A few months later, Ning Rongrong and Ma Hongjun's spirit powers simultaneously reached level 30.
Early that morning, Yu Xiaogang summoned Tang San and his companions to the training grounds.
"Little monsters, this time, I'll accompany you on this soul hunt." After their previous experience, Flender naturally wouldn't let Zhao Wuji lead the group again.
Furthermore, this was their first outing since the reunion of the Golden Trio, a matter of great significance.
The Sunset Forest was far less dangerous than the Star Dou Great Forest. As long as they didn't act ruthlessly, their spirit fusion techniques would allow them to roam freely within the forest.
"However, we won't attack until we encounter a spirit beast over four thousand years old," Liu Erlong said. "Our main goal this time is to train your coordination."
"Xiao San, you'll be in command this time," Yu Xiaogang said with a smile.
While Dai Mubai was the captain, Tang San was their true leader, a fact everyone knew.
Tang San smiled and said, "Fatty, we're also gathering some herbs in the forest this time. With any luck, they might help you recover."
"Third brother, you'll be my real brother from now on," Ma Hongjun said, a look of deep emotion.
He'd naturally heard the rumors circulating within the academy these past few days, but now, he was completely immune.
He actually had his own agenda. By using his eunuch status, he could flirt with the female students, effectively giving them a free pass. After all, no one would bother with a eunuch.
"Without further delay, let's set off."
With the sponsorship of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Shrek Academy was considered well-off.
Flender even waved his hand, preparing two carriages for everyone.
In the carriages, Ning Rongrong said, "Third brother, Dad asked me to ask if you'd be willing to sell us some hidden weapon blueprints. Don't worry, we at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will definitely give you a satisfactory price."
Ning Rongrong hadn't absorbed any of the immortal herbs, and her spirit hadn't evolved. Therefore, Ning Fengzhi wouldn't thank Tang San by purchasing hidden weapons.
Yet, five hundred sets of hidden weapons still sold for one million Gold Soul Coins.
Tang San, in turn, made a fortune.
"Rongrong, I told Uncle Ning before that I won't buy the blueprints," Tang San refused, shaking his head.
He could only sell mechanical hidden weapons. He could sell blueprints for weapons that required manual throwing, but the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wouldn't buy them.
"Third Brother, I think you can sell them," Xiao Wu said, tugging on Tang San's sleeve.
Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo's sudden visit a while ago had startled her.
But because they were searching for the Water of Life for Ma Hongjun, she and Tang San had spent many days wandering around Tiandou City. It was during that time that she, with Tang San's help, purchased a rare aura-hiding item.
"Third Brother, Rongrong's father is very rich, and you're planning to buy some rare metals soon. These one million gold soul coins probably won't be enough. Besides, you'll need money to support yourself in the future."
After all, it's easier to go from simple to luxurious than from luxurious to frugal. With Tang San's wealth, Xiao Wu's life naturally became comfortable.
Who would miss the days of poverty?
Not even Tang San.
"Okay, Rongrong, I can only sell you the blueprints for the Silent Sleeve Arrow, but the price is very high. I'll talk to Uncle Ning when we get back."
"Okay, Third Brother, I'll tell Dad when we get back," Ning Rongrong said happily.
...
After entering the Sunset Forest, the Shrek group quickly found spirit rings for Ma Hongjun and Ning Rongrong.
On their return journey, they unexpectedly arrived at the foot of a mountain.
"Be careful, the poisonous miasma here is dangerous. Kids, let's take another route," Flender said with a look of caution.
Wherever the poisonous miasma is, there's a high probability of powerful spirit beasts, so they have to treat it with caution.
"Teacher, look, there's something green and glowing in this poisonous miasma," Ma Hongjun exclaimed.
It was already evening, and the green will-o'-the-wisp was particularly noticeable in the poisonous miasma.
"Could it be a will-o'-the-wisp?" Oscar unconsciously shielded Ning Rongrong in front of him.
Tang San, on the other hand, seemed particularly calm.
Flanders quickly waved his hand, signaling everyone to step back.
"No! This poisonous miasma shouldn't exist."
"Xiao San, what did you find?" Yu Xiaogang asked hurriedly.
Tang San pointed at the plants emerging from the poisonous miasma and said, "Teacher, this miasma is artificially planted. Look, these are the Seven Absolutes of Green Phosphorus Flowers. These rare creatures would have no effect growing anywhere else. But within the miasma, they effectively concentrate the miasma, preventing it from dissipating."
"Xiao San, if there's nothing special, let's leave. The person who could plant the miasma here must be very powerful," Flender warned.
Tang San, however, said, "Dean, there must be a great opportunity hidden behind this."
For some reason, he had a nagging feeling that leaving this place would be a lifelong regret.
"Opportunity!" The Shrek people exchanged glances.
They knew exactly what those two words meant.
"Third Brother, is there a chance to restore my body here?" Ma Hongjun asked hurriedly.
Tang San thought for a moment and nodded, "Probably. I feel like there's another world within this mountain, and there's a very real possibility of a treasure pot there."
They didn't understand what a treasure pot was.
But anything connected to treasure must be of considerable value.
Flender's eyes lit up as he exclaimed, "I've sensed it. The poisonous miasma here is only effective against Spirit Masters below the rank of Spirit Sage. I can fly and enter quickly without being affected."
"Boss F, are you crazy? This could very well be the secluded retreat of a powerful being," Liu Erlong exclaimed. "And what Xiao San said is just a guess. We have no way of knowing for sure."
"Offending a powerful being for no reason is not a wise move."
"Xiao San, are you sure?" Yu Xiaogang asked.
Tang San didn't dare to say for sure; after all, it was just his feeling.
"Teacher, I think we can give it a try. What if it's a treasure pot? It would benefit everyone."
"Tang San, do you know what's in here? To be able to pass through this poisonous miasma, it must be an extremely powerful being. Whether it's a Spirit Master or a Spirit Beast, it's enough to inflict heavy losses on us," Liu Erlong exclaimed.
This time, they had come with their entire family. If they encountered trouble, they could very well be wiped out.
Besides, Liu Erlong had finally waited for Yu Xiaogang to change his mind, and their happy days had barely lasted a few days. She didn't want her beautiful life to be ruined.
"Okay, Xiaosan, Erlong is right. The main purpose of our trip this time is to obtain spirit rings for you. As for this place, it won't be too late to come explore again when you have enough strength in the future." Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San's shoulder and immediately urged everyone to leave.
Flender had wanted to explore for Ma Hongjun, but since things had come to this, he had no choice but to give up.
Before leaving, Tang San looked back at the mountain behind the poisonous miasma with reluctance.
(End of this chapter)
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