Ning Rongrong and Oscar sat down at the table, which was a simple round table with a rotating tray. Lan Si sat between Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling, the three of them sitting very close together.
Oscar instinctively sensed the "threat" from Lan Si and chose to sit beside Ye Lingling, leaving an extra space between him and Ning Rongrong. This small action slightly irritated Ning Rongrong, who suddenly found her usually loyal "backup plan" Oscar a bit annoying.
However, with so many people around, she couldn't say anything, and could only fume silently.
Originally, she had intended to sit next to Zhu Zhuqing, but considering their current relationship, she thought better of it and gave up the idea.
Lan Si, acting very politely, asked, "I don't think I've asked your names yet?"
"Oh, I'm Ning Rongrong, Soul: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile, 28th level auxiliary spirit master. I'll be 13 in two months," Ning Rongrong introduced herself with a slight blush, feeling a bit nervous. Thinking her introduction was too detailed, she quickly added, "I'm just a bit over a month older than Zhuqing."
Oscar wasn't about to be outdone either. Despite his earlier defeat at the hands of Lan Si, the pride instilled in him by Shrek Academy hadn't diminished. He declared confidently, "Oscar, Soul: Sausage, 32nd level food-type spirit master, 14 years old."
It had been almost six months since Shrek Academy started, and he had already improved his spirit power by one level. Unlike Ning Rongrong, Oscar didn't specify his exact age because he was only a few days away from turning 15. After all, being a 14-year-old food-type spirit master was different from being a 15-year-old one—it reflected potential and talent.
Especially in front of this blue-haired boy, who could pose a significant threat, Oscar, as a man, could not afford to lose in front of the girl he liked.
Lan Si, sensing Oscar's hostility, didn't mind. He had only invited the two to join them as a ploy to mislead Shrek Academy and possibly Tang San and Dugu Bo, who were probably furious with him right now.
With a smile, he said, "What a coincidence! It looks like we're the same age, Oscar. I'm also 14. Let me introduce myself: Tang Ritian, Soul: Ice Blade, 39th level power-type spirit master."
"Thirty-nine levels, and only 14 years old?" Ning Rongrong and Oscar were both stunned. Among the Shrek Seven Devils, Dai Mubai had the highest spirit power at only 38 levels, and he had already turned 16 recently.
Oscar nearly collapsed in shock. How could he compete for Ning Rongrong's affection with such a powerful opponent?
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but ask, "Brother Tang Ritian, how old are you exactly?"
"I just turned 14 a few days ago. Why?" Lan Si continued lying without a hint of hesitation.
Ning Rongrong's mouth dropped open in astonishment. What kind of genius had she met? He spoke so gently, and at this rate, he would undoubtedly become a Soul Elder before turning 15. A 14-year-old Soul Elder—she had never heard of such a thing.
Compared to him, the Shrek Devils were nothing. This guy was the real monster.
"No, it's nothing," Ning Rongrong said, taking a deep breath to calm her excitement. She couldn't resist teasing Oscar: "Oscar, looks like you're miles behind compared to this 14-year-old Soul Elder."
Oscar's face turned pale, and he had no retort.
"Brother Tang Ritian, earlier you called Zhuqing 'sister-in-law.' Does that mean you know Lan Si?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously, trying to start a conversation.
Lan Si nodded and said, "Yes, we do know each other. You could say we became friends after a fight. He's the only opponent I've ever truly acknowledged."
"You fought him? Who won?" Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up with excitement as she pressed for details.
"It was a draw," Lan Si lied smoothly. "But if our spirit power were equal, I'd probably lose. He's the only person I've met at my level who could match me. I have a lot of respect for him."
Ning Rongrong hurriedly shook her head and said, "Brother Tang Ritian, you're amazing! You don't know, but that freakish guy once beat all seven of us, including me, Zhuqing, and Oscar. Three of us were powerful Soul Elders, and the highest level among us was 38, while his spirit power was only 33 at the time."
Everyone, including Lan Si, was surprised by how Ning Rongrong was now comforting him. The usually carefree Miss Ning was showing an unusual level of concern for someone she had just met.
Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince's Mansion in Heaven Dou City…
In a dimly lit hall, Qian Renxue stood with her back to Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo. Her fists clenched as she said coldly, "So, there was a woman who threw herself into Ah Si's arms?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Snake Spear Douluo answered respectfully.
"And did Ah Si push her away?" Qian Renxue asked again.
"No, he didn't," Snake Spear Douluo hesitated before replying.
Boom!
A powerful golden aura of spirit pressure erupted from Qian Renxue, instantly illuminating the entire hall. The floor beneath her feet cracked like a spider web from the sheer force of her rage.
"Your Highness, please calm down. With Lan Si's new appearance, it's only natural that girls might throw themselves at him. It could have been a misunderstanding," Porcupinefish Douluo quickly tried to console her.
Qian Renxue's anger slowly subsided. The golden light faded as she reined in her spirit power. "Go, bring him back to me."
Back on the bustling streets of Heaven Dou City, Lan Si and his companions had finished their meal. As they parted ways with Ning Rongrong and the dispirited Oscar, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly grabbed Lan Si's waist and gave it a firm pinch, causing him to gasp in pain.
"Damn it, Zhuqing, are you trying to kill me?" Lan Si exclaimed.
Zhu Zhuqing shot him a sideways glance and said with a hint of jealousy, "Tell me, Brother Tang Ritian, what was that performance back there?"
No one understood a woman's heart better than another woman. Zhu Zhuqing had noticed everything, especially Ning Rongrong's unusual interest in Lan Si, which didn't seem like just a casual reunion. It was clear Ning Rongrong had developed feelings for him.
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