Chapter 234: The Current Status of the Shrek Seven
News of Yang Potian's fierce battle with the Haotian Twin Stars spread swiftly across the Douluo Continent, with varying accounts of what transpired.
Some claimed Yang Potian was now the strongest in the world, as he nearly defeated the Haotian Twin Stars single-handedly. His astonishing soul power at level 98 and his unprecedented spirit ring configuration captivated countless individuals, especially since no one else of his caliber was known to walk the continent.
Others discussed the reasons behind the battle in detail, emphasizing how Tang San's unauthorized infiltration of Tianxing Academy triggered the conflict. The once-unquestioned reputation of the Haotian Sect seemed diminished, and admiration for the Haotian Sect as the "number one sect" was beginning to fade.
Many began to view Tianxing Academy as the true top sect. Not only did it boast Yang Potian as a peerless powerhouse, but it also had four other Title Douluo—far surpassing both the former Haotian Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Amidst the clamor, various factions reacted differently to the news.
In the Haotian Sect, three elders learned the cause of the conflict and grew increasingly frustrated with Tang San. His reckless actions had led to severe injuries for Tang Xiao and Tang Hao, and even tarnished the Haotian Sect's reputation. Though angered, the three elders held back from taking direct action against Tang San, mindful of his relationship to Tang Hao and Tang Xiao. Yet Tang Lie couldn't resist sneering at him, causing tension within the sect.
Meanwhile, countless smaller factions saw Tianxing Academy as an attractive ally, especially given the recent losses suffered by the top three sects. Tianxing Academy seemed like a sturdy shelter in turbulent times.
In response, however, Tianxing Academy declined all such overtures. Academy director Yang Wudi publicly stated, "Tianxing Academy is but a humble spirit master school. We welcome students and teachers who wish to join for educational purposes, but we will not participate in power struggles or accept affiliations with other sects."
Furthermore, he declared that neither students nor teachers were permitted to participate in spirit master conflicts or belong to any organization involved in such disputes; otherwise, they would not be admitted. In short, those joining Tianxing Academy were committing to the life of a teacher or student with a more peaceful, secluded lifestyle.
Anyone interested was also handed a hefty rulebook by Yang Wudi. For ambitious spirit masters, the idea of giving up the chance to make a name for themselves was nearly unbearable. Despite this, many independent spirit masters applied, and the academy's student body continued to grow.
One of the most notable shifts from the original story was the change in the Shrek Seven's circumstances. Compared to the original, the Shrek Seven's skills and circumstances were markedly different, and it wasn't just due to the lack of divine herbs.
Tang San's progress was relatively close to the original timeline. With a spirit power level of 66, he was still comparable to his level after Xiao Wu's sacrifice in the original story. However, there were now significant gaps in his strength. He lacked the Killing God Domain and the second awakening of his Blue Silver Emperor spirit. Additionally, he hadn't consumed the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, Infernal Delicate Apricot, or Crystalized Fortune Essence—the three divine herbs which formed the foundation of his eventual ascension. Tang San had only used the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, which provided a decent power boost, but did little for his physique or spiritual power. For now, he remained in the Haotian Sect, preparing for his training on Seagod Island.
The character with the greatest deviation was Xiao Wu, who was still alive and only at Spirit Emperor level.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's trajectories also shifted drastically. Neither had returned to the Star Luo Empire or become the crown prince and princess. Instead, both were at Spirit King level, reflecting the hard work they'd put into their training. But with Dai Weisi now crown prince and Zhu Zhuyun his betrothed, the Star Luo Empire no longer offered them a place. It seemed that Emperor Dai and Emperor Xue Ye had come to an understanding, and Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were allowed to remain at Heaven Dou Royal Academy as regular students. This arrangement might lead them to become academy instructors in the future, giving them a small degree of security.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar had also seen significant changes. The two had both become ensnared in romantic pursuits, dating multiple young women at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. They seemed likely to marry into prominent families upon graduation. Despite Flender's rigorous oversight of their training, he did not interfere with their personal lives, recognizing that marriage into nobility could secure the future for commoner spirit masters like them.
As things stood, it seemed likely that the original romances of Ma Hongjun with Bai Chenxiang and Oscar with Ning Rongrong would no longer unfold. Though Ma Hongjun had met Bai Chenxiang through Tang San, neither she nor White Crane seemed interested in him, given his reputation at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, despite his promising talents and abilities. It took his training on Seagod Island in the original story for Bai Chenxiang to warm up to him.
Oscar, still harboring feelings for Ning Rongrong, had now lost hope. Unlike in the original, Ning Rongrong's experiences had made her more discerning, and she now knew too many other remarkable spirit masters to be interested in Oscar, particularly given his romantic reputation. In addition, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi all opposed their match, and his status as a food-type spirit master further lowered his chances.
As for Ning Rongrong herself, she had reached Spirit King level and gained some battle capabilities by studying the Tang Sect's techniques under Yang Potian's guidance. Yet her skills were still primarily in support. After the turmoil in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she had matured and finally started to display the demeanor of a young noblewoman.
Beyond the Shrek Seven, other characters had also experienced changes.
During the great battle at Tianxing Academy, Yu Xiaogang had been watching from a distance—not for lack of will to intervene, but because his weak cultivation would have made him nothing more than collateral. After witnessing the battle, however, he was deeply disappointed. The two warriors he'd idolized for years, the Haotian Twin Stars, had been soundly defeated by Yang Potian and nearly killed.
When he learned that Tang San, Tang Hao, and Tang Xiao had been rescued, Yu Xiaogang finally breathed a sigh of relief. But as he continued to hear the aftermath, he grew ever more disheartened. With Tang Hao's arm severed, Tang Xiao severely wounded, and the Haotian Sect's reputation in decline, the sect was no longer seen as the strongest in the world. Tang San himself was even being called a disgrace to the Haotian Sect.
Yu Xiaogang had tried to defend Tang San's actions, but given his low power and standing, no one took him seriously. Ever since the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's fall, he had lost much of the respect he once commanded. Without his status as the clan leader's son, few paid heed to a spirit master of only rank 29. Were it not for Flender, Liu Erlong, and Qin Ming, he would likely have been replaced as the Heaven Dou team's leader long ago.
Upon learning that Tang San had returned to the Haotian Sect, Yu Xiaogang hastened there to reunite with his student. Yet upon arrival, he found himself disillusioned by the sect's internal state. Tang San seemed colder and more embittered than before, and his position within the sect had noticeably fallen. Tang Hao remained unconscious, his wounds worsening despite multiple treatments.
Old Master Ye Renxin, upon hearing of the battle at Tianxing Academy, simply packed his medical kit and set off on a "wandering journey" with a few attendants (all skilled warriors), making himself scarce and avoiding any involvement in the Haotian Sect's affairs.
The Heaven Dou Empire and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, however, took the matter seriously and assigned two Spirit Saint-level healing specialists to treat Tang Hao and Tang Xiao. Yet the progress was disappointing—Tang Hao, as per the healers, would need continuous treatment for months before even regaining consciousness, while Tang Xiao was making only minimal progress and would likely require a full year or two to fully recover.
Yu Xiaogang and Tang San discussed plans to visit Seagod Island. Since the Spirit Master Tournament was no longer relevant, Yu Xiaogang suggested that Tang San should lead all of the Heaven Dou First Team members there for rigorous training. In his view, there would be no more tournaments in the future, and strengthening their abilities might turn them into a significant force against Spirit Hall.
When Yu Xiaogang brought this plan to Ning Fengzhi, however, he and Sword Douluo exchanged concerned glances. Ning Rongrong, after all, was still at Tianxing Academy and showed no interest in Seagod Island. Besides, as an auxiliary spirit master, her safety on such a perilous journey was questionable.
Ning Fengzhi's trust in Tang San wasn't as high as in the original storyline. After all, in the original story, Ning Rongrong evolved her spirit into the rare Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, gaining combat experience and abilities far beyond her current capabilities. Additionally, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo preferred that Ning Rongrong not be involved with Oscar romantically, as he lacked the achievements he'd reached in the original story.
As for the other members of the Heaven Dou First Team, Ma Hongjun declined the invitation to Seagod Island. He couldn't control his Evil Fire without regular outlets, and Seagod Island wasn't the kind of place where he could safely vent—he might not even survive there.
The remaining five accepted the proposal. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, unwilling to remain stagnant in Heaven Dou Empire, saw this as an opportunity to improve their standing. Tai Long and Bai Xiaofei, loyal followers of Tang San, followed without question. Oscar, after much thought, agreed as well, hoping to change the fate of food-type spirit masters through the trials on Seagod Island.
Meanwhile, Yang Potian stayed focused on his training, waiting to see how Spirit Hall would respond. He harbored some reservations about Bibi Dong, who, theoretically, was closer to divinity than anyone else, as she and Yang Tianyue were both undergoing godly trials. Should Bibi Dong, in a last-ditch effort, hunt for spirit rings, who knew how soon she might attain divinity?
Unlike Sea God, Angel God, and Rakshasa God, Bibi Dong in the original storyline had achieved godhood without the sacrifice of any peerless Douluo, advancing purely through her own strength. In terms of raw talent, she might even surpass both Tang San and Qian Renxue.
One day, after his training, Yang Potian intended to consult Ye Lingling about Old Master Ye Renxin's whereabouts. Since the rift with the Haotian Sect, Yang was worried that Old Master Ye might be in danger if he stayed in Heaven Dou City, especially given the Haotian Sect's volatile reputation and their significant loss.
Unexpectedly, he found a group of young women training together, and among them was Ning Rongrong.
Yang Potian, a bit puzzled, asked, "Rongrong, I thought Sect Master Ning and Sword Douluo had already left. Why are you still here?"
Ning Rongrong, looking like her mischievous self, replied, "My dad and Grandpa Sword left, but I stayed here with Lingling and Yan Yan to hang out. It's not like I'm disturbing their training."
Yang Potian frowned. "Aren't your father and Sword Douluo worried about your safety?"
With a dismissive wave, Ning Rongrong replied, "What place could be safer than Tianxing Academy? I'm just an ordinary student here."
Yang Potian stifled a laugh. Ordinary student? he thought. Since when does any 'ordinary student' live on the Academy's summit?
Glancing at Ye Lingling, Dugu Yan, and Yang Tianyue, Yang Potian decided not to argue further and went to speak with his grandfather, Yang Wudi. Upon hearing this, Yang Wudi appeared conflicted.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan did assist us during the battle with the Haotian Sect. Without them, our family would have lost many more lives. So, when Sect Master Ning asked if Rongrong could stay, I didn't have the heart to refuse."
He added, "Besides, she's just a young girl—she shouldn't cause much trouble."
Yang Potian looked incredulous. "Grandfather, do you really believe she's 'just a young girl'? She's the young heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Since we don't have any alliance with them, we should avoid appearing too close. We can't risk going to war with Spirit Hall over her."
After a lengthy pause, Yang Wudi finally replied, "The main reason she's here is that the four girls get along well. Even Tianyue and Yan Yan asked me to allow it."
Yang Potian sighed, resigned.
(End of Chapter)
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