Heart-to-Heart

Suddenly, the image of the Shrek Academy Dean paying a personal visit flashed through Ning Hao's mind, and his expression darkened instantly.

I was still too careless. News of what happened today will likely spread within a few days!

If I had known, I shouldn't have tried to wait for them to make the first move and kept those spies around...

And now, this unexpected complication has arisen...

Yet, while he thought this, not a shred of regret actually took root in his heart.

After all, Ning Hao knew very well that every arrangement he had made within the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect was not without purpose.

Everything was for the continuation of the sect.

If nothing else, take those spies among the grassroots members and deacons, for example.

Rather than clearing them out batch after batch—a time-consuming and laborious process that only makes defense increasingly difficult—it was better to keep these useless parasites around and ensure all their petty schemes remained under his watchful eye.

In this way, the energy the sect needed to expend was actually much lower.

As for Shrek...

To be honest, he had never underestimated the foundation of this ten-thousand-year-old academy or its experience and ability to cultivate genius soul masters.

It was just that after twenty or thirty years of interaction, he also never overestimated the bottom line or integrity of certain people within it.

As for how he knew...

Don't ask; asking only brings a flood of bitter tears.

Recalling that uninvited ox that ate and took everything in sight, Ning Hao felt a pang of heartache.

That was nearly a month's worth of food expenses for the entire sect!

The old man, lacking any sense of propriety, had devoured it all in just two meals!

Was that even a normal amount of food for a human to consume?!

Compared to him, Ning Huan was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.

Thinking of this, Ning Hao subconsciously looked at the three elders and three youths chatting happily.

Then, for reasons unknown, some wire in his brain must have crossed, and he blurted out, "Huan, do you want to go to Shrek?"

Sure enough, the moment the words left his lips, the previously lively dining hall fell instantly silent.

Wind Douluo and Ning Tian stared at him with wide eyes, their faces full of disbelief.

Ning Huan, on the other hand, wore a complex expression, his eyes filled with suspicion.

There was no helping it; if anyone else had asked such a brainless question, he wouldn't have been surprised.

But you are the Sect Master who carries the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect on your shoulders and ensures its legacy!

Is this something you should be asking?!

Furthermore, if I wanted to go to Shrek, I would have gone long ago!

Would I have gone through all the trouble of returning to the sect to 'acknowledge my ancestors and return to the clan'?!

Did you eat your brain along with your meal just now?!

On the other side, Ning Hao noticed the shift in everyone's mood and realized his mistake; a flush of red rapidly crossed his jade-like, gentle face.

He immediately bit the bullet, scrambling to make up for his momentary lapse in judgment.

"Cough, Ning was just asking off the cuff, don't overthink it."

"Huan is the sect's chief disciple; how could he possibly join another faction?"

Seeing that Sword Douluo and the others still looked conflicted, he had to add, "Besides, while Shrek is good, we aren't bad either!"

"Having three Title Douluo teaching one person simultaneously—even in Shrek, few people enjoy such treatment."

With that, the atmosphere in the room finally relaxed.

It seems the Sect Master was just thinking of something and spoke out of concern. Ning Huan thought to himself, his sudden worry dissipating in an instant.

"Uncle Ning, please don't pull such surprise attacks in the future. I'm still young and can't handle the fright."

He was genuinely afraid that Ning Hao might have a fevered brain and send him to Shrek as a risky gambit.

If that happened, he truly would have nowhere to turn for help.

"Apologies, apologies. I was just excited and spoke without thinking."

At this moment, Ning Hao lacked even a shred of Sect Master's majesty, looking exactly like an approachable elder.

His act of lowering his status in conversation made people relax involuntarily, while simultaneously and invisibly increasing their favor toward him.

Even though you knew he was doing it intentionally, you still couldn't bring yourself to feel even a hint of resentment.

"However, looking at how resistant you were earlier, it seems you hold quite a grudge against Shrek Academy."

"I wouldn't exactly call it that."

Hearing Ning Hao's feigned casual inquiry, Ning Huan relaxed his expression, resting his chin on his left hand without a trace of tension.

"Although Tianluo City is in a remote location, as a border hub, there is no shortage of merchants passing through."

"Through books and idle chatter, one can get a general idea of much of the information on the continent."

"And among that, the content regarding Shrek Academy is the most abundant."

"Then do you have any personal insights? Tell me."

Ning Huan was stunned by these words, feeling quite puzzled.

After snapping back to reality, he initially wanted to laugh it off, but noticed Ning Hao's serious expression, which showed no sign of joking.

Is he preparing to test me? If so, some things might need to be brought forward...

In the blink of an eye, he had made up his mind.

He opened his mouth wide, baring his teeth as he said:

"In my view, the existence of Shrek Academy carries both great benefits and great drawbacks!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Wind Douluo and the others widened their eyes.

Their mouths moved up and down, as if they had just heard something utterly blasphemous.

However, unlike their astonishment, Ning Hao became immediately interested and urged him on.

"Little Huan, elaborate. Speak boldly!"

Having said that, he turned his head to look at the others, who were still in shock, and warned them sternly.

"Do not let what is said today spread, or do not blame me for being heartless!"

Ning Tian was the first to react. Sensing the seriousness in her father's tone, she quickly pulled Wu Feng down to bow and acknowledge the order.

"Daughter understands!"

"This disciple obeys!"

Wind Douluo and the other two followed suit.

Though they did not speak, the three-layered soundproof barrier they cast with a wave of their hands was the perfect answer.

Seeing this, Ning Hao nodded with satisfaction.

Confirming that everything was foolproof, he looked back at Ning Huan and signaled for him to continue.

"From the perspective of national righteousness, Shrek's achievements are indeed indelible."

"Whether it was turning the tide in that great war four thousand years ago, or the countless top-tier soul masters cultivated over the millennia."

"They have made huge contributions to the three empires and even the entire Douluo Continent."

"Even now, Shrek Academy continues to shine in these two areas, but..."

Ning Huan suddenly changed the subject, his brief pause leaving everyone itching for more.

"It is precisely because Shrek's strength is too great and its influence too profound that it has reached the point of transcending the rules and setting them."

"Acting as they please in the name of supervising the continent is by no means a good thing for the empires and sects."

"Yet, because of the Sun Moon Empire, we are forced to accept this entirely."

"I presume you are well aware of the drawbacks, Uncle Ning."

"Hmm..."

Ning Hao's eyes were filled with admiration.

To him, it was truly rare that this youth, who had lived in such a tiny place for six years, could possess such insight based solely on hearsay.

Every few words he spoke hit home.

If not for other calculations in mind, he would have even wanted to become friends with him regardless of their age gap and treat him as an equal.

"Since we have reached this point, your uncle is not afraid of losing face."

Ning Hao picked up his teacup to moisten his throat.

Then, as if it were nothing, he began to speak of an experience from over a decade ago that had nearly cost him all his dignity.