Chapter 52: The Little Devil’s Epiphany

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Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong looked deeply dissatisfied. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can definitely become even stronger. I'm the most talented disciple the sect has ever seen!"

Yang Xiong chuckled. "Talent? Given the limitations of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, does talent really make such a big difference? Besides your father, who is a seventy-nine-level Soul Sage, there are likely other seventy-nine-level Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Sages in the sect. So why is it that Ning Fengzhi became the sect leader while others didn't cause trouble and instead remained fiercely loyal?"

Ning Rongrong was momentarily speechless. Yang Xiong continued, "Life is unpredictable. You've probably studied much about the soul master world. The Spirit Hall is far stronger than anyone imagines, and the pressure on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is much greater than you think."

"In recent years, though the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has developed well—its numbers even surpassing five thousand soul masters—it is still far weaker compared to the Spirit Hall. Back in its prime, the Hao Tian Sect was far stronger than the current Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. But look at it now—what remains?"

"Your father specifically sent you to Shrek Academy to teach you the true harshness of the soul master world. With your current experience and abilities, do you think you could lead the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to new heights or even maintain its current standing?"

"Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone are no longer young—they're older than you imagine. As the future leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, you can't rely on them forever. And it's impossible for the sect to lack Title Douluos. In your current state, could you earn their support? Could you make them remain loyal to the sect?"

Hearing these words, Ning Rongrong's face darkened. She had never thought about these issues before, and no one in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would dare bring them up with her.

Still, she stubbornly insisted, "So what? I'm still young. I have plenty of time to learn."

Yang Xiong countered, "What do you think of Shrek Academy? Especially the students here?"

After pondering her classmates carefully, Ning Rongrong replied, "All the students are incredibly talented. None of them compare to anyone from my previous classes—and some might even surpass me."

Yang Xiong smiled. "Right now, everyone is just a student—the weakest and simplest version of themselves. If you can't earn their respect now, how will you do so when they grow stronger? Remember, several of them have the potential to become Title Douluos."

"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is ultimately an auxiliary-type sect. No matter how strong it becomes, it's best to avoid making enemies. Have you ever seen your father, Ning Fengzhi, deliberately antagonize top-tier experts?"

After some thought, Ning Rongrong finally spoke. "I just dislike how Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun leer at girls. Especially Dai Mubai—I saw him surrounded by women at the Rose Hotel once, but now he acts like he's devoted to Zhu Zhuqing."

Yang Xiong grew serious. "Dai Mubai's martial soul is the White Tiger, and Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul is the Netherworld Spirit Cat. They aren't from the Tiandou Empire but from the Star Luo Empire. You should understand what these martial souls mean to the Star Luo Empire. They likely hail from the Star Luo Imperial Family and the Zhu Clan, so their backgrounds are no less prestigious than yours."

"Especially Dai Mubai—you should know the rules for selecting heirs in the Star Luo Imperial Family. He's likely a prince of the Star Luo Empire, probably fleeing his family to come to the Tiandou Empire."

"I know you girls prefer men who are faithful, but have you considered that even your father, Ning Fengzhi, has many women? It's common in the soul master world for men to have multiple wives and concubines. If you're strong enough, it won't be an issue—in fact, it might even be beneficial. After all, legacies must be passed down, and having many descendants makes a family or sect stronger."

Ning Rongrong's face darkened further. "Little Bear, I thought you were solely focused on cultivation to become stronger. Are you harboring such thoughts too?"

Yang Xiong was speechless. "Rongrong, I'm only thinking about cultivation right now, not anything else. But remember this—one rule governs the soul master world: the strong dominate. I strive to become stronger so I can control my own fate and not be at the mercy of others."

Ning Rongrong retorted, "You're a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Who would dare harm you easily? Do you have some hidden motives?"

Yang Xiong inwardly sighed. This little devil had been crying her heart out just moments ago, yet now she was acting so sharp-witted.

"Rongrong, is the sect truly absolutely safe? Right now, I'm just a student. Though I may cultivate peacefully within the sect, sooner or later, I'll have to face numerous enemies in the soul master world. Won't I need to serve the sect then? I don't want to be killed when I encounter enemies."

Ning Rongrong stared at Yang Xiong, sensing something strange in his tone—as if he was avoiding something.

"So what should I do now? I was just scolded. Should I apologize to Flender?"

Yang Xiong laughed. "Rongrong, you're the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but here at Shrek Academy, you're just a student. It's normal for students to make mistakes—there's no shame in it. Besides, if you really don't want to study here, we can leave right now. There's more than one Shrek Academy in the world."

Ning Rongrong's expression turned indignant. "That stupid dad! Why did he send me to Shrek Academy? I won't give up so easily—I'll prove myself to him!"

Yang Xiong quickly added, "Think carefully, then. From Flender's behavior, he's particularly strict with auxiliary-type soul masters. While not everything he said is correct, there's some truth to it. Things might get tough for you moving forward."

Ning Rongrong smirked proudly. "A little hardship is nothing to fear. Besides, I have you, Little Bear. If any trouble arises, you can handle it. Worst case, I'll ask Father to reward you generously when we return to the sect."

Yang Xiong: …

Yang Xiong was speechless. Shrek Academy was indeed mediocre in many aspects, but for a proud little princess like Ning Rongrong, it could temper her character. At least she wouldn't act recklessly as she did in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

"Let's go. They're probably still waiting for us. We shouldn't delay the lessons any further."

When they returned to the playground, Flender and the others were still there—they hadn't left early for Suotuo City.

Ning Rongrong was, after all, just a little girl with deep roots. Seeing her bow her head, Flender didn't say anything further.

However, after this conversation, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong's relationship improved significantly. Before, they rarely spoke, but now they grew closer. Among all the students, they shared a natural rapport, having grown up together in school.

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