Han Feng found himself really unable to understand the friendship between women...

Ning Rongrong and Zhang Lingling were meeting for the first time, yet they acted like old close friends who hadn't seen each other for ages. After just a few sentences, they were already talking about everything — it was the same last time when Ning Rongrong met Zhu Zhuqing; by the end of the night, they had become best buddies.

The key was, they didn't let Han Feng listen in. Sitting close together, they whispered secrets. Whenever Han Feng tried to get a bit closer, Zhang Lingling would sharply tell him to back off. This made Han Feng wonder if the person who used to call him "baby" really was Zhang Lingling. Why did Ning Rongrong seem more like his real sister?

What puzzled Han Feng even more was that Zhang Lingling had apparently said something that made Ning Rongrong blush deeply, occasionally sneaking a glance at Han Feng, leaving him confused.

Sometimes, when Ning Rongrong finished a sentence, Zhang Lingling would glare at Han Feng as if blaming him. Although Han Feng didn't understand, he could only smile awkwardly in response.

Han Feng felt that Zhang Lingling and Ning Rongrong must be talking about him, since he was the only connection between the two. But if it was about him, why didn't they want him to listen?

Frustrated, Han Feng could only eat his meal helplessly.

"What!? Feng'er, you guys are going to the Tiandu Royal Academy!?"

Suddenly, after Ning Rongrong told Zhang Lingling about the decision made by the master and the dean, Zhang Lingling jumped up nervously and asked Han Feng.

Han Feng blinked, then nodded instinctively. "The master and dean have agreed. We'll leave in three days..."

"Why didn't you tell us!?" Zhang Lingling grabbed Han Feng's ear and demanded.

Han Feng gave an embarrassed smile. He really hadn't planned to tell Zhang Lingling and Han Dang, since he knew they wouldn't join Tiandu Royal Academy anyway. It was better to tell them after they joined Blue Thunder Academy.

Of course, Han Feng couldn't say that outright: "I just didn't have time! I wanted to tell you yesterday, but got stuck with someone who was lovesick all day, so it got delayed!"

Hearing this, Zhang Lingling finally let go of Han Feng but became conflicted again.

Back then, Zhang Lingling didn't want Han Feng to join the Martial Soul Hall or go to Noding City, and earlier didn't want him to come to Shrek Academy — all because those places were too far, and she wanted to see Han Feng often.

Now, Tiandu Royal Academy was even farther than Shrek. When Han Feng was at Shrek, Zhang Lingling could spend half a day to visit him. But if Han Feng went to Tiandu Royal Academy, just the journey would take over a day! That was something Zhang Lingling couldn't accept.

But Zhang Lingling wasn't unreasonable. She understood the benefits of Han Feng going to Tiandu Royal Academy. She couldn't stop him, but she was reluctant — hence her inner struggle.

"Then I guess I won't be able to see my baby for a long time?" Zhang Lingling muttered, placing her right hand on Han Feng's head, unconsciously stroking it.

Han Feng grinned awkwardly. Being doted on like this by Zhang Lingling in front of Ning Rongrong was a bit embarrassing. He quickly said, "Ah, Mom! I'm already twelve, not a kid. Besides, with senior Qin Ming's help, I won't lose out even at Tiandu Royal Academy!"

Ning Rongrong smiled awkwardly at this.

She clearly saw that Han Feng misunderstood. He thought Zhang Lingling was worried about him, but actually, Zhang Lingling just didn't want to be separated from him!

"I know what my boy can do! Feng'er, you've been clever since you were little, always making others lose out, never the other way around. I'm not worried about you, I just can't bear to be apart!" Sure enough, Zhang Lingling rolled her eyes at Han Feng, annoyed.

Han Feng scratched his head. "So what do we do...?"

Zhang Lingling's eyes twinkled as she said straight away, "Why don't we all move to Tiandu City!?"

"Uh..." Han Feng rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Mom! You really come up with something every time! Dad's the head of the Stan Grand Soul Arena. He can't just leave like that. Even if he agreed, we can't just go to Tiandu City and expect to live off nothing."

Zhang Lingling frowned, realizing she was daydreaming a bit. She grumbled, "Your dad's a Soul King, and I'm at least a Soul Sect member. Even if we go to Tiandu City, how could we starve?"

Han Feng didn't argue, choosing to look for another 'workaround' plan.

At that moment, Ning Rongrong sensed it was her time to speak and quickly said, "Actually, sister, there's no need to struggle so much!"

"If you want to stay with Han Feng, I can help!" Ning Rongrong smiled confidently, saying with certainty, "I'll talk to my dad. He can arrange for you to register as a teacher at Tiandu Royal Academy. That way, you can see Han Feng every day without dealing with mundane troubles!"

After Ning Rongrong finished, both Han Feng and Zhang Lingling lit up!

Zhang Lingling was drawn by the future Ning Rongrong described, but Han Feng knew that with the energy of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, it was totally feasible!

Also, Ning Rongrong's words reminded Han Feng — he realized he had been a bit careless.

He knew that in the coming years, the continent would be turbulent, and Shrek and the Martial Soul Hall would be at the center of it all. Han Feng, who chose Shrek Academy, knew sooner or later he would face off against the Martial Soul Hall!

Han Feng himself didn't mind; he was confident he could protect himself from the Martial Soul Hall's attacks. But Han Dang and Zhang Lingling couldn't!

Han Dang was just a Soul King now, and in a few years might be a Soul Emperor at best — nothing in front of the Martial Soul Hall. If they got targeted because of him, it might be disastrous. Also, Han Feng couldn't always stay by their side.

Han Feng was different from the other Shrek Seven Devils!

Ma Hongjun's background had many versions, but like Oscar, none of their relatives had been seen.

Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were members of the Xingluo royal family, so the Martial Soul Hall would think twice before moving against them. Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was one of the safest places in the world. Tang San's father was a fierce warrior who dared to confront the Pope directly, and Xiao Wu was a spirit beast in human form. Compared to them, Han Feng's background was definitely the most ordinary.

It might seem funny that a small Soul Respect like Han Feng was already worried the Martial Soul Hall might target his parents because of him, but family matters had to be guarded against.

Thinking this, Han Feng looked at Ning Rongrong...

Ning Rongrong's suggestion that Zhang Lingling register at Tiandu Royal Academy was not feasible to Han Feng, who knew the story well. Not to mention, Shrek was destined never to join Tiandu Royal Academy. Plus, Tiandu Royal Academy would be the Martial Soul Hall's prime target — Han Feng would never let Zhang Lingling join.

In fact, in a few years, the safest factions on the continent were Shrek Academy and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect — faraway Sea God Island aside.

The safest method was naturally to send Han Dang and Zhang Lingling to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, whose power could definitely protect them.

If it was for Zhang Lingling and Han Dang's protection, Han Feng wouldn't mind asking Ning Rongrong for help. Even if she asked for unreasonable things, he might agree.

But Han Feng reconsidered. Since he and Ning Rongrong weren't related, having her protect his parents was a bit much. So he shook his head: "Forget it! Joining Tiandu Royal Academy isn't as good as joining Shrek Academy! Besides, the master already told senior Qin Ming that Tiandu Royal Academy would accept all Shrek's teachers and students!"

Han Feng's thinking was simple. He knew Shrek would absorb Blue Thunder Academy, not join Tiandu Royal Academy. In the long run, Shrek had a better future.

But after Han Feng spoke, Ning Rongrong shot him a resentful look. She seemed about to say something, then hesitated, finally sighing softly.

Zhang Lingling gave Han Feng a dissatisfied glance. "Can't you listen to Rongrong? Do you want your poor mom to worry herself sick?"

"Not at all!" Han Feng quickly waved his hands to deny. "I'm just thinking, Tiandu Royal Academy is full of upper-class nobles. If you got in through Rongrong's connections, it might cause gossip. Joining Shrek Academy is different — they begged us to join!"

Ning Rongrong's face brightened instantly as she shyly said, "I was thoughtless!"

Zhang Lingling looked at her precious son doubtfully. As Han Feng's birth mother, she always felt he was hiding something.

"Really...?" Zhang Lingling hesitated.

Han Feng smiled: "Of course! How could I lie to you?"

"Mom! You go back and discuss it with Dad. Rongrong and I will also go back and talk with the dean. It's almost certain!" Han Feng said confidently.

"Hmph! I came all this way to see you, and after just one meal, you want to send me away?" Zhang Lingling pouted unhappily, grabbing Han Feng's cheeks and squeezing them hard.

Han Feng smiled apologetically: "Alright, alright!"

"That's better!" Seeing Han Feng's good attitude, Zhang Lingling finally let him go but didn't want to leave, seeming to want to chat with Ning Rongrong a bit more.

Han Feng could only stay by and keep them company.

PS: Read Advance Chapters at patreon.com/c/Shinazuki