Chapter 56 – Straightening Things Out

After the reestablishment of the new Shrek Academy, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and the others were all in high spirits, busy organizing the institution. Once the initial arrangements were settled, everyone returned to their respective cultivation routines. Just two days ago, Dai Mubai broke through to Rank 40, a development that genuinely surprised Lin Jie. Even Ma Hongjun had finally broken through to Rank 30. Upon hearing this, Flender was overjoyed and decided to personally lead a team to help the two of them hunt for their next Spirit Rings.

He brought along Zhao Wuji, Oscar, and Tang San before setting out. As for why he didn't invite Ning Rongrong and the other girls to join the hunt—well, no one really knew. After Flender and his group left, Yu Xiaogang vanished as well, barely returning to the academy at all over the following days.

After breakfast, Lin Jie and the others finished their meal, and Liu Erlong left early. Although Blue Tyrant Academy had now been renamed Shrek Academy, Liu Erlong remained the headmaster. There were still many matters to attend to within the school, and since Lin Jie was already familiar with the campus—having visited frequently in the past—there was no need for Liu Erlong to personally show him around. He simply wasn't very familiar with the newer students.

Lin Jie glanced at Zhu Zhuqing beside him, then looked ahead at Ning Rongrong. He had something on his mind but realized now wasn't the right time to bring it up. He decided to hold off for a few more days.

The group strolled together from the dining hall toward the academy's training grounds.

Though classes were on break, a few students still lingered on campus.

"Hey, isn't that the girl Tailong likes? That's Xiao Wu, right? And who's the guy laughing with her?"

"That's Zhu Zhuqing. But seriously, who is that guy between them? He's actually chatting and laughing with three of our academy's goddesses!"

"Why does my heart hurt just looking at this?"

A rather plain-looking student clutched his chest dramatically as he stared at Lin Jie, who was casually walking between Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, his face a picture of heartbreak.

Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu had exceptional hearing, and though they heard the murmurs from nearby students, their expressions remained calm—they were clearly used to this sort of attention by now.

Even though they had only arrived at the academy about a week ago, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu were already famous across the campus for their beauty. In the eyes of many students, they had quickly become campus goddesses. Seeing those same goddesses smiling and talking with a single man—it was no wonder some hearts felt shattered.

"Who would've thought—you've only been here a few days and already become everyone's dream girl," Lin Jie teased lightly, shooting a playful glance at Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu.

"Of course. Do you even know who I am?" Ning Rongrong huffed proudly, not missing a beat.

"You have no idea," she continued. "There's this big oaf who comes around every day just to bother Xiao Wu. She's been going crazy."

Lin Jie chuckled, his thoughts flashing back. He remembered that years ago, a muscle-headed guy had enrolled in Blue Tyrant Academy. If memory served, his name was Tailong.

"Wait, you're not talking about some guy named Tailong, are you?" he asked.

"Huh? Lin Jie, you know him?" Ning Rongrong blinked in surprise.

"Not personally," Lin Jie replied with a shrug. "I've just heard the name before."

Xiao Wu suddenly joined in, her face scrunching in frustration. "That Tailong is so annoying! He just won't leave me alone."

Ning Rongrong burst into giggles. "Yeah! A few days ago, Third Brother beat him up. Then Tailong's father showed up, and guess what—Tang San beat him too! They even said they'd call his grandfather next. But by the time he arrived, Third Brother and the others had already gone out ring hunting with the dean. They totally missed their chance for revenge."

The group laughed and chatted as they made their way into the training area.

At first, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Jiang Zhu had all been a little disheartened when they learned that Zhu Zhuqing had already reached Rank 37 Spirit Elder. She was the youngest among them, yet her cultivation was ahead of them all. That realization pushed the girls to double down on their efforts over the past several days. Now, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu had both reached Rank 34, while Jiang Zhu had also broken through to Rank 34.

While chatting earlier, Lin Jie had also learned that Tang San was currently at Rank 34, Oscar at Rank 32, Ma Hongjun had just reached Rank 30, and Dai Mubai was now officially Rank 40. As for Lin Jie himself, he had already reached Rank 44—making him the strongest among the current eight members of Shrek Academy.

Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Jiang Zhu each entered their own private training rooms. Lin Jie found a quiet one for himself as well—he needed to clear his head and organize his thoughts.

Inside, he removed three long-barreled cannons from his soul tool storage ring and placed them in front of him.

The first was the smallest—only about the size of an adult's arm. It was a compact version of his electromagnetic railgun. Though only a meter long with a five-centimeter barrel, its power was nothing to scoff at. A typical Spirit Emperor caught unprepared would be severely injured—or even killed—if struck directly. Lin Jie had used this model during his time in the Sunset Forest to slay a ten-thousand-year spirit beast, piercing clean through it in a surprise attack.

The second railgun was the refined version—two meters long, with a twenty-centimeter caliber. It was one of Lin Jie's most formidable weapons. While he wasn't sure if it could kill a Title Douluo without defenses, he was confident that any Spirit Sage would be finished with just one shot.

Lin Jie had considered building even larger-caliber railguns, but materials were a problem. The stronger the firepower, the more difficult it became to stabilize. Even using the electromagnetic fields generated by his Lightning Martial Soul, this was the most powerful model he could currently wield. Perhaps once his Spirit Power increased further, more options would become viable.

The third piece was still in development—a prototype weapon he was merely conceptualizing. So far, it was only in its early stages. But if he ever managed to complete it, it would definitely be interesting.

After storing the railguns away, Lin Jie took out two Spirit Power Grenades: the original version and the upgraded model. The upgraded version looked more compact and refined but packed more destructive force. After inspecting them for a bit, he put them away again. His thoughts drifted toward Hu Liena. He wondered if she had already returned to Spirit Hall—and if she had mentioned the Spirit Power Grenade he gifted her to Bibi Dong. Lin Jie figured she must have brought it up; it was too remarkable to ignore.

Snapping back to the present, Lin Jie pulled out some materials he had collected. He was currently researching a more powerful, controlled explosive: the C4 Spirit Power Bomb.

Two days passed in a flash.

Looking at the component parts now in his hand, Lin Jie sighed. "Just a little more… and it would've been complete." Still, he stood up and began packing. He'd already heard two days ago that a major event was being held at the Heaven Dou City Auction House today. Lin Jie suspected that Duo'er's sister might appear in this auction.

Exiting the training room, Lin Jie found that Zhu Zhuqing and the others had already left. Before beginning his cultivation, he had told Zhu Zhuqing that he might be inside for a long while and not to wait for him. Now, without delay, he exited Shrek Academy and made his way into Heaven Dou City.

With classes set to resume the next day, the campus had grown noticeably busier. Fortunately, Lin Jie was well known at this point. No one dared provoke him, and there was no need for greetings or scuffles along the way.

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