"Principal Flender, excuse me, but I have a slightly different perspective on auxiliary-type soul masters!"
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou raised his hand and spoke.
"Oh? You have a different perspective? Go ahead, tell us~"
Pushing up his glasses, Flender revealed a curious expression.
"In my opinion, martial souls are categorized into varying levels of quality, and auxiliary roles can also be divided into low-tier, excellent, and top-tier.
Low-tier auxiliaries only cry and whimper during battles. Apart from running away in panic, they're useless.
Excellent auxiliaries not only enhance their teammates' attributes, indirectly weakening the opponent's strength, but also ensure their own survival.
As for top-tier auxiliaries, they not only weaken the opponent's strength indirectly but can also reduce the number of opponents—or even help their teammates eliminate all enemies.
Unfortunately, it's regrettable to say that the vast majority of auxiliaries on the continent are low-tier, with only a small portion being excellent, and there isn't a single top-tier auxiliary."
Chu Chengzhou passionately shared his unique perspective.
"Pfft—!"
Instantly, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but stifle a laugh behind her hand.
"You, behave yourself! Are you saying that what you described is something an auxiliary-type soul master could actually achieve?"
Flender shot Chu Chengzhou an exasperated glare.
"Of course it's possible!"
Chu Chengzhou responded earnestly.
"Oh?"
Flender was utterly astonished.
Chu Chengzhou continued, "Take Ning Rongrong as an example. If she could refine six ten-thousand-year soul bones, wouldn't that give her access to six ten-thousand-year soul bone skills?
Even without the enhancement from her true body, she could boost herself and, with six ten-thousand-year soul bone skills at her disposal, would absolutely not be weaker than a battle-type soul master at the same level.
And if she manages to gather a full set of hundred-thousand-year soul bones, equipping herself with twelve hundred-thousand-year soul bone skills, even as a seven-ring Soul Sage, defeating weaker Title Douluo might not be impossible!"
Everyone: "…"
"You, right now, immediately, go stand somewhere else!"
Pointing to the sidelines, Flender, with a stern face, issued his order without hesitation.
At this very moment, Flender was on the verge of exploding.
Bluffing without any basis—who said an auxiliary-type soul master could obtain so many hundred-thousand-year soul bones? Whether there are even that many hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts on the continent is debatable.
Six hundred-thousand-year soul bones? Why don't you just add a second martial soul while you're at it?
"Principal Flender, do you think I'm wrong?"
Chu Chengzhou sighed, somewhat helplessly. What he said was the truth, and theoretically feasible—why didn't Flender acknowledge it?
"Hmph~, come back and talk to me about this when you manage to get six hundred-thousand-year soul bones. For now, go cool off somewhere else!"
With a cold snort, Flender cast Chu Chengzhou out.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
Shrugging, Chu Chengzhou left the training ground.
"Alright, back to the topic at hand, Ning Rongrong, do you think what I said earlier makes sense?"
After banishing Chu Chengzhou, who spouted nothing but nonsense, Flender turned to Ning Rongrong.
"Mmm~, Principal Flender, what you said is correct, but Senior Chu's words seem… reasonable too?"
After pondering for a moment, Ning Rongrong realized that both seemed to make some sense.
It was true that auxiliary-type soul masters needed to run fast, but the main reason they couldn't match battle-type soul masters was their lack of offensive capabilities.
If they could gain soul bone skills by refining soul bones, couldn't auxiliary-type soul masters also possess combat abilities?
Furthermore, if the soul bone skills were suitable and the soul bones weren't low-level, overpowering battle-type soul masters of the same rank would be entirely possible.
"Cough~, regardless of whether or not Chu's words are correct, one thing is certain—auxiliary-type soul masters must have good stamina and speed!
Ning Rongrong, your and Oscar's task today is physical training.
Starting now, run twenty laps around the entire village. If you don't return before lunch, you won't eat lunch.
Alright, you two can start now. Oscar, you lead the way!"
Clearing his throat, Flender changed the subject and directly assigned their tasks.
"Yes!"
Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong immediately agreed and dashed off.
Oscar shot Flender a resentful glance before following after her.
At this moment, Ning Rongrong had no idea that a big pit awaited her.
"Principal Flender, although our village is small, each lap around the village is nearly six miles. Twenty laps means a hundred and twenty miles! Are you really giving Rongrong such a difficult task right off the bat?"
Watching Ning Rongrong disappear into the distance, Xiao Wu looked at Flender with a strange expression.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's mouth slightly parted.
A hundred and twenty miles? Forget auxiliary-type soul masters like Ning Rongrong—even if it were her running, it wouldn't be easy.
Could it be that Ning Rongrong had offended Principal Flender in the past?
"No need to say more; I have my plans!"
Waving his hand dismissively, Flender wasn't inclined to elaborate further.
Should he tell them that Ning Rongrong's father had already written him a letter asking him to discipline this little devil?
Tsk~, who knows how generous Sect Leader Ning's red envelope will be.
But since Ning Rongrong's family is so wealthy, the size of the red envelope after the task should be considerable, right?
---
Outside the village.
"Oscar, how far is one lap exactly?"
Ning Rongrong's voice carried a hint of frustration.
At first, she was confident. After all, the village where Shrek Academy was located wasn't large—it was even quite small.
Moreover, back home, her father, Ning Fengzhi, had always insisted on her exercising, so her physical fitness wasn't bad. While not as strong as battle-type soul masters of the same level, Ning Rongrong believed her physique wouldn't be inferior to other auxiliary-type soul masters.
Running? Who couldn't do that?
However, things had exceeded her expectations. The village itself might be small, but the path Oscar had chosen included even the farmland outside the village?
By the time she finished twenty laps, Ning Rongrong feared her legs might not even feel like they belonged to her anymore.
Hearing this, Oscar gave a bitter smile. "I don't know what madness has struck Principal Flender either. This training task is exceptionally long—it's practically an impossible mission.
But don't worry. As a food-system soul master, I have plenty of sausages if you get hungry."
"Sausage my head! Xiao Wu already warned me to be careful of the three perverts in the academy. Who'd want to eat your disgusting sausages?"
Glaring at Oscar disdainfully, Ning Rongrong summoned her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, activated her second soul ring, applied agility buffs, and sped forward.
"Uh..."
Oscar opened his mouth to retort but found Ning Rongrong had already run far ahead.
At this moment, Oscar felt a bit wronged. He admitted his sausages used to be somewhat vulgar, but now he could create them without chanting incantations. His sausages weren't vulgar anymore, were they?
---
Elsewhere, in the grand hall of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
The grand hall faced south, and seated in the northernmost position was a man whose face was as flawless as jade, with a straight nose and well-defined features. His appearance was refined and gentle, holding a gemstone staff, appearing to be around thirty years old.
However, occasional flashes of sharpness in his eyes and a slightly weathered gaze revealed his true age was much older than he appeared. Thanks to good care, he maintained a youthful appearance.
This person was none other than Ning Fengzhi, the current sect leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the continent's foremost auxiliary-type soul master and Ning Rongrong's father.
Before him, a young man dressed in white knelt on one knee, reporting news.
"Sect Leader, the Young Miss has successfully enrolled in Shrek Academy."
The young man reported respectfully.
"Letting this little troublemaker go out to train is for the best—it saves her from causing chaos at home."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, his expression tinged with resignation.
His precious daughter being able to enroll in a "wild chicken" academy like Shrek was all thanks to his subtle guidance behind the scenes.
Flender's personality—proud, cunning, greedy, and stingy—had been thoroughly investigated.
However, Flender's strict requirements for students had also been noted.
Precisely because of Flender's character, Ning Fengzhi had written to entrust him with disciplining his precious daughter.
Strict yet tactful—wasn't this the perfect mentor for his mischievous daughter?
Giving Flender a generous red envelope (bonus) afterward—if it resulted in reforming his little witch, Ning Fengzhi estimated he'd laugh in his sleep.
And if it failed? No harm done; he, Ning Fengzhi, still wouldn't lose out.
"By the way, have you investigated the situation at Shrek Academy, especially the students?"
As he spoke, a glint of sharpness flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes.
They say those near vermilion turn red, and those near ink turn black. As a father, he naturally needed to investigate the environment his daughter would be in.
"Forgive me, Sect Leader. The teachers at Shrek Academy are usually low-profile, rarely displaying their powers, so we couldn't uncover their exact details.
However, we've gathered some intelligence on the students. Additionally, the letter you entrusted me with has been delivered to the teachers at Shrek Academy and will surely reach the principal's hands."
"Oh? Tell me more."
Ning Fengzhi immediately became interested.
"Sect Leader, aside from Young Miss and the new female student who enrolled this year, Shrek Academy originally had five students:
Dai Mubai, White Tiger martial soul, likely from the Star Luo Empire's imperial family, 15 years old, currently a Level 37 Soul Elder. Known for his flirtatious nature, frequently seen in various pleasure districts of Suotuo City.
Ma Hongjun, commoner background, 12 years old, martial soul is a chicken mutating toward a phoenix, currently a Level 27 Soul Grandmaster. Extremely lustful.
Chu Chengzhou, from a remote small city, 17 years old, martial soul is a flag, previously a Level 29 Soul Grandmaster. Personality unknown, but based on intelligence, he appears rather low-key.
Xiao Wu, claims to be siblings with Chu Chengzhou but is actually his lover, 17 years old, martial soul is the Soft Bone Rabbit, previously a Level 38 Soul Elder.
The last one is named Oscar, 14 years old, martial soul is sausage, currently a Level 29 food-system Soul Grandmaster. Similar to Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, he frequents pleasure districts."
The young man reported to Ning Fengzhi.
For the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, obtaining intelligence on Chu Chengzhou and others wasn't difficult.
For instance, Oscar and Ma Hongjun regularly collected subsidies from the Spirit Hall every month, leaving traces of information.
Meanwhile, public records of Dai Mubai, Chu Chengzhou, and Xiao Wu were available at the Suotuo City Grand Spirit Arena.
Though the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't on good terms with these factions, money talks. Buying intelligence was effortless.
As for missing Xiao Wu's advancement to four rings and Chu Chengzhou's to three rings, it was simply because neither had participated in arena battles recently.
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi fell silent.
Good grief, the original five students at Shrek Academy—four males and one female—and three of them were perverts?
Even Chu Chengzhou, who wasn't classified as a pervert, already had a girlfriend. Otherwise, who knows if he'd be one too? Would his precious daughter be corrupted?
Shaking his head, Ning Fengzhi dismissed these messy thoughts.
His precious daughter, though troublesome, wasn't someone who didn't value herself. She wouldn't follow bad examples.
Moreover, Flender kept an eye on her inside the academy, and he had sent people to discreetly monitor her outside. There was no chance she'd go astray.
"By the way, what's up with this Chu Chengzhou? His cultivation talent is clearly much lower than the others. Isn't Shrek Academy supposed to have high standards?"
Ning Fengzhi noticed Chu Chengzhou, who stood out among the five.
"I don't know, Sect Leader, but this is the intelligence we've gathered so far."
"Fine. Keep an eye on Shrek Academy in the future. You may leave."
Waving his hand, Ning Fengzhi didn't dwell on such a minor figure.
"Yes, Sect Leader!"
The young man rose and quickly exited the grand hall.
---
Shrek Academy.
At the entrance of the wooden building, basking in the morning sunlight, Chu Chengzhou lay in a recliner, eyes closed, cultivating his spirit refining techniques.
He was quite satisfied with his "auto-cultivation" cheat, though it wasn't without limitations.
Techniques that only involved skill mastery, but not foundational improvement, allowed him to grow stronger while lying down.
However, techniques tied to foundational improvements required effort, even with the cheat active.
Take archery, for example—it only demanded skill mastery. Once the auto-cultivation reached a certain level, he could perfectly grasp archery of the corresponding level.
But the three techniques—Nine Breaths Qi Absorption, Body Refining, and Spirit Refining—were different. Though he had mastered them, mastering alone wasn't enough. To see results, he still had to put in the work.
Still, this was fine. If he could grow stronger lying down, Chu Chengzhou feared he'd become complacent.
Changing one's nature was hard. Moving from laziness to diligence was as difficult as reforming a prostitute. But moving from diligence to laziness could happen in the blink of an eye.
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou heard approaching footsteps.
Opening his eyes, he saw Xiao Wu rushing over.
"Brother, lend me Little Bai for a bit!"
Before Chu Chengzhou could ask, Xiao Wu blurted out her request.
"Little Bai? What do you need Little Bai for?"
Chu Chengzhou was puzzled. Little Bai was just a support summon— What did this little bunny plan to do with it?
"Aww~, just lend it to me!"
Wrapping her arms around Chu Chengzhou's arm, Xiao Wu pouted cutely.
"Fine."
Though he didn't know what Xiao Wu wanted with Little Bai, Chu Chengzhou didn't refuse. Summoning his True Spirit Flag martial soul, he called forth the Light Lion summon.
"By the way, Xiao Wu, haven't you been slacking off lately? Advancing to four rings isn't something to be arrogant about—don't neglect your training."
Chu Chengzhou reminded Xiao Wu.
"Got it, got it. Little Bai, follow me!"
Waving at Chu Chengzhou like a doting father, Xiao Wu patted Little Bai's head and hurried off with it.
"Xiao Wu, is that the Light Lion? Is it another summon beast of Senior Chu?"
At the academy gates, Zhu Zhuqing curiously examined the Light Lion, Little Bai, trailing behind Xiao Wu.
"Mmhm, its name is Little Bai, an auxiliary summon beast. With Little Bai's help, Rongrong will definitely run faster and longer."
As she spoke, Xiao Wu stroked Little Bai's golden mane.
Running twenty laps around the entire village was a heavy training task Flender had assigned Ning Rongrong, with the added stipulation that failing to complete it meant no lunch. Xiao Wu, knowing Flender's tendencies, immediately understood that this was intentional embarrassment.
After all, Flender had previously only assigned ten laps of endurance training to Oscar.
Now, with Ning Rongrong's arrival, it has doubled to twenty laps. If Flender claimed this wasn't deliberate, Xiao Wu wouldn't believe it even if he swore.
However, Flender was the principal, and as a student, Xiao Wu couldn't object openly.
But since she guessed Flender's intentions, as the eldest sister, Xiao Wu couldn't just stand by and watch.
Twenty laps? With perseverance, it could be done. Besides, Flender hadn't forbidden external assistance.
Although Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul could boost her own attributes by 30% in strength and speed, Little Bai's innate soul skill—Blessing—provided a 30% boost to all attributes. When it came to running, which boost was greater was obvious.
Additionally, Xiao Wu wanted to test whether Little Bai's Blessing could stack with Ning Rongrong's attribute-boosting soul skill.
After waiting for a long time at the academy gates, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing finally spotted Ning Rongrong and Oscar running in the distance.
Mm, they were about to finish their first lap.
In Oscar's mind, they were one-twentieth of the way through the training. He prepared to persevere and aim to finish twenty laps by noon... or evening.
But Ning Rongrong's thoughts were no longer on the training.
Running was exhausting. How much better would it be to call her two newly acquainted sisters and go shopping in Suotuo City?
As for disobeying the academy's orders?
This shoe-horn-faced principal wasn't just ugly but also malicious. Assigning such a heavy training task to her? Fine, then don't blame her for not cooperating.
Besides, she was the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Flender was merely a seven-ring Soul Sage. Even if he dared to scold her, she could have Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa demolish this shabby academy.
Suddenly, just as Ning Rongrong was about to abandon the task, she spotted Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing at the academy gates, along with a golden-maned white lion beside them.
Immediately, Ning Rongrong ran over and asked, "Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, are you waiting for me to go shopping together?"
"Shopping?"
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances.
Seems like their little sister wasn't the obedient type?
"Cough~, Rongrong, we're here to cheer you on! I even borrowed Little Bai from my brother. It has a soul skill that boosts all attributes by 30%. Hang in there—you'll definitely finish twenty laps!"
Xiao Wu pointed to Little Bai beside her.
"Roar~!"
Little Bai let out a low roar in agreement.
"Not going shopping?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened. So they weren't inviting her shopping but cheering her on instead?
This... twenty whole laps... They're probably trying to torture me...
"Rongrong, let me tell you, Principal Flender assigning you such a heavy training task is likely intentional. If you don't finish, he's probably planning something worse. Shouldn't we foil his schemes?"
Seeing signs of Ning Rongrong wanting to slack off, Xiao Wu quickly urged her.
"This..."
Ning Rongrong hesitated.
Finishing twenty laps would undoubtedly be exhausting, and she was extremely reluctant.
But if she didn't finish, wouldn't that mean letting Flender's scheme succeed, just as Xiao Wu said?
Moreover, her two sisters had come to cheer her on. Xiao Wu, as the elder sister, had even borrowed a support summon beast. If she now declared she was quitting, wouldn't that waste their heartfelt support?
Ah~, this is so difficult for me!
At this moment, Oscar, who had caught up, summoned his sausage martial soul. His first soul ring lit up, and a yellow glow formed in his hand, slowly materializing into a recovery sausage.
"Ning Rongrong, how about a sausage? My sausages not only heal injuries but also restore stamina."
Oscar controlled the recovery sausage to hover two inches above his palm and spoke to Ning Rongrong.
"Huh? Oscar, your sausages don't have that vulgar incantation anymore?"
Xiao Wu examined Oscar curiously. She hadn't heard the bizarre and vulgar soul skill chant when he created the sausage earlier?
Her previous rejection of Oscar's sausages was solely due to the vulgar incantations.
But Oscar's recovery sausages themselves were undeniably beneficial. Now that the vulgar chant was gone, maybe they weren't so unpalatable? After all, she had eaten regular sausages before.
"Sister Xiao Wu, three days can change a person. Your intel is outdated!"
Oscar straightened his back, proudly declaring.
"Is that so? Not bad, not bad. Little Oscar, in the future, Sister Xiao Wu will look out for you!"
Xiao Wu raised her eyebrows, patting Oscar's shoulder like a big sister.
"Rongrong, with Little Bai boosting your attributes without draining your soul power, and Oscar's sausages restoring your stamina, you'll definitely finish twenty laps. Keep it up!"
Zhu Zhuqing encouraged Ning Rongrong.
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