Bab 264: Chapter 264: Friend
...
Except for Zeng Yi, no one had expected the astonishing effect of the gift Tang San brought back from the outside.
In just half a day, their strength had all greatly improved.
Currently, the strength of the entire Shrek Seven Devils was as follows:
Dai Mubai, Rank 40 Spirit Power.
Oscar, Rank 39 Spirit Power.
Tang San, Rank 37 Spirit Power.
Ma Hongjun, Rank 37 Spirit Power.
Xiao Wu, Rank 35 Spirit Power.
Ning Rongrong, Rank 37 Spirit Power.
Zhu Zhuqing, Rank 39 Spirit Power.
Of course, Zeng Yi was not included in the Shrek Seven Devils anymore since he had already graduated and would soon be leaving the academy. Although Zeng Yi didn't consume the Immortal Herb, his Spirit Power was already much higher than the others, currently at Rank 43.
Moreover, the effects of the Immortal Herb they consumed couldn't be fully absorbed in just half a day. Over time, it would subtly change and enhance their aptitude, continuously absorbing the remaining effects.
In the coming period, except for Xiao Wu who didn't consume the Immortal Herb, the Spirit Power of the other members would significantly increase.
This made Master Yu Xiaogang extremely happy. Tang San, his disciple, had brought him a surprise that was too shocking. Not only did he solve the bottleneck problem that had troubled him for half his life regarding his Martial Spirit, but he also elevated the strength of the entire Shrek Seven Devils by a large margin.
This happiness exceeded even his breakthrough to Rank 30 Spirit Power. Because now he saw the hope of obtaining the championship in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament on the entire continent.
Originally, his goal was only the top eight, considering Zeng Yi had no intention of participating in the tournament. But Tang San directly elevated the strength of the team members by a large margin. With still half a year left before the tournament, he believed that during this period, the Shrek Seven Devils who consumed the Immortal Herb, except for Xiao Wu, would have no problem reaching the Spirit Ancestor level.
Just imagine, a team with six Spirit Ancestors, including Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing who were capable of battling at higher ranks, plus Ning Rongrong, the top supportive Martial Spirit in the world - Yu Xiaogang couldn't think of any team that could defeat them.
Yu Xiaogang had already envisioned that winning the championship of this tournament was already in the bag.
In the following days, everyone focused on meditation and practice to stabilize their Spirit Power since a sudden increase of five or six ranks could make them worry about the stability of their foundation.
After Dai Mubai and Yu Xiaogang stabilized their Spirit Power, they went with Flender and Liu Erlong to Sunset Forest to acquire suitable Spirit Rings. Tang San, under Yu Xiaogang's arrangement, entered this brand new academy and enjoyed the academy life.
As for Ning Rongrong, due to the mutation of her Martial Spirit caused by the Immortal Herb, which turned into the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda, she naturally had to report the situation to her family. So she took leave from the academy in a hurry and rushed back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
As for Zeng Yi, Ning Rongrong had intended to invite him to return to the clan together since he had also graduated. Where else could he go without going back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Moreover, as a disciple of the clan, it was unreasonable for him to never visit the clan even once.
However, Zeng Yi refused Ning Rongrong's request. He hadn't had enough fun in Heaven Dou City yet, so he didn't want to return now, not knowing when he would be able to come out again.
He would return eventually, but there was no hurry. It could be discussed in a few days.
In this way, Ning Rongrong left alone with a sullen face.
In Shrek Academy, Zeng Yi was already a graduate and naturally didn't go to class like others. Of course, in the academy, students with strong abilities could also apply not to attend class and cultivate independently.
Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar were like this.
When Zeng Yi was still in the academy, he also helped them with cultivation.
However, cultivation was ultimately one's own affair, and others couldn't always help you. So Zeng Yi would find some excuses to escape from Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar's requests and sneak off to have fun in Heaven Dou City.
Outside a three-story antique teahouse in Heaven Dou City, a young man in a blue shirt stood in front of the entrance with a small silver and black-striped kitten perched on his shoulder. The young man and the kitten curiously observed the exquisite and elegant building, which had an ancient charm to it.
The mahogany door opened inward, and in the center of the hall, there was a small pond with a miniature rockery, and the sound of trickling water could be faintly heard. The air was filled with a subtle tea fragrance, providing a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere. The teahouse was also filled with elegant music, creating a serene ambiance.
Several people entered and left the teahouse, but from their luxurious attire, one could tell that they had noble backgrounds. The background of this teahouse was definitely extraordinary.
"This guy really knows how to choose a good place." Zeng Yi couldn't help but exclaim as he walked into the teahouse.
Behind the reception desk in the teahouse stood a woman dressed in cheongsam, emanating an ancient charm. When she saw Zeng Yi enter, a gentle smile appeared on her face as she inquired, "Sir, may I help you with anything?"
Zeng Yi said, "Um, I'm looking for someone. Is there someone named Xue Qinghe here?"
Upon hearing Zeng Yi's words, a tinge of surprise flashed in the woman's eyes, but she quickly composed herself and smiled, "You must be Mister Zeng. His Highness has already informed me. Please follow me."
The woman in cheongsam led Zeng Yi to a secluded chamber on the third floor and lightly knocked on the door.
"Your Highness, Mister Zeng has arrived."
"Come in." A warm voice emanated from inside the chamber. The woman gently opened the door and respectfully bowed before retreating.
Zeng Yi entered the chamber and casually sat on the seat to the right of the person inside. Xiao Ju immediately jumped from Zeng Yi's shoulder onto another chair, curiously observing the room with her cat-like eyes.
Stretching lazily, Zeng Yi gazed at the person and smiled, "You really know how to enjoy life."
Xue Qinghe chuckled without saying a word, his gaze fixed on the teapot in his hand as he attentively brewed the tea.
"Here, taste the tea I brewed." Xue Qinghe said, pouring a cup of tea and placing it in front of Zeng Yi.
"The future Emperor personally brewing tea for me, it truly surprises me." Zeng Yi said, looking at the tea cup on the wooden table with faint white mist rising from it. He couldn't help but laugh.
"Although I am good at tasting wine, I haven't had much experience with tea." Zeng Yi took the jade green teacup to his mouth, took a sip, and put it down.
The lingering fragrance didn't fade away for a long time. Although the tea was hot, there was a hint of coolness when sipping it. It flowed down the throat into the stomach, creating a warm feeling.
Just like soaking in a hot spring in an icy snowy landscape.
"Excellent tea!" Zeng Yi couldn't help but praise.
"How do you feel about my tea with just the words 'excellent tea'?" Xue Qinghe glanced at Zeng Yi and asked.
"Well, I don't understand tea very well, so that's all I can say."
Seeing Zeng Yi somewhat embarrassed, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but smile, "Then next time, I'll invite you to drink wine."
"That sounds good. I imagine you, as a crown prince, must have a collection of excellent wines." Zeng Yi said and put down the teacup, nonchalantly crossing his legs.
Xue Qinghe said, "Of course, there are good wines. When you return, you can bring some back with you."
"Xue brother."
"What's the matter?" Xue Qinghe looked at Zeng Yi, puzzled by his direct gaze.
Zeng Yi said, "I've noticed that you are exceptionally good to me. Although we have only met a few times, you are so warm towards me and I can't figure out why."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe couldn't help feeling a bit flustered. Did he discover my hidden intentions?
"What intentions do I have towards you?" Xue Qinghe managed to calm his emotions and smiled, "Oh? Why would you think that?"
"This is something anyone can think of. We have only met a few times, and although we have some connections with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, as a crown prince, you shouldn't be so enthusiastic towards me."
"Although I am extremely handsome, I must make it clear to you first that it's impossible between us. You know, we are all men. Maybe you have ideas, but I like girls and I can't agree with such a relationship." Zeng Yi spoke firmly and righteously.
Zeng Yi's words left Xue Qinghe dumbfounded. What kind of thinking does this guy have? He could actually say such things. Indeed, he should have some feelings for you, but not in that way!
Although I have hidden myself for nearly ten years, is it all about love and romance? What a joke!
"That's not what I meant—"
Seeing Xue Qinghe's baffled expression, Zeng Yi couldn't help but burst into laughter, patting him on the shoulder and saying, "I'm just joking! What's with that expression? It's really funny, hahaha!"
"You..." At this moment, Xue Qinghe finally realized that he had been toyed with by Zeng Yi. In general, he should be angry because no one had ever dared to offend him like this. However, looking at Zeng Yi's smile, he couldn't find it within himself to be angry. He even had the urge to laugh.
During this time he spent with Zeng Yi, Xue Qinghe had come to understand his personality very well. He was this mischievous. But in the face of his current identity as the Crown Prince, he still dared to show this side to him, as if he didn't care, treating him like an ordinary friend.
Perhaps, this was a true friend. Someone with whom he could open his heart and laugh together.
This feeling wasn't bad at all.
Watching Zeng Yi's laughing expression, the corners of Xue Qinghe's mouth couldn't help but curl up. Then he laughed along.
Gradually, their laughter subsided, and Xue Qinghe stood up from his seat, walking toward the window, staring at the bustling street outside.
"Zeng, what you said is right. I did indeed have the intention to use you because I am a person of power. In the eyes of someone in power, the word 'friend' is quite laughable."
Zeng Yi looked at Xue Qinghe's back, smiling lightly, "You aren't pretending with me at all? Aren't you afraid that I'll walk away right now?"
Xue Qinghe shook his head, letting out a sigh, "To be friends with an outstanding person like you, one must be sincere. How can I be friends with Zeng Yi if I'm not sincere?"
"Then you are sincerely becoming my friend now?"
"Naturally. Does Mister Zeng still consider me your friend?" Xue Qinghe turned around, extending his right hand, as his eyes reflected unwavering sincerity.
Looking at Xue Qinghe's gesture and the candid expression in his eyes, Zeng Yi was somewhat moved. As a crown prince, he regarded him highly by extending such a gesture. Besides, Zeng Yi also had a good impression of him. He left a very good impression, and his character was decent. Such a person was worth getting close to.
Looking at the extended hand of Xue Qinghe, Zeng Yi smiled, reaching out to shake it.
"To have the future crown prince value me so highly, it truly is an honor for me. And I am more than happy to be friends." Zeng Yi said sincerely.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone