Zhu Zhuqing was surprised that Wu Lan could read her so clearly. After a moment of silence, she nodded with quiet resolve.
"Yes. I need to become stronger. For that, I'm willing to pay any price."
Xiao Wu, standing nearby, was taken aback by Zhuqing's unwavering tone. She hesitated, then said softly,
"Zhuqing… this method belongs to my brother."
Zhu Zhuqing turned toward Wu Lan. Her voice was steady. Her gaze did not waver.
"I have nothing of value to offer. But if you can help me grow stronger… I will devote myself to following you for the rest of my life."
Wu Lan was silent for a long moment. He knew better than anyone how independent and guarded Zhu Zhuqing was. Since the age of six, she had lived in the shadow of death, never once relying on others. For her to say these words... she must truly be desperate.
"Are you sure?" Wu Lan asked. His tone was calm, but every word carried weight. "Do you truly want to follow me?"
He needed her to understand, this path wasn't peaceful. He had already chosen Gu Yuena. One day, he would stand against the God Realm itself. Anyone beside him would face the world as an enemy.
Zhu Zhuqing looked into his eyes, her voice firm.
"Yes. Even if the world turns against me, I won't regret it."
"I see..." Wu Lan gave a slight nod. His gaze softened. "Then I'll help you become stronger."
A faint smile touched Zhu Zhuqing's lips. It was calm, but genuine.
Xiao Wu stood beside them. Though jealous, she didn't speak against Zhuqing. The two were friends, and she knew Zhuqing was a good person. If her brother was willing to help her, she wouldn't interfere.
Seeing that it was already late, Wu Lan said,
"Go rest for today. Tomorrow… there's a good show to watch. After that, we'll begin training."
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up at the word show. She grabbed his arm and grinned.
"Brother! What kind of show? Tell me!"
"You'll see tomorrow," he said with a teasing smile.
Xiao Wu pouted but didn't press further. Soon after, the two girls returned to their dormitory.
The Next Morning
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing arrived early at Wu Lan's dorm. Zhuqing knocked politely, but Xiao Wu, ever impatient, pushed the door open.
It wasn't Wu Lan who greeted them.
Bi Ji stood at the doorway, calmly adjusting her hair.
Xiao Wu froze.
Zhu Zhuqing blinked, stunned by the presence of such a graceful, stunning woman in Wu Lan's room.
"...Bi Ji? What are you doing in my brother's room?" Xiao Wu asked, her voice slightly trembling.
Without waiting for an answer, she barged in, only to find Zi Ji near the window, elegantly sipping tea, while Wu Lan was in the corner calmly stretching.
Her jealousy exploded.
"Brother!" she demanded. "Why are they in your room!?"
Wu Lan glanced over and answered without concern.
"They had nowhere to stay, and I had extra beds. So I let them sleep here."
That helped… a little.
Still scowling, Xiao Wu marched up to him, but Bi Ji chuckled and teased,
"Xiao Wu, are you jealous?"
Xiao Wu flushed bright red. Her eyes narrowed as she turned back to Wu Lan.
"Since they don't have a place, they can sleep in my bed. I'll sleep in your room from now on."
Zi Ji raised a brow, amused but silent.
Bi Ji grinned and added playfully,
"That won't work. We need to stay close to Master to take good care of him."
She deliberately emphasized good care.
Xiao Wu snapped. "You!"
Just as she was about to explode, a familiar, lazy voice rang out from beside Wu Lan.
"Keep it down. You're disturbing my master."
Orchid floated into view, smug like a little empress.
"He belongs to me. You all should know your place."
Xiao Wu gritted her teeth. "If you didn't speak up, I would've forgotten you still existed."
"Rabbit," Orchid said with a victorious smirk, "unlike you, I'm with Master day and night. You're the one disturbing our time together."
Xiao Wu raised her fist, ready to turn this arrogant weed into fertilizer.
Zhu Zhuqing stood in the corner, stunned.
Two unknown women in his room. Now… a talking plant?
She looked at Wu Lan.
He sighed and waved his hand.
"Enough. Everyone, calm down."
After the tension eased, Wu Lan introduced Bi Ji and Zi Ji to Zhu Zhuqing. When he casually mentioned they were both Title Douluo, her jaw nearly dropped.
Title Douluo... acting like this?
She had imagined powerful soul masters as aloof, dignified, even terrifying. Not… whatever this was.
And Orchid, a talking Martial Spirit?
Her thoughts shut down entirely.
To give everyone a proper meal, Wu Lan took them into Soto City for breakfast. The academy cafeteria wouldn't provide enough nutrients for their needs. Besides, he refused to eat anything cooked by Yu Xiaogang.
Xiao Wu clung to Wu Lan the entire time, while Zhu Zhuqing walked silently, occasionally glancing at this unusual group she had joined.
After a satisfying meal, they returned to the academy.
At the training grounds, Dai Mubai, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Yu Xiaogang were already gathered.
Seeing Wu Lan approach, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing naturally followed beside him.
Bi Ji and Zi Ji faded into the shadows, avoiding attention.
Wu Lan scanned the group. His gaze paused briefly on Yu Xiaogang.
Hm? He looks different… Confident again?
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
I thought you'd still be sulking in your room after what happened.
He said nothing. He simply walked off to the side and folded his arms.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing followed.
Their posture made it clear:
They had no intention of participating in Yu Xiaogang's training.
[Author's Note:
Special thanks to Mohammed Saud for your generous support on patreon.com/I_SK_IYour support brings strength to this story and helps it grow.
Advance chapter is available on patreon.com/I_SK_I for free for those who wish to read ahead!
]