Chapter 81: First Encounter with Qian Renxue

Originally Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo and Ning Rongrong looked like they were reuniting after a long separation, and Yang Xiong was content to remain a nobody.

Ning Fengzhi suddenly looked at Yang Xiong: "Xiao Xiong, what do you think of these Hidden Weapons? Likewise, what do you think of those classmates of yours?"

Yang Xiong thought for a moment before speaking: "These Hidden Weapons have very good power; they are extremely useful for Auxiliary System Spirit Masters, and can be said to be very suitable for our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

"The Shrek classmates all have very good talent, but each has their own background; they could become friends of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, yet it isn't worth expending great effort to win them over. Only Ma Hongjun and Oscar, who come from commoner families, might be able to join our sect."

Ning Fengzhi smiled: "I've also looked up the information on your Shrek trainees; they're indeed all very good, but aren't there two named Tang San and Xiao Wu among them? Are those two not worth courting?"

Yang Xiong's expression also turned serious: "Sect Leader, are people from the Clear Sky Sect worth courting? Is it possible to win them over?"

The three were startled instantly, completely not understanding what Yang Xiong meant.

Ning Rongrong was a bit puzzled: "Xiao Xiongzi, what relation do they have with the Clear Sky Sect?"

Ning Fengzhi's expression also grew serious: "Xiao Xiong, please explain in detail; could you have other discoveries?"

Yang Xiong looked at Ning Rongrong: "Rong Rong, do you remember during our entrance examination when Tang San fought Zhao Wuji alone? Besides the various strange Hidden Weapons, there was also a black little hammer in his hand, which should be the legendary Clear Sky Hammer."

Ning Rongrong quickly replied: "If Tang San's martial soul is the Clear Sky Hammer, then what about his current martial soul, Blue Silver Grass?"

Yang Xiong said: "Dual martial souls; Tang San should have dual martial souls, and his second martial soul should be the Clear Sky Hammer."

Ning Fengzhi's expression was serious: "Xiao Xiong, you mean the Clear Sky Sect has secretly emerged? Why haven't we received any information?"

Yang Xiong shook his head: "It has nothing to do with the Clear Sky Sect. When we were in the Star Dou Great Forest, I asked Teacher Lin Gong to rescue Xiao Wu. At the last moment, Teacher Lin Gong was intimidated by the aura of a Title Douluo, which should be a Title Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect, and there is only one Title Douluo of the Clear Sky Sect actually active outside."

Ning Fengzhi thought carefully, and his originally refined, calm gaze flashed with a hint of brilliance: "Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao!"

Yang Xiong nodded: "Rong Rong, do you remember that Tang San once said his father was an ordinary blacksmith named Tang Hao?"

Ning Rongrong thought carefully: "Tang San did say that once, but I didn't pay attention."

Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo exchanged a glance: "Jian Shu, it concerns the Clear Sky Sect; perhaps things aren't that simple, but we still need to see Tang San's attitude, maybe he himself doesn't know his own relation to the Clear Sky Sect."

"Xiao Xiong, keep it secret that Tang San is a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect; just act as if you don't know, and I'll handle it personally later."

……

The four quickly arrived at the Council Building; besides the original three council members and the Shrek Academy teachers and students, a very refined young man sat in the central seat.

He appeared relatively slender, yet his every move was exceedingly refined and noble, and unusually approachable; he must be the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe that Ning Fengzhi mentioned.

It is said that Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe are very similar in conduct; both appear extremely refined, and even in their banter there is a certain depth—truly worthy of being master and disciple.

After a round of communication, it was clear that both Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi were very satisfied with the Shrek teachers and students, showing a strong inclination to court them.

When everyone else withdrew, only Xue Qinghe, Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong remained in the Council Building, while Tang San was separately invited by Ning Fengzhi and Jian Douluo, evidently about discussing the Hidden Weapon trade.

Ning Rongrong seemed very familiar with Xue Qinghe; one called "Qinghe" brother, the other "Rong Rong" sister, almost like real siblings, while Yang Xiong rather felt like a third wheel.

Xue Qinghe glanced at Yang Xiong: "Classmate Yang Xiong, I've known Rong Rong since childhood; she is my teacher's daughter, and I have always taken Rong Rong as my own sister."

Yang Xiong gave a slight bow: "Greetings, Crown Prince; you and Rong Rong have a close bond, and Rong Rong has always hoped for a brother."

Xue Qinghe smiled and nodded: "Rong Rong is adorable; both my master and I dote on her."

Ning Rongrong quickly spoke: "Brother Qinghe, Xiao Xiongzi, don't be so formal; the relationship between our two families is very good."

Xue Qinghe watched Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong's affectionate interaction, displaying a brotherly, protective expression.

"Rong Rong is our little princess; now that you two are together, I hope you will also dote on Rong Rong."

Yang Xiong looked at Xue Qinghe's expression and was speechless; this person is so good at putting on a front, no wonder the shrewd Ning Fengzhi was completely fooled, especially as Yang Xiong examined Xue Qinghe's face, trying to see if there was any connection to women.

Xue Qinghe seemed to sense Yang Xiong's unusual gaze and couldn't help but speak: "Classmate Yang Xiong, we're all family now; you can speak openly."

From Yang Xiong's perspective, it was clear that Xue Qinghe had a certain intention to win over both Ning Rongrong and himself; otherwise such a busy Crown Prince wouldn't say these words.

Yang Xiong thought before speaking: "Crown Prince, I have long heard of you; you are diligent and caring, and have a good reputation among the people, but I always feel some matters are a bit odd."

Xue Qinghe asked puzzledly: "Could there be something wrong with my actions?"

Yang Xiong casually took a sip of tea: "Crown Prince, you truly excel in every aspect, even inspiring admiration. I've heard you're not young anymore, so it should be time to find a Crown Princess, yet there seem to be no such rumors, and you haven't been linked romantically with any woman."

"I think, Crown Prince, even if you are overly busy with state affairs and cultivation, the empire's succession is paramount; Xue Ye Emperor is probably also anxious for you."

Xue Qinghe's face showed a hint of embarrassment: "I am indeed overly busy; perhaps I have overlooked things."

Yang Xiong laughed: "Crown Prince, please don't be offended; our families are close, and because Rong Rong treats you as a brother I say this. By the way, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect also has many excellent female disciples, both in appearance and cultivation, perhaps they could be a good match for you, which would be a happy story for both families."

Xue Qinghe seemed to dodge the topic: "Classmate Yang Xiong, you're joking; I indeed have too many matters, perhaps the Emperor will grant me a marriage."

The three had been sitting together, and at this moment Yang Xiong directly grasped Xue Qinghe's hands that were about to hold a teacup, showing unusual enthusiasm.

"Crown Prince, your marriage concerns the continuation of the Heaven Dou Empire's royal line; such matters cannot be taken lightly. Though I haven't been at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy long, I have heard that Prince Xue Beng loves making friends and has never been without a girlfriend; you should learn that from your brother."

Xue Qinghe calmly withdrew his hands: "Classmate Yang Xiong, you're being modest. Prince Xue Beng is always flamboyant; he once offended you, and I apologize on his behalf."

Yang Xiong didn't let go of the pretended Crown Prince's words: "Crown Prince, we felt an instant rapport. If you truly have any hidden ailment, you can tell me directly; I have some knowledge of pharmacology and can definitely cure you."

Ning Rongrong quickly interjected: "Brother Qinghe, Xiao Xiongzi loves reading and knows a lot; if you have any problem, you must speak up. Shall I introduce a few female disciples from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect for you to meet?"

Xue Qinghe gave an awkward smile: "I don't want to think too much about that; the empire is indeed quite busy, and my state affairs are truly many."

"By the way, I just remembered I have an important state matter unhandled, so I'll excuse myself. Could little sister Rong Rong tell the teacher for me?"

Seeing Xue Qinghe leave in a hurry, Ning Rongrong felt a bit disappointed: "Brother Qinghe is really too busy; it's rare we get to gather together."

Yang Xiong still wore a smile: "Rong Rong, you seem to like this Crown Prince Xue Qinghe a lot, but he's a bit heavy‑hearted."

Ning Rongrong's face showed a hint of displeasure: "Don't say that, brother Qinghe; Xue Ye Emperor has entrusted him with many tasks, and he is far busier than us."

……

On the other hand, Tang San, at Ning Fengzhi's invitation, also came to a private room.

After both sides communicated, they basically confirmed the Hidden Weapon trade: Tang San would provide the schematics, Ning Fengzhi would arrange personnel to forge the various Hidden Weapon components, and finally hand all parts to Tang San for assembly.

It can be said that Tang San contributed only the technique; the raw materials and manufacturing were fully borne by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which saved him time and yielded huge profit—a classic case of making a wolf out of thin air.

Ning Fengzhi was extremely generous, buying five hundred sets at 10,000 gold coins each, and paying five million Gold Soul Coins in one lump sum; for the wealth‑rich Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, this amount was trivial.

After the transaction, Tang San himself felt a bit hesitant to speak.

Ning Fengzhi also appeared unusually amicable: "Classmate Tang San, feel free to speak openly; our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect still holds some standing in the Soul World, so if you have any other difficulties, you can also tell me."

Tang San finally spoke: "Sect Leader Ning, regarding our trade, could we incorporate a Self‑Created Spirit Skill of your sect? I can forgo the five million Gold Soul Coins this time."

Ning Fengzhi laughed: "Paying for a normal transaction is proper; if it's just an ordinary Self-Created Spirit Skill of our sect, I can give it to you directly, which counts as a bonus in our trade, and it also shows the sincerity of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's transaction."

Tang San thought for a moment before speaking: "Ning Zong Zhu, I have seen Yang Xiong use a Spiral Sphere; I wonder if this Self-Created Spirit Skill can be granted to me?"

Ning Fengzhi's expression changed slightly upon hearing that: "Tang San, that puts me in an awkward position; the Spiral Sphere was uniquely created by Yang Xiong, and I promised him it would never be passed on, so I'm afraid I cannot give it to you."

"Of course, if you have other Self-Created Spirit Skills you desire, we can consider them."

In the past few months, Tang San and Yang Xiong have fought many times, and he personally greatly admires the power of the Spiral Sphere.

Unfortunately, whether he or Yu Xiaogang analyzed it, they could not figure it out; even Tang San himself secretly practiced it, but to no avail. At that point the trade considered whether the Spiral Sphere could be added, even willing to forgo five million Gold Soul Coins.

Tang San said: "Ning Zong Zhu, wasn't this Spiral Sphere developed by Yang Xiong under the guidance of his master Bone Douluo? Shouldn't it be held by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"

Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt appearing in their eyes: When did Bone Douluo ever guide Yang Xiong? When did he become Yang Xiong's master?

However, Ning Fengzhi remained composed: "Tang San, you should know that Title Douluo have their own secrets; concerning Bone Douluo, I cannot interfere too much. If you think each Hidden Weapon set is undervalued, I can raise the price."

Tang San appeared a bit dejected: "Thank you, Ning Zong Zhu, the price of the Hidden Weapon is very reasonable; I'm satisfied with this transaction."

After Tang San left the room, the Sword Douluo, who had previously seemed calm and carefree, suddenly had his gaze sharpen.

"Ning Fengzhi, this Tang San is too shrewd; this Hidden Weapon is made by us providing the materials and forging, he only assembles it, yet each set costs ten thousand Gold Soul Coins—still a bit too pricey."

"Moreover, this fellow is bold, even coveting our Self-Created Spirit Skill; as Yang Xiong said, it's indeed not worth courting."

Ning Fengzhi smiled: "Just five million Gold Soul Coins—trivial to us. Yet his coveting of this Self-Created Spirit Skill is odd; given Yang Xiong's nature, since he knows Tang San's intentions, he should have some reservations."

"One more thing, why did Tang San say the Spiral Sphere was developed by Yang Xiong under Gu Shu's guidance, and why also claim Yang Xiong is Gu Shu's disciple?"

Compared with the original where Tang San gave Ning Rongrong a Charming Tulip Immortal Herb, evolving Ning Rongrong's martial soul, now the two are merely ordinary classmates without such deep ties, so Ning Fengzhi's attitude naturally differs.

After all, Self-Created Spirit Skills are of great significance, especially the Spiral Sphere, which is crucial to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; it cannot be handed over lightly, and Tang San lacks that weight.

(End of Chapter)