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It must be said that Tian Dou Imperial Academy was a true noble academy, with excellent simulated environments of all kinds.
Not only were there environments suitable for plant-type soul masters to cultivate, but also areas tailored for elemental martial souls and even some well-suited for beast-type martial souls.
Plant-type soul masters typically trained in places rich in life energy, where plants thrived and resonated with their martial souls.
The simulated environments for beast-type martial souls resembled the Soul Beast Forest, though they only housed ordinary or non-aggressive soul beasts. For someone like Dai Mubai, with his White Tiger martial soul, such an environment allowed him to fully display the majesty of the "King of Beasts."
In contrast, the simulated environments for elemental martial souls were relatively simple, featuring corresponding elemental conditions—such as ice, fire, or water.
Yang Xiong, however, preferred the gravity-enhanced simulated environments. Yes, within the academy, there was a dedicated gravity field. However, it was primarily used for physical training, with various strength-training equipment available. No one had ever considered meditating under such intense pressure.
Moreover, this gravity-enhanced environment was relatively crude, simply increasing the pressure through the use of certain minerals. It lacked the precision of gravity control that a Soul Sage might exhibit during cultivation.
In the soul master world, meditation required absolute quiet and isolation to achieve optimal results. Thus, even with the availability of gravity-enhanced environments, they were mostly frequented by power-type soul masters.
After just three days, the teachers and students of Shrek Academy were clearly satisfied with the situation at Tian Dou Imperial Academy, each wearing a contented smile.
Although Yang Xiong hailed from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he had been an ordinary lower-grade student before and had never experienced the sect's internal simulated environments. Therefore, he was unfamiliar with these facilities.
By comparison, the teaching methods of Shrek Academy's instructors seemed rather rough. Everyone continued with weighted training and combat drills, while most of the time was spent on self-cultivation. Given their limited exposure to such simulated environments, they appeared somewhat inexperienced, almost like country bumpkins.
That day, the group once again gathered in the dining hall. The eight of them ordered an entire table full of dishes. After three days of enrollment, any initial awkwardness had completely disappeared, especially for Ma Hongjun, who had already abandoned all pretense of dignity.
The dining hall of Tian Dou Imperial Academy was the most concentrated gathering place for everyone, yet even so, the interior was extraordinarily luxurious, rivaling a high-end hotel.
Some of the boys began to reveal their true natures, especially Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, who unabashedly critiqued the passing beauties, showing no trace of elegance.
If Dai Mubai still retained a degree of restraint and nobility, Ma Hongjun was the complete opposite—a total fanboy unable to tear his eyes away from the girls.
Tian Dou Imperial Academy truly lived up to its reputation as a noble academy, with handsome boys and beautiful girls everywhere. Perhaps due to their soul master training, these girls were exceptionally attractive, with excellent figures. Yang Xiong hadn't seen a single overweight female soul master.
Moreover, the noble girls were particularly skilled at dressing themselves. Even in their school uniforms, they looked curvaceous and strikingly beautiful. With students ranging in age from twelve to twenty-five, the academy boasted a variety of styles—from mature beauties to cute young girls—truly a paradise on earth.
Before Yang Xiong could sneak a few more glances, a sharp pain shot through his waist—it was Ning Rongrong, the little devil, pinching him.
Ning Rongrong scolded angrily, "You little bear! Only three days into Tian Dou Imperial Academy, and you're already ogling around? I see how all you men are. It won't be long before your heart gets stolen by some little seductress."
Yang Xiong quickly pleaded for mercy. "My little beauty, I only come out to eat meals every day. Besides you, I don't have eyes for anyone else."
Upon hearing this exchange, everyone burst into laughter, especially Xiao Wu, whose reaction was particularly exaggerated.
Xiao Wu pinched Tang San. "Third Brother, don't tell me you're like the other boys, getting distracted by pretty girls?"
Tang San hastily begged for forgiveness. "Xiao Wu, you know my heart. I've always ignored any beauties. To me, all girls are fleeting clouds except for you. I'd never be like Yang Xiong."
Yang Xiong: …
In contrast, Dai Mubai and Oscar's eyes wandered freely.
Dai Mubai had been pursuing Zhu Zhuqing, and the two even shared mutual feelings. Many believed they were close to becoming a couple.
However, Dai Mubai was a bit of a flirt. Seeing beautiful girls made him unable to move his feet, especially after entering Tian Dou Imperial Academy. Standing tall and handsome with flowing golden hair, he exuded a rebellious charm, making him the "Prince Charming" in the eyes of many girls. Reportedly, within three days of enrollment, he had received numerous love confessions, much to Zhu Zhuqing's displeasure.
Oscar, too, was tempted. After all, who wouldn't want a beautiful girl by their side during cultivation?
However, Yang Xiong had promised to introduce him to a stunning girl soon, assuring him he'd be more than satisfied.
---
After the meal, Yang Xiong held Ning Rongrong's hand as they strolled by the lake. The calm surface of the water and the serene surroundings left them both entranced. Lately, aside from cultivation, Yang Xiong enjoyed taking Ning Rongrong on walks around the academy.
They found an open space by the lake and sat down facing the water. Ning Rongrong leaned her head against Yang Xiong's chest.
"Little Bear, isn't our time at this school too short? You should spend more time with me."
Yang Xiong gently stroked Ning Rongrong's hair. "We're soul masters. Cultivation must come first. Only through hard work now can we stay together longer in the future."
Ning Rongrong playfully smiled. "I knew you'd say that. I've been working hard lately. I'll probably reach level thirty soon. I don't think your soul power will ever catch up to mine."
Yang Xiong chuckled. "Maybe it's because of recent changes in my mindset, but I feel my soul power is improving faster. In about half a month, I might advance another level."
Ning Rongrong was astonished. "How is that possible? It's only been less than two months since you reached level twenty-nine."
Yang Xiong pinched Ning Rongrong's cheek. "Then you need to train harder too. If I surpass you, it won't look good."
---
The two were chatting idly, a rare moment of relaxation for Yang Xiong each day.
However, just as they were deep in conversation, a sudden cough interrupted them.
Ning Rongrong scolded, "Who's so blind as to disturb us like this?"
But when they turned around, they were both stunned—especially Yang Xiong, who felt his world darken. His worst fear had come true.
Standing about four meters away were two people: Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
Ning Fengzhi looked calm, even smiling slightly, appearing more refined than usual. Sword Douluo, however, wore a frosty expression, far from his usual relaxed demeanor.
Yang Xiong's heart sank. 'This is trouble. We've been caught by Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo. Will Sword Douluo chop me to pieces?'
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, was overjoyed and rushed into Ning Fengzhi's arms.
"Father, why are you here at Tian Dou Imperial Academy? Grandpa Sword, it's been so long! Did you miss me?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Father missed you so much. You've grown up a lot in just a few months."
Sword Douluo's icy expression melted instantly, replaced by boundless affection. "Rongrong has suffered these past few months. Just thinking about it breaks my heart."
He then shot Ning Fengzhi a glare, clearly dissatisfied with his earlier decision.
Ning Rongrong broke free from Ning Fengzhi and threw herself into Sword Douluo's arms. "Grandpa Sword, I've suffered so much these past months. It's all because of this stupid father!"
Sword Douluo quickly consoled her. "Don't worry, Rongrong. I'll punish your father properly and make sure you never suffer again."
Ning Fengzhi looked awkward but didn't dare to protest.
At this moment, Yang Xiong bowed slightly. "Greetings, Sect Leader. Greetings, Senior Sword Douluo."
Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly. "Xiao Xiong, Principal Flender told me about your excellent performance these past few months, especially yours. Your soul power growth and combat abilities have pleased him greatly. Sending you to Shrek Academy was the right decision."
Yang Xiong quickly responded. "Thank you, Sect Leader. Without your arrangement, I wouldn't have gone to Shrek Academy."
Still, Yang Xiong couldn't shake the feeling that Ning Fengzhi's gaze was strange, especially Sword Douluo's sidelong glare, which sent chills down his spine.
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected. "Father, Grandpa Sword, I've made many good friends at Shrek Academy. I'll introduce them to you later."
"Oh, by the way, why are you suddenly here at Tian Dou Imperial Academy?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "I heard that some talented youths from Shrek Academy came to Tian Dou Imperial Academy, so I came with the Crown Prince to take a look. They're all at the Teaching Committee building now. Let's go together."
Ning Rongrong thought of something. "Father, wait a moment. I'll show you something very useful for our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Ning Fengzhi looked puzzled, while Ning Rongrong grinned mischievously. "Grandpa Sword, I need to demonstrate this. Please witness it with me."
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged glances but quickly smiled. With their status, they had seen everything. However, since Ning Rongrong was so excited, they indulged their beloved princess.
After Ning Rongrong showcased various hidden weapons, Ning Fengzhi became extremely serious, and even Sword Douluo, who was usually carefree, grew solemn.
Through further discussion, Ning Fengzhi learned that these hidden weapons were crafted by Tang San. Moreover, Ning Rongrong had even discussed the possibility of trading with him, leaving Ning Fengzhi amazed at how much his daughter had grown up.
Yang Xiong, meanwhile, remained as inconspicuous as possible. He didn't want to draw attention from Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, especially not from Sword Douluo's piercing gaze, which made him feel deeply uneasy.
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