All of a sudden, an image flashed through Ning Hao's mind: the dean of Shrek Academy paying him a personal visit. His expression immediately darkened.
I was still too careless. What happened today will probably get out in just a few days!
I should've known better than to wait for the right moment to strike and leave that whole pack of spies in place...
And now, an unexpected turn of events has arisen...
But although he thought this, he felt not the slightest regret.
After all, Ning Hao knew full well that none of the arrangements he'd made in the sect had been pointless.
Everything had been for the sect's continued survival.
Take the spies among the lower ranks and stewards, for example.
Rather than keep rooting them out one after another—a time-consuming and laborious task that would only make it harder to let their guard down—
it was better to leave those useless freeloaders in place and ensure that every little move they made stayed right under his nose.
That way, the sect would have far less to worry about.
As for Shrek...
To be honest, he had never underestimated the depth of this ten-thousand-year-old academy's foundations, or its experience and ability in cultivating talented Soul Masters.
But after two or three decades of dealings, he had also never overestimated the principles or sense of decency of certain people there.
As for how he knew...
Don't ask. It was a tale of bitter tears.
Thinking back to that unwelcome ox who had eaten his fill and then taken more besides, Ning Hao's heart ached.
That had been nearly a month's worth of food for the whole sect!
The shameless old geezer had polished it off in just two meals!
Was that really a normal person's appetite?!
Compared to him, Ning Huan was a mere drop in the ocean.
At that thought, Ning Hao unconsciously looked toward the three elders and three youngsters, who were chatting merrily.
Then, for some reason, a wire in his brain must have crossed, and the words slipped out as if by magic:
"Xiao Huan, do you want to go to Shrek?"
Sure enough, the moment the words left his mouth, the lively dining hall fell silent.
Wind Douluo, Ning Tian, and the others stared at him with wide eyes, their faces full of disbelief.
Ning Huan, meanwhile, looked conflicted, suspicion filling his eyes.
He couldn't help it. If anyone else had asked such a brainless question, he wouldn't have been surprised.
But you were the sect master, the one who could shoulder the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect and carry on its legacy!
Was that really something you should ask?!
Besides, if I'd wanted to go to Shrek, I would've gone already!
Would I have gone through all that trouble to return to the sect and "reclaim my roots" otherwise?!
Had you just eaten with your brain or something?!
On the other side, Ning Hao noticed everyone's reaction and came to his senses as well. A flush of red flashed across his jade-smooth, warm face.
He hurriedly tried to salvage his lapse in judgment, forcing himself to speak through the embarrassment.
"Ahem, I was just asking offhand. Don't read too much into it."
"Xiao Huan is the sect's foremost disciple. How could he possibly join another power?"
Sword Douluo and the others still looked troubled, so he could only add:
"Besides, Shrek may be good, but we're no slouches either!"
"Three Titled Douluos teaching one person at the same time—not many people at Shrek get that kind of treatment."
Only then did the atmosphere in the room finally relax.
Looks like the sect master thought of something just now and let his concern get the better of him.
Ning Huan's worry, which had suddenly spiked, vanished in an instant.
"Uncle Ning, please don't pull a surprise attack like that again. I'm still young; my heart can't take it."
He was genuinely afraid Ning Hao might get carried away and send him to Shrek, gambling on a risky move.
Then he'd really be calling to heaven without an answer and to earth without a reply.
"Sorry, sorry. I got excited and spoke without thinking."
At that moment, Ning Hao had none of a sect master's imposing dignity about him. He looked every bit the approachable elder.
By lowering himself in this way, he put everyone at ease and, without a word, made them like him more.
Even when you knew he was doing it on purpose, you still couldn't bring yourself to feel the slightest dislike for him.
"But you seemed very resistant earlier. Do you have something against Shrek Academy?"
"I wouldn't say that."
Hearing Ning Hao's seemingly casual question, Ning Huan relaxed. He propped his chin on his left hand, showing no trace of tension.
"Although Tianluo City is remote, it's a border hub, so there's no shortage of merchants coming and going."
"From books and casual conversations, you can get a general idea of many things happening on the continent."
"And the most common topic among them is Shrek Academy."
"Do you have any personal thoughts on it? Go on, tell us."
Ning Huan couldn't help but freeze at the question, baffled.
When he came back to himself, he'd planned to laugh it off and change the subject, but then he noticed Ning Hao's serious expression. He didn't look like he was joking at all.
Is he planning to test me? Then perhaps I can bring certain things up ahead of time...
In the blink of an eye, he had a plan.
Then he opened his mouth wide, baring his teeth as he spoke:
"In my opinion, Shrek Academy's existence has both tremendous merits and serious drawbacks!"
At that, Wind Douluo and the others' eyes flew wide open.
Their mouths opened and closed repeatedly, as if they'd just heard something completely outrageous.
Unlike their astonishment, Ning Hao's interest was immediately piqued. He urged him on at once.
"Xiao Huan, go into detail. Speak freely!"
Then he turned to the others, who were still in shock, and sternly warned them:
"Not a word of what's said today is to leave this room. Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
Ning Tian was the first to react. Sensing the seriousness in her father's voice, she quickly lowered her head and tugged Wu Feng down with her.
"Understood, Father!"
"This disciple obeys!"
Wind Douluo and the other two followed right after.
They said nothing, but the three layers of soundproofing barriers they raised were the perfect answer.
Seeing this, Ning Hao nodded in satisfaction.
Only after confirming that nothing could go wrong did he look back at Ning Huan and signal for him to continue.
"From the standpoint of the greater good of the nation and the continent, Shrek's contributions are indeed indelible."
"Whether it's the way they turned the tide in the great war four thousand years ago, or the countless top-tier Soul Masters they've cultivated over the past ten thousand years—"
"they've made enormous contributions to the three empires and the Douluo Continent alike."
"Even now, Shrek Academy continues to shine in both areas, but..."
Ning Huan suddenly changed tack, then paused, leaving everyone itching to hear what came next.
"Precisely because Shrek is so powerful and its influence so far-reaching, it has now reached the point where it stands above the rules and makes the rules itself."
"Under the name of overseeing the continent, it does whatever it pleases. That's no good for the empires or the sects."
"Yet because of the Sun Moon Empire, we have no choice but to accept all of this."
"I'm sure you understand the drawbacks better than anyone, Uncle Ning."
"Mm..."
Ning Hao's eyes were full of admiration.
In his view, this young man had spent six years living in a tiny, remote place, yet had gained such insight simply by piecing together what he'd heard.
A few brief remarks, and every one of them struck straight to the heart of the matter.
It was truly remarkable.
If he hadn't had other plans in mind, he would even have wanted to become sworn friends with him and treat him as an equal, despite their difference in age.
"Since we've come this far, I might as well spare myself the embarrassment and tell you."
Ning Hao raised his teacup and wet his throat.
Then, as if it were nothing, he began to speak of an experience from more than a decade ago, one that had nearly cost him all face.
Before you continue