After settling matters outside, Xiao Tianyang returned to Blue Tyrant Academy close to dawn. Unable to sleep, he climbed onto the roof and began his practice.
Progress in cultivation couldn't be forced purely through external means. While it wasn't impossible, it felt too unnatural.
For instance, Xiao Tianyang had previously consumed numerous immortal herbs.
Typically, one or two such herbs would greatly benefit an ordinary soul master. However, he had consumed dozens of fully matured herbs, yet his level remained stuck at 39.
Tang San later pointed out that his body had developed a resistance to the medicinal effects. As a result, Xiao Tianyang could no longer rely on shortcuts and had to follow the conventional path of cultivation.
This didn't bother him much, though.
Xiao Tianyang had always been a step-by-step, down-to-earth cultivator. While he had used pills to purify his soul power, he wasn't overly anxious about leveling up.
This deliberate approach meant his cultivation speed was slowing down.
Otherwise, with the aid of the pills he had drawn, he could have easily reached level 60 by now. However, such rapid progress would have made his foundation unstable, like a paper tiger—impressive on the surface but weak in reality.
Facing a true soul master, he would have been exposed. Thus, Xiao Tianyang chose the slow and steady path, confident in his perseverance.
Early the next morning, as the sun rose, Xiao Tianyang didn't actively activate the Nine Suns Divine Art. Instead, Flame Emperor, the heavenly flame within him, burned fiercely.
With each absorption of soul power, Flame Emperor grew brighter and larger, visible to the naked eye. Of course, with each exhalation, it would shrink slightly and dim.
This process refined the quality of Flame Emperor itself.
The power of the heavenly flame was immense—even a single spark could rival a top-tier martial spirit. After fusion of all heavenly flame, its essence remained unchanged, but it had been elevated to a god-level martial soul.
This transformation gave Flame Emperor the potential for further growth. Although achieving a qualitative change would require long-term accumulation, Xiao Tianyang didn't mind. It was a casual effort, not particularly troublesome.
After completing the final cycle, Xiao Tianyang exhaled a breath of turbid air and opened his eyes.
"Tianyang, good morning," came the voice of Yu Xiaogang from beside the room.
"Grandmaster, good morning," Xiao Tianyang replied with a smile, jumping down from the roof and landing next to him. "Why are you here so early today? Do you have a new training plan?"
Yu Xiaogang was known for his ever-evolving ideas, and his training methods were constantly updated.
Xiao Tianyang had to admit, Yu Xiaogang's modifications were highly effective. Not only were they better suited to the physiques of the Shrek Seven Monsters, but they also subtly increased their training intensity without exhausting them.
Xiao Tianyang could only admire Yu Xiaogang's brain.
At best, Xiao Tianyang was a mere porter of knowledge, while Yu Xiaogang was a true researcher, uncovering truths through rigorous practice. Such a master was a real wise man.
However, this was the first time Yu Xiaogang had come to them so early in the morning. Xiao Tianyang wondered if he had devised a new training method.
"You guessed wrong this time," Yu Xiaogang said with a stiff smile. "I'm here to inform you that today's training is canceled."
"But if that's the case, why come so early?" Xiao Tianyang asked, puzzled.
"Because I'm going out for a while," Yu Xiaogang explained. "Your proposal last time was excellent, but upon further reflection, I realized I need to make some preparations. Acting hastily could arouse suspicion. So, I'm going out to gather information and gauge others' opinions. This will help me make more accurate decisions for our future plans."
Xiao Tianyang was touched by Yu Xiaogang's dedication. He respectfully said, "Thank you for your efforts, Grandmaster."
"It's no trouble," Yu Xiaogang replied, waving his hand. "You're the one who has to watch over their training every day. That's not easy."
After exchanging a few more words, Yu Xiaogang left. Xiao Tianyang stretched, returned to his room, took a shower, changed clothes, and lay down for a short nap.
Around 7:30 a.m., Xiao Tianyang got up and headed to the small canteen reserved exclusively for them.
The name "Small Canteen" stemmed from a past incident.
On one hand, the Shrek Seven Monsters had grown accustomed to his cooking and wouldn't stop pestering him about it.
On the other hand, Xiao Tianyang had a mission: to train these guys through cooking. Thus, a wooden house was built, and the Small Canteen was born.
By 8:30 a.m., everyone had arrived, and a hot breakfast was served. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Tianyang announced Yu Xiaogang's decision to cancel training for the day.
"Wow, a day off! I can finally go out!" Ma Hongjun cheered immediately.
Dai Mubai and Oscar joined in, and the three began discussing where to go.
"Do you have any plans?" Ning Rongrong asked, ignoring the three and looking at Xiao Tianyang with a hint of emotion in her eyes.
Xiao Wu, biting into a bun, turned to Tang San. "Brother, let's go out for a stroll today."
"Sure, whatever you say," Tang San agreed without hesitation.
"What about you, Tianyang? Where do you want to go today?" Ning Rongrong pressed, not getting the answer she wanted.
Xiao Tianyang sipped his soy milk and raised an eyebrow. "Just tell me, what do you want?"
Ning Rongrong giggled. "I want you to come back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with me. Is that okay?"
"No," Xiao Tianyang refused outright. "And let me ask you something—doesn't your father need to buy Tang San's hidden weapons? Take him with you. He's more useful than I am."
"But what if I say Grandpa Jian also wants to see you?" Ning Rongrong threatened, implying that Sword Douluo might come knocking if he refused.
"Then definitely not. Last time, he almost killed me," Xiao Tianyang retorted, glancing at her. "Besides, I have other things to do today and can't spare the time."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong pouted and began poking the buns in her bowl with her chopsticks, as if taking out her frustration on them.
"Hey, don't poke the buns. They didn't do anything to you," Xiao Tianyang said helplessly. "I really have something to do today. I'll go with you next time, okay?"
"Promise?" Ning Rongrong's face brightened instantly.
"That's what I said," Xiao Tianyang confirmed.
…
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