NOVEL NEXT Chapter 96: Chapter 96
"You... who are you?" Tang San stared at Tianlin. There was something familiar about his face, but after six years, his memory was vague. However when his gaze fell on the blue sword in Tianlin's hand recognition dawned "This sword... Are you the child who saved my teacher and me in the Soul Hunting Forest six years ago?"
Tianlin nodded "Not bad. At least you remember me, your savior. Allow me to introduce myself — I am Jun Tianlin."
"Xiao San, you know each other?" Dai Mubai asked and retracting his martial soul He wasn't hurt, as Tianlin had shown mercy But having used three soul skills in a row his soul power was drained so he needed a brief meditation to recover.
"Yes, he helped me once. But how did you two end up fighting?" Tang San questioned curious yet calm. Though he never forgot a favor and repaying it depended on the person's value to him.
Coincidentally Tianlin thought similarly. Tang San still held some value and one of the reasons for Tianlin's visit was to acquire certain things from him.
"It was a misunderstanding" Tianlin stepped forward to explain "Dai Mubai lost his temper after hearing me call this academy shabby. What he didn't understand is that the greatness of a place isn't defined by its luxury but by the kind of people it produces. After all isn't it said that shallow waters can't raise dragons?"
He continued "Shrek Academy is guarded by the Four Eyed Owl Flender, the immovable king Zhao Wuji, and Shao Xin one of the continent's top five food-type soul master. In terms of teaching staff it's excellent."
"Damn it! Why didn't you say that earlier? I thought you came to challenge me, and I got beaten up for nothing!" Dai Mubai grumbled frustrated
Seeing the misunderstanding cleared up Tang San intervened as a mediator "Since it was a misunderstanding then let's consider it a sparring session that brought you two together."
Dai Mubai knowing he couldn't defeat Tianlin nodded. He wasn't someone who stubbornly refused to admit defeat.
Tianlin retracted his sword and his expression relaxed. Tang San walked up to him and said "Brother Jun, if you came to join Shrek and unfortunately, the enrollment period has passed. However with your qualifications the dean may make an exception. I'd be happy to recommend you."
Tianlin smiled "I appreciate it, Brother Tang, but I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. I've already joined the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. I'm here for another reason — to find the little witch who ran away from home."
At that moment a girl in green clothes sprinted over. It was Ning Rongrong. Upon seeing Tianlin, she excitedly threw herself into his arms "Brother Jian! You're here!"
Oscar standing nearby and was heartbroken. Ning Rongrong's genuine joy upon seeing Tianlin crushed his hopes and it was clear her heart belonged to this man. His first love had ended before it even began.
Tianlin gently stroked her hair "Why am I here? To find you, of course. You ran off without a word and do you know how worried I've been?"
Ning Rongrong and remembering her reasons for leaving, pulled away and crossed her arms. Turning her back to him and she pouted "Hmph! Brother Jian, why did you come? Aren't you busy with your beautiful senior sisters at the academy?"
Tianlin sighed. She was still jealous "That's a misunderstanding. Even if all my senior sisters combined, they wouldn't compare to you. Didn't I drop everything and rush here to find you?"
Hearing this Ning Rongrong's face lit up with a satisfied smile and his swift arrival proved his care for her.
While Ning Rongrong's jealousy dissipated Tang San and the others were stunned They realized that this man was the Brother Jian that Ning Rongrong often mentioned. Her reason for joining Shrek wasn't solely to improve herself — she had run away out of jealousy. The whims of this spoiled princess were indeed hard to predict.
Welcoming their guest, Tang San and the others invited Tianlin inside. The academy's interior was even more modest than its exterior There were no teaching facilities just a few dorm rooms and an open space It was hard to imagine that this place would produce the legendary Seven Gods in the original story.
However Tianlin knew things had changed The key to their divine ascensions — the immortal herbs — was now in his possession so now most of the Shrek Seven wouldn't achieve godhood.
Only Tang San, Ning Rongrong and Oscar had any real chance left. Tang San's talent was extraordinary even without the herbs and while he might not inherit two god positions like in the original tale he could still inherit a single god position.
Ning Rongrong's herb was still in Ning Fengzhi's hands ensuring her future talent would surpass the original story.
As for Oscar although he lacked his original herb his potential to become the God of Food remained He was the only food-type soul master capable of reaching the Title Douluo rank and though his path would now be harder and longer.
The remaining four however, had little hope. Xiao Wu, being a soul beast faced near-impossible odds of ascending to godhood and Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, without any miraculous opportunities would remain ordinary Titled Douluos.
And Ma Hongjun? Without the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower to suppress his evil fire and his fate looked grim. He could either succumb to the fire's backlash or fall into depravity and turning into an evil soul master.
Tianlin's visit wasn't just about seeing Ning Rongrong. He intended to control Tang San's growth. The boy's luck was overwhelming and Tianlin couldn't afford to let him grow unchecked. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan mustn't suffer the same marginalization it did in the original timeline.
Though Tianlin believed his potential surpassed Tang San's, he preferred not to gamble. He would allow Tang San to become strong, but not too strong. The dual god positions from the original story? Absolutely not.
Tianlin already had a plan to curb Tang San's rise and intended to put it into motion during this visit.
Walking through the academy, he spotted a middle-aged man with glasses lounging on a recliner — Flender.
"Hello, Dean Flender. I'm Jun Tianlin. I've long admired the Golden Iron Triangle." Tianlin greeted him politely
Flender opened his eyes lazily and replied "Oh, the Sword Brother Jun Tianlin? You're here to see Rongrong, right? The academy is simple, so make yourself comfortable."
Clearly Flender had no intention of offering any special hospitality. His stinginess was well-known. But Tianlin didn't mind.
"Dean, I bring a letter from our clan leader." Tianlin handed Flender a sealed envelope
Flender opened it and read the message from Ning Fengzhi. As in the original story and it instructed Flender to treat Ning Rongrong like any other student and educate her strictly.
After reading, Flender nodded "Understood. You can assure Clan Head Ning that I'll fulfill my duty as a teacher."
"Thank you very much, Dean" Tianlin replied with a smile