The seven students of Shrek Academy had already gathered six of the group, with only Oscar still missing.
After quite some time, he finally arrived late. Flender initially wanted to scold him, but upon learning that Oscar had also broken through to level 30, his anger turned into a beaming smile of joy.
Within a single day, three students had reached level 30. Truly, the heavens were blessing Shrek Academy.
Flender immediately decided that after today's lessons, Zhao Wuji would take everyone to the Star Dou Forest to hunt spirit beasts.
In the shadows, Tang Hao spoke to Yin Yang. "Yin Yang, I have a favor to ask. I know Ning Rongrong will be going to hunt soul beasts, and you'll accompany her for protection. Could I trouble you to also look after my boy?"
"Hm? Are you planning to leave?" Yin Yang inquired.
Tang Hao nodded. "Yes, I have other matters to attend to. I'll leave this side to you. With you, a Titled Douluo, around, I can rest assured."
"I'm not that free, and don't forget about that 100,000-year soul beast issue. Do you think I'd help you?" Yin Yang had unresolved grievances with Tang Hao and was unlikely to agree so easily.
Tang Hao had anticipated this. "I wouldn't ask for your help for free. Here's your protection fee."
As he spoke, Tang Hao flipped his hand, revealing a set of pitch-black armor from who-knows-where.
"This is… Black Heaven?" Yin Yang immediately recognized the armor. It was a set of soft armor, and in the past, Tang Hao had been one of the three great divine blacksmith of Douluo Continent. The Black Heaven Armor was one of his proudest creations in his youth.
This armor was not only incredibly durable, and capable of withstanding several attacks from a Soul Emperor-level opponent, but it was also made from a rare, highly flexible metal, allowing it to fit any body type. It was a masterpiece. While it might not be considered priceless, it was certainly valuable enough as payment for a few days of protection.
"Fine. But let me make this clear: I can only protect Tang San as much as I can while ensuring the safety of Rongrong and Xiao Tian. If we encounter a danger even I can't resolve, my priority will, without a doubt, be my sect members. Don't blame me then." Yin Yang agreed but stated his conditions upfront.
Tang Hao wasn't upset by this. It was only reasonable. Besides, he wasn't overly worried. After all, they were only going to hunt millennium-year-old soul beasts and would likely stay on the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. Even if Yin Yang didn't step in, Zhao Wuji alone would suffice.
He simply wanted an extra layer of security. Since Yin Yang had promised to look out for Tang San when possible, Tang Hao was reassured enough to leave.
...
"Brother Tianlin, are you planning to join us on this trip to the Star Dou Forest?"
At the academy's entrance, Tang San asked Tian Lin. After all, Tian Lin wasn't officially part of the academy, and the dean couldn't order him around.
Tian Lin nodded. "Of course. Rongrong's third soul ring is crucial, and I must oversee it personally."
Tian Lin wouldn't miss this trip because he had another plan to execute. Additionally, ever since he and Chen Xin had visited the Star Dou Forest years ago, he'd felt that something in the forest was calling to him.
Curiosity compelled him to return once more to the Star Dou Forest!
"You little brats, are you ready? We're heading out!" Zhao Wuji appeared, his body covered in bruises and scorch marks. Compared to the original story, his injuries now included signs of being struck by lightning.
Tian Lin smirked internally, relishing Zhao Wuji's misfortune. This guy must have bullied them, just like in the original story. While others might not care, since he had bullied Rongrong, getting beaten up by Grandpa Eagle was well deserved.
Upon hearing the phrase "little brats," Xiao Wu, who was a rabbit in human form, felt displeased and muttered, "Why not call us little bear cubs instead?"
As a Soul Sage, Zhao Wuji's hearing was sharp, and he immediately glared at Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu, what did you just say?"
Tang San immediately stepped forward to shield Xiao Wu protectively. Seeing Tang San reminded Zhao Wuji of the mighty Clear Sky Douluo, and his injuries began to ache again. He said nothing further.
The group set off quickly, all channeling their soul power to increase their speed.
Tian Lin noticed that he couldn't sense Xiao Wu's aura at all, indicating she'd already consumed a Concealing Pill.
This was within Tian Lin's expectations. In this world, only Soul Masters above level 80, other 100,000-year soul beasts, or Xiao Wu herself could detect her true identity.
The first thing Xiao Wu did upon obtaining the pill was test its efficacy. When she realized that even she couldn't sense her 100,000-year soul beast aura, she was overjoyed. Finally, she could accompany Tang San across the continent without worry.
Tian Lin smiled faintly. This was exactly what he wanted. The first step in sabotaging one of Tang San's key opportunities was now complete.
As night fell, the group was close to the Star Dou Forest. However, entering the forest at night was dangerous, so they stopped at a nearby town.
There, Zhao Wuji led them to a modest-looking inn. "We'll stay here for the night and set off at dawn tomorrow. You'll have to cover your own lodging and meal expenses."
Zhao Wuji had spent too much time with Flender and inherited his stinginess.
"Rongrong, you'll continue to share a room with me, right?" Tian Lin gently stroked Ning Rongrong's hair with a smile. He still planned to train with her that evening.
Ning Rongrong nodded obediently. Having shared a room since childhood, they were long past feeling any embarrassment between boys and girls.
Of course, their relationship was still pure, focused entirely on training. They hadn't crossed any boundaries, given their young age and their dedication to cultivation.
"Hongjun, get yourself a room. I'll cover the cost. Order whatever food you want—it's on me. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan isn't short on money!" Tian Lin added, addressing Ma Hongjun. He had always treated his subordinates generously.
So long as Ma Hongjun stayed loyal to the clan, Tian Lin didn't mind giving him the best resources, just as he had done for Gu Ran in the past.
"Thanks, boss! Looks like I joined a very generous clan. I won't have to worry about food or drink anymore!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed excitedly.
He wasted no time, ordering a table full of dishes. Just as everyone prepared to enjoy their meal, the inn's door was suddenly kicked open.
A group of arrogant individuals entered. The leader, a man in his forties, was accompanied by a group of teenagers wearing noble school uniforms. Their attitudes were as overbearing as their appearance.
One of the youths grabbed the innkeeper rudely. "Prepare top-tier rooms for us and serve the best food. Got it?"
The innkeeper, knowing they were Soul Masters, agreed obsequiously.
Tian Lin understood why Shrek Academy had provoked these people in the original story. Besides Shrek's philosophy of "those who don't stir trouble are cowards," this group was indeed infuriatingly arrogant.
"What's with these people? Why are they so obnoxious?" Xiao Wu voiced her thoughts directly.
"They're just from a little academy. What's there to be arrogant about?" Dai Mubai sneered disdainfully, mocking them without hesitation.
"Exactly!" Ma Hongjun was about to chime in when Tian Lin placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
"Boss, what are you doing?"
Tian Lin shook his head. "Their arrogance has nothing to do with us. As long as they don't provoke us, Hongjun, don't stir up trouble with them."
Dai Mubai snorted disdainfully. "Haha, Brother Tianlin, you may be strong, but you're such a coward. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Those who don't stir trouble are cowards'?"
"That's your Shrek Academy's philosophy. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan believes in not provoking trouble, and not fearing trouble. If others don't offend us, we won't offend them." Tian Lin countered.
In his past life, when he first read about this scene, he'd admired Shrek Academy's bold and carefree style. But after recent events, Tian Lin's perspective had changed. Using strength to provoke others was no different from bullying.
While he didn't care about Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun had chosen to join the clan, and certain bad habits needed to be corrected.