Douluo's Spiritual Pearl and Divine Sword

Six of the seven students from Shrek Academy had already gathered and leaving only Oscar.

After a long wait Oscar finally arrived. Flender initially prepared to scold him but stopped when he heard the exciting news—Oscar had also broken through to level 30 and this revelation brought a beaming smile to Flender's face.

Within a single day three students had achieved breakthroughs to level 30. It seemed as though divine blessings were showering upon Shrek Academy.

Flender made an immediate decision, after today's class, Zhao Wuji would lead the group to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for soul beasts.

Meanwhile hidden in the shadows, Tang Hao quietly spoke to Yin Mengyang "Brother Yin Mengyang, I have a favor to ask. Ning Rongrong is going to hunt for soul beasts and you'll undoubtedly accompany her to protect her. Can you extend your protection to my child as well?"

"Hmm? From your tone, it seems you're planning to leave?" Yin Mengyang questioned

Tang Hao nodded "Yes, I still have unresolved matters to attend to and I'll like to rely on you for this. With a Titled Douluo like you by his side, I can rest easy."

Yin Mengyang sneered "I'm not so free. Don't forget about the hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Do you think I'll help you just because you ask?" His animosity toward Tang Hao made it unlikely for him to agree easily

Tang Hao anticipated this reaction and calmly replied "I won't ask for your help without compensation and Consider this as protection money."

With those words, Tang Hao revealed a set of pitch-black armor.

Yin Mengyang's eyes narrowed "What's this? The Black Sky Armor?"

Indeed this was the Black Sky Armor, a masterpiece crafted by Tang Hao during his youth when he was one of the three great craftsmen of the Douluo Continent. It was a remarkable piece of soft armor, offering exceptional defense that could withstand multiple strikes from an average Spirit Emperor and additionally, its unique metal composition made it highly adaptable, fitting anyone regardless of size. Though not the rarest of treasures but it was certainly valuable enough to serve as a bargaining chip for temporary protection.

"Fine" Yin Mengyang agreed but laid down his terms "Let me be clear: while I'll do my best to protect Tang San but my priority is ensuring the safety of Rongrong and Xiaotian and if we encounter a danger I cannot handle, I'll save my rongrong and xiaotian first. Don't blame me later."

Tang Hao wasn't offended as this was only natural. However he wasn't too concerned since they were merely going to hunt a thousand-year soul beast on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest and even without Yin Mengyang, Zhao Wuji alone would be sufficient. Tang Hao's request was simply an added precaution. With Yin Mengyang's agreement, Tang Hao felt confident in leaving.

At the academy gates, Tang San asked "Brother Jun, are you joining us for the trip to the Star Dou Great Forest?"

Although not an academy member, Tianlin nodded "Of course, I need to personally oversee Rongrong's critical third spirit ring acquisition."

Tianlin had his reasons for participating. Aside from his interest in Ning Rongrong's progress, he had sensed an inexplicable pull from within the Star Dou Great Forest since his last visit. His curiosity demanded exploration.

"You little brats, ready to move out?" Zhao Wuji emerged with a bruised and slightly singed face. It was clear he had been punished recently.

Tianlin chuckled to himself, knowing full well that Zhao Wuji must have bullied Rongrong and earning him a sound beating from Grandpa Yang.

As Zhao Wuji referred to the group as 'little bunnies' Xiao Wu, a rabbit in disguise, couldn't resist whispering "Why don't you call yourself a little blind bear?"

With his sharp hearing, Zhao Wuji immediately caught her comment and glared "Xiao Wu, what did you say?"

Tang San stepped forward and shielding Xiao Wu protectively and Zhao Wuji, recalling Tang Hao's terrifying strength, felt a twinge of pain from his past wounds and chose not to escalate the matter.

The group began their journey and pushing their soul power to the limit to hasten their pace. Tianlin soon noticed he couldn't sense Xiao Wu's aura at all, realizing she must have taken a breath-suppressing pill.

As expected, Xiao Wu had prepared well. With her identity as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast safely concealed then she could finally relax and explore the continent alongside Tang San without fear.

Tianlin smiled faintly. His first step in subtly disrupting Tang San's opportunities had been successful.

As night fell, they stopped near a small town, knowing it was too risky to enter the forest after dark. Zhao Wuji led them to an ordinary-looking hotel and declared "We'll stay here for the night and set off early tomorrow. Everyone pays for their own room and meals."

Clearly, Zhao Wuji had picked up Flender's stingy habits.

"Rongrong, you'll stay in the same room as me," Tianlin said with a gentle smile and patting her head. He planned to continue their training that evening.

Ning Rongrong nodded obediently. Sharing a room had been their routine since childhood and they felt no awkwardness over it.

Though they cared deeply for one another but they had yet to cross any boundaries and prioritizing their cultivation at this stage in life.

"Brother Hongjun, get yourself a room and charge it to me. Order whatever you want to eat later. Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan isn't short on money" Tianlin said and turning to Ma Hongjun.

"Thank you, boss!" Ma Hongjun grinned "Looks like I joined the right clan—no need to worry about food and drink anymore!"

Without hesitation, Ma Hongjun ordered a lavish spread. However before they could enjoy their meal, the hotel door burst open.

A group of arrogant individuals from Canghui Academy entered and led by a man in his forties. Behind him were several teenagers in their late teens and all dressed in the academy's uniform and exuding an air of superiority.

One particularly arrogant youth grabbed the restaurant owner and barked "Give us your best rooms and finest food, now!"

The intimidated owner quickly complied

Tianlin now understood why Shrek had clashed with them in the original story. Their sheer arrogance was insufferable.

"Who are these people? Why are they so full of themselves?" Xiao Wu voiced what everyone was thinking

Dai Mubai sneered "It's just a small-time Canghui Academy. What's there to show off about?"

Ma Hongjun was about to chime in when Tianlin placed a firm hand on his shoulder

"Boss, why stop me?" Ma Hongjun asked in confusion

Tianlin shook his head "Let them be. Their arrogance has nothing to do with us. Don't provoke trouble unnecessarily."

Hearing this Dai Mubai was somewhat disdainful "Brother Jun, you're strong, yet you're afraid of causing trouble? Haven't you heard the saying: those who don't dare to cause trouble are mediocre!"

Tianlin retorted "That may be Shrek's motto, but in our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, we don't provoke trouble yet we're never afraid of it. I won't offend anyone unless they offend me first."

In his earlier years Tianlin admired Shrek's carefree, rebellious approach. But after his last conflict and he realized that stirring up trouble indiscriminately was no different from bullying.

Ignoring Dai Mubai Tianlin resolved to correct Ma Hongjun's bad habits now that he had joined the clan.