Chapter 499.
Wang Feng was certain. He would have felt this way in his previous life, and during his training in the far north, he frequently practiced on glaciers and amongst the Coddley Kun. As a Coddley Kun, he was at home in the glacial environment, though he was also capable of flight.
Furthermore, Bibi Dong had provided Wang Feng with substantial funds, simultaneously instructing the Soul Hall branch in Linhai City to offer support to him and his companions.
"Above all else, prioritize your own safety in every situation."
Before their departure, Bibi Dong spoke to Wang Feng privately. "While I hadn't initially planned for you to go to Sea God Island – I'd intended for you to remain on the mainland – I've concluded that you are the most suitable candidate. Therefore, I must ask you to go. However, if you are unwilling, I can find a replacement immediately."
"Is there another truly suitable candidate?" Wang Feng inquired, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Bibi Dong nodded subtly.
Of course, alternatives existed. Ghost Douluo, or the Wraith tribe, came to mind. They weren't land-based Soul masters. On Sea God Island, barring the ninety-ninth level peerless Douluo, finding such candidates was difficult.
However, they paled in comparison to the White Pontiff. Even on the island, their impact would be minimal. The most important factor was Bibi Dong's unwavering confidence in Wang Feng. His aura was exceptionally pure, so pure, in fact, that even the Sea Soul Masters of Sea God Island would likely find him amenable.
"Though Nana is my disciple, I know that her worship and respect for you rival her feelings for me." Bibi Dong said softly, "On this journey, I hope you will assist them as much as possible, help them improve their strength, and protect her. Three years from now, I will travel to Sea God Island with Grand Worship to retrieve you all."
Bibi Dong's instructions left Wang Feng feeling conflicted. He certainly cared for them. It was just…
At the foot of the Supreme Pontiff Palace hill, a carriage awaited. Bibi Dong, having concluded their private discussion, led Wang Feng to it. The journey ahead was lengthy, and relying solely on flight would be arduous. Wishing to avoid overexerting Wang Feng, Bibi Dong had arranged for a luxurious carriage, capable of speeds rivaling a level 40 or 50 Soul King traveling at full strength.
Several Titled Douluo stood guard beside the carriage. Hu Liena, Xieyue, and Yan had been waiting, having changed into civilian clothing, distinct from their Soul Hall uniforms.
Hu Liena's attire was particularly striking. She wore a jet-black outfit that accentuated her exquisite figure, paired with a lavender shirt and a jade-colored belt cinched at her waist. Her long black hair was styled high, lending her an air of heroic confidence, yet her temperament retained its enchanting quality. Her eyes, seemingly filled with water, glimmered with an anticipation she couldn't quite conceal. Though simply dressed, she was undeniably captivating.
Xie Yue and Yan were also in plain clothes. Yan's physique was notably robust, while Xieyue was more proportional. However, as leaders of the younger generation of Soul Hall, their commanding presence was still evident.
The carriage was not excessively large, but its quality was exceptional. Wang Feng could clearly sense the presence of numerous soul guides integrated into its structure. The driver was a familiar face: Cardinal Thomas.
As Wang Feng and Bibi Dong approached, the Titled Douluo surrounding the carriage offered respectful salutes.
Thomas dismounted, a smile on his face. "Lord Pontiff, I will be responsible for transporting you to the coastal cities from where you can set sail. After that, you will be on your own."
Wang Feng nodded. He and the other three – Hu Liena, Xieyue and Yan-- entered the carriage. After a final farewell, the carriage set off. Bibi Dong watched it depart, her eyes filled with contemplation...
——
At the same time, outside Heaven Dou City, Tang San and his group were also seated in a carriage. With them were the Grandmaster, Liu Erlong, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Yu Yuanzhen, and the Tai Tan, along with other members of the Four Hall of Tang Sect. Even Prince Xue Beng, now the new prince, stood by, waving goodbye to the assembled crowd.
"Rongrong, be careful in everything! If that kid returns, I will tell him that you've gone to Sea God Island."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes welled with tears. In recent days, the Grandmaster had thoroughly explained everything about Sea God Island to them through Tang San.
As a father, Ning Fengzhi was deeply reluctant to see his precious daughter embark on such a perilous journey. It was far too dangerous, and he felt a profound sense of unease.
But Ning Rongrong's words had silenced his objections.
"Dad, do you want me to be Wang Feng's burden–? How can I grow stronger if I don't venture into dangerous places and test myself?"
Hearing those words, Ning Fengzhi knew that his daughter had truly matured.
She was no longer the naive little witch, prone to acting spoiled and arrogant. The changes over the past five years, punctuated by her encounter with Wang Feng a few months prior, had fostered a profound transformation. To the point that Ning Fengzhi no longer opposed Ning Rongrong's journey to Sea God Island; on the contrary, he wholeheartedly supported it.
"It's a pity..." Sword Douluo sighed. "That kid is nowhere to be found, and he hasn't returned. However, these seven are talented individuals, and there's also Tang San, a pivotal figure. Even if they face challenges on this journey, their combined strength should allow them to overcome them."
Ning Fengzhi whispered a few words into Sword Douluo's ear, causing the latter to nod in understanding.
"What worries me most this time is the Soul Hall," the master sighed, "Xiao San has inferred that the Soul Hall may send people to Sea God Island. After all, Bibi Dong is aware of the place."
"But the Soul Hall suffered a major setback there... they won't go casually." The master shook his head. "Unless they discover the whereabouts of Xiao San and the others, it's unlikely they'll venture there."
The group watched the carriage begin its slow journey, their hearts filled with a mixture of emotions, a heavy silence settling over them.
Inside the –carriage, nine individuals were packed together. Besides Bai Chenxiang Ma Hongjun's girlfreind, Oscar's girlfriend, Shen Lingqi was also present. Dai Mubai's girlfriend, Shui Yue'er, had traveled to the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest in the north to visit her sister a few days prior.
Shui Bing'er had gone to the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest more than three years earlier. Although she had maintained contact with Shui Yue'er, who resided in the Star Luo Empire throughout the year, recent communications had ceased. Concerned, Shui Yue'er had ventured to the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest, with Dai Mubai dispatching a team of Star Luo Empire Soul masters to ensure her safety.
Within the carriage, Xiao Wu nestled beside Tang San, while Zhu Zhuqing and Bai Chenxiang engaged in quiet conversation. Being agile-attack-type soul masters, Bai Chenxiang and Zhuqing had much combat experience to share. Plus they were both girls, naturally, words were abundant.
Ning Rongrong was talking with Shen Lingqi. Though Shen Lingqi wielded the White Beer Martial Soul, a food-type Soul, she was a very strong auxiliary Soul master. Shen Lingqi was also a capable fighter, far from the delicate and weak auxiliary soul master stereotype.
It could be argued that, if Oscar didn't use his Mirror Sausage, he wouldn't be able to defeat Shen Lingqi easily. Shen Lingqi did not come from a famous family. She hailed from a small village in the Star Luo Empire. From a young age, she had accompanied her drinking-enthusiast father on hunts and training expeditions in the mountains, developing considerable skill.
Therefore, the two also had much to discuss.
Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun huddled together, surrounding themselves.
Ma Hongjun scratched his head and glanced at Bai Chenxiang from time to time, giving Zhu Zhuqing a pleading look.
Tang San seemed to understand that look and smiled. Fatty was indeed favored by the patriarch of the Speed Clan, Bai He, even to the point of arranging a betrothal between Bai Chenxiang and him.
But this had naturally sparked Bai Chenxiang's dissatisfaction and resistance!
Ma Hongjun had been pursuing Bai Chenxiang, assuming that her grandfather's approval would seal the deal. On the contrary, Bai Chenxiang's attitude toward him was decreasing again and again! This sums up the current situation.
Oscar also glanced at Ning Rongrong, pleading with his eyes to expedite the return of his girlfriend. However…
The three big men gathered.
"You're not promising…" Dai Mubai remarked, observing his two brothers. "Look at how you look, hungry and thirsty. What are you so worried about? Especially you, Fatty, who's so eager to eat hot tofu."
"Tofu isn't tasty when it's cold," Ma Hongjun retorted.
"..." Dai Mubai was left speechless.
"Boss Dai, speaking of it, on our side, although Ma Hongjun has yet to succeed in his pursuits, you're the only one who is alone, aren't you lonely?" Oscar winked and whispered.
"You know nothing!" Dai Mubai scoffed. "Yue'er and I call it distance to produce beauty. A period of separation will only amplify our emotions. When we meet, it will be an emotional explosion! Moreover, Yue'er said her sister in the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest should have had some adventure. In the last contact, Yue'er was also planning to visit the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest. Perhaps she'll become even more beautiful and powerful upon her return."
Hearing this, Ma Hongjun and Oscar exchanged curious glances.
"Moreover, in the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest, maybe I can meet the captain, so I don't have to worry," Dai Mubai continued, stroking his chin. "Yue'er said before leaving that upon her return, she will marry me."
"That is indeed a good thing," Tang San said with a smile.
Shui Yue'er's talent was significantly less than Dai Mubai's. It was her younger sister, Shui Bing'er, who possessed exceptional talent and a mutated, powerful martial Soul that rivaled Dai Mubai's.
To be precise, Shui Bing'er was not much worse than Tang San himself. Without the fairy grass, it would have been impossible to bridge the gap with such a genius.
Tang San hoped that Shui Yue'er and her sister could have some adventures in the Ice and Snow Soul Beast Forest, and the pair would be well-suited to it.
Tang San subconsciously touched his Hundred Treasure Bag. Whether it was Bai Chenxiang or Shen –Lingqi, they were both individuals whose backgrounds were well-known.
Especially Bai Chenxiang.
Although they hadn't joined Shrek Academy and their emotional connection wasn't yet deep enough, it would be best if he could prepare a fairy grass for them in advance. Once their relationship deepened and he was confident there were no issues, he could offer them the immortal herb at the appropriate moment.
It was a shame that the Immortal herb that Dai Mubai and the others had taken was exceptionally unique and powerful. Even in the Ice and Fire Yin Yan Lake, it stood alone. Finding a Immortal herb of the same caliber and beneficial to the soul master was exceedingly difficult.
Tang San had heard Ning Rongrong mention that, although Brother Feng hadn't returned in recent months, he had sent back a Qiluo tulip to Ning Fengzhi. Thinking of this, Tang San missed Brother Feng's abnormal ability to ripen fairy grass.
Without a doubt, that Qiluo tulip had been cultivated by Brother Feng. What piqued Tang San's curiosity was that the seeds of Qiluo Tulip were originally in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Lake. If Feng'ge cultivated there, then he would have seen his father there too.
After his release from the Slaughter City, his father, Tang Hao, had broken his own hands and feet, then gifted him two pieces of the Clear Sky School's soul bone. Simultaneously, he brought a blue silver grass which was his mother to the Ice and Fire Yin Lang Lake, nurturing its growth and contemplating a path to her eventual resurrection.
So, if his father was present in the eyes of Ice and Fire Yin Lang Lake at that time, why hadn't he encountered Brother Feng?
However, Tang San considered the possibility that Feng'ge had taken the seed and cultivated it elsewhere. He shook his head, dismissing the thought.
"In truth, our pure agile-type Soul masters are fast, but our offense and defense pale in comparison to yours," Bai Chenxiang confessed quietly to Zhu Zhuqing.
Despite being invited to Sea God Island by Tang San at Bai He's request, Bai Chenxiang was beginning to realize that the talent and strength of the Shrek Seven Devils were exceedingly exaggerated.
They were all soul emperors above level sixty-one, and the girl opposite had even reached level sixty-seven! It was an anomaly.
As a result, Bai Chenxiang, who had always been lauded as a genius within her clan, felt a sense of inferiority and disconnection. Even Oscar's girlfriend, Shen Lingqi, with her food-type Martial Soul, had reached level 54 or so. And she was merely a Soul Ancestor, though nearing level fifty.
There was no comparison. The immortal herb had subtly enhanced the talents of the Shrek Seven Monsters these last few years.
"Each soul master has their own role…" Zhu Zhuqing replied, shaking her head. "As long as you play your role, that's enough… You have your purpose, and we cannot compare."
Bai Chenxiang offered a faint smile, saying nothing.
"Actually, fat people are nice," Zhu Zhuqing mused, watching Ma Hongjun wink at her. "Moreover, he once consumed a Phoenix Crested Cockscomb herb… it seems to possess a unique ability. I recall Wang Feng mentioning…"
Upon saying this, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly lowered her head, her face flushing.
"Wang Feng told you… what else does Ma Hongjun have?" Bai Chenxiang asked curiously. "I acknowledge his strength and talent..."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "If you become his girlfriend, you'll find out…"
"I don't want to." Bai Chenxiang frowned. "My grandfather is really something, arranging my lifelong affairs… I concede his talent and strength, but I can't do it!"
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Ma Hongjun, sighing.
Ma Hongjun seemed to understand and said somberly, "Fine then, I'll write a letter to Grandpa Bai He in a moment, stating that we'll terminate our marriage contract first? Would that be alright?"
Though he had pursued Bai Chenxiang previously, he hadn't encountered such fierce resistance. He had assumed that securing a marriage contract would draw him closer to Bai Chenxiang, but it had backfired.
Hearing Bai Chenxiang's words, Ma Hongjun grasped the situation.
Bai Chenxiang looked at Ma Hongjun in surprise and scoffed.
"What do you mean, do you think I'm not worthy of you? Yes, I'm not worthy of you, then you can annul it! A bit bored, brother, I'm fast, going ahead to investigate the situation…"
With those words, a pair of wings sprouted from Bai Chenxiang's back, and she flew directly out of the carriage.
Ma Hongjun was left speechless.
Everyone else was slightly bewildered.
...…..
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