Inside the wooden cabin of the girls' dormitory, Ning Rongrong was happily stroking Tom, her expression of satisfaction contrasting starkly with Tom's messy fur and sorrowful demeanor.
Tom let out a soft whimper, his tearful feline eyes glancing at Shen An for help.
Shen An feigned ignorance, turning his gaze to the scenery outside.
Sorry, Tom, but I really want to improve.
Zhu Zhuqing, observing the dynamic between the duo, couldn't help but smile wryly. Yet, a sense of melancholy crept into her heart—once she started training at Shrek Academy, she might not see this peculiar pair as often.
"Don't worry," Ning Rongrong chirped. "I'm only here at Shrek to pass the time. When my family comes to get me, I'll ask Grandpa Sword to give you some pointers."
"But," she added with a playful grin, "I want Tom to play the piano for me."
Pointing at Tom, she revealed her true intent. After being scolded by Shen An earlier, Ning Rongrong had overheard tales in Soto City of an extraordinary cat that played enchanting music in a teahouse. It wasn't hard to deduce it was Tom.
In truth, Ning Rongrong had a hidden agenda: lure Shen An to meet her Grandpa Sword under the guise of training and then let her grandfather "accidentally" rough him up a bit.
I, the little witch Ning Rongrong, hold grudges! You made me cry last time, so this time, I'll pet your cat and beat you up!
Shen An shrugged, responding, "Fine, let me learn a couple of moves from your Grandpa Sword first, and then we'll talk about it."
"Deal!" Ning Rongrong beamed, satisfied her plans were moving forward.
"Alright then," Shen An said, clapping his hands. "Since everything's settled, I'll take my leave. Zhuqing, if you need anything, you can always find me in Soto City."
"Mm, until next time," Zhu Zhuqing replied softly.
Leaving the dormitory, Shen An intended to return to Soto City with Tom. But just then, Tom's fur stood on end, as if sensing something dreadful.
High above, hidden in the canopy of a distant tree, a towering figure cloaked in black watched Shen An intently.
Interesting. This cat sensed my presence, thought Tang Hao, his expression hidden beneath his hood.
Tang Hao, the protector of his son Tang San, had been watching from the shadows. He had witnessed Shen An and Dai Mubai's battle, taking note of Shen An's sharp and efficient swordsmanship. The mysterious weapon Shen An had pointed at Tang San earlier also hadn't escaped Tang Hao's attention.
Tang Hao debated whether to act. Though Shen An hadn't harmed Tang San, the mere act of pointing a weapon at his son's head crossed a line. For Tang Hao, who had lost everything except his son, Tang San's safety was paramount.
But as his killing intent rose, Tang Hao was struck by an overwhelming sense of dread—greater than anything he had felt even during the Spirit Hall's siege.
Could there be a Rank 99 Limit Douluo protecting him?!
Tang Hao hesitated, ultimately suppressing his murderous intent. The oppressive atmosphere around Shen An eased, though he remained on high alert, preparing to equip Tom with the Super Battle Suit.
With the tension dissipating, Tang Hao sighed and muttered, "Forget it. He's just a twenty-something-ranked junior. My son will surpass him in no time."
Shen An, meanwhile, felt the oppressive force fade but was still shaken. Tom also breathed a sigh of relief, theatrically pressing his chest as if to steady his heart.
The sight was too comical for Shen An to stay serious, and he chuckled despite himself.
Only Tom could lighten the mood after that scare.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Shen An surmised it was likely Tang San's overprotective father.
At least he didn't know the weapon wasn't loaded.
With a mental note to someday repay Tang Hao, Shen An resolved to prepare better for future encounters. He led Tom into a secluded hut and retrieved the Super Battle Suit.
"Tom, this thing can only be used once," he said solemnly, handing it to the cat. "Keep it safe. Use it only if our lives are in danger."
Tom examined the suit, his face lighting up with excitement before drooping upon hearing it was a one-time use item. Even so, he straightened his posture and saluted with his gloved paw, as if to say, Leave it to me!
Shen An felt a wave of relief. Good. At least Tom has a trump card.