Chapter 80: Caught Red-Handed

I have to say that the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is truly a noble academy, and its various simulated environments are all excellent.

Here there are not only environments for Plant-type Soul Grandmasters to train in, but also environments for Element Spirit Souls, and even some that are especially suitable for Beast Soul training.

Plant-type Soul Grandmasters usually train in places where life is extremely abundant, which are ideal for plant growth and perfectly match the Plant martial soul.

The simulated environment for Beast Souls is somewhat like the Soul Beast Forest, but it contains only ordinary Soul Beasts, or rather non‑aggressive Soul Beasts; only a White Tiger Spirit Soul like Dai Mubai can display the king‑of‑beasts aura of the White Tiger Spirit Soul in such an environment.

The simulated environment for Element Spirit Souls is relatively simple; it contains corresponding elemental settings such as ice, blazing fire, water sources, and so on.

By contrast, Yang Xiong prefers a gravity‑pressurized simulated environment. Indeed, there is a dedicated gravity field inside the academy, but Soul Grandmasters only use it to practice gravity control; it contains various strength‑training devices, and no one has ever considered meditating under such heavy pressure.

Moreover, this gravity‑pressurized simulated environment is relatively crude, merely intensifying pressure, apparently created with some kind of ore; its control over strength enhancement is clearly less refined than the gravity control of a Soul Saint.

In the Soul Master World, people believe that meditation requires an absolutely quiet and completely isolated environment; only then can it achieve the best effect. Therefore, even with a gravity‑pressurized simulated environment, it is mostly Power Type Soul Grandmasters who use it.

After only three days, the Shrek teachers and students were clearly very satisfied with the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, each wearing a broad smile.

Although Yang Xiong was born into the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he is only an ordinary lower‑grade student and has never encountered the sect's internal simulated environments, so he knows little about them.

In contrast, the education from the Shrek teachers is much cruder; everyone still does weight‑bearing training and some combat drills, and most of the time they practice on their own, since they have relatively little exposure to such simulated environments, giving them a somewhat inexperienced air.

That day the group returned to the cafeteria; eight of them ordered a huge table of dishes together. After three days of enrollment, the initial awkwardness was gone, especially Ma Hongjun, who was already completely disregarding his image.

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy cafeteria is the place where everyone gathers most, yet even so, its interior is exceptionally luxurious, comparable to a grand hotel.

Some of the boys seemed to start showing their true nature, especially Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, who basically love commenting on every beautiful woman, showing no trace of elegance.

If Dai Mubai is still a bit restrained and noble, Ma Hongjun looks like a total loser, unable to move his eyes away from beautiful women.

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy truly lives up to its noble reputation; handsome men and beautiful women are endless, and perhaps because of Soul Master cultivation, the girls all appear extraordinarily beautiful, especially with excellent figures—Yang Xiong has never seen a chubby female Soul Grandmaster.

Moreover, noble girls are especially good at dressing up; even in academy uniforms they look curvaceous and exceptionally handsome, and the academy's students range from twelve to twenty‑five, with every style from mature ladies to lolis, making it like a paradise on earth.

Before Yang Xiong could glance a few more times, a sharp pain shot from his waist, clearly a choke from the Little Demon Girl Ning Rongrong.

Ning Rongrong shouted angrily: "You little Xiao Xiong, you've only been at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for three days and already got dazzled. I think all you boys are the same; in a few days your heart will be taken by some little fairy."

Yang Xiong hurriedly begged: "My little beauty, I only come out once a day at mealtime. Apart from you, there is no one else in my eyes."

The others laughed uproariously at Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong's exchange, especially Xiao Wu, who was particularly exaggerated.

Xiao Wu also choked Tang San: "San Ge, you wouldn't also be dazzled by beautiful women like other guys, would you?"

Tang San quickly pleaded: "Xiao Wu, you know my thoughts; I have always ignored every beautiful woman. Apart from you, all girls are just fleeting clouds, I would never be like Yang Xiong."

Yang Xiong: …

In contrast, Dai Mubai and Oscar both had scattered gazes.

Dai Mubai had been persistently pursuing Zhu Zhuqing, and the two even had mutual feelings; many thought they were about to become a couple.

However, Dai Mubai is rather fickle; when he sees a pretty girl his legs freeze. After entering the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, his tall, handsome figure and flowing golden hair made him look wild and untamed, almost a white‑horse prince in the eyes of many beauties. It is said that within three days of enrollment he received a flood of confessions, which made Zhu Zhuqing very unhappy.

Oscar was also stirred; after all, who wouldn't want a beautiful lady by their side while cultivating?

However, Yang Xiong had already told him that he would soon introduce a very beautiful girl, and that he would be fully satisfied then.

…

After the meal, Yang Xiong held Ning Rongrong's small hand as they walked along the lake; the calm lake surface and beautiful surroundings intoxicated them both. Lately, besides cultivation, Yang Xiong enjoys taking Ning Rongrong for walks around the academy.

They found a vacant spot by the lake and sat down; Ning Rongrong immediately rested her head in Yang Xiong's arms.

"Xiao Xiong, don't you think the time you've spent at this school is a bit too short? Can't you spend more time with me?"

Yang Xiong gently stroked Ning Rongrong's silky hair: "We are both Soul Grandmasters; we must prioritize cultivation. Only through hard training now can we stay together longer in the future."

Ning Rongrong giggled: "Just as I expected you to say that. Lately I've been training hard and should soon reach Level 30; I think your soul power will never catch up to mine."

Yang Xiong smiled faintly: "I don't know if it's due to a recent shift in mindset, but my soul power seems to be rising much faster; at most I could level up again within half a month, right?"

Ning Rongrong, astonished, said: "How is that possible? You only reached Level 29 less than two months ago."

Yang Xiong pinched Ning Rongrong's cheek: "Then you should train faster too; it wouldn't be good if I surpass you later."

…

They were originally having a casual chat, which is one of the rare moments Yang Xiong can relax each day.

However, just as their conversation was picking up, a sudden cough sounded in their ears.

Ning Rongrong shouted angrily: "Who is so short‑sighted? Don't they know this disturbs others?"

But when they turned around, both were somewhat stunned; especially Yang Xiong felt his vision go black, truly fearing whatever was coming.

About four meters from where they were sitting stood two people: Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo.

Ning Fengzhi's face appeared calm, even with a faint smile, looking more refined than usual, while Jian Douluo's expression was as cold as frost, nothing like his previously carefree demeanor.

Yang Xiong was startled inside: "This is trouble; I've been caught by Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo. I wonder if Jian Douluo will cut me to death later."

Ning Rongrong was unusually delighted, leaping quickly into Ning Fengzhi's arms.

"Dad, why did you come to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy? It's been a long time since we saw Sword Grandpa; have you missed Rong Rong?"

Ning Fengzhi laughed: "Dad has missed Rong Rong terribly; she seems to have grown a lot after a few months apart."

The previously frosty Jian Douluo instantly changed expression, showing overwhelming doting: "Rong Rong has suffered these months; hearing about you makes me ache for her."

After speaking, Jian Douluo couldn't help glancing coldly at Ning Fengzhi, clearly displeased with Ning Fengzhi's earlier decision.

Ning Rongrong broke free from Ning Fengzhi and leapt into Jian Douluo's arms: "Sword Grandpa, these months Rong Rong has suffered are all because of this Stinky Dad."

Jian Douluo quickly comforted: "Rong Rong, don't worry. I will give your father a good lesson; I will never let you suffer again."

Ning Fengzhi's face turned awkward upon hearing that, but he said nothing.

At this moment Yang Xiong also gave a slight bow: "Greetings, Sect Leader; greetings, Senior Jian Douluo."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly: "Xiao Xiong, I heard Dean Flanders say that you two have performed very well these past months, especially you; both your soul power increase and combat ability have greatly pleased him. It seems sending you to the Shrek Academy was the right choice."

Yang Xiong quickly replied: "Thank you, Sect Leader, for your favor. If it weren't for your arrangement, I wouldn't have gone to the Shrek Academy."

At this moment Yang Xiong felt Ning Fengzhi's gaze at him was very strange, especially Jian Douluo's sidelong look, which sent a chill through his whole body.

Ning Rongrong quickly said: "Dad, Sword Grandpa, I've made many good friends at the Shrek Academy; I'll introduce them to you later."

"By the way, why did you suddenly come to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

Ning Fengzhi laughed and said, "I also heard that some little prodigies from Shrek Academy have arrived at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, so I came with the Crown Prince to take a look. They're now all in the Teaching Committee Building; let's go see them together."

Ning Rongrong seemed to think of something: "Dad, wait a moment; I'll show you something good. This thing might be very useful for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Ning Fengzhi looked puzzled, while Ning Rongrong gave a sly smile: "Jian Yeye, my item needs to be displayed, so please, Jian Yeye, come witness it with me."

Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo exchanged a glance, then quickly laughed. With their status, they'd seen everything. Since Ning Rongrong was so happy, they decided to play with the beloved Little Princess.

After Ning Rongrong displayed various Hidden Weapons, Ning Fengzhi became extremely serious, and even the usually carefree Jian Douluo unusually turned solemn.

After some discussion, Ning Fengzhi learned that these Hidden Weapons were forged by Tang San, and Ning Rongrong had even negotiated whether a trade was possible, which made Ning Fengzhi marvel that his daughter had finally grown up.

Yang Xiong remained completely invisible throughout; he didn't want to be noticed by Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo at this moment, especially Jian Douluo's gaze, which made Yang Xiong feel uneasy.

(End of Chapter)