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After the Shrek group departed, Xue Beng struggled to stand, propped up by his lackeys. A sharp pain stabbed at his lower body—hot and stinging. It was likely swollen, maybe even bleeding inside. His eyes burned with resentment as he spat, "Shrek, huh? You dare treat me like this. Just wait, this prince won't let it slide."
With that, he walked out in an awkward way out of the academy, his lackeys trailing behind.
At that moment, Ning Tian returned to the academy. Xue Beng noticed him too. He knew this genius, recommended by his elder brother, a prodigy who'd crushed everyone at the Royal Academy, including Yu Tianheng, the moment he arrived. Still, Xue Beng didn't bother greeting him. Clutching his groin, he limped off in a pitiful state.
Watching Xue Beng retreat, Ning Tian's lips curved slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. 'So, the Shrek group is finally here,' he thought. 'With that old poison Dugu Bo gone, I wonder who'll back Xue Beng now. Well, before anyone steps up, I might as well turn him into a eunuch, keep him from ruining any more innocent girls.'
Making his decision, Ning Tian slipped into a nearby public restroom at the academy. He pulled out a bottle of Viagra and binded it to Xue Beng.
...…..
Meanwhile, Sun Buyu had ushered the Shrek group into a reception room to rest while he went to fetch Qin Ming. When Qin Ming heard they'd arrived, he hurried over.
After some light chatter, Flender grinned and asked, "So, Qin Ming, is everything set on your end?"
Qin Ming nodded quickly. "Don't worry, Dean. It's all arranged. I've spoken with the three education committee members, and they're thrilled to welcome the teachers and students. With Ning Tian, Yu Tianheng and the others, I'm sure we'll shine at the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Competition in a year or so."
"Good, good, as long as it's handled," Flender said, nodding absently. Then he froze, eyes lighting up. "Wait, what was that? Ning Tian?"
Qin Ming repeated, calm and serious, "I said Ning Tian's here too. And not just him, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, your old students, are with him."
During Ning Tian's absence, Qin Ming had confirmed they were the three who'd left Shrek midway.
At that, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the other Shrek teachers stared at Qin Ming, stunned. They hadn't dreamed their star pupils would come back.
Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. Ning Tian's brilliance only threw his own failures into sharp relief. Both had started with half a level of innate spirit power but Ning Tian, at twelve, had hit Spirit Elder with his own ideas and snagged two thousand-year soul rings. Yu Xiaogang? Nothing to show for it, he nearly ruined his disciple, even. The gap twisted his gut with jealousy.
Dai Mubai's eyes narrowed, fury plain on his face. The cheater and his fling were here, talk about bad luck running into them.
Ma Hongjun fidgeted, torn. While Ning Tian was away, he'd seen Tang San take down the Royal Academy team and, to cozy up to his "Third Brother," had trashed Ning Tian plenty.
Oscar beamed, thrilled at the thought of seeing Ning Rongrong again.
Tang San's grim face sparked with battle lust. He itched to fight Ning Tian and beat him down.
Xiao Wu's eyes shimmered, close to tears of joy. If not for Tang San and his dad, she'd have bolted to find Ning Tian already.
Each of them showed their feelings in their own way, all because Ning Tian was back. Some grinned, some grimaced.
Flender, though, topped the happy list—right after Xiao Wu. Ning Tian's exit had gnawed at him. Now, with him back, plus Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, his old dream team was reforming.
"Where are they? Where? Get them here quick!" Flender pressed, barely containing himself.
Qin Ming smiled. "Zhuqing and Rongrong went spirit fighting in the City with Tianheng and the others—they'll be back by evening. Ning Tian's out on some business. He might not return soon."
Flender's excitement dimmed a bit, but he could live with it. As long as Ning Tian came back to Shrek, that was enough. In his head, the perfect lineup for the competition a year out had Ning Tian, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong, no one could be missing.
...…..
Later, Qin Ming threw a big dinner to welcome them. Xiao Wu's smiles came easier, like she'd slipped back into her old, carefree self.
After the meal, the Shrek group split into their rooms to cultivate. Xiao Wu, feeling the day's weight, turned off her lights to rest, eager for a solid sleep.
But the moment the room went dark, a shadow grabbed her, a hand clamped over her mouth. She jolted, ready to fight, when a familiar voice cut through. "Don't be afraid, Xiao Wu, it's me."
Ning Tian's words melted her tension. All her worries and fears vanished, leaving only her longing for him.
Their romance was a secret, just three months old before he'd had to leave Shrek. But his absence hadn't dulled her feelings, it'd carved them deeper. A guy who'd faced a Title Douluo for her, who'd left alone to hunt a top-tier immortal herb to mask her spirit beast aura–how could she not adore him?
In her mind, when Qin Ming said Ning Tian was "out on business," she pictured him scouring the world for that herb, just for her.
So when he eased his grip, she didn't hesitate. She spun and threw herself into his arms. A cold touch hit her first, but her heart glowed warm. All her pent-up yearning spilled out as tears.
It took a while for her sobs to fade. When they did, she finally saw him—clad in strange black armor that hid his whole body. Under it, she couldn't sense a flicker of soul power.
"Little Six, why're you dressed like that?" Xiao Wu asked, voice still thick, eyes red.
"Our thing can't go public yet, I can't just stroll in," Ning Tian said, turning like he might leave. "If you don't like it, I'll go."
"No way!" Xiao Wu lunged, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. "You're staying with me today. It's been months!"
"Relax, I'm kidding," he said, smirking. "Can't stay, though. Check this out." He waved a hand, and a weird flower rooted in a black stone appeared.
"Lovesick Heartbroken Red!" Xiao Wu's eyes lit up.
"Little Six, you must've gone through hell for this," she said, gazing at him with a pang, picturing him battling countless hardships.
"Let's not waste time, absorb it," Ning Tian urged. "The academy's got three Spirit Douluo teachers lurking around."
She nodded hard, closed her eyes, and began absorbing it while thinking of Ning Tian.
......…
After 30 minutes
"Look, Little Six, I did it!" she said, grinning proudly.
Ning Tian gave a small nod, watching the innocent rabbit before him. A rare softness crept into his eyes.
Seeing him go quiet, Xiao Wu hesitated. "Little Six, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," he said.
Satisfied, she nestled into his chest. Then a knock sounded, followed by Tang San's voice. "Xiao Wu, you okay?"
With Tang San outside, Ning Tian's mischief sparked. He slid the armor off his right hand and slipped it under her collar. Not his first rodeo, he'd even nibbled her "bun" before.
She jumped at the move but kept her cool. "I'm fine, Black Brother. What's up?"
"Just heard something in your room," Tang San said.
"Go rest, I'm sleeping soon," she replied, voice shaky as Ning Tian started nibbling again.
Tang San, clueless about romance, didn't catch the odd tone. After a pause, he asked, "What do you think of Ning Tian?"
"Nothing" she said fast, a line she'd used a hundred times.
"Got it. I trust you," Tang San said, then left, feeling oddly restless, like trouble was brewing.
Inside, Xiao Wu was already kneeling before Ning Tian.
......….
Half an hour later, he slipped out, content, leaving her rinsing her mouth in the bathroom.
Back at his place, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong—fresh from spirit fighting were waiting.
"You're back! Let me tell you I am level 28 and Zhuqing is 29." Ning Rongrong pounced. "By the way did you bring us something?"
"My legs are killing me," he said, pulling Zhu Zhuqing onto the sofa and stretching out across her lap.
"I'll rub them," Ning Rongrong offered, kneading his leg.
"There, harder," he directed, bossing her around, then had her fetch tea.
If anyone saw the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's princess waiting on a guy like this, they'd freak. Zhu Zhuqing just shifted to make him comfier—she was used to it. Ning Rongrong didn't mind either; she kind of liked it.
Once she was done, she grinned. "Now spill it, what's the surprise?"
"Me being back isn't enough?" he teased.
"You jerk!" She lunged, claws out, but he caught her head, holding her at bay. She knew she'd lose but loved the game.
"Alright, here it is," he said, pulling out the Water Immortal Jade Bone and Qiluo Tulip.
Their eyes sparkled. They'd heard of immortal herbs from him, seeing them was a whole different thrill.
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