"Dugu Feng, I challenge you! My spirit power is lower, so with Boss's boost it should be fair, right?"
Feng Ling raised his blue light sword, his tone half-defiant, half-justifying.
Right after, his younger brother Feng Li stood as well, eyes gleaming with provocation.
The room's chatter stilled as every student turned to watch.
Even Teacher Ge Ying's gaze slid their way. His face was calm; he made no move to stop it.
In his eyes, this was nothing more than the usual quarrels of noble children. With these kinds of backgrounds, as long as no one was crippled, they were allowed to play however they wished.
Did anyone really think these kids were here for scholarly lessons?
Dugu Feng let out a cold laugh.
"So the Feng brothers want to challenge me. Fine. Since I'm two ranks above you, why don't you come together? Otherwise, people might say I'm bullying the weak."
His voice dripped with arrogance.
Ning Rongrong blinked, then her lips curved in glee. "You said it yourself! If you lose, you'll have to call me Boss."
The Feng brothers exchanged a sly glance.
This boy clearly had no idea of the Wind Sword Sect's true strength.
"Second Brother," Feng Ling said loudly, "in our sect, what is one plus one?"
"At least five, Big Brother!" Feng Li answered with a grin. "This kid must be a little slow."
Laughter rippled through the watching students. Even Teacher Ge Ying's eyes held a trace of approval.
For the Wind Sword Sect, individual power mattered less. Their true strength lay in their cooperation—their ability to merge their sword spirits into formations.
Dugu Feng's poison is strong, yes, Ge Ying thought. But to face the two of them together—he may have overestimated himself. Hopefully, he doesn't get hurt too badly.
Ning Rongrong rose proudly, chin lifted as she strutted toward the Soul Arena.
Dugu Feng only shook his head and followed lazily.
The rest of the class immediately exploded into cheers. A duel! Of course they went running to watch, dragging along anyone within earshot.
The Soul Arena sat just behind the teaching building, a raised platform of granite, two meters high and ringed with fencing. More than enough for children of their age to battle.
Dugu Feng stepped onto the stone stage. Across from him, the Feng brothers squared their shoulders.
"Dugu Feng, Martial Spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent. Rank thirteen, one-ring Battle Soul Master. Please advise," he announced coolly.
The atmosphere shifted.
Though they were only children, noble duels were no laughing matter. Every duel was to be taken seriously.
"Feng Li, Martial Spirit: Wind Sword. Rank eleven, one-ring Tool Soul Master!"
"Feng Ling, Martial Spirit: Wind Sword. Rank eleven, one-ring Tool Soul Master. Please advise!"
And then, unexpectedly:
"Ning Rongrong, Martial Spirit: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Rank twelve, one-ring Tool Soul Master!"
The little princess declared herself just as solemnly, stepping to the side to release her support.
She had no intention of sitting this out.
Inside, she mused coldly: The Dugu Clan's Dugu Bo has just ascended to Titled Douluo. Overnight, their clan leapt into the ranks of the great powers. And this boy—calm eyes, venomous spirit—if he grows up, he'll be formidable. Better to test his true weight now.
If Dugu Feng could have heard her thoughts, he would've been stunned.
This is Ning Rongrong? The same spoiled brat?
It turned out her provocations had been deliberate, calculated from the moment he stepped into the classroom.
She moved.
"Seven Treasures, shine with Glazed Light!"
Her delicate body spun gracefully, dazzling colors blooming across her frame. The light coalesced into her palm, shaping into a radiant seven-tiered pagoda.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda gleamed, its brilliance befitting royalty. With rainbow light swirling around her, Ning Rongrong indeed looked every inch a princess.
"Seven Treasures, First Skill: Power!"
Her yellow spirit ring flared, bathing the pagoda in radiance.
Twin beams of multicolored light flew out, enveloping the Wind brothers.
Their bodies trembled as power flooded in—20% strength amplified instantly. At their rank, it was nothing short of a miracle. With each cultivation realm, her boosts would only grow stronger. By Soul King, her support was monstrous.
The Feng brothers gripped their swords tightly, faces flushed with vigor.
"Storm Sword!"
"Storm Sword!"
Twin shouts echoed as their light swords split into flickering shadows. Each sword fractured into six glowing blades.
Together, twelve shining swords soared into the air, whirling into a circular array.
The blades locked formation, descending as a glowing sword array upon Dugu Feng.
This was the Wind Sword Sect's uniqueness—their swords fought like spells, weaving arrays and flying freely.
Dugu Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. Spell-swords. Interesting.
"Jade Phosphor Violet Poison!"
His gaze turned violet, and he exhaled a thick cloud of purple mist.
It spread wide, surging through the arena. In moments, the entire stage was shrouded in a noxious fog.
Ning Rongrong and the Feng brothers froze.
Why is his poison so vast? At only rank thirteen, how can his first ring skill have this much force?!
Even Ge Ying frowned from the stands, unease stirring in his chest. That attack power… it's abnormal.
Of course, he had no way of knowing—Dugu Feng's soul power was fueled by two Pill Pearls, its density far beyond normal cultivators of his level.
The duel intensified.
Above, the twelve swords shifted. Six of them locked together into a spinning shield, generating winds to scatter the encroaching mist.
The other six plunged downward, aiming straight for Dugu Feng.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Steel rang against stone, sparks erupting as the blades stabbed the floor.
But Dugu Feng was gone.
Within the violet mist, his serpent-like eyes tracked every movement. With a flicker of the Snake-Belly Step, he slid to the side, evading all six strikes with ease.
The Feng brothers' faces paled.
Already, their lungs burned. Their heads felt dizzy.
The stench of venom filled their nostrils.
Dugu Feng shook his head slowly.
Their sword arrays… far too shallow. Too immature.