Chapter 161: Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong
"Third Brother, let me introduce you—this is my boyfriend, Dugu Feng!"
Ning Rongrong said it openly, with complete confidence.
Tang San turned toward Dugu Feng, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
That name—famous across the entire Soul Master world.
Five days after Ning Rongrong had been taken home by her family, she returned, but this time she brought Dugu Feng himself.
"Nice to meet you."
Tang San greeted politely.
Young Master of the Dugu Clan—
The same genius who had once defeated Yan of Spirit Hall, crossing more than ten levels in combat. He was hailed across the Heaven Dou Empire as the pride of his generation.
That was the name Dugu Feng carried.
And more impressively, he was around the same age as Tang San, yet his cultivation level was far higher.
Tang San couldn't help but be intrigued.
"I was in Soto City during your team's last battle," Dugu Feng said. "Rongrong often talks about you. To bring your Blue Silver Grass martial spirit to such heights is no small feat.
Rongrong can be a bit spoiled—thank you and the headmaster for looking after her."
Ning Rongrong twisted in mock annoyance. "I am not! I'm the team's indispensable support soul master. Aside from Third Brother, no one trains harder than I do!"
Her protesting tone softened into affection, like gentle teasing between lovers.
Flender and Tang San both shifted uncomfortably.
"Student Tang, is the Clear Sky Douluo here? The last time he guided me in refining my Killing God Domain, it benefited me greatly. I've been hoping for a chance to thank him in person," Dugu Feng said casually, though his gaze was searching.
He knew Tang Hao was nearby—listening.
Tang San forced a small, bitter smile. "I don't know where my father is. He left a long time ago."
Dugu Feng made a sympathetic face and nodded. "If you ever need anything while in Heaven Dou City, you're always welcome to visit the Dugu Clan. Our doors are open to you."
He looked genuinely grateful for Tang Hao's supposed "guidance."
Tang San's expression softened. He felt goodwill toward the young man before him.
This Dugu Feng might prove an ally in the future struggle against Spirit Hall.
Suddenly—thump!
A loud sound interrupted them. They turned to see a boy with a scruffy beard and peach-blossom eyes sprawled face-first at the doorway of a thatched hut.
"Oscar, are you still half-asleep? You can't even step over a door frame?" Flender groaned.
The fallen Oscar just lay there, face smeared with mud, feeling his heart shatter.
He didn't want to get up.
Moments ago, he had rushed out, overjoyed to hear Ning Rongrong's voice. But just as he reached the door, her words hit him—boyfriend.
His world spun, and he fell flat.
His mind echoed those three words over and over.
My first love… gone.
After what felt like ages, he rose unsteadily to his feet.
"Rongrong, you're back."
"Hello," he added, forcing a polite smile at her and Dugu Feng, forgetting to wipe the dirt from his face.
Behind him emerged Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, followed by Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing from the nearby huts.
For the first time, Dugu Feng saw Xiao Wu up close—her pretty face pale with a rosy hue, her long braid reaching her waist, her dark eyes wide and shimmering as she studied him.
"Wow, Rongrong, so this is the Dugu Feng you keep talking about!
You finally let us meet him," Xiao Wu said brightly.
She hopped over to stand before Dugu Feng, completely unbothered by the attention. "Hi! Rongrong has been training like crazy to catch up to you. You better not let her down!"
Dugu Feng simply nodded coolly in reply.
Xiao Wu didn't mind; she laughed and linked arms with Rongrong, whispering conspiratorially in her ear.
Zhu Zhuqing, however, remained distant. She didn't even attempt a polite expression—clearly still holding a grudge from their previous encounter.
Dugu Feng said nothing. The spiritual core within Zhu Zhuqing's body tied her fate to him—she could never escape his influence.
He proceeded to greet Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun as well.
Now all seven of the Shrek Seven Devils stood assembled.
Soon, two more figures emerged from the forest—a man and a woman.
The man was average in height, slightly thin, appearing around fifty, his posture rigid, eyes sharp with pride.
Even without an introduction, Dugu Feng knew—it was Yu Xiaogang.
Beside him was Liu Erlong, whose figure radiated mature allure far beyond what Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, or Xiao Wu could compare to.
Her face, however, looked youthful and refined—elegantly beautiful, like a woman in her prime. It was no wonder she had captured the hearts of both Yu Xiaogang and Flender.
Once everyone gathered, Ning Rongrong cleared her throat.
"Headmaster, Master, my father has decided that I will join Gem Academy to participate in the Soul Master Tournament.
Gem Academy belongs to the Dugu Clan and is preparing to compete for the championship.
I'll need to spend most of my time training with their team, so I won't be able to practice regularly with everyone here."
At those words, realization flashed in Flender's eyes. He had suspected this might happen.
Ning Rongrong was now a Soul Ancestor—her graduation from Shrek Academy had long been due. Ning Fengzhi would of course plan differently for her.
He just hadn't expected her to switch teams entirely.
"Gem Academy? Is it that powerful?"
Oscar's voice was tinged with bitterness.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Zhu Zhuqing all looked surprised. They had grown so used to Ning Rongrong's amplifications—it was hard to imagine fighting without her.
"Rongrong, your team synergy has been excellent. All of you have made rapid progress.
Do you really intend to abandon your teammates?" Yu Xiaogang frowned.
Ning Rongrong looked unimpressed. "Who said I'm abandoning them?
Our progress has been great, yes, but the tournament is only months away. Facing Spirit Hall's three Soul Kings, we have no chance at victory. Even the teachers agree—we're entering this time only for experience.
The real shot at glory will come in the next tournament.
Gem Academy, however, is competing to win now. The prize is three spirit bones. Why would I pass that up?
Besides, whenever I have free time between major tournaments, I'll still fight alongside my team here."
Her reasoning was clear and sound.
Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth to argue, but Flender tugged his sleeve.
"That's enough, Xiaogang. Sect Master Ning's decision makes sense. The truth is—our strength simply isn't enough yet.
If Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Zhu Zhuqing were all Soul Ancestors, Rongrong wouldn't need to leave.
With that strength, even Shrek Academy could aim for the championship," Flender said, sighing heavily.
(END CHAPTER)
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