Chapter 15: A Casual Discussion
Suddenly, the image of the Shrek Academy dean personally visiting Ning Hao flashed through his mind, and his face immediately darkened.
'We were careless. What happened today will probably get out in a few days!'
'If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have tried to strike back later and left those spies alive...'
'But now, my life has taken an unexpected turn...'
However, despite these thoughts, he did not feel any regret whatsoever.
After all, Ning Hao himself was well aware that all the arrangements he had made in the sect were not without purpose.
Everything is for the continuation of the sect.
Putting aside other things, there are spies among the lower-level officials and deacons.
Instead of constantly clearing them out one after another, which is time-consuming, laborious, and only increases the difficulty of defense, it would be better to keep this bunch of useless idiots around and ensure that all their little tricks are under our watchful eyes.
In this way, the sect will need to put in much less effort.
As for Shrek...
To be honest, he never underestimated the profound heritage of this ancient academy and its experience and ability to cultivate genius soul masters.
However, after two or three decades of interaction, he also did not overestimate the bottom line and integrity of some of them.
As for how he knew...
Don't ask, because the answer is a story of bitter tears.
Recalling the uninvited cow that ate and took things, Ning Hao felt very sorry for it.
That's almost a month's worth of food expenses for the entire clan!
The old man, who was so disrespectful to his elders, ate all of it in just two meals!
Is that the amount of food a normal person should eat?
Compared to him, Ning Huan was nothing.
Thinking of this, Ning Hao subconsciously looked at the three elders and three children who were chatting happily.
Then, for some reason, he blurted out:
"Xiao Huan, do you want to go to Shrek Academy?"
Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, the once lively dining hall fell silent instantly.
Feng Douluo and Ning Tian stared at him with wide eyes, their faces full of disbelief.
Ning Huan, on the other hand, had a complicated expression and his eyes were filled with suspicion.
There was nothing he could do; if someone else had asked him about brainstem deficiency, he wouldn't have been surprised.
But you are the sect leader who can shoulder the responsibility of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School and continue its legacy!
Is that a question you should be asking?
Besides, if I wanted to go to Shrek Academy, I would have gone already!
Why bother going through all that trouble to return to the sect and 'recognize your ancestors'?
Did they just eat their food?!
On the other side, Ning Hao, who noticed the change in everyone's emotions, also reacted, and a flash of crimson appeared on his jade-like, gentle face.
He then hurriedly tried to make amends for his earlier lapse in judgment.
"Ahem, I was just asking casually, don't overthink it."
"Xiao Huan is the sect's top disciple, how could he possibly join another faction?"
Seeing that Sword Douluo and the others still looked conflicted, he had no choice but to add:
"Besides, Shrek Academy is great, but we're not bad either!"
"Three Title Douluos teaching one person at the same time, even in Shrek, there are very few people who have such treatment."
After that, the atmosphere in the room finally relaxed.
'It seems the sect leader was thinking about something just now, and his concern clouded his judgment.'
Ning Huan thought to himself, and the sudden worry he had felt vanished in an instant.
"Uncle Ning, please don't do these kinds of surprise attacks in the future. I'm still young and can't take a fright."
He was genuinely afraid that Ning Hao might act rashly and send him to Shrek Academy, taking a risky gamble.
At that time, we were truly helpless, with no one to turn to for help.
"Sorry, sorry, I was so excited that I said some things without thinking."
At this moment, Ning Hao showed no trace of the sect leader's majesty, but rather resembled an approachable elder.
His self-deprecating manner in his speech not only made people feel relaxed, but also subtly increased their goodwill towards him.
Even if you know he did it on purpose, you still can't feel the slightest bit of malice.
"But judging from how resistant you were before, it seems you have a strong aversion to Shrek Academy."
"I wouldn't say that."
Upon hearing Ning Hao's seemingly casual question, Ning Huan relaxed, resting his chin on his left hand, showing no sign of tension.
"Although Tianluo City is located in a remote area, as a border node, there are quite a few merchants coming and going."
"You can get a general idea of a lot of information from the mainland by reading books and chatting."
"And the part with the most relevant content is about Shrek Academy."
"Do you have any personal insights? Share them."
Ning Huan was taken aback by these words, feeling quite puzzled.
After regaining his senses, he wanted to laugh it off, but then he noticed that Ning Hao's expression was serious and he couldn't tell that he was joking at all.
'Are you preparing to test me...? Then some things might need to be brought forward...'
In the blink of an eye, he had made up his mind.
Then he opened his mouth wide, bared his teeth, and said:
"In my opinion, the existence of Shrek Academy has both advantages and disadvantages!"
Upon hearing this, Feng Douluo and the others immediately widened their eyes.
His mouth kept moving up and down, as if he had heard some outrageous words.
However, unlike their astonishment, Ning Hao immediately became interested after hearing this and urged him to hurry up.
"Xiao Huan, tell me in detail, speak boldly!"
After saying that, he turned to look at the group of people who were still in shock and gave them a stern warning.
"What I have said today must not be divulged, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Ning Tian was the first to react, noticing the seriousness in his father's tone, and quickly pulled Wu Feng to bow her head in agreement.
"I understand, daughter!"
"Your disciple obeys!"
The three Wind Douluo followed closely behind.
Although they didn't speak, the three layers of soundproof barrier they created with a wave of their hand were their most perfect answer.
Seeing this, Ning Hao nodded in satisfaction.
After confirming that everything was in perfect order, he looked at Ning Huan again and gestured for him to continue.
"From the perspective of national and familial righteousness, Shrek's achievements are indeed indelible."
"Whether it was turning the tide in that great war four thousand years ago, or the countless top-notch soul masters cultivated over the past ten thousand years."
"They have all made great contributions to the Three Empires and even the Douluo Continent."
Even now, Shrek Academy still shines brightly in these two areas, but...
Ning Huan suddenly changed the subject, pausing briefly to pique everyone's interest.
"It is precisely because Shrek Academy is too powerful and its influence is too far-reaching that it has now reached the point of transcending the rules and setting the rules."
"Using the pretext of supervising the continent to act arbitrarily is definitely not a good thing for the empire and the sects."
"But because of the Sun and Moon Empire, we have no choice but to accept this in its entirety."
"Uncle Ning, you must be well aware of the drawbacks."
"Um..."
Ning Hao's eyes were full of admiration.
This was all because, in his view, the boy in front of him, who had lived in this tiny place for six years, could have such knowledge based solely on hearsay.
His few words, however brief, resonated deeply with him.
It's really too rare.
If he didn't have other ulterior motives, he would even have wanted to form a close friendship with him, treating him as an equal.
"Since things have come to this point, then Uncle is not afraid of losing face."
Ning Hao picked up his teacup to moisten his throat.
He then casually recounted an experience from over a decade ago that nearly caused him to lose face.
[end of the chapter]