Meeting Ning Rongrong Again

"Moonlight Pavilion." Shen Tianchen murmured softly after hearing that.

It seems the missing grain is most likely connected to the Clear Sky Sect.

He naturally knew that Moonlight Pavilion's person in charge, Tang Yuehua, was actually from the Clear Sky Sect. She was the Clear Sky Sect's informant in Heaven Dou City, responsible for gathering intelligence for them.

At present, Tang Yuehua's identity had not been exposed. The Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall only knew that her background was far from ordinary; they had not linked her to the Clear Sky Sect.

However, given Xue Qinghe's influence in Heaven Dou City, he had probably already uncovered some clues.

Soul Masters from Moonlight Pavilion had appeared in Suotuo City around this time, and the grain had also disappeared during this period. That grain had most likely been transported to the Clear Sky Sect.

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

After all, ever since the Clear Sky Sect had sealed off its mountain gates several decades ago, its disciples had rarely traveled the continent.

After the battle between Clear Sky Douluo and Spirit Hall's former pope, Qian Xunji, the relationship between both sides had completely fallen apart.

Without Tang Chen to hold the fort, the Clear Sky Sect simply could not withstand Spirit Hall's wrath. Yet when the conflict erupted, the Clear Sky Sect had not suffered any fundamental damage, and most of its high-level combat strength had been preserved.

By now, the Clear Sky Sect probably had at least several thousand disciples. The food and cultivation resources consumed by so many people each day were no small sum.

Clear Sky Sect disciples could swing hammers at people just fine, but secretly doing business or farming was beyond them.

After all, in an environment like the Clear Sky Sect's, it would be a miracle for grain to survive at all.

That was where Tang Yuehua came in.

The fact that she had not awakened a Clear Sky Hammer martial soul was excellent cover in itself.

With her pulling strings behind the scenes, purchasing grain in Moonlight Pavilion's name would not arouse suspicion. Then she could send people to secretly deliver it to the Clear Sky Sect. It was simply perfect.

Xue Qinghe was the Empire's Crown Prince. With his status, he normally would not pay attention to a batch of grain like this. It just so happened that Ning Fengzhi, that old fox, had spread news of this matter.

Judging by his attitude, he merely wanted to know whether this had anything to do with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Even Shen Tianchen had to admire the Clear Sky Sect's move.

With that thought, Shen Tianchen suddenly saw the light.

However, he had no intention of telling Xue Qinghe about this at such a critical moment. To put it bluntly, it was only his own speculation, even though he was extremely certain of it.

There was no evidence at the moment, and he had no way to clearly explain Tang Yuehua's situation to Xue Qinghe.

He could not just step forward and insist that Tang Yuehua was from the Clear Sky Sect, could he? That would only provoke Xue Ye's displeasure. After all, Tang Yuehua held an extremely high status in Heaven Dou.

But one thing was certain: the grain really had nothing to do with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

At present, the Clear Sky Sect's strength was no longer what it had once been.

Although Tang Chen had vanished, the sect had produced Tang Xiao, a peak Douluo, and five Titled Douluo elders over the years.

Besides, with Qian Daoliu's indecisive nature, he would surely bring up his agreement with Tang Chen again. In the end, this matter would most likely be dropped once more.

Inside an upscale hotel in Suotuo City.

Ning Rongrong sat by the window, resting her chin in both hands as her beautiful eyes watched the crowded street outside.

Having seen plenty of grand scenes, there was little in Suotuo City that interested her. She had already sampled all the distinctive street food over the past few days.

Shen Tianchen's handsome face lingered in her mind, impossible to erase.

After hearing Xue Qinghe's words, she had come here hoping to try her luck. But after several days, she had not even caught a glimpse of him, leaving her somewhat disappointed.

"Shrek Academy starts recruiting tomorrow. He should be going too, right?"

As she thought, the sky gradually darkened.

Ning Rongrong rubbed her growling stomach and decided to go downstairs for something to eat first.

Just as she closed her door, she spotted the figure that had been filling her thoughts.

"Am I dreaming?"

Ning Rongrong rubbed her eyes. Once she confirmed it was real, she hurried after him.

"Brother Tianchen, is that you?"

Hearing someone call his name, Shen Tianchen turned around. "Ning Rongrong?"

Though he was somewhat surprised by her appearance, he was not particularly shocked.

It seems my appearance has pushed the plot forward.

Ning Rongrong had come here for none other than Shrek Academy, yet they were staying at the same hotel and had not met before.

Even he had to marvel at that.

But thinking about it, it was not strange. Their personalities and goals were different, so naturally their schedules were different as well.

One spent all day sightseeing, while the other was immersed in spirit battles at the Great Soul Arena.

"What are you doing here?" Shen Tianchen asked casually.

After hearing that, Ning Rongrong first complained to Shen Tianchen about how strictly her father controlled her, then explained why she had come.

"I don't know which bastard started spreading rumors about how amazing Suotuo City was. It's nothing like the rumors at all. It's a complete scam! If I find out who it was, he'll regret it, hmph!"

Shen Tianchen secretly laughed.

His daughter was indirectly cursing her own father. If Ning Fengzhi found out, he would probably reward her with a few more strikes from a wooden rod.

If she ever learned that the rumors had been spread by people her father sent, it was hard to imagine how wonderful Ning Rongrong's expression would be.

"By the way, Brother Tianchen, are you here to apply to Shrek Academy too?"

"I heard people here say Shrek Academy is quite impressive."

Shen Tianchen felt a little dissatisfied.

Flender and Ma Hongjun were already enough, and he could tolerate Dai Mubai showing up midway.

But what was Ning Rongrong doing here?

Why did they all think he had come for that academy?

Shen Tianchen pondered for a moment before saying, "I've already seen Shrek Academy's students and fought with them."

"Their talent is decent, but their combat awareness is far too lacking. They can handle some lazy teams, but the moment they face a strong opponent, their true colors show."

"So, I think this so-called Shrek Academy is nothing more than empty fame. They only want to recruit talented students, train them up, and use them to build the academy's reputation. As for education, it's a complete mess. I wouldn't attend an academy like that."

Ning Rongrong nodded thoughtfully after hearing him.

A moment later, she smiled. "If that's the case, then I won't go either. With my talent, I can attend any other academy just the same."

To her, it did not matter which academy she attended, as long as she could stay with Shen Tianchen.

Shen Tianchen spread his hands. "Do whatever you want. It's up to you. But I think you should return to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect first, or your father will start worrying."

Ning Rongrong pouted. "No way. Dad just worries too much and controls me too strictly."

As she spoke, her tone suddenly changed. Ning Rongrong put on a pitiful expression. "Brother Tianchen, you're so nice. You definitely won't abandon Rongrong, right?"

The words gave Shen Tianchen goosebumps.

But after lowering his head to think for a while, he agreed.

Having the world's number one support-type martial soul at his side would save him quite a bit of trouble.

At the end of the day, Ning Fengzhi was still a businessman. Businessmen pursued profit. Whichever side offered greater benefits, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would lean toward that side.

After all, Spirit Hall appeared increasingly powerful to outsiders now, but its upper ranks knew very well that it was merely an illusion.

Over the years, there had been many conflicts between the Papal Palace and Worship Hall. If they could win over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, then when the time came to reveal their cards, victory would be assured.

However, he still did not fully understand Ning Fengzhi's intentions. Aside from Ning Rongrong, he did not want too much contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Revealing his hand too early would instead affect the implementation of his later plans.

He did not want to personally participate in dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. In the future, he would need to find an intermediary.

In terms of value alone, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was absolutely top-tier. Keeping Ning Rongrong by his side would be of tremendous help in the future Spirit Master Tournament.

"You can stay by my side, but let's make this clear first: you have to listen to everything I say. Understand?"

If he did not make this clear in advance, who knew how much trouble Ning Rongrong's young miss temperament would cause.

Ning Rongrong's heart leaped with joy when she heard this, and she immediately nodded rapidly like a pecking chick.

"I'll be going to the Great Soul Arena every day for the next few days. Do you want to come with me?" Shen Tianchen asked.

With her by his side, those fanatical female fans would not be quite so bold.

After these past few days of matches, those female fans had looked like they wanted to swallow him whole.

Ning Rongrong nodded in agreement, then asked, "Brother Tianchen, didn't you come here to carry out His Highness the Crown Prince's mission? Could it be that your mission is to fight spirit battles at the Great Soul Arena?"

"More or less." Shen Tianchen casually brushed it off, then got up and walked ahead. "Let's eat first. I still have to take part in spirit battles tonight. I can't do that on an empty stomach."