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The scenery was picturesque, with clear waters and lush mountains. Though remote, the area exuded a serene charm.
Although the village where Shrek Academy resided was both poor and dilapidated, it spared them many troubles.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang sat in the courtyard, savoring one of the few precious cups of fragrant tea he had left.
"Though Flander's Wild Chicken Academy is poor and run-down, at least there aren't many people around. Otherwise, if my role as Tang San's teacher were to be exposed later, it would cause a lot of trouble."
Yu Xiaogang felt quite pleased with himself.
Tang San's cultivation speed was indeed remarkable—by the age of twelve, he had already met the graduation standards of an advanced academy. Thus, there was no need for him to attend so-called intermediate or advanced academies. As for simulated training environments, with Yu Xiaogang's knowledge, creating a low-budget version was child's play. After a few operations, Tang San willingly came to this rural Shrek Academy to improve his combat skills.
Over the years, Tang San had been completely deceived by Yu Xiaogang's vast knowledge and trusted him without suspicion.
It was rather pitiful, though. Despite having three Soul Sages, Shrek Academy only had four students:
Dai Mubai, Tang San, Shao Tiantian, and Li Jingliu.
As for Ning Rongrong, she had dropped out shortly after enrollment and fled to Tianxing Academy.
Her even greater talent compared to the original storyline also made her personality more unruly.
Flander, believing himself to be a Soul Sage and backed by Ning Fengzhi initially, relentlessly pushed Ning Rongrong. However, who could have predicted that the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect's situation would change drastically? Ning Fengzhi directly withdrew Ning Rongrong from Shrek and sent her to Tianxing Academy.
The godlike support of Tianxing Academy was right in front of her—why waste time at this trashy Shrek Academy?
As for correcting Ning Rongrong's unruly personality?
Tianxing Academy had no shortage of prodigies, nobles, and elites. This year, the academy even included Ye Wen's children, who could thoroughly suppress Ning Rongrong's arrogance.
They would teach her that "there's always someone stronger," and with Ning Fengzhi's guidance, Ning Rongrong would naturally mend her ways.
Currently, Ning Rongrong had already begun pursuing Ye Tianchen.
How to quickly integrate two powerful factions? Marriage was undoubtedly the most effective method.
Unfortunately, Tianxing Academy's status far surpassed that of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect. Equal marriage was impossible; Ning Rongrong could only take the initiative to marry into the divine family.
Moreover, Ye Tianchen had both status and looks. Ning Rongrong, being somewhat shallow when it came to appearances, accepted the task without hesitation.
As for her official pairing with Oscar?
There were plenty of beautiful girls in Tianxing Academy—he wouldn't focus on Ning Rongrong anymore.
The reason Oscar liked Ning Rongrong in the original storyline was due to his humble origins. Aside from her bad temper, Ning Rongrong fulfilled nearly all of Oscar's fantasies and quirks.
Half a year ago, Tang San finally broke through the 30th level threshold, becoming a Soul Lord before the age of thirteen.
Unfortunately, Tang San's first two soul rings were merely standard century-level rings, and the spirit beasts he hunted were identical to those from his past life. His second soul ring came from a ghost vine over six hundred years old.
One could say that while Tang San was talented, he wasn't a top-tier genius. From the start of his cultivation, he had already fallen behind at the starting line.
Having a Title Douluo as a father yet remaining so mediocre—it was laughable.
His third soul ring came from a Human-Faced Demon Spider with 1,500 years of cultivation. Though it didn't reach Tang San's limit, finding such a powerful spider-type spirit beast had taken Shrek's group a long time.
The outer regions of the Great Star Forest they frequented seemed devoid of Human-Faced Demon Spiders—they couldn't find any despite searching for ages.
What rotten luck! (╬▔皿▔)
Although Tang San's first two soul skills complemented each other well, providing sufficient control and restraint, Yu Xiaogang argued that the simple vine characteristics were too ordinary. Once the opponent broke free, the restraining effect would diminish significantly. He suggested adding stickiness to the Green Vine martial soul to better restrain opponents.
After some thought, Tang San agreed, finding it reasonable.
After all, Yu Xiaogang often taught Tang San that early-stage soul rings didn't need to prioritize offensive abilities, and Tang San himself already had the means of hidden weapons, so he wasn't in a rush.
As for external spirit bones?
That was entirely dependent on luck. Tang San might have had a chance back when he chased Xiao Wu out of love, but now… hehehe.
Yu Xiaogang lounged lazily in the courtyard, basking in the sun.
Since breaking through to Soul Emperor, his cultivation progress had slowed to a crawl, much like how he had been stuck at the Soul Lord threshold at level 29.
This was the end of the road for him. Continuing cultivation was impossible; he could only maintain his lifestyle by slacking off.
As Yu Xiaogang pondered new ways to slack off, a voice suddenly rang in his ear.
"Come inside~"
Yu Xiaogang, who had been in a good mood moments ago, instantly turned pale.
Though he hadn't heard this voice many times, he was all too familiar with it.
Could it be that Tang San's deception and his own slacking had been discovered?
Hmm, surely not, Yu Xiaogang thought hopefully.
Though he wanted to flee, circumstances forced him to swallow his fear and return indoors.
Upon entering, a pungent stench hit him. Tang Hao appeared in his usual black robe.
How long had it been since Tang Hao last bathed? He smelled awful!
Suppressing his nausea, Yu Xiaogang bowed respectfully.
"What brings you here, Your Excellency?"
Tang Hao's emotionless gaze lingered on Yu Xiaogang for a moment before he spoke.
"The Shrek Academy you recommended is indeed suitable for cultivation, but the simulated environment is far too poor.
Have Xiao San transfer to a renowned advanced soul master academy. There's no point in staying at Shrek anymore. I want him to reach level 40 quickly—I have other plans for him."
Yu Xiaogang inwardly cursed.
"If Tang San were a clean-slate genius, attending those advanced academies would be fine. Even if his background were questionable, my reputation could vouch for him. But he's the son of Douluo Continent's most wanted fugitive! If exposed, I'd be dragged down with him."
However, in front of Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang dared not voice these thoughts, fearing the madman might hammer him to death before he could fulfill his family duties.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's silence, Tang Hao assumed there was some difficulty and asked,
"What's wrong? Any issues?"
Yu Xiaogang inwardly cursed Tang Hao again for being a muscle-brained fool who didn't understand such a simple matter—or perhaps he was pretending to be oblivious.
"Your Excellency, Xiao San's identity is special. He really isn't suited for those advanced academies," Yu Xiaogang said tactfully.
Hearing this, Tang Hao seemed to realize something. After a moment, he pulled a token from his pocket and tossed it to Yu Xiaogang.
Catching it, Yu Xiaogang froze upon closer inspection.
The Spirit Hall Elder Token?!
How did this end up in Tang Hao's hands?
Even though this guy was the current Hao Tian Douluo, was his father really so indulgent as to hand over the Elder Token to him?!
"With this, no advanced academy will refuse Xiao San.
I believe Dr. Yu should have no trouble handling this. Otherwise, I assume you wouldn't want…"
A murderous glint flickered in Tang Hao's eyes. Clearly, Yu Xiaogang's earlier words had touched a sore spot, making Tang Hao extremely displeased.
Yu Xiaogang's hair stood on end, cold sweat pouring down his face as he stammered,
"I-I can handle it."
Satisfied, Tang Hao nodded. "In that case, I'll leave this to you. Don't disappoint me."
With that, Tang Hao vanished from the room, leaving no trace. Truly coming and going like a ghost—he'd make a great flower thief.
Yu Xiaogang collapsed onto a chair, utterly exhausted.
"Damn you, Tang Hao. You're pushing me toward a dead end!" Yu Xiaogang lamented bitterly.
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