Ma Hongjun glanced at the awkward atmosphere Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, then at the others with their varied expressions, and sighed, "I don't really have anywhere else to go, so I'll just stay at the academy and keep the dean and teachers company. Besides, I still need to figure out a solution to my Martial Soul problem."
Flender looked at the group of children who were about to go their separate ways, their fates diverging, and felt a mix of emotions. He took off his glasses and rubbed his sore nose.
"Alright, everyone, you can all leave now. The academy will always be your home. You're welcome to come back anytime. As for your future paths... take care."
The meeting ended, and everyone left with mixed feelings.
The next day, at the first light of dawn, in front of the Shrek Academy.
Tai Long, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing had finished getting ready. They solemnly bowed to Flender, Zhao Wuji, and other teachers who were waiting at the door to say goodbye. Without saying much, Flender simply patted the children's shoulders forcefully, everything understood without words.
The four turned and embarked on the road leaving the academy. Their figures gradually disappeared into the morning mist until they vanished at the street corner leading to the Heaven Dou City.
They rented a carriage and took a detour to send Ning Rongrong to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Rongrong stood on the steps, looking back at her three companions with a bright smile, " Little Ao, Zhu Zhuqing, Tai Long, take care. Remember to keep in touch."
Oscar said reluctantly, " Rongrong, I'll definitely come to see you when I have time. You can also come to the Clear Sky Sect to cultivate with us if you're bored."
Ning Rongrong smiled and replied, "I know, I'll go often."
The carriage started again, heading towards the more distant Cloud Mist Mountain.
Around noon, the carriage arrived at the mountain gate of the new Clear Sky Sect site, shrouded in mist.
Tai Long led the two of them to the reception room, gave instructions to the messenger, and then returned to his residence.
Soon after, a familiar figure strode over; it was Tang Feng.
"They're here." Tang Feng smiled, his gaze sweeping over Oscar and Zhu Zhuqing before he nodded.
Tang Feng led the two to the sect's administrative hall, an office specifically for handling internal affairs. The steward efficiently processed all the formalities for Oscar's formal entry into the Clear Sky Sect, recording his name on the roster, assigning him an identity token, and arranging a quiet courtyard near Tang Feng's residence.
The entire process was efficient and solemn, demonstrating the grandeur of a major sect.
Afterwards, Tang Feng showed the two people around the residence and then led them to his courtyard.
Oscar looked around and casually asked, " Brother Feng, where's Brother Jian? I haven't seen him."
Upon hearing this, Tang Feng's lips curled into a knowing, teasing smile, "Is that even a question? He must have rushed to Heaven Dou City to find his Lingling. They've only been apart for a few days, yet he seems to miss her terribly. Who can't see through his feelings?"
Amidst laughter and conversation, the three entered the main hall and took their seats. Tang Feng personally brewed tea, then looked at the two men, his expression becoming more serious:
"Now that Little Ao is here, settle down and cultivate within the sect. I will personally show you around and arrange your subsequent cultivation plan."
Oscar nodded emphatically, his eyes filled with anticipation. "I understand, Brother Feng, I'll follow your arrangements."
Tang Feng turned his gaze to Zhu Zhuqing was sitting silently to the side. " Zhu Zhuqing, what about you? What are your plans?"
Zhu Zhuqing put down her teacup, raised her cool eyes, and said in a calm but unwavering tone, "I've come to say goodbye to you and Little Ao. After resting for two days, I'll set off to return to the Star Luo Empire."
She paused slightly, then continued, "Some things must be settled completely. My engagement with the Dai Family needs to be resolved."
Tang Feng gazed at her for a moment, offering no words of dissuasion, but simply wishing her well. "I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or need any assistance, feel free to write to us; we will always be your support."
A faint warmth flickered in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, and she nodded slightly. "Thank you."
Tang Feng said, "I promised to give you an opportunity after the competition, which will be of great help to your future."
As he spoke, Tang Feng flipped his wrist and took out a Immortal Herb from the " Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse " at his waist.
The stem of this herb is emerald green, and at its top rests an eight-petaled orchid that looks like it has been carved from white jade. The petals are crystal clear and emit a soft and pure halo. Moreover, a rich but not cloying fragrance instantly fills the room, invigorating the spirit.
"This is the ' Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid,' a rare and precious medicinal herb."
Tang Feng handed it to Oscar and explained in detail, "Its medicinal properties are mild and mellow, yet it can strengthen the body's foundation, remove impurities, greatly increase the speed of Soul Power cultivation, and solidify your foundation, making up for the slight deficiencies in physical strength and cultivation speed that you, Food System Soul Master, might have in the early stages. After taking it, you need to concentrate and refine it; the process may cause some swelling and pain, but it will be immensely beneficial to you in the future."
" Brother Feng... I..."
Oscar accepted the radiant Immortal Herb with trembling hands, feeling the immense vitality it contained. His throat bobbed, and a thousand words welled up at his lips, but seemed to be blocked by something.
Tang Feng patted Oscar on the shoulder, indicating that he didn't need to say anything more.
Then, Tang Feng's gaze fell back on Zhu Zhuqing, this time with a rare hint of hesitation in his eyes.
A moment later, Tang Feng took out an item from his Hundred Treasure Purse.
It was a seemingly ordinary white flower, shaped like a peony, but without any leaves. At the base of its stem was a jet-black stone that subtly shimmered with a strange luster.
The flower itself is pure white, but upon closer inspection, the petals seem to have a touch of poignant, blood-red veins, faintly forming a heart shape. When this flower blooms, the fragrance of the " Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid " in the room seems to be covered by a deeper, more sorrowful, yet incredibly resilient aura.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze was involuntarily drawn to this strange flower, and her cool eyes widened slightly.
"This flower is called ' Lovesick Heartbreak Red '," Tang Feng's voice was low and slow, carrying a solemnity as if recounting a legend. "It is not only a celestial flower, but also the 'King of Celestial Flowers'."
Tang Feng paused, then continued, "Its effects are extremely unique. If it can successfully recognize a master, it can not only greatly enhance the Soul Power potential and cultivation speed, but also automatically offer flowers to save the master's life once when the master encounters a fatal crisis."
Oscar gasped, his eyes filled with awe as he looked at the flower. Zhu Zhuqing's expression also became even more focused.
"However," Tang Feng changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Zhu Zhuqing, "The conditions for it to recognize him as its master are extremely stringent."
"First, a drop of your blood must be placed on a flower petal. Second, and most importantly, at that moment, your heart must be pure and sincere, thinking only of your one true love, with unwavering devotion, without the slightest distraction, hesitation, or other impurities."
"If one's intentions are not pure, if there is any wavering, or if one's heart is not devoted to one's only true love, even the slightest flaw will lead to failure in the process of cultring with the Lord."
Tang Feng gently placed the " Lovesick Heartbreak Red " flower in his hand on the table in front of Zhu Zhuqing. The black stone made the white flower appear even more solitary and pure, and the blood-red patterns on the petals seemed to pulsate slightly.
Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's suddenly complicated expression, he asked softly, "It represents not only an opportunity, but also a test of your deepest emotions. Zhu Zhuqing, do you... want to give it a try?"
Inside the hall, the aroma of tea mingled with the unique fragrance of " Lovesick Heartbreak Red " tea, and time seemed to stretch out in the silence.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze lingered on the pure white, poignant flower for Jiujiu, her fingertips unconsciously curling slightly.
Finally, Zhu Zhuqing raised her eyes and looked at Tang Feng, who was waiting for an answer. A rare complexity and a barely perceptible evasion flashed deep in her cold eyes.
"This item is far too precious, and the conditions... are far too demanding." Her voice was softer than usual. "My mind is in turmoil right now. Family matters are unresolved, the future is uncertain, and my heart... cannot find true peace."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head slightly and made a decision. "This question of 'one true love' is something I... cannot answer for now, nor dare to try it lightly. I'm sorry, Brother Feng, I've let you down."
This choice not only reflects Zhu Zhuqing's current state of mind, but also reveals her inner struggle with unresolved emotional matters or her unwillingness to delve deeper into them.
Perhaps even she herself wasn't sure who that so-called "one true love" was, or whether she even existed.