Shen Tianchen's Request

Ning Fengzhi's face revealed neither joy nor anger. He seemed to have anticipated Shen Tianchen's answer.

"I never expected you to be not only exceptionally strong, but also so loyal and sentimental. In that case, I was rather presumptuous."

"If you don't mind, you may call me Uncle Ning, and I'll call you Xiao Chen. How does that sound?"

Shen Tianchen accepted with a smile. "In that case, I shall respectfully accept."

"However, I have one more request. I hope Uncle Ning will agree to it."

"What request? Speak freely."

Shen Tianchen continued, "Uncle Ning, would it be possible for Rongrong to enroll at Heaven Dou Royal Academy? That way, we can look out for each other in the future."

"To be honest, I am assembling a team for the Spirit Master Tournament two years from now. With Rongrong joining us, we will certainly achieve excellent results."

Before Ning Fengzhi could reply, Bone Douluo teased him first. "You brat, you said you weren't willing, yet you still want our Rongrong to stay by your side. I'd say you're trying to cultivate your feelings for each other first."

Shen Tianchen smiled and shook his head without responding.

Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, "Since Xiao Chen has such a good idea, why would I refuse? I agree to it. I'm sure Rongrong will be very happy as well."

After that, the two sides casually chatted about a few everyday matters. Shen Tianchen then took his leave and headed back toward the academy.

After he left, Ning Fengzhi rubbed his forehead and looked at Gu Rong.

After all, this had been their first meeting. It was only natural that they had not been able to draw much out of him.

Still, one thing puzzled him. During his conversation with Shen Tianchen, the other party's every word and action had not seemed fitting for someone his age. Instead, he had acted like a seasoned old hand.

Gu Rong frowned. "This brat truly isn't simple. He didn't show even the slightest nervousness in front of us, and he is highly vigilant. He always chose to downplay the important points when answering questions."

"If his identity were truly as Xue Qinghe said, he should not have avoided those details so deliberately. It seems our guess was correct."

Ning Fengzhi nodded in agreement. "It's fine to let Rongrong stay by his side. She can gain experience, and she can also convey our intentions to him. It will depend on whether he is smart enough."

"But there is no rush. Let Rongrong remain at his side for now."

On the street, Shen Tianchen walked while deep in thought.

There are no eternal enemies; only interests matter. If possible, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could become a partner of the Worship Hall.

But this must be carried out in secret. Until the time is right, it must never be brought into the open—especially before Bibi Dong. If she finds out in advance, she will definitely interfere.

As he thought, it was soon noon. Shen Tianchen decided to eat in the city before returning to the academy.

Meanwhile, at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Osler and Yu Feng had been waiting in the spectator stands of the training ground for Shen Tianchen's response.

To stay in peak condition for their match with Shen Tianchen, the two brothers did not dare eat a proper meal. They only ate a couple of fruits to replenish their energy.

Their stomachs were growling with hunger, yet they still waited there like stubborn fools.

The other team members sat beside them, eating fragrant lunches.

Listening to the sounds beside him and feeling his empty stomach, Osler became inexplicably irritated.

He could not help complaining, "Captain, what is the meaning of this? Can't you eat somewhere else? Are you just here to laugh at us?"

Yu Tianheng chewed his food and shrugged. "You can eat too. I'm not stopping you. Who told you to stand here like wooden posts?"

"I saw Teacher Qin heading to the Education Committee early this morning. There has been no news after all this time. Either Shen Tianchen isn't at the academy, or he simply can't be bothered with you two."

What a joke. Yu Tianheng had long experienced Shen Tianchen's abilities firsthand. As for why he had not told them, it was simply because Yu Tianheng believed that it was better for his friends to suffer than for himself. Since he had endured it, his brothers ought to have a taste too.

"If he hasn't accepted the challenge, then something must have delayed him. Otherwise, he wouldn't fail to come."

Osler said, "Captain, why do I feel like you know something about that guy? How about giving your brothers a hint?"

Yu Tianheng swallowed a mouthful of food, burped, and said, "I didn't say anything. It's only a guess based on my sixth sense. Don't misunderstand."

"Still, he enrolled later than us. If someone with bad intentions spreads this around, the impact won't be very good."

Osler: "..."

Yu Feng spoke casually, "Captain, it's only a spar between classmates, not some life-or-death duel. It's not as serious as you make it sound."

"If he runs even from a spar, then he'll never amount to much in this life."

Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at him. "If you want to wait, then keep waiting. Just don't delay tonight's match at the Great Soul Arena, or I won't let you off."

Just like in the original timeline, Qin Ming still intended for the Imperial Dou First Team to take part in spirit fights at the Great Soul Arena so they could develop better teamwork.

This generation of the Imperial Dou First Team was the most talented in recent decades. It had an heir of one of the Upper Three Sects and the granddaughter of a Titled Douluo.

Thus, it was not only the three members of the Education Committee who wanted to witness the Imperial Dou First Team's strength. Even the royal family was monitoring the situation here. After all, whether they were mules or horses, they had to be brought out for a run.

The task Qin Ming assigned them was to spar and develop coordination against powerful teams. As a result, they would have to spend most of the two years before the tournament at the Great Soul Arena.

Shortly after noon, Shen Tianchen leisurely returned to the academy.

Unbeknownst to him, two little cuties were waiting for him at the training ground.

Just then, a student recognized him and hurried over. "Student Shen, Osler and Yu Feng from the first team have challenged you. They're waiting for you at the training ground right now."

"Even the three members of the Education Committee have approved it. Whether you intend to accept the challenge or not, you need to decide quickly."

"What the heck?"

Shen Tianchen frowned. "I was out for one morning. How did someone end up challenging me? Besides, I don't know either of them at all. Why aren't they challenging someone else? Why me?"

Shen Tianchen was not unfamiliar with those two. In his eyes, they were merely a bird and a little kitten.

At that moment, Shen Tianchen seemed to guess why they had challenged him.

Put scientifically, their persecution complex had flared up. They were probably afraid he would take their original positions, when Shen Tianchen did not care for them in the slightest.

Shen Tianchen nodded helplessly. "Let's go. Lead the way. Since they have the desire, I can't very well refuse. After all, I'm such a kind-hearted person."

He then followed the student toward the training ground.

As they neared the training ground, the unnamed student said, "You go on ahead. I'll go build up some momentum for you."

As the saying went, unsolicited kindness usually hid ulterior motives.

Given that his reputation within the academy was not particularly good, it really was time to clear up the rumors.

Compared with appearing in person, having someone else do it for him would save both time and effort.