Chapter 116: Chapter 115: Gu Rong’s Invitation, Ning Rongrong’s Intervention
Faced with Gu Rong's invitation, Su Ming was not particularly surprised. He was well aware of his abilities, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was currently in dire need of talented individuals outside the support system to inject fresh blood into their ranks.
This also aligned with the original story, where Ning Fengzhi had always sought to recruit exceptional spirit masters—most notably Tang San. However, after discovering Tang San's affiliation with the Clear Sky Clan, Ning Fengzhi had no choice but to establish a friendly relationship instead.
Unfortunately, even after siding with Tang San, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan nearly faced total annihilation at the hands of the Spirit Hall. Both of their Title Douluo perished, leaving nothing behind but bones, and Ning Fengzhi's "investment" turned out to be a colossal loss.
Perhaps sensing Su Ming's hesitation, Ning Rongrong grabbed Gu Rong's arm and shook it gently. "Alright, Grandpa Bone, why don't you head back to the clan for now? Your presence as a Title Douluo is making everyone uncomfortable here. Besides, Su Ming is still young. Why would he want to join a clan now? He probably wants to enjoy some freedom for a few years first!"
Gu Rong sighed helplessly. He was worried that if he didn't recruit Su Ming now, he might lose the chance entirely. Nonetheless, he realized he had been a bit too abrupt and needed to give Su Ming some time to consider. Thus, he said, "Su Ming, our clan will always welcome you. If you've made up your mind, just let Rongrong convey your decision to us. I hope by the next time we meet, you'll have given it some thought. If you join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, all our resources will be at your disposal!"
Maintaining his composure, Su Ming replied calmly, "Thank you, Your Eminence Bone Douluo. I'll give it serious consideration."
Inwardly, however, Su Ming thought, Good thing Rongrong helped smooth things over just now. Otherwise, it would've been tricky to decline tactfully—especially considering how much face a Title Douluo needs.
That said, he truly had no intention of joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. While the clan did possess abundant resources, they couldn't compare to the Spirit Hall. Moreover, he didn't need additional resources thanks to the system's provisions; ordinary resources simply didn't interest him.
His inclination to join the Spirit Hall in the future stemmed primarily from its unparalleled influence over both spirit masters and ordinary citizens across the continent. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, while known for recruiting talent and addressing injustices, still primarily represented the aristocracy—a poor fit for someone like Su Ming, who hailed from humble beginnings.
As the saying goes, "When one is poor, they focus on self-improvement; when one prospers, they benefit the world." With the system at his disposal, Su Ming aspired to not only grow stronger but also help the common people suffering in misery.
Seeing Su Ming's apparent reluctance, Gu Rong decided not to press further. After all, Su Ming was Rongrong's classmate and had helped her before, and Rongrong clearly had a good impression of him. He didn't want to come across as too forceful.
Still, he couldn't deny Su Ming's unparalleled talent. Though he had yet to witness the full extent of Su Ming's abilities, his precise control over spirit power during last night's display had convinced Gu Rong that Su Ming was invincible among peers of the same level.
Gu Rong resolved to discuss recruitment strategies with Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin after returning to the clan. Under no circumstances could they allow Su Ming to fall into the hands of the Spirit Hall. However, he took some comfort in Rongrong's presence—surely, with her around, Su Ming wouldn't defect to the Spirit Hall. That thought was the only reason Gu Rong wasn't panicking.
After bidding farewell to Rongrong, Gu Rong departed for the clan. The others, meanwhile, breathed a collective sigh of relief; the oppressive aura of a Title Douluo was simply too overwhelming.
Oscar, on the other hand, felt dejected. Gu Rong's earlier warning made it clear that pursuing Ning Rongrong was hopeless. In contrast, Su Ming had not only earned Gu Rong's favor but even received a direct invitation to join their clan.
Upon reflection, Oscar understood the root of the issue. As a food-type spirit master, his chances with Ning Rongrong had always been slim. And last night, when he and Tang San tried to convince Su Ming, it seemed harmless at the time. But thinking it over, he realized that in Rongrong's eyes, their actions probably came across as supporting Dai Mubai. That sealed the deal—he had no chance left!
Rongrong had likely recounted everything from last night to Gu Rong, which led to the stern warning earlier.
Zhao Wuji then spoke up: "For the next few days, you'll all focus on independent cultivation. Once Xiao Ao reaches Rank 30, we'll head to the Star Dou Forest to help Tang San and Oscar hunt for their spirit rings."
Before leaving, Zhao Wuji cast a subtle glance at Tang San. He hadn't expected Tang San to be the son of that person, and it had brought him endless trouble.
If he had known Tang Hao was nearby during the entrance exam, he wouldn't have dared to bully the students. But it was too late—Tang Hao had not only humiliated him but also beat him up later that night.
A few days later, Oscar excitedly ran to the academy grounds and announced to Flender, "Dean, my spirit power has reached Rank 30!"
Flender burst into laughter. "Good, good! Xiao Ao, as a food-type spirit master, reaching Rank 30 at your age is an achievement few on the continent can match."
He then addressed the group, "Since Xiao Ao has broken through, prepare yourselves today. Tomorrow morning, Zhao Wuji will lead you to the Star Dou Forest to hunt spirit beasts."
"Let me make this clear: hunting spirit beasts comes with the risk of death. You'll need to rely on your own strength to take down the spirit beasts you require. Your teacher will only step in if uncontrollable danger arises or if your lives are at risk. Understood?"
Everyone responded in unison, "Understood, Dean!"
At this moment, Tang San couldn't contain his excitement. Finally, he would obtain his third spirit ring. Once he absorbed it, his strength would soar to new heights!
Su Ming, however, inwardly scoffed. For an academy with so few students, all of whom are supposedly prodigies, this policy of hunting spirit beasts on their own is absurd. If a real life-threatening situation arises, do you think Zhao Wuji can intervene in time? His martial spirit is clearly not built for speed.
Looking at Shrek Academy's track record, only Qin Ming managed to gain any fame after graduating. Most of the others either died or achieved minimal success.
Flender was all talk. During enrollment, he had boasted about producing graduates who became elders of the Spirit Hall. Yet, by the story's later stages, there wasn't even a trace of such a figure.
Su Ming speculated that the so-called "elder" Flender referred to might actually be Yu Xiaogang. Considering Yu Xiaogang's past in the Spirit Hall and his relationship with Bibi Dong, it wasn't impossible for him to have briefly held such a title. Even if he hadn't, Bibi Dong wouldn't have exposed the lie.
[T/N:
Thanks For your Support
you can read 50chapters more in my patre0n
patre0n.c0m/MiniLicht]