Ning Fengzhi's Recruitment and Apprehension!

Tang San, watching from the sidelines, later learned from his teammates' excited discussion that the astonishingly powerful Self-Created Soul Skill in the simulated world had actually been taught to him in full by his master!

This deeply moved him.

He understood full well the value and power of a Self-Created Soul Skill. Yet Master Fu Shiyan had entrusted such an undisclosed secret to him without reservation. That complete trust and care was a profound affection he had never experienced from an elder, whether in the Tang Sect of his previous life or in this one.

"First round of the preliminaries, first match—Shrek Academy wins!"

The referee's loud announcement from the stage interrupted the warmth and emotion surging through Tang San's heart as he watched.

With the referee's verdict, the spectator stands instantly erupted. Discussions, doubts, and praise intertwined into a deafening uproar, but above all was irrepressible shock!

In less than a minute, Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team had been crushed in an instant. Especially that final, unfathomable wooden giant hand—the visual and psychological impact it brought was simply overwhelming!

In the VIP section, after witnessing Tang San's inconceivable Self-Created Soul Skill, Xue Ye rose to his feet with a livid expression. His icy gaze swept over Prince Xue Xing, who had been stunned senseless by shock. With a cold snort, he flicked his sleeve and left.

A look of amazement and contemplation flickered in Ning Fengzhi's eyes. Smiling, he followed behind the emperor and left the VIP section.

In the viewing area, Flender was grinning from ear to ear. He stood and said to Grandmaster and Liu Erlong:

"I'll be leaving first!"

Liu Erlong was still somewhat puzzled, but Flender had already burst into laughter.

"The little monsters performed so brilliantly. Our uniform advertisement is finally taken care of!"

Though he only spoke of making money, a deeper emotion was stirring in his heart.

He understood that Tang San had not needed to reveal the trump card of his Self-Created Soul Skill. He had not done it solely because the opponents angered him; he had also done it for Flender, for Shrek Academy, to vent the anger from when they had been driven out by Heaven Dou Royal Academy!

At that thought, Flender felt utterly exhilarated. It had been a long time since he had felt so proud and vindicated.

At the center of the arena, the Shrek group was beside themselves with excitement. Ma Hongjun rushed over and gave Tang San a solid bear hug.

Tang San, however, was not complacent. He analyzed the situation calmly.

"We exposed quite a bit of our strength. The teams that come after us will definitely study and target our tactics."

Although everyone was initially somewhat dismissive, Dai Mubai still called to them.

"Let's go. We'll talk after we get back to the academy. I don't want to be surrounded by onlookers the moment we step outside."

He then led the team swiftly through the contestants' passage and quietly left the venue.

After returning to the rest area, they immediately changed out of those eye-catching shit-green uniforms. Only after changing into everyday clothes did they feel much more at ease, and they left Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena together.

However, not long after they walked out of the main gate, a familiar, gentle voice stopped them in their tracks.

"Rongrong."

Ning Fengzhi, dressed in plain clothes, stood in the shadows at a street corner not far away, smiling and waving at them.

Ning Rongrong cried out in delighted surprise and ran over like a happy butterfly, throwing herself into her father's arms.

Seeing the sect master of one of the Upper Three Sects personally arrive, the Shrek group hurried forward to greet him. Oscar, in particular, appeared especially awkward and nervous.

Ning Fengzhi, however, gently took Ning Rongrong's hand and walked over, smiling as he said:

"There is no need for such formality. Here, I am merely Rongrong's father, your elder."

As he spoke, his approving gaze fell upon Tang San.

"Congratulations, Xiao San.

It is truly astonishing. Not only have you obtained a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring, but you have also mastered such a powerful Self-Created Soul Skill."

Tang San replied humbly, "Uncle Ning, you flatter me.

Rongrong has also obtained her fourth Spirit Ring, and her strength has increased greatly. She simply did not take the field in the first match in order to conserve her strength."

After some pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi naturally got to the point. His words began to reveal his intention to recruit these exceptionally talented young people.

One by one, the group introduced themselves to the sect master.

Ning Rongrong added details from the side. Whenever she mentioned one of her companions' strengths, Ning Fengzhi would offer timely and sincere praise, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

When Dai Mubai was introduced, Ning Fengzhi's gaze sharpened slightly. Without hesitation, he extended an olive branch to him, speaking with complete sincerity.

However, to some people's surprise, Dai Mubai calmly shook his head, his tone respectful yet resolute.

"I appreciate Uncle Ning's kindness. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Ning Fengzhi looked at Dai Mubai's distinctive evil eyes and thought of his Martial Soul. A trace of understanding flashed through his eyes; he had clearly guessed Dai Mubai's background.

But he did not expose it. He merely gave Dai Mubai a meaningful smile and said gently:

"No matter. Mubai, if you ever need anything in the future, you may come find me at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect anytime."

This tolerance and understanding stirred Dai Mubai's heart, and he silently nodded in acknowledgment.

When Ning Rongrong introduced Oscar, Ning Fengzhi learned that he was actually a food-type Spirit Master, and admiration unconsciously appeared in his eyes.

He asked gently, "Food-type? May I ask how old you are this year, little brother?"

Oscar forcefully suppressed the unease and nervousness in his heart before answering respectfully:

"Reporting to Sect Master Ning, I am sixteen this year, one year younger than Boss Dai."

Ning Fengzhi was even more shocked upon hearing this.

He knew too well what a sixteen-year-old, rank forty-one food-type Spirit Master represented in terms of terrifying talent and potential!

This was practically a rare genius among support-type Spirit Masters, one seen only once in a century!

Before Ning Fengzhi could voice his shock, Oscar seemed to gather all his courage and spoke first, his tone incomparably serious.

"Sect Master Ning, I have always greatly admired you and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!

I am also a support-type Spirit Master. After graduation, would I have the honor of joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

At this serious moment, Ma Hongjun, who understood Oscar's little thoughts, could not hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.

But Ning Fengzhi completely ignored Ma Hongjun's lapse in composure. His heart was already filled with immense delight.

He immediately replied, unable to conceal the joy in his voice:

"I could not ask for more! What our sect needs most are young and promising people like you!

The doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will always be open to you!"

But Ning Rongrong was displeased. Pouting, she said:

"Dad! Why are you calling him little brother? Wouldn't that make him my uncle?

The seniority is all messed up! Just call him Xiao Ao!"

Only then did Ning Fengzhi realize it. He chuckled. "I was so happy that I became muddleheaded."

After the excitement of recruiting Oscar, Ning Fengzhi's gaze returned to Tang San.

Without question, Tang San was still the one he paid the most attention to and thought most highly of.

Although he knew that, because of Tang San's master, he could not recruit him into the sect, no matter what, he had to maintain the best possible relationship with this young man of boundless potential.

Afterward, with Ning Rongrong's introductions, Ning Fengzhi exchanged pleasantries with the rest of Shrek as well. He showed great interest in every one of them and took every opportunity to express his desire to recruit them.

After the pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi said to Tang San, "Xiao San, shall we speak alone for a moment?"

Tang San was briefly startled, then nodded in agreement. Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue in dissatisfaction. "Dad is so biased!"

Thus, Ning Fengzhi led Tang San into Tianhuang Street, the most prosperous street in Heaven Dou City.

Tang San was puzzled and could not help asking, "Uncle Ning, what did you want to see me about?"

At this moment, both the simulated Tang San and the observing Tang San were curious about Ning Fengzhi's intentions.

The observing Tang San had already confirmed from the earlier conversation that Ning Fengzhi was the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Rongrong's father.

Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly. "I am taking you to meet someone."

Along the way, he mentioned Tang San's father, Tang Hao, and revealed a hint of regret.

However, Tang San's reaction in the simulation somewhat exceeded Ning Fengzhi's expectations. He appeared extraordinarily calm, as if he had long known Tang Hao's whereabouts and past. He showed little interest in pressing for further details.

Not long afterward, the two arrived at a teahouse, where they met a young man of twenty-seven or twenty-eight.