Zhu Ziyang and Qian Lingyi carried the Six-Winged Radiant Tiger northward, directly to the outskirts of the canyon.
Finding a secluded area, Qian Lingyi began to absorb the soul ring of the Six-Winged Radiant Tiger while Zhu Ziyang stood guard, checking the tiger's corpse to see if it had produced any soul bones.
Unfortunately, although the Six-Winged Radiant Tiger was an extremely rare high-tier soul beast, soul bones were even rarer. With only 30,000 years of cultivation, this beast had not yielded any soul bone.
Qian Lingyi's soul ring absorption went smoothly. In about half an hour, the girl suddenly stood up with a radiant grin on her face and burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! I really am the once-in-a-century genius of the Qian family!"
Zhu Ziyang looked at the overly proud Qian Lingyi and couldn't help but ask, "So, what's your sixth soul skill that's got you so thrilled?"
"Heh, clearly you don't know," Qian Lingyi beamed with pride. "My sixth soul skill is called Angel's Divine Dance. It's a powerful soul skill exclusive to the Six-Winged Angel martial soul. Other angel variants would never acquire this unless extremely talented!"
"Got it," Zhu Ziyang chuckled. "Our Miss Qian Lingyi is indeed incredibly gifted!"
"Hmph, obviously!" the girl huffed smugly. "Angel's Divine Dance temporarily evolves my Sacred Angel martial soul into a Six-Winged Angel, increasing all attributes by 150%. I also gain fire and ultimate light attributes. It lasts until my soul power runs dry."
"Tsk tsk," Zhu Ziyang clicked his tongue. "That's truly powerful. Not only a temporary martial soul evolution, but also a 150% all-stat boost. Impressive!"
"Right? I can't wait to go home and show my grandmother what I've gained! Heehee!"
"Sounds good. We're not in a rush anyway," Zhu Ziyang nodded. "By the way, I still don't know where your home is?"
"My home? In the Northern Mountain Range. What, you want to come home with me?" Qian Lingyi tilted her head.
"Northern Mountain Range? That's unexpected," Zhu Ziyang said in surprise. "Sure, I don't mind. Anyone else in your family?"
"Not many. Just my grandma and three or four uncles. About twenty people altogether," Qian Lingyi replied after a pause.
"Hard to imagine. The once-glorious Qian Clan reduced to this…" Zhu Ziyang couldn't help but sigh.
"Hmph! It's all because of your Sea God from Shrek Academy," Qian Lingyi said coldly. "If he hadn't interfered, our Qian Clan might've unified the continent. I could've been a noble princess by now!"
"Heh, that's quite possible," Zhu Ziyang didn't argue. Though he had no fondness for the Qian Clan, his wariness and dislike for the Sea God Tang San was even greater.
He had nearly forgotten about the Sea God, but Mu En's dying words had reignited old memories. The ending of Peerless Tang Sect and Mu En's warnings convinced him—Tang San was a man who would do anything to achieve his goals.
"So, want to come home with me?" Qian Lingyi asked, changing the topic.
"Sure. I also want to stop by Anyang City," Zhu Ziyang agreed.
And so, the two set off, exiting the northern mouth of the Tianhui Grand Canyon and heading toward Anyang City.
Anyang City was the same as always. North River Village hadn't changed much either. Although Zhu Ziyang and Jiang Nannan's families had long moved out, Zhu Ziyang's fame had reached his hometown. Everyone there was immensely proud of this peerless genius who had come from their village. Even City Lord Hong Zhen felt elated when other city lords asked about Zhu Ziyang during official visits to Dragon City.
After returning to Anyang City, Zhu Ziyang first visited his home. It was untouched, just a little dusty. After a quick cleaning, he and Qian Lingyi made their way to the city lord's manor.
The gatekeeper, an old acquaintance, immediately recognized Zhu Ziyang despite his age.
"You… you're the young master from Captain Zhu's family!"
Zhu Ziyang smiled, "Yes, I am. Is Uncle Hong in?"
"He is! And… did you really win the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament?"
"If there's no other Zhu Ziyang, then yes—that was me," he replied, smiling as he walked in.
The gatekeeper didn't stop him. Watching his back, he murmured with envy, "If only my son could be half as outstanding…"
Zhu Ziyang still remembered the manor layout. He easily found Hong Zhen in the study.
"Uncle Hong."
"Ziyang!" Hong Zhen was overjoyed and rushed out from behind his desk. "What brings you back?"
"I was traveling and passed through Anyang City. Thought I'd visit you," Zhu Ziyang replied with a grin.
"Hahaha, I'm honored!" Hong Zhen laughed. "Your fame's all over Anyang City! Just having someone like you remember me is enough for a lifetime. Come, sit, sit!"
They both sat. Hong Zhen sighed emotionally. "Eleven years gone in a flash. The little boy from back then is now a name known throughout the continent. I envy your father so much! How is he?"
"My parents are doing well. The academy arranged housing for them in Shrek City. These days they just take care of Ziguan," Zhu Ziyang said. "My dad often wants to come back, but… because of me, it's not convenient right now."
"What's he coming back for?" Hong Zhen laughed. "I'd kill for a chance to visit Shrek City! Your dad's too spoiled!"
"Haha, he just misses you," Zhu Ziyang laughed. "Actually, Ziguan is about to awaken his martial soul, and they were considering sending him back here to attend Anyang Academy."
"Why not keep him in Shrek? Isn't that better?" Hong Zhen asked.
"Well, Shrek Academy doesn't have a primary division. So Ziguan would have to return to attend primary school somewhere. My parents said they trust Anyang City more than other cities."
"I see." Hong Zhen nodded. "Then let him come. Our teaching quality is pretty good!"
"Definitely! The dorms are better than Shrek's outer court ones!" Zhu Ziyang agreed, then said seriously, "Uncle Hong, what if Shrek Academy wants to collaborate with Anyang's primary academy—would you be willing?"
"Collaborate?" Hong Zhen blinked, then laughed. "Of course I'd be willing! Anyang's dream is to produce students who qualify for Shrek!"
"I figured you'd say that." Zhu Ziyang nodded. "But what I mean might require you to give something up."
"Oh? Let's hear it," Hong Zhen said, realizing there was more behind the visit.
"It's simple. Rename Anyang Primary Academy to Anyang Tianyuan Academy and make it a subsidiary of Shrek. The top three graduates each year can directly enter Shrek's outer court. Others will get a free soul ring hunt service for rings up to 50,000 years."
"And as the price, Uncle Hong… you'll need to transfer soul awakening rights to Shrek Academy."
"That's it?" Hong Zhen couldn't contain his joy and jumped up. "That's nothing! I agree, I agree!"
"That's great!" Zhu Ziyang smiled in relief. "Within a month, the academy will send someone to discuss the details. Once everything is finalized, you'll become the first headmaster of Shrek Academy's Anyang Tianyuan Academy!"
"So that means… I'll be part of Shrek Academy now, right?" Hong Zhen asked, eyes shining.
"Of course," Zhu Ziyang confirmed. "The council already decided: all Tianyuan headmasters are considered part of Shrek's staff, with a status equal to elite outer court instructors. When you step down, you can still teach in Shrek's outer court."
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.