"Whether it's her or not, I don't really care." Ning Rongrong peeled an orange. "On my way back, I ran into some students from Blazing Wind Academy. They mentioned a mysterious participant from Spirit Hall Academy."
"Speaking of which, you two know her as well."
"Eh? We do?" Before Shui Cangyue could ask, Shui Yue'er's face twisted in shock.
"Mm, you do." Ning Rongrong plucked a segment of the orange and took a bite before setting the rest down. Her gaze grew distant.
"Most likely, it's the girl who appeared at the Shui family two years ago."
"You mean…" After Ning Rongrong's reminder, the two recalled the young woman who had arrived with two Title Douluo to assist Xue Qinghe.
"Qian Renxue?"
Shui Yue'er ventured a guess.
"Ah, probably her." Ning Rongrong nodded.
"Two and a half years ago, she was already a Soul Sage. She's about nine years older than me, so she still qualifies for the tournament. It's only natural she'd want to participate."
"23 years old… a Soul Sage?" Shui Yue'er fell silent.
You freaks, can't you leave some room for the rest of us?
Jumping dozens of levels like it's nothing, treating cultivation like a game…
"Actually, it's pretty normal." Ning Rongrong said. "Sister Yan is 21 this year and should already be a Soul Emperor. Whether she reaches Soul Sage depends on her own efforts."
The Misfortune Poison Body allowed for rapid cultivation, but it wasn't friendly to others. If control was lost, it might not just be the user who died—everyone around them could perish too.
So, Ning Rongrong had advised Dugu Yan to prioritize control over speed.
Douluo Dalu doesn't have something like the "Seven-Colored Poison Manual." Reality isn't a novel—it's better to play it safe.
"Is this kind of competition really necessary?" Shui Yue'er couldn't help but complain.
Ning Rongrong chuckled. "Don't worry. If you can't keep up, just lie flat and relax!"
"By the way, what level is Bing'er now?"
Unlike Shui Yue'er, Shui Bing'er's Ice Phoenix had become a top-tier Martial Soul after the baptism of icy energy two and a half years ago.
As long as Ning Fengzhi wasn't blind, he'd have given her enough pills to stabilize the evolution.
With that, her cultivation speed shouldn't be slow.
"She's just as competitive as you guys." Shui Yue'er sighed, scratching her head. "She's only 18, but she's already a level 49 Soul Ancestor."
"She said she'd cultivate in the clan for three months and had to reach level 50 before the tournament starts."
Not only was Bing'er pushing herself, but even Ye Lingling was doing the same—a 20-year-old level 45 Soul Ancestor with the support-type Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul.
What's a support-type Soul Master doing being so competitive?!
It was like not trying hard was some kind of sin, forcing her to join the grind too.
All because she and my sister have a Martial Soul Fusion Skill!
If she was too weak, they wouldn't be able to use it—or worse, she'd be looked down on. Where would her dignity as an elder sister go then?
Though, if she was being honest, she'd never had any dignity in front of Shui Bing'er to begin with…
But still—
Even a lazy person had dreams.
Unaware of the blue-haired girl's internal monologue, Ning Rongrong gleaned quite a bit of information from her mutterings.
There were quite a few participants for the tournament in three months.
A team usually required at least seven members—having a full roster was better for the sake of ceremony.
Current lineup: Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, Ye Lingling.
Hmm, still two spots left.
"Ning Yun? Ning Tian?"
Forget it. Would they even count as participants?
A team with four support-type Soul Masters, three of whom just stood there shouting "666" while holding their pagodas—what kind of fight would that be?
There'd be no spectacle at all. This wasn't the Elephant Armored Academy, where they won by sheer bulk. What was the point of stacking so many support-types?
Joining the tournament was just a whim anyway.
Ning Fengzhi probably wanted her to participate. Parents always hoped their children would succeed—and maybe show off a little. That was normal.
"Ah, I'll figure it out after returning to the clan." Ning Rongrong shook off her thoughts and turned back to Shui Cangyue.
"Principal Shui, how's your relationship with the principal of Blazing Wind Academy? Could you help me obtain something?"
"It's decent. What does the Young Master need?" Shui Cangyue asked.
"Not long ago, I helped Huo Wushuang. That should count as a favor."
Ning Rongrong recounted her encounter with the Titan Giant Ape.
"A thousand-year Titan Giant Ape soul bone?!" Shui Cangyue inhaled sharply.
Considering Ning Rongrong's capabilities, it made sense. A thick-skinned monkey might be tough for normal Soul Masters, but to the Young Master? It was just another kill.
"You want the Seven-Colored Flame Stone?"
"Correct. As long as the price isn't outrageous." Ning Rongrong nodded.
"That might be difficult." Shui Cangyue frowned.
"I've heard of that stone. It's a treasure the Huo family obtained centuries ago—it enhances comprehension of fire attributes."
"Even if they owe you a favor, the chances are slim."
While a Titan Giant Ape's soul ring and soul bone were valuable, they couldn't compare to a family heirloom that boosted cultivation insight.
Shui Cangyue didn't ask why Ning Rongrong wanted the stone. Some things were better left unknown.
"I'll inquire for you and gauge their reaction. I'll contact you if there's any news."
"How does that sound?"
She wasn't part of the Huo family and didn't know how highly they prized their heirloom.
"Thank you, Principal Shui."
"Not at all. If anything, I should be thanking you." Shui Cangyue didn't dare act superior in front of this girl.
Becoming a Title Douluo was thanks to Ning Rongrong. In her eyes, this enigmatic "support-type" Soul Master was practically her peer.
After settling the matter, Shui Cangyue glanced out the window.
The sky had darkened—night was approaching.
"Young Master, would you like to stay at Glazed Tile Academy for a few days?"
Ning Rongrong thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Next time. I should return to the clan first."
With that, her figure gradually faded before vanishing entirely.
Even with her Title Douluo perception, Shui Cangyue couldn't detect Ning Rongrong's presence after she disappeared.
"As expected of the Young Master. Even as a 'support-type,' her abilities are unfathomable."
Ning Rongrong left Glazed Tile Academy.
Evading a level 91 Title Douluo's senses wasn't difficult for her.
Combat would release traces of aura, making detection likely.
But slipping away unnoticed? With Kyōka Suigetsu, it was effortless.
To make your subordinates see you as profound, you must remain inscrutable.
This… is something Ning Fengzhi taught me.