From the moment he enrolled, Dugu Feng's true independence began.
The teacher, who introduced himself as Ge Ying, arranged a residence for him—a private one-bedroom with a small hall. Quiet, free, and to himself.
Afterward, Ge Ying showed him around: the training grounds, the dueling platforms, the simulated cultivation zones.
Only after that did he lead Dugu Feng up to the third floor of the teaching building—his classroom.
Even before they entered, a familiar racket spilled out into the hall.
Six-year-old children, most raised like pampered little lords and princesses, few had the patience to sit still and cultivate.
When they stepped inside, the chaos was exactly as expected. Ge Ying didn't even try to silence them. Clearly, he was used to this. He simply walked in with Dugu Feng.
One glance was enough for Dugu Feng to spot the source of the commotion.
A little girl sat proudly in the center, clad in a white dress embroidered with golden trim and a crystal flower at her chest. Pale-skinned, delicate, her very presence radiated arrogance.
Around her clustered a swarm of little boys, each one vying to show off his martial spirit or fledgling soul skill.
Some had already obtained their first soul ring despite just enrolling.
At the girl's side stood a thin-faced youth with two streaks of golden hair by his temples. Wielding a pale-blue light sword, he said proudly:
"My second brother and I are already rank eleven, one-ring soul masters. My first soul skill, Storm Sword, can conjure twelve sword beams into a formation to strike enemies. Rongrong, from now on, we'll protect you!"
"Didn't I say to call me Boss?" the little girl snapped, her pretty face annoyed.
This white-dressed girl was none other than Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Yes, Boss! Then my brother and I will be your Second and Third. We'll protect you!" another boy chimed in flatteringly, also holding a Storm Sword.
Dugu Feng almost laughed. Such young children, yet already skilled at making fawning faces?
Ning Rongrong pouted, then smirked slyly.
"Feng Ling, Feng Li—you two have interesting martial spirits. But I'm not impressed by your little sword arrays. I know what your Wind Sword Sect is really famous for—sword flight. Whoever among you learns to fly first will be my real Second Brother. Hurry up and practice. From now on, I expect one of you to carry me on your sword when I want to travel!"
The two boys glanced at each other, rivalry instantly sparked.
Wind Sword Sect?! Dugu Feng's eyes flickered. One of the four lower sects. So it's true—its disciples can ride their swords into the sky. And they say their lineage even connects to Sword Douluo himself…
So these two lapdogs were Wind Sword Sect's scions.
And Ning Rongrong—he hadn't expected her to actually study here.
Of course. The little witch must have come to school just to reign supreme.
"Cough."
Ge Ying finally cleared his throat.
Reluctantly, Ning Rongrong sat down, and the classroom gradually calmed.
"Dugu Feng, pick a seat," the teacher said.
Dugu Feng, not eager for attention, made for the back rows.
"Stop. Sit here."
A crisp, imperious voice cut across the room. Ning Rongrong was pointing at the empty seat beside her.
Dugu Feng noticed instantly: both sides of her seat were vacant. Clearly, no one dared sit too close to this spoiled tyrant.
He hadn't planned on approaching her at all. Curious, he turned his gaze to her.
"I am of the Dugu Clan. Martial spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent. I wield poison. Are you sure you want me sitting next to you?" he said evenly, his tone edged with amusement.
The effect was immediate. Several nearby children scooted their chairs away.
The name Dugu carried a reputation. Ever since Dugu Bo ascended as a Titled Douluo, the family's toxic infamy had spread across the continent.
"Hmph! Others may fear you, but I don't. I'm the boss of this class. Since you're new, of course I'll take care of you." Ning Rongrong deliberately emphasized the words "take care."
Dugu Feng's lips curved faintly. Without hesitation, he sat beside her.
Little witch, let's see if my serpents can scare you a little.
"Call me Boss. The most noble title. Sitting next to me is your honor!" she declared proudly.
Wind Ling's eyes burned with jealousy. Their clan had warned them repeatedly—befriend Ning Rongrong at all costs. He and his younger brother had flattered her endlessly, and still weren't allowed to sit beside her.
Yet this new boy, Dugu Feng, had been summoned at once.
Dugu Feng glanced at the brothers, lips twitching. So… lapdogs exist in every world. And in the end, lapdogs always get nothing.
From her earlier manipulations, he could already tell Ning Rongrong wasn't a simple pampered heiress. With just a sentence about sword flight, she had turned the two brothers into bitter rivals, each desperate to outdo the other for her favor.
A schemer, even at this age.
"You picked a boss before I arrived. She may be your boss, but not mine." Dugu Feng leaned back in his chair, expression calm.
Ning Rongrong's face chilled. "I'm level twelve, the highest in class. They respect me not only for my identity but for my strength. And my martial spirit is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, famed across the world for its support. I can greatly enhance soul masters' strength. What qualifications do you have to refuse me?"
Her arrogance filled the room.
"Sorry. I'm rank thirteen," Dugu Feng replied blandly.
The silence afterward was delicious.
For a moment, even Dugu Feng thought it childish to bicker over ranks like this—but the look on her face made it worth it.
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened. Her pride collapsed. "Impossible! How can you cultivate faster than me?!"
"There's always someone stronger, always a sky beyond the sky. If you want me to call you boss, fine. Let my serpent crawl twice around your hand. If you can endure it, I'll acknowledge you."
He extended a hand. A Nine-Section Jade Serpent slithered between his fingers, scarlet eyes gleaming, hissing softly as if mocking her.
"Ahhh!" Ning Rongrong leapt up, backing away. Her face turned pale as she retreated toward an empty corner.
"You're hateful! How dare you carry a snake around with you!" she cried, furious yet trembling.
If only you knew I had two, Dugu Feng thought drily.
"Feng Ling, Feng Li! Challenge him in the Soul Arena! Defeat him with noble combat, as proper nobles should!" Ning Rongrong ordered coldly.
The two boys exchanged a glance, hesitation in their eyes. Everyone knew of the Dugu Clan's poisons.
This boy was already two ranks above them. With venomous serpents on his body… one misstep could end badly.
"What are you afraid of? I'm a support-type spirit master. I'll enhance you!" Ning Rongrong snapped.
Dugu Feng almost laughed aloud. So much for noble duels. With a support boosting you, that's no duel—that's cheating.
Truly, this little witch knows no honor.