radicalducati Chapter 41 Five Years of Reflection Before Heading to Shrek
Chapter 41 Five Years of Reflection Before Heading to Shrek
After successfully hunting the soul, the four immediately returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Ning Fengzhi specifically instructed Rongrong: "Remember, be careful in everything you do outside. If you encounter any danger that you cannot handle, immediately send a message back to the sect."
"I know, Daddy!" Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously, already eager to return to Notting Academy and show Yan Zu and Xiao Wu her newly acquired soul skills.
Two days later, Ning Rongrong bid farewell to her parents and Sword Bone Douluo, and rode in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's private carriage, quickly returning to Notting City.
Watching Ning Rongrong leave, Sword Douluo said to Ning Fengzhi
"Fengzhi, are you really comfortable letting Rongrong stay with that Yan Zuyao forever?"
Ning Fengzhi said:
"Uncle Jian, as you can see, Rongrong has already reached level 30 Soul Master after being away for a year. Such an improvement was unimaginable before."
"Moreover, during the year she was away, Rongrong's spoiled temper has changed a lot, and she is no longer the spoiled young lady she used to be. She will be taking over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the future, and strength, partners, and personality are all indispensable."
"Although Rongrong was intelligent before, she wasn't keen on cultivation and had no friends in the sect. Her growth over the past year has surprised me. Although I don't know exactly what happened, I know that Yan Zubi played a crucial role in it, which is why I felt at ease letting Rongrong continue to follow Yan Zubi."
"Most importantly, although Yan Zu is still young, he is no ordinary person. His son has a broad mind and a grand vision. He may be able to bring about a different kind of change to this continent."
After hearing Ning Fengzhi's explanation, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo thought for a moment, and Bone Douluo said:
"Feng Zhi, you're right. We two old folks can still protect Rongrong now, but we can't protect her forever. Rongrong really needs to find her own path. But if that kid dares to bully Rongrong, I'll definitely teach him a lesson."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "Uncle Gu, don't worry, Rongrong has someone watching her, there won't be any problems."
the other side.
"Yan Zu! Sister Xiao Wu! I'm back!" Ning Rongrong jumped out of the car and rushed over excitedly. Three soul rings rose up under her feet in succession, two yellow and one purple, with dazzling colors.
"Rongrong! You're back!" Xiaowu immediately went to greet her, curiously examining her third spirit ring. "Is this your third spirit ring? It's so old!"
Yan Zu stepped forward, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Seventeen hundred years, very suitable for you. What is the effect of your soul skill?"
"It's a soul power boost!" Ning Rongrong proudly summoned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, activating her third soul skill, which landed on Yan Zu. "It can provide a 30% soul power boost to a designated target and also accelerate soul power recovery! From now on, I can provide you and Sister Xiao Wu with more comprehensive support in battles!"
Yan Zu could clearly feel that the soul power in his body had instantly increased significantly, and its circulation speed had also increased. He nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, this soul skill is very practical."
At the same time, in the training grounds behind the academy, Tang San was intently manipulating the Blue Silver Grass. The twelve-year-old boy had grown considerably taller, his face still handsome, but a hint of melancholy had crept into his brows. Two yellow spirit rings flickered beneath his feet, and the fluctuations of his level twenty-nine spirit power rippled through the air—for his age, this level of cultivation was already considered genius-level, enough to graduate from Notting Academy.
"Little San, that's enough for now." Yu Xiaogang emerged from the shade of the tree, his eyes filled with satisfaction. "You'll be setting off for Shrek Academy tomorrow, and I've already written your letter of recommendation."
Tang San withdrew his martial spirit and respectfully said, "Yes, teacher. However... I still feel resentful."
"oh?"
"Yan Zu..." Tang San clenched his fist. "In the past five years, I've fought him seven times, and lost all seven. Moreover, he's now a level 31 Soul Master (in disguise), his cultivation is faster than mine, and his combat strength is superior."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flickered. This was also a mystery that he couldn't solve. Yan Zu's Qilin Martial Soul was indeed extraordinary, allowing for combat outside the body and nourishment from life force, but Tang San's cultivation speed was already fast enough, yet Yan Zu was even faster. Unless... that child was hiding something.
"It's alright," Yu Xiaogang said in a deep voice. "With me at Shrek Academy, you'll have a better future. As for Yan Zu..." He paused, "I'll go and invite him to come today. His martial soul is extremely valuable for research; if we can go together, it will benefit both of us."
A shadow crossed Tang San's eyes, but he said nothing more.
Yu Xiaogang didn't say anything more, but left directly to find Yan Zu.
Not long after, Yu Xiaogang saw Yan Zu walking over with Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong.
"Yan Zu," Yu Xiaogang spoke first, his tone more serious than usual, "as you probably know, Tang San is about to go to Shrek Academy. It's an academy that only accepts monsters, with a strong faculty that can provide you with a better training environment."
He paused, his gaze falling on Xiaoyu on Yan Zu's shoulder, a look of infatuation flashing in his eyes: "Your Qilin Martial Soul is a rare independent Martial Soul with limitless potential. Shrek Academy has better teachers and more professional research conditions. I hope you can go with Xiaowu and Ning Rongrong. I really want to study your Martial Soul's growth trajectory in depth."
Ning Rongrong frowned and subconsciously looked at Yan Zu. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was considered well-informed, but she had never heard of Shrek Academy. She could only conclude that Shrek Academy must have had no past achievements, hence its lack of reputation. Xiao Wu clung tightly to Yan Zu, her eyes full of dependence, following him wherever he went.
Yan Zu's heart stirred slightly. He truly had little left to learn at Notting Academy; five years of accumulation had solidified his foundation. Shrek Academy, as a core setting of the original story, would inevitably trigger more key events and sign-in rewards. However, he didn't want to appear too eager, lest he arouse unnecessary suspicion.
"I've heard of Shrek Academy's reputation," Yan Zu said calmly. "However, I don't quite agree with the 'only accepting monsters' philosophy. Well then, since it was recommended by Master Yu, I think this academy must have its merits. I can take Xiao Wu and Rong Rong to check it out. As for whether they stay, that depends on the actual situation."
Yu Xiaogang was overjoyed: "You agreed?"
"I meant to investigate," Yan Zu corrected. "If Shrek Academy truly has merit, I will stay. If it's just a name without substance..." He smiled and didn't finish his sentence.
Yu Xiaogang's expression stiffened slightly, but thinking that he could have Yan Zu by his side for research, he nodded: "Alright, it's good for you to go and investigate. Shrek Academy will definitely not disappoint you."
Watching Yu Xiaogang leave, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but ask, "Yan Zu, that Shrek Academy is quite funny, I've never heard of it. Are we really going? With our current level, every academy would be fighting over us."
"It would be good to go and take a look," Yan Zu said with a smile. "There's a different cultivation atmosphere there, and we might encounter worthy opponents. Besides, it's time for us to go out and see a wider world."
Xiao Wu nodded vigorously: "Yes! Wherever A-Zu goes, I'll go!"
When the three returned to the small courtyard in the west of the city, Yan Hu and Su Qing were already waiting in the courtyard. In the past five years, Yan Hu's soul power has steadily increased to level thirty-six, and Su Qing has also broken through to level thirty-one. Their medical clinic and soul tool workshop in Notting City have long been established and have become well-known merchants in the city.
After returning home, Yan Zu told his parents about his plan to graduate early and prepare to study at Shrek Academy.
Su Qing looked at her son tenderly, her eyes filled with reluctance. "Our business here in Notting City has taken root, so your father and I won't go with you. We'll help you take care of the family."
Yan Hu patted Yan Zu on the shoulder, his tiger eyes filled with pride: "You are now more capable than your father. I believe you can take good care of yourself, Xiao Wu, and Rong Rong. Be careful in everything you do outside, don't reveal your strength easily, and if you encounter any trouble you can't handle, send a message back."
Yan Zu nodded, took out a wooden box from his storage soul tool, and handed it to his parents: "Inside are ten bottles of Body Tempering Pills, five bottles of Spirit Concentration Pills, and a simplified version of the Nine Yin Manual, which will be helpful for your cultivation. Don't worry too much about the clinic and workshop."
The reason I didn't give the Nine Yin Manual to my parents before was because they weren't very talented, and if they were distracted, it would only hinder their cultivation.
Therefore, now that the parents have fully mastered their own martial arts techniques, it will be more helpful for them to learn other parts of the Nine Yin Manual.
Su Qing took the wooden box, her eyes slightly red: "Take good care of yourself while you're away, and remember to send letters back often."
In the stillness of the night, the lights in the courtyard remained on. Yan Zu sat by the bed, recalling the key moments of the past five years, especially the acquisition of his fourth spirit ring—
Half a year ago, he took Xiao Wu deep into the Star Dou Great Forest in search of a suitable fourth spirit ring. Beside a secluded lake, they encountered a severely wounded and dying emerald swan. This 12,000-year-old spirit beast had fought fiercely against three high-level spirit beasts while guarding its nest. Although it had successfully repelled the enemies, it was now utterly exhausted.
The jade swan possesses a pure life essence, perfectly matching the vitality characteristics of the Qilin Martial Soul. Sensing the auspicious aura emanating from Yan Zu, it proactively sent out its spiritual will, willing to sacrifice itself.
The sacrificial process was peaceful and sacred, without any brutal fighting, only the gentle transmission of the life essence. When that deep black soul ring merged into Yan Zu's body, he gained his fourth soul skill—Life Praise.
This soul skill is a life-saving divine skill: it can continuously restore the life force of up to five designated targets, purify negative statuses such as poison, curse, and corrosion, and most incredibly, when a designated target is on the verge of death, it will automatically trigger a three-second invincible "Life Protection".
Yan Zu has now reached level 46.
But Xiao Wu's growth was even more astonishing. As a 100,000-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit in human form, her cultivation speed was already far beyond that of ordinary people. In addition, she was nourished by the vitality of the Qilin Martial Soul, ate spirit beast pills as snacks, and was blessed by the Auspicious Beast Heart-to-Heart Talisman.
In five years, he not only condensed his third soul ring, which was 6,200 years old, and his fourth soul ring, which was 18,000 years old, but also reached level 48, which was higher than Yan Zu's.
The fourth soul skill, "Jade Rabbit Shadow Kick," is a series of three consecutive kicks, with the speed increasing by 50% with each kick. The first kick breaks through the enemy's defense, the second kick stuns them for three seconds, and the third kick can seal the enemy's soul skill for five seconds.
Xiao Wu finally fulfilled her wish to beat up her younger brother as early as possible, because in regular battles, even Yan Zu was no match for Xiao Wu.
A few days ago, during their sparring session, Xiao Wu unleashed her third soul skill, "Jade Rabbit Clone!"
Instantly, two identical physical clones of Xiao Wu appeared, each possessing 70% of the original's combat power, lasting for 30 seconds. The three Xiao Wu simultaneously unleashed their waist-bow techniques, their leg shadows blurring with astonishing power.
"And there's the fourth soul skill, Jade Rabbit Shadow Kick!" Xiao Wu's true form flashed, her speed so fast it was hard to see with the naked eye, and she launched three consecutive kicks at Yan Zu.
The first strike broke through the defense! Yan Zu's protective soul power was directly torn apart.
The second blow caused dizziness! Yan Zu felt a sudden darkness before his eyes and his mind went blank.
The third strike, sealing! The flow of soul power within Yan Zu's body instantly became stagnant, preventing him from unleashing his soul skills.
"How was it?" The three little dancers put their hands on their hips at the same time, looking smug.
Yan Zu was instantly defeated and said with a wry smile, "Cheap, too cheap. If this were a real battle, and I were surrounded by your third soul skill clones and kicked by your fourth soul skill, what would be the point of fighting? I would just admit defeat."
Back to the present.
"A-Zu, what are you thinking about?" Xiao Wu leaned closer and asked curiously.
"I was thinking about our departure tomorrow." Yan Zu smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair. "Remember, once we get to Shrek Academy, we still can't reveal our high-level soul rings. Just tell everyone we're Soul Masters in our thirties."
"Okay!" Xiao Wu nodded obediently. "I'm used to it. As long as I can be with you, anything is fine."
The Xiao Wu of today is no longer the reckless, foul-mouthed rogue rabbit from the original story. Under the parental care of Yan Hu and Su Qing, and with the companionship and influence of Yan Zu, Xiao Wu has become even more lively and adorable, possessing good manners and discipline, and knowing to cultivate even more diligently.
The next morning,
Three days later, outside the gates of Nottingham.
Yan Hu and Su Qing came to see their son off.
"Grandpa, the journey to Tiandou City is long, please be careful." Su Qing said with red eyes as she straightened her son's collar.
"Don't worry, Mother. With Xiaoyu here, ordinary soul beasts can't get close," Yan Zu comforted her.
Yan Hu stuffed a bag of gold soul coins into Yan Zu's hand: "Your father is useless and can't help you much. Take these and don't mistreat yourself, Xiao Wu, or Rong Rong while you're out there."
Yan Zu smiled and nodded, tying a love charm to Su Qing's waist and handing one to Yan Hu: "This is a bond charm; it can trigger teleportation protection when you encounter danger. You can live peacefully in Notting City; I will come back often." Su Qing hugged her son, tears streaming down her face.
Ning Rongrong's eyes also reddened, and Xiao Wu cried her eyes out.
After bidding farewell to his parents, Yan Zu summoned Xiao Yu. The Qilin had now grown to over ten feet tall, its back covered with starlight and cloud patterns, and it was extraordinary.
"Let's go." Yan Zu, carrying Xiao Wu, leaped onto the Qilin's back and extended his hand to Ning Rongrong. "Let's go to Shrek Academy and see what this so-called 'Monster Academy' is really like!"
Xiao Yu looked up to the sky and let out a long roar, transforming into a streak of jade-colored light as she sped off towards Soto City.
(If you like this, please vote for it and bookmark it so you don't get lost.)