Originally, Thunderstorm Gorge was a small gathering place for spirit beasts. Ever since the first head of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan discovered that training in Thunderstorm Gorge greatly enhanced the cultivation of Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus spirit masters, he privately claimed Thunderstorm Gorge as the clan's personal territory when establishing the family.
At that time, many people opposed this, but the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan produced several powerful leaders in succession, which made other forces unwilling to challenge them. Over time, it became their private domain.
On Douluo Continent, it is common for prominent families to monopolize cultivation resources. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is relatively better off but still controls a significant amount of resources.
Between these families, the situation is roughly even. Regarding Ning Rongrong's words, Ning Fengzhi and the others neither agreed nor disagreed.
"Let it be for now. I always feel the continent's situation is getting unstable, and maintaining good relations with the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan will benefit us," Ning Fengzhi said.
In his heart, Ning Fengzhi never gave up the idea of kinship and unity.
With his god's-eye view, Ning Tianchen clearly understood how naive this idea was.
Although the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan has declined, their inherent pride prevents them from cooperating easily with others.
Besides, Ning Tianchen thought Ning Fengzhi had yet to realize the principle of "what rises must fall," since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is too dominant in the Tian Dou Empire.
Sighing in his heart, Ning Tianchen said nothing more.
For now, he enjoyed the resources and training the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect provided; there was no reason to ruin things.
"Thank you, Sect Leader, Sword Sacrificer, and Bone Sacrificer. I will train hard," Ning Tianchen said, cupping his hands respectfully.
Ancient Banyan gave a sheepish smile, "If you really want to thank me, why not become my disciple?"
"Huh? Old Bone, you want some practice?" Chenxin snorted and suddenly stood up.
Even if outmatched, Ancient Banyan didn't lose face and stood up as well. "Let's go. I've recently made some breakthroughs; let's practice!"
The two faced off with words, but there was no real fight.
Ning Fengzhi smiled helplessly. These two had quarreled before over whether Ning Rongrong should go to Tian Dou Royal Academy, and now they were quarreling again because of Ning Tianchen.
"Sword Uncle and Bone Uncle are both at levels ninety-six and ninety-five respectively, yet still act like kids."
Sighing, Ning Fengzhi looked at Ning Tianchen. "You should go back and prepare. We expect a reply in the next couple of days. When it arrives, you'll go hunting spirit beasts directly with Sword Uncle."
"Dad, Rongrong wants to go too," Ning Rongrong quickly said, holding Ning Tianchen's arm.
Ning Fengzhi gave a wry smile — truly, "a daughter should not be kept too tightly."
After thinking it over, he didn't refuse.
They would just arrange for another powerful Soul Douluo from the sect to accompany them on the spirit beast hunt.
...
After leaving the sect's main hall,
Ning Rongrong quickly pulled Ning Tianchen into a corner. After checking no one was nearby, she whispered, "Tianchen brother, I don't want to go to Tian Dou Royal Academy."
After all, Ning Fengzhi was the sect leader. Though Sword and Bone Douluos could influence his decisions, if he insisted on sending the two to Tian Dou Royal Academy, even Sword and Bone Douluos couldn't stop him.
"Training only inside the sect won't help us improve. We need to leave and explore the outside world for a while," Ning Tianchen said objectively.
Ning Rongrong shook her head and quickly explained her thoughts: "Tianchen brother, it's not that I don't want to go out, but what good is Tian Dou Royal Academy? How much can we really improve there?"
"Besides, I recently heard of an academy. It only admits geniuses and is a good place. Since we are geniuses, we should be with geniuses, not with the spoiled brats at Tian Dou Royal Academy."
Ning Tianchen asked, "Which academy are you talking about?"
Ning Rongrong replied, "Shrek Academy in the Balak Kingdom. I've heard it was founded twenty years ago. The first batch of graduates have now become the youngest elders in the Spirit Hall."
Ning Tianchen was speechless.
He was certain no one in Tian Dou City knew about Shrek Academy.
From what he knew, Shrek Academy had extremely strict admission criteria. There wouldn't be many students there.
To be admitted, one must reach Soul Power Level 21 or higher before age 13, and at least level 6 in innate Soul Power.
Most with such innate Soul Power came from big families and were core disciples.
Those families had their own interests; why would they entrust their disciples to an unknown small academy?
Spirit masters born of commoner families who meet Shrek's standards usually join the Spirit Hall or other major factions—not Shrek Academy.
But it was undeniable that the reputation of Shrek Academy was indeed quite impressive.
Every enrollment season, within the Balak Kingdom, there were many rumors about them. Unfortunately, those who went to apply only ended up paying a ten gold soul coin registration fee for nothing.
...
In any case, the reputation of Shrek Academy could not possibly have spread to Tian Dou City.
How Ning Rongrong obtained such information was something to be pondered.
It was quite possible that Ning Fengzhi, knowing she wouldn't go to Tian Dou Royal Academy, secretly sent someone to inform her about Shrek Academy.
Although Ning Rongrong's temperament had changed quite a bit, she still had a mischievous streak, so only a strong approach could restrain her stubbornness.
Perhaps Ning Fengzhi was currently exchanging letters with Flander.
With Ning Rongrong's current knowledge, she couldn't possibly detect any hidden tricks.
Ning Tianchen saw through this but said nothing, "Really? I didn't expect there to be such a unique academy on the continent. But Rongrong, have you thought it through carefully?"
"Is there something wrong?" Ning Rongrong asked, puzzled.
Ning Tianchen smiled, "Shrek Academy has only been established for twenty years, and it only admits students under the age of twelve. So even the first batch of graduates would be at most thirty-two years old today."
"Elders in the Spirit Hall must be titled Douluo masters or special figures like Sect Leader Ning. If such a talented and powerful young person really existed, the record for the youngest titled Douluo on the continent should have already been broken."
"Could it be that the elder Flander mentioned is actually Yu Xiaogang, who once freeloaded under Bibi Dong?"
At this, Ning Rongrong also felt that the rumors about Shrek Academy were somewhat untrue.
However, Shrek Academy had already become a place she yearned for, so she would find some way to justify this lie in her mind.
"Oh, Tianchen brother, maybe when Shrek Academy was first founded, there were no age restrictions. I don't care, I've decided to study there. Tianchen brother, will you go with me?"
Before Ning Tianchen could respond, Ning Fengzhi's voice came over, "What are you two doing here?"
"Thunderstorm Gorge has a special environment. You'd better prepare early. Once you enter the gorge, there's no backing out halfway."
This remark was mainly directed at Ning Rongrong.
"Bleh bleh bleh!" Sticking out her tongue, Ning Rongrong pulled Ning Tianchen and ran off.