Tang Hao continued bringing Tang San to the waterfall for training, but as soon as they arrived, Tang Hao's expression changed, clearly, someone had already been there.
He rushed behind the waterfall to the hidden chamber and found everything as usual, except that the items he had hidden were now gone.
Tang Hao let out a furious roar: "Who?! Who stole my things? I will never forgive you!"
Tang San had never seen Tang Hao like this and didn't know how to speak to him.
Eventually, Tang Hao knelt before a small patch of grass, eyes filled with tears. "A Yin, I've failed you. I never imagined I'd even lose your last belongings."
Yang Xiong returned to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy with the team. This time, the Shrek team had earned second place, the academy's best performance in years. Everyone was in high spirits, and even Emperor Xue Ye personally met with them.
Yang Xiong immediately sought out the three deans, mainly to arrange for him and Ning Rongrong to take a leave of absence.
With their current spirit power levels, both Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had already reached graduation standards. But they were only fourteen years old and still eligible for the next Spirit Master Tournament. Neither Xue Qinghe nor Yu Xiaogang would allow them to graduate so easily.
Given their backgrounds, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan likely had other plans for their training. So, the three deans didn't insist on them staying. They approved their leave, with the understanding that they would return for the next tournament.
Flender seemed absent-minded after returning to the academy. He clearly had no more desire to teach, especially since the Shrek team was now essentially disbanded.
Aside from Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing also applied for leave to go train elsewhere, as the academy's training methods wouldn't help Dai Mubai surpass Davis.
Ning Rongrong had already returned to the clan with Ning Fengzhi. As the heir to the sect, her responsibilities went beyond cultivation, she also needed to learn how to manage sect affairs.
Yang Xiong still had matters to wrap up at the academy. After all, after two years with Shrek, he couldn't walk away empty-handed.
First, he approached Zhao Wuji, who lived a leisurely life at the academ, mainly handling combat training, cultivating in his free time, and earning a decent salary.
Zhao Wuji was glad to see Yang Xiong: "Little Xiong, I heard you did well in the tournament. Looks like those beatings over the years weren't in vain."
Yang Xiong smiled. "Thanks to your training, Teacher Zhao. Without you, I wouldn't have developed such solid combat instincts."
After some small talk, Yang Xiong got to the point.
"Teacher Zhao, do you have any plans for the future? Or are you going to keep teaching here at the academy?"
Zhao Wuji was a bit confused. "What do you mean? Isn't this academy good enough? Life's been decent."
Yang Xiong paused before speaking. "A lot happened in Spirit City. I think Dean Flender took quite a hit emotionally. He may not stay at the academy. And I noticed Teacher Liu Erlong has been encouraging him and the Grandmaster to go to Blue Tyrant Academy."
Zhao Wuji replied, "This place was never truly home to you Shrek monsters. It's normal that people hesitate to help in critical moments. I don't mind leaving either, if Flender goes to Blue Tyrant Academy, I'll follow him. We've survived tough days before. So what if I lose the 3,000 gold soul coin salary?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment. "Teacher Zhao, you're not young anymore. Have you considered other paths? You don't have to be a teacher."
Zhao Wuji frowned. "Xiong, you know we're close. But I'm not interested in getting tied up with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Too many rules and restrictions. Otherwise, I would've joined long ago."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "This isn't about the clan. It's personal. I want to hire you as my private coach."
Zhao Wuji was puzzled. "Private coach? Like those spirit masters hired by noble families? Are you looking down on me? Say that again and I'll throw you out."
Yang Xiong replied, "Not at all. You'd only be responsible for me, my brother, and our family's training, just combat training. Nothing else. Salary: 5,000 gold soul coins a month, plus full board."
Yang Xiong had based this idea on personal trainers from his past life on Blue Star, high pay, flexible, and suited to Zhao Wuji's temperament.
Zhao Wuji asked, "What are you really planning? The clan doesn't need someone like me."
Yang Xiong responded quickly, "I already said it's not about the clan. My brother just graduated, and I'm going back to the sect to train. When it comes to combat training, no one else is more familiar than you. I'm used to your style."
"And though my parents are older, they lack combat experience and need polishing too."
His brother, Yang Wei, was already twenty years old and no longer eligible for the next tournament. With spirit power at level 35, he'd likely become a junior steward in the sect.
Zhao Wuji replied, "You know I hate being restricted. The clan is too complicated, I might lose my temper and punch some arrogant brat."
Yang Xiong smiled. "That's exactly why I want you teaching us. You don't need to interfere with anything else. If anything troublesome comes up, you can leave anytime."
Zhao Wuji showed a bitter smile. "You're a tricky one. I've been with Flender for years, he's like a brother to me. It's hard to let go."
Yang Xiong spoke seriously. "If you agree to be my coach, I promise you'll reach Title Douluo within ten years."
Zhao Wuji was stunned. "Do you even know what you're saying? That's no easy feat. I'm realistic, maybe Soul Douluo is my limit."
Yang Xiong replied solemnly, "Have I ever made a promise I couldn't keep? If I dare say it, I have the means. I can even help you get your final two soul rings, top-tier ones."
Zhao Wuji's tone hardened. "What are you really trying to do? The clan wouldn't let you act so recklessly."
Yang Xiong chuckled. "There's no recklessness. I just have to look out for myself. The clan is too deep, I might drown. I'm only saying this to you because I respect what you've done for me."
Zhao Wuji thought long and hard before replying, "Let me think about it."
Yang Xiong nodded. "I understand it's a tough decision, but it will be the best one for your future."
After leaving Zhao Wuji, Yang Xiong went straight to Oscar's villa. Oscar had only participated in one match in the tournament, and lost badly. He seemed quite dejected.
After some brief words of comfort, Yang Xiong got to the point. "Oscar, want to come with me? Staying at this academy is a waste of your talent."
Oscar hesitated. "Brother Xiong, are you asking me to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? I'm not fond of sect restrictions."
Yang Xiong smiled. "I'm not speaking for the clan, this is personal. You've always been my closest friend in Shrek. It's time you went out to train. Only battle can make you truly strong."
Oscar looked doubtful. "I want to become stronger too, but I'm a food-type spirit master. Can I really fight?"
Yang Xiong nodded. "Trust me. Food-type spirits seem non-combative, but don't forget I invented the Rasengan. I have ways to turn you into a true battle-type spirit master."
"And considering your relationship with Qin Shuang, if you really want to be with her, you either follow me or join the clan. You know the difference."
"I also plan to give you two gifts, enough to transform you. You're one of the rare ones born with full innate spirit power."
Oscar thought deeply. "Brother Xiong, if I don't follow you, does that mean you won't teach me the Rasengan or give me those gifts?"
Yang Xiong shook his head. "No matter your choice, I'll still give them to you. We're brothers. You're not my subordinate. But I do hope you choose the better path. I have bigger plans."
"You'll graduate someday. You need to think of your future. A rogue food-type spirit master will have a tough time, others won't value you."
"Only I truly understand your potential and your dreams. You could be the first food-type Title Douluo in history, one of the strongest on the continent."
Without pushing further, Yang Xiong handed Oscar the Rasengan cultivation method.
Oscar didn't accept it right away but asked, "Brother Xiong, do you really believe I can become a Title Douluo? Do you really believe in my talent?"
Yang Xiong didn't answer directly. "In the Extreme North, there's a soul beast called the Mirror Shadow Beast, very rare. If a food-type spirit master uses it as a soul ring, your sausages could gain the ability to copy other soul skills. Then you could have combat ability."
"And if your body's strong enough, once you master the Rasengan, you'll also have some battle strength. I'm still developing an upgraded version, it'll be even more powerful."
"In terms of raw talent, you might be the best in all of Shrek. Especially with your discipline. You've just lacked opportunity."
After saying this, Yang Xiong left. Oscar was smart, he would make the right choice. And Yang Xiong hadn't even revealed the truly rare herbs he had in store yet.
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