Chapter 524 — Oscar, Ning Rongrong

The two left the tea house. With Oscar's return, Tang San no longer felt like attending to his own affairs, so he simply headed back to the academy with him. He didn't want any mishaps after Oscar and Ning Rongrong met — especially since Ning Rongrong would very likely bring Ning Fengzhi along.

Once outside the tea house, Oscar put his bamboo hat back on. Tang San knew he was still self-conscious about his disfigured face, but he didn't say anything. The two quickly made their way back to Shrek Academy. Just as they were about to walk through the gates, Oscar froze mid-step, staring in one direction, utterly motionless.

"Third Brother, I'm back! Wasn't I fast?" Ning Rongrong had her arm linked through Ning Fengzhi's as they walked toward the academy as well. Bone Douluo trailed quietly behind them. Even here in Tian Dou City, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan never dared slacken their protection of the Clan Master.

It had been five years. Tang San noticed that Ning Fengzhi had aged — his temples were streaked with grey, and the vigorous spirit between his brows had faded, replaced by a composed, restrained bearing. The perpetual smile that had once graced his face had turned into something distant and reserved.

When Ning Fengzhi caught sight of Tang San, he faltered for a moment. Although Ning Rongrong had warned him about Tang San's drastic change in appearance, he hadn't expected the transformation to be so thorough — from looks to temperament alike. Just as Ning Rongrong had said before, if they had run into each other by chance, he never would have recognized Tang San.

Before long, the two groups met. Ning Fengzhi looked Tang San up and down and smiled. "It's truly hard to believe! A change in one's Martial Soul can completely transform a person. Xiao San, I see miracles in you once again."

Tang San bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Uncle Ning. It's been a long time." Oscar bowed beside him as well, but said nothing.

Ning Fengzhi's gaze settled on Oscar. "And this is…?" With an outsider present, he naturally held back from saying too much to Tang San.

Tang San reached over and patted Oscar's shoulder, but didn't speak. This was something Oscar had to face on his own.

He could clearly feel the stiffness in Oscar's body beneath his palm and sighed inwardly, yet he steeled himself and refused to smooth things over, simply waiting in silence for Oscar's response.

Caught in an agonizing struggle within, Oscar finally mustered his courage. With difficulty, he raised his hand, grasped the bamboo hat on his head, and slowly pulled it down.

The moment Tang San had patted Oscar's shoulder, Ning Rongrong's expression had already turned strange. Without knowing why, her heart had suddenly begun to race. She stared unblinkingly as the hat gradually lowered.

When the hat could no longer conceal his face, Ning Rongrong's complexion drained of color in an instant. Her entire body went rigid, her eyes reddened on the spot, and a layer of mist welled up from within them.

Oscar's eyes had turned red too. In his now-hoarse voice, he spoke with difficulty. "Clan Master Ning… Rongrong, I'm home."

"Waaaah—" Ning Rongrong burst into loud sobs and lunged at Oscar, hammering both fists against his chest, unable to utter a single coherent word.

Seeing Oscar without his hat, Ning Fengzhi's jaw dropped. When he noticed the long, jagged scar stretching across Oscar's face, a flicker of deep emotion passed through his eyes. Like Tang San, he said nothing, simply standing there watching the couple reunited after five long years apart.

Oscar let Ning Rongrong pound on his chest, making no move to stop her. Only the tears sliding from the corners of his eyes, soaking into his thick beard, betrayed what he was feeling.

Ning Rongrong's crying showed no sign of easing. But having grown weary of hitting, she suddenly threw her arms wide and clung tightly to Oscar's waist, pressing her soft body flush against his, as though trying to merge herself into his very being.

A blaze of heat surged straight to the crown of his head. In that moment, Oscar no longer cared who was watching. He pulled Ning Rongrong tightly into his embrace, his entire body trembling as he held his beloved, as though he were embracing the whole world. Right then, in both his eyes and his heart, there was room for no one else.

"Clan Master." Gu Rong stepped quietly to Ning Fengzhi's side, a hint of pleading in his eyes.

Ning Fengzhi let out a soft sigh and gave him a nod.

Tang San, observing all of this with a cool eye, couldn't help but smile a little. He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to the forehead of the little rabbit in his arms.

Ning Fengzhi turned to Tang San. "They haven't seen each other in so long — they must have a great deal to say. Xiao San, why don't you take me to your place for a bit? You said you had something to discuss with me."

Tang San nodded and led the way, guiding Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo into Shrek Academy. Throughout the entire exchange, Oscar and Ning Rongrong noticed nothing at all. They were completely lost in the joy and exhilaration of their reunion.

As they walked along the paths inside Shrek Academy, Ning Fengzhi spoke. "Xiao San, Rongrong has told me everything about what happened to you. My condolences. I believe you will succeed in bringing Xiao Wu back."

Tang San nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Ning. I will do everything I can."

Ning Fengzhi suddenly asked, "Xiao San, what do you think about Oscar and Rongrong?"

Tang San considered for a moment, then answered in the most concise way possible. "I believe Oscar would give his life to protect Rongrong."

Ning Fengzhi sighed softly. "I see. Every last one of your Shrek Seven Devils is a once-in-a-generation talent."

Tang San smiled. "Thank you for the kind words. Uncle Ning, this time I asked Rongrong to bring you here because there's an important matter I'd like to discuss with you. This is something I want known only to your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I'd prefer it not involve the Tian Dou Empire in any way. Would that be acceptable?"

If this had been an ordinary young Soul Master, Ning Fengzhi would likely not have given him the time of day. Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's stronghold had been destroyed, he was still one of the former leaders of the Upper Three Clauses. Tang San's words were essentially a negotiation on equal footing.

But toward Tang San, Ning Fengzhi would certainly not storm off in a huff. Quite the opposite — he took Tang San's words very seriously. Because setting aside the Clear Sky School behind Tang San, Tang San alone possessed more than enough weight to command his attention.

Leading the Shrek Seven Devils to dominate their rivals and claim the championship at the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Crafting that multitude of exquisite Hidden Weapons. If not for Tang San's Hidden Weapons, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might have suffered the same fate as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family. Though Ning Fengzhi had never said so aloud, he had always kept that debt in his heart.

Ning Fengzhi straightened up and addressed Tang San with the gravity due an equal partner. "Though I don't know why you insist on keeping the Tian Dou Empire out of this, I can agree to your terms. I'm also very much looking forward to working with you. Go ahead and speak freely."

A faint layer of blue light radiated from Tang San's body. The glow didn't extend far — it enveloped only the three of them: himself, Ning Fengzhi, and Bone Douluo. The subtle halo was nearly imperceptible unless one looked closely, moving along with the trio as they walked.

"A Domain?" Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong exclaimed in unison, startled. Though they hadn't studied Martial Souls as deeply as the Great Master, they recognized this kind of energy emanating from Tang San. It was a special ability that only Titled Douluo could possibly possess! Among the two Titled Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, even Bone Douluo did not possess a Domain — only the gravely injured Sword Douluo had one. In that battle long ago, it had been Sword Douluo, empowered by Ning Fengzhi's assistance, who had displayed fearsome might and turned the tide, saving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan from total annihilation.

Now, from Tang San's body, the unmistakable aura of a Domain emerged. How could these two senior figures of the Clan not be stunned?

Tang San didn't try to hide it. "This ability appeared after my Blue Silver Grass underwent its second awakening and transformed into the Blue Silver Emperor. I'm using it to isolate the sound so that no one outside can overhear our conversation."

Ning Fengzhi spoke with a note of admiration. "Xiao San, every time I see you, you give me an enormous surprise. It seems this time is no different."

Tang San smiled faintly. "If nothing goes wrong, this is only the beginning of the surprises I have in store for you." Releasing the Blue Silver Domain wasn't merely to block sound — he was also subtly demonstrating his capabilities to Ning Fengzhi. What he intended to discuss was, in truth, a negotiation between equals. He needed to secure the most favorable position for himself.

Ideally, when establishing the Tang Sect, Tang San would have preferred not to partner with anyone. But in practical terms, that was impossible. He was a young Soul Master barely past twenty, and his clan had sealed itself away. Without any external support, his own modest savings would accomplish nothing. He had to leverage outside help — and naturally, Tang San would choose only those he could trust absolutely. Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked Ning Rongrong to bring Ning Fengzhi here while keeping the Tian Dou imperial family in the dark.

Ning Fengzhi leaned in with interest. "Let's hear it. I'm sure you'll give me quite the surprise."

Tang San smiled and began to lay out his plans within the soundproof cocoon of his Blue Silver Domain.

At first, Ning Fengzhi listened with a smile. Gradually, however, his expression grew solemn. He nodded frequently as Tang San spoke, occasionally raising a question or two, which Tang San answered one by one.

Bone Douluo, listening to their exchange from the side, wore a look of sheer astonishment, and the way he gazed at Tang San took on an odd quality.

The discussion continued all the way to Tang San's quarters. Once there, Tang San called Ma Hongjun over as well, and the four of them spoke behind closed doors.

The sobbing had finally subsided. Ning Rongrong lay nestled against Oscar's chest, breathing softly.

Five years apart had stripped Oscar of his youthful immaturity. Now twenty-two, with that thick beard framing his face, he looked thoroughly mature. Feeling the distinctive aura of a grown man on him, Ning Rongrong kept her eyes closed and clung tightly to his waist, as though afraid that everything happening right now was only a dream — that if she opened her eyes, it would all vanish.

Oscar simply held her like that. Neither of them wanted to say a word. They stayed that way in silence, listening to each other's heartbeat.

Five years. A full five years. The two lovers were finally together again. Whatever reservations Oscar had harbored before, they were now completely cast aside. He would have been content to hold Ning Rongrong like this forever and never let go.

In that atmosphere, they lost all sense of time. It wasn't until Ning Rongrong shifted slightly — her body having grown stiff — that the two hearts joined as one trembled in unison.

"Rongrong." Oscar ran his fingers through her silky hair and called her name softly.

"Mm." Ning Rongrong answered in a quiet voice, slowly lifting her head to look into Oscar's eyes — now brimming with gentle light. A sweet smile bloomed across her pretty face.

"You've grown even more beautiful, but I've turned ugly." There was a wistful note in Oscar's voice.

Ning Rongrong had of course noticed the scar on his face. She raised a hand and traced it gently across his cheek, shaking her head. "No. You've become more mature. Compared to who you were before, you feel much more… safe now."

Oscar smiled ruefully. "I guess I was really worrying over nothing before. Third Brother was right — why would you care about my looks? Rongrong, do you know that I've thought about you every single moment of these five years? Whenever I faced a powerful enemy, whenever I came to a chasm I couldn't cross, just picturing your face filled me with courage. No matter how difficult it was, I pushed through. My efforts weren't wasted. This time, I swear I will never be separated from you again. I know I can win over Clan Master Ning and convince him to accept us."

"Mm." With her beloved man beside her, Ning Rongrong was impossibly gentle, nodding softly and tightening her arms around Oscar's waist.

"Hm? Where did Third Brother and Clan Master Ning go?" It was only now that Oscar noticed they were the only two left in the area — aside from a few students guarding the academy gates nearby who kept stealing glances their way.

"Oh?" Ning Rongrong lifted her head and looked around at the empty surroundings, a dazed expression on her face. Her cheeks flushed crimson. She thumped a fist lightly against Oscar's chest. "This is all your fault! They — they're going to make fun of me!"

Oscar chuckled. Ning Rongrong's acceptance had filled him with confidence. "Let them laugh, then. Rongrong, let's go inside too. I'm going to speak with Clan Master Ning about us."

Ning Rongrong nodded, took hold of one of Oscar's hands, and leaned her body against his arm. Together, the two walked into the academy.

By the time they returned to their quarters in the woods, more than an hour had passed. As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they happened to see Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo emerging with Tang San and Ma Hongjun.

"Uncle Ning, then it's settled. For a long time to come, the Tang Sect will be counting on your support." Tang San said with a smile.

Ning Fengzhi patted him on the shoulder, his expression warm. "Though Brother Tang Hao has gone into seclusion, having such a fine son as you must make him very proud. What we discussed today isn't really a matter of one side supporting the other — from the Clan's perspective, this is mutually beneficial. Rest assured, only the few of us here will know about this. I'll handle the imperial family on my end. I was careless once already and nearly brought the Clan to ruin. There will not be a second time. Once you've chosen the location for the Tang Sect, have Rongrong let me know. I'll deliver what you need in secret. If there's anything, have Rongrong pass along the message. We shouldn't meet too often, to avoid drawing attention."

Tang San inclined his head. "Understood. Please rest easy. Rongrong and the others have come back."