Ning Rongrong was keenly perceptive and immediately noticed that something was off with Tang San's mood.
She turned to Tang Lan, puzzled.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Just last night, she had reassured her father that she could handle Tang San and smooth things over.
Don't tell me I messed it up?!
"It's fine," Tang Lan chuckled. "You did well. Let's put this matter to rest."
But Ning Rongrong still scratched her head in confusion.
Did well? Then why did Tang San still have that expression?
Hmm…
Oh!
It must be because those inner disciples, who got punished, resented him and took it out on her!
Right!
Hmph!
She'd make them balance bricks on their heads while kneeling!
If they dropped one, they'd kneel for an extra day!
But for now…
Ning Rongrong darted up to Tang Lan, grinning, and pulled out another wooden box.
"Sect Master! This is a Thirty-Thousand-Year Fire Spirit Ginseng! It was auctioned along with Tang San's."
"M-my father asked me to deliver it to you as an apology."
Oh?
Tang Lan was slightly surprised. He got one too?
And it was thirty thousand years old?!
Taking the wooden box and opening it—
A wave of intense fire energy surged forth, far more potent than the one Tang San received.
Even just inhaling slightly—
His Nine Yang Divine Art reacted instantly, accelerating in circulation.
What a powerful tonic!
"Not bad. He put some thought into this."
Tang Lan stored the wooden box away.
He planned to consume it after obtaining his soul ring to boost his inner energy.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong grinned mischievously.
"So, Sect Master! About what you said yesterday—if I bow to you, you'd teach me a self-created soul skill… does that still count?"
Hmm?
Tang Lan, who had been preparing to leave, glanced at Ning Rongrong again.
A thought crossed his mind.
Looking at this Thirty-Thousand-Year Fire Spirit Ginseng… well, this was genuine sincerity.
Fine.
It was just a soul skill anyway.
Letting a core disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect learn it didn't matter much.
It wasn't like he was losing anything—his mental energy orbs were just harvested from Blue Silver Grass.
"Pa—"
Ning Rongrong dropped to her knees without hesitation and solemnly bowed to Tang Lan.
"Rongrong pays respects to Uncle Tang!"
Then, she cheerfully stood up and stretched out her hand toward him.
"Alright, Uncle Tang~ Give me True Martial Seven-Segment Formation!"
Well, well!
Who would've thought that the untamed Princess Ning could also be so flexible and pragmatic?
Or rather—
As the pampered heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, she understood the importance of trade-offs better than anyone.
One simple bow—
And she gained a powerful uncle and a formidable self-created soul skill.
—Not to mention, Tang Lan was already Ning Fengzhi's sworn brother.
No matter how she looked at it, this deal was a win.
Tang Lan kept his word and tossed a mental energy orb to her.
While Ning Rongrong absorbed it, he casually walked toward the cafeteria.
At that moment, Xiao Wu approached him, naturally looping her arm through his.
She murmured softly, "Why does Ning Rongrong seem… so calculating?"
Tang Lan replied indifferently—
"On the contrary, she's sacrificing herself."
"After last night's incident, Ning Fengzhi must have been worried about the partnership."
"So, he changed his plan—he had originally intended for Ning Rongrong to become my wife. But instead, he had her acknowledge me as her uncle first."
"This way, the two sects' alliance is strengthened, and tensions are eased."
"I bet Ning Fengzhi spent a lot of effort convincing her to make this sacrifice."
Xiao Wu's bunny ears perked up in shock.
Become your wife?!
This Ning Fengzhi—he always acted all polite and friendly, but in reality, his mind was crafty as hell!
Good thing, good thing!
Now that Ning Rongrong was officially Tang Lan's niece, she couldn't possibly pursue anything more… right?
…Right?
But still—
"So many hidden layers to this…" Xiao Wu sighed. "Poor Rongrong."
"Poor her? Come on," Tang Lan chuckled.
"If she wants to wear the crown, she must bear the weight."
"She has enjoyed the privileges of being part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect since birth—it's only natural she has to make sacrifices for it as well."
Tang Lan glanced at Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, his words carrying an unspoken weight—
"Every gift from fate has already been secretly marked with a price."
"Whether it's power, wealth, beauty, or talent, you must strive to be worthy of them."
"Otherwise…"
"If you cannot afford the price, misfortune will come for you."
At that moment—
Dai Mubai felt a shiver run up his spine, a surge of realization striking him like lightning!
Wasn't Tang Lan talking about him?
He and Ning Rongrong were so alike!
Born into royalty, enjoying wealth and privilege, yet unwilling to bear the responsibilities that came with it.
The result?
Neglect from his family, a fiancée who had lost faith in him.
Now, he was left alone.
Because he once failed to work hard, now he was unworthy.
Dai Mubai silently slowed his pace, distancing himself from Zhu Zhuqing.
He had finally come to terms with it—
There was no future for him and Zhu Zhuqing.
It was time to let go and move forward.
To ensure he never repeated the same regrets, he had to work twice as hard!
Meanwhile—
Oscar did not disappoint.
On the morning of the seventh day, he finally completed ten thousand hammer swings.
The forging hammer in his hands was stained with his blood.
The ground where he stood had deep indentations from his stance.
But none of that mattered.
What mattered was—
Oscar looked to Tang San with anticipation.
He had heard about Tang San's battle from a few days ago.
Fighting dozens of soul masters without even using his martial soul?!
Tang San's talent might not be as monstrous as Tang Lan's, but he was still leagues ahead of Oscar!
More importantly—
His method of relying on external tools to defeat enemies suited Oscar's style perfectly!
With hope shining in his eyes, Oscar stood before Tang San, waiting for his verdict.
Tang San let out a sigh—then nodded.
"Perform the disciple's bowing ceremony."
Oscar was overjoyed!
Suppressing his excitement, he clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.
"Disciple Oscar greets Master!"
Tang San reached out to lift Oscar up—
Only to realize that his entire sleeve was drenched.
A mix of sweat and blood.
To take in a disciple with such unwavering determination… it was an honor.
A flash of light—
A new item appeared in Tang San's hand.
—A Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Spirit Ginseng!
"Your body has been greatly overexerted these past days. Take one-tenth of this ginseng to replenish yourself."
"After reaching level 30, refine the rest to enhance your cultivation."
"Don't worry about your foundation—this Fire Spirit Ginseng is highly compatible with Nine Yang Divine Art."
Oscar beamed, grinning ear to ear as he accepted it.
"Thank you, Master!"
At that moment, Tang Lan approached and handed Oscar a storage ring and a mental energy orb.
"As your martial uncle, I'm giving you a gift as well."
Oscar's eyes sparkled with joy as he received them.
The mental energy orb contained part of the True Martial Seven-Segment Formation.
When he absorbed the information—
64x amplification?!
This was insane!
Oscar was shocked beyond words.
"Thank you, Martial Uncle!"
On the sidelines—
Ma Hongjun was completely stunned.
This disciple initiation gift… was way too extravagant!
He secretly regretted his choices.
He should've trained with Oscar from the start!
If a support-type soul master like Oscar could pass, then what reason did a battle-type soul master like him have to fail?!
But alas—
There was no medicine for regret in this world.
Even Flender felt a deep sense of remorse.
He regretted not being stricter with Ma Hongjun earlier.
That laziness and indulgence had become a deeply ingrained habit.
Now, in the entire Shrek Academy—
Ma Hongjun was the only one not part of Tang Sect.
And in the future, that might mean…
"Oh, right, Master." Oscar suddenly spoke up. "On the first day back, I already reached level 30."
Huh?!
Flender's eyes lit up with excitement!
His personal disciple might be a disappointment…
But his adopted son was proving to be a powerhouse!
Flender was overjoyed and immediately declared—
"Perfect timing! Xiao Lan also needs to hunt for a soul ring. We'll set off tomorrow!"
Oscar grinned.
"I have no objections! I'll follow the arrangements of Headmaster, Sect Master, and Master!"
Tomorrow—
They would hunt for their soul rings.
There were quite a few people who needed to hear this.
"It's time to go," Tang Lan agreed. "Any more delays will be troublesome."
"I'll go pack up," Tang San said. "Xiao Ao, come with me. I'll teach you a cultivation technique."
"Yes!"
Oscar happily trotted after Tang San.
At Tang Lan's feet, Blue Silver Grass swayed slightly.
It was a message from Tang San.
He wanted to teach Oscar the third layer of Nine Yang Divine Art.
Tang Lan approved—
But internally, he was curious.
Why not teach him Mysterious Heaven Skill?
Did Tang San not plan on passing down his hidden weapon techniques?
Or—
Was he using Oscar as an experiment to see if Nine Yang Divine Art could synergize with Hidden Weapons Hundred Separation?
"Buzz—"
A wave of gravity pressed down on Tang Lan, pulling him back to reality.
Watching everyone prepare to resume their training, he suddenly grew interested.
"Tang Sect disciples, come over here."
Except for Ma Hongjun, the others—Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and Ning Rongrong—paused their training and stood before Tang Lan.
"We're about to hunt soul beasts, so let's check your progress."
"I won't use my martial soul. Attack me together—firearms included."
The three exchanged glances.
"Rongrong, have you mastered True Martial Seven-Segment Formation?" Dai Mubai asked.
"I only learned it this morning. I haven't practiced yet," Ning Rongrong shook her head.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing immediately abandoned the idea of a combined attack.
It was just a spar—there was no need for unnecessary complications.
"Then, forgive us, Sect Master!"
Dai Mubai bowed slightly—he knew just how monstrous Tang Lan was.
"Martial Soul: Possession!"
Dai Mubai's White Tiger form emerged!
At the same time—
"Martial Soul: Possession!"
Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Civet awakened!
The two flanked Tang Lan, one from the left, one from the right!
Tang Lan remained utterly calm—he even closed his eyes.
Blue Silver Domain was far more useful than sight.
He didn't even use inner energy—
Simply raised a hand to block their incoming attacks.
"Seven Treasures turn out with glassy radiance—First: Strength!"
"Seven Treasures turn out with glassy radiance—Second: Speed!"
Light from Ning Rongrong's soul skills enveloped her teammates, greatly enhancing their strength and agility.
At the same time, they activated their own soul skills!
"First Soul Skill: Nether Spike!"
Zhu Zhuqing's speed surged—footwork shifting into Lingbo Microstep as she circled behind, aiming low for Tang Lan's legs.
"Second Soul Skill: White Tiger Light Wave!"
A beam of white energy blasted straight toward Tang Lan's chest!
A three-way pincer attack—left, right, back!
And Ning Rongrong?
She whipped out a Python Revolver and fired rapidly with both hands!
Tang Lan was completely surrounded!
Even if he was ten levels above them, surely this would force him to use his martial soul, right?
However—
A thin layer of golden light suddenly enveloped Tang Lan's body.
Vajra Indestructible Body: Activated!
Dai Mubai's White Tiger Light Wave was the first to land—
It struck Tang Lan's chest, causing the golden light to ripple slightly.
But that was it.
Break through?
Not a chance.
"Zzzz—!"
Zhu Zhuqing's Nether Spike drilled into Tang Lan's knee like a spinning top—
Yet it couldn't even penetrate!
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
The Python Revolver's bullets barely scratched the golden glow, deforming into flat iron discs before clattering to the ground.
Their combined assault couldn't even break through his defenses!
"Hah!"
The golden aura erupted outward!
A powerful shockwave sent Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing flying!
Tang Lan caught both of them midair and threw them toward Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong quickly activated Lingbo Microstep, dodging elegantly—
And while falling back, she pulled out an Uzi and held the trigger down!
"Tat-tat-tat-tat!"
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Same result.
The bullets couldn't even scratch him.
In midair—
Zhu Zhuqing twisted gracefully, landing effortlessly.
Dai Mubai, on the other hand, was more brute-force about it—
Claws dug into the ground, sliding to a stop in a crouched tiger stance.
"Is this also a self-created soul skill?" Ning Rongrong was shocked. "Not Undying Seal?"
"It's Vajra Indestructible Body," Tang Lan explained easily.
"Once Nine Yang Divine Art reaches higher levels, soul power circulates endlessly within the body—
"This greatly refines the physique, allowing one to achieve an indestructible body."
As soon as Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong realized what Vajra Indestructible Body was—
Their ambitions instantly died.
—After all, girls couldn't cultivate Nine Yang Divine Art.
On the other hand, Dai Mubai's eyes shone brightly.
This ability was a perfect match for him!
But before anyone could speak—
Tang Lan curled his finger, motioning them forward.
"Come at me with full strength. Stop scratching me like kittens."
The three weren't ones to back down.
They launched another round of attacks!
"Third Soul Skill: White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
Dai Mubai's body expanded, his firepower fully unleashed!
Zhu Zhuqing switched to support mode, helping distract and divide Tang Lan's focus.
Ning Rongrong fired continuously, using her firearms to cover Dai Mubai's advance.
They barely managed to survive against Tang Lan's pressure.
But in the end—
Even when their soul power was completely drained, they still couldn't make Tang Lan take a single step back.
As for Tang Lan?
Not even a drop of sweat.
His breathing remained steady, his aura completely unfazed.
On the sidelines, Zhao Wuji couldn't help but grimace—
If he hadn't met this absolute freak, he might've been able to enjoy this kind of effortless power himself!
Tang Lan's stamina consumption was minimal, and as for internal energy…
Nine Yang Divine Art was endlessly self-replenishing.
Combined with Undying Seal constantly converting injuries into vitality…
The more he fought, the more energy he gained.
An infinite energy engine.
The gap between them was as vast as the heavens and the abyss.
Faced with such a monstrous disparity, the three fully accepted their defeat.
"We're just normal people," they thought.
"We can't compare to this walking cheat code."
Dai Mubai let out a bitter laugh.
"As expected of the Sect Master. We couldn't even force you to use your martial soul."
Ning Rongrong pouted.
"If only my Barrett and Fire God Cannon weren't out of bullets—I'd at least make you move!"
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent.
Instead—
She simply stared at Tang Lan.
Such a powerful man…
To someone like her, who admired strength above all, he practically glowed!
Especially since—
They even had an extremely compatible martial soul fusion skill!
Her cold heart began to stir.
Her mind briefly flashed to Xiao Wu's figure.
Through their time spent together, she had long realized that Tang Lan and Xiao Wu weren't actually blood siblings.
Especially since Xiao Wu snuck into his room every night…
But!
Tang Lan's strength was awe-inspiring—
Could she even claim him for herself alone?
In Star Luo Empire, it was common for royals, nobles, and powerful soul masters to have multiple spouses.
'Maybe…'
'It's not impossible…'
That Night
Xiao Wu opened her eyes, propping herself up as she glanced toward Zhu Zhuqing's bed.
Her gaze met a pair of bright cat-like eyes.
"Ah! You're still awake?" Xiao Wu suddenly felt guilty.
"You go over to his room every night," Zhu Zhuqing said bluntly. "But I never hear anything. What exactly are you two doing?"
Xiao Wu froze.
Her mind blanked out.
She had always been extra careful, and later on, she even used instant teleportation to avoid detection.
Yet Zhu Zhuqing still noticed?!
After a brief moment of embarrassment, Xiao Wu decided to own up to it.
"I've slept in the same bed as Brother since I was six."
"We cultivate together every night. It's just a habit."
"If I don't have Brother next to me, I can't fall asleep at all!"
Zhu Zhuqing fell silent.
Cultivation together…
Was this really the kind of 'cultivation' she was thinking of?
Did it mean what she thought it meant?
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's increasingly strange expression, Xiao Wu remained completely oblivious.
—After all, nobody had ever taught her about these kinds of things.
Now that she had been caught, she casually stood up and winked at Zhu Zhuqing.
"You have to keep this a secret, okay?"
"Goodnight~"
"Swish—"
She teleported away.
Leaving Zhu Zhuqing alone…
Lying awake.
Her thoughts spiraled into chaos.
She didn't sleep all night.
The next morning—
When Xiao Wu teleported back to her bed, she was startled to find Zhu Zhuqing still wide awake.
"Huh? Already finished?" Zhu Zhuqing blurted out.
"Sect Master's stamina is… that bad?"
Xiao Wu: "???"
Girl, do you even hear yourself right now?!
(End of Chapter)