Chapter 41: Let's Duel
Chapter 41: 41. Let's Duel
Specialization matters; compared to Oscar's Sausage, jade emperor honey's healing effect is indeed quite a bit worse.
After all, honey isn't a real healing medicine; it's a tonic, and assisting Cultivate is its most important ability.
However, compared to Oscar's nauseating incantation, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing still preferred eating honey.
Zhou Ting looked at the two Level 29 Spirit Grandmasters beside him and asked with a puzzled face.
"Xiao Wu, why are you only Level 29?"
Xiao Wu naturally understood what Zhou Ting wanted to ask. With so much honey he left behind, her Cultivate speed hadn't significantly increased.
Speaking of this, she said helplessly.
"It's Grandmaster; he told us that we need to build a firm Foundation. So, we used the honey to polish our spirit power and Cultivate our Physical Body strength."
Xiao Wu tapped her foot lightly, and the pebble immediately sank deep into the solid gravel road.
This physical strength was even a sliver stronger than Zhou Ting's.
At this time, only Zhou Ting, Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Zhu Zhuqing were left on the playground.
Flender had already left with Zhao Wuji, and the Gold Needles inside Zhao Wuji's body had also been removed by Tang San.
At the same time, Flender also dragged away Dai Mubai, whose head was practically turning green with jealousy.
As for the new student Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she was sent to the Girls' Dormitory by Oscar... "Mubai, what's going on between you and that girl in black?"
In the Dean's Office, Flender looked seriously at his student, who was suppressing the Evil Fire in his heart, and felt... a real headache.
Dai Mubai gritted his teeth and said.
"Zhuqing and I have a Marriage Contract..."
"What!"
Zhao Wuji, who was originally watching the scene from the side, now had his eyes wide open and said anxiously.
"Why didn't you say so earlier? Since there's a Marriage Contract, how could you let her stay behind alone?"
The equally protective Flender frowned deeply. However, compared to Zhao Wuji, he was more rational.
Although Dai Mubai was his student, Zhou Ting had rejected his invitation.
But Zhou Ting was friends with Tang San and Xiao Wu!
And who were Tang San and Xiao Wu?
They were the Disciples of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, one of the Golden Triangle, his life-and-death friend, close companion, and love rival.
They were his Junior, and now they were even his students.
He had to handle this rationally.
Seeing Zhao Wuji about to drag Dai Mubai off to snatch her back, Flender shouted loudly.
"Enough!"
Facing the angry Flender, Zhao Wuji gave a sheepish smile and sat back down awkwardly.
Flender knew what kind of person Zhao Wuji was and didn't even want to scold him.
The next moment, he faced his student, who still had his head lowered, and his expression finally softened a bit.
"Tell me, what exactly is going on between you two?"
"Since Zhu Zhuqing is your Fiancée, why... would she get so close to that kid Zhou Ting?"
Dai Mubai recalled the past, but... it was hard to speak of.
The pride in his heart wouldn't allow him to speak of his extremely cowardly act of running away.
Dai Mubai didn't speak, but Zhao Wuji thought of something. He was straightforward and actually said it directly.
"Mubai, is it because that little girl found out about what you've been doing all these years that she's... throwing a tantrum?"
By the end, Zhao Wuji finally had a moment of cleverness and spoke with rare tact.
However, Flender, sitting at the head, patted his forehead helplessly.
He rarely asked himself: Back then... was it a mistake to keep this guy at the academy as a teacher!
Not to mention his blunt personality, he also acted without restraint.
He was only supposed to supervise the exam, no need to take action, just ensure the safety of the assessment.
But who knew, as soon as he left, this guy couldn't sit still and took action himself, and the fight was so intense.
Those rooms in the backyard and the courtyard would all cost money to repair.
This was all money!
Heaven knows how hard it was for him to make money—by swindling and blustering—running a shop outside?
On the other side, hearing Zhao Wuji's words, Dai Mubai's head dropped even lower.
His self-gaslighting had failed after all!
Seeing this reaction, how could Flender not understand? That was the reason.
In fact, it wasn't just that reason.
After all, Flender still knew something about Dai Mubai's Family.
From this, he even vaguely guessed more things.
If one were to look into this matter deeply, Dai Mubai was in the wrong, heavily in the wrong.
It was this kid who had wronged that little girl named Zhu Zhuqing.
But Flender was protective by nature.
This made things difficult.
"Sigh, Mubai, the affairs of men and women are not for the academy to manage; you can only rely on yourself."
Zhao Wuji thought about it and nodded in agreement. He couldn't exactly help him snatch a woman. Their Shrek Academy was a monster academy, not a bandit academy.
Dai Mubai looked up, his eyes complex and determined.
"I understand, Dean."
Flender nodded with a smile and comforted him.
"Mubai, although that kid Zhou Ting is a bit strange, he's only a Level 21 Spirit Grandmaster. You don't need to be afraid."
"Besides, Shrek Academy will always support you!"
"Thank you, Dean!"
Dai Mubai was deeply moved.
Meanwhile, on Zhou Ting's side, Xiao Wu had already been pulled away by a certain jealous guy.
After the siblings left, Zhu Zhuqing finally spoke.
"You've given me this kind of honey before, right?"
"Right!"
Getting an affirmative answer, Zhu Zhuqing was incredibly excited. She finally confirmed that her last Breakthrough was because of the honey.
And this time, that mouthful of honey not only healed most of her injuries but also caused her spirit power, which had just reached Level 28 through a Breakthrough, to advance another small step.
And this was even with some of it being consumed for healing.
This honey... had such powerful effects.
Suddenly, a name appeared in Zhu Zhuqing's mind.
"jade emperor honey?!!"
She was fortunate enough to have eaten it when she was a child, but the taste wasn't as good as this one.
Coupled with the long time that had passed, she hadn't remembered it immediately.
Since Zhu Zhuqing had already guessed it, Zhou Ting didn't intend to hide it, nor could he.
After all, he couldn't just not use his first Spirit Ability. As long as he used it, someone would eventually recognize it.
"Correct, it's jade emperor honey."
A flash of excitement appeared in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. She knew very well what her talent was like.
Although reaching Level 27 by her own Cultivate at the age of eleven was already remarkable.
But it wasn't because she was exceptionally gifted; it was entirely the result of hard work and persistence.
While others were cultivating, she was cultivating.
While others were playing with friends, she was still cultivating.
When she meditated until her head throbbed, she practiced actual combat and exercised her body; in short, she couldn't stay idle for a single moment.
It was by relying on this persistent hard work that she could have today's achievements.
However, the gap in talent would become more and more obvious later on.
Right now, a sword was hanging over her head, and it could fall at any time.
In the face of a life-and-death crisis, if she didn't become stronger, she would die!
Just as Zhu Zhuqing wanted to say something, Dai Mubai arrived, looking at her and Zhou Ting with a cold face, his voice full of Killing Intent as he said.
"Zhou Ting, let's duel!"Chapter 42: Maintenance, Ensuring Fairness
Chapter 42: 42. Maintenance, Ensuring Fairness
A duel?!!
Dai Mubai actually challenged him to a duel!
Zhou Ting picked at his ear and asked with a strange expression.
"Are you... sure?"
This reaction wasn't right! Dai Mubai's expression froze, but he didn't care anymore.
Dai Mubai took a deep look at Zhu Zhuqing, then fixed his gaze intensely on Zhou Ting.
"Yes, I'm sure!"
With this attitude, anyone would believe there was an irreconcilable hatred between him and Zhou Ting.
The grudge of a murdered father, the hatred of a stolen wife... uh, it seems there really is the hatred of a stolen wife; this is indeed an irreconcilable hatred!
Zhou Ting finally reacted and asked with mixed emotions.
"A normal duel, or a Life-and-death Duel?"
Dai Mubai looked at Zhou Ting's nonchalant appearance and sneered.
"A Life-and-death Duel!"
"No!"
Before Zhou Ting could even speak, Zhu Zhuqing impatiently stepped forward to stop it.
Dai Mubai felt a pang in his heart, and his gaze toward Zhou Ting became even more overflowing with Killing Intent.
This Big Kitty is practically adding fuel to the fire, Zhou Ting secretly complained.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't know Zhou Ting's thoughts; she knew Zhou Ting's Spirit Ability was powerful, but she still didn't believe Zhou Ting could defeat Dai Mubai.
Spirit Masters are not all the same.
A top-tier Spirit Elder like Dai Mubai would not even be matched by the Spirit Ancestor the Family sent to retrieve her!
Zhou Ting's Rank was still a level behind after all; he couldn't win.
Zhu Zhuqing stood in front of Zhou Ting without hesitation, facing Dai Mubai directly, and rebuked him.
"You, a fifteen-year-old Spirit Elder, are actually challenging a twelve-year-old Spirit Grandmaster. How shameless!"
Looking at his fiancée rebuking him without mercy, Dai Mubai felt both guilty and furious.
His fiancée actually berated him for another man?
So, has she really completely abandoned me?
The pride in his heart... shattered!
A surge of monstrous Evil Fire burned in his chest.
Today, Zhou Ting must die!
His eyes moved past Zhu Zhuqing, staring fixedly at Zhou Ting as he mocked coldly.
"What, do you only know how to hide behind a woman? You don't dare?"
Oh, he even knows how to use reverse psychology?
The usually "mighty and domineering" Dai Mubai has finally shown some backbone!
Just as Zhou Ting was about to agree... "No! Dai Mubai, what do you think you're doing?"
"Stomp, stomp, stomp..."
Xiao Wu shouted as she dashed over, standing next to Zhu Zhuqing, and together they stared fixedly at Dai Mubai.
Behind Zhou Ting, Tang San shook his head helplessly and slowly walked to the center of the playground: This damn World! If I had known, I would have taken Xiao Wu away.
Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this World.
Besides, there was really nothing he could do about the things Xiao Wu, his sister, insisted on.
After all, with Zhou Ting's unexpected intervention, Xiao Wu still retained most of her behavior as the Big Sister of Nuoding Academy, not just his sister.
"Tang San, do you intend to make an enemy of me?"
He didn't take Zhou Ting, Xiao Wu, or Zhu Zhuqing seriously yet.
But adding Tang San... after his fight with Zhao Wuji just now, he admitted he couldn't withstand him!
Thinking of this, Dai Mubai's expression became very unsightly.
Tang San spread his hands bitterly, his face full of helplessness.
He didn't want to get involved either!
But he had promised to always protect Xiao Wu, his sister, and not let anyone hurt her.
He couldn't break his word!
Just then, Xiao Wu's loud shouting also alerted the others in the academy.
It couldn't be helped; the academy wasn't large to begin with!
Oscar, who had shaved his beard; Ning Rongrong, who was resting in the dormitory; and Ma Hongjun, who was "lovelorn."
The three arrived at the playground, saw the two sides in a standoff, and quickly chose their teams.
Without a doubt, Oscar and Ma Hongjun asked nothing and stood directly behind Dai Mubai.
Having known each other for three years, the nickname Boss Dai wasn't for nothing.
Ning Rongrong looked at the two sides, appearing incredibly excited.
Don't be fooled by how Ning Rongrong had behaved so properly since she appeared, like a sensible good girl.
In reality, she was raised with excessive pampering by her father and many elders in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Lawless and fearing no chaos, that was her true nature.
In the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she was a veritable Little Witch, and no one knew how many people she had pranked.
Of course, being not inherently bad, she wouldn't go too far.
Otherwise, did she really think the elders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were blind or stupid!
Ning Rongrong had never seen such a tense situation in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
It was... just too much fun!
However, compared to the arrogant Dai Mubai, the wretched Sausage Uncle Oscar, and the lecherous, villain-looking Ma Hongjun, she still preferred Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing's side.
With a slide of her feet, she stood on Xiao Wu's side, shouting in her heart: Fight, hurry up and fight.
At this moment, Flender, who was observing in the shadows, had a massive headache.
The three original students of the academy and the four new students were actually... about to fight!
And it was a group fight!
This... why is running a Spirit Master academy so difficult?
It's been twenty years, and Shrek Academy is getting worse every year.
Why not... just let it go bankrupt!
Flender felt depressed, and he turned his head to look.
Oh ho, that simpleton Zhao Wuji was standing right next to him, watching with great interest.
This guy!!!
Flender was furious.
This brainless fellow—he had saved him back then, but he really shouldn't have kept him as a teacher in the academy.
"What sin have I committed!"
Zhou Ting had already discovered the two observers through the perspective of the Jade Emperor Bee. He smiled and shouted toward the small building where the two were hiding.
"Two Deans, aren't you going to say something?"
Before Flender could decide, Zhao Wuji had already opened the window and jumped down.
Flender was instantly startled.
"Sigh, don't..."
Unfortunately, it was too late.
Even more unfortunate was... Zhao Wuji also shouted.
"Mubai's decision is our Shrek's decision!"
Flender was completely stunned.
This left absolutely no room for maneuver.
"Dreams... goodbye!!"
Zhao Wuji's support made the trio of Dai Mubai stand taller, full of confidence.
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others looked solemn.
They were on someone else's turf.
Moreover, the opponent had more than one Spirit Saint backing them.
Zhou Ting pushed aside the two girls blocking him, smiled confidently at them, and then said.
"A duel is fine."
Dai Mubai gave a contemptuous smile, feeling extremely disdainful of Zhou Ting's weakness.
"A Life-and-death Duel... is also fine!"
Hearing this, Dai Mubai finally looked at Zhou Ting seriously.
However, Zhou Ting didn't even look at him, facing Flender and Zhao Wuji as he said.
"But how can you guarantee... that you won't intervene and disrupt the duel!"
Flender and Zhao Wuji both had strange expressions.
A level twenty-one Spirit Grandmaster, facing a level thirty-seven Spirit Elder, was actually worried about them.
Was he that confident?
Flender had originally intended to save Zhou Ting's life, but such an arrogant person... Flender said with a serious face.
"We guarantee fairness and will absolutely not let anyone intervene to disrupt it!"Chapter 43: 43 Suppression
Chapter 43: 43. Suppression
Having received a somewhat dubious assurance, Zhou Ting turned around and spoke to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing with certainty.
"Believe me!"
What powerful confidence!
Both Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu felt this confidence and chose to believe him.
The two shared a glance and silently stepped back a few paces.
Tang San still stood with Xiao Wu, expressionless; no one knew what he was thinking.
Ning Rongrong's eyes darted around, her gaze toward Zhou Ting filled with an unreadable meaning.
Zhou Ting turned back, looked Dai Mubai straight in the eye, and said:
"Let's begin!"
"Good!"
Dai Mubai's voice could not hide his extreme excitement. Everyone else voluntarily retreated to the edge of the playground, leaving the battlefield to Zhou Ting and Dai Mubai.
"Kid, today is the day you die!"
Not to be outdone, Zhou Ting retorted with a relaxed and easygoing expression.
"This time next year will be the anniversary of your death!"
Dai Mubai ignored these petty tricks and said in a deep voice:
"Dai Mubai, Rank thirty-seven Battle Spirit Master, Spirit: White Tiger!"
Behind Dai Mubai, a ten-meter-tall White Tiger stood on its hind legs, its eyes staring fiercely at Zhou Ting, its Aura majestic.
This fierce Aura... as expected of a Spirit Elder.
A low Rank is truly a disadvantage!
Zhou Ting's heart tightened, and he said with a solemn face:
"Zhou Ting, Rank twenty-one, Spirit: martial soul black pagoda."
Following custom, the formalities were concluded.
Dai Mubai could wait no longer. He crouched slightly and then instantly leapt toward Zhou Ting, fast as lightning.
There were only a dozen meters between them, and Dai Mubai arrived in an instant.
Zhou Ting held the Black Pagoda in his hand and said coldly:
"Ten Thousand Needles Piercing the Heart!"
"Buzz buzz..."
Suddenly, around him, hundreds of volleyball-sized Jade Emperor Bees buzzed out. They instantly transformed into white jade needles, aiming for Dai Mubai's heart and shooting forth.
At this moment, Dai Mubai's hands took the shape of tiger claws, aiming directly for Zhou Ting's head.
Just as he was about to strike, the first white jade needle had already reached his heart.
"First Spirit Ability, White Tiger Barrier!"
Being in mid-air did not prevent Dai Mubai from using a protective Spirit Ability.
"Clang!"
Zhou Ting took a small step back, narrowly avoiding his attack.
But Dai Mubai was still in mid-air and could not dodge, taking the needle strike head-on.
In the next moment, the remaining hundred-plus white jade needles formed a thin line, attacking a single point one after another... Dai Mubai's heart.
The first needle had been easily blocked by Dai Mubai, with no pressure at all.
After all, his first Spirit Ability came from a powerful Spirit Beast of over four hundred years!
Furthermore, the first Spirit Ability was boosted by his Rank thirty-seven Spirit Elder cultivation!
Then... the second needle, also not a big problem.
The third needle was slightly more difficult.
The fourth needle came... the golden protective light on Dai Mubai's body dimmed slightly. Looking at the hundred-plus white jade needles still ahead, his expression suddenly changed.
Dai Mubai knew very well that he could not continue to take hits passively.
He took a deep breath and roared:
"Third Spirit Ability, White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
"Roar!"
Dai Mubai's muscles swelled, the golden light on his body surged, and his defense increased greatly.
Over a dozen white jade needles were shattered in succession!
Seeing this, Zhao Wuji was not happy but instead shouted in surprise:
"How can this be? How could Mubai use his third Spirit Ability so early?"
Flender pushed the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose. He wasn't as careless as Zhao Wuji and saw much more.
"That kid Zhou Ting's Spirit Ability... is very abnormal! Mubai's first Spirit Ability couldn't block those consecutive attacks at all."
Zhao Wuji was shocked.
"Are you saying... Mubai will lose?"
He had the heart to mention the gap in Rank, but suddenly remembered that he had just been tormented by a little monkey five major Realms lower than himself.
Although he had been careless and held back, a loss was a loss.
Flender shook his head, a smile touching his lips.
"Impossible. Mubai has a thousand-year third spirit ring, and there is a sixteen-Rank gap between them. How could he lose?"
"Then I'm relieved."
While the two old guys were full of confidence, on the other side, the lively Ning Rongrong had already learned about the grievances between Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai from Zhu Zhuqing's mouth.
Who's to say women's friendships aren't strange?
Even though they had just met less than a day ago, the three of them were now standing together, hand in hand, chatting about such private matters.
In fact, if Zhou Ting hadn't been in a life-and-death struggle, they would have been laughing out loud already.
Xiao Wu, who hated evil, looked at Dai Mubai with eyes full of disgust. Then she turned to Tang San, waving her small fist in warning.
"Little San, don't you dare learn from him, or else... I'll definitely blow your head off!"
Tang San nodded silently, crying out in his heart: Ah, my lovely Xiao Wu, that damnable Zhou Ting, as soon as you came back, Xiao Wu changed.
Originally, Tang San and Xiao Wu were each other's only ones.
Unfortunately, with Zhou Ting's unexpected intrusion, that "only"... was gone!
Dai Mubai felt his spirit power being rapidly consumed, and his heart grew more anxious.
"I can't go on like this!"
He took a deep breath and crossed his fists in front of his chest.
"Second Spirit Ability, White Tiger Light Wave!"
The golden light struck directly at Zhou Ting.
Zhou Ting took a deep breath, and the Black Pagoda trembled.
Over a thousand phantoms of Jade Emperor Bees appeared, each emitting a white light.
A flash of white light, and a wall of white needles appeared in front of Zhou Ting.
In an instant, the golden light and the needle wall collided.
"Clang, clang, clang..."
Flender was truly worthy of the name Four-Eyed Eagle Owl; his vision was extraordinary. He even wore glasses to limit it for normal life.
Looking at Dai Mubai, who was surrounded by eerie white light spots, he cried out.
"Not good! Mubai is in danger!"
Dai Mubai was startled and immediately checked his surroundings, finally discovering the white light spots hidden by his own golden light.
"What is this?"
Although puzzled, he knew very well that this was definitely related to Zhou Ting—hadn't he seen that they were the same color as the light from those bees!
Trouble!
In a direct confrontation, the two were evenly matched.
But in a hidden contest, he was slightly inferior.
This wasn't right, not right at all!
A Rank twenty-one Spirit Grandmaster had forced a Spirit Elder to use all three of his Spirit Abilities with just one Spirit Ability.
Now, the opponent's unknown Spirit Ability even surrounded him.
This was too terrifying!
On the other side, Xiao Wu glared at Flender angrily and said:
"How shameless! In a life-and-death duel, you actually gave a warning from the sidelines. As expected... a dishonest merchant is truly untrustworthy!"
Flender avoided Xiao Wu's gaze with some embarrassment. His warning just now was indeed very dishonorable and broke the rules!
Zhou Ting didn't care. He clenched his left hand, and countless white light spots pounced on Dai Mubai, who was enveloped in golden light.
"Crunch, crunch..."
The sound of countless tiny bites could be heard. Dai Mubai stood stiffly in place.
The protective golden light was being devoured!
"Crackle, crackle..."
The white light spots exploded continuously, yet they surged forward one after another in an endless stream.
The golden light was completely submerged by the white ocean.
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others looked delighted.
Flender's expression was incredibly grave, no longer relaxed as before.
Zhao Wuji also saw that something was wrong and whispered:
"Flender, look..."Chapter 44 – The So-Called Fairness
Chapter 44 – The So-Called Fairness
"Roar!"
A tiger's roar and a dragon's cry; golden light exploded like the dawn sun breaking through every barrier!
Zhao Wuji gazed at his proudly standing student Dai Mubai, overjoyed.
"Mubai, beautifully done!"
"Boss Dai, well played…"
Unlike Zhao Wuji and the other two, Flender could see clearly: Dai Mubai's situation was anything but good—he had burned ninety-nine percent of his spirit power to unleash that strike.
"Whoosh…"
The white tiger wreathed in golden light pounced at the seemingly defenseless Zhou Ting.
But was Zhou Ting truly unprepared?
The next instant, fully one hundred Jade Emperor Bees appeared.
A soft droning buzz sounded in Dai Mubai's ears like thunder.
Terror flashed in Dai Mubai's eyes; his body stiffened for a heartbeat.
Yet the next moment he clenched his teeth and charged on, heart and mind united.
Zhou Ting's gaze showed admiration: the kid still has spine!
At the edge of the field Tang San's eyes blazed violet, his hands as white as jade laced with flickers of gold. Flender's face was grave, legs slightly bent, ready to spring.
"Clang… thud…"
Dai Mubai managed to block only a single white-jade needle.
The golden light shattered; a second needle pierced his chest.
"Ugh—"
The four-eyed owl flapped its wings and tore across the sky.
At the same instant—
"Little San's making his move…"
"Teacher!"
Tang San hesitated no longer; golden light ripped through the air.
"Ding-ding-dang-dang"—all ninety-seven white-jade needles were knocked away by the two of them.
Dai Mubai flew backward like a torn sack.
"I lose."
Dai Mubai's eyes rolled back and he fainted.
Zhao Wuji's battle instincts were formidable; the instant Dai Mubai's protective golden light shattered he had already surged forward.
Speed, however, was not his strength, yet by luck he caught Dai Mubai just in time to prevent further injury.
Xiao Wu stared at Tang San in disbelief, as if seeing him for the first time.
"Little San… why did you help him?"
This was a duel—a fair, life-and-death duel!
Tang San had readied a full explanation in his mind, but under Xiao Wu's searching gaze the words would not come.
Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang walked over slowly and spoke.
"I told Little San to act. Dai Mubai cannot die. I'm also doing this for Zhou Ting's sake."
Xiao Wu couldn't understand; she turned to Yu Xiaogang and pressed,
"Why?"
Grandmaster glanced at his silent Disciple and patiently explained.
"No matter how little we value him, Dai Mubai is still a prince of the Star Luo Empire. Internal royal strife is one thing, but if any outsider kills him it means war with the entire Star Luo Empire—an endless hunt to the death with no one able to save the killer."
It made sense, yet she could not accept it.
Xiao Wu turned away without another word.
On the other side Zhou Ting faced Flender in a "standoff," smiling half-mockingly.
"So this is the fairness guaranteed by your Shrek Academy?"
Flender looked ashamed but had no reply. Nor did Zhao Wuji, Oscar, or Ma Hongjun find any words.
Of course, saving Dai Mubai was something they would never regret!
This was Shrek Academy's ethos, its rule of conduct: protect your own above all else!
As for justice—might makes right.
Zhou Ting shook his head, unsurprised; he knew Shrek's nature well and had foreseen this scene.
Zhou Ting's silence did not mean the others stayed quiet.
Ning Rongrong muttered in indignation.
"Shameless—bullying the weak, proposing a death duel yourself, then breaking your own rules…"
Zhao Wuji couldn't bear the sarcasm; his eyes bulged larger than an ox's.
Startled for a second, Ning Rongrong quickly remembered who she was—the princess of the continent's top Sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a lawless little witch.
Would she fear a mere Spirit Saint?
The next instant Ning Rongrong's aura flared; she glared back without yielding an inch!
Zhao Wuji was helpless.
He knew Ning Rongrong's identity and her weight.
A stare was already his limit—actually strike her? Did he want to die?
The atmosphere froze.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing his old friend's embarrassment, stepped forward and said solemnly to Zhou Ting,
"Zhou Ting, I have always underestimated you. Your Spirit is anything but ordinary—just as unique as the Nine Heart Begonia."
"Choosing Jade Emperor Bee for your first spirit ring and Soul Passing Worm for your second were both wise decisions."
"Given time, you will stand among the continent's top experts."
Admiration filled Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
For the third time, he had misjudged Zhou Ting.
The first was after Zhou Ting's Spirit Awakening cured his idiocy, when he said Zhou Ting and Tang San were not of the same World.
The second came upon learning Zhou Ting had chosen a near-two-hundred-year Jade Emperor Bee Queen as his first spirit ring, calling it foolish and shortsighted, a self-inflicted blow to his future.
The third was after Zhou Ting left Nuoding Academy, when he labeled him arrogant and ignorant of his own limits.
Who could have guessed that after five years Zhou Ting, though only rank twenty-one, possessed two terrifyingly powerful Spirit abilities able to suppress a top-tier Spirit Elder?
Thinking of this, Yu Xiaogang felt deeply ashamed.
Still, he did not believe he had been wrong.
Zhou Ting, unaware of his thoughts, frowned and asked,
"Grandmaster, what exactly are you trying to say? Speak plainly."
Yu Xiaogang replied gently,
"Zhou Ting, you know Dai Mubai's status. You can't kill him, or you'll face endless pursuit by the Star Luo Empire and have no future."
Was this a threat?
Zhou Ting clenched his left hand and said nothing.
Yu Xiaogang continued to persuade.
"Enmity is best resolved, not deepened. Let it end here; you're still young—cultivation comes first."
"I can guide you and help you find suitable Spirit Beasts…"
Flender, watching his old friend, was full of admiration: worthy of the brains of the Golden Triangle—every word logical and convincing!
"Haha…"
Zhou Ting laughed and couldn't stop.
Yu Xiaogang fell silent.
Tang San heard the mockery of his teacher in that laughter; his fists clenched, eyes turning icy: a teacher for a day, a father for life.
When Zhou Ting had laughed enough he said,
"Heh, Grandmaster, you've got the wrong person. The death duel was proposed by Dai Mubai!"
Zhou Ting's meaning was clear—the hatred did not start with him!
The crux was Dai Mubai!
Yu Xiaogang's face stiffened.
He had watched the whole affair and knew this, yet he had subconsciously ignored it!
After all, blood is thicker than water.
And Zhou Ting's crushing victory had been too shocking.
Zhou Ting shook his head in amusement and said,
"I don't mind, but you'd better make it clear to Dai Mubai. Otherwise, if there's a next time…"
He paused, swallowed the threat, gave a self-mocking smile and said,
"Oh, I misspoke—he has powerful seniors to back him; you can always save him again, twice, three times…"
With a seemingly downcast shake of his head Zhou Ting walked off looking "desolate."
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong exchanged glances and, without a word, followed.
Tang San hesitated for a long time, his feet as heavy as lead, unable to move; in the end he stayed beside Grandmaster.
Yu Xiaogang patted his Disciple's shoulder. Six years had passed and the once-small child was now taller than him!
A strange light flashed in his eyes as he comforted,
"Little San, it's all right—Xiao Wu will come around."
Tang San listlessly nodded and forced a single word from his throat.
"Mm."Chapter 45 – A Hasty Farewell
Chapter 45 – A Hasty Farewell
Zhou Ting's tightly clenched left hand relaxed, and a faint red light—unseen by anyone—flickered and vanished.
Outside the village, in a small grove, Zhou Ting looked at Ning Rongrong, his gaze oddly askance, as if saying: Why are you here?
The Little Witch was hypersensitive to such looks and protested loudly.
"Is this grove yours? Why can't I come?"
Xiao Wu quickly grabbed Ning Rongrong's hand and glared at Zhou Ting.
"Rongrong is our sister; you're not allowed to bully her!"
Who's bullying whom?
Zhou Ting eyed the three girls who were now clearly a united front and gave up.
"Whatever you say."
Still reluctant!
Xiao Wu had been ready to retort, but the memory of Tang San's earlier actions stopped her—they were sworn siblings, after all.
"Sorry, just now Little San… he…"
Zhou Ting waved it off.
"Tang San is Tang San; you're you. This is between him and me."
His words made it clear the matter was far from over.
Xiao Wu didn't know whether to feel glad or worried: if the two clashed again, whose side should she take?
She was caught in a dilemma.
Zhu Zhuqing walked up to Zhou Ting, apology in her eyes, and said sincerely,
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault."
At that, Zhou Ting looked half-laughing, half-crying, and sighed,
"I just never expected… a prince to lose his cool so easily!"
All he'd done was prod him a little—and every word had been true.
So daring to act yet afraid to own it!
"Exactly."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes were icy; she too was disappointed in Dai Mubai.
Ning Rongrong spat,
"Right, he's nothing but a coward!"
Though the unruly Little Witch, she had studied what an heir ought to be.
Arrogance, self-righteousness—traits like Dai Mubai's were fatal flaws in a ruler.
Yet, given his upbringing, it wasn't surprising; he'd never had proper training.
Xiao Wu, reminded of Tang San's interference in the life-and-death duel, grew irritable.
"Forget him. Zhou Ting, where will you go next?"
Zhou Ting knew he'd nearly killed Dai Mubai; he couldn't stay near Shrek Academy.
He glanced at the real reason he'd come—Zhu Zhuqing.
Noticing, Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong turned to her with teasing eyes.
Zhu Zhuqing's cool face flushed slightly. "I want to switch Spirit Master academies. Shrek's resources are poor, and both teachers and students are… odd."
Ning Rongrong nodded emphatically.
"Exactly. Dai Mubai aside, Oscar's leers are creepy, and Ma Hongjun keeps staring at us with those lustful eyes…"
"I came because of Shrek's reputation, but look at this place—I'm going home."
Xiao Wu fell silent, wondering: Why did Grandmaster send us here?
In truth, they hadn't integrated yet; had this happened a day later, standing on Shrek's side might have changed their view.
Didn't Shrek teach: A Spirit Master who dares not cause trouble is mediocrity!
And they practiced it.
Ma Hongjun started it, harassing an unfamiliar female Spirit Master and then brawling with righteous indignation.
Overprotective Zhao Wuji even beat up the girl's teacher.
Only because they lived in this backwater hadn't they been killed for it.
Zhou Ting saw Xiao Wu's turmoil and said gently,
"Xiao Wu, you stay at Shrek Academy."
She struggled, words caught in her throat.
"Wait a moment."
He unslung the cloth pouch at his waist, drew out a bamboo stalk, and with a carving knife sliced as smoothly as through tofu.
Shavings flew, and soon a little girl figurine appeared—pink rabbit ears, reddish eyes, lifelike and adorable.
Xiao Wu whispered, thrilled,
"That's how I looked as a child."
Zhou Ting touched the pebble at his chest and handed her the carving. "Yes. A farewell gift—do you like it?"
"I love it."
He smiled, pulled a wooden box from the pouch, slapped it meaningfully, and said,
"Honey inside—take a good look later."
The tone carried a hidden message.
Xiao Wu caught it, gave a knowing nod, and asked,
"Where are you headed?"
"Heaven Dou City. Till we meet again, Xiao Wu."
Ning Rongrong waved.
"I'm returning to my Sect too, Xiao Wu. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
Xiao Wu watched the three leave, clutching the carving to her chest, standing transfixed.
A quarter-hour later, a soft sigh drifted from the grove.
"Alas, how did it come to this?"
Once on the main road, Zhou Ting stopped and looked at Ning Rongrong.
"I need a favor."
"What is it?"
"I still have business; Zhuqing…"
Bright as she was, Ning Rongrong understood at once. She threw an arm around Zhu Zhuqing's shoulders. "Easy—my home's near Heaven Dou City; Zhuqing can come with me."
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated.
Zhou Ting slipped off his cloth pouch and handed it to her. "We'll talk when I reach Heaven Dou City."
Zhu Zhuqing studied him a moment, then agreed.
"All right, let's go."
Ning Rongrong led her toward Suotuo City, calling back,
"When you arrive, find me at the Ning Clan Trading House."
"Got it."
Watching them go, Zhou Ting glanced back at Shrek Academy, expression unreadable.
"Rented a room and can't even stay—wasted a Silver coin…"
With that, he turned resolutely and strode into the wild.
The wind rose.
Weeds swayed and clashed like dancing demons.
Meanwhile, in the Dean's office of Shrek Academy.
Flender walked in, weighed down with worry; even seeing his long-absent old friend Yu Xiaogang couldn't lift it.
"Xiaogang, such a disgrace for you to see the Academy like this."
Yu Xiaogang's face stayed calm. He didn't reply, only asked,
"How's Mubai?"
Flender slumped into a chair with a bitter smile.
"After Little Ao's Sausage, his body's fine, but the defeat crushed him."
Yes—being utterly crushed by a boy three years younger and sixteen levels lower, saved only by a teacher's intervention, would break anyone.
And Dai Mubai was so proud.
Since waking, he'd sat silent, head down, no longer the swaggering young tiger.
Flender feared if the boy couldn't overcome it, he'd be ruined.
"So, Xiaogang, any remedy?"
"Desperate times call for desperate measures."
Yu Xiaogang said confidently to his disciple Tang San,
"Little San, go provoke him—harsher the better."
"Yes, teacher."
Flender hesitated.
"Xiaogang, is that wise?"
Yu Xiaogang gave him a glance.
"You're too close to see clearly."Chapter 46: Fireball Technique Eliminates the Enemy
Chapter 46: Fireball Technique Eliminates the Enemy
The strong winds howled, sounding like ghosts wailing and wolves crying.
Zhou Ting put on his fat tiger mask again, stood at the entrance of the cave, and gazed out at the chaotic wilderness.
"It's a dark and windy night..."
"What perfect timing!"
He suddenly stared intently at an ancient tree and asked with a cryptic smile.
"Friend behind the tree, wouldn't you agree?"
"Bang!"
An Iron Rod descended from the sky, landing right in front of him, smashing a large hole into the hard rock at the cave entrance.
The Golden Dragon on the Iron Rod opened its mouth and roared towards the sky! An invisible pressure spread outwards, with Zhou Ting bearing the brunt of it.
"Boom!"
A roaring sound echoed in his ears, but Zhou Ting's expression remained unchanged as he said calmly.
"It's you."
The skinny, white-haired old man stood at the cave entrance, raised his hand slightly, and the Dragon-Patterned Rod shot up from the ground.
"You recognize me?"
Li Yusong, whose Spirit is the Dragon-Patterned Rod, is the Spirit Emperor who presided over the first stage of Shrek Academy's entrance examination.
Zhou Ting couldn't be bothered to reply and instead asked his own question.
"Why did you follow me? Are you here to avenge Dai Mubai?"
Looking at the kid who remained completely unfazed, Li Yusong's eyes showed admiration.
He defeated Dai Mubai despite a level difference, and now, being confronted by a Spirit Emperor, his expression hasn't changed.
"With talent and Heart-Nature like yours, if you were given enough time, you would certainly secure a place among the continent's top powerhouses."
As he spoke, his gaze gradually turned regretful.
"What a pity..."
Zhou Ting paid no mind to his regret and suddenly realized.
"You came for Shrek Academy!"
At this, Li Yusong admired Zhou Ting even more.
"That's right. Shrek Academy only recruits monsters. How great it would be if you could stay at the Academy."
Li Yusong's eyes suddenly turned cold, like ten thousand years of profound, bone-chilling ice!
"Unfortunately, you made the wrong choice."
"Back then, the Dean saved me and helped me. The Academy is my home, my only home."
"I won't allow anyone to harm the Academy!"
"Not anyone!"
"You... must die!"
Unparalleled Killing Intent rushed towards him!
At this moment, Zhou Ting felt his incredibly firm resolve.
This battle today is inevitable!
Li Yusong pointed his long rod forward. The Evil Dragon on the rod's tip opened its enormous mouth, roaring silently.
"Summon your Spirit. I'll let you make the first move!"
"Don't worry, I'll let you die with some dignity!"
After Li Yusong finished speaking, he stomped his right foot.
White, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Purple, Black.
"Li Yusong, Level 63 attack system Battle Spirit..."
Zhou Ting raised his hand, and the Black Tower suddenly grew larger, attracting Li Yusong's attention.
Just then, a red light flashed in Zhou Ting's left hand!
"What is that?"
This question popped up in Li Yusong's mind just as he saw a spark grow from small to large, flying towards him at high speed.
Fireball!
Such powerful energy fluctuations!
I can't block it; if it hits me, I'll die!
Realizing this, Li Yusong didn't have time to wonder why a Level 21 Spirit Grandmaster possessed a means to threaten the life of a Level 63 Spirit Emperor.
At this moment, he only wanted... and only could... dodge!
"Whoosh!"
He jumped in place, his six spirit rings simultaneously burst into bright light, and the Dragon-Patterned Rod fiercely smashed into the ground.
"Boom!"
The powerful recoil sent him soaring into the sky.
In the nick of time, he flew above the Fireball.
A smile appeared on Li Yusong's wrinkled old face.
"I dodged it!"
"Puff..."
An unparalleled high temperature came from behind him.
"No!"
In an instant, the scorching heat dissipated, and Li Yusong completely vanished.
There is nothing that one Fireball Technique cannot solve!
Even a powerful Spirit Emperor is no exception.
It's Li Yusong's fault for focusing solely on stacking attack power!
Zhou Ting watched the endless ashes carried away by the wind, filled with emotion.
"Even among Spirit Emperors... there are differences!"
"The commotion just now was considerable. I can't stay here!"
Zhou Ting turned and left, quickly arriving on the other side of the mountain.
Just as he crossed the small mountain, a short, burly man wearing a hood arrived near the cave.
He lifted his worn hood, revealing a messy, bearded face.
He sniffed the air, detecting a pungent burnt smell and the scent of meat that had almost faded away.
This is... his expression changed drastically.
"Who died?"
"Was it Zhou Ting?"
"Impossible. That Spirit Emperor used a rod; the fireball just now couldn't have been his doing!"
"The one who died was the Spirit Emperor, but... who was the one who struck the killing blow?"
Unable to figure it out, he followed his intuition, lightly stomped his foot, and arrived on the other side of the mountain.
An hour later, the burly man stood on the mountaintop, his eyes full of confusion.
"The one who died must have been Shrek's Spirit Emperor!"
"But how did that kid Zhou Ting do it?"
"Not only did he kill someone, but he also vanished without a trace."
The next moment, he looked in the direction of Shrek Academy, his expression complex.
"Little San, don't worry. Dad will be watching you!"
A rare trace of regret appeared in Tang Hao's heart.
Actually, he should have intervened earlier.
Helping either side would have been the best choice.
If he had helped Zhou Ting, that favor alone would have been enough to resolve the unpleasantness between him and Tang San.
If he had helped Shrek Academy, with a Titled Douluo like him present, no matter what trump card Zhou Ting had, he could have easily suppressed and killed him.
But... he didn't know Zhou Ting possessed the means to kill a Spirit Emperor, and he chose the worst course of action: standing by and watching.
One wrong step leads to many wrong steps!
...Shrek Academy, Girls' Dormitory.
The three people who should have been together bustling with activity were now reduced to just Xiao Wu.
Upon learning that Xiao Wu had gone to the Girls' Dormitory, Tang San immediately dropped his Teacher's assignment.
He stood at the door, looking at Xiao Wu tidying her bed, and asked excitedly.
"Xiao Wu, you didn't leave with him?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Tang San regretted it. How could he ask such a foolish question?
At that moment, he wished he could slap himself across the face.
Xiao Wu gave him a glance, then turned her head and continued tidying her bed.
Tang San stood at the door, his limbs stiff and awkward.
In the end, it was the brother-sister affection built over six years of living together.
Xiao Wu couldn't bear it. She put down her work, finally looked directly at Tang San, and said.
"Did you think I didn't know? You were already prepared to strike. If you had truly waited for Grandmaster to call out, it would have been too late!"
Seeing his small intentions exposed, Tang San felt humiliated under Xiao Wu's intense gaze.
Xiao Wu didn't wait for his answer and continued.
"Today was the first time you met Dai Mubai, yet you chose to break the rules of the duel to help him..."
Tang San said in a hoarse voice.
"We are classmates."
Xiao Wu calmly countered.
"Wasn't Zhou Ting? You grew up in the same village and were classmates at Nuoding Academy for a year. Yet, all that couldn't compare to a classmate you just met... Dai Mubai?"
Tang San was speechless.
Xiao Wu suddenly looked desolate and asked.
"Little San, if you meet other girls in the future, will you treat me this way too?"
Where did that come from?!!!
Tang San was dumbfounded and hurriedly explained.
"Absolutely not, Xiao Wu... I swore that I would protect you forever and keep you from harm!"
Xiao Wu looked into Tang San's eyes, which held no trace of guilt, only firm resolve.
A smile finally appeared on Xiao Wu's face, and she said.
"I believe you!"
Tang San sighed in relief and was about to step inside.
But he was immediately pushed out by Xiao Wu.
"What? You want to look inside the Girls' Dormitory too? Go, hurry up and go!"
Tang San gave an awkward smile, looking at the closed door and chuckling foolishly.Chapter 47: 47 Message
Chapter 47: 47. Message
At this time, only Xiao Wu was left in the huge dormitory. Looking around, she suddenly felt a bit lonely.
"After all, I can't go back!"
Hearing the sound of Tang San's receding footsteps outside, Xiao Wu pulled a wooden box from her waist pouch. Zhou Ting had said before that this was the jade emperor honey left for her.
Lifting the lid, there were over a dozen glass bottles inside containing white jade-like honey.
Although Xiao Wu had known from the weight that there wasn't much left, she still pouted and muttered dissatisfiedly to herself.
"Hateful... After not seeing each other for five years, he only left me this much."
One could only wonder if her resentment was truly because the amount of honey was too little.
She picked up the wooden box and gave it a shake, causing all the glass bottles to fly out.
Swish, swish...
Her snow-white hands blurred into afterimages, and in an instant, all the glass bottles disappeared.
Looking at the empty wooden box, Xiao Wu tapped here and pressed there, as if looking for something.
After checking it all once, Xiao Wu said with a troubled face.
"That's not right. Since he said that, there must be something fishy about this box."
"But, there's nothing here!"
She recalled Zhou Ting's previous actions.
A pat... she remembered!
Finding the spot Zhou Ting had patted, she gently stroked it.
The wooden board was uneven.
"This doesn't seem different..."
At this moment, the scene of Zhou Ting carving for her flashed in her mind, and a spark of inspiration hit her.
In the next moment, she slowly stroked the box lid, carefully feeling the raised areas.
The next moment, the corners of her mouth curled up in a proud smile.
"Haha, Sister Xiao Wu is a Genius, how could I be stumped by such a small problem!"
In the next moment, she read silently in her mind.
"Xiao Wu, the following words are very important. You must never tell anyone!"
She curled her lip, somewhat dismissive of this.
"What's so important that I shouldn't tell anyone?"
Her small hand continued to grope.
"Over the past five years, I accidentally learned some news."
"Tang San's father, Tang Hao, is extremely likely to be a Titled Douluo, titled Clear Sky!"
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
Xiao Wu's small hand flew away from the box lid as if by reflex.
At this moment, her hair stood on end, and she broke out in a cold sweat.
She didn't want to believe it.
But, thinking about Tang San's talent and his various strange skills.
She fell silent!
How could an ordinary child from a small mountain village have so many amazing methods like Tang San?
Take the eccentric Zhou Ting, also from a small mountain village; his strength was entirely due to his special Spirit characteristics.
Tang San was completely different!
Although the Blue Silver Grass had been developed by him to be extremely powerful, he relied more on those strange self-created Spirit Abilities.
How could a six-year-old child create these himself!
Therefore, his father Tang Hao being the Clear Sky Douluo... was very logical.
The next moment, she had a look of having survived a disaster, patting her budding chest.
"Fortunately, fortunately he left a long time ago!"
Thinking of this, she was both curious and afraid of the next piece of information.
Ultimately, after a period of inner conflict, she "bravely" reached out her small hand.
"Back at Nuoding Academy, I once saw Tang Hao's figure through the Jade Emperor Bee. He has always been hidden in the shadows, watching over Tang San..."
Xiao Wu's heart shook violently, and her face turned deathly pale.
I... am exposed?!!!
All sorts of bloody and tragic images popped into her mind: skinning and deboning, roasting... Her fingers unconsciously brushed over the content below.
"...Tang Hao... is very special. There is secret information claiming that his wife Ah Yin, who is Tang San's mother, was a Spirit Beast in human form. However, because she traveled around, her true identity was exposed, and the family of three was hunted by Spirit Hall. In the end, an incredibly fierce battle broke out between the two sides. The specific details of the battle are unknown..."
A glimmer of hope rose in Xiao Wu's heart as she continued to "read" on.
"There is only news saying that the Spirit Hall Supreme Pontiff died of serious injuries after the battle, while Tang Hao relied on a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring to advance to Titled Douluo in that battle. Finally... he was wanted by Spirit Hall!"
Xiao Wu's stalled brain finally began to work again, and she murmured to herself.
"Sacrifice, it must have been a sacrifice. Nothing else is possible!"
"So, because of that, he had a heart of mercy? That's why he let me go!"
"Or, was it for..."
Thinking of a certain terrifying possibility, Xiao Wu felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar, her whole body curling into a ball and shivering.
After a good while, she finally came back to her senses and looked at the wooden box lid, as if grabbing a life-saving straw.
"Is there more?"
The reading continued!
"I know you care a lot about Titled Douluo, so I'm telling you this news."
"In addition, I am at..."
As the reading progressed, Xiao Wu gradually calmed down.
"Burn after reading!"
Zhou Ting's message ended.
Xiao Wu stroked the box lid, feeling it from beginning to end once more.
spirit power surged in her hand, and the box lid instantly became flat and incomparably smooth.
This craftsmanship... she was also a good hand at carpentry.
Xiao Wu silently took out a thin white string made of the same material as Zhou Ting's pebble. She threaded the string through one rabbit ear, and a Xiao Wu-version pendant was born.
Hanging the pendant around her neck, she tucked it close to her body.
Xiao Wu murmured with a complex expression.
"Does... he know?"
It was unclear who this "he" referred to!
...Heaven Dou City, Eastern Palace.
Xue Qinghe stood at a high vantage point, looking down at the entire imperial palace, his eyes full of the joy of success.
"Finally, this day has come!"
She Long stood to the side, also with a look of joy, and said.
"Your Highness, all loose ends have been cleaned up!"
Xue Qinghe looked down at the team of Spirit Masters patrolling the Eastern Palace, a powerful sense of self-confidence arising spontaneously.
"Very good. At this stage, no one can stop our plan anymore."
"Yes, Your Highness, everything has been settled!"
Speaking of this, She Long hesitated slightly.
Rarely relaxed, Xue Qinghe quietly enjoyed the freedom of the imperial city's heights and asked.
"Uncle She, please speak freely!"
"Yes, Your Highness. The Eldest Prince and the Third Prince are both dead, but the Fourth Prince Xue Beng..."
Xue Qinghe looked up at the moon in the sky and murmured to himself.
"Actually, I didn't want to kill them, but who told them to stand in my way."
Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire was getting old and already had the intention of appointing a Crown Prince.
The Eldest Prince was the firstborn and had the greatest advantage, with support from many officials. The Third Prince was brave and had the support of the army.
If they weren't eliminated, Xue Qinghe could never take the position.
Thinking of this, Xue Qinghe sighed.
"Unfortunately, if only I were a bit older, I could have completely replaced the Eldest Prince!"
There are no 'ifs' in this World. At this moment, Xue Qinghe remembered the child who followed behind him a long time ago.
"As for Xue Beng, if he died too, I would become the sole survivor, and everyone would suspect me."
She Long always felt uneasy and continued.
"But, people suspect you now too?"
"No matter, time will make everyone forget everything!"
Xue Qinghe didn't want to talk about this anymore and changed the subject.
"Uncle She, those who have worked for me, we cannot let their hearts grow cold!"
"Rest assured, Your Highness. Everyone, including their families, has been sent to the vicinity of Spirit City to settle down. It is absolutely the best treatment!"
"That's good..."Chapter 48: Leave it to Time
Chapter 48: 48. Leave it to Time
Spirit Hall, Supreme Pontiff's Great Hall.
"How are things... over at Heaven Dou?"
A domineering female voice, carrying a trace of imperceptible worry, echoed within the hall.
Upon the throne exclusive to the Supreme Pontiff sat a charming and mature woman. She leaned lazily against the armrest, her entire being exuding an unparalleled nobility that made one dare not look directly at her.
This woman was Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong, the one who controlled the greatest power on the continent... Spirit Hall!
In the center of the hall stood a delicate-looking... man. He held up an orchid finger and replied with a smile.
"Congratulations, Your Eminence. The plan has been successfully completed. All participants have safely withdrawn and will definitely not be exposed."
With a "charming" voice, this person was none other than one of Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo, Chrysanthemum Douluo, whose real name was Yue Guan.
Having handled trivial matters all day, Bibi Dong closed her eyes tiredly for a nap, slightly shaking her head.
"Whether it be evidence or witnesses, these are all insignificant. Suspicion is what is most fatal!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo instantly understood and said,
"After their deaths, Your Highness stands to gain the most and is the primary suspect. However, Xue Beng didn't die, so it shouldn't..."
"Do not leave things to chance. Xue Beng's life or death is completely irrelevant."
Chrysanthemum Douluo understood the meaning in Bibi Dong's words. As the biggest beneficiary, Xue Qinghe was naturally the object of everyone's suspicion.
Her situation... was very dangerous.
"Your Eminence, what should we do?"
Bibi Dong suddenly opened her eyes and directly ordered,
"Pass the news to the Elder Palace, and let that Old Undying deal with his own headache!"
The grand High Priest of Spirit Hall, a Rank 99 Limit Douluo known as 'Invincible in the Sky,' Qian Daoliu, was... an 'Old Undying'?
Bibi Dong dared to call him that, but he certainly didn't dare to be disrespectful.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's forehead broke into a sweat as he bowed in response.
"Yes, your subordinate will go at once."
Bibi Dong waved her hand and closed her eyes again to rest.
The vast Supreme Pontiff's Great Hall was brightly lit and silent, leaving only the faint sound of breathing... In the past six months, several major events had occurred in succession in Heaven Dou City.
First, two of Emperor Xue Ye's princes died of poisoning at the same time... during a banquet in the imperial palace.
Second, Emperor Xue Ye suffered a great blow from the loss of his sons, and his physical and mental health were no longer what they used to be.
Third, Xue Qinghe took Ning Fengzhi as his teacher and gained the full support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Fourth, Xue Qinghe was established as the Crown Prince!
In just over half a year, Heaven Dou City had been filled with surging winds and constant turmoil.
Fortunately, after half a year, all the storms had finally settled back into calm.
The nighttime curfew was subsequently lifted.
Late at night, in Emperor Xue Ye's bedchamber.
The white-haired old man lay sick in bed, looking weary.
"It's been half a year, brother. Have you still found nothing?"
Before the bed, the gray-haired old man lowered his head in shame and muttered,
"Emper..."
The old man on the bed was naturally the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire... Emperor Xue Ye. He waved his hand with effort and said,
"I still prefer it when you call me brother!"
Prince Xue Xing looked up and saw a pair of gentle and loving eyes, which were so familiar.
When they were young, his brother used to look at him like that.
Prince Xue Xing's eyes moistened, and he called out very emotionally,
"Brother!"
Emperor Xue Ye looked gratified.
Having just experienced the pain of losing his sons, he could better appreciate the importance of family.
"You don't need to be ashamed. That Spirit Master was too strange; it's not surprising you couldn't find him!"
They had long since determined that it wasn't an ordinary poison, but a bizarre and deadly toxin from a Spirit Master.
Prince Xue Xing said with a bitter face,
"Brother, although we can't find out who did it, there are only a few powers in the entire continent capable of poisoning someone within the heavily guarded imperial palace."
"Spirit Hall, the Star Luo Empire, the Upper Three Sects..."
Emperor Xue Ye listened to the names his brother listed and interrupted him helplessly.
"We also cannot rule out rogue Spirit Masters who have a grudge against the imperial family."
Prince Xue Xing naturally knew this as well.
But if that were truly the case, then it would be even harder for him to find anything!
Emperor Xue Ye thought for a moment and said somewhat dejectedly,
"In that case, let's stop investigating!"
Prince Xue Xing cried out in disbelief,
"Brother?!"
Emperor Xue Ye sat up, his eyes fully open, radiating natural authority.
"There are no eternal secrets in this World. Time will tell us the answer!"
Looking at the meaningful gaze in his brother's eyes, Prince Xue Xing suddenly understood.
"I understand!"
Nodding with satisfaction, Emperor Xue Ye said,
"Brother, from this day forward, you must pay special attention to those two nephews of yours. Nothing else must happen to them!"
"Yes!"
Prince Xue Xing's gaze was firm; he would definitely protect his nephews. However... he looked at Emperor Xue Ye with hesitation, as if some words were... difficult to say.
"Brother..."
"Speak."
Seeing the encouraging look in his brother's eyes, Prince Xue Xing gritted his teeth and said,
"Qinghe... is becoming more and more unusual. Now, he's like a completely different person!"
Emperor Xue Ye frowned and pondered for a moment before saying,
"Don't worry about it. He was taken as a disciple by Ning Fengzhi, and now that he's the Crown Prince... he will naturally change! Just like... how I did back then."
Prince Xue Xing remained silent, but in his heart, he felt that this nephew, who had never been close to him, just... didn't feel right.
In fact, a long time ago, his relationship with this nephew was no worse than with the other princes; they were also very close.
It was just that at some unknown point, the uncle and nephew had drifted apart. Whenever they met, there were only polite pleasantries left!
It was only a superficial connection; there was no longer any sense of closeness to speak of!
"Go back..."
Looking at his exhausted brother, a flash of pity appeared in Prince Xue Xing's eyes.
"Alright, brother..."
Prince Xue Xing bowed and left, thinking silently to himself: Brother, I will keep an eye on this matter in secret!
And I will definitely protect Xue Beng!
At the same time, the travel-worn Zhou Ting also saw the gates of Heaven Dou City.
However, it was now night, and the gates were already closed.
"I'm finally here!"
Taking off the fat tiger mask from his face, Zhou Ting thought back to the events of that night.
That night, Tang Hao searched the mountain three times, and those were only the ones he saw with his own eyes. Who knows how many more times he searched when he wasn't looking.
In short, he successfully made Zhou Ting change his mind about leaving after hiding for just one night.
In the end, he hid for an entire week before coming out from a narrow crevice.
During those seven days, he stayed inside the Black Tower—the shrunken Black Tower—relying entirely on honey and fruit to survive.
Only when he confirmed that Tang Hao was truly no longer paying attention did he run to Heaven Dou City without stopping.
At the thought of this, Zhou Ting gritted his teeth in hatred.
"Tang San, Tang Hao, I'll get back at you sooner or later!"
Of course, Zhou Ting was just venting his dissatisfaction.
Facing this pair of father and son who seemed to have "cheats," Zhou Ting truly had no options at the moment.
However, thinking about the "good deed" he had done, Zhou Ting couldn't help but show a wicked smile.
"Hehe, Tang San, I hope you'll like the gift I left behind!"Chapter 49: Meeting
Chapter 49: 49. Meeting
"So boring!"
*Gulp, gulp...*
"Ha!"
The young girl on the lounge chair comfortably set down the empty cup, followed by a "smack."
"Ah, who dares to hit ol'—"
Ning Rongrong, this Little Witch, turned her head and saw the face of the person behind her, and she immediately wilted, swallowing the address that was about to burst out.
How uncomfortable!
The next moment, the Little Witch humbly hugged the visitor's arm with both hands and said coquettishly.
"Dad, why are you here?"
Without waiting for her old father to speak, Ning Rongrong continued to ask.
"Didn't you say this morning that you were very busy today and couldn't find time to accompany me?"
At this, Ning Rongrong put her hands on her hips and accused him righteously.
"Fine, Dad, you actually lied!"
Such a lack of respect. Ning Fengzhi speechlessly tapped his daughter's small head and scolded.
"The Crown Prince had something to do and couldn't come, so naturally I became free."
Ning Rongrong clutched her head and cried out.
"Ouch, Dad, you hit me again."
Ning Fengzhi looked at his drama queen daughter and was also speechless.
Didn't he know how much force he used?
How could it possibly hurt!
"Look at your friend, how diligently and hard she is Cultivating. And you? You're just lying here drinking juice!"
Ning Fengzhi had a face full of disappointment.
In the Mimicry Environment, Zhu Zhuqing had turned into an Incarnation of a Ghost Cat, constantly shuttling through the complex and ever-changing forest.
From time to time, there would be various sudden situations, such as Spirit Beasts... but Zhu Zhuqing remained flexible and free, fast as lightning.
Facing her old father's reprimand, Ning Rongrong obediently lowered her head and admitted her mistake.
Of course, her small mouth naturally wouldn't admit defeat, as she argued.
"But Cultivating alone is too boring!"
She couldn't calm her mind, let alone sit still.
Actually, these few days since coming back had already been very good. With Zhu Zhuqing to accompany her, her daily spirit power Cultivation was over-completed.
No one knows a daughter better than her father.
Ning Fengzhi naturally knew his daughter's temperament, but he knew even better that he couldn't over-indulge this daughter.
Before, when his daughter ran away from home, he intentionally didn't chase her back, wanting her to be tempered outside.
As a result, before many days had passed, she ran back.
Moreover, her reason was legitimate: she didn't want to enter an academy that went back on its word and broke the rules.
Although Ning Fengzhi had some criticisms of Shrek's methods, he could also understand.
After all, the strong bullying the weak is the norm in this World.
Of course, as a father, letting his precious daughter study in such an academy was another matter entirely.
Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment and said.
"You don't have to go to Shrek Academy, but you must go to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy..."
Ning Rongrong was very resistant and said coquettishly.
"I don't want to."
"You must go!"
This time, Ning Fengzhi was incredibly firm.
"I will arrange identities for you and your friend. The two of you can keep each other company!"
Ning Rongrong knew she couldn't escape this time and said with a face full of pain.
"Alright then, but I have one more request..."
...*Click!*
Pushing open the window and facing the morning sun, Zhou Ting stretched comfortably.
"Another beautiful day."
"Staying in a hotel is still more comfortable!"
After entering the city yesterday, he immediately found a hotel to stay in, and then slept for a day and a night.
Looking around, unfamiliar surroundings, unfamiliar people.
Walking alone for five years, he had long been accustomed to this situation, but Zhou Ting still felt a little lonely.
That's why he was so eager to spirit away the Big Kitty and had put it into action.
"Time to go find... what the hell?!!!"
"Is this 'speak of the devil'?"
"Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing!"
On the street below, a reluctant Ning Rongrong and a smiling Zhu Zhuqing were walking arm in arm, with Ning Rongrong still complaining about something.
Zhu Zhuqing had sharp ears and eyes; hearing her name, she immediately looked up toward the sound.
Her large eyes lit up, and a touching smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.
"You're here."
"I'm here."
Only then did Ning Rongrong look up and see Zhou Ting, jumping on her toes as she said.
"Zhou Ting, come down quickly, I have good news for you!"
Zhou Ting looked at the tips of Ning Rongrong's toes, then at Zhu Zhuqing—well, he couldn't see them at all!
Truly... a beauty beyond compare!
He was getting completely excited!
Zhou Ting looked at the empty room and simply jumped straight down from the window.
"Where are you guys going?"
Ning Rongrong's face was full of sorrow again as she said.
"It's all because of my dad, he insists on making me go to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Why was she so resistant?
Zhou Ting couldn't quite understand.
Also, why did she want to go to Shrek Academy before? Was it just to be far from home?
Seeing her good friend's bitter face, Zhu Zhuqing suppressed a smile and comforted her.
"Rongrong, didn't you think Cultivating alone was boring? There are so many people in the academy who can keep you company."
Zhu Zhuqing's comfort not only failed to work but also had the opposite effect.
Ning Rongrong's small face wrinkled up like a bitter melon.
"You guys don't know, the entry requirement for the Heaven Dou Royal Academy must be nobility."
"What's wrong with being a noble?"
Zhu Zhuqing didn't think there was any problem with being a noble.
Ning Rongrong sighed.
"Sigh, this isn't the Star Luo Empire which emphasizes martial force. The nobles of our Heaven Dou Empire..."
"How should I put it? Anyway, most of the students in the academy aren't good at studying or Cultivating, but they are experts at forming cliques and bullying the weak."
"In short, the academy is a complete mess."
"It's only after the three Education Commissioners arrived that the situation improved somewhat, but it's still not much better."
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't quite understand.
Over in the Star Luo Empire, from top to bottom, from the Imperial Family to the smallest Viscount, everyone aims to Cultivate and become stronger.
After all, the nobility is based on martial force!
And those as lazy as in the Heaven Dou Empire would probably be despised by the whole country.
No wonder the Heaven Dou Empire has so few powerful experts.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School... is a Sect, it doesn't count!
Zhu Zhuqing asked a Soul-searching question.
"With such nobles, how has the Heaven Dou Empire survived?"
"Ah!"
Ning Rongrong didn't know how to answer either.
Zhou Ting said casually.
"Because of the Spirit Hall!"
The two young girls looked over, half-understanding.
Zhou Ting simply continued to explain.
"The Spirit Hall is too strong. Neither of the two great Empires can protect themselves if they face it alone. They can only unite to have the confidence to contend with the Spirit Hall."
"So, no matter how much the two great Empires are at odds, no major substantial conflict will occur!"
"Alright, let's not talk about this. Aren't you guys going to the academy?"
Ning Rongrong said with a giggle.
"That's not it; it should be... us!"
Zhou Ting heard the implication in her words and asked in surprise.
"Could it be... there's a spot for me too?"
Ning Rongrong nodded proudly and said.
"That's right. Zhuqing needs to create an identity, so I just happened to get one for you too. However..."
"However what?"
Ning Rongrong said somewhat embarrassedly.
"However, it doesn't use your real name!"
Zhou Ting smiled, appearing even happier.
"That's even better! It'll save me trouble later."
It really was a case of finding it by chance after searching in vain!
Zhou Ting happened to need a lot of Spirit Beast knowledge, and now, the Heaven Dou Empire's library was being delivered to his door.
"I really have to thank you this time!"
Ning Rongrong also became happy upon hearing this and said.
"You don't need to worry about the identity issue. The quotas are all from nobles of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. No matter who investigates, they won't be exposed."
"But, shouldn't you thank me?"
Ning Rongrong looked at Zhu Zhuqing's slender waist and licked her lips, looking just like a little pervert!Chapter 50: Assassination Without Warning
Chapter 50: 50. Assassination Without Warning
"Give this back to you!"
Zhu Zhuqing untied the cloth bag from her waist and handed it over.
Zhou Ting pushed her hand back.
"I have a spirit tool, you should use this one!"
Zhu Zhuqing looked into Zhou Ting's sincere eyes and, confirming he wasn't lying, felt a warmth in her heart.
Unlike her Family... where there were only interests!
However, she still refused.
"There is so much inside..."
Zhou Ting said jokingly.
"This is my... investment. You can just give me a bit more in return later."
Feeling a level of care she never felt within her Family, Zhu Zhuqing's heart trembled.
At the same time, for the first time, she felt... how right it was for Dai Mubai to flee the Star Luo Empire back then.
And even more so for herself!
Of course, the fact that Dai Mubai didn't care whether she lived or died was his biggest, unforgivable mistake!
"You two have had enough! Are you acting like I don't exist?!"
Ning Rongrong watched the two pushing the bag back and forth and rolled her eyes hard. She snatched the cloth bag and tied it back onto Zhu Zhuqing's waist.
Straightening her back, Ning Rongrong glanced with some envy at those two insurmountable peaks and continued their previous topic.
"Tell me, how are you going to thank me?"
Zhou Ting understood what she meant and joked.
"Well, I have nothing of value on me, so I can only..."
Ning Rongrong guessed what Zhou Ting was about to say and, sensing trouble, hid behind Zhu Zhuqing with a look of feigned fear.
"Don't talk nonsense. If you're looking for someone, go find your Zhuqing, don't look for me."
Having achieved his goal, Zhou Ting smilingly pulled out a bottle of honey and said with satisfaction.
"I can only repay you with jade emperor honey!"
This scoundrel did it on purpose, absolutely!
Ning Rongrong popped back out, snatched the bottle, gave Zhou Ting a fierce glare, and said.
"Hmph, you're just like those guys from Shrek, none of you are good people!"
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been watching the whole scene, pursed her lips and smiled, feeling a long-lost sense of relaxation and warmth.
Ning Rongrong felt embarrassed and pulled Zhu Zhuqing away.
"Zhuqing, this guy is just coveting your beauty, let's not play with him anymore."
With a smile on his lips, Zhou Ting followed unhurriedly behind them, and they soon arrived near the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
The academy entrance was a sea of people.
The noble children, who were usually arrogant and domineering, were now standing obediently at the main gate behind the dean and teachers, looking incredibly serious.
The surrounding crowd of onlookers was different, filled with chatter.
"What's going on?"
"Is some big shot coming?"
"You guys don't know yet?"
"Know what?"
"The Crown Prince is coming to inspect the academy!"
"The Crown Prince? No wonder!"
"So that's it."
"But speaking of our Crown Prince, he's really lucky. Six months ago, two of his brothers died at a banquet, and the position of Crown Prince just fell into his lap."
Speaking of this topic, someone said meaningfully.
"Did it really just fall?"
As soon as this was said, someone close to him immediately pulled him back and said sternly.
"Don't talk nonsense!"
This was a taboo; it was fine to know it in your heart, but it must never be spoken aloud!
Clip-clop, clip-clop...
The crisp sound of horse hooves grew from faint to loud, directly drowning out everyone else, and the academy entrance fell into silence.
Zhou Ting and the other two stood together. They had arrived late and could only stand on the outermost perimeter!
Besides, it wasn't something they absolutely had to see; whether they got in or not didn't matter.
However, waves of shock were surging in Zhou Ting's heart.
The timing... doesn't match up!
Shouldn't Xue Qinghe's brothers have died a long time ago?
How could it have only happened six months ago?
What changes occurred in between?
Zhou Ting's heart stirred as he remembered his first meeting with Xue Qinghe in the Soul Hunting Forest five years ago.
"At that time... what was she doing in the Soul Hunting Forest?"
"Was it for a spirit ring?"
"Impossible, there's a Soul Hunting Forest right outside Heaven Dou City."
"Could it be..."
Zhou Ting's expression suddenly became strange as he murmured.
"Could it be because of me that they were allowed to linger on for a few more years?"
"Whoa!"
The Crown Prince's carriage stopped, and Xue Qinghe slowly stepped down.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
Led by the three instructors, over a hundred elite students bowed in unison.
Then, it was the onlookers.
Xue Qinghe's face was full of gentleness and approachability as he immediately said.
"You may rise..."
Swish!
An emerald-green arrow shot out from the crowd, instantly reaching Xue Qinghe's chest, catching him off guard.
"So fast!"
A golden light flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes as he dodged to the side.
Splatter!
The arrow grazed his shoulder, leaving a few drops of blood—blood that was a mixture of gold and green!
Only then did the crowd finally react, shouting in panic.
"Assassin!"
"Protect the Prince!"
The crowd immediately fell into chaos!
Chief Instructor Meng Shenji's instinctive first reaction was to shout to the students behind him.
"Protect yourselves!"
After saying that, the three instructors exchanged glances; two rushed into the crowd, while one went to Xue Qinghe's side, standing on high alert.
"Kill!"
Xue Qinghe jumped down from the carriage; he was still a bit dazed even now!
What was happening today? Someone actually came to assassinate him, the new Crown Prince?
Before he could think further, a cold and eerie power began to rampage through his body. Even the sacred power from his Divine Rank Spirit, the Seraphim, could only barely withstand it.
"This poison?"
Xue Qinghe recognized it, and his expression became extremely ugly.
"Is there a traitor in... Spirit Hall?!"
"Also, where is Uncle She? Why didn't he block it immediately, and why hasn't he even shown up yet!"
Xue Qinghe's mind was in a mess.
There were only three assassins, and their strength wasn't very high—around Level 60. They were quickly subdued, with two dead and one injured.
Xue Qinghe had too many questions. He forced himself to walk up to the assassin and asked.
"Who are you, and why did you assassinate me?"
The gaze the assassin directed at Xue Qinghe was filled with bone-deep hatred.
As if they shared an irreconcilable enmity.
Xue Qinghe asked himself; he definitely didn't have such an enemy.
It wasn't that he hadn't offended anyone, but rather that such people... were all dead, without exception.
Seeing the green blood on Xue Qinghe's arm, the assassin laughed in relief.
"Hahaha, good, good! Your Highness, your subordinate has avenged you!"
"Ugh!"
The assassin's body suddenly stiffened and turned completely black.
He was dead, killed by the poison's onset!
Xue Qinghe felt a wave of dizziness, his body swaying.
Meng Shenji immediately stepped forward to support him and asked with concern.
"Your Highness, how are you?"
Xue Qinghe's... lips had turned green!
Seeing this familiar scene, cold sweat began to pour down Meng Shenji's forehead.
"Not good! His Highness has been poisoned! Quickly, gather the healing Spirit Masters!"
Then, he immediately grabbed Bai Baoshan, another of the three instructors. His lips trembled slightly, but no sound came out.
The chubby Bai Baoshan was stunned for a moment, then, drenched in sweat, he quietly left the academy.
The assassination attempt started abruptly and ended... just as quickly!
Zhou Ting and the other two didn't even have time to react.
Actually, even if they had reacted, it wouldn't have mattered.
What could three Level 20-something small fry do?
Watching Xue Qinghe being helped into the carriage, Ning Rongrong hesitated for a moment before walking out.
After all, he was her father's Disciple!
Beside the carriage, Meng Shenji was in a very bad mood. He recognized the poison Xue Qinghe had been afflicted with; it was the same poison that had killed the two princes.
The secrets within this... were chilling!
He saw Ning Rongrong and looked at her scrutinizingly.
"Little girl... this is not a place you should be!"
Ning Rongrong didn't waste words and directly revealed her Spirit... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!
This was more useful than any identification!
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? You are Ning Rongrong?"
Her mid-term enrollment had been approved by him, after all.
Ning Rongrong nodded and said.
"Yes, I have something on me that can help the Crown Prince suppress the poison!"
"Good..."