did Yang Xiong become his disciple?
Ning Fengzhi remained composed. "Tang San, you should understand that Titled Douluo all have their secrets. If it involves Bone Douluo, I can't interfere too much. If you think the price is too low, I can raise it."
Tang San looked a bit disappointed. "Thank you, Clan Leader. The price is very fair, and I'm satisfied with the deal."
After Tang San left, Sword Douluo's calm expression turned sharp.
"Fengzhi, this Tang San is very shrewd. We're providing materials and manufacturing; he's just assembling. Yet he wants 10,000 gold coins per set, that's too much."
"And he's even bold enough to covet our self-created skill. As Yang Xiong said, he's not worth recruiting."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Five million gold coins is nothing to us. But I'm puzzled by his desire for Rasengan. With Yang Xiong's personality, he should've been cautious if he knew Tang San was interested."
"And another thing, why does Tang San think Bone Douluo mentored Yang Xiong and that he's his disciple?"
Unlike in the original story where Tang San gave Ning Rongrong a rare immortal herb that evolved her martial spirit, here they're just classmates with no deep connection. Naturally, Ning Fengzhi's attitude is different.
After all, self-created soul skills are of great importance, especially Rasengan, which is vital to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. It can't be handed over casually. At this point, Tang San simply doesn't have the status.
If you want to read 40 advanced chapters and 3 new chapters daily, please subscribe to my : patreon.com/Moorowkeel