Chapter 81 – First Meeting with Qian Renxue
Originally, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Ning Rongrong looked like old friends happily reunited, while Yang Xiong was content to play the role of a quiet onlooker.
Ning Fengzhi suddenly turned to Yang Xiong.
"Xiao Xiong, what do you think of these hidden weapons? And also, what do you think of your classmates?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before answering.
"These hidden weapons are all very powerful. For support-type soul masters, they're extremely useful—one could say they suit our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan perfectly.
"As for the Shrek classmates, their talent is indeed excellent, but most of them have strong backgrounds. They can be our clan's friends, but they're not worth investing a lot of effort to recruit. Only Ma Hongjun and Oscar are from commoner families—perhaps they could be brought into our sect."
Ning Fengzhi smiled.
"I've also looked into your Shrek companions' backgrounds. Indeed, they're all quite outstanding. But among them aren't there two called Tang San and Xiao Wu? Are those two not worth recruiting?"
Yang Xiong's expression grew serious.
"Sect Master, do you think members of the Clear Sky Sect are worth recruiting? And even if so—do you think they could actually be recruited?"
The three others were instantly startled, completely unable to understand what Yang Xiong meant.
Ning Rongrong frowned slightly.
"Xiao Xiongzi, what do they have to do with the Clear Sky Sect?"
Ning Fengzhi's face also turned serious.
"Xiao Xiong, explain carefully. Could it be you've discovered something else?"
Yang Xiong looked at Ning Rongrong.
"Rongrong, do you remember during our entrance exam? When Tang San fought Zhao Wuji alone, aside from using all kinds of strange hidden weapons, he also brought out a small black hammer in his hand. That should be the legendary Clear Sky Hammer."
Ning Rongrong immediately asked,
"If Tang San's martial soul is the Clear Sky Hammer, then what about his Blue Silver Grass martial soul?"
Yang Xiong replied,
"Dual martial souls—Tang San should have twin martial souls. His second martial soul should be the Clear Sky Hammer."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze deepened.
"So, Xiao Xiong, are you saying the Clear Sky Sect has secretly emerged from seclusion? Why haven't we received any information about this?"
Yang Xiong shook his head.
"This has nothing to do with the Clear Sky Sect directly. Back in Star Dou Forest, when I asked Teacher Lin Gong to rescue Xiao Wu, at the last moment he was intimidated by the aura of a Title Douluo. That should have been a Clear Sky Sect Title Douluo. And among those from the Clear Sky Sect who actually operate outside, there's really only one person."
Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment, and his refined gaze suddenly flashed sharply.
"The Clear Sky Douluo—Tang Hao!"
Yang Xiong nodded.
"Rongrong, do you remember Tang San once said his father was an ordinary blacksmith named Tang Hao?"
Ning Rongrong recalled.
"Tang San did say that once, but I didn't pay much attention."
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged a glance.
"Sword Uncle, if this involves the Clear Sky Sect, perhaps things aren't that simple. But we should still observe Tang San's attitude. It's possible even he doesn't know about his own connection to the Clear Sky Sect."
"Xiao Xiong, keep Tang San's identity as a Clear Sky Sect disciple a secret for now. Just pretend you don't know anything. I'll handle this matter personally when the time comes."
…
Soon, the four of them arrived at the Board of Education building. Aside from the three original deans and Shrek Academy's teachers and students, in the central seat sat a refined young man.
He appeared somewhat slender, but his every movement radiated grace and noble bearing, while still seeming approachable. This was surely Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, whom Ning Fengzhi had mentioned.
Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe were quite similar in conduct—both refined and cultured, their conversations tinged with hidden meaning. No wonder they were master and disciple.
After some discussion, it was clear both Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi were quite satisfied with Shrek's staff and students, showing clear signs of wanting to draw them closer.
Once everyone had withdrawn, only Xue Qinghe, Ning Rongrong, and Yang Xiong remained in the building. Tang San, however, had been invited away by Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo—clearly to discuss a hidden weapon trade.
Ning Rongrong seemed quite familiar with Xue Qinghe, calling him "Brother Qinghe," while he called her "Sister Rongrong," making them seem almost like real siblings. Yang Xiong, meanwhile, felt more like an awkward third wheel.
Xue Qinghe glanced at Yang Xiong.
"Classmate Yang Xiong, Rongrong and I have known each other since childhood. She's my teacher's daughter, and I've always treated her as my own sister."
Yang Xiong gave a slight bow.
"I've met Your Highness before. Your relationship with Rongrong is indeed good—she's always wanted an older brother."
Xue Qinghe smiled and nodded.
"Rongrong is very adorable. Both my teacher and I dote on her."
Ning Rongrong quickly chimed in.
"Brother Qinghe, Xiao Xiongzi—no need to be so formal. Our two families have an excellent relationship."
Xue Qinghe looked at the two with a warm, brotherly expression.
"Rongrong is our little princess. Since you two are together, I hope you'll cherish her as much as I do."
Yang Xiong, seeing Xue Qinghe's expression, couldn't help but feel speechless. This guy's really good at putting on an act. No wonder someone as shrewd as Ning Fengzhi is completely taken in. Yang Xiong then scrutinized Xue Qinghe's face carefully, as if looking for traces of femininity.
Sensing Yang Xiong's strange gaze, Xue Qinghe spoke up.
"Classmate Yang Xiong, we're all family here. Speak freely."
From Yang Xiong's point of view, it was obvious Xue Qinghe wanted to win over both him and Ning Rongrong. Otherwise, a busy crown prince wouldn't bother with such talk.
After thinking for a moment, Yang Xiong said,
"Your Highness, I've long heard of you. The people praise you as a diligent and benevolent ruler. But… there's something I find a bit strange."
Xue Qinghe looked puzzled.
"Is there something wrong with what I've done?"
Yang Xiong took a casual sip of tea.
"Your Highness truly excels in all aspects—an admirable figure. But I've heard that you're not exactly young anymore, and it's about time to find a crown princess. Yet there seem to be no such rumors—nor any gossip linking you to women.
"I believe that no matter how busy you are with state affairs and cultivation, the empire's succession is most important. Surely His Majesty Emperor Xue Ye must be concerned for you in this regard."
A hint of awkwardness appeared on Xue Qinghe's face.
"I have indeed been too busy—perhaps I've neglected this matter."
Yang Xiong smiled.
"Please don't take offense, Your Highness. Since Rongrong sees you as a brother, I speak only with good intentions. You know, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has quite a few outstanding female disciples—beautiful and talented. Perhaps one of them could be a perfect match for you, and it would be a fine story for both our families."
Xue Qinghe seemed to dodge the topic.
"Classmate Yang Xiong, you're joking. I'm simply too busy. Perhaps my father will bestow a marriage on me."
The three of them were sitting together, and Yang Xiong suddenly reached out and grasped Xue Qinghe's hands just as he was about to lift his teacup, speaking with great enthusiasm.
"Your Highness, your marriage concerns the continuation of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. This is no small matter. I haven't been at Heaven Dou Royal Academy long, but I've heard Prince Xue Beng loves making friends—and has never been short of girlfriends. In this regard, Your Highness should learn from your younger brother."
Xue Qinghe calmly pulled his hands back.
"Classmate Yang Xiong, you jest. Xue Beng has always been a playboy. If he has offended you in the past, I apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong clearly wasn't planning to let the disguised crown prince off so easily.
"Your Highness, I feel an instant connection with you. If you truly have some hidden ailment, you can tell me directly. I have some knowledge of medicine and could help you cure it."
Ning Rongrong quickly joined in.
"Brother Qinghe, Xiao Xiongzi knows a lot from his reading. If you have any problem, you must tell him. Do you want me to introduce you to some of our female clan members?"
Xue Qinghe gave an awkward smile.
"I haven't thought much about such things. The empire's affairs keep me too busy.
"Speaking of which, I suddenly remembered an important matter I haven't handled yet. I'll take my leave for now—Rongrong, please explain to Teacher on my behalf."
Watching Xue Qinghe leave in haste, Ning Rongrong looked a bit disappointed.
"Brother Qinghe is really too busy. It's rare for us to gather like this."
Yang Xiong still wore a smile.
"Rongrong, you seem to like this Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, but he's a bit too calculating."
Ning Rongrong frowned slightly.
"Don't say that about Brother Qinghe. Emperor Xue Ye entrusts him with many tasks—he's much busier than we are."
…
Meanwhile, Tang San, under Ning Fengzhi's invitation, had entered a separate room.
After discussions, the hidden weapon deal was finalized: Tang San would provide the blueprints, Ning Fengzhi would arrange for craftsmen to make the various parts, and finally, all the parts would be given to Tang San for assembly.
In short, Tang San was only providing the technical know-how, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan supplied all the materials and manufacturing. This saved Tang San a great deal of time and effort, while still yielding huge profits—it was almost like reaping without sowing.
Ning Fengzhi was extremely generous, directly purchasing five hundred sets at ten thousand gold coins each, paying the five million gold soul coins all at once. For the fabulously wealthy Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, this was nothing.
But after the deal was done, Tang San seemed to have something else on his mind.
Ning Fengzhi's tone was warm and approachable.
"Tang San, if you have something to say, just say it. My clan has some influence in the soul master world—if you have a difficult matter, you can tell me."
Tang San finally spoke.
"Sect Master Ning, regarding our trade, could you include one of your clan's self-created soul skills? I'm willing to forgo the five million gold soul coins for it."
Ning Fengzhi smiled.
"In a normal trade, payment is only proper. But if it's just an ordinary self-created skill from our sect, I could give it to you as a bonus—consider it a sign of sincerity."
Tang San thought for a moment.
"Sect Master Ning, I once saw Yang Xiong use a move called the Rasengan. Could you grant me that skill?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression shifted slightly.
"Tang San, I'm afraid that's impossible. The Rasengan was created by Yang Xiong himself, and I promised him it would never be passed on to outsiders. I can't give it to you.
"Of course, if you have another skill in mind, we could consider it."
Over the past few months, Tang San had fought Yang Xiong many times and deeply admired the Rasengan's power.
Unfortunately, neither he nor Yu Xiaogang could figure it out, no matter how they analyzed it. Tang San had even tried secretly practicing it himself, but gained nothing. So during this trade, he thought to include it—even offering to waive five million gold coins.
Tang San pressed further.
"Sect Master Ning, wasn't the Rasengan developed by Yang Xiong under Bone Douluo's guidance? Shouldn't it belong to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged a glance, their eyes full of puzzlement. Since when had Bone Douluo guided Yang Xiong? And since when was Yang Xiong his disciple?
But Ning Fengzhi kept his tone even.
"Tang San, you should know Title Douluo have their own secrets. If it involves Bone Douluo, it's not something I can easily interfere with. If you feel the price for each hidden weapon set isn't enough, I can raise it."
Tang San, a bit dejected, replied,
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning. The price is fair, and I'm satisfied with this deal."
After Tang San left, the previously calm Sword Douluo's eyes suddenly sharpened.
"Fengzhi, this Tang San is too shrewd. We're providing all the materials and manufacturing, yet he's charging ten thousand gold soul coins per set—that's really high.
"And he's bold enough to covet our self-created skills. Just as Yang Xiong said—he's not worth recruiting."
Ning Fengzhi smiled.
"A mere five million gold soul coins means nothing to us. But it is strange that he's after this particular skill. Knowing Yang Xiong's personality, if he realized Tang San wanted it, he'd have held back in front of him.
"And another thing—why did Tang San say Yang Xiong developed the Rasengan under Uncle Bone's guidance? And even call Yang Xiong Uncle Bone's disciple?"
Unlike in the original events—where Tang San gifted Ning Rongrong the immortal herb Qiluo Tulip, evolving her martial soul—here they were just ordinary classmates, without deep bonds. Ning Fengzhi's attitude naturally differed.
After all, self-created soul skills were matters of great importance, and the Rasengan was vital to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. It wasn't something to hand over lightly—certainly not to someone like Tang San, who hadn't earned that level of trust.
(End of chapter)
(END CHAPTER)
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