Heaven Dou Royal Academy truly lived up to its reputation as an aristocratic institution, boasting excellent simulated training environments of every conceivable type. The academy's facilities were designed to accommodate soul masters of all varieties, ensuring that each student could find the perfect environment to enhance their cultivation.
For plant-type soul masters, the academy provided lush environments rich with life energy, perfectly suited for plant growth and harmoniously aligned with plant martial souls. These spaces overflowed with vitality, creating an atmosphere where plant-based abilities could flourish naturally.
Beast martial soul users had access to simulated environments that resembled soul beast forests, though populated only with ordinary, non-aggressive soul beasts. In such settings, someone like Dai Mubai could fully unleash the domineering presence of his White Tiger martial soul, embodying the true majesty of the king of beasts.
The elemental martial soul training areas were more straightforward in design, featuring distinct zones for different elements—ice, fire, water, and others—each carefully crafted to enhance the corresponding elemental abilities.
Among all these options, Yang Xiong found himself drawn to the gravity-enhanced training environment. The academy maintained a dedicated gravity field, though most soul masters only used it for gravity control training. The facility contained various strength-training equipment, but no one had ever considered the possibility of meditating under such intense pressure.
This gravity environment was relatively basic, simply increasing the pressure on trainees through what appeared to be some form of mineral deposits. The strength enhancement control was nowhere near as precise as what a Spirit Saint with gravity abilities could achieve.
In the soul master world, meditation traditionally required absolute quiet and solitude to achieve optimal results. Because of this conventional wisdom, even with the gravity-enhanced environment available, it was primarily used by power-type soul masters for physical conditioning rather than spiritual cultivation.
Settling Into Academy Life
After just three days at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the Shrek teachers and students were clearly pleased with their new surroundings, their faces bright with satisfaction and contentment.
Although Yang Xiong had been born into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he had originally been just an ordinary low-ranking student with limited access to the sect's advanced training facilities. His knowledge of such sophisticated environments remained limited.
In contrast, the Shrek teaching methods had been much more primitive. The instructors continued their traditional approach of weight-bearing exercises and combat training, with most time dedicated to individual cultivation. Having little experience with these types of simulated environments, they seemed somewhat unsophisticated in their approach to utilizing the academy's resources.
On this particular day, the group gathered in the cafeteria once again, the eight companions ordering an abundance of dishes to fill their large table. After three days at the academy, they had completely shed the awkwardness of their first day. Ma Hongjun, in particular, had begun to completely disregard his image, acting with casual abandon.
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy cafeteria served as the most popular gathering place for students, and even this dining hall displayed exceptional luxury, rivaling the finest hotels in its elegance and appointments.
Several of the boys had begun to show their true nature, especially Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, who had developed a habit of commenting on every beautiful girl who passed by, abandoning any pretense of refined behavior.
While Dai Mubai maintained some measure of reserve and nobility in his manner, Ma Hongjun behaved completely like a lovestruck fool, unable to tear his eyes away whenever an attractive girl appeared.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy certainly deserved its reputation as a noble institution, with handsome young men and beautiful women appearing everywhere one looked. Perhaps due to the effects of soul master cultivation, these girls possessed exceptional beauty, particularly notable in their perfectly proportioned figures. Yang Xiong had never encountered an overweight female soul master in his experience.
Moreover, these noble-born girls had mastered the art of presentation. Even while wearing standard academy uniforms, they managed to appear graceful and exceptionally attractive. The student body ranged in age from twelve to twenty-five years old, offering a diverse array of mature women and younger girls of various appealing styles, creating what could only be described as an earthly paradise.
Before Yang Xiong could steal more than a few glances, a sharp pain shot through his waist. Obviously, Ning Rongrong, the mischievous little devil, had pinched him with considerable force.
"You little rascal," Ning Rongrong scolded with mock severity. "You've only been at Heaven Dou Royal Academy for three days and you're already dazzled by all the pretty faces. I think you boys are all exactly the same. I'll bet that in just a few more days, your heart will be stolen by some cunning little vixen."
Yang Xiong quickly pleaded for mercy, his voice taking on a playful tone. "My beautiful little princess, I only come out once a day to eat. Besides you, who else could possibly catch my attention?"
Everyone burst into laughter at the exchange between Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong, with Xiao Wu displaying the most exaggerated reaction of all.
Not to be outdone, Xiao Wu pinched Tang San's arm. "Third Brother, you wouldn't be like these other boys and get completely dazzled when you see a beautiful girl, would you?"
Tang San also hastily begged for mercy, his voice earnest. "Xiao Wu, you know my heart better than anyone. I've always remained completely indifferent to any beauty. Except for you, all other girls are nothing more than passing clouds to me. I would never behave like Yang Xiong."
Yang Xiong found himself speechless at this unexpected betrayal.
In comparison, both Dai Mubai and Oscar's wandering eyes told a different story entirely.
Dai Mubai had originally been pursuing Zhu Zhuqing with great determination, and the two had even developed mutual affection. Many people had assumed they were on the verge of becoming an official couple.
However, Dai Mubai possessed a naturally flirtatious personality, and he simply couldn't control himself when faced with beautiful women. This tendency had become especially pronounced after entering Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Dai Mubai's tall, handsome frame, combined with his flowing golden hair that gave him a wild, untamed appearance, made him the embodiment of a prince charming in many girls' eyes. According to rumors, he had received an overwhelming pile of love confessions within just three days of enrollment, which had made Zhu Zhuqing extremely unhappy.
Oscar had also begun to feel stirrings of romantic interest. After all, who wouldn't want a beautiful companion by their side during their cultivation journey?
However, Yang Xiong had already promised to introduce him to an exceptionally beautiful girl in the near future, guaranteeing that Oscar would be more than satisfied with the arrangement when the time came.
Evening by the Lake
After dinner concluded, Yang Xiong took Ning Rongrong's small hand in his, and together they strolled along the lakeside. The tranquil waters and beautiful surroundings created an atmosphere of pure enchantment for both of them. Recently, Yang Xiong had made it a habit to explore the academy grounds with Ning Rongrong whenever he wasn't engaged in cultivation.
The couple found a comfortable open space and settled down facing the serene lake. Ning Rongrong naturally leaned her head against Yang Xiong's shoulder, nestling into his embrace.
"Little rascal," she said softly, "don't you think our time at this academy passes by far too quickly? You don't spend nearly enough time with me."
Yang Xiong gently stroked her silky hair, his touch tender and affectionate. "We're both soul masters, and we must keep our focus on cultivation above all else. The harder we train now, the longer we'll be able to stay together in the future."
Ning Rongrong smiled with playful mischief dancing in her eyes. "I knew you would say exactly that. I've been cultivating diligently recently, and I should be able to reach level 30 very soon. I don't think your soul power will ever manage to catch up with mine."
Yang Xiong's lips curved into a slight smile. "I'm not sure if it's due to a recent change in my mindset, but I feel that my soul power improvement has accelerated significantly. I should be able to level up again within half a month at most."
Ning Rongrong's face filled with genuine surprise. "How is that even possible? It's been less than two months since you advanced to level 29."
Yang Xiong playfully pinched her soft cheek. "Then you'll have to cultivate even faster. It wouldn't be good if I managed to surpass you."
An Unexpected Encounter
The two had been engaged in casual conversation, which represented Yang Xiong's rare opportunity to truly relax each day. The peaceful moment allowed them both to simply enjoy each other's company without the pressures of training and advancement.
However, just as they were chatting happily, the sound of someone clearing their throat suddenly reached their ears.
Ning Rongrong immediately bristled with annoyance. "Who could be so inconsiderate? Don't they realize they're disturbing others?"
When both turned their heads to investigate, they found themselves stunned into silence. Yang Xiong, in particular, felt his vision darken as his worst fears materialized before him.
Standing approximately four meters away from their resting spot were two familiar figures: Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
Ning Fengzhi appeared calm and composed, even displaying a hint of a smile that made him seem more refined than usual. In stark contrast, Sword Douluo's expression was icy cold, completely unlike his typically relaxed and carefree demeanor.
Yang Xiong's mind raced with panic. This was indeed troublesome. Being caught by both Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo in such an intimate moment—he wondered if Sword Douluo might actually kill him on the spot.
Ning Rongrong, however, displayed nothing but pure delight. She quickly sprang up and threw herself into Ning Fengzhi's welcoming arms.
"Dad! Why did you come to Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Grandpa Sword, it's been so long! Did you miss Rongrong?"
Ning Fengzhi's smile was warm and genuine. "Dad missed Rongrong terribly. You seem to have grown so much in the few months since we last saw each other."
Sword Douluo, whose face had been frozen in stern disapproval moments before, instantly transformed his expression into one of infinite tenderness. "Rongrong has endured hardship these past few months. I felt such pain in my heart when I heard about your experiences."
After finishing his statement, Sword Douluo didn't forget to glare meaningfully at Ning Fengzhi, clearly expressing his continued dissatisfaction with the sect master's decision to send Rongrong away.
Ning Rongrong freed herself from her father's embrace and immediately launched herself into Sword Douluo's arms. "Grandpa Sword, Rongrong has indeed suffered these past few months. It's all this mean father's fault."
Sword Douluo quickly offered comfort, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Rongrong, don't worry. I will definitely give your father a proper lesson and ensure you never have to suffer again."
Ning Fengzhi's face flushed with embarrassment upon hearing this exchange, but he found himself unable to offer any defense.
Yang Xiong took this moment to bow respectfully. "Greetings, Sect Master. Greetings, Senior Sword Douluo."
Ning Fengzhi acknowledged him with a slight nod. "Yang Xiong, I've heard from Dean Flender that both of you have performed exceptionally well these past few months. Your progress, in particular—whether in soul power improvement or combat ability—has earned his complete satisfaction. It seems that sending you to Shrek Academy was indeed the correct decision."
Yang Xiong responded with appropriate humility. "Thank you for the Sect Master's guidance. Without your arrangement, I would never have had the opportunity to attend Shrek Academy."
Throughout this exchange, Yang Xiong couldn't shake the feeling that Ning Fengzhi was studying him with unusual intensity. Sword Douluo's narrowed, calculating gaze made him feel an uncomfortable chill throughout his entire body.
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected with enthusiasm. "Dad, Grandpa Sword, I've made so many wonderful friends at Shrek Academy. I'll introduce them to you later."
"By the way, why did you suddenly decide to visit Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Ning Fengzhi's smile remained pleasant. "I heard that some remarkable young geniuses from Shrek Academy had arrived at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, so I came with the Crown Prince to observe them personally. They're currently meeting in the Education Committee Building. Let's go take a look together."
Ning Rongrong's expression suddenly brightened as if remembering something important. "Dad, wait just a moment. Let me show you something incredible. This item could prove extremely valuable to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
Ning Fengzhi's face showed genuine curiosity, while Ning Rongrong smiled with mischievous delight. "Grandpa Sword, I need space to demonstrate these items properly, so please come witness this together."
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged meaningful glances before breaking into indulgent smiles. Given their exalted status and vast experience, there were few things in this world they hadn't encountered. However, since their beloved little princess appeared so excited, they were more than willing to indulge her enthusiasm.
The Hidden Weapon Demonstration
After Ning Rongrong displayed her collection of various hidden weapons, Ning Fengzhi's demeanor became extremely serious. Even Sword Douluo, who typically maintained his relaxed and carefree attitude, rarely showed such intense focus and concentration.
Following some detailed discussion, Ning Fengzhi learned that these remarkable hidden weapons had been crafted by Tang San. When Ning Rongrong also discussed the potential for establishing trade agreements, Ning Fengzhi felt even more amazed that his daughter had finally begun to mature and think strategically.
Throughout this entire exchange, Yang Xiong remained largely invisible and unnoticed. He had no desire to draw attention from either Ning Fengzhi or Sword Douluo at this particular moment, especially given the way Sword Douluo's penetrating gaze continued to make him feel deeply unsettled and anxious about what might come next.
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I wasn't able to upload chapters for the past 6 days since I was traveling. Thank you for your patience and support during that time! Starting today, I'll be back to regular uploads. As a bonus for the missed days, I'll also be releasing 10 extra chapters. Stay tuned!
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You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion