Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:
patreon.com/ZeroMoney
I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated.
For every 5 Patreon memberships I receive, I'll release 15 chapters all at once. Your support means a lot to me.
******
"Good thing Zhuqing and I slipped out early. I was afraid their habits would rub off on us," Ning Rongrong said with relief.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "Teacher, tomorrow is the day I sever ties with Dai Mubai. I will defeat him!"
"I believe in you," Ye Lan affirmed. "With your current strength, Dai Mubai has no chance of victory."
After the preliminaries, he had accompanied Zhu Zhuqing into the Hunting Soul Forest. After considerable effort, they hunted down a Lightning Leopard of about seven thousand years.
After absorbing the beyond-limit soul ring, her "Sacred Shadow Cat" grew even faster, and Zhu Zhuqing also gained the soul skill "Teleport"!
Under Ye Lan's personal instruction, the "Sacred Shadow Cat" had long since left the "White Tiger" in the dust.
"Ye Lan, what grievance is there between Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai? Why are they severing ties?" Ye Lengleng asked in puzzlement.
Hearing Ye Lengleng's question, Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head in shame.
Being labeled Dai Mubai's fiancée was the stain of her life. Because of that, she couldn't face her own feelings for a long time. It was only when the "Yearning Heartbroken Red" acknowledged her love for Ye Lan that she truly realized he had become her entire world.
To be with Ye Lan, she was willing to bear the world's scorn.
Just then, while mired in shame, she felt a warm, broad hand settle on her shoulder. Catching the familiar scent, Zhu Zhuqing buried her head in the arms of the one she loved.
"This all starts with Zhuqing's background," Ye Lan said softly. "Zhuqing hails from the noble Zhu Clan of the Star Luo Empire. Though called nobles, the Zhu Clan is, in reality, a vassal to the imperial Dai Clan."
"In every generation, the Zhu Clan's inherited 'Nether Civet' and the Dai Clan's 'White Tiger' produce descendants capable of using the martial soul fusion skill, 'Nether White Tiger.'"
"In this generation, besides 'White Tiger' Dai Davis and 'Nether Civet' Zhu Zhuyun, the other matching pair is 'White Tiger' Dai Mubai and 'Nether Civet' Zhu Zhuqing."
"If Zhuqing and Dai Mubai are royalty and nobility of Star Luo, why did they come to the Heaven Dou Empire?" Dugu Yan asked, confused.
Xiaoxue explained, "Star Luo has a tradition: each generation may have only one Nether White Tiger. If multiple pairs appear, the imperial family decrees they must compete before the age of twenty-five to prevent vicious infighting. The result is that only one pair is allowed to survive."
"That's right," Ye Lan continued. "Zhu Zhuqing was originally Dai Mubai's fiancée. But out of fear, when Zhuqing was six, Dai Mubai abandoned her and fled Star Luo alone."
"After being cast aside, Zhuqing remained in Star Luo, bearing the endless malice reserved for the loser of the competition. Two and a half years ago, she finally found a chance to escape to the Star Dou Great Forest, where she met me."
When Ye Lengleng heard Zhu Zhuqing's story, her heart ached. She drew Zhu Zhuqing into an embrace. "Zhuqing, from now on, we'll all protect you."
"Exactly! If the Star Luo Empire dares to take Zhuqing, I'll have Grandpa Sword chop them down one by one!" Ning Rongrong snarled.
"And my grandfather too! Zhuqing suffered for so many years in Star Luo. I won't allow her to return to that world dripping with malice," Dugu Yan said.
"Zhuqing, tomorrow you have to give Dai Mubai a proper beating! If you hadn't met Ye Lan, I can't imagine what kind of future you would have faced!" Xiaoxue urged.
"Mhm… thank you, sisters!"
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing's heart was enveloped in kindness; the sordid past faded like smoke.
"Tomorrow, besides settling your grudge with Dai Mubai, Rongrong, you must also defeat Oscar," Ye Lan said.
"Alright! Tomorrow, I'll let Oscar see what this young lady is made of!" Ning Rongrong said excitedly. She had waited a long time for this day.
Shrek Academy had cast her out twice, making her question her own worth. If not for Zhuqing and Ye Lan, she didn't know what would have become of her. She couldn't beat the others at Shrek, but Oscar, another support-type soul master? She wasn't afraid of him.
"Did something happen between Ning Rongrong and Oscar?" Xiaoxue asked, puzzled.
"When Rongrong first asked me to be her teacher, her decision was driven by the desire to surpass Oscar, who is also a support-type soul master," Ye Lan explained. "She even vowed to become the number one support-type soul master in the world and lead the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to the apex of the continent!" he added with a laugh.
Ning Rongrong covered her face, mortified. Those were her cringey, dramatic words from back then. Though it was her true dream, hearing Ye Lan say it aloud was still embarrassing.
Seeing her shy expression, everyone burst into laughter.
The next day.
Heaven Dou City, the Great Spirit Arena.
The streets were filled with the dispirited nobles, commoners, and soul masters of Heaven Dou, until they spotted the six-horse carriage of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. In an instant, countless people surged madly toward the Great Spirit Arena, paying scalpers exorbitant prices for tickets.
They knew today was the day Shrek Academy would be defeated.
Upon arriving, Ye Lan and his companions disembarked. Before he could sign autographs, a group of Shrek's Five Monsters in their dung-green uniforms approached.
Ye Lan frowned and ignored them.
But a grating voice cut in at the worst possible moment: "Well, if it isn't Shrek's traitors, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing! What's this? Tired of being cowards? You finally decided to leave your nest at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's punchable face, Dugu Yan snapped, "What's wrong with you? Traitors? Rongrong had the worst luck of her life to end up at your Shrek Academy! Now that she's finally climbed out of that cesspit, you're still clinging to her?"
Only Dugu Yan was allowed to bully Ning Rongrong. Who did anyone else think they were?
"Once a traitor, always a traitor!" Yu Xiaogang spat. "I warned you both that you'd regret leaving Shrek Academy. Today is that day!"
If they hadn't left, Shrek would very likely be the champions of the Continental Advanced Academy Elite Soul Master Tournament. Now, they could only hope to make a name for themselves in the ranking matches.
"This young lady has no need for your flawed, half-baked instruction. Leaving Shrek Academy was the best decision of my life!" Ning Rongrong shot back.
Dugu Yan added with a sneer, "Who would want your broken-down academy? Rongrong and Zhuqing are now a Level 39 Soul Venerable and a Level 42 Soul Ancestor. And what about Oscar and Dai Mubai, the ones you taught?"
Yu Xiaogang's mouth opened and closed, at a loss for a retort. Suddenly, he thought of his disciple Tang San's Eight Spider Lances and blurted out, "Who knows what shady methods you used? In a few years, you'll probably be nothing special! My disciple Tang San is also a Level 42 Soul Ancestor. You're nothing so amazing."
Hearing the praise, Tang San proudly puffed out his chest.
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing, only tightening her grip on Ye Lan's arm.
Seeing their intimacy, fury surged in Dai Mubai. He roared, "Zhu Zhuqing, you traitor! In a moment, I'll clean up the Zhu family's disgrace for them!"
"I hope your strength matches your words," Zhu Zhuqing said flatly, feeling not even a ripple of emotion for him.
Dai Mubai shot her a resentful look, then turned and strode into the arena.
Tang San fixed his gaze on Ye Lan and dragged a thumb across his neck. "If you have any guts, don't let the Soul King 'Angel's Holy Sword' fight later. We'll duel one-on-one!"
Though Tang San boasted about not fearing the Soul King Xiaoxue, he wasn't confident he could win, as hidden weapons were forbidden in the tournament.
"So you do have someone you fear," Ye Lan sneered. "Relax. Xiaoxue can't be bothered with you lot. You would only stain the Angel's Holy Sword."
Hearing the mockery, a small smirk played on Tang San's lips. Provocations work best face-to-face, he thought. Ye Lan, you will pay for your arrogance. Today is the day I grind you into the mud.
Yu Xiaogang snorted, flicked his sleeve, and walked away.
Ma Hongjun started to follow Dai Mubai but noticed Oscar whistling, sneaking glances at Ning Rongrong. "Old Second Ao, let's go," Ma Hongjun snapped, annoyed. "Are you planning to defect already?"
"Defect? I'm going," Oscar said, reluctantly following Ma Hongjun into the arena.
Tai Long shot Ye Lan a look brimming with hatred, clenched his fists, and followed Tang San.
Ye Lan noticed the hostile stare, his expression calm. If the Strength Clan insists on holding onto that incident, they shouldn't blame me for being ruthless later. He could still clearly see Xiaoxue lying in a pool of her own blood. He would carve the name of anyone who hurt his loved ones into his heart.
"Ladies and gentlemen!!!"
"Today, we bring you the long-awaited match: Heaven Dou Royal Academy versus Shrek Academy! Though Shrek's record is a perfect thirteen wins, to be called Heaven Dou's number one, they must first defeat the Royal Academy!"
"Do you believe Shrek Academy can win?!"
"Booooo!!"
"Only if a pig can climb a tree!"
"Get ready to die, Shit-rek Academy!"
"If Shrek wins, I'll eat crap standing on my head!"
"Just admit you don't want to eat it!"
Sensing the atmosphere cresting, the referee called out, "Can Heaven Dou Royal Academy defeat Shrek Academy?"
"VICTORY!"
"VICTORY!"
"Shrek Academy?"
"BOOOOO!!"
"Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
"VICTORY!"
"VICTORY!"
With a few prompts, the referee pushed the energy in Arena One to its peak, but the faces of the Shrek team grew grim.
Tang San's face darkened. "Ignore this noisy trash. We just need to slap them in the face with our strength!"
"Little San is right! Their booing is useless. Today, Shrek Academy will be victorious!" the 'Grandmaster' chimed in.
Just as the Shrek members were huddling together for comfort, a figure in white leaped onto the stage. Her appearance immediately caught Oscar's attention. Following his gaze, Tang San saw that Heaven Dou's first combatant was Ning Rongrong.
Are they insane? Sending Ning Rongrong out first?
"Oscar, do you dare come up and fight this young lady?!" Ning Rongrong stared directly at him and shouted her challenge.
The crowd erupted when they saw a support-type soul master take the stage.
"GET UP THERE!"
"FIGHT!"
Just as Oscar was about to jump onto the stage, Tang San stopped him. "Oscar, why bother? Let Mubai go. He can eliminate her without spending much soul power."
Dai Mubai nodded. "Little San's right. Even if you knock her out, Old Second, you won't last long in the next round. It would just waste one of Shrek's precious slots. Let me go first."
Oscar's wavering expression hardened. "Little San, Boss Dai, if you still see me as your brother, then let me go. You know how much I like Ning Rongrong. If I can't fight today, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."
"Old Second Ao—" Dai Mubai's words stuck in his throat.
Tang San opened his mouth but said nothing. A food-type soul master with innate full soul power was still valuable in his eyes.
With resolve, Oscar leaped onto the platform to face Ning Rongrong.
The referee's face lit up. "For the first time in the history of the Continental Advanced Academy Elite Soul Master Tournament, we have a support-type versus support-type match!"
"From Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the Young Clan Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Rongrong—a Level 39 Support System Soul Venerable with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul!"
"From Shrek Academy, a prodigy food-type soul master, Oscar—a Level 35 Food System Soul Venerable with the Sausage martial soul!"
"Ranking Tournament, Round Fourteen, Match One: Ning Rongrong versus Oscar—begins now!"
Suppressing his joy, Oscar began, "Rong—Ning Rongrong, long time no see. Have you been well at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
"How I've been is none of your business. If you have nonsense to say, say it quickly. Don't delay the fight," Ning Rongrong said, annoyed.
"There's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I want to be honest with you today."
"I used to think I was in love with your gentle side. But then I realized I'm just in love with you. Gentle or not, the one I've always loved is Ning Rongrong!"
"Ning Rongrong, please give me another chance. As the continent's first food-type soul master with innate full soul power, I'm confident I'll become a Titled Douluo!"
"Choosing Ye Lan was a mistake. His heart has room for others besides you."
"But my heart, Oscar's heart, belongs only to you!" His expression grew increasingly crazed. Years of fantasizing about being with her had trapped him in his own delusions; he believed his love for her was the most precious thing in the world.
"Oscar, let me tell you something. When I was at my most desperate, it was Ye Lan who appeared and saved me."
"Even if he abandons me in the future, I will accept it willingly!"
"As for you? There was never the slightest possibility between us."
"And it's not just that I have no interest in you—no, it's more than that. I absolutely despise your lecherous type!"
"Besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has a rule: the partner of a Pagoda soul master must be a powerful, non-support-type soul master."
Oscar's face turned ashen; his world seemed to collapse. So there had never been any chance from the start. Flustered, he stammered, "Then why challenge me to a fight? Wasn't it to… catch up?"
"Oscar, are you delusional? I simply can't stand the sight of you and wanted to give you a beating."
"I'm done talking. The audience is getting impatient. Show me what you've got," Ning Rongrong said crossly. "I have no interest in defeating a weakling. At least let me see what this so-called number one food-type soul master of the continent can do."
"Fine. I won't disappoint you. Oscar, martial soul: Sausage, Level 35 Soul Venerable!" he declared.
"Ning Rongrong, martial soul: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Level 39 Soul Venerable," she replied solemnly.
"First, Strength!"
"Second, Speed!"
"Third, Soul!"
Three beams of nine-colored light enveloped her, boosting her strength, speed, and soul power by forty percent. She channeled one hundred percent of her soul power into her legs.
Like a flash, Ning Rongrong shot toward Oscar.
His pupils shrank. So fast! Is she really a support-type soul master?
When she was a meter away, she lashed out with a whip kick. Riding her momentum, a nine-colored crescent arc flashed toward Oscar's waist. He scrambled to block with his forearms.
Bang!
The pain was immense. His arms went numb, and the skin where her shoe hit instantly swelled and bruised. As the pain shot through him, he stumbled and fell.
Ning Rongrong pressed her advantage, pivoting to drive a straight punch. Oscar used his falling momentum to roll away frantically, narrowly dodging the blow, which smashed into the marble floor.
Bang!
The marble cracked into a shallow crater. Blood burst from Ning Rongrong's knuckles, staining her pale hand red.
Oscar was horrified. "Ning Rongrong, you're hurt?!"
"Will you shut up?! Whether I'm hurt is none of your business!"
She ignored the pain. Her daily training was far more grueling than this. She snapped a powerful kick into Oscar's abdomen.
Thud!
He flew more than ten meters, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
"Delicious Invincible Recovery Sausage!" His first soul ring lit up, and several sausages appeared in his hand. He immediately stuffed them into his mouth.
Ugh! Bitter!
His face turned green, but he forced them down. From that first blow, he knew she was serious. For Shrek's victory, he had to defeat her and prove he was the continent's number one food-type soul master.
After swallowing the sausages, Oscar rallied his soul power and charged at her. Hips drove his back, his back drove his arms—he swung a wild hook.
To Ning Rongrong, his attack was full of openings. Her usual sparring partner was the battle maniac Zhu Zhuqing. Having trained with a prodigy for so long, she was now comparable to a standard assault-type soul master. By contrast, Oscar, who had only ever trained how to run, seemed hopelessly unskilled.
With a slight turn, she easily dodged his hook. He missed and immediately threw another punch. His arms flailed wildly as he threw a flurry of undisciplined punches at Ning Rongrong, roaring, "Ahhhhh!!"
Ning Rongrong weaved and dodged as if in a game of dodgeball. When he finally tired and his wild swings slowed—
She saw her opening. She ducked low and fired her right fist.
Bang!
A vicious uppercut slammed into his lower abdomen.
Gag!
Fire seared his throat as stomach acid surged. As he instinctively clutched his belly, Ning Rongrong's left elbow sliced down like a blade. One hundred percent of her soul power was channeled into her arm.
She twisted, and a short crescent slash cracked across his face. Several teeth flew from his mouth.
"This slash is for Dai Mubai's humiliation!"
Her right hand snapped up in an uppercut that crashed into his jaw.
Click!
His lower teeth slammed into his uppers, biting the tip of his tongue. Before he could even register the taste of blood, he heard her roar:
"This uppercut is for Tang San's disregard!"
Another brutal kick sent him flying more than ten meters.
"This kick is for how you isolated me!"
Gag! He swallowed blood, his liver feeling like it was about to explode.
By now, Ning Rongrong's emotions were at their peak. She unleashed all the frustrations of those dark days onto him.
"This fist is for Flender's 'teaching'!"
"This elbow is for Zhao Wuji's sneak attack on my teacher!"
"This leg is for Yu Xiaogang's ugly theories!"
"These two punches are for the second time you cast me aside!"
"These seven punches are for you bullying Heaven Dou's Second Team!"
"And these three are for Yu Xiaogang's disgusting hypocrisy!"
One hundred percent soul power!
Ning Rongrong blurred, pouring two hundred percent of her strength into one final kick aimed straight at Oscar's face.
CRACK!
He was blasted off the platform, his face unrecognizable, without a single inch of unbruised flesh left on him.
Hands on her knees, Ning Rongrong panted heavily and declared, "And this last kick—this is my farewell to the sordid Shrek Academy!"
(End of Chapter)