Tang San, who was watching from the sidelines, also learned from his teammates' excited discussions that the remarkably powerful self-created soul skill in the simulated world had actually been taught to him without reservation by his master!
This deeply touched his heart.
He knew very well how precious and powerful a self-created soul skill was. For Master Fu Shiyan to selflessly impart such an unshared secret to him represented a profound level of trust and care--a deep affection he had never experienced from any elder, neither in his past life in the Tang Sect nor in this current life.
"First round of the qualifiers, first match, Shrek Academy, victorious!"
The referee's loud announcement on the stage interrupted the warm current of emotion and reflection swirling inside the spectating Tang San.
As the referee delivered the verdict, the spectator stands erupted instantly. A massive wave of chatter, questioning, and admiration intertwined, but dominant above all else was an uncontrollable sense of shock!
In less than a minute, they had utterly crushed and instant-killed the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's second team. The visual and psychological impact of that last unfathomable, gigantic wooden hand was simply too immense!
In the VIP section, Emperor Xue Ye stood up with a grim face after seeing Tang San's mind-boggling self-created soul skill. His icy gaze swept over Prince Xue Xing, who was dazed with shock, before he let out a cold snort, flicked his sleeves, and departed.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes shimmered with admiration and deep thought. Maintaining a smile on his face, he followed behind the emperor and left the VIP section.
In the spectator stands, Flender was grinning so wide his eyes were squeezed shut. He stood up and said to Grandmaster and Liu Erlong, "I'll take my leave first!"
Liu Erlong was still somewhat puzzled, but Flender already laughed heartily and said, "The little monsters performed so brilliantly, our clothing advertisement is in the bag now!"
Although he only mentioned making money, a deeper sense of emotion welled up within him.
He understood that Tang San didn't necessarily have to expose his trump card of a self-created soul skill. This action wasn't entirely because he was provoked by his opponents, but rather for Flender and for Shrek Academy--to thoroughly vent the heavy resentment from when they were driven out by the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!
At this thought, Flender felt a surge of exhilaration in his chest, not having felt this vindicated in a very long time.
In the center of the arena, the Shrek group was incredibly excited. Ma Hongjun even rushed forward and gave Tang San a solid bear hug.
Tang San, however, did not let it go to his head, analyzing calmly, "We exposed quite a bit of our strength. The teams coming up will definitely study and counter our tactics."
Although everyone was initially somewhat dismissive, Dai Mubai still called out to them, "Let's go, let's head back to the academy first. I don't want to be swarmed by a crowd the moment we step out."
He then quickly led the team through the competitors' tunnel, quietly leaving the venue.
Returning to the lounge area, everyone unhesitatingly shed their eye-catching, poop-green team uniforms. Only after changing into casual clothes did they feel much more at ease, walking out of the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena together.
However, not long after they stepped out of the main gates, a warm and familiar voice made everyone halt their steps.
"Rongrong."
They saw Ning Fengzhi, dressed in simple clothing, standing not far away in the shadow of a street corner, smiling and waving at them.
Ning Rongrong let out a cry of pleasant surprise and flew over like a happy butterfly, throwing herself into her father's arms.
Seeing the sect master of one of the Upper Three Sects arriving in person, the Shrek crowd hurriedly stepped forward to salute. Among them, Oscar's reaction was particularly constrained and unnatural.
Ning Fengzhi, however, walked over while gently holding Ning Rongrong's hand, smiling as he said, "There is no need for such formality, everyone. Here, I am merely Rongrong's father, an elder to you all."
With that, he directed a look of praise toward Tang San: "Congratulations, Xiao San. It is truly astonishing; not only do you possess a ten-thousand-year soul ring, but you have even mastered such a powerful self-created soul skill."
Tang San responded modestly, "Uncle Ning, you overpraise me. Rongrong has also obtained her fourth soul ring and her strength has increased greatly. It was only to preserve our strength that we didn't have her field the opening match."
After a few pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi naturally transitioned to the main topic, his words beginning to hint at an intention to recruit this group of extraordinarily talented youths.
The group also introduced themselves to the sect master one by one.
With Ning Rongrong adding details from the side, whenever the strengths of her companions were introduced, Ning Fengzhi would offer timely and sincere praise, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
When Dai Mubai was introduced, Ning Fengzhi's gaze focused slightly, and he extended an olive branch to him without hesitation, his words earnest and sincere.
However, to the surprise of some, Dai Mubai shook his head with a calm expression, his tone respectful yet firm: "I appreciate Uncle Ning's kind intentions. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly pay a visit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Looking at Dai Mubai's unique evil eyes and associating them with his martial soul, a flash of realization crossed Ning Fengzhi's eyes; he had clearly guessed his background.
But he did not expose it, merely giving Dai Mubai a meaningful smile and saying warmly, "No matter. Mubai, if you ever need anything in the future, you can come find me at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect anytime."
This tolerance and understanding caused Dai Mubai's heart to stir slightly, and he silently nodded in acknowledgment.
When Ning Rongrong introduced Oscar, Ning Fengzhi's eyes naturally revealed admiration upon hearing that he was actually a food-system soul master.
He asked gently, "Food-system? May I ask how old you are, young brother?"
Suppressing the anxiety and nervousness in his heart, Oscar replied respectfully, "Replying to Sect Master Ning, I am sixteen this year, one year younger than Boss Dai."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi was even more shocked internally.
He knew all too well what a level forty-one food-system soul master at sixteen years old implied in terms of terrifying talent and potential!
This was practically a genius rare to see in a century among auxiliary-system soul masters!
Before Ning Fengzhi could voice his shock, Oscar seemed to summon his courage and spoke up first, his tone incredibly serious: "Sect Master Ning, I have always greatly admired you and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! I am also an auxiliary-system soul master. I wonder if I might have the honor of joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect after graduation?"
At this solemn moment, Ma Hongjun, who understood Oscar's "ulterior motives," couldn't hold it in and let out a sudden snort of laughter.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi completely ignored Ma Hongjun's gaffe, his heart filled to the brim with immense, pleasant surprise.
He responded immediately, his tone carrying an irrepressible joy: "I could not ask for more! Our sect needs young and promising geniuses like you the most! The gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are open to you at all times!"
On the side, Ning Rongrong was displeased, pouting her lips as she said, "Dad! Why are you calling him young brother? Doesn't that make him my uncle? The seniority is all messed up! Just call him Xiao Ao!"
Only then did Ning Fengzhi come to his senses, chuckling, "I was so happy that I became muddled."
After the excitement of recruiting Oscar, Ning Fengzhi's gaze fell back upon Tang San.
Without a doubt, the one he focused on and favored the most was still Tang San.
Although he knew that he could not recruit him into the sect due to the relationship with Tang San's master, no matter what, he had to maintain the best possible relationship with this youth of boundless prospects.
Subsequently, under Ning Rongrong's introduction, Ning Fengzhi exchanged pleasantries with the rest of the Shrek crowd. He showed great interest in everyone and took the opportunity to express his intent to recruit them.
After the pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi said to Tang San, "Xiao San, how about we have a few words alone?"
Tang San was slightly startled upon hearing this, then nodded in agreement. Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue in dissatisfaction: "Dad is so partial!"
Thus, Ning Fengzhi took Tang San and walked into the most bustling Emperor Street of Heaven Dou City.
Puzzled, Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Ning, is there something you need from me?"
At this moment, whether it was the Tang San within the simulation or the spectating Tang San, both were curious about Ning Fengzhi's intentions.
The spectating Tang San had already confirmed Ning Fengzhi's illustrious identity as the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Rongrong's father from the conversation just now.
Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly and said, "I am taking you to meet someone."
On the way, his words touched upon Tang San's father, Tang Hao, revealing a few hints of regret and pity.
However, the reaction of Tang San within the simulation was somewhat outside of Ning Fengzhi's expectations. He appeared exceptionally calm, as if he was already well aware of his father Tang Hao's whereabouts and past, showing little interest in pressing for more details.