Chapter 70: Return to the Great Spirit Arena
"Well said," Flender nodded with satisfaction. "Since you understand how vital escape is for an auxiliary-type soul master, then you should also know what escape requires—stamina!"
"So for today's lesson, the two of you will run twenty laps around the entire village! If you can't finish by noon, you don't get lunch."
His tone was firm. Oscar's face immediately went pale.
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, didn't complain. Instead, she tugged on Luo Ling's arm, smiling sweetly. "Brother Ling, you're running with me!"
Without waiting for his answer, she pulled him by the hand and dashed ahead.
Luo Ling sighed helplessly. He'd been planning to enjoy watching the spectacle, not join it himself.
As the three jogged down the dirt path, Luo Ling asked curiously, "You're really planning to run all twenty laps?"
He remembered all too well that in the original story, Ning Rongrong had quit halfway through to go eat and play in Soto City.
"Brother Ling, you think I can't do it?" she shot back, pouting.
"Just watch me! It's only twenty laps. I'll prove it to you!" she declared with fiery determination.
Luo Ling followed leisurely behind her, eyes shining with quiet amusement.
He had to admit—the mischievous little princess looked strangely radiant when serious. Still the same pride and elegance as ever, but tempered now with a touch of maturity.
Not bad at all.
…
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, inside the main hall.
Ning Fengzhi held a letter in his hand, a warm smile tugging at his lips.
"Fengzhi, how's Rongrong doing?" Sword Douluo asked with concern. When Ning Rongrong had first run away from home, he had wanted to fetch her himself, but Ning Fengzhi had stopped him.
"It's fine, Uncle Sword," Ning Fengzhi said with an easy chuckle. "I told you before—Rongrong went to find the Spirit Hall's Holy Son, Luo Ling. She's with him now, studying at Shrek Academy."
Sword Douluo's expression softened, though he still seemed puzzled. "Strange. Why would the Holy Son of Spirit Hall hide his identity just to enroll in some backwater academy?"
"I don't know either." Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "But with Luo Ling there, Rongrong will be safe. I've already written to Shrek's headmaster, asking him to take care of her and to follow Luo Ling's instructions in all things."
…
Night fell.
By that time, Ning Rongrong had indeed completed all twenty laps—exhausted but triumphant.
Hidden in the shadows, Flender couldn't help but admire her perseverance. He had just witnessed why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan stood so strong with heirs like her.
Even Luo Ling was mildly surprised.
At the training field, Luo Ling pulled out a small cake from his soul tool and set it before her.
"This is your reward for finishing the run."
Ning Rongrong froze, pleasantly surprised—this was the first gift Luo Ling had ever given her.
"Taste it," he said, handing her the cake.
He'd bought it earlier in Soto City; it was nothing special, just a small gesture of recognition.
"Brother Ling, what about me?" Oscar asked enviously.
Luo Ling shot him a look but didn't reply. The meaning was clear enough.
Ning Rongrong giggled, happily savoring the cake, sweet satisfaction glowing on her face.
Before long, Flender arrived, the other students gathering beside him.
Everyone noticed the scene between Luo Ling and Ning Rongrong but assumed it was just brotherly affection.
"Good work! Both of you—Oscar and Ning Rongrong—finished all twenty laps!" Flender nodded approvingly. Then his tone hardened slightly. "But don't get complacent. That was only the beginning."
"Enough talk. It's time for your first real lesson at Shrek Academy!"
"Follow me!"
With a light step, he leapt ahead, leading the group out of the academy.
Soon, they reached the bustling lights of Soto City. Seeing the direction they were heading, Dai Mubai hesitated. "Headmaster, don't tell me you're taking us to that place…?"
Flender's lips curved faintly. "Monsters must have monstrous training."
Moments later, they stopped in front of a grand building.
The Great Spirit Arena.
Ning Rongrong's breath hitched slightly. Instinctively, she glanced toward Luo Ling.
Of course she knew what this place meant to him.
The Diamond Spirit Badge holder—the legendary "Strange Magician."
Luo Ling looked up at the vast structure before them, his crimson eyes glinting.
Yes, this was the perfect stage. The ideal place to face Tang San openly—where he could reach into the boy's spiritual threads and take the Xuantian Treasure Record.
The only challenge was rank disparity: he was a Soul Sect, while Tang San was merely a Soul Grandmaster. Even if Tang San advanced soon, they would remain leagues apart.
But there was a way.
A team battle.
A one-versus-seven.
Once the Shrek Seven Devil team was formed, he could challenge them as the Strange Magician.
The arena would be thrilled to host such a match—after all, that name alone could fill every seat.
While the others listened to Flender explaining the arena's rules, Luo Ling quietly slipped away. Not even Ning Rongrong noticed.
…
At the arena's administrative office.
Luo Ling donned his signature attire: top hat, dark suit, and the faint shroud of black mist obscuring his features.
He knocked once—and entered.
"I thought I said to knock before barging into my office?" the manager snapped irritably, not even glancing up.
When he finally looked, his expression froze.
A flicker of nervous energy filled the air; a tiger spirit shadow rippled behind him, merging with his body.
Two yellow, two purple, two black—six spirit rings flared to life.
"Who are you? Who sent you here?"
Luo Ling didn't answer. He reached into his coat and pulled out a gleaming emblem.
The manager's breathing hitched the moment he saw it.
"T-T-That's the Diamond Spirit Badge! Who are you?"
"Has the Great Spirit Arena ever given a second one?" The low, calm voice carried across the room.
The manager blinked, realization dawning. "You… You're the Strange Magician?"
Luo Ling nodded slightly, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "We have something to discuss."
…
"You mean—you wish to hold a one-versus-seven match right here in Soto City?" the manager asked, eyes gleaming with excitement.
It felt like fortune had dropped from the heavens.
He knew how much money Spirit City's Great Arena had made last time the Strange Magician fought there.
Now, this blessing had come to his city.
Opportunities like this didn't fall twice.
"Yes," Luo Ling said slowly. "A one-versus-seven match—but I'll be choosing the team myself."
"The entire team?" The manager swallowed, his mind already racing with profit margins and sponsorships. "Your opponents—will they be Soul Kings again?"
The last time, the Strange Magician had faced one Soul King and six Soul Sects. Surely this time, it would be even grander.
"I'll decide when the time comes," Luo Ling replied dismissively.
After all, he couldn't exactly tell the man that his intended opponents were a group of Soul Grandmasters led by a future Soul Saint—it would sound absurd.
He might lose some face today… but the real payoff would come soon enough.
(END CHAPTER)
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