"I choose Dragon Capturing Hand!"
Hmm?
"You're not choosing Undying Seal?" Tang Lan asked, a bit surprised.
"I'm not a battle-type soul master, so what's the point?" Ning Rongrong said confidently. "Dragon Capturing Hand looks like a support ability, but it can control enemies from a distance, assist with rescues, or even snatch weapons. It might have unexpected effects."
That keen insight—as expected from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's little princess.
"That's an excellent choice." Tang Lan praised. "Undying Seal is indeed powerful, but the entry requirements are extremely high. You might not even be able to get started with it."
With a practiced motion, he formed a spiritual energy sphere and smacked it onto her forehead.
Not bothering to wait for his dazed niece to recover,
he turned and walked toward the cafeteria.
Breakfast & Unexpected Distractions
By the time he arrived,
Xiao Wu had already prepared their meal and was waving at him with a bright smile.
Completely forgetting about their earlier teasing moments.
After all—
They had slept in the same bed for six years.
Compared to that, this was nothing special.
Her adaptability was insane.
Training Grounds & A Dangerous View
After breakfast—
Tang Lan headed to the training grounds.
There, Zhu Zhuqing was already practicing Rippleless Steps.
Sometimes she skirted the ground,
sometimes she leaped across rooftops,
sometimes she twisted her body midair.
And with gravity's effect on her exceptional curves…
Tang Lan found himself struggling to swallow.
—Absolute perfection.
What man wouldn't be captivated by that?
Soon—
Ning Rongrong and the others arrived one after another.
Zhu Zhuqing also stopped training, adjusting her condition for the upcoming exercises.
She naturally stood beside Tang Lan.
"Sect Master." Zhu Zhuqing took the initiative to greet him.
Given her cold and aloof personality,
this was no small gesture.
Tang Lan took out a storage ring along with a long robe and handed them to her.
"When training, don't dress so lightly."
"If you sweat and the wind blows, you'll catch a cold."
—Not to mention, I don't want other guys enjoying the same view.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered with confusion,
but she still put on the robe without question.
—She didn't quite understand, but she listened.
With her icy demeanor,
the long robe only made her appear even more unattainable—
and that contrast was lethal to Tang Lan.
—Who could resist this?!
Xiao Wu's "Jealousy" & Realization
Not far away—
Xiao Wu pouted so hard she could hang an oil jug from her lips.
But she didn't throw a tantrum.
She had learned the hard way that her brother wasn't the type to coddle anyone.
—Why didn't I notice before that my brother is such a flirt?
Glancing at Zhu Zhuqing,
her cool, beautiful face,
and the undeniable allure of her body,
Xiao Wu suddenly understood.
—Back at Nuoding Academy, there weren't any girls that could catch my brother's attention!
Flender's Headache & Fatty's Suffering
Soon, Zhao Wuji and Flender arrived as well.
Flender swept his gaze over the group,
his brows furrowing as if he was about to say something—
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Ma Hongjun came running at full speed, his fat jiggling wildly.
Flender's eyebrows twitched in frustration.
"You're the last one again?!"
"Ma Hongjun! Add 100 more pounds to your weight training!"
Ma Hongjun's face turned green on the spot.
"No way, Dean!"
"I only ate a few extra bites, and I wasn't even late!"
"They just came too early—"
Flender's sharp glare shut him up instantly.
You're blaming others for working too hard?!
Ma Hongjun shrunk his neck and dared not speak again.
Tang Lan shook his head.
Ma Hongjun was too lazy and unwilling to endure hardship.
Arrogance, overconfidence.
That's what would ultimately cause Ma Hongjun to miss the position of a First-Class God,
settling instead for the Second-Class God of Phoenix.
And only First-Class Gods and above could bring others to the Divine Realm.
After losing his lover, Bai Chenxiang, to old age,
he finally begged Tang Shenwang (Tang San) for help,
only to be rejected with a cold—
"You don't have the authority."
In the end, he could only watch Bai Chenxiang die of old age.
—Who else could he blame but himself?
Still, Ma Hongjun had the potential to become a god,
so he was worth recruiting.
Just not worth putting too much effort into.
That was another reason Tang Lan came to Shrek—
To build his Divine Realm team.
After all, Tang Shenwang wasn't doing great up there either.
Training & the Weight of Gravity
Lost in thought—
Tang Lan suddenly felt a heavy pressure.
Zhao Wuji had activated his Gravity Soul Skill.
Two days had passed—
everyone had found their own training methods and was deeply immersed.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong followed the set formations, training Rippleless Steps.
Xiao Wu hesitated but then joined them after greeting Tang Lan.
Tang San swung his forging hammer, continuing his training.
Meanwhile—
Oscar, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun's training method was…
Running laps around Zhao Wuji.
Compared to the others,
their method was far less efficient.
So naturally—
their eyes kept drifting toward Tang Lan.
Clearly, they were thinking about something.
Tang Lan ignored them completely.
—What, you expect me to babysit you? Beg me if you want to learn.
He pulled out his forging table and began hammering away.
Finding the weight too light,
he told Zhao Wuji to increase the pressure.
Since Zhao Wuji's gravity skill affected everyone equally,
all of them felt the increase.
Flender's Silent Signal
Just as Ma Hongjun was about to complain—
"Ahem!"
Flender coughed loudly,
his sharp gaze locking onto Ma Hongjun and Oscar.
—What are you two waiting for?
Receiving the signal,
Oscar and Ma Hongjun glanced at each other,
then shot an apologetic look at Dai Mubai—
"Sorry, boss! We gotta do this!"
Together, they walked toward Tang Lan—
drawing the attention of the entire training ground.
But after just one glance,
everyone quickly looked away.
Tang Lan's self-created soul techniques were too enticing!
The fact that Oscar and Ma Hongjun held out for this long was impressive.
Ma Hongjun & Oscar Beg to Join the Tang Sect
"Hehe, Brother Lan," Ma Hongjun said, grinning.
"How about accepting me and Oscar into the Tang Sect?"
"Brother Lan, give us a chance." Oscar added sincerely.
Tang Lan paused his Wild Wind Hammer Technique and glanced at them.
Ma Hongjun wore a forced smile but looked casual,
as if he was already guaranteed a spot.
Oscar, on the other hand—
looked slightly awkward but had a determined and respectful gaze.
Tang Lan spoke—
"You can join."
"But the First Generation disciples are already set at four."
"I don't feel like taking more students—so you'll have to learn from them."
From Seniors to Juniors?!
—You had your chance. Now go be Second-Generation disciples.
Ma Hongjun's smug smile froze.
What did that mean?!
They were senior students!
It was one thing to call Tang Lan 'Brother Lan' out of respect—
But to bow to Xiao Wu and the others as disciples?!
No way!
Meanwhile,
Oscar was silent for a few moments—
Then, he bowed to Tang Lan seriously.
"I'll go now."
He grabbed Ma Hongjun and pulled him away.
His gaze swept over Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong.
Immediately—
he ruled out Ning Rongrong.
—Who has time to deal with that temper? Not me.
Zhu Zhuqing…
—Also a hassle. Best to stay away.
That left—
Tang San, Tang Lan's younger brother.
Or—
Xiao Wu, clearly Tang Lan's 'favorite little sister.'
Just as he was deciding—
Ma Hongjun grumbled in frustration.
"Why do we have to—mmph!!"
Oscar Covers for Fatty! Flender Loses Patience!
Oscar clamped his hand over Ma Hongjun's mouth, shooting him a warning glare.
—You fat idiot! You're acting up now?!
Didn't he see that even Flender and Zhao Wuji were considering joining Tang Sect?
Yet this guy still dared to complain?!
He really didn't want to live, huh?!
"Oscar!" Flender snapped. "Let him go! Let him fend for himself!"
Oscar opened his mouth,
wanting to say a few words on Fatty's behalf—
but after meeting Flender's stern gaze,
he swallowed his words and released Ma Hongjun.
Then, casting Fatty a "good luck, buddy" look,
he turned and walked toward Tang San.
Flender's Fury! Ma Hongjun Left Behind!
Flender was truly furious this time!
Ma Hongjun had talent, sure—
But if he refused to work hard, who could cultivate for him?!
Ma Hongjun shrank his neck, looking a little scared.
His eyes darted around, then—
he hurried after Oscar, heading for Tang San as well.
Tang San's Strict Requirements
Oscar arrived first.
But instead of immediately asking to be a disciple,
he helped Tang San, placing new iron ingots on the forge while retrieving the finished ones.
Ma Hongjun, however,
strode up and casually asked—
"Xiao San, take me as your disciple?"
Tang San paused,
lowered his hammer, and frowned at Fatty.
Compared to Tang Lan—
Tang San firmly believed in 'laws must not be passed on carelessly.'
He was especially strict about accepting disciples—
talent aside, character was the most important factor.
In the original timeline—
he had only taken one disciple, Ji Xiang—
a boy with zero innate soul power,
but also his savior and someone who spent years healing people.
Ma Hongjun? Oscar?
Fatty was lazy,
and Oscar…
he hadn't fully observed him yet.
If possible, Tang San didn't want to take either of them.
But since they were classmates,
he also didn't want to outright reject them.
So instead—
he took out two heavy hammers from his storage ring and dropped them on the ground.
"BANG—"
"BANG—"
From the deep, heavy impact,
it was clear these hammers were absurdly heavy.
Tang San's Trial! A Nearly Impossible Test!
"If you two can, within seven days, under Teacher Zhao's gravity field—"
"Without using soul power, swing these hammers ten thousand times—"
"I will accept you as disciples."
Ma Hongjun Instantly Backs Out! Oscar Steps Forward!
Ma Hongjun and Oscar froze!
Ten thousand swings in seven days?!
That meant…
1,428 swings per day?!
Without soul power?!
"That's impossible!" Ma Hongjun immediately refused.
"If you don't want to take me, just say so! No need to humiliate me!"
He turned to leave—
but realized Oscar wasn't moving.
"Xiao Ao?"
"I want to try." Oscar said firmly, pushing Ma Hongjun's hand away.
"Even if I fail, at least I'll have trained my body."
Ma Hongjun's eyes widened in disbelief!
"We've been brothers for years—now you stab me in the back?!"
"Fine! Fine!!"
"If you wanna suffer, that's on you!"
Seething with anger, Fatty stormed off.
But when he went to join Dai Mubai on their usual run—
he was shocked to see Dai Mubai heading toward Tang Lan!
"Boss Dai!!" Fatty exclaimed. "Even you—"
Dai Mubai Makes a Choice! Tang Lan Gains Full Control of Shrek!
Dai Mubai ignored him.
Before, he had avoided responsibility because he saw no hope for the future.
But now—
he saw a chance!
What man would accept being weak?!
He wanted to try again.
"Tang Lan," Dai Mubai said, lowering his pride. "What do I need to do to join your sect?"
Though he still hadn't called him 'Brother Lan,'
for someone as arrogant as him,
this attitude was already an incredible gesture.
At the same time—
he was essentially acknowledging Tang Lan's leadership over Shrek.
[Host has gained full control over Shrek! Stolen a moderate amount of Tang San's fate!]
[Reward: 'True Martial Seven-Segment Formation'!]
Oh?!
An unexpected reward!
Tang Lan quickly scanned the content—
and was pleasantly surprised!
The True Martial Seven-Segment Formation!
Created by Zhang Sanfeng, a martial arts grandmaster who transcended into the immortal realm,
this technique contained seven different styles—
each one equally powerful, with no hierarchy between them.
They could be used individually or combined in group battles.
The Insane Power of the True Martial Seven-Segment Formation!
At a minimum, two people could operate it.
With two, their power doubled!
With three, it increased fourfold!
With four, it grew to eightfold!
With five, it surged to sixteenfold!
With six, it multiplied thirty-twofold!
And if seven people formed a complete True Martial Seven-Segment Formation—
their power would skyrocket sixty-fourfold!!!
Holy hell!
Seven Soul Douluos working together could kill a Titled Douluo outright!
No wonder this technique came from a martial arts grandmaster who ascended to immortality—
It was absolutely monstrous!
Tang Lan was in a great mood, so even looking at Dai Mubai became less annoying.
Dai Mubai Joins the Tang Sect—As an Outer Disciple!
"Mubai, if you want to join, I'd be happy to have you."
"But your status is special. The Tang Sect is ultimately based in the Heaven Dou Empire."
"How about you take an outer disciple position instead?"
Dai Mubai smiled bitterly.
He had thought that lowering his pride might earn him a better place.
But…
At least it was better than nothing!
"Mubai pays respects to the Sect Master!" Dai Mubai clasped his fists and bowed.
Tang Lan casually conjured a spiritual energy orb and pushed it into Dai Mubai's forehead.
Inside—
it contained the first three levels of the Nine Yang Divine Skill
and one of the seven techniques of the True Martial Seven-Segment Formation.
The first technique would convert Dai Mubai's soul power into pure, indomitable Nine Yang internal energy, enhancing his entire combat ability.
The second technique…
Even in the Divine Realm, it would still be useful.
Dai Mubai absorbed the information and instantly realized its value.
The bitterness in his heart vanished, replaced by excitement!
The Nine Yang Divine Skill alone was already priceless!
Even Ning Rongrong wanted to learn it but was denied!
But the True Martial Seven-Segment Formation?
It could multiply power sixty-fourfold?!
This was an outer disciple's treatment?!
Clearly, Tang Lan was only calling it "outer disciple" for appearances' sake.
Dai Mubai bowed deeply, his voice resolute—
"Once I join the Tang Sect, I will be a Tang Sect disciple for life."
"No matter what happens in the future, if the Sect needs me, I will charge into battle without hesitation!"
He was implying that even if he regained the Star Luo throne, he wouldn't forget his roots.
But honestly—
Tang Lan didn't care.
If Dai Mubai managed to reach godhood,
why would he still care about ruling Star Luo?
Tang Lan just needed him to become a powerhouse in the Divine Realm, nothing more.
With a wave of his hand, he sent Dai Mubai off to train.
Then he picked up his hammer and continued forging.
Flender's Frustration—And Zhao Wuji's Bold Move!
Not far away, Ma Hongjun glared at Tang Lan with resentment—
but Tang Lan completely ignored him.
Flender, however, sighed deeply.
Even though he wished Tang Lan would be kinder,
he knew that Ma Hongjun brought this upon himself.
Even if Flender tried to mediate,
Ma Hongjun's first impression was already horrible.
And now, after one setback, he gave up immediately?
If Ma Hongjun had at least shown some effort,
Flender would have begged on his behalf.
But now?
"Sigh—"
Compared to Flender's troubled expression,
Zhao Wuji was much more decisive.
Watching as six out of eight students joined the Tang Sect,
he couldn't hold back anymore.
With wide strides, he walked straight to Tang Lan.
"Ahem!"
"Hey, uh… I want to join too. What's the process?" Zhao Wuji asked bluntly.
He had zero worries about rejection.
He was already fifty years old.
He could read people better than most.
Tang Lan's ambition was obvious.
And Zhao Wuji still had potential left, enough to reach Soul Douluo at least.
More importantly—
he wasn't lazy like Ma Hongjun.
There was no reason for Tang Lan to turn him away.
At most, he'd be assigned a different position.
Zhao Wuji Becomes the Martial Hall Master!
"Zhao laoshi wants to join?" Tang Lan pretended to hesitate.
"But the Dean…"
"Bah! I'm just a teacher at Shrek! It's not like I sold my soul to Flender!" Zhao Wuji waved dismissively.
Hearing this, Tang Lan dropped the act.
"Zhao laoshi, with your strength, disciple status wouldn't be suitable."
"Let's establish a Martial Hall. Its primary role will be combat."
"You'll be the first Martial Hall Master—how about that?"
Zhao Wuji grinned in satisfaction.
Even though the Tang Sect was still small,
his Soul Saint rank meant he should at least be an Elder.
But since Tang Lan's father was the legendary Haotian Douluo,
being assigned Hall Master was already more than fair.
"From now on, just call me Zhao Wuji, Old Zhao, or just Wuji!" Zhao Wuji said, fully understanding his place.
—This rough-looking man was surprisingly sharp.
Originally, Tang Lan had only planned to give him the Undying Seal.
But now—
he decided to throw in the first layer of the Nine Yang Divine Skill as well.
[Tang Sect Martial Hall has been established!]
[Host has gained control over a senior-ranking Soul Saint!]
[Stolen a moderate amount of Tang San's fate!]
[Reward: +10,000 Years to Ice Jade Scorpion Tail!]
Conclusion: Tang Sect Expands! A Rising Power!
With the creation of the Martial Hall,
Tang Sect's combat power took a massive leap.
Even Flender, one of the most scheming individuals,
felt a sense of urgency.
After all—
at this rate,
Shrek Academy might not even exist in a few years.
Because by then—
Shrek would just be another branch of the Tang Sect.
(End of Chapter)