Chapter 48: 48: Ning Fengzhi with a Big Head
The first day at Shrek Academy consisted only of entrance examinations, with no actual classes scheduled. Yang Xiong, Oscar, and Tang San were assigned to share the same dormitory, while Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, known as the infamous 'hookup duo,' occupied another room.
Looking at the two people around him in their shared living space, Yang Xiong felt genuinely uncomfortable and out of place. He had always lived alone and wasn't accustomed to this type of communal dormitory life, especially sharing such close quarters with two other young men.
After all, he had experienced two complete lifetimes of memories. The last time he had lived in a dormitory setting was decades ago on Earth. He felt awkward and restless throughout his entire body, particularly since his cultivation methods and practices had many significant differences from those of ordinary spirit masters.
Oscar appeared to possess a naturally good personality and seemed easy to get along with. After the two of them helped carry the unconscious Tang San onto his bed, they engaged in a brief but friendly conversation.
Yang Xiong seemed to be the only person who didn't reject or feel disgusted by Oscar's peculiar sausage summoning incantation, which greatly pleased and impressed Oscar.
"Yang Xiong, we're going to be roommates from now on," Oscar said with genuine enthusiasm. "I'm Oscar, my martial spirit is a sausage, I'm a level twenty-nine food-type spirit master, and my nickname is 'Sausage Specialist.'"
Yang Xiong smiled warmly in response. "Hello, Oscar. I'm Yang Xiong, a level twenty-six battle spirit master. My martial spirit is my own physical body. I hope we can get along well in our dormitory life together."
Oscar seemed to be winking playfully. "Yang Xiong, that girl who came with you is quite beautiful and impressive. You two must have developed a good relationship during your journey here."
Yang Xiong shook his head with mild amusement. "Oscar, I think you're reading too much into the situation. She's the little princess of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. I wouldn't dare to provoke or court her too seriously."
A trace of obvious envy appeared on Oscar's face. "You two are actually from the famous Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? No wonder you both look somewhat different from ordinary students. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is widely known as the wealthiest sect on the entire continent."
Yang Xiong responded thoughtfully, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's training and support for its students is indeed excellent and comprehensive, but being affiliated with a major sect doesn't give you nearly as much personal freedom as you independent students enjoy."
After their brief introduction and conversation, both young men began their evening meditation practice.
Yang Xiong had just experienced an intense battle against Zhao Wuji and realized that it was completely different from any of his previous combat experiences.
Zhao Wuji was, after all, a powerful Spirit Saint, especially one who possessed a top-tier beast martial spirit. He was considered one of the strongest and most formidable fighters among spirit masters of equivalent levels. Yang Xiong had felt completely overwhelmed and crushed during the entire battle, and it could honestly be said that he had almost no real power to fight back effectively.
Even though Yang Xiong had used his Instant Transmission and Rasengan techniques continuously throughout the fight, the feeling of being completely dominated at that level was extremely demoralizing and powerless. If Zhao Wuji had genuinely fought with serious intent to harm, Yang Xiong probably wouldn't have been able to withstand even a single devastating move.
The difference in spirit power between the two combatants was simply too vast and overwhelming. Even his Instant Transmission technique could be sensed and tracked by Zhao Wuji almost immediately. Spirit Saints possessed the ability to detect fluctuations of spirit power in the surrounding air, making it virtually impossible for low-level spirit masters to hide or surprise them effectively.
Yang Xiong came to the realization that his offensive methods were severely limited and inadequate, or rather, too few in number and variety. Perhaps he should dedicate time to studying additional combat skills and techniques. Although his Rasengan was undeniably powerful and effective, it consumed far too much of his precious spirit energy. At his current level of twenty-six, Yang Xiong estimated that he could only use the Rasengan technique approximately four times during a single extended battle before exhausting himself.
Tang San regained consciousness during the evening hours. Yang Xiong simply exchanged a few polite words with him and didn't pay particular attention to other matters. Since they weren't familiar with each other yet, there wasn't much meaningful conversation to be had. Oscar, on the other hand, seemed genuinely friendly and approachable.
Early the next morning, Tang San asked Oscar about Xiao Wu's residence and living arrangements, then departed alone to check on her condition. Yang Xiong left at approximately the same time, but his intention was simply to exercise and train around the academy grounds.
Since undergoing the transformative Ice and Fire Body Tempering process, Yang Xiong felt that his physical fitness and conditioning had improved dramatically. He carried a training load of approximately one hundred pounds with him constantly, which he essentially never removed.
This hundred-pound training load consisted of four ten-pound wrist guards secured to his limbs, as well as a sixty-pound breastplate worn across his torso. These specialized training weights had been custom-made by Yang Xiong using rare deep-sea sinking silver, composed of countless tiny interconnected buckles and fasteners. A layer of soft cloth was carefully glued to the exterior surfaces, creating the appearance of flexible soft armor that wouldn't interfere with his usual daily activities or cause uncomfortable chafing against his skin.
Although Yang Xiong had meditated quietly and peacefully throughout the night, events occurring outside the academy were far from tranquil or peaceful.
Inside the magnificent halls of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Fengzhi's face displayed obvious displeasure and concern at this moment. Two imposing figures stood before him, both wearing equally dark and disapproving expressions - namely the legendary Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
The usually calm and composed Sword Douluo rarely displayed such obvious anger and frustration. "Fengzhi, I questioned why you needed both me and Old Bone to handle this supposedly minor matter together. I didn't expect you to arrange for Rongrong to leave our protection and attend some remote Shrek Academy. Is the educational system of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School somehow inadequate or insufficient?"
Ning Fengzhi's facial expression was much more serious and grave than usual. "Sword Uncle, Bone Uncle, it's precisely because you both spoil Rongrong far too much that I've decided to send her away from the sect to study and undergo proper training. This challenging experience will prove beneficial for her future development and character."
Sword Douluo responded with obvious displeasure, "I don't see any potential benefits in this arrangement. I only know that Rongrong, being such a delicate and sheltered young girl, will suffer unnecessarily in the outside world. I'm going to retrieve Rongrong and bring her back home immediately."
Ning Fengzhi quickly intervened with urgency, "Sword Uncle, Bone Uncle, you absolutely must listen to my reasoning this time. I have already written a detailed letter to Flender, the dean of Shrek Academy, who was once a member of the famous Golden Triangle. He should possess good judgment and won't allow Rongrong to face any genuine danger or harm."
"Furthermore, Rongrong is currently at a critical stage of personal growth and desperately needs to strengthen her character and resolve. Otherwise, how will she ever be capable of bearing the tremendous responsibilities of leading the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the future? As her father, no one cares more about her safety and well-being than I do, but I recognize that I must send her away from the sect's protection to allow her to truly mature."
The originally angry Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo fell into contemplative silence. As top-tier spirit masters with extensive experience, they were acutely aware of the immense difficulties and challenges that Ning Fengzhi faced in controlling and managing such a powerful sect.
At this moment, Sword Douluo suddenly spoke again with continued concern. "Fengzhi, then why did you decide to send that young man Yang Xiong along with Rongrong? Don't think I can't see through your underlying intentions and plans. Rongrong is far too young and immature to be considering romantic relationships at this stage. Besides, while Yang Xiong seems decent enough as a person, his natural talent appears too limited, and it will likely prove difficult for him to cultivate to the Titled Douluo realm in the future."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head thoughtfully. "Sword Uncle, the primary reason I arranged for Yang Xiong to accompany Rongrong in her studies is because Yang Xiong demonstrates greater maturity and understanding of the importance of interpersonal relationships. He possesses the capability to protect Rongrong when necessary."
"Moreover, based on Yang Xiong's demonstrated talent and his potential contributions to our sect, he may achieve better development opportunities than we initially anticipated. Rongrong needs to personally win his loyalty and respect, otherwise I fear it may become difficult for her to effectively manage and control him in the future when she assumes leadership."
Sword Douluo responded with a cold snort of displeasure. "Fengzhi, regardless of your reasoning and planning, if anything serious happens to Rongrong during this arrangement, I will absolutely hold you personally accountable for the consequences."
Ning Fengzhi could only smile bitterly at this ultimatum, but after considering the situation further, he addressed Bone Douluo directly.
"Bone Uncle, I have already informed Yang Xiong that when he returns to the sect after completing his education, I hope you will consider accepting him as your personal disciple. Perhaps with your guidance and training, he can progress much further along the path of spirit master cultivation in the future."
Bone Douluo also responded with a cold snort of skepticism. "This Yang Xiong is still far too young and unproven. If he truly wants to become my disciple, he must first demonstrate his worthiness through his future performance and achievements. Also, you must ensure that you pay careful attention to Rongrong's safety and well-being. If anything unfortunate happens to our precious Rongrong, I will also hold you personally accountable for failing in your duties."
Ning Fengzhi could only remain silent, recognizing the gravity of the promises he had made and the expectations placed upon him by these two legendary Titled Douluo.
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