Bone Douluo's face changed. "Innate rank nine soul power? Then he has a great chance of reaching Titled Douluo!"
"As long as he doesn't die young, Titled Douluo is within reach. But… he's from the Dugu Clan!"
Ning Fengzhi's lips curved into a strange smile.
Bone Douluo looked furious, like iron that refused to turn into steel. "Dugu Bo's son, Dugu Xin, is already dead. The people of that clan have far too high a death rate.
We absolutely cannot allow Rongrong and Dugu Feng to be together!
Fengzhi, why aren't you the least bit worried? At this age, Dugu Feng already has strong power, his soul skills look impressive, and his cold, killing aura… it's no small attraction for Rongrong."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed. A man in white strode in.
"Haha, old bone, you actually understand matters of love?"
It was Sword Douluo, mocking without restraint.
"You sword freak, don't tell me you're not concerned about Rongrong either!" Bone Douluo shot back instantly.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, rising to his feet. "Uncle Bone, you're too close to the situation. Remember, we're raising Rongrong as the sect's heir.
You must have faith in how we've raised her. She's far more outstanding than my sons, and far wiser.
She'll handle her relationship with Dugu Feng herself.
And besides...staying beside a genius is what will push Rongrong's growth the fastest."
Bone Douluo still didn't look convinced. His whole expression screamed the fear of a doting elder worried his precious girl might be stolen away.
"Anyway, I'll keep an eye on them."
He was stubborn.
Ning Fengzhi just smiled, letting it drop.
He, too, was curious about Dugu Feng's future. Could he break the Dugu Clan's curse of decline and rise on the continent?
If the Dugu Clan's strength grew, it was also strength added to Heaven Dou's side. That was something he very much wanted to see.
.......
"Eleven years old already."
Dugu Feng let out a sigh. Since returning from the City of Slaughter, seven months had passed. He had risen into the highest grade of the Primary Soul Master Academy.
In another year, he'd advance to the Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy.
His spirit power had reached twenty-ninth rank, just a step away from thirty.
These months, he had been quietly cultivating in the primary academy.
The only difference bertween now and then, that there was now a follower behind him, Ning Rongrong.
She was persistent, showing up every day to train with him. Her spirit power had now climbed by two ranks, reaching twenty-four.
Dugu Feng was satisfied.
At most, in another month, he would reach the thirtieth rank and obtain his third spirit ring!
He was full of drive.
That day, just as he was heading toward the classroom, Ning Rongrong blocked his way.
"Come on, I'll take you to watch a good show!" Ning Rongrong's tone was mysterious, tugging him up the mountain.
Dugu Feng had no choice but to follow.
"The Advanced Academy is holding a duel today and you'll like this one!"
Seeing his reluctance, she added quickly.
These days of getting along, she had found that beneath Dugu Feng's cold exterior, he wasn't that hard to be with.
They'd grown much closer.
"What's there to see? At most it'll just be Soul Grandmaster fights."
Dugu Feng was doubtful.
"It's not about the duel—it's about your cousin! Her rumored boyfriend has already announced that after winning first place, he's going to confess in front of everyone.
The whole academy knows. Only your cousin is still in the dark!"
Dugu Feng wasn't surprised.
Since returning, he had learned about Yu Tianheng. The guy had been chasing Dugu Yan since before he himself went to Suotuo City. To this day, he still hadn't succeeded.
This time, a public confession in front of a crowd… maybe that would finally move Dugu Yan.
As Ning Rongrong spoke, she sneaked glances at him.
But Dugu Feng showed no reaction.
Ning Rongrong fumed inwardly. Am I really so lacking in charm?
After all this time together, he hadn't reacted once. Was he made of wood?
Look at Yu Tianheng—he dared rally the whole academy to witness his confession.
If Dugu Feng did something like that… would I accept?
Her thoughts turned chaotic.
On the way up, Dugu Feng noticed they weren't the only ones going and many students were also heading for the mountain.
The Primary Academy was at the foot, the Advanced Academy halfway up.
They soon arrived at the dueling grounds.
The scene was lively. Around the stage, crowds of students filled every space.
On the north side stood the viewing stands. Feng Ling and Feng Li had already snagged seats in the very middle.
"Thanks, brothers." Dugu Feng smiled at them, then sat down with Ning Rongrong without ceremony.
The Feng brothers greeted them warmly and moved aside. After all this time, their hearts were fully broken.
They had no more illusions. (T/N :Feng Brothers : Girls will only affect the speed at which I draw my sword!)
Being on good terms with Ning Rongrong was the most they could hope for now.
Winning over the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? That was nothing more than a dream.
So, they no longer bore Dugu Feng any hostility.
They were heirs of the Wind Sword Sect. Not fools.
The Dugu Clan had annihilated the Elephant Armored Sect. That was raw strength!
The Wind Sword Sect didn't have that kind of power. Without strength, best to keep your head down.
Besides, Dugu Feng's talent far surpassed theirs. Better to befriend him.
Wasn't that the whole point of attending the Royal Academy?
Who really came here just to cultivate? If so, wouldn't it be better to stay home?
"Boss, Brother Dugu, over there—that's Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the others.
Aside from Yu Tianheng, the strongest are the Shi brothers with their Black Tortoise martial soul. They'll be fighting him for the championship.
But honestly, it's no contest. Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is too strong, and his spirit power is higher."
Following Feng Ling's gaze, Dugu Feng saw them at the front stands: Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and several others. Distinctive appearances marked them clearly.
That had to be Shi Mo, Shi Mo, Yu Feng, and Oslo, the future members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team.
Yu Tianheng stood in a blue outfit, tall and lean, with a face that wasn't bad. Dugu Feng could see the excitement in his eyes.
Clearly, Yu Tianheng was deeply attached to Dugu Yan.
Dugu Feng then turned his eyes to his cousin. Like Ning Rongrong, she wore her hair short, but hers was a deep purple. Her eyes glowed a striking green.
Proof of the toxins she had carried since birth.
Being of the Serpent Branch, she seldom chose poisonous beasts for spirit rings, prolonging the onset of her poison.
So instead of being plagued by poison outbursts, those traces of toxicity only gave her a dangerous beauty.
In terms of pure looks, Dugu Yan wasn't quite on Ning Rongrong's level.
But her icy aura and unique features stirred a certain urge to conquer.
How am I going to get those immortal herbs?
Seeing Dugu Yan brought Dugu Feng's thoughts back to the immortal herbs once more.