When Tang San saw Grandmaster returned he hastily greeted him and asked.
Grandmaster’s expression seemed a bit eccentric,
“After more than thirty years. I didn’t expect that I would actually reach what I had hoped for on this day. It seems I still underestimated external forces, I’ve broken through the bottleneck I’ve been stuck at for decades. My spirit power has finally reached the thirtieth rank.”
Thirtieth rank, perhaps to geniuses like these little monsters it wasn’t much, just another phase of their cultivation.
But to Grandmaster, the thirtieth rank threshold had already perplexed him for several decades. In order to break through the thirtieth rank threshold he had expended untold mental and physical effort. Now finally breaking through with the assistance of the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia left him with a both sad and delighted sensation that made Grandmaster feel somewhat strange. But breaking through was still a good thing, he could finally obtain his third spirit ring.
“Grandmaster, congratulations. Perhaps you will be able to cultivate rapidly after breaking through the thirtieth rank.”
Grandmaster sighed,
“This year I’m already a bit over fifty. Spirit Master cultivation becomes more difficult the older one gets. Generally speaking, it gets very difficult to advance after sixty. Do I still have a few years? I’ve long since given up the dream of becoming a formidable Spirit Master. You all are my hope. Well, you seven stay here for now. Even though the efficacy of the herbs is good, you still can’t slack off. The drugs you just took were so effective, stay here for the time being to cultivate and consolidate the strength you obtained to make it stable. In seven days me and Mubai will go to hunt spirit beasts for spirit rings.”
Grandmaster had everyone’s admiration in the field of spirit research, and their own strength rising made them even more confident in their cultivation. Nobody doubted Grandmaster, and they nodded one after another.
Although Dai Mubai had already reached the fortieth rank, according to Grandmaster’s theories, the Spirit Master world’s Ten Great Core Competences, the spirit ring bottleneck didn’t prevent Spirit Masters from increasing spirit power, the lack of spirit rings only prevented entering the next phase. Cultivation in the original phase, while unable to break through levels, would actually still cultivate spirit power and would show its effect after obtaining a spirit ring.
For instance, a Spirit Master who broke through the thirtieth rank bottleneck would require a spirit ring to enter the thirty first rank and become a Spirit Elder.
But if he never obtained a spirit ring and kept cultivating at the thirtieth rank, even though his spirit power would never reach the next stage, it would still be set aside. Once a spirit ring was obtained, this store would be released, promoting the corresponding level, just like when Tang San obtained his first spirit ring.
Over the next several days the Shrek Seven Devils all stayed at Liu Erlong’s little log cottage to cultivate their spirit power, consolidating the great benefits the medicinal effects had brought them. Even Grandmaster was no exception. Every day Flender sent people with food, and in order to let everyone cultivate in peace he posted the two tyrannically powerful teachers Zhao Wuji and Lu Ji-Bin nearby the log cabin to protect them.
In the log cabin the Shrek Seven Devils plus Grandmaster sat in a circle, differently colored light flickering from each of them.
Different energies complementing each other.
Sitting in the middle was Dai Mubai, with black and white light shining around him, releasing an overbearing energy.
On Dai Mubai’s left was Zhu Zhuqing, radiating with black light and an agile energy. On Dai Mubai’s right was the Big Sausage Uncle Oscar, and the light he emitted was the strangest. After eating the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid his spirit power had become pink, such a light appearing on a male Spirit Master really made people feel a bit strange.
On Oscar’s right was Tang San, mainly shining with white light, but within was gathered both red and blue. But the colors were very faint, and couldn’t be distinguished unless looking carefully.
Next to Tang San was Xiao Wu with a deep red radiance, the Yearning Heartbroken Red between her hands, that delicate fragrance drifting in front of her, quietly cultivating.
Part 3 (TL by Bagelson)
Ma Hongjun was golden red, Ning Rongrong was resplendent gold, and even Grandmaster released a purple light. The entire log cottage was filled with sparkling light, seeming extremely fantastic.
After the growth from the immortal treasure herbs, by now the Shrek Seven Devils had all increased their strength.
Evil Eye White Tiger Dai Mubai, fortieth rank.
Sausage Monopoly Oscar, thirty eighth rank.
Thousand Hands Asura Tang San, thirty seventh rank.
Evil Fire Phoenix Ma Hongjun, thirty sixth rank.
Soft Bones Demon Rabbit Xiao Wu, thirty fifth rank.
Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Ning Rongrong, thirty seventh rank.
Hell Civet Zhu Zhuqing, thirty eighth rank.
From just recently having entered the thirtieth rank to attacking the fortieth rank, none of the Shrek Seven Devils had imagined it would be this quick.
“Little San.”
As everyone were cultivating, Flender’s voice rose from outside the log cabin.
Tang San slowly opened his eyes and quietly left the room.
“Dean Flender, you were looking for me?”
Tang San asked.
Flender nodded, saying:
“Senior Dugu has brought Dugu Yan, and asked me to call you over for something. Little San, be a bit careful, Dugu Bo is still too dangerous.”
Tang San naturally understood why Dugu Bo was looking for him and smiled slightly: “Dean Flender, don’t worry. Nothing will happen.”
Flender brought Tang San out of the forest to the main school area.
Tang San still hadn’t looked the place over carefully since coming here.
Even though the main school area wasn’t as gorgeous as Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, it was still extremely practical. Right now there were several students interacting on the field.
The two entered the main school building, heading straight for the deepest part of the teaching block’s top floor to meet Dugu Bo.
This place had been claimed by Dugu Bo personally. He always liked peace and quiet, and this place met his requirements. By opening the window he could look over the forest behind the building and breathe in the fresh air every day, a feeling Dugu Bo was quite fond of.
In order to let the old freak stay comfortably, Flender had reluctantly spent money to double the amount of decorations since Dugu Bo came. Right now it even seemed somewhat splendorous.
Within the room Dugu Bo sat in a large chair, softly rocking. When Tang San entered he opened his eyes, looking at him with a smiling expression. On the large bed to the side, Dugu Yan sat leaning against the headboard in a bored manner.
“Little freak, you’ve come.”
Dugu Bo was first to call out. At the same time waving his hand at Flender, indicating he could leave.
Flender was indeed somewhat afraid of Dugu Bo. He clapped Tang San on the shoulder, hinting he should be careful, then greeted Dugu Bo and left.
With Flender gone, Tang San naturally wouldn’t be polite with Dugu Bo and walked over to sit on a sofa to the side.
Dugu Yan’s fierce gaze had stayed on Tang San from the moment he entered, but Tang San didn’t pay any attention, treating her like air.
“Grandpa, why have you called over this little bastard? You still haven’t told me why you would come to this run down academy as an advisor. Even if it was important, you should have come to our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!”
Dugu Yan spoke to Dugu Bo like a spoiled child.
Dugu Bo said:
“Fine. Yan-yan, later you mustn’t go saying ‘little bastard, little bastard’. Even if this little freak is uncanny, he still has a lot of areas you could learn fro
m. Look at you, you’re already twenty one, and still like a little child. He’s not even fourteen, but his attitude is more mature than yours.”
Tang San secretly thought, ‘What fourteen, I’ve lived two lives, already forty years. How could I be as childish as your granddaughter?’
Dugu Yan hadn’t expected Dugu Bo to think this highly of Tang San and snorted,
“How is it so amazing. Last time I was careless. If we went at it again I’d beat him until his teeth littered the ground.”
Tang San smiled faintly, saying:
“I think you’ll have the chance you wish for. In another half year it will be time for the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Grand Competition. We’ll both be competing in the Heaven Dou City district, and I think we’ll encounter each other very quickly.”
Dugu Yan snorted disdainfully,
“If we weren’t careless last time the losers would definitely have been you. Your sneak attack on Tian-Heng won’t work again.”
Dugu Yan didn’t know Tang San’s depth, but Dugu Bo was only too clear. As he recalled the Cluster Soul Chasing Balls, Dugu Bo couldn’t help shivering. He didn’t believe the little freak only had four, and glaring at Tang San said:
“Little freak, I don’t care about others, but when the time comes you can’t injure my granddaughter. Otherwise I’ll take it up with you.”
Dugu Yan resentfully said:
“Grandpa, what are you saying. How could he injure me again. Would you ever encourage others’ ambition and look down on your own strength?”
Dugu Bo said:
“I don’t know about others, but if you underestimate this little freak, then I can guarantee that you’ll get the worst of it in a fight against him. Do you know what his current spirit power rank is? It shouldn’t be much short of yours, thirty seven ranks. If he has half a year, this little freak might even break through the fortieth rank bottleneck. You and he are alike, you’re both control system Spirit Masters, but I can tell you for sure that you aren’t his match.”
Hearing Dugu Bo repeatedly defend Tang San, Dugu Yan’s mood changed immediately. Leaping up from the bed, she glared at Tang San with an aggrieved expression,
“Little bastard, what kind of potion did you use on my grandpa? He’s actually so taken with you. Grandpa, you wouldn’t have taken this little bastard as apprentice, would you?”
Dugu Bo’s aged face blushed. The two had only mutually investigated poison, mutually studied. Tang San admittedly felt he had learned a lot from Dugu Bo, but Dugu Bo also believed he had gained some small advantages. For a moment he actually didn’t know how to answer his granddaughter.
Tang San also stood up from the soda,
“I still have to cultivate, I don’t have time to accompany you for senseless chatter. As for strength, let’s see it on the stage. Old freak, this is my blended medicine. You let her take it once every day for seven days, and it will transmit the poison. However, you have to find her a spirit bone first. With your abilities this shouldn’t be difficult.”
Dugu Bo took the seven crystal bottles Tang San handed over, nodding to him:
“Little freak, under heaven are scattered many feasts. I have my wish, it’s impossible for me to always stay here.”
“You’re leaving?”
Tang San shocked looked at him.
Dugu Bo nodded,
“I have some matters to deal with. If I hurry back I might make it in time for the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Grand Competition. Don’t forget, I won’t let you harm Yan-yan.”
Tang San glanced at Dugu Yan standing to the side with a baleful expression, and said indifferently:
“To give you face I won’t do anything to her. However, you had best remind her not to provoke me. I’m leaving.”
Saying this, he turned around and walked to the door. Dugu Yan still wanted to say something, but was stopped by a stern look from Dugu Bo.
Tang San suddenly stopped in front of the door, turning his head to look at Dugu Bo. One old and one young gaze met in the air, and although Tang San tried to hide it, Dugu Bou could still see a reluctance to part in his eyes.
“Old freak, take care. Don’t forget those two iron balls.”
“You take care too.”
Dugu Bo lowered his head, waving his hand at Tang San. He didn’t know why, but right now he felt a little sand in his eyes. The feeling Tang San gave him even Dugu Yan had never caused.
While walking out of the school building, Tang San’s mood still hadn’t recovered. Even though he had been constantly cultivating these several days, it was very difficult to focus, and even now he couldn’t undo the problem that preoccupied him.
This disturbance had appeared extremely suddenly, and he couldn’t even share it with anyone. He truly regretted that look. Even to the extent that he hadn’t the mood to reflect on why the old freak would leave now.
Dugu Bo left quietly. He didn’t say anything to anyone, and on the second day was gone without a trace.
Flender didn’t find Dugu Bo’s departure strange, after all, he was a Title Douluo, and who would dare restrict the actions of someone like that? Dugu Bo leaving on the contrary made him relieved, at least it reduced the number of time bombs at the Academy.
Several days later the Shrek Seven Devils completed their temporary Seclusion. Flender and Liu Erlong personally went with Grandmaster and Dai Mubai for the not distant Sunset Forest where Dugu Bo also had his nest to hunt spirit beasts. Ning Rongrong asked for leave and returned home. The remaining five for the time being entered the Academy’s advanced class.
Ning Rongrong had already planned to return home a while ago, but because Tang San was missing he naturally couldn’t make her the hidden weapons. Now that Tang San was back, and her strength had also substantially increased, she returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile school with her own pride and those mechanical class hidden weapons Tang San gave her.
Looking at the school uniform he wore, Tang San felt helpless. He didn’t know if it was a deliberate practical joke on Flender’s part, but after he had assumed control of the Academy, he had changed the Academy’s school uniform to completely green, and still that kind with a bit of yellow, the legendary snot green.
Let alone Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu’s big scowls, even Tang San felt a bit ridiculous.
Chapter 072: Flash Of Understanding
Part 1 (TL by Bagelson)
“Can we really go out in these clothes? Wouldn’t it have people laughing themselves to death?”
Oscar pointed to the massive red characters on his chest, ‘Shrek Academy’.
Fatty smiled wryly:
“I didn’t feel like teacher’s sense of aesthetics were so lacking before, how could he fit red with green? Don’t tell me that in half a year he’ll still have us dressed like this to participate in the Spirit Master Academy Grand Competition? I’m afraid we won’t even get to fight, we’ll be laughed to death first.”
Tang San said:
“But we’re not the only ones dressed like this, aren’t all the Academy students wearing the same? Oh, that’s right, you were cultivating in the Academy the whole time, is there any difference in the education system here?”
Oscar swallowed, saying:
“There actually aren’t any differences, just that there are a lot of women. Everyone says that female Spirit Masters are rare, but that doesn’t show at our Academy. At least half or more are women Spirit Masters. Reportedly, it’s because of vice dean Liu Erlong. The majority all idolize vice dean Erlong.”
“There are altogether six classes in the Academy, separated according to rank. As long as your rank advances, you can skip a grade at any time, there’s no need to take any exams or such. Only on graduation are there two tests, one is combat, and one is a graduation mission. Split by rank, there are three classes for twentieth rank to twenty fifth rank making up the largest number of people, approximately one hundred twenty people. Twenty fifth to thirtieth rank has two classes, roughly ei
ghty people, and thirtieth and above have one class, which is also our advanced class. Figures us as thirty something people. Moreover the majority are a lot older than us. Some are even over thirty.”
Fatty, immensely proud of himself, said:
“This is the gap. How could people like them reach Title Douluo?”
The Academy bell rung, and everyone entered the classroom.
Because of their age, the Shrek Seven Devils naturally couldn’t compare to those older students in stature, therefore their seats were all at the very front. By now all the Shrek Seven Devils had reached the thirtieth rank, and naturally also sat in this classroom.
Just as they entered, Tang San discovered the mood in the classroom was somewhat peculiar. A lot of people’s gazes were fixed on him. Just like Oscar said, the number of female students were about the same as the male students in the classroom, and these female students looking at Tang San, for the most part displaying pure astonishment. But the male students looked at Tang San with gazes that clearly held bad intent.
Tang San of course didn’t care about others looking at him, he just wanted to know the cause.
He understood it very quickly. From those male students’ gazes at him, he knew the reason for the malevolence.
Tang San was being pulled into the classroom by Xiao Wu, who pulled him straight into a seat next to her. Furthermore, from start to finish Xiao Wu’s gaze had never left Tang San, as if he was the only person in her eyes.
Even though Xiao Wu and Tang San had neither reached fourteen, girls developed earlier than boys, and Xiao Wu wasn’t just beautiful, she still had that pitch-black long hair in addition to her perfect golden ratio figure. Naturally the number of those twenty something youths who coveted her wasn’t few.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun weren’t looked at with the kind of malevolence as Tang San, and sat on the other side secretly snickering.
Zhu Zhuqing just sat down in a corner with her ice cold expression. No matter others, she didn’t even look at her closest companions.
The teacher hadn’t arrived yet, and after the classroom had become quiet for a brief moment when Tang San and the others entered, it immediately became noisy again.
Douluo Dalu - Volume 11 - Vigorous God Page 2