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Originally, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Ning Rongrong were enjoying a heartfelt reunion, while Yang Xiong was content to remain inconspicuous.
Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi turned to Yang Xiong. "Xiao Xiong, what do you think of these hidden weapons? And what are your thoughts on your classmates?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying. "These hidden weapons are quite powerful and very useful for auxiliary soul masters. They're highly suitable for our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
"As for the students at Shrek Academy, they're all talented. However, most of them have their own backgrounds. While they can become friends of our sect, they aren't worth expending great effort to recruit. The exceptions are Ma Hongjun and Oscar, who come from commoner backgrounds and might be willing to join us."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "I've also reviewed the information about your Shrek Academy classmates. They're all impressive. But what about Tang San and Xiao Wu? Are they not worth recruiting?"
Yang Xiong's expression grew serious. "Sect Leader, is it possible to recruit someone from the Hao Tian Sect? Would they even consider joining us?"
The three were startled, completely baffled by Yang Xiong's words.
Ning Rongrong was confused. "Little Bear, what does Tang San have to do with the Hao Tian Sect?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression also turned serious. "Xiao Xiong, explain yourself carefully. Have you discovered something else?"
Yang Xiong looked at Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, do you remember during our entrance exam when Tang San fought Zhao Wuji alone? Besides his strange hidden weapons, he also wielded a small black hammer. That should be the legendary Hao Tian Hammer."
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected. "If Tang San's martial soul is the Hao Tian Hammer, then what about his current Blue Silver Grass martial soul?"
Yang Xiong replied, "Twin martial souls. Tang San must have twin martial souls. His second martial soul is likely the Hao Tian Hammer."
Ning Fengzhi's expression hardened. "Xiao Xiong, are you saying that the Hao Tian Sect has secretly reemerged? Why haven't we received any information about this?"
Yang Xiong shook his head. "It has nothing to do with the Hao Tian Sect. When we were in the Star Dou Forest, I asked Teacher Lin Gong to rescue Xiao Wu. At the critical moment, he was deterred by the presence of a Title Douluo—likely a Title Douluo from the Hao Tian Sect. There's only one active Title Douluo from the Hao Tian Sect in the outside world."
Ning Fengzhi pondered deeply. His originally calm and serene gaze now gleamed with sharpness. "Hao Tian Douluo Tang Hao!"
Yang Xiong nodded. "Rongrong, do you remember Tang San mentioning that his father was an ordinary blacksmith named Tang Hao?"
Ning Rongrong thought carefully. "Tang San did mention it once, but I didn't pay much attention."
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged glances. "Uncle Sword, this involves the Hao Tian Sect. Perhaps things aren't so simple. However, we need to observe Tang San's attitude. It's possible he himself doesn't know his connection to the Hao Tian Sect."
"Xiao Xiong, keep Tang San's identity as a disciple of the Hao Tian Sect a secret for now. Pretend you don't know. I'll handle this personally later."
---
The four soon arrived at the Teaching Committee Building. In addition to the original three members of the committee and the teachers and students of Shrek Academy, a young man sat in the central position.
He appeared relatively slender, but his every movement exuded elegance, nobility, and approachability. This must be the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe that Ning Fengzhi had mentioned.
Indeed, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe shared similar personalities. Both were elegant and spoke with deep meaning, truly fitting for teacher and disciple.
After some communication, it was clear that both Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi were highly satisfied with the teachers and students of Shrek Academy, showing clear intentions to cultivate relationships.
Once everyone left, only Xue Qinghe, Ning Rongrong, and Yang Xiong remained in the Teaching Committee Building. Tang San, on the other hand, was invited separately by Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, likely to discuss the trade of hidden weapons.
Ning Rongrong seemed very familiar with Xue Qinghe. She called him "Brother Qinghe," and he called her "Sister Rongrong," making them seem like real siblings. Meanwhile, Yang Xiong felt somewhat like a third wheel.
Xue Qinghe glanced at Yang Xiong. "Classmate Yang Xiong, I've known Rongrong since childhood. She's my teacher's daughter, and I've always treated her like a younger sister."
Yang Xiong bowed slightly. "Greetings, Crown Prince. Your relationship with Rongrong is truly close. Rongrong has always hoped for an older brother."
Xue Qinghe smiled and nodded. "Rongrong is adorable. My teacher and I both dote on her."
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected. "Brother Qinghe, Little Bear, don't be so formal. Our two families have an excellent relationship."
Xue Qinghe looked at the affectionate interaction between Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong, adopting a protective older brother expression.
"Rongrong is our little princess. Since the two of you are together, I hope you'll continue to spoil her."
Yang Xiong was speechless at Xue Qinghe's act. This person was truly a master of deception—it was no wonder that even someone as astute as Ning Fengzhi was fooled. Yang Xiong carefully studied Xue Qinghe's face, wondering if there was any connection to a woman.
Xue Qinghe seemed to notice Yang Xiong's unusual gaze and couldn't help but speak. "Classmate Yang Xiong, we're all family now. Speak freely if you have anything to say."
From Yang Xiong's perspective, it was clear that Xue Qinghe had intentions of courting both Ning Rongrong and himself. Otherwise, a busy Crown Prince wouldn't bother saying such things.
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying. "Your Highness, I've long heard of your reputation. Your diligence in governance and care for the people have earned you great praise among the populace. However, I've always found certain things strange."
Xue Qinghe was puzzled. "Is there something wrong with my actions?"
Yang Xiong casually sipped his tea. "Your Highness excels in every aspect and commands admiration. However, I've heard that you're not young anymore. It's time to find a Crown Princess. Yet, there are no rumors of such, and you've never been linked romantically with any woman."
"I understand that you're busy with state affairs and cultivation, but the empire's succession is the most important matter. Emperor Xue Ye must be worried about you."
A hint of embarrassment crossed Xue Qinghe's face. "I've indeed been too busy and may have neglected this."
Yang Xiong chuckled. "Your Highness, please don't take offense. Our two families are close, and Rongrong sees you as a brother, which is why I'm speaking so frankly. Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has many excellent female disciples who are beautiful and accomplished. Perhaps one of them could be a worthy match for you. It would be a fine tale for both families."
Xue Qinghe seemed to avoid the topic. "Classmate Yang Xiong, you jest. I do have many responsibilities, and perhaps the Emperor will arrange a marriage for me."
The three were sitting together when Yang Xiong suddenly took Xue Qinghe's hands as he reached for his teacup, appearing unusually enthusiastic.
"Your Highness, your marriage concerns the continuation of the Tian Dou Imperial Family. Such matters cannot be taken lightly. Though I haven't been at Tian Dou Imperial Academy for long, I've heard that Prince Xue Beng enjoys socializing and has never lacked girlfriends. You should learn from your younger brother in this regard."
Xue Qinghe subtly withdrew his hands. "Classmate Yang Xiong, you jest. Xue Beng has always been dissolute. If he offended you earlier, I apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong showed no intention of letting this imposter off easily. "Your Highness, we've hit it off immediately. If you truly have any hidden ailments, feel free to tell me. I have some knowledge of medicine and can surely cure you."
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected. "Brother Qinghe, Little Bear loves reading and knows a lot. If you have any problems, you must speak up. Shall I introduce you to some female disciples from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Xue Qinghe forced an awkward smile. "I don't want to think too much about this. The empire is indeed busy, and my duties are overwhelming."
"By the way, I just remembered I have an important matter to attend to. Please excuse me. Rongrong, kindly inform my teacher for me."
As Xue Qinghe hurriedly left, Ning Rongrong felt a bit disappointed. "Brother Qinghe is so busy. It's rare for us to gather like this."
Yang Xiong still wore a faint smile. "Rongrong, you seem to like Crown Prince Xue Qinghe quite a bit, but his mind is heavy with schemes."
Ning Rongrong frowned slightly. "Don't say that about Brother Qinghe. Emperor Xue Ye has entrusted him with many responsibilities. He's much busier than we are."
---
Meanwhile, Tang San, at Ning Fengzhi's invitation, entered a private room.
After a brief discussion, the two parties finalized the transaction for the hidden weapons. Tang San would provide the blueprints, while Ning Fengzhi would arrange for the production of various components. Finally, Tang San would assemble all the parts.
In essence, Tang San was providing the technical expertise, while the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect bore the cost of materials and manufacturing. This arrangement not only saved Tang San time but also allowed him to earn a substantial profit—a classic case of "using other people's resources to achieve one's goals."
Ning Fengzhi was extremely generous, directly purchasing five hundred sets at ten thousand gold coins each, paying a total of five million gold spirit coins upfront. For the wealthy Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, this amount was negligible.
After completing the transaction, Tang San seemed hesitant to speak further.
Ning Fengzhi maintained his affable demeanor. "Classmate Tang San, speak freely. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect holds a certain status in the soul master world. If you have any other difficult matters, feel free to share."
Tang San finally spoke. "Sect Leader Ning, regarding our transaction, could you include one of your sect's self-created soul skills? I'm willing to forgo the five million gold spirit coins."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Payment for transactions is standard. If it's just one of our sect's ordinary self-created soul skills, I can provide it to you as a bonus. This represents our sincerity in the deal."
Tang San thought for a moment before replying. "Sect Leader Ning, I once saw Yang Xiong use a technique called the Rasengan. Could you teach me this self-created soul skill?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression changed slightly. "Tang San, this is a bit embarrassing. The Rasengan is Yang Xiong's unique creation. I promised him that it wouldn't be passed on to others. I'm afraid I can't give it to you."
"Of course, if you're interested in other self-created soul skills, we can consider that."
Over the past few months, Tang San had fought against Yang Xiong numerous times and greatly admired the power of the Rasengan.
Unfortunately, neither he nor Yu Xiaogang could decipher its secrets despite extensive analysis. Tang San had even tried practicing it in secret but made no progress. Now, during the transaction, he considered including the Rasengan, even willing to forgo five million gold spirit coins.
Tang San said, "Sect Leader Ning, wasn't the Rasengan developed under the guidance of Bone Douluo, Yang Xiong's master? Shouldn't it belong to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting confusion. When did Bone Douluo guide Yang Xiong? When did he become Yang Xiong's master?
However, Ning Fengzhi remained composed. "Tang San, you should understand that Title Douluos have their own secrets. Matters involving Bone Douluo are delicate, and I shouldn't interfere too much. If you feel the value of each set of hidden weapons is insufficient, I can increase the price."
Tang San seemed somewhat disheartened. "Thank you, Sect Leader Ning. The price of the hidden weapons is fair, and I'm satisfied with this transaction."
After Tang San left the room, Sword Douluo, who had previously appeared calm, now had a sharp glint in his eyes.
"Fengzhi, this Tang San is too shrewd. We provide the materials and handle the forging, while he only assembles the parts. Charging ten thousand gold spirit coins per set is excessive."
"Moreover, this fellow is bold enough to covet our self-created soul skills. As Yang Xiong said, he's not worth cultivating."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "Five million gold spirit coins is nothing to us. What puzzles me is why he covets this self-created soul skill. Knowing Tang San's intentions, Yang Xiong should have been cautious."
"There's another point. Why did Tang San claim that Yang Xiong developed the Rasengan under Bone Uncle's guidance and referred to Yang Xiong as Bone Uncle's disciple?"
Compared to the original storyline where Tang San provided Ning Rongrong with the immortal herb Aromatic Silk Beauty, leading to the evolution of her martial soul, their current relationship was merely that of ordinary classmates. Ning Fengzhi's attitude naturally differed.
After all, self-created soul skills were significant matters, especially the Rasengan, which was crucial to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. It wasn't something that could be handed over with a casual word. At least, Tang San didn't carry that much weight.
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