"NO!!!"
Looking at Ma Hongjun, who lay on the bed, crippled and heartbroken, Yu Xiaogang let out a soul-wrenching roar.
They had only been separated for three days, so why did this happen? Why was fate tormenting them, master and disciple, like this?
Since 'that' incident, Ma Hongjun had become even more important to him, not only as his direct disciple but also as a comrade-in-arms sharing a dark secret.
Only when Ma Hongjun became the most powerful Soul Master on the entire continent could Yu Xiaogang prove his worth to the world.
But now, Ma Hongjun was physically impaired. Even if he became the most powerful Soul Master, he would still have an indelible stain on his record, a "defect" that would make him the subject of ridicule. Yu Xiaogang could not accept this.
After a long while, he finally suppressed his grief. He looked up at Flender beside him and questioned sharply, "Brother Flender, who did this?"
"Xiaogang, be rational. This is not someone you or I can afford to mess with."
Seeing Yu Xiaogang like this, a trace of pity flashed in Flender's eyes. After all, they had been brothers for so many years, and he couldn't let him go further down the path of self-destruction.
However, Yu Xiaogang completely ignored Flender's advice and asked in a harsher tone, "Who exactly is it?"
Seeing his persistence, Flender sighed and said helplessly, "It was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Fengzhi sent the Sword Douluo to do it."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
Yu Xiaogang's eyes were bloodshot, and he was panting heavily. He said, word by word, "They actually dared to cripple my disciple! I, Yu Xiaogang, swear that I will destroy the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at all costs!"
Hearing this, Flender was stunned. 'This guy is spouting nonsense again.'
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had two Titled Douluos, both of whom were above Level 95. With Ning Fengzhi's assistance, there were very few experts on the continent who could contend with them. A mere Grandmaster with Level 29 soul power threatening to destroy them was laughable.
After a moment, Flender shook his head and sighed, "Xiaogang, you should comfort Hongjun first. I'm afraid he might do something rash."
Knowing Ma Hongjun was a frequent visitor to brothels, the loss of his "physical attributes" would undoubtedly be unbearable for him.
After Flender left, Yu Xiaogang slowly walked to the bedside, looking at his only disciple with profound sorrow welling up within him.
At this moment, Ma Hongjun finally regained some consciousness. A hint of suicidal intent flickered in his eyes as he asked, "Teacher... is there any hope for me?"
In just a few hours, he had considered suicide multiple times, even contemplating killing Yu Xiaogang first and then himself.
But seeing Yu Xiaogang's genuine grief, he couldn't bring himself to do it. In the past, he could never have imagined someone could be so unlucky, and deep down, he knew it all stemmed from his teacher's decisions.
"Hongjun, don't worry. I said I wouldn't give up on you, and I won't!"
Yu Xiaogang grasped Ma Hongjun's hand, solemnly promising.
Now, even if he wanted to find another disciple, no one with such potential would be willing to become his apprentice; he could only place his hopes on Ma Hongjun.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang made up his mind completely. He intended to bring Ma Hongjun to join Spirit Hall.
Physical problems could be put aside for now; restoring Ma Hongjun's talent was the most important thing. For their future, he would not hesitate to break his oath.
Suddenly, Yu Xiaogang thought of a way that might cheer Ma Hongjun up.
"Hongjun, I once consulted a book from the Spirit Hall archives. It records a place called Sea God Island, which is said to be protected by a deity."
"A God?"
"That's right. Once you become a true Fire Phoenix Soul Master, you will have the opportunity to seek divine power. Whether you become a god or receive a god's blessing, it can help you recover completely."
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's explanation, a glimmer of light finally appeared in Ma Hongjun's eyes. Rather than wallowing in self-pity, it was better to seize this sliver of hope.
Seeing him cheer up, Yu Xiaogang continued, "I plan to take you to join Spirit Hall. There, you can obtain more cultivation resources and join their strongest team."
"Teacher, I will follow your arrangements."
At this moment, Ma Hongjun trusted Yu Xiaogang unconditionally and was willing to risk his life for him.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi and his two companions had arrived at the academy.
Although he wasn't sure if Xue Qinghe had managed to persuade Lin Mu yet, after the recent incident, Ning Fengzhi didn't want to wait any longer.
They first went to the Crown Prince's Palace, intending to inquire about the matter in person, but were told that His Highness was not there. Thus, they came directly to the academy.
To persuade Lin Mu, Ning Fengzhi specifically asked the Three Education Board Members to act as intermediaries.
Guided by the three instructors, they finally arrived at the Royal Fighting Team's training ground, where Lin Mu was training the team members as usual.
After these few days of adaptation, everyone could withstand three times the normal gravity. Although Lin Mu occasionally increased the pressure, it was mostly maintained at triple gravity.
With their cultivation levels, being able to fully adapt to this environment was already quite impressive.
More significant than the improvement in individual strength was the fusion skill of Shi Mò and Shi Mó; not only was the fusion process smoother, but the duration was also longer.
At this moment, Meng Shenji walked up to Lin Mu, bowed slightly, and tentatively asked, "Teacher Lin Mu, could the training be paused for a moment?"
If it weren't for Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo's request, he would never have disturbed the Royal Fighting Team's training.
Hearing this, Lin Mu didn't stop the training immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Ning Fengzhi and the other two, his gaze finally settling on Ning Rongrong.
Clearly, Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo were here to get Ning Rongrong into the Royal Fighting Team.
But the problem was, hadn't he already made it clear he didn't want her?
Lin Mu then looked at Qian Renxue beside him; if he wasn't mistaken, this woman hadn't delivered his rejection clearly.
Facing Lin Mu's gaze, Qian Renxue's eyes darted away. She'd been busy cleaning Lin Mu's room these past two days and hadn't had time to reply to Ning Fengzhi's letter or inform him of the rejection.
Seeing her reaction, Lin Mu had already guessed most of what was going on. He immediately withdrew his Gravity Swamp skill and instructed everyone, "You all continue training; I need to take care of something."
"Yes, Teacher Lin Mu!" everyone replied in unison.
Immediately, Lin Mu strolled over, his gaze fixed on the Sword Douluo. He deliberately provoked him, "What, Sword Douluo? Planning to spar with me again?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi swallowed back the diplomatic words he was about to say. Even the usually composed Sword Douluo couldn't hold back a flinch.
When they parted last time, he had indeed said he'd spar with Lin Mu again if the opportunity arose.
But he only said that to save face; how could he possibly spar with Lin Mu again? That cyan armor was too sinister.
Unless he could find a way to limit Lin Mu's speed, no matter how many times they sparred, he would only be the one injured.
"Ahem. Young friend Lin Mu, I was quite rude last time, and I apologize to you," the Sword Douluo said, bowing slightly.
He wasn't doing this solely to avoid a fight, but to ease tensions and thus pave the way for Ning Rongrong to join the Royal Fighting Team.
Now, having witnessed the team's unique training methods, he was even more convinced that joining them was the right choice for Rongrong.
Everyone present was stunned to see the Sword Douluo apologize to Lin Mu.
This was the Sword Douluo, whose fame resounded throughout the entire continent! He wielded the Seven Kill Sword, known as the strongest offensive weapon, and possessed a Soul Power of Level 96! He was actually apologizing to a junior!
"Teacher Lin Mu, there must be some misunderstanding here," Ning Fengzhi chimed in smoothly.
"Misunderstanding?" Lin Mu raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly mocking. "I don't think there's any misunderstanding at all."