```
"You don't have to thank me, this is just an exchange of moves, not a life-and-death duel; it's only right that I hold back."
After hearing Sea Dragon Douluo's words, Qin Xiao shook his head.
"Admirable." Sea Dragon Douluo once again gave Qin Xiao a fist salute, his face filled with genuine respect.
Qin Xiao didn't say much more and turned his gaze to Bossi, "I wonder if the Great Priest is available now?"
Hm?
While those around were confused, Bossi raised an eyebrow, "Your next assessment task is to challenge me?"
"What?"
"Challenge the Great Priest!"
Whether it was the Sea Pillar Guardian or people like Zhu Zhuqing, all faces were filled with astonishment.
Everyone knew that this assessment was extremely difficult.
The Great Priest's strength was undeniably the strongest on Sea God's Island, and even a Titled Douluo of level 99 wouldn't be able to defeat her at sea.
Although Qin Xiao could, through some miraculous means, unleash attacks comparable to level 99, they still believed there was a gap between him and the Great Priest.
"Don't look at me like that. My next task does indeed involve the Great Priest, but it's not to challenge her. All I need to do is to withstand her attacks for the duration of an incense stick," Qin Xiao explained, gesturing to the crowd not to worry.
After hearing Qin Xiao's clarification, everyone's faces showed a dawning understanding.
If that was the case, it didn't seem too outrageous.
Bossi's expression returned to its usual calm, "Do you want to start now?"
Qin Xiao nodded, "There's no time like the present, let's do it now. Moreover, I have another favor to ask of the Great Priest."
"What is it?" Bossi didn't immediately refuse. She was curious to see what Qin Xiao wanted to do.
"I would like to take some people and leave Sea God's Island for a while."
"That's fine."
Bossi nodded, "There's a rule on Sea God's Island that you can leave if you last the time of an incense stick under my attack. It just so happens that it can coincide with your divine assessment."
"Thank you."
Qin Xiao smiled faintly.
Unbeknownst to him, a year had already passed.
Now, his injuries had healed, his strength had further increased, and the flames of revenge were rekindled.
Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan, Star Luo Royal Family, it was time for reckoning.
"But today you've already been through several battles and have expended a great deal of energy. Even if I win, it wouldn't be a worthy victory. Tomorrow at noon, outside Sea God's Island, I will wait for you."
"Great Priest, I can still fight..."
"I said tomorrow."
Bossi had her own conviction, and leaving behind those words, she turned and left without giving Qin Xiao a chance to argue.
The Seven Sacred Pillar Protectors also tactfully departed.
Qin Xiao touched his nose, slightly puzzled, did I say something?
"Let it be, tomorrow it is. Let's rest well today."
"Let's go, let's get something delicious to eat. It's been a year, I'm practically craving flavor."
...
Into the night.
The bright moonlight shone onto the dilapidated gates of Hao Tian Clan.
Tang Hao's figure stood on the ruins, backlit by the moon, lost in thought.
Tap, tap, tap...
After some time, a series of footsteps echoed in his ears.
He didn't turn around, but he knew who had come.
It was Tang San.
Still with his back to Tang San, Tang Hao said, "You've arrived."
"Dad, did you ask me to come for any specific reason?" Tang San asked, puzzled.
"It's not so much an instruction, but rather, I've made some adjustments to the direction of your future development."
"Adjustments?" Tang San grew even more puzzled.
He wondered what plan Tang Hao was conjuring up this time.
With a sigh, Tang Hao turned around, his expression somewhat complex as he looked at Tang San, "I've been reflecting during this time. Previously, Qin Xiao pushed us, father and son, too hard. I could only place my hopes on you, hoping you could grow rapidly to avenge us and your grand uncle. The pace was a bit fast and the process not very smooth, and it even caused you some harm."
Saying this, Tang Hao took the opportunity to glance down at Tang San while he wasn't paying attention.
There had been an accident when they removed Tang San's Bluesilver Grass Martial Soul, resulting in his current inability to 'rise to the occasion.' After Tang Chen was cured, Tang Hao had also asked him privately, but the answer he received was that there was no solution.
"Dad, why bring this up..."
In contrast, Tang San appeared somewhat uneasy after hearing what Tang Hao said.
He had never given up on treating himself, but he had never been successful.
Repeated failures had destroyed his confidence. Now, being disabled by Tang Hao was his permanent anguish.
His hatred for Tang Hao wouldn't be easily dissolved either.
"Enough, enough, let's not talk about this anymore."
Tang Hao waved his hands and continued, "I've been seriously considering it, and now that the ancestor has returned, Qin Xiao's days are numbered. We don't need to rush to improve our strength. Building a solid foundation and gradually advancing your cultivation level is more suitable for your current path. So, I've decided to find a Soul Master Academy and let you continue your studies."
"What, studies?"
Tang San was stunned, "Dad, I'm already a Soul Elder, is there really a need for school? Even if it's an advanced Soul Master Academy, someone with my cultivation level could graduate."
"Xiaosan, I've told you, one must not be too impulsive in life and must be patient. Schooling is also a way to temper you. The continental Soul Master competition is less than a year away, and it will be a great opportunity for training."
```
Tang Hao raised his right hand and heavily placed it on Tang San's shoulder, "Bring back a championship to prove that our Hao Tian Clan is still the best in the world, to spread the fame of the Hao Tian Clan."
"Ah, this..."
Tang San's face filled with a look of surprise.
He had not expected Tang Hao to have arranged such a task for him.
"Is it very difficult?" Seeing that Tang San did not reply, Tang Hao could not help frowning, his expression becoming serious.
"No, it's not that. Our Hao Tian Clan disciples' identities are sensitive. Not to mention we already have two formidable enemies in the Seven Treasures Glaze Sect and Qin Xiao, there's also the Martial Soul Hall which is eyeing us covetously, I'm afraid..."
"Afraid of what? You're being spineless."
Tang Hao interrupted Tang San before he could finish speaking.
"Elder Tang Chen has returned, how long can that kid Qin Xiao keep hopping around?"
"Even if the elder can't directly destroy the Seven Treasures Glaze Sect, do they dare to be our enemy? They should be walking on tiptoes, awaiting our reckoning. That fox Ning Fengzhi might even pay a huge price to save himself by cutting off his tail."
As he spoke, a cold smile appeared involuntarily at the corner of Tang Hao's mouth, "As for the Martial Soul Hall, you worry even less. Xiao San, you might not know this, but the Grand Worshipper Qian Daoliu from the Martial Soul Hall was once defeated by the elder. With the elder's return, wouldn't he respect us at least a bit?
Xiao San, you just go ahead and make your way, any trouble, the elder will smooth it out for you."
As he spoke, Tang Hao's face filled with a victorious look.
If he hadn't seen Tang Chen, Tang San would have thought he was Tang Chen.
"In that case, so be it."
Tang San, left with no choice, could only agree.
"Then may I ask where do you want me to go to school, father?"
Tang Hao was silent for a moment before slowly saying the name of an academy, "Thunderclap Academy."
"Where? Thunderclap Academy?"
Tang San was stunned, "Isn't Thunderclap Academy the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan's institution, located within the Xingluo Empire, and given the current situation of the Xingluo Empire, and the relationship between the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan and our Hao Tian Clan..."
"What's the problem?" Tang Hao still unconcerned, waved his hand dismissively, "If the elder shows up, Yu Yuanzhen from the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan would have to obediently greet him at the entrance of the mountain gate and address him as a senior. How could he dare to kick up a fuss? It would be more like him humbly submitting to us. Your going to Thunderclap Academy is giving them face.
Also, about the crisis in the Xingluo Empire, the elder could easily settle it, it's just not the time yet."
This time, Tang San fell silent.
Tang Hao spoke convincingly, and he had no idea how to refute him.
But he still felt something was amiss, yet couldn't articulate it.
"Xiao San, if you have no doubts, you should go back and get ready. Prepare to set off in a couple of days."
Tang Hao gave his instructions solemnly.
...
Meanwhile.
At the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan.
In front of the gate, Yu Luomian greeted the three people coming up from the foothills with a smile brimming across his face as he stepped forward to meet them.
"Er Long, I knew you wouldn't just watch the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan struggle without lending a hand."
"Stop right there. My being here has little to do with you and even less with the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan. I've come to exterminate the Star Luo Royal Family."
Liu Erlong frowned and kept her distance from Yu Luomian.
In the previous period, Yu Luomian had visited her at the Blue Tyrant Academy, but she was at a critical point in her cultivation and could not leave.
She had just emerged from seclusion not long before and had hurried over.
As she had told him, she came solely to obliterate the Star Luo Royal Family.
Hearing this, Yu Luomian was not embarrassed and glanced at Zhao Wuji and Flander on Liu Erlong's sides, making a welcoming gesture, "Gentlemen, please come inside."
"Second Master, no, I should now call you Clan Head Yu. We shall not enter through your gate. If you're ready, then let us head towards Xingluo City together. I am quite eager to see how formidable the Hell White Tiger is."
Zhao Wuji crossed his arms, appearing eager to try.
Yu Luomian's face stiffened.
He detected a hint of sarcasm in Zhao Wuji's words.
Indeed, this was to be expected, given that Zhao Wuji was loyal to Qin Xiao and, relationally, they stood in opposition to the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan. They were nearly enemies, and the fact that they were not fighting at this moment was a sign of restraint on their part.
"Old Zhao, what are you saying?"
"At the very least, Clan Head Yu is Er Long's father, and we should give him that much respect," Flander interjected.
Uh...
Yu Luomian's face reddened even more.
He perceived that Flander was reminding him that besides the relationship of Liu Erlong's father, they also had no desire to be involved with the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan.
"If that's the case, then let's set off. Everyone has been arranged for."
"Outside Xingluo City, there are three hundred disciples from the Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Clan, twenty Soul Emperors, ten Soul Sages, and additionally, one Soul Douluo at level eighty-two."
Seeing that the guests were unwilling to enter the sect, Yu Luomian had no choice but to give up.
After hearing Yu Luomian's words, Liu Erlong furrowed his brows in thought for a moment, then gave a slight nod, "That's enough, a surprise attack doesn't need too many people, but it does require a sufficient number of powerful individuals."
...
Elsewhere.
Sea God's Island.
Qin Xiao had just lain down in the bedroom meticulously prepared by Sea Horse Douluo, when there was a knock at the door.
Knock knock knock.
Qin Xiao sat up, frowning slightly, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Ning Rongrong."
Ning Rongrong? What was she doing here so late?
Hearing the voice from outside, Qin Xiao muttered to himself, but still called for Ning Rongrong to come in.
"Qin Xiao..."
Ning Rongrong pushed the door and entered.
However.
Qin Xiao was somewhat surprised to see the girl who came in.
She was wearing a pure white suspender nightgown, with a deep V-neck, reaching just to her hips...
The fair and delicate skin shimmered with a faint glow under the moonlight.
Truly the freshest among them, that skin is unbeatable... Qin Xiao thought to himself.
But, there's one more thing that cannot be left unmentioned, Ning Rongrong had really grown up.
Qin Xiao estimated that what used to be an A was now a C, wondering what she had eaten. In just one year, Ning Rongrong had changed so significantly.
"Cough cough."
Qin Xiao coughed lightly, his gaze returning to Ning Rongrong's face, meeting her eyes, "What are you doing here so late instead of resting properly?"
Ning Rongrong hesitated for a moment, then said, "I, I want to talk to you."
"Then let's talk."
Qin Xiao answered casually.
But then, Ning Rongrong came over and sat down beside him.
Just to talk, was there a need to sit so close? Qin Xiao wondered to himself.
However, the next moment, Ning Rongrong took it even further and threw herself into Qin Xiao's arms.
"Qin Xiao, I want to be like Zhu Qing, like Yiran..."
Such a voice coming from his embrace took Qin Xiao by surprise.
"But feelings need to be cultivated..."
"Don't they say to win a woman's heart, you should first win her favor? I'm ready."
Ning Rongrong argued with sound logic, leaving Qin Xiao with no words in rebuttal.
Or perhaps, he didn't want to rebut.
If Ning Rongrong had made up her mind, what's there for him to hesitate about?
Just as he was about to take the next step, an incongruous voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Your Highness, you shouldn't be asleep yet, right? May I come in?"
It was Dugu Yan!
Qin Xiao and Ning Rongrong both recognized the voice of the visitor.
Qin Xiao was alright, about to let Dugu Yan come in, but Ning Rongrong's little hand covered Qin Xiao's mouth first.
Moreover, she used her other hand to make a 'shush' gesture at her lips.
Qin Xiao nodded slightly, indicating he understood.
Ning Rongrong then glanced left and right, and while Qin Xiao was distracted, she swiftly dived under his bed.
"She's crawling under the bed, under the bed..."
Qin Xiao was speechless, "What is this all about?"
If something had happened, hiding might make some sense.
But nothing had happened yet, so what was she hiding for?
I'm innocent here.
Now, what situation is this? Is this like having an affair?
If someone found out, it would look bad regardless of the reality.
Just as Qin Xiao was about to pull Ning Rongrong out from under the bed, Dugu Yan spoke from outside again, "Your Highness, if you don't respond, I'll take it as your consent..."
"I, I'm coming in now."
As the voice fell, the sound of the door opening could be heard.
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