What followed were days of relentless competition and training.
Just as Yu Xiaogang had explained when outlining the rules earlier, that day truly marked the last break Tang San and the others would enjoy. From then on, their lives became a cycle—compete, train, compete again. Aside from brief respites, they barely left the academy grounds.
Notably, their coach during this period was not Yu Xiaogang, but Xiao Tianyang.
The reason was simple.
Yu Xiaogang's training methods revolved around pushing one's limits—forcing latent potential to the surface and harnessing it swiftly.
This approach had its merits: results were visible in a short time, and it easily ignited the trainees' fighting spirit. After all, tangible progress was undeniable, and on this continent, what soul master didn't crave strength?
This was why Yu Xiaogang, despite not being powerful himself, commanded such deep respect. There was an inevitable logic to it.
However, every method had its drawbacks.
The downside of Yu Xiaogang's training was its sheer exhaustion.
Under normal circumstances, it would have been manageable. But now, Tang San and the others had to compete daily. Most of their time was spent either battling opponents or analyzing their strategies. This not only drained their physical stamina but also wore down their mental energy.
This was where Xiao Tianyang stepped in.
His training regimen was slightly less intense than Yu Xiaogang's, but it was more scientific, more balanced, and better suited to the daily demands of a soul master. In a word—efficient.
It ensured that Tang San's team could maintain their training without compromising their performance in the next day's matches or research.
And so, a month slipped by in this monotonous routine.
During this time, neither Shrek Academy nor the Whitebeard team faced any disturbances. The latter, in particular, had a habit of vanishing immediately after matches, leaving no opportunity for conversation.
Of course, there were attempts—some tried to stalk them or approach them before matches with recruitment offers. Unfortunately, anyone who got too close was instantly deterred by the oppressive aura Xiao Tianyang radiated, leaving them too intimidated to even broach the subject.
What was strange, however, was Salas's silence.
Xiao Tianyang couldn't fathom what the old man was scheming. Had he given up? Or was he biding his time for a bigger move?
Additionally, there was one person who should have appeared but never did—Qian Renxue. Or rather, the persona she adopted: Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
What she was thinking, no one knew.
But on this particular day, as Tang San and the others prepared to return home after their usual match, they were met with an unexpected encounter at the entrance of the Great Soul Arena—Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
"Father! Why are you here?" Ning Rongrong happily threw herself into Ning Fengzhi's arms, her voice sweet and playful.
"Can't I come to see my precious daughter?" Ning Fengzhi chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately.
"If you wanted to see me, why wait a whole month?" Ning Rongrong pouted, clearly displeased.
Ning Fengzhi could only offer a helpless smile. "The situation here is… complicated. It's not something I can explain in a few words."
Truthfully, he had wanted to visit much earlier. But Salas's constant surveillance had made it impossible—not only was it uncomfortable, but it also forced him to stay on guard.
He had no intention of exposing Ning Rongrong to these complexities prematurely, so he kept his explanation vague.
"Hmph! I know you're hiding something from me. That's just an excuse, isn't it?" Ning Rongrong huffed, though she didn't seem genuinely angry—more proud than anything.
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged glances, surprise flickering in their eyes.
Was this really the same unruly princess they knew? When had she become so perceptive—and so reasonable?
Still, Ning Fengzhi could only reply, "Since you already know, why ask?"
Ning Rongrong countered, "If you don't want to say it, I won't bother asking."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but smile.
His daughter had truly grown—and in such a sensible way.
Immediately after, Ning Rongrong began introducing the others.
The first person she pointed out wasn't Tang San, but Xiao Tianyang, who had been lingering at the back of the group.
This wasn't Xiao Tianyang's first meeting with Ning Fengzhi, so he remained perfectly composed. Besides, the last time they'd met, Ning Fengzhi had borrowed money from him.
Next was Tang San—as the team leader, it was only natural.
After him came Zhu Zhuqing and Saber, Ning Rongrong's closest friends. Though they shared similar ambitions, it hadn't affected their bond.
Finally, she introduced Dai Mubai, the others, and the four substitute members.
At the end, Ning Rongrong added pointedly, "But Father, don't get any funny ideas. Some of them really value their freedom…"
Ning Fengzhi could only shake his head with a wry smile.
His own daughter had seen right through him.
Truthfully, faced with a group of geniuses like this, it was impossible not to be tempted. For a sect to thrive, it needed more than territory—it needed talent.
Why was the Spirit Hall flourishing so dominantly across the continent?
Because they monopolized talent!
The number of Title Douluo they had nurtured exceeded even the fingers on two hands.
But what about other factions?
Still, he reluctantly tore his gaze away from the Shrek Seven Monsters.
These youngsters were geniuses among geniuses, each with their own grand ambitions. Recruiting them would be no easy feat.
As for Xiao Tianyang and Saber…To be blunt, it wasn't that Ning Fengzhi lacked confidence.
But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect might not be able to keep such prodigies.
More importantly, behind these two stood a terrifying figure—Miao Zhenshan, a super Douluo!
Though the Body sect wasn't mainstream yet, once its potential was unlocked, its influence would be undeniable.
Thus, Ning Fengzhi had no choice but to shift his focus—extending an olive branch to the three substitute players.
Tai Long was excluded due to his complicated background.
Jiang Zhu, Huang Yuan, and Jing Ling accepted without hesitation.
After all, there was a gap between geniuses.
Tang San and the others had the leverage to refuse—they had brighter futures ahead.
But these substitutes understood their own standing.
Originally, becoming teachers at Shrek Academy would have been their peak.
But joining one of the Top Three Sects? That was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.
Especially for Crimson Pearl—its focus on auxiliary-type martial souls meant its research far surpassed Shrek Academy's.
Yet, Ning Fengzhi's attention eventually circled back to Xiao Tianyang.
Ning Rongrong knew her father well—and he knew her just as intimately.
The fact that she'd introduced Xiao Tianyang first spoke volumes.
"Father, why are you staring at Xiao Tianyang like that?" Ning Rongrong frowned, catching Ning Fengzhi's gaze. "Don't tell me you're still thinking of recruiting him?"
Ning Fengzhi: "…"
'Wasn't my daughter just being clever a moment ago? Why is she so dense now?'
Of course, it didn't help that he'd been silently observing without a word.
Naturally, misunderstandings were inevitable.
…
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