The Opportunity for Tang San to Advance to Level Thirty

"Hmph, you were the ones who dared look down on me just now? Today, I'll show you who the most outstanding genius of Shrek Academy really is."

Ning Rongrong snorted coldly, her disdainful gaze sweeping over Tang San and the others.

"Nine Treasures Emerge with Glazed Light."

She softly recited the incantation. In the next instant, a nine-tiered pagoda appeared in her hand, its dazzling radiance instantly blinding Dai Mubai and the others.

Compared to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda was undoubtedly far more imposing. Moreover, nine was the ultimate number, and the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda carried an aura of flawless completeness.

Of course, whether it was truly complete or not was something Tang San and the others could not sense. They only knew that Ning Rongrong's Martial Soul had genuinely evolved and was countless times stronger than it had been a few days ago.

They had all heard, more or less, about the limits of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Its highest possible level was only seventy-nine. To break through level eighty, the Martial Soul had to transform and develop an eighth tier.

But Ning Rongrong now possessed the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Her limit had clearly risen to that of a Titled Douluo, and even breaking through to become one would no longer present any obstacle.

Zhao Wuji's pupils trembled in shock.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had only two Titled Douluo, yet with the support of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, it had still firmly held its place among the continent's Three Upper Sects.

Now that the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had appeared, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's future achievements would naturally rise to an even greater height.

The sect might even have to change its name. Why still call it the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? They might as well call it the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Your Soul Power has really reached level thirty?!"

At the side, a hint of purple flashed through Tang San's eyes. Only then did he fully sense Ning Rongrong's true Soul Power. It was one level higher than his own.

For some reason, he could also sense that Ning Rongrong's Soul Power was denser than his.

Tang San was immediately astonished. How was that possible? He had the Mysterious Heaven Skill, and the Soul Power he cultivated was naturally denser and purer than that of ordinary people.

They had not seen each other for only a few days, yet this spoiled young lady, once the worst in the academy, had actually surpassed him!

Damn it. She must have obtained some heavenly treasure capable of defying fate. Otherwise, she couldn't possibly have changed so drastically in just a few days.

Thinking of this, Tang San felt an inexplicable surge of jealousy, his chest so stifled that it hurt.

If he could get his hands on that heavenly treasure, it would definitely help him undergo a complete transformation. He might even be able to trample Mu Zhe beneath his feet in the future.

What a waste that it had been used on Ning Rongrong instead.

"Of course."

A proud look appeared on Ning Rongrong's face. She raised her chin slightly and spoke arrogantly.

Then she ignored them, took a longsword from her Soul Tool, and leaped into the deep pit.

Several streaks of sword light flashed. With the amplification of her Martial Soul, Ning Rongrong severed all the Soul Eater Ghost Tree's roots with just a few strikes, leaving several deep wounds in its trunk as well.

Before long, the Soul Eater Ghost Tree completely lost its vitality, and a purple Spirit Ring slowly rose into the air.

The Soul Eater Ghost Tree had already been seriously injured by Mu Zhe when it was captured, and all its Soul Power had long been depleted. Ning Rongrong barely needed to exert herself to finish it off.

"Wait, you can't absorb that Spirit Ring."

Just as Ning Rongrong prepared to absorb the Spirit Ring, an ill-timed voice rang out.

Everyone froze briefly before turning toward the source of the voice. Tang San stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a confident expression.

Mu Zhe was somewhat surprised. Why did this little bastard look so much like... Yu Xiaogang at this moment?

"Why can't she absorb it? Is it unsuitable for Ning Rongrong's Martial Soul?"

Ma Hongjun asked in confusion. Tang San calmly shook his head and continued.

"The Soul Skill this Soul Eater Ghost Tree grants may suit Ning Rongrong, but its age is absolutely unsuitable."

"This Spirit Ring is already over two thousand years old. If she absorbs it, she will definitely explode and die."

Tang San spoke with sound reasoning, then looked toward Mu Zhe, a faint trace of contempt curling at his lips.

"Ning Rongrong is a direct disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and a member of Shrek Academy. You chose a Spirit Ring beyond the limit for her. Are you trying to kill her?"

At those words, everyone immediately looked at Mu Zhe, their expressions uncertain and suspicious.

This man of unknown origin was always doing things they could not understand.

And now, he was actually trying to harm a direct disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Rongrong was even a genius with the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda!

Damn it!

They had known from the start that he was no good. Who knew where Headmaster Flender had been taken by him?

The others looked at Mu Zhe suspiciously, and Tang San instantly felt utterly delighted. Much of the frustration he had accumulated over the past few days dissipated.

Was there anything more satisfying than making Mu Zhe lose face?

If there was, it had to be what happened last night... Ahem. Though he resisted it with all his heart, Tang San had to admit that the feeling was indeed unforgettable.

Damn it!

That strange thought had risen in his heart again, and Tang San was instantly startled by himself.

It was truly baffling. Since this morning, that scene had surfaced in his mind more than once.

For a moment, he even wondered whether something was wrong with his body, or perhaps with his mind.

Ahem, that was beside the point.

In any case, Tang San was the personal disciple of Yu Xiaogang, the great theorist of the Martial Soul world. His theoretical knowledge was comparable to an encyclopedia.

When it came to theory, he was equally confident that no one could match him.

How could he fail to see that this Soul Eater Ghost Tree was fully two thousand one hundred years old, three hundred years beyond the limit?

Tang San could not help imagining the scene of Ning Rongrong breaking with Mu Zhe.

Xiao Wu might even see Mu Zhe for who he really was because of this and become even more resistant to him.

But the next moment, Tang San's face darkened as though he had been trampled by a pig.

Ning Rongrong merely looked at Mu Zhe with some confusion. Naturally, she believed that Mu Zhe would never harm her.

It was just that these people were gathered around her... They were rather noisy and would affect her absorption of the Spirit Ring.

Ning Rongrong was extremely disdainful of Tang San's words. She knew that the so-called Spirit Ring age limit was not absolute.

As long as someone's talent surpassed that of all their predecessors, couldn't they break through the limit?

When it came to talent, she had been immensely confident even before absorbing the Immortal Herb, let alone afterward.

"You can't do it, but that doesn't mean Ning Rongrong can't."

Mu Zhe remained calm. As he looked at Tang San, an amused smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of his lips.

"Your teacher is that useless Yu Xiaogang, isn't he? The Spirit Ring age limits he talks about are nothing but a joke."

"Who can guarantee that everyone in the future will be weaker than those who came before?"

"You..."

Tang San was instantly filled with fury. His relationship with Yu Xiaogang was complicated, and Mu Zhe insulting Yu Xiaogang might have angered him somewhat.

But Mu Zhe's expression clearly showed that he was insulting Tang San along with him.

"Fine. If you don't believe me, then let Ning Rongrong absorb it. When she dies later, I hope you won't regret it."

Having failed to drive a wedge between Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Mu Zhe, Tang San was extremely displeased. After coldly tossing out those words, he left in anger.

"Don't worry. Just absorb it in peace. I'll protect you."

Only then did Mu Zhe look at Ning Rongrong. He nodded gently, then casually raised a hand. A curtain of shadows descended and completely enveloped the deep pit.

Warmth filled Ning Rongrong's heart, and a sweet smile appeared on her face. Without the slightest hesitation, she sat down cross-legged. Her Soul Power surged forth and drew the Spirit Ring onto her body as she began refining and absorbing it.

After arranging everything for Ning Rongrong, Mu Zhe's cold gaze swept over the people still lingering nearby.

For no apparent reason, Ma Hongjun and the others, including Zhao Wuji, suddenly felt an icy chill pierce to their bones, making their entire bodies shudder.

Sensing Mu Zhe's displeasure, they hurriedly ran off and did not dare remain there.

"Teacher Zhao, do you know what happened to Ning Rongrong?"

Ma Hongjun asked Zhao Wuji with a puzzled expression.

A few days ago, Ning Rongrong's Soul Power had been at the same level as his. Yet in only a few days, not only had her Soul Power increased, even her Martial Soul had evolved. That made him somewhat jealous.

"How would I know about the affairs of those great powers?" Zhao Wuji shook his head.

"Then should we still wait here for them?"

Ma Hongjun continued asking. Over the past few days, he had thoroughly realized that Ning Rongrong had not come to Shrek Academy to study at all.

No matter what orders Flender gave or whether their team needed her amplification, she paid no attention whatsoever.

Damn it!

This woman was completely estranged from the academy. She did not count as an academy member at all!

"Let's wait a little longer. Absorbing a Spirit Ring won't take much time anyway."

Zhao Wuji looked somewhat hesitant, but in the end, he still did not dare leave directly.

No matter how estranged Ning Rongrong was from the academy, she was still nominally a student of Shrek Academy. If they simply left, Mu Zhe might find some excuse to deal with them.

He only hoped they could quickly find the Spirit Ring Oscar needed and return to the academy.

No matter what, the Clear Sky Douluo would visit Tang San from time to time at the academy. It would be safer there.

"Xiao Wu, what are you thinking about? Why are you smiling so happily?"

Before the deep pit, Mu Zhe looked at Xiao Wu beside him, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Ah?! I'm not. What do I have to be happy about?"

Seeing the smile at Mu Zhe's lips, Xiao Wu immediately panicked and hurriedly suppressed the curve that had unconsciously formed at the corners of her mouth.

Just moments ago, she had secretly been considering a plan to escape. Unfortunately, Mu Zhe was watching her too closely. Even if she escaped, she would not get far.

But as long as she released her aura without restraint, she believed Er Ming would definitely come looking for her.

"Really nothing?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."

Mu Zhe still wore that inexplicable smile, but a deep glint flashed through his eyes.

What could make Xiao Wu so happy besides entering the Star Dou Great Forest? She had probably already thought of a way to escape.

Xiao Wu likely had some special means of contacting the Titan Giant Ape. Before long, the Titan Giant Ape would appear just as it had in the original story.

What displeased Mu Zhe slightly was that Tang Hao still had not come.

Damn it!

Was he really going to wait until Tang San encountered genuine danger before showing up at the perfect moment?

That was utterly ridiculous!

Since that was the case, he could only use a few little tricks.

A dark glimmer flashed in Mu Zhe's eyes. Immediately afterward, a shadow darted out from beneath his feet and flew toward Suotuo City.

Only after finishing all this did Mu Zhe refocus his attention. He pulled Xiao Wu into his arms and said, "You must be thinking about something bad."

"Wah! How could that be? I'm very well-behaved."

Xiao Wu's delicate body trembled slightly. It seemed that her little scheme had been seen through, and she could not help feeling flustered.

She had once intended to get rid of Mu Zhe along with the others, but after spending the past few days with him, her feelings had long become a mess.

What embarrassed and angered her was that Mu Zhe had even used forceful means to take so many of her first times.

Still, Mu Zhe was different from Tang Hao. Mu Zhe had never shown her genuine killing intent and had even helped her several times.

This time... she would let Er Ming spare him for now. If he dared appear before her again in the future, she would no longer show mercy.

Time passed slowly, and nearly half an hour went by in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, Mu Zhe's eyes narrowed slightly. He released Xiao Wu from his embrace and looked toward the Shadow Shield.

Inside, Ning Rongrong had already finished absorbing the Spirit Ring and was slowly opening her eyes.

"How do you feel?"

A gentle smile replaced Mu Zhe's expression. He raised a hand to withdraw the shadows, then released a pulling force that drew Ning Rongrong before him.

"Hehe, guess how many levels my Soul Power increased by?" Ning Rongrong asked excitedly, a crafty smile appearing on her pretty face as she deliberately acted mysterious.

"Oh? Did you rise several levels in a row?"

"Eh, you already knew?"

Ning Rongrong's beautiful eyes widened, and her little mouth opened slightly in surprise.

Mu Zhe smiled. This girl was truly interesting.

"Hehe, I rose four levels in a row this time. My Soul Power is level thirty-four now."

As she said this, Ning Rongrong was so excited that she could not stop herself from throwing herself into Mu Zhe's arms.

Her eyelashes trembled faintly, and a light blush rose on her pretty face. In the end, she could not help parting her soft red lips and planting a kiss at the corner of Mu Zhe's mouth.

She naturally understood that Mu Zhe had given her all of this.

If not for the Immortal Herb Mu Zhe had given her, she would never have been able to absorb a Spirit Ring beyond the limit, much less rise four levels in a row.

This unworthy little woman has been fortunate enough to receive your favor, young master. Unable to repay you, she can only... offer herself to you.

"How is that possible?! Ning Rongrong really absorbed a Spirit Ring beyond the age limit!"

Not far away, the Shrek group saw Ning Rongrong truly walk out and were instantly horrified. Then they looked toward Tang San with doubtful expressions.

"And doesn't absorbing a Spirit Ring only raise your Soul Power by one level? How could she directly rise four levels? Even if the Spirit Ring was beyond the age limit, it couldn't possibly be that outrageous!"

Then they saw Mu Zhe and Ning Rongrong flirting openly in broad daylight, and bitterness rose in their hearts.

Oscar in particular was heartbroken when he saw Ning Rongrong's lovestruck appearance.

But when they heard Ning Rongrong say that her Soul Power had risen four levels, every one of them widened their eyes, briefly wondering if they had heard wrong.

Yet Ning Rongrong's aura was indeed incredibly powerful. At the very least, she did not look like someone at level thirty-one.

Wasn't that absurd?

Although Ning Rongrong had absorbed a Spirit Ring three hundred years beyond the age limit, it was still impossible for her to gain so many levels at once.

As Zhu Zhuqing watched Mu Zhe's handsome figure, her gaze became unfocused, and an indescribable emotion rose in her heart.

Ever since Dai Mubai had been crippled, her heart had already become empty. She only remained with the Shrek group because she was drifting along with the current.

If anything remained in her heart, it was the desire to increase her strength and find a slim chance of survival in the conflicts with the Star Luo Imperial Family over the coming years.

Yet she also knew that her talent was not among the very best. Reaching the level of a Soul Fighting Douluo would already be difficult, let alone gaining the strength to contend against the Star Luo Imperial Family.

Seeing Ning Rongrong increase her Soul Power in such a terrifying way filled Zhu Zhuqing with intense longing.

She also wanted to increase her Soul Power like that, but she knew she was not Mu Zhe's woman and could not enjoy such treatment.

Perhaps...

Zhu Zhuqing's gaze suddenly became resolute. Perhaps she could ask Mu Zhe how Ning Rongrong had managed it.

If Mu Zhe was willing to tell her, she could accept paying some price.

After all... Dai Mubai had long been crippled. Doing this would only be for her own survival.

Although Mu Zhe was by no means a good match, it could not be denied that he fulfilled every fantasy a woman could have about a partner.

Peerlessly handsome, terrifyingly powerful, of noble status, and even knew how to be romantic.

"Teacher Zhao, is this true? Did Ning Rongrong really advance four levels?"

Ma Hongjun could not help asking Zhao Wuji, but Zhao Wuji's face was equally filled with shock. He slowly uttered a few words, "That's right. She really is level thirty-four."

Given his cultivation, he could naturally sense it with ease. Ning Rongrong's cultivation was indeed level thirty-four, and her Soul Power was even more refined and abundant than Dai Mubai's at level thirty-seven.

Yet despite cultivating for so many years and seeing all kinds of geniuses, he had never witnessed anything this absurd.

He then looked at Mu Zhe. Everything had begun because of Mu Zhe. Once anything became connected to Mu Zhe, it would overturn everything they thought they knew.

"I've already absorbed my third Spirit Ring. Let's head back directly. There's no need to bother with these Shrek Academy people anymore."

After kissing deeply for quite a while, Ning Rongrong's face was flushed, her delicate body trembling lightly and burning hot. Only then did she release Mu Zhe and speak softly.

Mu Zhe was simply too good at teasing people. If she was not careful, he would leave her utterly intoxicated.

All of a sudden, Ning Rongrong began missing the time she had spent with Mu Zhe at the Rose Hotel again.

But Mu Zhe gently shook his head. "I still have something to do later. I can't go back yet."

"Oh, all right."

Ning Rongrong was somewhat disappointed, but she did not dare throw a tantrum. Instead, she obediently leaned into Mu Zhe's embrace.

"All right, let's continue searching for a Spirit Ring for Oscar."

Only after seeing that Mu Zhe's affairs had concluded did Zhao Wuji dare to speak.

And so, the group once again set out in search of soul beasts.

Mu Zhe said nothing, but his gaze narrowed slightly.

Within his perception, an old woman and a young girl in the distance were pursuing an injured soul beast.

The old woman leaned on a Serpent Cane, while beside her stood a pretty young girl. They were the Snake Crone and Meng Yiran.

Although Mu Zhe had disrupted Shrek's rhythm, fate was simply that subtle. Many things would still arrive as promised, even if someone deliberately tried to stop them.

Of course, Mu Zhe had not deliberately tried to stop it either.

The battle between Tang San and Meng Yiran would be Tang San's opportunity to advance to level thirty, so Mu Zhe was not surprised that it would happen.

Sure enough, not long after the group continued onward, Zhu Zhuqing, who stood watch atop a tree ahead, narrowed her eyes slightly. Her cold voice rang out.

"Everyone, be careful. A flying snake is heading this way."