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The first possibility was that Ning Tianchen's martial soul wasn't the true Seven Kill Sword, and his actual age might be much older than he appeared.
In that case, it would be perfectly normal for him to possess the strength of a Soul Elder.
The second possibility was that he was lying!
For a youth to have such a mindset was truly unlikely.
However, recalling Yu Die's account of the spirit battle, Zhang Erhe suddenly felt that the second possibility was highly plausible.
Seeing that he couldn't extract the answers he wanted, he decided not to dwell on it further.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Ning Tianchen, the latter excused himself, citing "it's late," and left the teahouse.
Yu Die couldn't help but speak up. "Father, judging by his temperament, he's most likely lying. His sword techniques—"
Zhang Erhe waved his hand to interrupt her. "We've never truly witnessed the Sword Elder in action. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect isn't short of powerful sword-type martial souls. We can't verify where his sword techniques come from."
Pausing briefly, he continued, "That's enough about this matter for now. All we can do is wait. When he approaches us, perhaps that will be our opportunity."
…
As Ning Tianchen stepped out of the teahouse, he glanced back at the direction of the private room.
Zhang Erhe could potentially be recruited, but Ning Tianchen currently had too little leverage to offer. Bringing up recruitment now would only lead to excessive demands from the other side.
And when the bill came due, it would be the entire sect footing the cost.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was his home as well—he wouldn't do something foolish like digging his own grave.
On the way back to Shrek Academy.
Xiao Wu clung to Zhu Zhuqing's arm, constantly exposing Dai Mubai's shortcomings.
Ning Rongrong chimed in occasionally.
Tang San watched the scene unfold without intervening or agreeing with them, instead engaging in sporadic conversation with Oscar and Ma Hongjun.
At the entrance of Shrek Academy, Dai Mubai stood ominously at the gate.
"Hey, isn't this Lord Dai? So late at night, and you're still planning to go out?" Xiao Wu approached, standing up for Zhu Zhuqing.
Although the Douluo Continent upheld the concept of "parental decree and matchmaker's words," there were also many cases of free love. In Dai Mubai's situation, he should dissolve his engagement with Zhu Zhuqing and give both parties their freedom.
But instead of dissolving the engagement, Dai Mubai had doubled down on his promiscuity, mingling with others outside.
"Xiao Wu, say no more," Tang San quickly intervened.
Saying such things in front of Dai Mubai would only pour oil on the fire, which wouldn't help team unity.
Dai Mubai needed an outlet for his anger, but it couldn't be Xiao Wu.
Ning Rongrong took over the conversation, indignant. "Tang San, stop pretending to be the good guy. Xiao Wu is right. The first day I arrived in Soto City, I saw Dai Mubai with three women. Now that Zhu Zhuqing is here, he shows no remorse. Instead, he maintains relationships with his lovers while trying to charm Zhu Zhuqing. Such a person makes me sick."
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, but her eyes were filled with disgust as she looked at Dai Mubai.
She walked forward without acknowledging Dai Mubai's attempts to stop her, heading toward the dormitory.
Dai Mubai's face darkened, and the anger in his chest could no longer be contained. But he didn't rush to speak, scanning the crowd and confirming that Ning Tianchen wasn't present before fully exploding.
"Ning Rongrong, I've tolerated you again and again, and you dare provoke my patience. This is Shrek Academy, not your home!"
Ning Rongrong had never suffered a loss in her life, let alone when she was in the right.
Though she recalled Ning Tianchen's words, Dai Mubai's behavior was simply intolerable.
"Hmph, you're still incorrigible. Dai Mubai, let me tell you—Zhu Zhuqing has the protection of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If you dare harass her again, don't blame me for being harsh."
"Come on then! I'm standing right here. Try laying a finger on me!"
Oscar didn't want to offend Dai Mubai, but Ning Rongrong was the sister of his good brother.
Besides, Ning Rongrong was right—Dai Mubai's character really needed to change.
Zhu Zhuqing had already arrived at the academy, yet that very night, Dai Mubai had gone gallivanting elsewhere. It was utterly despicable.
"You—" Dai Mubai couldn't hold back his rage any longer, and the aura of a Soul Elder erupted from him.
Though Oscar and Ning Rongrong were auxiliary-type soul masters, they showed no fear, standing firm in place.
"Mubai!" Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Tang San hurriedly rushed forward to restrain Dai Mubai.
His brows furrowed, and he looked at Ning Rongrong disapprovingly. "Rongrong, we're all classmates. Why are you provoking Mubai?"
Oscar spoke up for Ning Rongrong. "Xiao San, this whole thing is Boss Dai's fault. Why are you blaming Rongrong?"
Ning Rongrong grew angry. "Tang San, stop pretending to be the good guy. When Xiao Wu was speaking earlier, you didn't reprimand her! How dare you treat me like a pushover just because big brother Tianchen isn't around!"
Dai Mubai still wanted to lash out, but Tang San held him tightly. However, his mouth didn't stop. "Ning Rongrong! Others may fear the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but I, Dai Mubai, am not afraid. Push me too far, and I'll rape you first, kill you, then rape you again and kill you again!"
In the darkness of the night, Ning Tianchen raced back to the academy.
By the time Ning Rongrong and Dai Mubai began arguing, he had already arrived. But he didn't rush to reveal himself, choosing instead to observe everyone's reactions.
In this situation, Oscar siding with Ning Rongrong proved that his stance was firm, making him someone worth recruiting.
As for Tang San—huh.
In the original timeline, Ning Rongrong had also clashed with Dai Mubai.
But Ning Rongrong hadn't been wrong. What Dai Mubai did wasn't just a violation of principles—it was trampling over Zhu Zhuqing.
At worst, Ning Rongrong was merely mischievous and hadn't committed any serious wrongdoing.
And Tang San? To gain Dai Mubai's favor, he had placed all the blame on Ning Rongrong.
Even now, Tang San was still acting the same way.
After all, Ning Rongrong was just a new student with no influence in the academy.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai was an upperclassman and the leader of the academy. Recruiting him would allow Tang San to stabilize the team's morale.
For Ning Tianchen, loyalty gained through compromise wasn't worth having.
Upon hearing Dai Mubai's words, he couldn't tolerate it any longer.
The Seven Kill Sword shot out explosively, narrowly grazing past Dai Mubai's neck. The blade struck a boulder behind him, shattering it instantly.
Ning Tianchen emerged from the shadows, his tone icy. "Dai Mubai, who do you want to kill?!"
"Big brother Tianchen!" Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up with joy as she rushed to his side.
Tang San spoke gravely. "Ning Tianchen, this matter started with Rongrong offending Mubai. Since we're all classmates, Rongrong should apologize to Mubai, and this matter can be settled."
Xiao Wu hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.
This time, she unusually refrained from siding with Tang San.
Though she admired Tang San, she hadn't lost her sense of judgment. If she sided with Tang San now, how would she face Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing in the future?
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