Zhu Zhuqing did not join the conversation, her gaze remaining fixed on Ning Rongrong.
She wanted to see how Ning Rongrong completed the contract ritual.
That way, she would not panic when her own turn came.
"Yoo..." The Starlight Spirit Deer cried out, its body rapidly shrinking before entering Ning Rongrong's body.
Ning Rongrong gave a muffled grunt as well, and then a Thousand-Year Soul Ring with a five-colored border rose around her.
Just as everyone thought the ritual was about to end, glazed golden light suddenly blazed across the sky. A transparent skull appeared at Ning Rongrong's forehead and slowly sank into the space between her brows.
"An External Soul Bone," Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed.
Wasn't her luck a little too good? She had even obtained an External Soul Bone.
For a moment, Zhu Zhuqing was very envious of Ning Rongrong.
"Zhu Zhuqing, you don't need to be jealous. You'll have one soon too." As Dai Mubai spoke, he extended his arm.
Zhu Zhuqing looked over and saw snow-white tiger bone claws gradually covering Dai Mubai's arm, their gleaming white edges glinting coldly.
"Every Contract Soul Ring comes with an External Soul Bone," Dai Mubai explained.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun also displayed their External Soul Bones.
Tang San scratched his head, deciding it was better not to reveal his Eight Spider Lances.
He still could not control them very well.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes shone as she looked at everyone's External Soul Bones.
To think Contract Soul Rings offered such benefits too.
"Mmm..." Ning Rongrong gave a soft moan and opened her eyes.
"I did it!" Ning Rongrong jumped to her feet and hugged Chu Feng, who stood in front of her.
Chu Feng held both hands in the air and said helplessly, "Hey, hey, success is one thing, but don't take advantage of me."
"I don't think Boss Chu will ever have a girlfriend," Oscar muttered quietly to Ma Hongjun.
"That's what makes Boss Chu different from us. He said he likes mature ladies." Ma Hongjun covered his mouth as he laughed, then immediately shut up when he noticed Chu Feng's gaze.
Hearing Chu Feng's words, Ning Rongrong's pretty face flushed red, and she hurriedly pushed him away.
"Pervert!"
"Hey, you were the one who threw yourself at me," Chu Feng shot back.
"Hmph." Ignoring Chu Feng, Ning Rongrong walked over to Zhu Zhuqing with a spring in her step.
"Zhu Zhuqing, let me show you my Contract Soul Beast."
Ning Rongrong gently raised her hand, and an adorable Starlight Spirit Deer leaped out of her third Soul Ring, landing in her palm.
"Wow!" Zhu Zhuqing's eyes instantly lit up.
Girls could not resist cute, pretty things.
"It's so cute!"
"Right? You should find a pretty one too."
Ning Rongrong stroked the Starlight Spirit Deer, her face wreathed in smiles.
"Ahem, don't you think you should thank me first?"
Chu Feng walked over, looked at the Starlight Spirit Deer in Ning Rongrong's hand, and flicked it with a finger.
The Starlight Spirit Deer gave a "yoo-woo," jumped onto Ning Rongrong's shoulder, and stuck its tongue out at Chu Feng.
This human was so annoying.
It had already become a Contract Soul Beast, and he was still bullying it.
Ning Rongrong stroked the Starlight Spirit Deer, soothing it.
"Hmph, I acknowledge you as our boss from now on."
"When my dad comes, I'll have him give you a million or so Gold Soul Coins. If there's anything you want, you can tell me directly too."
"This young lady has money to spare."
Ning Rongrong knew that the value of a "Contract Soul Ring" was immeasurable.
Whatever Chu Feng wanted, she was willing to give it to him.
Ning Rongrong watched Chu Feng quietly, warmth rising in her heart.
Seeing Ning Rongrong act like a big spender, Chu Feng could not help laughing. "Sure. When Sect Master Ning comes, I'll open my lion's mouth wide."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was rich. It would be a waste not to fleece them.
Although he had money too, he still fell far short of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, whose wealth rivaled a nation's.
"But you must not tell anyone about Contract Soul Rings without my permission."
Ning Rongrong was different from Tang San and the others. This girl had an enormously powerful force behind her, so she needed a special reminder.
"If word gets out, don't blame me for turning my back on you."
He was willing to teach the Shrek group because he trusted them, and he also hoped they could become a little stronger.
"Yes, I'll definitely keep it secret." Ning Rongrong raised a hand in an oath.
Even if her own father asked her about it later, she would not tell him.
Oscar and the others also nodded, swearing not to spread word of it.
They knew how heaven-defying "Contract Soul Rings" were. If they were exposed, they could forget about ever having a peaceful day again.
They would also lose Chu Feng's trust.
Chu Feng nodded in satisfaction and turned to Zhu Zhuqing, whose expression was envious.
"All right, next we'll find a suitable Contract Soul Beast for Zhu Zhuqing."
Once he found a Contract Soul Beast for Zhu Zhuqing too, he could carry out the next step of his plan.
"Thank you, Boss Chu." Zhu Zhuqing bowed in thanks, deeply moved.
Chu Feng waved a hand, turned, and led everyone farther into the dense forest.
Walking at the rear, Tang San watched a rabbit flash past in the bushes and thought of Xiao Wu. "I wonder how Xiao Wu is doing now."
"I wonder if Third Brother is thinking of me." Propping her cheeks in her hands, Xiao Wu sat on a towering tree and gazed in Shrek's direction.
Little San should really miss me today, right? I wonder if Boss Chu will reveal my identity.
If he doesn't, should I tell Little San when I go back?
Will Little San be afraid of me once he knows?
"Officer Xiao Wu, there's something we need to report to you." A voice interrupted Xiao Wu's thoughts.
Xiao Wu leaned over to look down. Beneath the huge tree, a man dressed in gray-green clothing resembling a military uniform saluted her.
"Go ahead."
"Officer Xiao Wu, we need a few Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts as experimental subjects."
After speaking, the man closed his mouth and lowered his hands, standing quietly as he awaited instructions.
Looking at the man's solemn expression, Xiao Wu inwardly grumbled about Chu Feng.
Just what was Boss Chu doing behind the scenes? How did he have people like these under him?
Every last one of them seemed more like a soldier than those soldiers of the imperial family.
Xiao Wu slapped her forehead and said helplessly, "All right, I'll have Er Ming catch a few for you."
"But you have to treat them well."
"Yes!" The man brought his feet together, straightened his back rigidly, and delivered a crisp salute.
Xiao Wu waved a hand, signaling for him to withdraw.
Communicating with these subordinates of Chu Feng's was exhausting.
She was still a child. She did not want to be an officer.
Boss Chu, hurry back and take charge of your soldiers.
Although Xiao Wu grumbled, she still got up to find the Titan Giant Ape and have it catch Soul Beasts for these people.
"These people really are workaholics."
"They only moved here a little while ago, and they've already started working and building up the area around the lake."
"I wonder where Boss Chu found these people."
Their bearing alone made it clear that Chu Feng was planning something big.
But what did that have to do with her? She was just a happy little rabbit.
Whatever Boss Chu told her to do, she would do.
As long as she could be together with Tang San in peace in the future, that was enough.
In the lake, the Sky Azure Bull Python poked its head above the surface, somewhat astonished as it surveyed the surroundings that had already changed completely.
"I really don't understand what these humans are trying to do."