...
"Going to Shrek Academy?" Ning Fengzhi snatched the letter from Zeng Yi's hand and glanced at it.
The handwriting was indeed that of his beloved daughter, but the contents were unexpected.
It wasn't a love letter.
This disappointed Ning Fengzhi a little.
However, the elegant handwriting on the paper contained information that widened Ning Fengzhi's eyes, surprising him with an expression of astonishment on his face.
"She broke through to Spirit Ancestor?!" He exclaimed in amazement as he read the information written in the letter.
Well, let's see. Ning Fengzhi remembered that his daughter had reached the 37th rank of spirit power half a year ago. Her rapid progress was due to the effects of the elixirs.
However, in just half a year, she had advanced three more ranks and even acquired a spirit ring. She was now a Spirit Ancestor of the 41 rank.
Did the issue of slow progress for auxiliary system spirit masters also get solved by the elixirs? This cultivation speed was nearly terrifying.
Upon careful consideration, Ning Fengzhi realized that his daughter wasn't even fourteen years old yet. A fourteen-year-old Spirit Ancestor, especially an auxiliary system one, had already broken the historical records of the spirit master realm.
Ning Fengzhi's excitement was overwhelming. Holding the letter in his trembling hands due to his excitement, tears of gratitude and joy welled up in his eyes.
Xue Qinghe on the side also became startled by Ning Fengzhi's exclamation. Ning Rongrong had become a Spirit Ancestor? As Ning Fengzhi's student, Xue Qinghe naturally knew Ning Rongrong well. With her talent, could she really become a Spirit Ancestor before the age of fourteen?
Xue Qinghe felt incredulous. Although she herself had reached Spirit Ancestor before the age of fourteen, she had inherited a level 20 innate spirit power. She remembered that Ning Rongrong had only possessed a level 9 innate spirit power, which was considered mediocre talent. Yet in such a short period, she managed to become a Spirit Ancestor, and an auxiliary system spirit master at that.
However, seeing Ning Fengzhi's expression, it seemed to be true.
Xue Qinghe's eyes became somewhat confused, and she even began to doubt herself. Could it be that her own talent was really so lousy? Others with only a level 9 innate spirit power could become Spirit Ancestors before the age of fourteen, while she, with a level 20 spirit power, achieved Spirit Ancestor at that age.
The disparity...
Suddenly, Xue Qinghe noticed that her gaze startled Zeng Yi, who was beside her. Zeng Yi patted his chest, bewildered by Xue Qinghe's stare.
For some reason, Zeng Yi felt that Xue Qinghe's chest was quite soft.
"Oh, what's wrong with you?" Zeng Yi frowned and asked after patting Xue Qinghe's chest.
For some reason, Zeng Yi felt that Xue Qinghe's chest was quite soft.
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just lost in thought for a moment." Xue Qinghe replied absentmindedly after being patted by Zeng Yi, returning from her daze.
Wait a minute...
Xue Qinghe looked at Zeng Yi and suddenly frowned, recalling his actions a moment ago.
Just now, Zeng Yi patted my chest...
Right?
Xue Qinghe was dumbfounded. This guy was shameless beyond words, actually doing such a lewd gesture!
Thinking of Zeng Yi's actions just now, Xue Qinghe's face flushed involuntarily, and she stared at Zeng Yi with a mix of anger and grievance.
Zeng Yi was also looking at Xue Qinghe in confusion. For some reason, he felt that she was acting strangely, adopting postures that seemed very feminine, like she was now.
Could it be...
An idea emerged in Zeng Yi's mind, causing him to startle and take a step back in fear.
It was widely known that those nobles liked to play around, and they had quite a variety of ways to entertain themselves. As the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou Empire, could he also have some strange hobbies?
Now, Zeng Yi felt that Xue Qinghe was somewhat dangerous.
Xue Qinghe also felt that she had been acting strange lately. She used to be different, but her mental state was now easily disturbed.
She was still a boy now, so why was she getting so nervous over such a small matter? Even though she was currently hiding her identity as a man, even as a man, she should be called "Brother" right?
Soon, Xue Qinghe calmed herself down and became composed.
When she looked at Zeng Yi again, Xue Qinghe accurately caught the glimpse of panic that flashed through his eyes. At the same time, Zeng Yi took a step back as if he was afraid of her.
"For some reason, I feel that you have some disrespectful thoughts." Xue Qinghe stared at Zeng Yi coldly, saying.
Zeng Yi quickly shook his head "No, no, no, you're mistaken."
"By the way, why do they want you to go to Shrek Academy? Didn't you graduate already? The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is about to begin across the continent, and Shrek Academy wants you to continue representing them in this competition, right?" Ning Fengzhi interrupted and asked.
Naturally, Ning Fengzhi redirected the conversation to the main topic, freeing himself from Xue Qinghe's intimidating gaze. He turned to Zeng Yi and said "They asked me to go back and provide special training for them, not to participate in the tournament."
"Special training?" Zeng Yi's face filled with pride as he replied "Don't forget, even though I was a student at Shrek, my true identity should be that of a teacher at Shrek Academy. You thought your daughter and the others were trained by Shrek Academy, but the truth is, I play a significant role in their training! Without my guidance, they wouldn't have achieved their current level of strength."
"Hahaha! Now that they need my assistance for the preparation of this tournament, it seems like they're determined to win the championship. I can't accept that; I have to demand my salary from that stingy guy, Flender." Zeng Yi hadn't seen the members of the main group for quite some time and laughed heartily as he remembered how he had trained them.
Ning Fengzhi heard an important piece of information from Zeng Yi's words. "The Shrek team is aiming for the championship? So, they must be very strong?"
Zeng Yi affirmed "Of course! The championship is almost guaranteed for them. I can't think of anyone who can challenge them."
Xue Qinghe felt unhappy at Zeng Yi's words. Although she was currently on the side of the Heaven Dou Empire, her true identity was a member of the Spirit Hall. Zeng Yi's words seemed to belittle the Spirit Hall.
"You shouldn't underestimate the Spirit Hall." Xue Qinghe said "From what I know, the Spirit Hall's team for this tournament is incredibly powerful. It's safe to say that they are the favorites to win."
Ning Fengzhi also agreed and nodded. Those who were familiar with the tournament knew very well that the Spirit Hall's team was already considered the champion, especially since there were three Spirit Emperor-level participants in their team. Their strength was unmatched by any other team.
As for the other teams, they would serve as mere scenery, only enhancing the Spirit Hall's dominance.
But Zeng Yi didn't mind. "Well, the journey to the championship should have its ups and downs. If it's too smooth, the audience would find it boring. The Spirit Hall team is probably playing that role."
This comment made Ning Fengzhi twitch the corner of his mouth. Xue Qinghe, on the other hand, felt the urge to punch someone. This guy really looked down on people, huh! Did he think he was the one going out there?
"When are you planning to leave?" Ning Fengzhi, who had grown tired of listening to Zeng Yi, wanted to end the conversation and get some rest.
Zeng Yi thought for a moment and replied "In a couple of days. I'm not in a hurry."
Ning Fengzhi sighed helplessly. "Since that's the case, take good care of Xue Qinghe these two days. When the time comes, you can accompany him to Heaven Dou City."
On Divine Sword Peak Peak, Xue Qinghe curiously looked at the girl standing in front of her, holding a small cat in her arms.
"Is she your disciple?" Xue Qinghe turned her head to ask Zeng Yi. She had heard rumors before that Zeng Yi had a disciple, but at first, she didn't believe it. After all, Zeng Yi was only sixteen, too young to be a master. Yet now, she could see it for herself. Xue Qinghe, as a master at the Spirit Emperor level, had some discerning eyes. She could tell that the young girl had extraordinary talents, and her demeanor was somewhat reminiscent of Zeng Yi.
Zeng Yi nodded and introduced her to Xue Qinghe "Her name is Yan Que, my direct disciple. Little Yan Que, this is..."
Zeng Yi paused for a moment, thinking "You can call him Uncle Xue."
"Hello, Uncle Xue!" Yan Que greeted Xue Qinghe as instructed, bowing respectfully.
However, Xue Qinghe's eyebrow twitched as she looked at Zeng Yi. "Isn't that an improper title?"
Xue Qinghe was somewhat helpless. She was only in her twenties, yet she was being called "Uncle". Even though she was hiding her true identity now and was a man, she should at least be called "Brother". Even if she decided to treat Zeng Yi as a friend, she still wanted to be called "Brother".
Zeng Yi shrugged "Little Yan Que is my disciple, and you are older than me. If she doesn't call you 'Uncle,' what should she call you? Of course, if you want her to call you 'Brother,' maybe you see me as your nephew?"
"Um, alright." Xue Qinghe reluctantly accepted the title. She couldn't bear being seen as a younger generation compared to Zeng Yi.
Zeng Yi moved to Yan Que's side again and said to her "This person is my friend, Xue Qinghe. Let me tell you, he is a great figure, the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire and the future king. He has an important background. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can seek his help. Your uncle can almost solve any problem for you."
Zeng Yi began coaxing Yan Que to curry favor with Xue Qinghe.
"Ah, Uncle Xue is a prince! Would it be too impolite of me?" After learning Xue Qinghe's identity, Yan Que became nervous.
Xue Qinghe smiled and reached out to pat her head, saying "No need to be too nervous, little Yan Que."
"I say, Lao Xue, don't you want to show some respect upon meeting my disciple?" Zeng Yi looked at Xue Qinghe with a cunning smile and rubbed his thumb and index finger together.
Xue Qinghe felt speechless. Although she wanted to give the younger generation a gift upon meeting them, she couldn't accept how shameless Zeng Yi was. At this point, she didn't even want to give anything.
And that "Lao Xue" nickname made her want to hit someone.
Xue Qinghe glared at Zeng Yi, then pondered for a moment. A glimmer appeared in her right palm, dispersing to reveal a golden jade talisman.
"This is a protective talisman that can withstand three attacks from a Spirit Douluo level or below. I'll give it to you, little Yan Que."
Seeing the jade talisman in Xue Qinghe's hand, Zeng Yi's generosity couldn't help but be stirred. Truly, as a crown prince, his actions were extravagant. This kind of defense talisman was a genuinely practical item; it could save one's life in crucial moments.
"What are you still spacing out for? Hurry up and thank Uncle Xue." Zeng Yi urged, constantly signaling to Yan Que. Immediately understanding, Yan Que accepted the jade talisman offered by Xue Qinghe and thanked her profusely.
In the night, the moon's radiant light illuminated the forest, and the night breeze carried a hint of chill. A cluster of flames flickered and burned in the darkness, with Zeng Yi, Xue Qinghe, and Yan Que sitting by the bonfire. Empty wine bottles were scattered on the ground nearby, and the reflection of the fire cast a rosy tint on Xue Qinghe's face.
Zeng Yi continued to roast meat, focusing on his task.
Under the blazing flames, the sizzling sound of oil filled the air as the aroma permeated the surroundings.
Xue Qinghe gazed at Zeng Yi, who was earnestly roasting the meat, and couldn't help but be enamored. How she wished she could sit next to him like this, in her true identity. How she wished this leisurely time could continue forever.
...
Two days later, Zeng Yi followed Xue Qinghe, along with the three members of the Imperial Academy's Board of Education, back to Heaven Dou City.
Of course, Yan Que was also part of the group. After learning that her master was going to Heaven Dou City, she persistently requested to go along. Zeng Yi thought for a moment, realizing that he was also going to provide special training for the Shrek Seven Devils. Since Yan Que wanted to go, Zeng Yi agreed.
Well, adding one more person when there were already seven didn't make much difference.
The naive girl probably thought that she could enjoy herself in Heaven Dou City.
Standing in front of the gate of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School, Ning Fengzhi watched Zeng Yi and Xue Qinghe depart.
After a long while, Ning Fengzhi said one sentence.
"Elder Bo, go and take a look."
"Hmm." A dry, gloomy voice came from the void but no figure was visible.