Not long after, the teacher from Shrek Academy arrived and dispersed the students who had gathered at the entrance to watch the commotion. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Tianyang and the others quietly slipped back to the academy's training area.
However, on the way, Xiao Tianyang suddenly turned to Saber and said, "I need to go out for a bit. You should head back first."
"Alright, be careful on your way," Saber replied with a smile, not pressing for details. She reached out to straighten his clothes, her movements gentle and caring.
Seeing her actions, Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but sigh. "To be honest, with your talent, you could make a name for yourself anywhere. But this time, for me to participate in the Continental Elite Soul Master Competition under a different identity, you had to sacrifice too much."
Ever since he relayed Miao Zhenshan's words, Xiao Tianyang had rarely seen Saber take any action in public.
Even when she wanted to step in for Zhu Zhuqing earlier, she held back—all to ensure his identity remained hidden, allowing him to compete in the Continental Elite Soul Master Competition under a different guise.
This selflessness made Xiao Tianyang feel a pang of guilt.
"It's really nothing," Saber reassured him, her smile sweet and comforting. "Besides, you know I don't care about fame or glory. If it weren't for what happened to my parents, I wouldn't have even entered the soul master world. Honestly, I prefer the life I have now."
Her words were genuine. Except for the recent incident, Saber rarely involved herself in conflicts. She much preferred staying by Xiao Tianyang's side, whether as his support or even as his little admirer. As long as she was with him, she was content.
After chatting for a while, Xiao Tianyang bid Saber farewell and stealthily left the academy, following the trail left by Bubu.
…
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Mountainside
Xiao Tianyang landed silently on a tree branch, his presence undetected. From ahead, he could hear voices engaged in conversation.
"Your Highness, that guy Xiao Tianyang is too cautious. He never takes the bait, and we can't figure out his true strength. What should we do now?" A large man, Alande, scratched his head in frustration. "But that woman with him is incredibly strong. She defeated me in a single move. It's unbelievable."
"Don't undermine your own confidence while praising others," chided a petite girl standing beside Alande. Her skin was a healthy tan, and her hair was styled in dreadlocks tied into a ponytail, giving her an exotic appearance.
From his perch in the distance, Xiao Tianyang observed the girl and immediately made a mental note.
'She must be from a foreign tribe.'
Despite her calm demeanor, her sharp eyes betrayed a cunning and wild nature.
At that moment, Bubu quietly approached him. Just as the dog was about to bark, Xiao Tianyang swiftly silenced him with a pinch. After shooting Bubu a warning glare, Xiao Tianyang turned his attention back to the conversation, ears perked.
"Aya, have you gathered any useful information during this time?" The voice was unmistakably Qian Renxue's, even though her back was turned.
"Nothing substantial," Aya replied with a shrug. "Aside from being captured by Dugu Bo half a year ago, he's hardly been anywhere else. Even after his return, he's been holed up in the academy's training area. It's nearly impossible to gather any intel on him, let alone meet him."
"What about the cities he's stayed in before? Have you checked those?" Qian Renxue pressed, her tone thoughtful. "For example, Suotuo City."
"Of course," Aya nodded. "But over there, apart from records of him purchasing ingredients, he's rarely been anywhere else. However, I did find out that Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar often visit the Land of Fireworks..."
"What are they looking for?" Qian Renxue sighed in frustration before asking, "Do you know what ingredients he bought?"
"Just ordinary stuff, nothing special," Aya replied, stroking her chin. "I even tried combining them a few times after returning, but they seemed to have no effect beyond being edible."
"I'm determined to get that recipe," Qian Renxue declared, her gaze piercing as she turned to Aya. "Find other ways. Investigate every clue related to his cooking. If you need anything, let me know. I'll provide whatever support you need."
"Your Highness, don't worry. I'll do my best," Aya assured her, placing her hands on her shoulders and bowing slightly.
Xiao Tianyang listened intently, though much of the conversation that followed was trivial and unrelated to him. However, he stayed because his side mission wasn't yet complete.
Qian Renxue's appearance and her scheming weren't just about her current plan—there was a deeper layer to her machinations.
'She's as cunning as a wasp, and her schemes are as venomous as a snake's bite,' Xiao Tianyang thought to himself. She almost had me fooled. But if she thinks she can outwit me, she's got another thing coming.
Quietly, Xiao Tianyang and Bubu left the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
As they descended the mountain, Xiao Tianyang instructed Bubu, "Keep an eye on her. If you notice anything unusual, report back to me immediately." He paused, then added, "If there's any danger, retreat. Remember, I have the academy's teachers backing me. Even if they're after the recipe, they won't risk harming me. Understood?"
"Woof!" Bubu barked, wagging his tail vigorously—a clear sign that he understood.
"Good," Xiao Tianyang said with a wave. "Go on, then."
With another bark, Bubu disappeared, leaving no trace behind.
Standing there for a moment, Xiao Tianyang felt a growing unease. He decided to head to Miao Zhenshan's contact point.
Despite his strength, which allowed him to handle even a Soul Sage if necessary, this sense of foreboding suggested a threat beyond that level. He couldn't afford to be careless.
As for Dugu Bo? The old man was unreliable at best. Even if he wanted to help, his strength—or lack thereof—made him the weakest Titled Douluo for a reason. Xiao Tianyang knew better than to count on him.
…
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