Douluo: Martial Soul of Lightning

By the time the afternoon ended, Ning Rongrong had already committed the cultivation method for the Purple Demon Eye to memory and gained a basic understanding of it.

Tang San had explained to her that the best time to cultivate Purple Demon Eye was at sunrise, when the morning sun first rose over the horizon.

In return, Ning Rongrong passed on the Heart Separation Control technique to Tang San. Since this cultivation method varied slightly depending on the individual Spirit Master's attributes, she patiently explained its core principles, as well as the critical points to be mindful of during training.

Having exchanged their secret techniques, Tang San left with his teacher, while Ning Rongrong—who had promised her father she'd report back once she learned the technique—hurried off alone to the imperial guest manor within Heaven Dou City where Ning Fengzhi was staying.

She spent about half an hour telling her father about the Purple Demon Eye's cultivation and what Lin Jie had said about how it could be paired with Heart Separation Control. Afterward, she returned to Shrek Academy.

When Ning Fengzhi learned about the Purple Demon Eye's method and effects, he was genuinely shocked. This technique was practically made for their clan. Then, when he heard from Ning Rongrong that Tang San had at least four equally powerful techniques, his apprehension toward the Clear Sky Clan deepened. Still, his expression remained a strange mix of excitement and frustration. Especially after asking his daughter a certain question and receiving her answer, his face turned even darker… though considering how talented that little monster Lin Jie was, he couldn't stay angry for long.

While Tang San and Ning Rongrong were out, Lin Jie had gone off on his own. Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing, Jiangzhu, and the others were still in the middle of their training, he decided not to disturb them. After checking in on them briefly, he returned to his own room.

"Lin Jie, are you in there?" Ning Rongrong knocked on the door.

She had gone back to the cabin and, not seeing Lin Jie inside, figured he must have returned to his room. She wasted no time running over.

Hearing her voice, Lin Jie opened the door and saw Ning Rongrong standing there, beaming with joy. As soon as the door opened, she lunged into his arms without hesitation.

"Rongrong, what's all this about?" Lin Jie shut the door behind her, half helpless as he caught her in his arms.

"I missed you, Lin Jie," she said shyly, tilting up her delicate face—smooth as peeled lychee and tinged with a rosy blush—as she looked at him.

"We just saw each other, and you're saying you missed me already?" Lin Jie teased, gently flicking her dainty nose.

"I don't care. I missed you, so now you owe me!" she huffed and buried her face in his chest.

Lin Jie was more than familiar with this little enchantress's temperament after spending the past half-year with her.

"Alright, alright. Let me properly make it up to my precious Rongrong." He smiled and gently cupped her blushing face. Pressing her against the door, he leaned in and kissed her soft, cherry lips.

By now, Rongrong was well-practiced in this sort of intimacy. When she said she missed him, this was exactly what she meant. As Lin Jie kissed her, she wrapped her arms tightly around him and deepened the kiss passionately.

After a long moment, Lin Jie finally released her. Ning Rongrong's beautiful face was flushed red with embarrassment, her breathing light, her body melting in his embrace.

She leaned against him limply, her creamy skin soft and warm. Lin Jie could tell exactly what she was thinking. But it wasn't the right time for that—after all, it was still early evening. If Zhu Zhuqing or Xiao Wu came by looking for him to eat dinner, that would be awkward.

"Alright, Rongrong, enough of that," he said softly.

Still leaning against him, Rongrong pouted. But she soon perked up and said, "Oh, right! Lin Jie, why don't we cultivate Purple Demon Eye together?"

"Rongrong, I'm not so sure about that," Lin Jie hesitated. "If Tang San finds out, I wouldn't even know how to explain it to him."

"What's there to worry about? Didn't San-ge say I could teach it to someone close to me? Aren't we close enough? Besides, my father already knows about us," Rongrong said matter-of-factly.

"…Your father knows?" Lin Jie blinked, a little stunned. Ning Fengzhi knew he had been so intimate with his daughter? Now he'd feel weird every time they met. "When did he find out?"

"Just earlier. He asked me some things, and I guess he could tell. But he didn't object to us being together!" Rongrong said cheerfully. Clearly, she was thrilled that her father supported her relationship with the man she loved.

Lin Jie sighed inwardly. Yeah, that tracked. After all the time they'd spent together this past half year, and considering the changes in Rongrong's behavior, it wasn't hard for someone as experienced as Ning Fengzhi to figure it out. So what if he knew? There was nothing shameful about it.

"Fine, fine. But you're really going to teach me Purple Demon Eye?" Lin Jie asked.

"Of course! I'm not breaking any promise. It's not like I'm going to tell Tang San about it." Rongrong grinned mischievously.

"Alright then," Lin Jie agreed. In truth, he had always been curious about Tang San's abilities. Of them all, Purple Demon Eye was the one that intrigued him most. As for Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, his own speed was already more than enough. Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon was mostly about redirecting force, which he had long mastered. Mysterious Jade Hand and Mysterious Heaven Skill? He didn't need those either.

So yes—Purple Demon Eye was the one.

Back inside the room, Rongrong patiently taught Lin Jie everything she knew about the cultivation method and the key points to focus on. Lin Jie, after hearing the explanation, couldn't help but marvel—this ability really was worthy of being one of Tang San's cheat-level skills. Even at the basic level, it dramatically enhanced observation, insight, and most importantly, spiritual power.

"Thank you, Rongrong," he said sincerely.

"Heehee. So how are you going to thank me?" Rongrong teased, tipping her head back, eyes closed, lips gently puckered.

Lin Jie shook his head with a helpless smile. Ever since they'd gotten closer, she'd become bolder when it came to matters between men and women—sometimes even taking the initiative. He barely had to lift a finger before she came looking for him herself. Honestly, it was starting to feel a little like she was addicted.

He gave her a soft kiss and said, "Alright, Rongrong. Since you've got this technique now, you have to cultivate it seriously. This ability is incredibly valuable for your future. You're only fourteen, the prime age to begin training it. I'll help keep you on track, okay?"

"Got it," Rongrong replied sweetly.

After spending a little more time together, the two of them headed to the grove behind the academy.

Just then, Zhu Zhuqing had also finished her training. The group decided to head together to the cafeteria for dinner.

After their meal, they discussed the upcoming rounds of the competition before returning to their rooms for evening cultivation. After all, achieving this level of strength at such a young age was no accident—it was the product of day-in, day-out dedication.