"Little fatty, has no one ever taught you the saying 'misfortune comes from a loose mouth'?"
Walking over to Chu Chengzhou's table, the youth looked down his nose with an arrogant expression as he spoke to Ma Hongjun.
"Ho ho, talking to me like that? If you have the guts, why don't you teach me?"
The youth was arrogant, but Ma Hongjun wasn't weak either. What he said could provoke even someone without existing conflicts, making them want to beat him up.
Just then, the waiter happened to arrive carrying the first dish for Chu Chengzhou's table.
Seeing this, the youth from Cang Hui Academy stepped forward, intending to snatch the dish from the waiter and dump it on the obnoxious little fatty who dared to flirt with his goddess.
However, just as the youth's right hand was about to touch the dish in the waiter's hands, he found his wrist firmly clamped by someone.
Turning his head, the youth met Chu Chengzhou's unfriendly gaze.
Instantly, the young soul master's pupils contracted—how fast that speed was!
Not only was the speed astonishing, but the strength was also incredible. Even though he tried hard to pull his arm back, under the grip of the boy's right hand, he couldn't break free at all.
"Has no one ever taught you the saying 'misfortune comes from rash actions'?"
Narrowing his eyes, Chu Chengzhou calmly said.
Ma Hongjun had started the trouble by flirting, and originally, he didn't plan to intervene.
After all, this youth's soul power level was only at Level 27 Soul Grandmaster, the same as Ma Hongjun. Although Ma Hongjun's martial soul was often mocked as a mutated old hen, his strength wasn't bad; he was among the top of his peers. In a fight, he definitely wouldn't be at a disadvantage.
But you trying to smash my dish, that's something I can't tolerate.
"Alright, I won't bully you. Go back. If you really want to step up, your Level 27 Soul Grandmaster isn't enough. Call your teacher over!"
With that, Chu Chengzhou released the youth's wrist, patted his shoulder, and then sat back down.
At this moment, the middle-aged leader of Cang Hui Academy stood up, looking gravely at Chu Chengzhou, asking, "Who are you?"
From Chu Chengzhou's speed when he intervened and directly revealed his student's soul power level, the middle-aged man could tell that this young man's strength should be quite formidable, far beyond what his student could handle alone.
"Who we are doesn't concern you. Might makes right. Now, either pretend nothing happened, or get lost!"
Glancing at the middle-aged man, Chu Chengzhou directly stated.
"Come back! I am Ye Zhiqiu, the Director of External Affairs of Cang Hui Academy. Which soul master academy are you from?
Since both sides have seven students, let's have a team duel! If you lose, have that little fatty apologize to my student."
Ye Zhiqiu called out to the youth, then addressed Zhao Wuji, who remained calm and seated at the table, seemingly indifferent to this minor conflict.
Both groups consisted of eight people each, with an older soul master leading seven students. Presumably, they were teachers from some soul master academy leading their students on a soul-hunting trip.
Having been teased by a student, he couldn't just slink away since Cang Hui Academy valued its reputation.
However, the other party's background was unclear and might be extraordinary, so he didn't dare to act rashly, fearing to hit a hard wall.
A duel would be different. It was normal for academies to have students spar. Even if the opponent was tough, it wouldn't matter.
"Chu kid, just handle it yourselves!"
In response to Cang Hui Academy's Ye Zhiqiu's duel "invitation," Zhao Wuji casually told Chu Chengzhou.
"A duel is fine, but don't think lowly of you. One three-ring Soul Elder and six Soul Grandmasters aren't worth us going all out. Dai Mubai, leave their seven to you!"
Slightly nodding, Chu Chengzhou told Ye Zhiqiu and Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai: "..."
So you've shown off everything, and in the end, the dirty work falls on me?
If possible, Dai Mubai wanted to slam the table and loudly refuse Chu Chengzhou.
Unfortunately, in these times, strength was truth. Chu Chengzhou's fists were bigger than his; if he refused, this guy might find an excuse to beat him up again when they returned.
Getting beaten or beating others, Dai Mubai chose to beat others, despite his inner reluctance.
Don't impose on others what you yourself do not desire?
No, no, no, happiness is built on others' pain!
Don't blame me; if you must, blame Chu Chengzhou, who is truly unmanly.
"White Tiger, possess!"
Dai Mubai growled, and a strong pale light suddenly erupted from his body. His bones crackled, and his muscles instantly bulged.
On his hands, dense white fur covered, and ten sharp claws, each eight inches long, extended, flashing with a cold light.
At the same time, three soul rings—two yellow and one purple—rose under his feet, accompanied by surging soul power, spreading the domineering aura of the king of beasts throughout the restaurant.
"Shrek Academy, Dai Mubai, Level 37 Soul Elder. Come together!"
Dai Mubai beckoned to the seven students of Cang Hui Academy with his claws.
Seeing Dai Mubai, who radiated two yellow and one purple soul rings, exuding boundless dominance, the seven students of Cang Hui Academy instinctively shrank their necks and looked towards Ye Zhiqiu.
Seven against one—looking at the numbers, the advantage was theirs, but the problem was that their opponent was a Level 37 Soul Elder!
In battles between soul masters, numbers alone weren't useful. Numerical superiority existed, but only if the strengths were roughly equal.
Among their seven, one had just advanced to three rings, one was a Level 27 Soul Grandmaster, and five had soul power still below 25th level. Facing a Level 37 Soul Elder, they had no chance of winning.
Moreover, Dai Mubai's martial soul was very powerful. Three of their seven students had beast martial souls. Even though their martial souls hadn't been released yet, they still felt obvious suppression.
"We are sorry for the disturbance. We take our leave!"
Without hesitation, Ye Zhiqiu cupped his hands and bowed deeply, then walked towards the exit of the restaurant.
Are you kidding? Whoever came was a young Level 37 Soul Elder, and it looked like he wasn't even the strongest. They had no chance of victory.
Losing a team battle wasn't crucial, but losing a seven-on-one fight would be utterly humiliating.
Since it was embarrassing either way, it was better to run directly rather than get beaten and then run away shamefully.
The academy's reputation? Their Cang Hui Academy wasn't the strongest academy on the continent. If it lost face, it lost face. How much was face worth anyway?
Besides, if you don't say anything, and I don't say anything, everyone keeps quiet. Back at the academy, who would know that I, Ye Zhiqiu, lost face?
Seeing this, the seven students of Cang Hui Academy exchanged glances and quickly followed Ye Zhiqiu.
Dai Mubai: "..."
I haven't even moved yet! You guys ran?
"Tsk~, is Cang Hui Academy this cowardly?"
Seeing the eight from Cang Hui Academy admit defeat and run away, Ma Hongjun disdainfully pursed his lips.
"Knowing when to yield is wisdom. Admitting defeat isn't shameful. Compared to this, getting beaten up and then admitting defeat is even more disgraceful!"
Eating, Chu Chengzhou calmly said.
Compared to the original story, Ye Zhiqiu and others' outcome now was already considered good.
Overall, encountering Shrek's bunch of hooligans counted as their misfortune.
"By the way, fatty, you need to change this habit of yours. Otherwise, someday you might not even have the chance to admit defeat."
Thinking about it, Chu Chengzhou still said something to Ma Hongjun.
Although his words weren't pleasant to hear, his intention was for Ma Hongjun's benefit.
For example, last time Ma Hongjun dared to flirt with Qian Renxue. Had he not stopped him in time, or if he had coincidentally caught Angel Miss in a bad mood, there was no telling how high the grass on his grave next year would grow compared to a person.
Of course, the greater possibility was that he wouldn't even need a grave.
"Not wrong, fatty. If one day you kick a hard wall, it's over."
Ning Rongrong nodded and cheerfully said.
Being arrogant isn't a big deal, nor is picking a fight. But being arrogant without strength and actively provoking trouble is simply courting death.
"You guys know the problem with my martial soul..."
Ma Hongjun shrank his neck.
The influence of martial souls on soul masters runs deep in various aspects and may even affect a soul master's personality.
Phoenixes are noble, but an old hen full of fiery energy is different.
Perhaps he had some tendencies in this aspect. Coupled with the constant presence of fiery energy in his body, it was difficult for him to not be lecherous!
"I won't say much. You weigh your options yourself."
Chu Chengzhou didn't elaborate further. A person's nature is difficult to change. Ma Hongjun wasn't his brother, so he wouldn't bother too much.
A silent night passed.
Early the next morning, everyone set off to return to the academy.
Same as when they arrived, Zhao Wuji and Dai Mubai ran while Chu Chengzhou and the other six rode on two summoned creatures.
However, unlike before, Ning Rongrong absolutely refused to be squeezed in the middle by her two girlfriends.
Thus, Zhu Zhuqing became the 'sandwich cookie.'
If possible, Chu Chengzhou wanted to switch places with Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong.
As Little Bai ran, Zhu Zhuqing occasionally bumped into people, which made Xiao Wu's riding experience uncomfortable sitting in front of her.
As for Ning Rongrong? Just look at her two hands around 'Nether Young Miss's' slender waist and occasionally pinching upwards. Chu Chengzhou desperately wanted to take her place.
In the afternoon, the group hurried back to Shrek Academy.
Half an hour later, Wang Fugui, the manager of the Seven Treasures Chamber in Suotuo City, received news of his young mistress's return.
It wasn't because Wang Fugui was prescient but because he had already stationed people at the entrance of Shrek Academy.
His young mistress tasked him with something. How could he let her ask him for results? As a qualified worker, he naturally had to proactively report to his young mistress first!
Thus, Wang Fugui immediately set off for Shrek Academy, bringing along a hundred pounds of Yang Iron freshly transferred from the headquarters in Tian Dou City.
Shrek Academy.
Under the eaves of the wooden building, Chu Chengzhou brought out a recliner and lay on it, closing his eyes to cultivate the divine art of spirit refinement.
Feeling a series of approaching footsteps, Chu Chengzhou opened his eyes.
"You are... Manager Wang of the Seven Treasures Chamber?"
After examining him, Chu Chengzhou recognized the visitor and quickly got up.
"It's me, Young Chu. May I ask where my young mistress is? Also, the Yang Iron you requested has been brought."
Wang Fugui directly stated his purpose.
"Ning Rongrong!"
Chu Chengzhou called upstairs.
Upon returning to the academy, the three girls went upstairs. He didn't know whether they were slacking off or cultivating.
"What is it?"
Not long after, a window on the second floor opened, and Ning Rongrong's head popped out.
"Manager Wang of the Seven Treasures Chamber is looking for you!"
"Coming!"
She responded and quickly came downstairs.
She had been thinking about how to discuss the special Heavy Silver bow with Chu Chengzhou, and Manager Wang conveniently arrived.
Moreover, since Manager Wang came, it meant he had likely figured out Chu Chengzhou's background and details.
Having intelligence in hand undoubtedly allowed her to fight a more confident battle.
"Manager Wang, thank you for coming!"
Chu Chengzhou cupped his hands and thanked Wang Fugui.
"You're too polite, Young Chu. The things are inside my storage soul-guiding device. Where should I put them?"
Wang Fugui politely waved his hand.
"Follow me!"
Chu Chengzhou led Wang Fugui into the forging room on the first floor.
Seeing the furnace and forge in the room, Wang Fugui was slightly surprised. Could it be that the young lady's classmate also knew how to forge?
Life's three great hardships: rowing boats, forging iron, and grinding tofu. Why would a good soul master choose to forge iron? Surely, he must have been kicked by a ten-thousand-year-old stupid donkey?
Wang Fugui gave Chu Chengzhou a strange look.
"Cough~, Manager Wang, just leave the things here!"
Chu Chengzhou naturally noticed Wang Fugui's strange gaze but didn't care.
By the time soul-guiding technology flourished, especially during the era of Battle Armors, it wasn't impossible for Title Douluo to fetch shoes for top-tier blacksmiths.
Exiting the forging room, Ning Rongrong was already in the hall.
"Manager Wang, where are the things?"
Subtly glancing at Chu Chengzhou, Ning Rongrong asked Wang Fugui.
"Young Mistress, the things are all here."
Wang Fugui took out a black paper bag from his storage soul-guiding device and handed it to Ning Rongrong.
Inside was nothing else but the information he obtained about Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu.
Even though Chu Chengzhou was present, the paper bag wasn't transparent, so Wang Fugui wasn't afraid of him seeing.
"Very well, you're dismissed!"
Waving her hand, Ning Rongrong went upstairs herself, eager to check the information about the two.
'Thump thump thump—'
Hurrying upstairs and closing the door, Ning Rongrong opened the black paper bag.
—Chu Chengzhou, born in the Continental Calendar Year 2629, current age 13, Martial Soul: Summoning Flag, innate soul power level 1 (academy registration, likely fake), specific soul power level unknown, soul ring configuration and soul skill effects never displayed. Orphaned in childhood, raised by Grandpa Su Nan, principal of Nuoding Academy.
—Xiao Wu, born in the Continental Calendar Year 2630, current age 12, Martial Soul: Soft Bone Rabbit, entered Nuoding Academy as a one-ring soul master, likely full innate soul power, specific soul power level unknown, later adopted as a granddaughter by Principal Su Nan and his wife.
Note: Before entering Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy, Xiao Wu suddenly appeared near Di Hun Village outside Nuoding City. With the strength of a one-ring soul master, she obtained the village's sole annual scholarship to enter Nuoding Academy. No prior history was found, suggesting a possibly extraordinary identity.
Looking at the information recorded on the two sheets of paper, Ning Rongrong was dumbfounded.
The report hadn't uncovered their soul power levels, but she surely knew them.
Chu Chengzhou, 13 years old, Level 34 Soul Elder. No need to say, a genius among geniuses. At this cultivation speed, he was likely an innate full soul power.
Xiao Wu, 12 years old, Level 42 Soul Ancestor.
Goodness~, where did this monster come from? Could it be that there are soul masters in this world whose innate soul power surpasses level 10?
'I am Ning Rongrong, with innate soul power level 9, currently 12 years old, soul power level 26, a Soul Grandmaster.
I have a little sister named Xiao Wu, the same age as me, but her soul power level is 42, a Soul Ancestor. I feel so inferior.'
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but compare herself to Xiao Wu. There was no comparison. Same age, and she was a talent with innate level 9 soul power. Such a gap in soul power, is this still human?
But after being dumbfounded, Ning Rongrong immediately became excited.
A 12-year-old Level 42 Soul Ancestor, how high could her future achievements be?
Title Douluo? That's just the starting point! In the future, becoming a Level 99 Limit Douluo standing at the peak of the continent shouldn't be a problem, right?
My little sister has such great talent. If I can bring her into our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, our sect's future will surely soar!
Putting aside the Spirit Hall, which controls over half of the continent's soul masters, why did the former Hao Tian Sect become the number one sect? Wasn't it because they produced a Level 99 Supreme Douluo?
If Xiao Wu joins our sect, the title of the number one sect might fall to our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Moreover, recruiting one could bring another. Even if Chu Chengzhou's talent doesn't match Xiao Wu's, a 13-year-old Level 34 Soul Elder has solid potential to become a Title Douluo.
Even when Chu Chengzhou reaches level 90, if we can arrange a hundred-thousand-year soul ring for him, summoning a ten-thousand-year summoning beast would immediately make his strength comparable to our Sword Grandpa.
No wonder they lied about their ages. With such talent, unless they have a strong background, it's best to stay low-key; otherwise, they might meet an untimely demise.
"Ning Rongrong, keep it up!"
After a while, Ning Rongrong, having calmed her excitement, encouraged herself.
Back then, her father, Ning Fengzhi, the sect leader, recruited her Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa. These two grandpas now serve as the pillars supporting the heavens and the sea of purple gold for the sect.
Then I, Ning Rongrong, the young mistress of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, must also recruit Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu, nurturing them to become future guardians of the sect!
In the evening, at the dining hall of Shrek Academy.
While eating dinner, noticing Ning Rongrong frequently looking at him, Chu Chengzhou was somewhat puzzled.
One of life's three great illusions: she likes me?
No, no, no, even if he was narcissistic, he wouldn't think like that. This was probably related to the thousand-fold Heavy Silver.
However, he wouldn't bring it up first. He'd wait for Ning Rongrong to approach him.
Of course, he didn't plan to pass on the blacksmithing techniques either.
It wasn't that he was stingy, but blacksmithing highly depended on comprehension. Becoming a top-tier blacksmith was even harder than becoming a peak expert. He didn't have the time to teach rough men.
Teaching girls hand-in-hand was possible, but in this era, blacksmiths were all rough men; no girls learned blacksmithing.
After dinner, the four returned to the wooden building together.
Knock knock knock!
In the first-floor bedroom, Chu Chengzhou was about to start his evening meditation when a knock sounded at the door.
Feeling a familiar presence outside the door, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
Squeak—
A slight sound rang out as Chu Chengzhou opened the door.
"Are you looking for me?"
Chu Chengzhou asked Ning Rongrong standing outside the door.
"Senior Chu, I have something to discuss with you. Shall we talk inside?"
Glancing at the room's setup, Ning Rongrong smiled and said.
". . . It's late. Isn't it inappropriate~"
Hearing this, after a moment of silence, Chu Chengzhou feigned modesty and said.
Of course, though he said this, Chu Chengzhou still stepped aside.
Ning Rongrong smiled and entered the room.
Bang—
The door closed.
"Tell me, what's the matter?"
Chu Chengzhou offered Ning Rongrong a chair and sat on the bed edge.
"Senior Chu, I have a question.
My Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul has treasure-finding abilities. In my martial soul perception, though Heavy Silver is a treasure, it's not particularly valuable. However, your large bow made of Heavy Silver qualifies as a rare treasure.
Senior Chu, could you enlighten me?"
Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
"You want to know?"
"Mm-hmm!"
Ning Rongrong earnestly nodded.
"This is easy to explain. You previously sent me a lot of rare metals. Telling you is no problem."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong's heart jumped with joy.
"Do you know about the three people hailed as Divine Blacksmiths on the continent?"
Chu Chengzhou asked.
"The three contemporary Divine Blacksmiths are Hao Tian Douluo Tang Hao, Titan, the leader of the Strength Clan, and the last one I don't know, but apparently, he's from the Star Luo Empire."
Tang Hao was famous on the continent. The Strength Clan's current residence was in Tian Dou City, and both were renowned Title Douluo or eighth-ring Soul Fighters. Ning Rongrong had some knowledge of them.
"The last one is Lou Gao, the president of the Blacksmith Association in Gengjin City of the Star Luo Empire. What do you think of their skills?"
"They should be pretty good, after all, they're called Divine Blacksmiths."
After hesitating for a moment, Ning Rongrong said.
Though she didn't think much of these so-called Divine Blacksmiths, being crowned with the title of divine blacksmith certainly meant they had skills.
"It's good that you think this way, but in my opinion, their skills are actually lacking.
Of course, I mean their blacksmithing skills are lacking, not their ability to manufacture weapons and armor."
When it came to pure blacksmithing, Chu Chengzhou, who achieved the perfect thousand-refinement level, considered himself second to none on the continent.
But when it came to crafting weapons, armor, or farming tools like sickles and hoes, he was a novice. Even calling him a novice was generous; any blacksmith with years of experience was better than him.
"Forging? Senior Chu, is this why my martial soul evaluated your Heavy Silver bow as a rare treasure?"
Blinking, Ning Rongrong asked.
"Exactly, you can understand it as the metal's properties undergoing sublimation and transformation after my forging.
Apart from me, the most skilled blacksmiths on the continent have only reached the stage of metal purification, which I call Hundred-Refinement.
Beyond Hundred-Refinement is Thousand-Refinement, which can imbue metals with vitality. My Heavy Silver bow was crafted using Thousand-Refined Heavy Silver."
Chu Chengzhou briefly educated Ning Rongrong on blacksmithing science.
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)