Tang Feng also sensed that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, but he didn't know how to ease it.
Ning Rongrong, however, acted as if nothing had happened. Her eyes darted around, and she deftly changed the subject. " Brother Feng, a new teacher called ' Grandmaster' has arrived at the academy. For the past month, he's made us carry stones and run in circles every day. Do you think this method will work?"
"In the short term, there will definitely be results. First, it will hone your physical fitness, and second, it will force you to develop a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie, making you more cohesive. This Grandmaster is probably laying the foundation for your future team battles."
Tang Feng continued, "However, from the perspective of personal breakthroughs, this method isn't particularly effective for rapidly improving one's strength."
"Oh?" Ning Rongrong leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. " Brother Feng, do you have a better idea?"
Tang Feng put down his chopsticks, leaned back slightly, feeling like he'd entered his comfort zone for lecturing, "Training should be tailored to the individual. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. We should identify and address their shortcomings, amplify their strengths, and try to make up for their weaknesses as much as possible."
Tang Feng turned his gaze to Zhu Zhuqing: "Take Zhu Zhuqing for example, she's Agility Attack System, with her core strength coming from the flexibility of her palms, calves, and waist. What suits her best isn't running on flat ground, but weighted rock climbing."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyelashes fluttered, and she subconsciously repeated, "Rock climbing?"
"Yes, it's weighted rock climbing." Tang Feng nodded, his fingertip lightly touching her wrist.
"Your Hell Spirit Cat's killer move is its claws and explosive speed. Running on flat ground trains endurance, but rock climbing pushes your finger strength, leg strength, and instantaneous coordination to their limits. It's more than three times more effective than carrying stones."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't reply, but the emotions in her eyes clearly fluctuated.
Tang Feng then turned to Ning Rongrong: "As for the Auxiliary System..."
He softened his tone, as if giving a reminder, "What you should train most is your physical agility and reaction ability under high pressure. This will also improve your mental strength. No matter how strong your auxiliary skills are, you still need a clear mind to unleash them."
Stay alert and provide the support your teammates need, instead of panicking when someone gets close.
Improving your agility will definitely enhance your ability to survive alone, instead of using up all your support skills and then sitting there waiting to die or needing someone to protect you.
Ning Rongrong's smile froze for a moment. She recalled the last time Soul Fighting, when her opponent made a sudden attack, and she almost mistakenly gave the amplification to the enemy.
"Then, how can we have 'high-pressure' training?" Oscar asked hurriedly.
Tang Feng smiled and replied, "During your entrance exam, your academy's teacher Zhao Wuji's fifth skill was called ' Gravity Squeeze,' which could exert pressure on a person several times, or even ten times, their own weight."
"Under the pressure of his Soul Skill, every movement requires the strain of Soul Power. If you ask him for help, training under his pressure for one or two hours a day would be equivalent to several days of carrying stones and running."
Oscar and Ning Rongrong were stunned. They exchanged a glance, filled with immense admiration for Tang Feng's theoretical knowledge.
As soon as he finished speaking, the private room fell silent except for the sound of the liquor sloshing around.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes. They had been carrying stones for a month, their bodies aching, but they attributed it to their own weakness.
However, Tang Feng's single sentence clearly dissected the Grandmaster's "arduous training" and even provided a more precise and professional optimization.
Ning Rongrong swallowed hard, her voice dry, but her eyes burned with fervor. " Brother Feng... your brain is simply genius."
She leaned forward, almost reaching across half the table, "I'll talk to the dean tomorrow and ask him to get Teacher Zhao to give us special training. If it works out, I, Ning Rongrong, will owe you a favor."
Tang Feng didn't answer, but instead picked up his wine glass, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Zhu Zhuqing. She was looking down, as if deep in thought.
After a few rounds of drinks, Oscar was circling his fork on his plate, occasionally picking up some food. Ning Rongrong was staring at the reflection in her wine glass, while even Zhu Zhuqing stopped eating, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the sachet.
Tang Feng didn't care about anything else; he was only focused on devouring the last roasted lamb leg.
Ning Rongrong finally couldn't hold back any longer, " Brother Feng, why do you never use your Soul Fighting when you're Martial Soul? Can that iron rod really break through Soul Skill?"
Upon hearing this, Tang Feng took out the Golden Cudgel from his storage ring and began to introduce it:
"This staff of mine is a weapon specially crafted using millennia-old black iron and gold alloy. I named it the ' Ruyi Jingu Bang ' (Golden Cudgel of Ruyi), and it weighs 333 jin (approximately 165 kg)."
Because I've been practicing a set of staff fighting techniques, I haven't used my Martial Soul, all in order to hone my staff skills.
" Brother Feng, how's the training going? Can we support-type Soul Master learn it too?" Ning Rongrong asked expectantly.
"Um... I'd say it's basically a success. You guys saw it on the Soul Fighting Stage, didn't you?" Tang Feng glanced at her, as if looking at a child.
"As for whether you can learn it, you should be able to. This staff technique does not rely on Martial Soul; it is purely driven by the physical body and Soul Power."
The staff technique has three forms: one for attack, one for control, and one for defense. It does not rely on elemental Soul Power; it only consumes one's own Soul Power and physical strength. Anyone can practice it.
"But this is a technique belonging to my sect and cannot be passed on to outsiders unless you join my sect."
Oscar's chopsticks hovered in mid-air for a moment before he casually picked up a mushroom. But Tang Feng could clearly see that Oscar's Adam's apple bobbed; he was obviously tempted.
Ning Rongrong deflated, her shoulders slumping. "Then I have no chance..."
Ning Rongrong said regretfully, "As the heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it's impossible for me to join another sect."
But she still persisted and asked, "Which sect do you belong to? Can you tell me?"
"Well... that really won't work. You'll find out soon enough!" Tang Feng replied vaguely.
After dinner, it was already late at night. When the four of them walked out of the restaurant, the moonlight cast long shadows.
On the main road leading out of the city, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke up, " Brother Feng, tonight... can I team up with you at the Great Soul Arena?"
As soon as she finished speaking, her ears turned red, the color spreading from the tips of her ears down to her neck.
Tang Feng paused, nearly losing his footing. What was going on now?
Ning Rongrong covered her mouth with an "Ah!" and her eyes curved into crescents as she glanced back and forth between Zhu Zhuqing and Tang Feng, looking like she was watching a melon.
She winked and leaned closer. " Brother Feng, this is the first time Zhu Zhuqing has ever asked a guy out. You know what I mean?"
Tang Feng stopped, his brow furrowing slightly. He looked at the stiff Zhu Zhuqing and said seriously, " Rongrong, don't talk nonsense. Zhu Zhuqing should have a marriage contract. You can't joke about this."
"Huh? Really? I've never heard of this before! Zhu Zhuqing, is there such a thing?" Ning Rongrong's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly asked Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes glistened with tears, and after a long silence, she finally spoke, "It was arranged by the family. Actually, I am the second young lady of the Zhu Family of the Star Luo Empire... Dai Mubai is the third prince of the Star Luo Imperial Family."
Ning Rongrong gasped, and even Oscar, who had been pretending to be dead, was so shocked that his mouth dropped open.
Zhu Zhuqing looked up, the moonlight illuminating her face, making her appear as pale as a lifeless jade statue. "Our Zhu Family's eldest daughter, who awakened the Nether Civet Martial Soul, was born to marry into the Star Luo Imperial Family. This is because the Hell White Tiger Martial Soul Fusion Skill is a symbol of royalty."
She paused, a faint self-deprecating smile playing on her lips, "But Rongrong, you should have heard of the rules of the Star Luo Imperial Family. When princes fight for power, the loser is either crippled or killed, and their betrothal gifts are also wiped out."
Three years ago, Dai Mubai was afraid of death and ran away. He abandoned me and hid in Shrek. I was alone in Star Luo City, facing the siege of my eldest sister and the First Prince... In the end, I couldn't hold on any longer, so I came to find him.
"As you've seen, that's the result."
She looked up at Tang Feng, then glanced in the direction of the Shrek Academy. The last trace of warmth in her eyes vanished in the wind, and tears finally rolled down her cheeks, a sight that evoked pity.
Tang Feng Tang Feng didn't speak. Suddenly, he understood why this girl's eyes always held such deep despair, yet burned with such intense fire.
She didn't want to become stronger; she just wanted to survive.
Ning Rongrong's heart clenched, and she rushed forward to hug her tightly, her voice trembling with tears as she scolded, "That bastard Dai Mubai! You're so young, how did you manage to carry all that alone..."
" Zhu Zhuqing, don't worry." Ning Rongrong pressed her head against her shoulder, her voice firm and resolute, "I, Ning Rongrong, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, will always be your support."
Oscar stepped forward to comfort her, " Zhu Zhuqing, I... I may just be a Sausage seller, but don't worry, if anyone bullies you in the future, I, Oscar, will be the first to stand in for it!"
Tang Feng was deeply moved. Zhu Zhuqing's Innate Soul Power was only level seven, just like his own, which was barely acceptable in the Douluo Continent, and only very average in Shrek. But she did not lose heart or give up in the face of such a huge predicament. Now she is still able to catch up with the other six members of Shrek Academy, and even became a god in the end. It has to be said that her willpower is extraordinary, and she must have put in a lot of effort.
Moved by this, Tang Feng couldn't help but say, "I see. Your strength is admirable. So, what are your plans now?"