Xiao Tian couldn't help but laugh. "I didn't expect that someone who looks so quiet on the surface would be so skilled at dealing with people. It seems, Rongrong, that your father and the two grandfathers must worry a lot about you at the sect. Are you usually quite restless when you're there?"
Ning Rongrong giggled softly. "Not really, I was actually very well-behaved at the sect. It's just that my father and grandfather spoiled me a lot."
After three laps, Ning Rongrong started to pant heavily, her long skirt soaked through with sweat.
"How about I help you with some of the weight?" Oscar stepped forward proactively.
Ning Rongrong calmly declined, "No need. And with Master here, we can't just ask others for help! We each carry our own load. Besides, you're not that much better than me, so why should you help?"
Anyone with a discerning ear could hear the trace of resentment in her words.
Yu Xiaogang hadn't expected Ning Rongrong to reject Oscar's offer so outright. He had originally planned to use the opportunity to ask Tang San for some help himself.
Indeed, he was getting older, and his stamina wasn't what it used to be. His breathing was becoming labored.
Ma Hongjun suggested, "Why don't we run just behind Master? Ning Rongrong can be second, running at their pace. We'd last longer that way."
Yu Xiaogang felt a bit insulted.
Before he could say anything, Xiao Tian and his group voluntarily fell back, letting Yu Xiaogang take the lead.
Xiao Tian chuckled to himself—this fat guy really had no shame. Actually, if Yu Xiaogang, Dai Mubai, and Tang San slowed down and took the front, letting the others follow, they could conserve energy effectively.
When running, the wind naturally speeds up physical energy consumption. The one up front uses the most energy.
"Rongrong, just follow Master's pace, breathe out every three steps, breathe in every three steps, and try to slow down your breathing as much as possible. Hang in there!" Xiao Tian whispered to Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong's fighting spirit flared. "Don't worry, I refuse to believe I can't beat him. I've also been trained at the sect!"
Xiao Tian shook his head, watching Ning Rongrong's fleeting burst of spirit. It wouldn't last. The question was how long the jade jar could hold the weight without aid.
Three more laps passed. Yu Xiaogang's face grew pale, his lips white and cracked. Even after replenishing salt water each time, it wasn't enough to offset his exhaustion.
"Master, if you can't go on, let Tang San help you. You're old, it's understandable if you can't finish! But Master, your martial spirit really does have true dragon blood. Look at the fat man—his spirit power is lower, yet his complexion is still normal."
Ma Hongjun was nearly fainting in the heat, but Xiao Tian's call instantly revived him.
With a forced smile, he said, "Yes, Master, if you can't hold on, just say so. We can call off today's training. You wanted to lead by example—if you can't manage, then there's no point in pushing on. We could use the time to practice soul power and skills."
Ma Hongjun hoped Yu Xiaogang would stop—this training was torture for a fat guy like him.
But Yu Xiaogang, barely conscious, snapped back stubbornly, "Who says I can't hold on! We're just getting started!"
With that, he surged forward, picking up speed.
"Rongrong, are you okay?" Xiao Tian asked Ning Rongrong, who looked slightly unwell.
"I'm fine, just a little breathless, but I can hold on!"
Just as Ning Rongrong tried to speed up, she stepped on a small stone.
"Ah!" She twisted her left foot and nearly fell forward, closing her eyes tight, bracing for the fall—but instead collided into a warm embrace.
"Are you okay? Don't push yourself. Just go slow. There's plenty of time left. Master probably won't last much longer," Xiao Tian said tenderly.
Ning Rongrong's heart skipped uncontrollably at his warm contact.
Xiao Wu pouted, watching the scene, her heart constricted.
Confused, she wondered what was wrong with her. Why did she feel an unexplainable sense of loss seeing Xiao Tian and Ning Rongrong so close? Jealous? No, that couldn't be—Xiao Tian was her brother!
Another lap and a half passed.
Pfft!
Yu Xiaogang's vision blurred. He only saw the blurry academy gate ahead. His body felt numb.
So tired. So sleepy. So thirsty. So dry.
No strength left.
"Master, we're almost at the academy entrance~~" Xiao Tian knew Yu Xiaogang couldn't hold on anymore.
Yu Xiaogang's ears started ringing, but he understood Xiao Tian's words meant they were near the end.
He was even a bit confused—not sure how many laps they'd run.
Bump!
"Teacher!" Tang San shouted as Yu Xiaogang collapsed just five meters from the entrance, slipping into unconsciousness.
Tang San quickly turned him over. His face was pale like paper, no longer looking human.
"Xiao Gang!" Flanders appeared instantly before everyone.
Shao Xin frowned seeing the unconscious Yu Xiaogang. Using his first soul skill, a pink candy bean appeared in his hand.
Approaching, he grumbled, "Look, you're an offensive spirit master but can't hold for ten laps? You're worse than the two girls on the team!"
Shao Xin roughly forced Yu Xiaogang's mouth open, stuffed the candy beans in, poured water, shut his mouth, and shook his head and chin.
The candy bean slid down smoothly.
Yu Xiaogang's complexion quickly improved.
Seeing Shao Xin's roughness, Flanders twitched, "Shao Xin, can't you be a little gentler?"
"How can I be gentle? He's such a big man. Didn't you see he almost fell? How can he eat candy beans without force? I only kept these because I had a premonition—otherwise, he'd have had to eat Oscar's big sausage! How would such a big sausage fit in?"
Flender cleared his throat, 'Alright, alright, I'll take Xiaogang downstairs to rest. Training ends here today. You all take a good rest for the rest of the time!'
Flanders picked up Yu Xiaogang and vanished into the distance, utterly embarrassed.
--
Unlock 50 exclusive advanced chapters for just $10 – don't miss out! Check the synopsis/description for the link! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: The Godly Drunkard System" & "Douluo Dalu: My Harem System is Bugged!" — don't miss out!