"Dean Flender, excuse me, but I have a different perspective on auxiliary-type Soul Masters!"
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou, standing to the side, raised his hand and spoke.
"Oh? You have a different perspective? Let's hear it~"
Pushing up his glasses, Flender looked intrigued.
"In my opinion, martial spirits vary in quality—some are low-grade, some are excellent, and some are top-tier.
Low-grade auxiliary Soul Masters can only whimper in battle; apart from running for their lives, they're basically useless.
Excellent auxiliary Soul Masters not only enhance their teammates' attributes but also indirectly weaken their opponents while ensuring their own safety.
As for top-tier auxiliary Soul Masters, they not only weaken their opponents but also reduce their numbers or even assist their teammates in eliminating all their enemies.
Unfortunately, the reality is that most auxiliary Soul Masters on the continent are low-grade, a few are excellent, and as for top-tier auxiliary Soul Masters—there are none."
Chu Chengzhou passionately expressed his unique perspective.
"Pfft—!"
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.
"Kid, be serious! Do you really think an auxiliary Soul Master can do what you're saying?"
Flender glared at Chu Chengzhou with exasperation.
"Of course they can!"
Chu Chengzhou responded seriously.
"Oh?"
Flender was even more surprised.
Chu Chengzhou continued, "Take Ning Rongrong, for example. If she were to refine six ten-thousand-year-old soul bones, wouldn't that mean she has six ten-thousand-year soul bone abilities?
Even without the boost from a Martial Soul True Body, she could enhance herself. With six soul bone abilities in hand, her soul skills wouldn't be inferior to a battle Soul Master of the same level.
In fact, if she managed to obtain a full set of hundred-thousand-year soul bones—twelve hundred-thousand-year soul bone abilities—then even as a seven-ring Soul Sage, she could easily defeat weaker Titled Douluo!"
Everyone: "..."
"Get out of here—right now!"
Flender pointed to the edge of the training field with a dark expression, his patience at its limit.
This kid was talking nonsense without any basis. Forget whether an auxiliary Soul Master could obtain so many hundred-thousand-year soul bones—there weren't even that many hundred-thousand-year soul beasts on the entire continent!
Six hundred-thousand-year soul bones? Why not just give her a second martial spirit while you're at it?
"Dean Flender, do you really think I'm wrong?"
Chu Chengzhou looked helpless. Everything he said was theoretically possible, so why didn't Flender believe him?
"Hmph! If you can somehow get six hundred-thousand-year soul bones, then come talk to me again. Until then, go find somewhere else to cool off!"
With a cold snort, Flender dismissed him.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Shrugging, Chu Chengzhou left the training ground.
"Alright, back to the topic. Ning Rongrong, do you think what I said was right?"
After kicking out the troublemaker, Flender turned to Ning Rongrong.
"Um... Dean Flender, I think you're right, but Senior Chu's words also seem to make sense?"
After thinking for a moment, Ning Rongrong realized both arguments had some merit.
It was true that auxiliary Soul Masters needed to run fast. But the reason they struggled against battle Soul Masters was their lack of offensive capabilities.
If they could gain soul bone abilities through refining soul bones, wouldn't that give them combat power?
If the soul bone abilities were strong enough and their ages high enough, they could even overpower battle Soul Masters of the same level.
"Ahem! Whether or not Chu's words make sense, one thing is for sure—auxiliary Soul Masters must have good endurance and speed!
Ning Rongrong, your training today is stamina practice.
Starting now, run twenty laps around the entire village. If you don't finish before lunch, then you don't get to eat.
Oscar, lead the way!"
Clearing his throat, Flender changed the subject and assigned their tasks.
"Yes!"
Ning Rongrong immediately agreed and started running.
Oscar glanced at Flender with a look of grievance before reluctantly following.
At that moment, Ning Rongrong had no idea what kind of pit she was about to fall into.
"Dean Flender, although this village is small, a full lap around it is about six miles. Twenty laps would be 120 miles. Isn't this too much?"
Watching Ning Rongrong run off, Xiao Wu looked at Flender with a strange expression.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's small mouth opened slightly in shock.
120 miles? Even she would struggle with that, let alone an auxiliary Soul Master like Ning Rongrong.
Did Rongrong offend Flender somehow?
"No need to worry—I have my reasons."
Flender waved his hand dismissively.
Like he would ever admit that Ning Rongrong's father had specifically asked him to discipline his little princess?
Tsk—he wondered how generous the "red envelope" from Sect Master Ning would be once the job was done.
Meanwhile, at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect...
Inside the grand hall of the sect, a man with a refined appearance, high nose bridge, and a scholarly demeanor sat on the main seat. He looked around thirty but had an air of wisdom beyond his years.
This was Ning Fengzhi, the current sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—the continent's number-one auxiliary Soul Master, and Ning Rongrong's father.
In front of him, a young man in a white outfit knelt on one knee, reporting information.
"Sect Master, the young lady has successfully enrolled in Shrek Academy."
The young man spoke respectfully.
"Good. Letting that little troublemaker go out and experience the world will do her some good."
Ning Fengzhi nodded with a hint of helplessness.
His daughter's enrollment in Shrek Academy was no accident—he had secretly arranged it.
Flender was proud, cunning, and stingy—he had investigated all of this thoroughly.
But most importantly, Flender was also extremely strict with his students.
That was exactly why Ning Fengzhi had written to Flender, asking him to discipline his daughter.
A strict yet adaptable mentor was just what she needed.
If it worked, and his "little witch" changed her ways, he'd be thrilled.
If it didn't? Well, he wouldn't be losing anything anyway.
"Have you gathered information on the academy, particularly its students?"
A sharp glint flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes.
As a father, he needed to know what kind of people his daughter would be spending time with.
"I apologize, Sect Master. The academy's teachers are quite secretive, and I couldn't uncover much about them.
However, I have gathered details about the students.
Also, your letter has been delivered to the academy and will surely reach the dean."
"Oh? Tell me what you've found."
Ning Fengzhi's interest was piqued.
"Sect Master, excluding the young lady and a newly enrolled female student, Shrek Academy originally had five students:
Dai Mubai, White Tiger Martial Spirit, likely of Star Luo Empire's royal bloodline. 15 years old, Rank 37 Soul Elder. Fond of nightlife.
Ma Hongjun, commoner. 12 years old, Rank 27 Grand Soul Master. Martial Spirit: a mutated chicken with phoenix traits. Obsessed with women.
Chu Chengzhou, from a remote town. 17 years old, Martial Spirit: a banner. Five months ago, he was Rank 29. Keeps a low profile.
Xiao Wu, calls Chu Chengzhou her "brother" but is actually his lover. 17 years old, Soft Bone Rabbit Martial Spirit, Rank 38 five months ago.
Oscar, 14 years old, Martial Spirit: sausage. Rank 29 food-type Grand Soul Master. Also enjoys the nightlife."
Ning Fengzhi fell silent.
Three out of five students were womanizers?
Even the one who wasn't had a girlfriend?
Would his little princess be influenced by them?
Shaking his head, he pushed those thoughts aside.
With Flender keeping an eye on things and his own spies monitoring from the shadows, there was no chance of that happening.
"By the way, what's the deal with this Chu Chengzhou? His cultivation talent is clearly far lower than the others. Isn't Shrek Academy supposed to have a high entry threshold?"
Ning Fengzhi had noticed that among the five, Chu Chengzhou stood out the most.
"I am not sure, but the intelligence we have gathered so far is exactly as reported."
"Forget it. Send someone to keep an eye on Shrek Academy in the future. You may leave."
Waving his hand dismissively, Ning Fengzhi didn't pay much attention to such a small figure.
"Yes, Sect Master!"
The young man in combat attire quickly got up and left the great hall.
Shrek Academy
At the entrance of a wooden building, basking in the morning sunlight, Chu Chengzhou lay on a recliner, eyes closed, cultivating the Spirit Refinement Art.
He was quite satisfied with his passive auto-training cheat, but it wasn't without its flaws.
For skills that only involved techniques but not personal cultivation foundations, he could grow stronger just by lying down.
However, for fundamental cultivation techniques, he couldn't simply rely on auto-training. Even if he acquired them, he still needed to actively cultivate to see results.
For example, archery was purely skill-based. The moment it leveled up through his cheat, he could instantly master the corresponding level of archery.
But the Nine Breaths of Calm Cultivation Meditation Method, Body Refinement, and Spirit Refinement were different. He could acquire them, comprehend them fully, but mere understanding wasn't enough. To see actual improvement, he had to put in the effort himself.
Still, that was probably a good thing. If he could increase his strength simply by lying down, he might actually get lazy and waste his potential.
"Old habits die hard."
Transitioning from laziness to diligence was difficult—no easier than persuading a courtesan to lead an honest life.
But switching from diligence to laziness? That could happen in a mere moment of thought.
Just then, Chu Chengzhou heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
Opening his eyes, he saw Xiao Wu running toward him.
"Brother! Lend me Xiaobai for a bit!"
Before Chu Chengzhou could ask why, Xiao Wu spoke directly.
"Xiaobai? What do you need Xiaobai for?"
Chu Chengzhou was momentarily confused. Xiaobai was just a support-type summoned beast—what did this little bunny need it for?
"Aiya~ Just let me borrow it, okay?"
Xiao Wu clung to his arm and acted coquettishly.
"Fine."
Though he didn't know what she wanted Xiaobai for, Chu Chengzhou didn't refuse. He summoned his True Spirit Banner martial spirit, and the Radiant Lion spirit beast appeared.
"By the way, Xiao Wu, have you been slacking off lately? Advancing to a four-ring Soul Ancestor isn't something to be proud of. Don't neglect your training."
Chu Chengzhou reminded her in a fatherly tone.
"Got it, got it! Xiaobai, come with me!"
Waving her hand dismissively like an annoyed teenager, Xiao Wu patted Xiaobai's head and hurried off.
At the academy entrance, Zhu Zhuqing curiously observed the Radiant Lion following Xiao Wu.
"Xiao Wu, is that a Radiant Lion? Is it one of Senior Chu's summoned beasts?"
"Mm-hmm! His name is Xiaobai, and he's a support-type summon. With Xiaobai around, Rongrong will definitely be able to run faster and last longer."
Xiao Wu stroked the golden mane around Xiaobai's neck.
Flender had assigned Ning Rongrong a grueling training regimen—running twenty laps around the entire village. If she didn't finish, she wouldn't get lunch.
From what Xiao Wu knew of Flender, he was clearly trying to make things difficult for their new friend.
After all, when Flender assigned physical training to Oscar, it had only been ten laps. But the moment Ning Rongrong arrived, he doubled it to twenty.
There was no way Xiao Wu believed it wasn't intentional.
But Flender was the dean, and as students, they couldn't exactly question him.
Still, if Flender was trying to humiliate her friend, as the big sister of the group, Xiao Wu couldn't just stand by and watch.
Twenty laps? It would be tough, but not impossible. And Flender never said they couldn't use external help.
Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial spirit could boost strength and speed by 30%, but Xiaobai's Blessing skill increased all attributes by 30%.
For running, which one provided the better boost? The answer was obvious.
Plus, Xiao Wu was curious to see if Xiaobai's Blessing could stack with Ning Rongrong's enhancements.
After waiting at the academy entrance for a while, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing finally spotted Ning Rongrong and Oscar running toward them in the distance.
At this moment, Oscar was thinking about completing one-twentieth of the task and pushing forward.
But Ning Rongrong's mind was already drifting elsewhere.
"Running is exhausting. Shopping in Soto City with my two new besties sounds way more fun."
Disobeying training orders?
Hah! That ugly, shoehorn-faced dean was both short and mean, giving her such an intense training plan. If he wanted to be nasty, then she wouldn't cooperate.
Besides, she was the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! Flender was merely a Soul Sage with seven rings. He wouldn't dare scold her. If he tried, she could just get Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone to tear this rundown academy apart.
Just as Ning Rongrong was about to give up, she noticed Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and the white-maned Radiant Lion near the academy gate.
She immediately ran over.
"Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, are you guys waiting to go shopping with me?"
"Shopping?"
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances.
It seemed their new friend wasn't exactly the obedient type.
"Ahem, Rongrong, we came to cheer you on! I even borrowed Xiaobai from my brother. Xiaobai has a soul skill that boosts all attributes by 30%! If you keep going, you'll definitely finish the twenty laps!"
Xiao Wu pointed to Xiaobai.
"Roar~!"
Xiaobai let out a low growl, playing along.
"Not shopping?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened. So they hadn't come to invite her for a fun trip—just to encourage her to keep running?
Twenty laps… Are you guys trying to torture me?!
"Rongrong, listen. Dean Flender gave you such harsh training probably just to mess with you. If you don't finish it, he's likely got something even worse planned. We can't let his scheme succeed, right?"
Sensing Ning Rongrong's hesitation, Xiao Wu quickly persuaded her.
"Uh…"
Ning Rongrong hesitated.
Running twenty laps was exhausting. She didn't want to do it.
But if she quit, wouldn't that mean letting Flender win?
Plus, her friends had come all this way to support her. Xiao Wu even borrowed a summoned beast for her. If she just gave up now, wouldn't that be wasting their kindness?
Ugh, this is so difficult!
Just then, Oscar approached with his Sausage Martial Spirit manifested. His first spirit ring glowed as a yellow light flickered, and a Recovery Sausage slowly formed in his hand.
"Ning Rongrong, want a sausage? My sausages don't just heal injuries—they also restore stamina."
Oscar held the floating sausage in his palm.
"Huh? Oscar, you don't chant that weird pervy incantation anymore?"
Xiao Wu looked at him curiously.
She hadn't heard that cringy, perverted chant when he summoned the sausage.
She had always avoided Oscar's sausages purely because of how awkward his chants were.
But without that embarrassing incantation, maybe his sausages weren't so bad? After all, normal sausages were fine to eat.
"Xiao Wu, times have changed. You're out of the loop!"
Oscar puffed up proudly.
"Oh? Not bad, not bad. Alright then, Xiao Ao, big sis will look out for you from now on!"
Xiao Wu grinned, patting Oscar's shoulder like a gang leader.
"Rongrong, with Xiaobai's buffs and Oscar's sausages to restore your stamina, you can totally finish twenty laps! Keep going!"
Zhu Zhuqing encouraged Ning Rongrong.