This trip to the Star Dou Great Forest had originally been meant for Oscar to hunt his third spirit ring.
No one had expected so many unexpected events.
Fortunately, in the end, no one was seriously injured or killed, and both Tang San and Xiao Wu even managed to break through and become Soul Elders (three-ringed soul masters)!
On the journey back, Zhao Wuji brought up the rear of the group, staying alert in case of spirit beast attacks.
At the same time, he had a wide grin stretched across his face.
These little monsters are growing way too fast…
Thinking of growth speed, Zhao Wuji couldn't help but glance at the young man walking with Ning Rongrong.
"Seven Kill Sword…" he murmured under his breath.
To think that someone outperformed even the monstrous talents they'd been training—and on top of that, with an ultimate martial spirit.
He was inwardly stunned.
He'd already made up his mind—once they returned, he would immediately report this to Dean Flender, that crafty old fox.
Let Flender personally try to recruit this heir of the Seven Kill Sword into Shrek Academy.
Heh heh… that'll be interesting.
Up ahead, Chen Feng was walking slightly to the side of Ning Rongrong and Oscar, quietly chatting with them.
Ma Hongjun walked boisterously at the front of the group.
Dai Mubai was enthusiastically chatting up Zhu Zhuqing, who responded in her usual cold, indifferent manner.
As for Tang San and Xiao Wu…
The two were walking, one in front of the other, both wearing gloomy expressions. The rift between them had yet to be mended.
Chen Feng walked with his hands behind his back, his face expressionless—but inwardly, he was thinking:
Opportunity has arrived!
At this point in time, the Shrek students didn't know each other all that well. Their relationships were still forming.
And now, his sudden appearance had not only created a subtle wedge between Tang San and Xiao Wu but had also successfully drawn Ning Rongrong's attention toward himself.
Once Ning Rongrong was taken care of, Oscar wouldn't be a problem.
Chen Feng always kept in mind the Shura God's assigned task:
"Win the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament."
In this tournament, other academies weren't much of a concern. While they had geniuses, none could compare to Shrek's team in numbers or synergy.
If he could pry just one or two members from Shrek's side…
Chen Feng smirked to himself.
Am I becoming a little schemer?
Just then, he looked up and accidentally met Zhao Wuji's eyes—both of them wearing similarly sly expressions.
They froze slightly upon noticing it in each other.
After leaving the Star Dou Great Forest, Chen Feng parted ways with the Shrek group.
"Be sure to visit Shrek Academy when you get the chance!" Zhao Wuji called.
Surprisingly, it was Tang San who stepped forward and shook Chen Feng's hand tightly.
Chen Feng gave a chuckle, his expression appearing kind and honest.
Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue and said shyly:
"Brother Chen Feng, you just came out of the mountains, and I should've escorted you home. But before that, I need to return to the sect for a while.
Tang San's Zhuge Crossbow is incredibly powerful—it could be important for the sect. I have to investigate it properly."
Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was the world's number one support-type martial spirit, it had a serious weakness: zero offensive power.
The presence of Tang San's hidden weapons could greatly benefit the sect.
Chen Feng, of course, understood that and smiled while nodding.
Ning Rongrong frowned, worried.
"Brother Chen Feng, I'm afraid you're too honest and might be taken advantage of outside. Here—take this.
If anyone dares to make things difficult for you at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I'll settle the score with them myself!"
Chen Feng looked down at the Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges on his waist, and thought back to the external spirit bone he had taken from Tang San…
Am I really that honest?
He rubbed his nose awkwardly.
Then, Ning Rongrong tossed him a radiant token, and Chen Feng caught it in one motion.
This was the inner sect identity token of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Rongrong handed it over without hesitation.
After all, although Chen Feng had the Seven Kill Sword, not everyone would recognize that.
He couldn't just walk around the sect with his martial spirit activated to prove himself—what was he, an idiot?
"Thank you," Chen Feng said earnestly, clasping his fists in gratitude.
Ning Rongrong giggled.
"We're family now, no need to be so polite.
Once you're in the sect and meet my father, you'll have your token just like this one.
Welcome home, Chen Feng!"
Chen Feng nodded gently.
They waved farewell.
Chen Feng made his way alone toward the Heaven Dou Empire.
Not far from Heaven, Dou City was a city called Seven Treasure City—the location of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, before it was destroyed by the Spirit Hall.
Five days later.
With Ning Rongrong's token, Chen Feng had passed through several layers of guards unimpeded and finally arrived at the sect.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was ranked second among the great clans, in terms of wealth, it was undoubtedly number one.
This was obvious just from the sect's territory and outer walls.
The towering walls stretched endlessly into the horizon.
The grand main gates were made from reinforced ironwood and inlaid with luminous gemstones that glowed with natural brilliance. The entire structure radiated both grandeur and authority.
Even the gate guards were all Soul Ancestors (four-ringed soul masters)!
Chen Feng nodded slightly at the display.
Even in the future, such luxury and power were rare, even among the greatest sects.
Of course, this was only a casual appreciation.
As a Peerless Douluo in his previous life, what hadn't he seen?
He had walked the God-bestowed paths, crossed boundless cliffs, and even stood before divine inheritances.
As Chen Feng approached the inner city and handed over Ning Rongrong's token, an unexpected development occurred.
Unlike the outer guards who had let him pass easily, the inner guards became instantly alert.
Instead of stepping aside, they immediately released their martial spirits.
In an instant, two ferocious black wolf martial spirits emerged, fusing with their users.
Their muscles bulged, fur sprouted over their bodies, and even their faces took on wolf-like traits.
Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple.
An optimal soul ring configuration—even among gatekeepers!
Within moments, Chen Feng found himself locked in by their aura.
They took up flanking positions, forming a formation that could easily transition between attack and defense.
"What's the meaning of this? That token was given to me by Ning Rongrong," Chen Feng frowned. He didn't react with force—it was a misunderstanding.
One of the guards snapped:
"Lies! Princess Ning's token was bestowed personally by the Sect Master and validated by the two guardian elders.
It not only represents identity, but is a symbol of power and authority.
How could it possibly be given to an outsider?"
He flipped the token over.
On the reverse side, a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a sword, and a bone dragon were inscribed—symbols of great significance, and even carried a hidden spiritual pressure.
Chen Feng scoffed coldly.
"I've come to join the sect.
Ning Rongrong can vouch for me. She handed me the token personally.
If you don't believe me, there's nothing more I can do."
Finishing his words, Chen Feng turned and began walking away, disappointed.
So this is how the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect treats people?
I've come with good intentions—and they respond like this?
Fine. If I'm not welcome, then I won't force it.