Afterwards, Flanders tasked Dai Mubai and Oscar with escorting Xiao Tian and the others to the college dormitories, instructing them to gather early the next morning. Then, he took Yu Xiaogang and Zhao Wuji away for discussions.
Along the way, Oscar pulled Dai Mubai aside and whispered, "Boss Dai, this year's freshmen are impressive, and there are three beauties among them. Just tell me which one you want—I won't compete for her."
Oscar's grinning, bearded face made him look quite wretched.
Xiao Wu supported Xiao Tian, with Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing close by. Tang San walked on Xiao Tian's other side.
Xiao Wu whispered to Xiao Tian, "Brother, isn't he a bit wretched? And doesn't he look only about fourteen?"
Xiao Tian smiled silently. Oscar was indeed ugly, but among the four Shrek "villains," only Tang San post his bloodline awakening was worse-looking. Even Dai Mubai couldn't compare.
Dai Mubai cast a low warning glance at the three trailing behind. "Don't touch Zhu Zhuqing. She's mine."
Oscar's peach blossom eyes blinked in acknowledgment.
To himself, Oscar schemed: Zhu Zhuqing's Dai's target; Xiao Wu is close to Xiao Tian; Tang San seems interested in Xiao Wu; so I'll pursue Ning Rongrong.
Though Ning Rongrong's figure was the least outstanding, she was only twelve and bound to grow. Both she and Oscar had auxiliary martial spirits, making her easier to court.
Ning Rongrong felt a chill—someone was thinking nefariously.
Soon, dorm assignments were made.
In the girls' dormitory, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing shared a room; Xiao Wu had her own.
In the boys' dormitory, Tang San and Oscar shared a room; Xiao Tian had a room to himself.
Xiao Tian was quite pleased—after enduring cramped dormitories, he now finally had some independent space, albeit a bit shabby.
Early the next morning, Xiao Tian and Tang San rose early as usual. Xiao Wu, used to Xiao Tian's regimen, also woke early.
Tang San practiced Purple Demon Pupil alone.
Xiao Tian brought out the iron sword and Red Dragon Fang given by the old village chief and began training.
The Red Dragon Fang's appearance made Sword Fifteen tremble violently, as if greeting an old friend.
Xiao Tian was delighted—the perfect reward for a sword collector like him.
He hoped to refine his combo speed someday and wished for soul skills enhancing attack speed.
Yesterday's smooth performance owed much to Zhao Wuji's momentary lapse and Xiao Tian's temporary sword intent breakthrough.
He used the dual sword style because his third soul skill was limited to close combat—hence the idea to condense a second energy sword, boosting attack frequency to stack damage.
Suddenly, Xiao Tian pondered: If his reaction and swing speed were fast enough, could he use his sword to intercept Tang San's hidden weapons?
He imagined Tang San's shocked face when his hidden weapons were effortlessly blocked.
"Brother, shall we explore the village? I want to find the college cafeteria. We paid so much—surely meals are provided?" Xiao Wu said curiously, already walking ahead.
Xiao Tian checked the time—it was almost time. Tang San leapt down from the roof, followed by Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Ning Rongrong greeted with a smile, "You two woke early to train?"
She wondered if she was the latest riser, finding Zhu Zhuqing already practicing on the bed when she awoke.
Still, she rose early out of curiosity about Xiao Tian.
Seeing his powerful sword and strong sword intent reminded her of Grandpa Jian.
If Xiao Tian joined their Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Grandpa Jian might take an interest—even accept him as a disciple.
Xiao Tian teased, "You're overthinking. Jian Dao Chen Xin might want to be my disciple someday."
He wasn't disrespectful—sword cultivators could discuss swordsmanship as peers, regardless of age.
None of them knew the village, so Tang San dragged a reluctant Oscar out of bed.
Hearing the beauties were going too, Oscar shaved off his beard energetically.
Seeing new Oscar shocked everyone as if seeing a ghost.
Dai Mubai defended him, smiling, "Don't judge Xiao Ao by yesterday. Few people were watching then. Now with three beauties, he has to care about his image."
Dai Mubai had been fine in the room, but now everyone was up. He couldn't be left alone, still hoping to mend ties with Zhu Zhuqing.
En route, Ning Rongrong approached Xiao Tian and smiled, "Xiao Tian, would you be interested in our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? You have excellent sword talent and strength. I could introduce you to our Protector Douluo, Jian Dao Chen Xin."
Xiao Tian was surprised Ning Rongrong was so direct. Had she dropped her pretense?
Calmly, he replied, "As expected of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's little princess. I'm curious, though, why Sect Master Ning and the two Titled Douluo allowed you to come here alone."
Ning Rongrong's smile faltered. "How did you know?"
Her answer was a veiled admission.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and others listened, astonished to discover the truth—this was Ning Fengzhi's beloved daughter!
Dai Mubai's hostility melted away.
Xiao Tian waved his hands dismissively. "Your identity is obvious—your distinguished martial spirit and aura aren't typical of ordinary descendants. Most importantly, you have the power that ensures I can meet Senior Sword Douluo. Easy to guess, isn't it?"
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