Black World, Shrek Academy.
Faced with Tang San's eyes, filled with longing and hope, Tang Hao felt a pounding headache. There was no way he could tell the truth, that Tang San's mother might not even recognize him and could very well harbor killing intent.
Forcing himself to remain calm, Tang Hao could only think quickly and respond in a low voice.
"Little San, now is not the right time."
"Your mother's cultivation has not yet reached one hundred thousand years, so she cannot transform into human form to communicate with you."
"Moreover, after the comparison heaven screen exposed her earlier, I have already moved her to a new location, which is quite far from Shrek Academy."
"For now, focus on your cultivation here. When the time is right, I will naturally take you to see her."
"Be patient."
As he spoke, Tang Hao placed a heavy hand on Tang San's shoulder, his tone steady as he chose to delay the matter.
"Alright, Father…"
Although disappointment flickered within Tang San's heart, his nature as a filial son led him to trust Tang Hao without question. He suppressed his deep yearning to see his mother, Ah Yin.
After successfully diverting Tang San's thoughts, Tang Hao quickly departed once again, disappearing back into the shadows.
Time passed swiftly.
Two days later, Ning Fengzhi arrived at Shrek Academy with Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
"Father! Grandpa Sword!"
At the academy entrance, Ning Rongrong's elegant and delicate face lit up with delight the moment she saw them. Like a young swallow returning home, she rushed into Ning Fengzhi's arms.
"Father, why are you here?"
Blinking her bright eyes, she asked with curiosity.
"Is Tang San currently at your academy?" Ning Fengzhi asked with a gentle smile.
"In the previous comparison video, Tang San demonstrated the creation of hidden weapons. I believe these could greatly enhance the self-defense capabilities of the support-type Spirit Masters in our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
"So this time, I've come to discuss a potential business arrangement with him."
"I see!"
Ning Rongrong immediately understood, a playful smile appearing on her face as she pulled Ning Fengzhi along.
"Father, Grandpa Sword, I'll take you to him!"
Due to the appearance of the comparison heaven screen, Yu Xiaogang had temporarily postponed the usual endurance training runs between Shrek Academy and Suotuo City.
On this particular morning, Ning Rongrong had simply been jogging around the nearby village for exercise, never expecting to encounter her father and Sword Douluo.
After leading them to the dormitory area, they arrived just as Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu were sparring on the grassy field outside the girls' dormitory.
The moment Sword Douluo saw Xiao Wu, his expression changed slightly, his eyes narrowing in an instant.
Before he could speak, however, Ning Rongrong happily called out.
"Xiao Wu! Zhuqing!"
The two girls stopped their sparring and approached. Ning Rongrong stepped forward, smiling brightly as she made introductions.
"Father, Grandpa Sword, this is Xiao Wu, and this is Zhu Zhuqing. They're both my good friends."
"Xiao Wu and Tang San have known each other since childhood. They're very close."
Afterward, she introduced Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo to the two girls.
The moment Xiao Wu learned Sword Douluo's identity, her face turned pale. Her heart tightened as fear and panic surged through her, and her delicate hands clenched unconsciously.
A Titled Douluo…
Does that mean my identity has already been exposed?
At that moment, Sword Douluo leaned closer to Ning Fengzhi and whispered quietly.
"Sect Master, that girl Xiao Wu is actually a hundred-thousand-year Soft Bones Rabbit in human form."
Even after hearing this, Ning Fengzhi did not react outwardly. His expression remained calm, though his thoughts churned rapidly as he weighed the situation.
Since Xiao Wu had grown up alongside Tang San, Tang Hao must have already discovered her identity and deliberately kept her by Tang San's side.
A hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast was an extraordinary treasure, but provoking Tang Hao, especially with the Clear Sky Sect behind him, was far too great a risk.
Though a hint of desire flickered in his heart, reason ultimately prevailed.
Ning Fengzhi maintained his gentle smile and chose not to expose Xiao Wu's identity.
Instead, he calmly introduced himself to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
Hearing the commotion, Tang San and Oscar also stepped out of their wooden cabin and immediately bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, School Master Ning. Greetings, Your Excellency Sword Douluo."
"Tang San," Ning Fengzhi said with a warm smile, "I have come today to discuss a business opportunity with you."
He then began negotiating the purchase of hidden weapons.
Faced with such a proposal, Tang San naturally had no reason to refuse.
Meanwhile, in the White World, at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
After the comparison heaven screen revealed that Tang Chuan had likely enrolled there, the three Education Committee members, Meng Shenji, Zhi Lin, and Bai Baoshan, immediately conducted a thorough search of the academy.
However, they found no trace of Tang Chuan.
Soon after, Ning Fengzhi, Qian Renxue, Yu Xiaogang, and representatives from various factions arrived one after another. Despite their efforts, none could locate him, and all were forced to return empty-handed.
Every major force left without success.
Watching this unfold, Dugu Yan, a student of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, secretly found it amusing.
None of you have any idea, do you?
Young Master Tang Chuan is currently at our Dugu family residence.
Naturally, she had no intention of revealing this information. After all, opportunities like this were best kept to oneself.
Meanwhile, at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
After another seven days passed, Tang Chuan finally completed the Ice and Fire Body Tempering. His physical strength improved dramatically, and both he and his Blue Silver Life Tree Martial Soul gained immunity to ice and fire energy below the ultimate level.
Following this, Tang Chuan consumed the Immortal Herb known as Autumn Water Gazing Dew to enhance his eyesight and strengthen his mental power.
Speaking of the Autumn Water Gazing Dew, it highlighted an important distinction between plant-type and animal-type Spirit Beasts.
Absorbing spirit rings from plant-type Spirit Beasts offered a unique advantage. Their souls were significantly weaker than those of animal-type Spirit Beasts of the same cultivation level.
When absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring from an animal-type Spirit Beast, a Spirit Master would typically face a powerful soul shock.
However, this was not the case for plant-type Spirit Beasts.
When Tang Chuan absorbed the spirit rings of the ten-thousand-year Sun Glory Sunflower and the twenty-thousand-year Earth Vein Purple Ganoderma, he did not experience any soul shock at all.
Seven days later,
The fifth phase of the comparison video was finally about to begin.