Life in Soto City couldn't compare to the high-tech conveniences of Earth. Consequently, any news or event within the city would spread like wildfire—first whispers, then chatter, and soon, a city-wide buzz. Such gossip served as the primary pastime for its residents.
Recently, the talk of the town revolved around Shen An, the owner of Tom's Teahouse, who single-handedly eradicated the notorious bandit gang led by Zhang Hu.
This feat not only catapulted Shen An's fame throughout Soto City but also completely tarnished Ma Yan's reputation. Known for bullying locals, Ma Yan was further exposed for colluding with bandits, causing public outrage.
When Ma Shan, Ma Yan's uncle and a high-ranking official in the Spirit Hall, learned of his nephew's disgrace and demise, he reportedly fainted in anger.
Meanwhile, Shen An continued to run his teahouse as usual. Compared to the monotony of cultivating spirit power, managing the shop was far more enjoyable. Even if it didn't yield as many reputation points as before, it was still worth it.
Meanwhile at Shrek Academy. Flender stood before his seven students, his brows furrowed.
At the forefront stood Dai Mubai, his body wrapped in bandages, with Tang San and the others lined up beside him.
Thanks to Shrek Academy's food-type Spirit Master, whose spirit power had reached the Spirit Saint level, Dai Mubai's injuries had largely healed. However, the deep sword wounds had left him looking rather pitiful.
Flender has a mix of emotions as he regarded Dai Mubai. On one hand, he felt sorry for his most promising student, who often supported the academy financially. On the other, he was frustrated—how could a Spirit Elder with a top-tier martial soul like White Tiger lose so miserably to a Spirit Grandmaster?
Even though Flender held Shen An in high regard, he never imagined that Shen An could utterly dominate Dai Mubai. Had Zao Wuji not intervened in time, Dai Mubai might have been permanently crippled.
Notably, Zao Wuji didn't disclose the fact that Shen An had injured him as well. Having suffered humiliation at the hands of both Tang San and Shen An—and later being thrashed by Tang Hao—he was determined to keep this particular embarrassment under wraps.
At the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. In the grand hall, Ning Fengzhi, the clan leader, listened to the report of a young man in white battle attire who knelt before him.
"Clan leader," the young man said respectfully, "Miss has safely arrived at Shrek Academy. However, due to the abundance of powerful figures there, I was unable to remain by her side to continue providing protection."
Ning Fengzhi smiled lightly, unconcerned. Having already sent a letter to Flender, he was confident in the academy's ability to safeguard his daughter.
However, a booming voice interrupted his musings.
"Fengzhi, how can Shrek Academy compare to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan? I'm going to bring Rongrong back!"
The speaker was Chen Xin, a Titled Douluo known as Sword Douluo. His voice, like an unsheathed sword, echoed through the hall, shaking it slightly.
Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Uncle Sword, it's precisely because you spoil her so much that I want her to experience the world on her own."
"Experience? What if she gets bullied outside? I don't care if she grows up sheltered—she's my Rongrong!"
Chen Xin turned to the young man. "Tell me, has Rongrong been mistreated?"
The young man hesitated before replying, "Sword Douluo, Miss was once frightened to tears by a young man. However, per the clan leader's orders, we did not intervene as her life was not in danger."
"What? She was bullied to tears?!" Chen Xin roared. "I'm bringing her back now—and I'll settle the score with whoever dared to upset her!"
Back at Tom's Teahouse. Though the shop was officially closed, a new visitor arrived—Ning Rongrong herself. Carrying several bags of snacks, she greeted Shen An warmly.
Ning Rongrong had realized through her interactions with Shen An that he was more approachable when treated kindly. Armed with gifts, she was confident she wouldn't be turned away.
Her plan worked. Tom, Shen An's cat, immediately perked up at the sight of the treats, pouncing around in joy. Shen An chuckled at the scene, letting Ning Rongrong enjoy her time with Tom.
Meanwhile, Shen An was preoccupied with the steady rise in his reputation points.
"So, the teahouse is great for spreading my name, but fear and admiration are entirely different sources of reputation. And the best part? The same person can contribute to my reputation multiple times!"
As the points accumulated, Shen An smiled to himself. "Tonight, it's time for another round of upgrades and enhancements. Life is good."