Ning Rongrong, being Ning Fengzhi's only daughter and the sect's designated heir, naturally understood the deeper implications behind Yang Xiong's carefully chosen words.
"Little Xiongzi, what exactly are you trying to say with all this? Is the sect treating you unfairly in some way?"
Yang Xiong smiled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "Rongrong, I want to ask you a hypothetical question. If one day the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School encounters a catastrophic disaster and needs to sacrifice your two grandfathers to ensure the sect's survival, would you be willing to make that sacrifice?"
Ning Rongrong shook her head immediately and firmly. "Absolutely not! My Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa are incredibly powerful—they won't be in any real danger."
Yang Xiong responded thoughtfully, "There is always someone stronger in this world, and both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo are not the strongest individuals in existence. You should understand that Spirit Hall represents the most powerful force in the entire Spirit Master world. Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is currently strong and prosperous, don't forget that the Clear Sky School was several times more powerful than us, yet it still declined and retreated in the end."
Ning Rongrong appeared somewhat angry at this suggestion. "That's different! I've heard about the Clear Sky School's history—the conflict only erupted because of the death of the previous Pope, Chihiro Ji."
Yang Xiong smiled knowingly. "Rongrong, this Spirit Master world is a hundred times more cruel and calculating than you can possibly imagine. To exchange one Pope's life for forcing the entire Clear Sky School to retreat from prominence—Spirit Hall made an enormous strategic profit from that transaction. Otherwise, how do you think Spirit Hall has been able to develop so rapidly in recent years? Without the Clear Sky School's dominance and interference, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has also been able to develop and expand much more rapidly."
Ning Rongrong appeared stunned when she heard this analysis, because no one had ever encouraged her to consider these complex political issues from such a calculated perspective.
However, after thinking carefully for an extended period, Ning Rongrong spoke with obvious concern. "Little Xiongzi, what exactly do you mean by not wanting to be inferior to others? Could it be that you're actually planning to leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? You should understand that I am destined to be the next Sect Master."
Yang Xiong finished the tea in his cup before responding slowly and thoughtfully. "Rongrong, let me ask you another question. In terms of pure individual strength, both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo can be considered among the top experts in the entire world. With their tremendous abilities, their treatment and status anywhere else would not be weaker than what they receive in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. They could even establish their own independent sect if they chose. So why do they choose to remain loyal to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? Their deterrent power and reputation in the Spirit Master world is arguably stronger than even Sect Master Ning's."
"If I remember correctly," Yang Xiong continued, "they were not originally born within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, yet they are willing to dedicate their entire lives to serving the sect."
Ning Rongrong quickly responded with obvious emotion. "Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa love me deeply—they would definitely never leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
"Moreover," she added with conviction, "Dad, Sword Grandpa, and Bone Grandpa have been through life and death situations together countless times. Their relationship and bond goes far beyond anything you could imagine."
After these words were spoken, both of them fell into contemplative silence for several moments.
After a considerable pause, Yang Xiong continued with unusual vulnerability. "Rongrong, recently we have been spending time together constantly, and I've discovered that I might genuinely like you more than I initially realized."
Ning Rongrong's face turned slightly red with embarrassment. "Who asked you to like me? This young lady possesses outstanding talent and beauty like a painting—there are countless people who admire me."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but be amused by her response. This little princess was definitely too narcissistic for her own good.
"Rongrong, I have been seriously considering whether we should continue developing our relationship," Yang Xiong said earnestly. "You are the treasured little princess of the sect and the future heir to everything. I refuse to remain an ordinary disciple forever. I want to stand opposite you as an equal, so that I might truly be qualified to pursue you properly."
Ning Rongrong asked with obvious confusion, "Then why did you just declare that you don't want to be inferior to others? Could it be that you have other secret plans or ambitions?"
Yang Xiong shook his head gently. "Rongrong, I hope that any relationship between us remains pure, without political calculations, and built on genuine equality."
"Both you and I should be completely clear about Sect Master Ning's true intentions in arranging for us to study together at Shrek Academy," he continued. "On one hand, he wants to bring us closer together romantically, and on the other hand, he hopes that I will trust you, the future Sect Master, more completely. Of course, he also needs me to serve as your protector."
Ning Rongrong snorted with mock indignation. "That calculating Dad actually has so little confidence in my abilities."
However, after thinking for several moments, Ning Rongrong asked with a hint of challenge, "Little Xiongzi, aren't you afraid that I might tell my father everything you just said?"
A confident smile appeared on Yang Xiong's face. "Rongrong, you're underestimating Sect Master Ning's wisdom and foresight. In the entire Douluo Continent, I'm afraid no one can compare to him in terms of strategic vision and political wisdom. He can't wait for me to become stronger and more capable. He eagerly anticipates me creating more valuable surprises for the sect's benefit. Otherwise, why do you think the Sect Master has been able to carry the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School forward so successfully?"
Just as Ning Rongrong was still processing her thoughts about Ning Fengzhi's complex motivations, Yang Xiong suddenly reached out and gently touched her soft cheek. "Rongrong, can you give me a genuine chance—a chance to be your boyfriend?"
Ning Rongrong's face turned noticeably red with a mixture of shyness and determination. "Yang Xiong, I also hope that my boyfriend will be a man of great stature and ambition—a peerless hero who will never succumb to others' will."
Yang Xiong looked at Ning Rongrong's beautiful expression and kissed her directly without hesitation. Their lips met at that electric moment, and Ning Rongrong seemed completely stunned by the unexpected intimacy.
After what felt like an eternity, Ning Rongrong bit Yang Xiong's lips firmly, then pushed him away and ran out of the room with a deeply blushing face.
Yang Xiong felt sharp pain at the corner of his mouth as the little princess disappeared in a cloud of embarrassment and confusion.
Soon it was evening again, and everyone gathered at the Soul Arena for their scheduled competitions. That day, Ning Rongrong seemed to have vanished completely, and she didn't even ask Yang Xiong to join her for dinner as had become their usual custom.
In the following weeks, aside from participating in Soul Fighting competitions together, Ning Rongrong adopted behavior similar to Zhu Zhuqing's characteristic coldness. She suddenly became distant and indifferent, maintaining an aura that clearly warned strangers not to approach.
During the following complete month, everyone actively participated in Soul Fighting competitions, and all eight members of Shrek successfully obtained their Silver Soul Fighting Badges.
Even Oscar and Ning Rongrong, both support-type Spirit Masters, had earned sufficient points through their two-on-two Soul Fighting matches and seven-person team battles to achieve their Silver Soul Fighting Badges.
In the seven-person Soul Fighting matches, regardless of which team member wasn't participating, they basically maintained an impressive winning record.
Yang Xiong remained relatively busy during the seven-person Soul Fighting matches, primarily serving as the team's strongest attack-type fighter. Even when they encountered experienced Spirit Elder teams, the opposition couldn't place excessive pressure on his capabilities. Of course, at certain strategic moments, he also had to function as an agility-type Spirit Master, and even as a defensive-type Spirit Master when necessary.
On the final day, after defeating a formidable team called the Fierce God Team in their last seven-person team battle, the entire group finally obtained their team Silver Soul Fighting Badge. Yu Xiaogang officially announced the successful completion of the second stage of training.
After more than a month of intensive fighting, basically everyone's Spirit Power levels had remained static, with the sole exception of Zhu Zhuqing, who had improved by one level and now stood at level twenty-eight.
At this momentous achievement, everyone cheered with genuine enthusiasm, and even Ning Rongrong appeared extremely excited despite her recent coldness. After all, for a support-type Spirit Master like herself, remaining stable and secure on the battlefield represented a tremendous disadvantage. If she wasn't extremely careful, she could easily be targeted and injured by enemy attacks.
Whether in team battles or two-person competitions, Yang Xiong had been providing extra protection for Ning Rongrong recently. It could be said that he had rescued her numerous times during arena battles, but Ning Rongrong maintained her proud demeanor and consistently responded to Yang Xiong's protective behavior with cold sneers, making Yang Xiong feel increasingly embarrassed and confused.
Especially since that pivotal day, the two of them had not spent time alone together again. Everyone else suspected that the young couple was experiencing some kind of serious romantic conflict.
When they completed their final assessment, the two of them rarely walked together, but Xiao Wu was also staying close to Ning Rongrong while casting suspicious and protective glances toward Yang Xiong, making him feel completely speechless about the situation.
During the evening celebration, there was an elaborate dinner party primarily organized to celebrate the successful completion of the second stage of training.
Ning Rongrong seemed to have returned to her characteristic witch-like nature, taking wine and consuming it cup after cup with impressive determination, making several of the male students feel ashamed of their own drinking capacity in comparison.
When Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong clinked glasses and drank together, Ning Rongrong once again revealed her familiar hint of pride. "Little Xiongzi, this young lady is feeling happy today, so I won't argue with you about recent events."
Yang Xiong quickly responded with obvious relief, "Then I thank you sincerely, Rongrong. However, we've only shared one cup together—that's not nearly enough. We need to drink several more cups to properly celebrate."
Everyone heard this exchange and responded with encouraging cheers and applause. Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong continued clinking glasses repeatedly, seemingly easing the initial tension and embarrassment that had existed between them.
Meanwhile, Oscar pulled Yang Xiong aside and whispered conspiratorially, "Brother Xiong, how exactly did you manage to offend this young lady? You two have been engaged in a cold war for an entire month, and you've finally made up."
Yang Xiong smiled and directly placed his arm around Oscar's shoulders in a friendly gesture. "Little Ao, I've participated in so many Soul Fighting matches alongside you recently—shouldn't you drink several more cups with me to celebrate our success?"
After the two consumed several cups in rapid succession, Oscar laughed, "Brother Xiong, with your incredible drinking capacity, who would dare to challenge you to drink more?"
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they returned to the hotel for the evening. Both Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had reserved luxury suites on the top floor of the building.
After the two walked to the top floor together, Yang Xiong directly pulled Ning Rongrong toward a secluded corner.
Taking advantage of the courage provided by alcohol, Yang Xiong guided Ning Rongrong to the corner and positioned himself with both hands against the wall, effectively blocking her path.
"Rongrong, it's been such a long time—you should have calmed down by now. Can you finally accept becoming my girlfriend?"
Ning Rongrong's face was already somewhat flushed from drinking alcohol throughout the evening, and she appeared slightly tipsy, making her appear even more charming and attractive than usual.
"Didn't you declare that you didn't want to be below anyone else? Your Spirit Power is still one level lower than mine currently."
Yang Xiong smiled confidently. "Isn't it merely one level of Spirit Power? I should be able to match your level very soon."
Ning Rongrong displayed obvious pride on her face. "Don't forget that this young lady is a genuine cultivation genius. I am also working diligently to cultivate my abilities now. It won't be easy for you to surpass this young lady's achievements."
Yang Xiong said with determination, "Let's not discuss Spirit Power levels anymore. From today onward, you are officially my girlfriend. I won't allow anyone to bully or harm you."
Ning Rongrong snorted with mock disdain. "I have Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone to protect me—how could anyone possibly bully me?"
Yang Xiong smiled teasingly. "Rongrong, have you already forgotten? Every time we were in the arena, you were hiding safely behind me for protection. I have saved you from danger many times."
Ning Rongrong replied with feigned reluctance, "Seeing that you've been working so desperately hard, this young lady will reluctantly agree to become your girlfriend."
Yang Xiong's face filled with pure joy, and he directly embraced Ning Rongrong in his arms. Perhaps this represented the first time in Yang Xiong's life that he had held a girl so intimately, and the first time he had experienced a girl's delicate fragrance. His entire being seemed intoxicated by the experience.
Meanwhile, just as everyone was celebrating the successful completion of their training, both Yu Xiaogang and Flender appeared extremely serious and concerned.
Yu Xiaogang spoke with obvious worry. "The children have performed exceptionally well throughout this period. Even I am amazed by their outstanding performance in the Soul Fighting Arena. Perhaps they can genuinely create history with their abilities."
"Today, the person in charge of the Soul Fighting Arena approached me with a special request," he continued gravely. "They hope that I will arrange for the Shrek Team to participate in one final seven-person exhibition match. I believe we should pay very careful attention to this unusual request."
Flender shook his head with obvious concern. "Xiaogang, you should understand the potential strength of such an opponent. Among Shrek's eight members, four are still Spirit Grand Masters. The opposing team consists entirely of Spirit Elders, and their extraordinary nature can be observed from their martial souls alone. Moreover, all of them possess optimal Spirit Ring configurations. Obviously, they have tremendously powerful backing and support."
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