Ning Fengzhi's statement was a clear message to everyone: the Shrek Academy had been far too arrogant. However, without specific tournament rules to back it up, there was no way to penalize them.
From below the stage, Ning Tianchen couldn't help but admire his skillful use of language.
With this declaration, other teams would now be forced to avoid being humiliated by the Shrek team at all costs. In their upcoming matches against Shrek, they'd have no choice but to fight with everything they had.
It was foreseeable that the Shrek Academy wouldn't have an easy time in the subsequent matches.
As for the compensation issue, Ning Fengzhi had only mentioned it casually, yet it struck at the heart of Shrek Academy's financial woes.
With advertisements plastered on their uniforms to solicit sponsorships, how could Shrek Academy possibly have money to spare?
"Damn you, Ning Fengzhi. We'll remember this," Yu Xiaogang cursed inwardly.
"The opening ceremony is now over—everyone may leave," Ning Fengzhi announced on behalf of the organizers.
The members of various teams and the spectators began to disperse.
Shrek Academy's actions today became a hot topic of discussion among many.
Teams with weaker strength couldn't help but sound the alarm. To avoid humiliation, they would have no choice but to give it their all.
---
"Teacher, do we really have to pay compensation?" Tang San couldn't help but ask.
Yu Xiaogang shrugged. "Where would the academy get the money? As for the compensation—hah, we'll drag it out as long as possible. After all, Ning Fengzhi didn't specify a deadline or amount. Worst case, we'll compensate them with one copper soul coin."
The members of the Shrek team couldn't help but chuckle.
Dai Mubai clenched his fists and laughed heartily, "I'd like to see who dares to look down on our Shrek team from now on!"
Ma Hongjun chimed in, "After today's opening match, we don't have a game tomorrow, so everyone can take a day off to rest."
Yu Xiaogang reminded them, "Our chances of advancing aren't good. Even if we don't have a match, everyone must come to the venue to watch the other teams' matches. Try to gather as much information as possible about their tactics and strength."
---
On the other hand, as the Seven Treasures team left the venue, they unexpectedly ran into Ning Fengzhi.
"Patriarch (Uncle Ning, Father)."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "The tournament has begun—you must all perform well."
After a pause, he continued, "I've already publicly acknowledged my relationship with you all. Therefore, I can't stay in contact with you for too long, lest people think I'm showing favoritism."
"Uncle Ning, we'll take our leave then," Ning Tianchen said with a respectful bow.
Ning Fengzhi replied, "Tianchen, Qinghe has something to discuss with you. Wait here for a moment—someone will come to guide you shortly."
Ning Tianchen gestured for the others to return to the hotel while he stayed behind.
Not long after, he was led by a young man surnamed Qing to a restaurant within the city.
"Tianchen, young brother, Crown Prince Xue is waiting for you in the private room on the top floor," the young man surnamed Qing gestured politely.
Ning Tianchen didn't rush into the restaurant but instead curiously examined the other party. "I've heard that Brother Qing is quite powerful. May I ask what level you've reached?"
The young man surnamed Qing smiled faintly. "Now isn't the right time. When the moment is ripe, you'll naturally find out. Of course, given the speed at which you're improving, it won't be long before you figure out my strength yourself."
Mysterious as ever.
Ning Tianchen muttered inwardly and stopped asking further questions, proceeding to the private room where Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue) awaited.
"Tianchen, you've finally arrived."
"Brother Xue." Ning Tianchen gave a slight bow.
During the opening ceremony of the Tiandou Empire region, Xue Qinghe had sat behind Xue Ye and observed everything that transpired on the stage.
Unable to resist, he said, "Tianchen, I've looked into Tang San's background. He's a villager from Holy Spirit Village, and his father is a blacksmith…"
These investigative reports couldn't have been compiled in such a short time after Tang San rose to prominence.
Most likely, before the tournament even began, detailed profiles of all participants were already thoroughly known to both the Tiandou Empire and the Spirit Hall.
The purpose of this, of course, was to court potential recruits.
"I've heard that you and Tang San were briefly classmates. Do you happen to know anything about him?"
Ning Tianchen didn't rush to respond but instead countered, "What aspect of Tang San does Brother Xue wish to know about?"
The person investigating Tang San's background hadn't actually gone to Holy Spirit Village and was unaware of who Tang San's father truly was.
However, given Holy Spirit Village's proximity to the battlefield from years ago, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but grow suspicious.
Ning Tianchen shrugged. "Then I don't know. Tang San once said that his father left the village long ago and never returned. Does Brother Xue suspect that he's connected to a certain sect?"
The children of the top three sects naturally knew about the Hao Tian Sect.
Tang San's performance today bore some resemblance to the disciples of the former Hao Tian Sect.
Seeing that he wasn't getting the answers he wanted, Xue Qinghe waved dismissively. "I was just asking casually. Today's performance by Tang San has put me in quite the predicament."
"Initially, I intended to recruit the Shrek Academy, but I was blocked by the imperial uncle. Now, I fear I won't be able to approach them."
After a pause, he changed the subject. "Salas openly recruited young soul masters right at the tournament venue. Tianchen, what are your thoughts on this matter?"
I'll just lie down and watch.
Ning Tianchen scoffed inwardly.
Salas belonged to the Spirit Hall, and so did Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue).
The difference lay in the fact that Salas was recruiting geniuses for the Pope's Hall, not the Elder Hall. If it were the latter, Xue Qinghe wouldn't have spoken so casually.
"To be honest, the Spirit Hall is more suitable for soul masters who feel lost about their future cultivation path. They possess the most elite resources for soul master cultivation across the entire continent—that's undeniable."
"However, most of the participants in the Tiandou Empire region are noble-born youths who owe their allegiance to the empire. It's unlikely they'll join the Spirit Hall. And if any corrupt nobles voluntarily step forward, isn't that convenient?"
Xue Qinghe forced a laugh. "Tianchen, your words are very perceptive."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Ning Tianchen rose and left the restaurant.
"So, was he testing me? There are already many nobles secretly siding with the Spirit Hall. That woman won't trust mere verbal promises—she'll definitely order these nobles to send their family heirs to Wuhun City as hostages."
"If we don't act against these nobles, wouldn't that be admitting guilt outright?"
Xue Qinghe sighed bitterly and turned to the young man surnamed Qing.
Of course, Ning Tianchen's words were all made up—he hadn't thought through such deep implications.
After being subtly prompted by the young man surnamed Qing, Xue Qinghe grew increasingly paranoid, scrutinizing every word Ning Tianchen had said.
"Young Master, there's no need to trouble yourself over this. Xue Qinghe isn't yet the emperor; he's merely the crown prince. Xue Ye is still in his prime, and it's normal for him to withhold power from the crown prince."
"Without authority, Young Master cannot arbitrarily deal with people. In the future, if any nobles secretly allied with the Spirit Hall are exposed, simply distance yourself from them gradually. Even if someone investigates, you can always shift the blame onto Xue Ye."
After some contemplation, Xue Qinghe revealed a bitter expression once again. "Grandfather Qing, you were the one who proposed the threat theory, and now you're abandoning it. Should I view him as a threat or not?"
Qing Luan Douluo chuckled. "Young Master, it's up to you to decide."
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