As night fell and dinner was over, it was once again time for the evening class at Shrek Academy.
However, Chu Chengzhou didn't go this time—he had no interest in soul battles recently.
Knowing Chu Chengzhou's strength, Flender agreed; after all, he knew Chu Chengzhou was invincible at the third-rank Soul Elder stage.
Chu Chengzhou didn't go, and Ning Rongrong, claiming to feel unwell, didn't join the others either. But Xiao Wu went with Zhu Zhuqing to attend the evening class.
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou, who had returned to his room, didn't start meditating but sat waiting for Ning Rongrong to knock on his door.
During dinner earlier, Ning Rongrong kept glancing at him, which made Chu Chengzhou realize that if nothing unexpected happened, Ning Rongrong would likely come to see him soon.
Knock, knock, knock
Sure enough, not long after, a knock sounded at the door.
Feeling the familiar presence outside, a smile appeared on Chu Chengzhou's lips. The fish has arrived!
Opening the door, Chu Chengzhou saw Ning Rongrong wearing pajamas.
'Is this... failing with bribery, now trying seduction?'
Seeing Ning Rongrong's pajamas and her hair still damp from a recent bath, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but think secretly.
Of course, he also knew that he was probably overthinking it.
Even if Ning Rongrong wanted to use her beauty against him, she wouldn't have to come herself!
Moreover, Ning Rongrong wasn't Zhu Zhuqing; she was still very green and couldn't pull off such tactics.
"Rongrong, didn't you say you weren't feeling well? What do you need?"
Chu Chengzhou asked casually.
Hearing this, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Ning Rongrong's face. Feeling unwell was just an excuse; she had something to discuss with Chu Chengzhou and thus didn't follow her two sisters to the big arena.
"Senior Chu, I want to discuss something with you~"
"Discuss something again? Rongrong, isn't it late? Aren't you afraid I'll take advantage?"
Chu Chengzhou said playfully.
Ning Rongrong: "…"
Glaring at him, Ning Rongrong directly entered the room.
Taking advantage? I'm not afraid of you at all! If you dare to take advantage, I'll have my dad and two grandpas break your legs!
Bang—
Seeing Ning Rongrong enter the room on her own, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow and closed the door.
"Rongrong, don't tell me you still want that forging technique? Don't even think about it. Although we are friends, this is my future livelihood skill, and I can't give it to you."
After inviting Ning Rongrong to sit down, Chu Chengzhou shook his head and spoke.
"Senior Chu, let's not talk about secret techniques for now. Let's be honest!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong waved her hand and earnestly continued, her little face serious.
'Honesty?!'
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou's eyes widened.
Does she mean honesty as in…?
Before Chu Chengzhou could open his mouth, Ning Rongrong continued, "Senior Chu, let's make a deal!"
"A deal? Tell me~"
'Does this little girl plan to sacrifice herself to exchange for the secret techniques for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?'
Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but think secretly.
He admitted that he had feelings for Ning Rongrong, but wasn't it too early?
Moreover, although Chu Chengzhou considered himself not a good person, he wasn't a bad one either. He was very resistant to such shady PY deals (pretending to reject but actually welcoming them?).
"Senior Chu, let me apologize first!"
Ning Rongrong said sincerely.
"Apologize?"
Chu Chengzhou was stunned. What did he mean? What regrettable thing did this little girl do to him?
Before he could think more, Ning Rongrong solemnly raised her right hand and vowed, "Senior Chu, as long as you teach our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect the forging and Body Refining techniques, I, Ning Rongrong, the young mistress of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, swear on the honor of the sect that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will be your strongest support.
Anyone who tries to harm you, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will block them for you. This promise will last until you and Xiao Wu become Title Douluo!"
Chu Chengzhou was tough to sway, and Ning Rongrong knew it was hard to move him, but hard didn't mean impossible.
After pondering for several days, Ning Rongrong understood what Chu Chengzhou wanted most.
Not soul bones, not money or beauty, but safety.
A 13-year-old Level 34 Soul Elder, a 12-year-old Level 42 Soul Ancestor, without powerful forces protecting them—strong protection was much more reliable than ten-thousand-year soul bones for Chu Chengzhou.
Fortunately, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was one of the three major sects on the continent, with her Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa, both strong Title Douluo, ensuring security. Except for the Spirit Hall, the dominant force among spirit masters, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect didn't fear any opponent.
And even if Chu Chengzhou offended the Spirit Hall, as long as it wasn't too deep, not reaching life-and-death stakes, with the sect's protection, the Spirit Hall wouldn't necessarily cause a big fuss.
Though she hadn't discussed this with her father, Ning Rongrong was certain that her father and the two grandpas would absolutely support her. Two future powerhouses were worth the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's early investment, especially with two secret techniques involved.
Of course, with their exceptional cultivation talent and being her classmates and sisters, even without the secret techniques, Ning Rongrong would naturally have the sect take extra care of them.
In short, as long as Chu Chengzhou nodded in agreement, she would indirectly get two secret techniques for free—a deal that was profitable no matter how calculated.
"You investigated me?"
After pondering for a moment, Chu Chengzhou's pupils contracted, then darkened as he sternly asked.
Ning Rongrong's apology, protection until he and Xiao Wu advanced to Title Douluo, and Manager Wang Fugui of the Seven Treasures Chamber giving Ning Rongrong that black paper bag—all these made Chu Chengzhou suspect whether his and Xiao Wu's backgrounds had been exposed.
"Eh~ well, Chu Senpai, please understand. Since there are people from the Star Luo Empire in the academy, the sect investigated all the teachers and students' information to check if the Star Luo Empire planted spies, not specifically targeting you and Xiao Wu."
Ning Rongrong bowed slightly, saying the prepared explanation with sincerity.
Before coming to Chu Chengzhou, Ning Rongrong had anticipated possible situations and prepared countermeasures.
Checking for spies? Naturally, this didn't exist, but since Dai Mubai in the academy happened to be from the Star Luo Imperial Family...
With a little tiger from the Star Luo Empire around, to ensure her safety as the young mistress, it was reasonable and understandable for the sect to investigate everyone's information in the academy, right?
"Senpai Chu, rest assured. I won't tell anyone about you and Xiao Wu's information!
Also, those sent to investigate are reliable disciples within the sect and will never betray us."
Seeing Chu Chengzhou's unfriendly expression, Ning Rongrong added.
"Hmph!"
Hearing this, Chu Chengzhou snorted coldly.
He never expected that their deliberately concealed ages would be exposed so quickly.
I wonder if that old fox Ning Fengzhi knows?
Young Mistress Ning Rongrong was easy to fool, and with their classmates' relationship, she wouldn't harm him or Xiao Wu. But Ning Fengzhi was different.
Like Ning Fengzhi, every pore of his body exuded shrewdness. If he, a pure white flower with no resistance capital, didn't grow a few more pairs of eyes, he'd surely be sold and still help count the money.
Of course, he and Xiao Wu had no enmity with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Even if Old Fox Ning Fengzhi knew, they would at most be 'voluntarily' joining the sect, not facing life-threatening danger.
"You want my forging and Body Refining techniques?"
After pondering for a moment, Chu Chengzhou looked at Ning Rongrong.
"Mhm mhm! Senpai Chu, do you agree?"
Ning Rongrong was ecstatic.
"Ten years. Ten years later, I can give you the forging technique, but I cannot give you the Body Refining technique."
Chu Chengzhou held up a finger.
Give him ten years, by then he would be strong enough, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect having the forging technique wouldn't matter.
You, Ning Rongrong, want my forging technique? Funny, I Chu Chengzhou also want my son to sit on the chief seat of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!
Having a child with the Seven Treasures Pagoda—no, Nine Treasures Pagoda martial soul, let's see if Ning Fengzhi gives his good grandson-in-law the position of master.
"Why can't you give me the Body Refining technique?"
Ning Rongrong asked, puzzled.
As for the ten-year period for the forging technique, Ning Rongrong ignored it directly. As long as the door was opened, she believed it was only a matter of time before she got it.
Chu Chengzhou shook his head, "This is a family secret technique, never passed on! Unless..."
"Unless what?"
Blinking, Ning Rongrong was full of curiosity.
Chu Chengzhou didn't respond but slowly walked towards Ning Rongrong.
Seeing Chu Chengzhou walking towards her, Ning Rongrong felt something was wrong and quickly stood up.
Chu Chengzhou pressed closer, and Ning Rongrong backed away step by step.
The room wasn't large, and soon Ning Rongrong was backed against the wall.
"What are you going to do?"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou staring straight at her, with nowhere to retreat, Ning Rongrong shrank her neck and said fearfully.
"What do you think~"
Chu Chengzhou, standing at 1.75 meters, extended his left arm against the wall and looked down at Ning Rongrong, who was just over 1.6 meters tall.
"You already have Xiao Wu~"
Perhaps guessing what was about to happen, Ning Rongrong quickly said.
"It's fine, you're Xiao Wu's good sister, she won't mind!"
Chu Chengzhou smiled and said.
Anyway, Xiao Wu wasn't here, wasn't it up to him to say?
"Scoundrel, die!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong, worthy of being a little devil, clenched her fist and punched Chu Chengzhou hard in the stomach.
Bang
A muffled sound echoed, and Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but wince.
Good grief, if it weren't for his Body Refining technique strengthening his physique, and Ning Rongrong's punch not being particularly strong, this punch might have forced out the dinner he just ate.
Immediately, enduring the pain, Chu Chengzhou leaned down and kissed the red, moist little mouth in front of him.
Originally, he didn't intend to do this, just wanting to tease this little girl. But under the current circumstances, if he didn't take some interest, wouldn't this punch be for nothing?
My girlfriend's bestie comes to stay at my place while my girlfriend is not here...
Tsk~, why does it feel like some Japanese film?
Feeling the warmth on her lips, Ning Rongrong's mind went blank.
Just like that, my first kiss is gone?
Before she could come back to her senses, Chu Chengzhou lifted his head again.
He had taken the little devil's first kiss, leaving his mark, and not wanting to push too far, he stopped to avoid offending her.
Uh~, perhaps he had already offended her?
No matter, just small details, don't mind it.
When Ning Rongrong came back to her senses, she saw Chu Chengzhou looking at her teasingly and instantly became furious.
Grabbing Chu Chengzhou's left arm braced against the wall, she bit down hard with her little mouth.
With Chu Chengzhou's strength, he could have withdrawn his left arm before Ning Rongrong bit down, but he didn't.
He had just taken her first kiss; could he not let her bite?
Anyway, his skin was tough, a bite wouldn't hurt, and besides, a girl biting you, isn't that a kind of flirtation?
"Are you done biting?"
After half a minute, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but say something to Ning Rongrong, who was still biting his arm.
"Chu scoundrel, you stole my first kiss, how can one bite be enough? I wish I could tear you into pieces!"
Releasing her mouth and looking at the arm with only faint tooth marks that would disappear in less than two minutes, Ning Rongrong said angrily.
How effective was Chu Chengzhou's Body Refining technique? At this moment, Ning Rongrong had some experience.
She had bitten with all her might, yet she could only leave a shallow mark on Chu Chengzhou's arm that would recover in no time.
"How about I help you relive the feeling of your first kiss? So you won't have regrets."
Chu Chengzhou shamelessly said.
"Go die!"
Angry, Ning Rongrong gave Chu Chengzhou another punch.
"Tsk~, your punches are soft and powerless. Those who don't know might think you're flirting with me!"
"You—, despicable!"
Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth in anger.
"Well, my young mistress, it's late, I need to cultivate."
Having teased Ning Rongrong enough tonight, Chu Chengzhou pointed to the door of his bedroom.
"What about my secret technique?"
Ning Rongrong extended a hand.
"What secret technique?"
"Scoundrel! You stole my first kiss and now pretend nothing happened?"
Ning Rongrong was furious.
"Cough, Rongrong, watch your words. We only kissed. Your words could be misunderstood."
"Hmph, I don't care, you must teach me! Otherwise, I'll tell my dad you bullied me!"
Snorting, Ning Rongrong threatened without hesitation.
Losing her first kiss and not getting the secret technique, Miss Ning had never suffered such a loss and wouldn't let it go.
If not for Chu Chengzhou being handsome, talented, and except for having Xiao Wu as a girlfriend, being the top choice for a boyfriend, Ning Rongrong would definitely call someone to beat this rogue to death. Why would she be arguing with Chu Chengzhou?
"Rongrong, my secret techniques are never passed on. Are you planning to be my family?"
Stroking his chin, Chu Chengzhou smiled and said.
"Get lost! Who wants to be your family?"
"How about trying to be a girlfriend first?"
Chu Chengzhou slightly lowered his requirements.
"You already have Xiao Wu, why are you still bothering me?"
Ning Rongrong glared at him.
"It's fine, Xiao Wu as the older sister, you as the younger sister, you two are perfect as sisters!"
"Then should Zhu Zhuqing be the third sister?"
Ning Rongrong continued.
"Eh? Are you so open-minded?"
Chu Chengzhou was somewhat surprised.
"Hmph, indeed a big scoundrel."
Ning Rongrong snorted. Men are all trash!
The Chu Chengzhou in front of her, her father Ning Fengzhi, all big swine feet!
No, except for Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone—Grandpa Sword only has eyes for his Seven Kill Swords, and Grandpa Bone only has eyes for Grandpa Sword. (Ay yo? I kinda do see it though lol)
"How can you call this being a scoundrel? I am clearly being filial!"
Chu Chengzhou declared righteously.
Ning Rongrong: "…"
"One word, will you teach or not?"
Ning Rongrong realized she couldn't show Chu Chengzhou a good face; otherwise, before learning the secret technique, she might have already been eaten up and wiped clean.
"Teach, why not? You are willing to be Xiao Wu's sister, so of course, I will teach you!
I've already said, family secret techniques are never passed on, but since you are family, you can learn!"
Of course, Chu Chengzhou planned to hold back.
Since the Body Refining technique included surface boxing routines and inner soul power circulation routes, teaching just the surface boxing routine to Ning Rongrong was enough.
This young mistress was different from Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu was practically alone; even if taught everything, she wouldn't pass on the secret techniques. However, Ning Rongrong was the young mistress of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—there was no guarantee she wouldn't package what she learned and send it back to the sect.
Moreover, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't purely a family force. While there might be no spies among the direct disciples, there were definitely spies among the outsiders, possibly even occupying high positions in the sect.
Chu Chengzhou could imagine that once the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect got his secret techniques, it wouldn't take long for them to appear in Bibi Dong's hands.
But if only the surface boxing routines were taught, it would be different. Even if leaked, the Body Refining effect would be very limited.
For newly awakened martial souls, the boxing routines alone were pretty good. However, newly awakened martial soul users couldn't pose a threat to him. By the time they grew strong, it would take decades.
And for those reaching levels three or four rings, having or not having it made little difference—no need to worry about threats.
"You—! I never said I wanted to be your family!"
"I don't care. Once you learn it, you are my family. I'll explain this Body Refining technique again to Xiao Wu tomorrow. If you want to learn, study with Xiao Wu.
Alright, it's late, I need to cultivate. Rongrong, go back and think carefully.
But once you learn my family secret technique, you can't regret it."
Waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou said.
Dreaming of getting my Body Refining technique for free? Not a chance!
Once you learn my secret technique, you belong to me, Chu Chengzhou!
Even if Ning Fengzhi disagrees, once I AFK for eight or nine hundred-thousand-year summonings, let's see if Ning Fengzhi dares to say no.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong became conflicted.
If she learns, this guy has set his sights on her, but how can her future husband be a scoundrel?
Her ideal man is super handsome, super strong, and only loves her—one true prince charming from the romance novels!
But if she doesn't learn, wouldn't she lose big without her first kiss?
Carrying conflicted emotions, Ning Rongrong walked to the door and was about to open it to return to her room.
However, at this moment, two hands wrapped around her waist and turned her around.
"Rongrong, no goodbye kiss?"
Lowering his head, Chu Chengzhou said affectionately.
"Die! Who wants to kiss you goodbye?"
Ning Rongrong angrily gave Chu Chengzhou another punch.
"Punching is love, cursing is affection, no punching or cursing means no love. Rongrong, every punch of yours is full of love in my eyes!"
Never-heard-before corny lines left Ning Rongrong dazed.
Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou moved toward the red, cherry lips again.
"Mmm~"
Coming back to her senses, Ning Rongrong tried to resist.
Unfortunately, as a little auxiliary Great Spirit Master, how could her strength compare with Chu Chengzhou's?
Feeling the warmth on her lips, inexplicably, the virgin's heart suddenly produced a strange sense of excitement.
Being a little devil, how could she not experience the magic of first love?
You say this is my sister's boyfriend? Tsk~, isn't that more interesting?
Gradually, Ning Rongrong's resistance weakened, and within a minute, she began taking the initiative.
"Stop! Rongrong, don't play with fire!"
Sensing Ning Rongrong becoming more proactive in his arms, Chu Chengzhou hurriedly lifted his head and stopped.
If they continued playing, he really feared losing control and taking this little devil.
If it were a few years later, it would be a natural progression.
But if things got out of hand, upon hearing the news, Old Father Ning Fengzhi and the overindulgent Sword and Bone Douluo would rush over and break his legs!
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong immediately sobered up.
Thinking about her previous initiative, Ning Rongrong blushed slightly.
Damn, it's all because of this scoundrel Chu! How could I behave like this?
But in a flash, Ning Rongrong put on a serious face.
"Hmph, a scoundrel with lust but no courage!"
Snorting disdainfully, she adjusted her pajamas, opened the door, and left without looking back.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Did this fish finally enter my pond?
Out of the room, Ning Rongrong's previously disdainful expression disappeared, her cheeks visibly reddening.
It was utterly embarrassing!
Earlier, it was clearly that scoundrel Chu bullying her. Being weaker, she didn't resist—but how could she actively respond?
But the feeling of kissing was so nice!
'Pfft! Ning Rongrong, you can't think about it anymore!'
Spitting inwardly, Ning Rongrong covered her burning cheeks and hurried back to her room.
Bang—!
Closing the door, Ning Rongrong immediately buried her head in the quilt.
Thinking about herself as a little lamb falling step by step into the wolf's trap, not only did she fail to get the secret technique but also lost her first kiss, Ning Rongrong became angry and silently cursed Chu Chengzhou.
But as she cursed, she couldn't help but recall the wonderful feeling from before…
"Rongrong, hurry down, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing brought you some midnight snacks!"
Not knowing how long it had been, Xiao Wu's shout from downstairs pulled her back to reality.
"Ah, uh, I'm not feeling well, I won't eat!"
Ning Rongrong replied.
Going downstairs for midnight snacks meant seeing that scoundrel Chu again. No way, no way, I'm too embarrassed to see him today.
"Not feeling well? Brother, didn't you treat Rongrong?"
Xiao Wu looked at Chu Chengzhou curiously.
"Rongrong didn't ask me for treatment~"
Chu Chengzhou shrugged.
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Wu leapt, her whole body airborne, then lightly tapped on a few protrusions on the wooden building, flipping through the window that wasn't closed into Ning Rongrong's room.
Not long after, Xiao Wu's anxious voice rang out upstairs: "Brother, hurry up! Rongrong has a high fever, her whole head is red, and it feels so hot to the touch!"
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
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