Douluo: Martial Soul of Lightning

Ning Fengzhi looked toward Ning Rongrong and said, "Rongrong, tell me everything about this Spirit Power Grenade."

Looking a bit aggrieved, Ning Rongrong recounted the details about the Spirit Power Grenades and the hidden weapons.

After listening, Ning Fengzhi's eyes grew thoughtful. "Rongrong, keep this matter to yourself for now. Once you return to the academy, I'll pay a personal visit to Shrek Academy. I'd very much like to meet these two extraordinary young men."

Just thinking about the weapons Ning Rongrong had demonstrated earlier made his heart race. And that wasn't even mentioning the fact that her Martial Soul had evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, this was of monumental significance.

If he could learn more about those celestial herbs from Lin Jie, it could very well change the future of the entire clan. The more he thought about it, the more eager he became. Moreover, between Lin Jie's inventions and Tang San's craftsmanship, he saw yet another possibility: if he could recruit these two prodigies into his clan, then within twenty years—no, perhaps even less—they might stand as two Titled Douluo guardians of the clan.

Though Titled Douluo had much longer lifespans than ordinary people, their time was still limited. The clan's current two Titled Douluo, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, were already past their eighties. Ning Fengzhi had to begin paving the way for the next generation—for his daughter, for the future.

Meanwhile, Lin Jie had originally considered drawing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan into his own plans one day. Little did he expect Ning Fengzhi would start trying to recruit him. If Lin Jie knew what Ning Fengzhi was plotting, who knows how he'd respond?

With Ning Rongrong's return, the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had undergone quite a stir.

Days passed in the blink of an eye. Last night, Flender and the others who had gone out to help Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun obtain new Spirit Rings finally returned. Hearing that Lin Jie had already come back to the new Shrek Academy, they were all quite happy. Upon returning, Flender handed the academy's responsibilities back to Liu Erlong, giving her a rare break from the relentless workload.

Now, Dai Mubai had successfully broken through to rank 41, becoming a Spirit Ancestor, while Ma Hongjun had reached rank 31, becoming a Spirit Elder.

The night they returned, Flender had instructed everyone to rest.

Thanks to the new Shrek Academy campus, everyone's cultivation and study routines had become much more efficient. But Flender was busier than ever—being headmaster wasn't easy, especially after taking the reins from Liu Erlong.

What they didn't know yet was that Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu had all broken through to rank 40. If they found out, it was hard to say whether they'd be inspired—or crushed.

Since losing to Lin Jie during the Royal Fight Tournament, Dai Mubai had acknowledged his strength deep down, even if he wouldn't admit it aloud. Knowing Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing were not far behind him either, he had buried himself in training, only breaking through to rank 40 two weeks ago.

Ma Hongjun, realizing he was now the weakest among them, had been pushing himself with everything he had.

Ning Rongrong had returned yesterday. After visiting her clan, she'd come back with a smile that never seemed to leave her face. The first thing she did upon returning? Go find Lin Jie.

The moment she saw him, she leapt into his arms and planted a kiss on him—thankfully Zhu Zhuqing hadn't been around, or there might have been a vinegar jar tipped clean over.

She told Lin Jie all about her trip home, including how her father, Ning Fengzhi, planned to visit and thank him personally. Whether that "thank you" was sincere or came with ulterior motives… that remained to be seen.

When Lin Jie heard this, he was stunned. The last time he'd seen Ning Fengzhi was at the auction house—and even though he'd worn a mask, with Ning Fengzhi's level of perception, he likely saw through it. Especially with Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, by his side.

Now that Ning Fengzhi was planning to meet him directly, Lin Jie actually looked forward to it. After all, with everything that might unfold in the future, it was best to be prepared.

That morning, the students of Shrek Academy gathered once again.

The academy's new dining hall had a shared canteen, and the Shrek Seven Devils and Lin Jie had all gathered there for breakfast.

When Lin Jie walked in, everyone's attention shifted to him. Dai Mubai's devilish golden eyes flashed with fighting spirit the moment he saw Lin Jie. After all, they had sparred before—and he'd lost. Though he'd been unwilling to accept it back then, in his heart, he had to admit Lin Jie's strength.

Now that he'd reached rank 41, he was itching for a rematch.

Tang San also turned toward Lin Jie, frowning slightly. He found himself unable to sense Lin Jie's current Spirit Power level. Could he have grown even stronger?

Closing his eyes briefly, Tang San activated his Purple Demon Eye. A trace of violet flashed through his irises before vanishing again. What he saw made his heart tremble—Lin Jie was now rank 44, a full ten levels above him.

A few months ago, Lin Jie had taken a leave of absence with Flender's permission, saying he was going out for training. Now it seemed that in just those few months, he'd experienced something extraordinary. To gain four full ranks in such a short time… how had he done it?

Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu were seated together. Zhu Zhuqing's eyes softened with affection when she saw Lin Jie walk in. Ning Rongrong beamed with joy. As for Xiao Wu… her expression was a bit more complicated.

Over the past few days, Lin Jie had frequently brought up the topic of transformed spirit beasts. He hadn't said anything explicitly, but Xiao Wu couldn't help but wonder—did he already know her secret?

If he did… why hadn't he said anything?

"Lin Jie, over here!" Oscar called out, standing up and waving.

Lin Jie approached with a faint smile and took a seat right beside Ning Rongrong. "Long time no see, everyone."

Oscar leaned in, a bit envious. "You've been gone for months! What kind of VIP treatment is that—getting to skip class just by applying for leave? Even more ridiculous, Flender actually approved it!"

Tang San kept his gaze fixed on Lin Jie, unable to hide his curiosity.

"Well…" Lin Jie said casually as he picked up a steamed bun, "I've just about exhausted myself these past few months. I've been wandering the Sunset Forest alone, hunting spirit beasts. It's been a constant dance with death."

Even though he said it was near-death every time, his face remained utterly calm.

"Sunset Forest?" Ma Hongjun exclaimed. "You went to the Sunset Forest?"

Oscar turned toward Fatty, confused. "You know the Sunset Forest?"

Ma Hongjun gave him a disdainful look. "Tch. Little Ao, you really do sleep through class, huh? Never even heard of Sunset Forest?"

He paused dramatically before continuing, "Sunset Forest is one of the three great spirit beast habitats, just like Star Dou Forest. Everyone here's been to Star Dou Forest—you should know how dangerous those places are."

Indeed, the others recalled the perils of Star Dou Forest. After all, they had once encountered the Titan Giant Ape there.

As Lin Jie chatted and ate with the group, the atmosphere grew lively.

Once breakfast was over, everyone prepared to return to training.