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As the sun set, a day of practical training came to an end.
The Huang Dou Battle Team members' impression of Shrek had changed—at least in Yu Tianheng's view, this group was far stronger than the pampered young masters of Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team.
Especially when Yu Xiaogang introduced Oscar, this food system Spirit Master with innate full spirit power truly earned Flender a lot of face.
Bathed in the golden afterglow, everyone was about to disperse.
Ma Hongjun slyly elbowed Dai Mubai, winking and giving him a knowing look.
Dai Mubai, however, pushed his arm away with a straight face, pretending not to see him.
"You, Young Master Dai, are the most flamboyant in all of Soto City," Ma Hongjun muttered to himself, but his gaze was suddenly drawn to a scene not far away.
Feng Xiao's slender fingers still glided over the Qin strings, as if he was isolated from the outside world.
Ma Hongjun couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Holy moly, he couldn't have… really been playing here all day, could he?!"
"Exactly, six whole hours, excluding meal times," Flender appeared behind him at some point, his eyes behind his glasses narrowed into a slit, "If you had half his focus, you would have broken through to level thirty long ago."
Ma Hongjun immediately put on a fawning smile: "Teacher is right."
Seeing his disciple's appearance, Flender couldn't bear to scold him further.
Sensing that it was about time, Feng Xiao also habitually stopped his hands.
The scattered students on the training ground gathered in twos and threes, chatting.
Flender pushed up the glasses on his nose, looking at this scene, and thinking of Yu Xiaogang's words that day, a look of disappointment appeared on his face.
He thought that he might never see this sight again in the future, then Flender waved at Dai Mubai.
"Mubai, take the Huang Dou Battle Team students to the dining hall.
We're having extra food tonight," Flender said, then turned to Yu Tianheng and the others, "The training was tough, I hope Shrek's simple fare won't disappoint you."
Dai Mubai nodded, walked to the Huang Dou Battle Team, and made a welcoming gesture: "Everyone, this way."
Yu Tianheng cupped his fists in return, and Feng Xiao, holding his Qin, also came over and bowed slightly: "Thank you for having us."
The tassels on his Qin case swayed gently with his movement, bringing a faint scent of pine resin as he whispered to Dugu Yan: "How does it feel?"
"More interesting than expected." Dugu Yan twirled the end of her hair with her fingertips, "It's just that Grandmaster… is too obsessed with teamwork between the members, even to the point of being overly critical."
Feng Xiao nodded and feigned surprise: "Is that so?"
Ma Hongjun, walking at the back of the group, heard this and immediately leaned in: "Of course!
Although our Shrek is a small place, we cultivate elites!
Of course we have to be overly critical."
As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling in the group.
Before Dugu Yan could give him a disgusted look, Dai Mubai grabbed Ma Hongjun by the back of his collar and pulled him back: "Don't make a fool of yourself."
Ma Hongjun struggled slightly and pouted, muttering something under his breath.
Everyone soon arrived at the simple dining hall.
Dai Mubai looked at the Huang Dou Battle Team: "Everyone, I will arrange your accommodation after dinner.
Shrek has limited conditions, please bear with us."
"You're too kind," Yu Tianheng responded politely.
A tempting aroma was already wafting from the dining hall.
Although Shrek's dining hall was simple, it was clearly prepared extraordinarily richly tonight.
The long tables were filled with various dishes, and in the center, there was even a golden-roasted whole lamb.
"Wow!" Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up, and he immediately rushed in, "We're in for a treat today!"
Dai Mubai shook his head helplessly and explained to the Huang Dou Battle Team: "It's not usually this rich; it's specially prepared for you today."
Feng Xiao smiled slightly: "It seems we came at just the right time."
After a few rounds of drinks, Dai Mubai and Yu Tianheng's conversation suddenly paused subtly.
"You and Dugu Yan work very well together, are you…" the blond youth asked while carving roasted meat, but saw the other party shake his head with a bitter smile: "It's not what you think."
Not far away, Ma Hongjun was gesticulating wildly, recommending braised pork to Ye Lingling, but the girl only pursed her lips, like an untouched snow lotus.
Dinner proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere, and when the last dessert was served, Flender stood up and cleared his throat: "Everyone, welcome to the Huang Dou Battle Team.
I hope these few days of exchange will be helpful to both sides."
Everyone applauded, and Qin Ming, on behalf of the Huang Dou Battle Team, stood up to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Shrek Academy, for your warm hospitality.
We have benefited greatly."
The moonlight had already crept onto the window sill.
Qin Ming's clinking wine glass echoed with a crisp sound, reflecting the varied expressions of the crowd.
After dinner, Dai Mubai led the Huang Dou Battle Team to the dormitory area.
Shrek's dormitories were rows of simple wooden houses, not luxurious, but clean and tidy.
While leading the way to the dorms, Dai Mubai specifically pointed to the most secluded wooden house: "Brother Feng Xiao will live alone here, so playing the Qin won't disturb anyone."
"Thank you," Feng Xiao smiled.
"Yu Tianheng, you and Oslo will stay in this room; Yu Feng and the Shi Brothers will stay next door; Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling will stay in the innermost room, which is quieter," Dai Mubai arranged one by one.
"Thank you," Dugu Yan nodded slightly.
Ye Lingling stood behind her, her gaze sweeping over the surroundings, and she whispered, "It's much… better than I imagined."
Dai Mubai smiled: "Although Shrek is simple, it has everything it needs.
Hot water is ready, everyone can wash up and rest.
Tomorrow morning at seven, gather at the training ground.
I won't disturb your rest anymore."
As night deepened, only a dim oil lamp flickered in the wooden house.
Feng Xiao sat cross-legged, "Fuxi" resting horizontally on his lap, his fingertips gently caressing the Qin strings, but not plucking them.
His gaze fell on a crystal-clear jade box on the table.
Inside the box was a medicinal herb, entirely green, but strangely, in the center of the herb, there were three snow-white leaves, and in the center of the leaves were a few drops of water, like dewdrops left from the morning, emitting faint spirit power fluctuations.
Feng Xiao had planned to settle down for a while after absorbing the two Immortal Grade herbs and then consider absorbing the next Immortal Grade herb when he returned to the Academy, but Yu Xiaogang's exchange study disrupted Feng Xiao's plan.
However, this was also good; there was something he had to try, which was why he risked absorbing the Autumn Water Dew in Shrek.
"Autumn Water Dew… I wonder if it can help me reach that level…" Feng Xiao muttered to himself.
Feng Xiao took a deep breath, carefully took out the Autumn Water Dew from the box, and under Feng Xiao's control, the dewdrop slowly slid down and into his mouth, like a star falling into the deep sea.
He closed his eyes and concentrated, his spirit power circulating, his palms slightly warm, and in an instant, the dewdrop transformed into threads of cold current, and a clear chill exploded in his mind.
In an instant, his whole body trembled, as if he were in a bottomless ice abyss, the cold piercing to the bone, yet carrying a strange clarity.
His mental force was as if plucked by an invisible hand, his vision suddenly broadened—even with his eyes closed, he could "see" the trajectory of the night wind blowing through the grass outside the house, the faint spirit power fluctuations of the Spirit Masters in the distant dormitory, and even… those few obscure but powerful auras deep within Shrek Academy.
"My mental force has greatly improved…" Feng Xiao's heart trembled slightly, his mental perception amplified several times.
However, just as he was immersed in this wonderful state, when he came back to his senses, he found that his mental force was subtly losing control.
"Damn it… If this continues, if my mental force keeps expanding, my spiritual sea will collapse before my body!"
Feng Xiao gritted his teeth and let out a low roar, suddenly plucking the Qin strings.
A clear, melodious Qin sound echoed in the room, the sound waves spreading like ripples, actually forcing his out-of-control mental force to converge somewhat.
After an unknown amount of time, with sweat soaking his robes, Feng Xiao's breathing gradually steadied.
He slowly opened his eyes, a faint blue light flashing in his pupils before disappearing.
He lowered his head to look at his palms; a faint trace of water remained on his skin, but his mental force was even more condensed than before.
"This Autumn Water Dew is indeed extraordinary, but… absorbing it rashly without experience in using mental force can still be somewhat dangerous," Feng Xiao muttered to himself, his gaze turning towards the window.
The night was deep, starlight scattered, and the faint chirping of insects could be heard in the distance.
Thinking of this, Feng Xiao no longer hesitated, put the "Fuxi" ancient Qin into his embrace, sat cross-legged, and quickly entered a state of meditation.
The next morning, as the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, Feng Xiao naturally woke up.
He didn't bother to wash up, eagerly took out his ancient Qin, and lightly touched the Qin strings— "Let's try this idea," he muttered to himself.
As the melodious Qin music flowed, Feng Xiao slowly closed his eyes, and his powerful mental force spread out like ripples.
Wherever the Qin music reached, the subtle spirit power fluctuations in the air, the rhythm of plant growth, and even the breathing rhythm of distant students were clearly reflected in his perception.
"Sure enough!" Feng Xiao suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in them.
Using music as a medium, combined with mental force perception, he could actually discern so many profound mysteries that ordinary people could not perceive.
This discovery filled him with joy.
Thinking of this, Feng Xiao eagerly picked up "Fuxi" and walked towards the dining hall, following the aroma.
Stepping into the dining hall, various exquisite pastries and snacks were dazzling, and Feng Xiao couldn't help but smile—it seemed that Dean Flender had indeed gone all out.
Just then, a black silhouette arrived quietly.
"Miss Zhuqing, good morning," Feng Xiao greeted with a smile.
"Morning," Zhu Zhuqing responded briefly, her voice as clear and cold as frost.
The two quietly ate breakfast, and before long, the Huang Dou Battle Team and Shrek members arrived one after another, and the originally quiet dining hall suddenly became lively.
When Xiao Wu helped Tang San appear, Feng Xiao immediately stood up to greet them.
As the two approached, he bowed solemnly: "Student Tang, I apologize for any offense caused in the Spirit Fighting Arena the other day."
Tang San looked at the gentle and jade-like young man before him with a complex expression, remembering his teacher's teachings from last night, and his heart couldn't help but waver—perhaps he had truly gone the wrong way?
Feng Xiao thoughtfully pulled out a chair for Tang San, every gesture exuding aristocratic demeanor.
Even Xiao Wu, seeing this, had some of the hostility in her brows dissipate.
During the meal, Feng Xiao ate calmly, his mind clear: at this moment, he not only held the moral high ground but also the etiquette.
Even eccentric individuals like Dugu Bo, or Tang Hao who might be secretly observing, couldn't find any fault.
Etiquette is rules, and rules can both restrain oneself and check opponents.
As long as Tang Hao still used "Clear Sky" as his title, he would certainly care about the glory of his Sect—being named after one's Spirit was the highest honor in a Sect.
Dugu Yan thoughtfully observed Feng Xiao, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Her intuition almost confirmed it: Feng Xiao's true goal for this trip was Tang San.
Before long, Yu Xiaogang and the other Shrek teachers also arrived at the dining hall one after another.
When they saw the lavish meal on the table, they couldn't help but rub their eyes, and just as they were about to ask, they were interrupted by a light cough from Flender.
Only then did the teachers realize, exchanging knowing glances.
After breakfast, the assembly bell rang on time.
Everyone gathered on the training ground, and Yu Xiaogang walked up to Feng Xiao, saying gently, "We're about to start practical training, Student Feng, I'll leave Little San in your care."
"It's my duty," Feng Xiao bowed slightly, his smile humble.
Yu Xiaogang nodded in satisfaction, and as his gaze swept over Tang San, he mused, "A blessing in disguise.
If Shrek can truly be merged into Heaven Dou Royal Academy, there will be even more opportunities like this."
Feng Xiao led Tang San to the secluded spot where he had played the Qin yesterday, with dappled sunlight falling on their shoulders under the ancient tree.
"Student Feng, can we talk before cultivation?" Tang San's voice was a bit hesitant.
Feng Xiao was slightly surprised, then nodded gently: "Of course, communication and discussion are the purpose of this trip."
Tang San was silent for a moment, then finally asked the confusion in his heart: "In your opinion… are Hidden Weapons truly useless?"
"So, his Dao heart is unstable, and he's doubting life," Feng Xiao understood in his heart, but still wore a faint smile on his face: "Student Tang, the name of this Hidden Weapon is well chosen, although the method is exquisite and unparalleled, but…" He casually picked up a pebble, "It is ultimately just a method."
With a slight expulsion of spirit power, the stone shot through the air like a meteor, deeply embedding itself in a tree trunk ten zhang away.
"Methods can be practiced at any time, but a Spirit Master's cultivation…" Feng Xiao turned to look directly at Tang San, his gaze like a torch, "The golden period is only a short ten-odd years.
Brother Tang, by trying to grasp too much, you are instead losing sight of the fundamentals."
Feng Xiao gently touched the Qin strings and continued: "If you have profound spirit power as a foundation, supplemented by Student Tang's exquisite techniques, why worry about not being able to defeat the enemy with one blow?"
The Qin music paused slightly, "Moreover, with Student Tang's Hidden Weapon mastery, what's a moving target to worry about?
Why must the Blue Silver Grass be confined to the control system?"
Tang San was also deep in thought at this moment; indeed, Feng Xiao made a lot of sense.
So, in what direction should he develop?
"Then, in Student Feng's opinion, what should I do? A Spirit like the Blue Silver Grass seems to have no other use besides control."
Feng Xiao shook his head and chuckled: "In my opinion, Student Tang is more suited to walk the path of extremes than I am."
He pointed to the towering ancient tree in the distance, "Most plant system Spirit Beasts have immense spirit power.
If Student Tang and I had been on the same development path that night, with the advantage of Hidden Weapons, the outcome would have been unpredictable."
Changing the subject: "However, relying on the advantage of Hidden Weapons, this method could harm Student Tang's reputation, so it's best to use it sparingly unless absolutely necessary.
With abundant spirit power, the Blue Silver Grass can unleash its most fundamental characteristic, which is its incredibly powerful vitality.
Student Tang needs to understand—" He looked at Tang San meaningfully, "What suits you is the best.
Now that it's already set, the path Grandmaster has planned for you is also a wise choice."
The blueprint Feng Xiao had drawn appeared in Tang San's mind, and for a moment, he not only began to doubt himself but also began to doubt his own teacher.