Douro Continent

Chapter 152 The Master Arrives (Part 2)

"Rongrong, what's going on?" Tang San asked.

Ning Rongrong said, "Tang San, I want to do some business with you."

"Business?" Tang San looked at her with some surprise. He thought to himself, "Could it be that Ning Rongrong has reverted to her old ways?"

Ning Rongrong nodded seriously. "Although I know you may not be short of money, I really want to complete this deal with you. However, I can't make the decision on this matter myself. I wanted to ask if you were willing first."

Through observation, Tang San discovered that Ning Rongrong did not seem to have relapsed into her old ways; her expression was serious and somewhat excited.

"Just tell me. What is it?"

Ning Rongrong said, "As you know, I come from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Although our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is one of the seven great sects of the world and holds a very high position, all of our direct disciples are support-type Soul Masters. While the support capabilities of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul are very strong, they are not enough to protect our own lives. Once we encounter an enemy, we are always the first targets of their attacks. I think your mechanical hidden weapons could be of great help to us, at least giving my clansmen some ability to protect themselves. Therefore, if possible, I hope to order a batch of mechanical hidden weapons from you through the sect."

"I see." Tang San understood Ning Rongrong's meaning. "But I've heard that your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has many affiliated sect disciples who specifically protect direct descendants who possess the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul. There are even two powerful Title Douluos among them. Aren't they enough?"

Ning Rongrong said, "That's an external force after all, not something that belongs to us. Besides, no one can guarantee that someone won't betray us! There was an incident in the sect before. One of my uncles was forcibly abducted by a sect protector. Although the sect later formulated many related rules, these were ultimately passive measures."

Tang San said, "Rongrong, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. If it were just the few of us, it wouldn't be a big problem. I should be able to make enough hidden weapons. But your sect has at least a hundred direct disciples. I really can't make that many hidden weapons."

Ning Rongrong said anxiously, "It doesn't need to be of very high quality, just enough for self-defense. Wouldn't a lower quality one save time?"

Tang San said seriously, "Rongrong, don't bring up such things again. I either won't do it at all, or I'll do my best to do the best I can."

Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue and said, "Is there really no other way?"

Tang San's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered the old business model of the Tang Sect. If he were to copy it, could he...?

"There is a solution, but I need to think about it carefully before I can give you an answer."

Ning Rongrong smiled slightly and said, "That's good. Tang San, how about this? Give me the first set of hidden weapons you made. I also need to go back and show it to my father. Only my father can decide whether to equip your direct disciples with your hidden weapons. If it's really possible, you must ask for a high price, don't be shy. Hehe. I'm going back to sleep now. I might have to explain to your Xiao Wu, but don't worry, I won't make her jealous."

After saying that, Ning Rongrong ran towards the dormitory with a string of giggles.

Watching Ning Rongrong's departing figure, Tang San's face revealed a relaxed smile. Money was a good thing, and he naturally wouldn't refuse it. For him, creating more powerful hidden weapons in the future would require financial support. Tang San decided to go back and think carefully about whether he could replicate the Tang Sect's original business model. After all, mass-producing hidden weapons was definitely not something he could do alone.

Back in the dorm, Xiao Ao didn't rest. He just lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. When Tang San came in, he quickly sat up. "Xiao San, what did Rongrong want to see you about?"

Seeing his nervous expression, Tang San couldn't help but chuckle to himself and tease him, "It's nothing, just exchanging pleasantries."

"Exchanging feelings?" Oscar's voice turned strange. "Mistress, is Xiao Wu really your biological sister?"

Tang San shook his head and said, "Xiao Wu is the younger sister I adopted."

Oscar said, "Since you already have Xiao Wu, shouldn't you stop trying to take Rong Rong from me?"

Tang San looked at Oscar with amusement and said, "Didn't you already decide to give up?"

Oscar said somewhat awkwardly, "But didn't you notice that Rongrong has changed a bit when we went to Star Dou Forest this time? She doesn't seem so annoying anymore. Besides, she's still young, and I believe her personality will definitely improve in the future."

Tang San lay down on his own bed. "Then you'd better work hard. Don't worry, she only contacted me about hidden weapons."

Oscar was overjoyed. "Really? That's wonderful! You really are my best bro."

Tang San rolled his eyes. "Stop with the nonsense. Go get some rest. Aren't you tired?"

With his eyes closed, Tang San's mind flashed back to his Shrek Academy friends. These were all monstrous geniuses, far more mature than children their age. The thought of Ma Hongjun, only twelve, frequenting brothels, and Dai Mubai's twins, filled him with disbelief. Was this what they called precocious maturity?

After a long day's journey, Tang San was inevitably tired. Having finally returned, he decided to relax for a day. Instead of meditating, he went straight to sleep, as mental tension could be counterproductive to cultivation. Necessary rest, on the other hand, could enhance the effectiveness of his practice. This was the method of balancing work and rest that his master had taught him.

Dean's Office.

Flander listened with astonishment to Zhao Wuji's account of the Xingdou Great Forest, his expression changing several times. He finally breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that everyone had returned safely.

"It seems we were too careless," Flander sighed, a wave of fear washing over him. "Next time we go hunting spirit beasts, I'll lead the team with you, along with two teachers. These children are all prodigies; if anything were to happen to them, it would ruin their genius."

Zhao Wuji sat on a chair to the side, even more afraid of trouble than Flander. He smiled wryly and said, "I can't blame you for this. Who knew the Star Dou Great Forest would become so strange, with so many stories happening on the outskirts? And we even encountered the Peerless Dragon and Snake couple. What I don't understand the most is the appearance of the Titan Giant Ape. Given its status among soul beasts, it shouldn't have come to the outskirts of the forest so easily. Fortunately, Xiao Wu was lucky; otherwise, we would have really suffered losses this time. To be honest, even if, as you said, we sent four teachers to protect these children, we would still be doomed if we encountered the Titan Giant Ape."

Flander nodded. "But the Star Dou Great Forest is the closest gathering place for spirit beasts to the academy, and we had no other choice. However, from what you've said, that Titan Giant Ape didn't seem to be hostile and didn't try to kill you. Otherwise, even if you used your Martial Soul True Body, you still wouldn't have been able to stop it. Xiao Wu's survival is even more surprising. What exactly was that bull's roar she mentioned? Is there some other spirit beast in the Star Dou Great Forest that can resonate with it?"

"That roar must be from the Azure Bull Python." A somewhat stiff and strange voice came from outside the door.

Zhao Wuji was startled. He had heard footsteps approaching earlier, but he hadn't paid much attention, assuming it was just a teacher from the academy. Now, hearing the voice, he realized something was wrong; there was no such voice within the academy.

"Haha, those who know have arrived. Xiao Gang, come in quickly." The door opened, and a middle-aged man walked in. His face was stiff, his back ramrod straight, and at first glance he seemed somewhat dazed, but in reality, his deep black eyes revealed a hint of anxiety. If Tang San were here, he would recognize this man at a glance, because he was Tang San's teacher, a famous master in the world of soul masters.

"Come here, Wuji, you haven't seen him before, have you? Let me introduce you. This is my old buddy from back then, and also Tang San's teacher. You can just call him Master. Almost everyone in the Soul Master world calls him that."

Zhao Wuji's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at the master in surprise, "So you are the master. Hello, I am Zhao Wuji."

The master's tone was always so calm, and a forced smile appeared on his stiff face. "Immovable King, no need to be so polite. You're back. Tang San should have come back with you too. Is he safe?" When he arrived at the door, he only heard Zhao Wuji say a few words about Xiao Wu being spared by the Titan Giant Ape. He hadn't heard what Zhao Wuji said before that.

Zhao Wuji chuckled and said, "Fortunately, we were lucky; everyone returned safely. We also owe a lot to Tang San this time. Master, you've truly taught a good disciple. When did you arrive at the academy?"

Flander answered Zhao Wuji's question for the master, "Him? He just arrived the day before yesterday. If it weren't for Tang San, he probably would never have set foot in my house again. Xiao Gang, have a seat."

Upon hearing Zhao Wuji say that Tang San was alright, the Grandmaster's expression visibly relaxed. Without any hesitation, he pulled up a chair and sat down. Only then did Zhao Wuji realize that the Grandmaster's real name was Xiao Gang—a name that sounded somewhat awkward, yet brimming with masculine energy. He had heard many rumors about the Grandmaster before. Although the Grandmaster himself appeared somewhat frail and not particularly strong, his temperament was famously unyielding. He had once distanced himself from his family for certain reasons, which led him to meet Flander and another person, forming the later renowned Golden Iron Triangle.

(End of this chapter)