Tang Lan condensed a sphere of spiritual light and casually sent it out.
Zhao Wuji eagerly caught it, quickly excusing himself to focus on studying it.
If it weren't for the fact that he had to maintain his gravity-type soul skill, he would have already disappeared without a trace!
Flender observed all this with a complicated expression.
He also coveted Lingbo Weibu (Rippled Steps), but unlike Zhao Wuji, he had Shrek Academy to consider.
If he, the dean, were to join the Tang Sect…
Then who would have the final say at Shrek?
What about his disciple, Ma Hongjun? How would he fit in?
Thus, he was constrained by circumstances and could only watch.
Fortunately—
The other three Shrek teachers were solely focused on teaching and had no thoughts of joining the Tang Sect.
"Huff—"
"Huff—"
"Huff—"
This was the sound of Oscar swinging a hammer.
A hundred-jin (50 kg) forging hammer, tripled in weight under gravity enhancement.
As a support-type Soul Master, Oscar's hands trembled as he gripped the hammer.
Yet he gritted his teeth and persisted, displaying astonishing willpower.
Unfortunately—
After about ten swings, his hands would go numb from exhaustion, unable to hold the hammer.
Physical endurance would not increase simply through willpower.
But Oscar was a support-type Soul Master.
"I have a big sausage!"
He devoured three recovery sausages in succession, restoring part of his stamina.
Oscar continued swinging, his hands stained with blood, yet his determination did not waver.
This sight filled Flender with satisfaction.
Oscar had never been a cause for concern when it came to training.
Then his gaze shifted to Ma Hongjun—immediately, a wave of frustration surged within him.
"This brat needs to be trained hard!"
By the end of the day—
Oscar had completed 1,430 hammer swings, exceeding his target.
The price? His hands were a bloody mess, his stamina depleted, his soul power drained.
At dinner, he could barely hold a spoon, prompting Shao Xin to feed him a few sugar beans before carrying him back to the dormitory.
This sight made Xiao Wu feel a pang of sympathy.
"Tang San, Oscar's attitude is commendable. Do we really need to insist on seven full days?"
Tang San was equally surprised.
Even with Random Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique, his daily swings barely exceeded three thousand.
For Oscar to endure this much…
But taking a disciple? He was still unwilling.
"Let's wait and see." Tang San hedged.
Xiao Wu pouted and turned to Tang Lan with pleading eyes— You better do something about your brother!
Tang Lan thought—
"This is actually a great idea!"
Tang San took Ji Xiang as a disciple to repay a life-saving debt.
He only had to teach him a few things before leaving him to his own devices.
But Oscar was different!
They'd be seeing each other every day in the same academy.
Would it make sense not to teach him properly?
And if he seriously taught him, that would undoubtedly take time away from Tang San's own training.
Perfect!
Tang Lan immediately signaled Xiao Wu to stay calm, then spoke—
"Xiao San, a man must keep his word."
"Since you agreed to seven days, then not a single day less."
"Let's see if Oscar can persist."
Tang San sighed in relief. Thankfully, his brother wasn't here to persuade him.
He immediately nodded in agreement.
But somehow, he felt… as if something was off?
"Brother! Why Are You Making Things Worse?"
Xiao Wu complained, pouting.
Tang Lan gave a mysterious smile but didn't explain.
Tang San, worried that Xiao Wu might persuade Tang Lan otherwise, quickly shoveled a few more bites of food into his mouth and stood up.
"Brother, I'm heading back to work on the scope."
Without waiting for Tang Lan's response, he stepped into Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and vanished.
Only then did Tang Lan leisurely speak—
"The Tang Sect, apart from Lingbo Weibu (Rippled Steps), doesn't really have anything suitable for Oscar right now."
"Gun-type Soul Tools are powerful, but they're also expensive."
"Even the cheapest bullets are made of hundred-refined steel. An Uzi burns through 100 rounds in two seconds. Ning Rongrong can afford to waste ammo—but can Oscar?"
Xiao Wu blinked—That… actually makes sense?
The others nodded in agreement, all except for Ning Rongrong, who looked rather displeased.
"Sect Leader, don't make it sound like I'm just some rich fool."
Tang Lan shrugged.
"Whether you're a fool or not, I don't know—but you are rich."
Then he continued—
"Xiao San is quite talented himself. In fact, my idea for firearm-based Soul Tools came from his hidden weapons."
"Hidden weapons focus on precision rather than quantity. They emphasize one-hit kills and catching the enemy off guard—much more suited for Oscar."
"And there are also Xiao San's self-created Soul Skills. If Oscar can learn even a few, he won't have to fear same-rank Battle Soul Masters."
—Oh ho!
So Tang San had such talents too?
Wait a second!
They'd been here for several days now—why hadn't Tang San used them?
And thinking back to when he forged…
Unlike Tang Lan, who could directly forge preliminary shapes, Tang San never showed any of his techniques.
He was clearly very secretive.
It wasn't unreasonable, but the comparison was stark.
Just look at Tang Lan—
He took out his self-created Soul Skills to establish the Tang Sect.
He contributed firearm-based Soul Tools to strengthen the Heaven Dou Empire.
Such selfless dedication!
And then look at Tang San—hoarding everything to himself!
If Tang Lan hadn't brought it up today, they wouldn't have even known about his hidden trump cards.
So—
They understood Tang San's actions, but they despised his lack of vision!
[Host has successfully lowered Tang San's prestige within Shrek, stealing a fraction of his fortune!]
[Reward: External Soul Bone – Heavy Pupil (+120 Years)!]
—Tsk!
This reward… what an unexpected bonus.
Meanwhile, in the Corner—
Ma Hongjun silently observed the harmonious scene before him.
He didn't understand—
How had he ended up isolated?
More importantly—
Why was Tang Lan willing to take in even Dai Mubai, and was now so invested in Oscar's future—
But refused to accept him, Ma Hongjun?
"It must be because he still holds a grudge from when I offended him!"
"I didn't even do it on purpose back then, and I already apologized..."
Ma Hongjun felt extremely wronged.
But no one paid any attention to him.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing—
She was the first to finish eating. After washing her dishes, she headed towards the training field.
Looked like she was going for extra practice.
Dai Mubai silently followed.
Xiao Wu tugged at Tang Lan's sleeve, her eyes signaling—"Are you really okay with this?"
Tang Lan simply shrugged indifferently.
Zhu Zhuqing admired strength.
Not to mention, she had even gifted him an External Soul Bone.
These past few days, the way she looked at him had been… odd.
—For such emotions to leak through her usually cold and detached gaze, they must be incredibly intense.
Dai Mubai was walking straight into a rejection.
But Xiao Wu, unaware of the deeper dynamics, couldn't see it.
Xiao Wu Steps In! Love Rival or Co-Conspirator?
Seeing that Tang Lan was doing nothing, Xiao Wu stomped her foot in frustration!
Then, to everyone's surprise, she caught up to Zhu Zhuqing, linked arms with her, and walked toward the training grounds together.
Tang Lan was baffled.
If Dai Mubai could win Zhu Zhuqing back, shouldn't Xiao Wu be the first to support it?
Why was she helping him block a love rival instead?
—
"I really envy you," Ning Rongrong sighed. "Your little wife gets jealous, but still helps you pursue other girls. That's so nice!"
"Huh? Helps me pursue?" Tang Lan was confused. "How did you even come to that conclusion?"
Ning Rongrong chuckled.
"Sect Leader, so you do have things you don't understand." She teased.
Tang Lan squinted at her. This girl is getting bold, huh?
Sensing danger, Ning Rongrong quickly spilled the truth—
"Your talent is too dazzling. Xiao Wu alone can't keep a firm hold on you."
"So she must've figured it out—she needs to team up with Zhuqing to keep other girls out."
"That's probably what's happening."
Tang Lan blinked.
Huh?
It can be interpreted like that?!
"And how are you so sure?" He was skeptical.
Ning Rongrong's expression darkened slightly.
"Like you said, I didn't have friends growing up. Aside from playing pranks, all I could do was read."
"And what do kids like to read? Idol stories, romance novels, love dramas—"
"So even though I've never dated, I'm still very experienced!"
Well, damn.
Tang Lan gave Ning Rongrong a thumbs-up.
But before he could retract his hand—
Ning Rongrong smiled and held out her palm.
"So then… Uncle Tang, shouldn't you give your junior a welcome gift?"
Tang Lan: "…"
She was waiting for this, huh?
Ning Fengzhi really spoiled his daughter. He had left immediately, yet still managed to inform her.
Tang Lan straightened his posture and put on an air of authority.
"If my dear niece wants a gift, shouldn't she first kowtow?"
Ning Rongrong instantly retracted her hand.
"Hmph!"
"It's not like Indestructible Yin Art suits me anyway. I don't even want this so-called gift!"
With that, she spun around and left.
Tang Lan grinned.
Once True Martial Seven-Segment Formation was revealed, she'd definitely come begging.
And when that time came…
He'd drag it out a little, make her squirm.
—
Tactical Delays: The True Martial Seven-Segment Formation
As a combined formation, True Martial Seven-Segment Formation relied more on teamwork than individual mastery.
For inner power cultivation, it was slightly faster than Lingbo Weibu, but it didn't simultaneously enhance internal power, external techniques, and agility.
Which meant that for a fragile support-type like Ning Rongrong, Lingbo Weibu would remain her primary focus.
So whether she learned True Martial Seven-Segment Formation sooner or later… it wouldn't make much difference.
—
Late Night Intruder: Xiao Wu's Stealthy "Attack"
That night—
Xiao Wu suddenly activated her third soul skill—Teleportation—and flashed straight into Tang Lan's dormitory.
—Initiating dual cultivation.
"Brother's bed is still the most comfortable!" She snuggled closer.
Tang Lan flicked her forehead.
Flick!
Her eyes went dazed for a moment.
While digesting the information about True Martial Seven-Segment Formation, Tang Lan was also feeling a bit speechless.
Ever since Zhu Zhuqing got involved, Xiao Wu had become even more unrestrained with him.
Before, their "dual cultivation" just meant holding hands.
Now?
She had to cuddle!
Every time, she'd stir up his frustration, then use Teleportation to flee.
So infuriating!
No.
Not today.
Today, she had to be punished!
Chapter End: Zhu Zhuqing Breaks the Engagement! The Battle for Love Begins!
—The Sun Rises in the East.
Xiao Wu bolted out of Tang Lan's dormitory, flustered and puffing her cheeks like they were swollen.
Meanwhile, Tang Lan stood at the doorway, stretching lazily with a refreshed expression.
Humming "Today is a Good Day," he made his way toward the cafeteria.
Though he no longer needed food, Shao Xin's cooking was delicious. He ate purely for enjoyment.
—
"Creak—"
The door of the adjacent dorm swung open, and a disheveled, bed-headed Tang San rushed out.
"Brother!"
"I finished it!"
"10x magnification scope!"
—Oh?
Tang Lan took the scope and raised it to his eye, scanning the surroundings.
"Hiss—"
What the hell?!
Big. White. And… duang duang?!
Lowering the scope—
He saw Zhu Zhuqing retrieving a long robe from her storage ring and draping it over herself.
Oh, damn!
That meant just now, he had basically been staring right at her chest!
—Cough cough!
With a swift motion, Tang Lan stored the scope in Lan Wang and, in the same movement, flicked a sphere of spiritual energy toward Tang San.
It contained one of the techniques from True Martial Seven-Segment Formation.
—
While Tang San was busy absorbing its insights—
Tang Lan walked alongside Zhu Zhuqing toward the cafeteria.
Xiao Wu had already reported last night's situation.
Dai Mubai had approached Zhu Zhuqing for an honest talk—
And was mercilessly rejected.
Right then and there, the engagement was officially dissolved.
—Fortunately,
Dai Mubai was clearly in the wrong, so there was no "Thirty Years East of the River, Thirty Years West" dramatic backlash.
But hold on—
In the original story, didn't Zhu Zhuqing come to Shrek specifically for Dai Mubai?
Yet now, she had shut him down with zero hesitation.
So, who was she staying for?
Oscar, the Big Sausage Uncle?
Fatty Ma Hongjun, who was currently ostracized?
Or Tang San, who remained overshadowed by Tang Lan's brilliance?
It could only be—
The man who shared a Martial Soul Fusion Technique with her, whose compatibility with her was even higher, and whose talent far outshone the rest—Tang Lan himself.
Now that Zhu Zhuqing had made her stance clear, and Xiao Wu had accepted reality—
What was Tang Lan still hesitating for?
—Time to make his move.
—
The First Strike
"You're a bit late today," Tang Lan said with concern. "Did last night's training wear you out?"
"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing nodded briefly. "Muscles sore. Reflexes dulled. Overslept."
"Oh? My internal energy has healing properties. Want to give it a try?" Tang Lan offered. "Wouldn't want it affecting today's training."
Whether it was because of training or something else—
Zhu Zhuqing decisively agreed.
"How do we do it?"
"Simple. You don't move—I'll do the work."
Tang Lan took Zhu Zhuqing's hand.
—Soft. Smooth. Excellent grip.
He infused her with Nine Yang Divine Art, sending warm energy coursing through her meridians, alleviating the hidden injuries from her intense training.
The sensation was akin to soaking in a hot spring—utterly soothing.
"Mm~"
—SWOOSH—
Zhu Zhuqing immediately activated her Netherworld Spirit Cat, stepped into Lingbo Weibu, and disappeared in a flash.
Leaving behind a stunned Tang Lan.
For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
But her reaction just now?
—That was definitely a guilty escape!
So even the usually cold Zhu Zhuqing could make those kinds of sounds?
—Cold on the outside, fiery on the inside?
—A hidden gem!
—
[Current Confirmed Love Interests: Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing.]
(End of Chapter)