Of course, the Pearl could also aid Ning Rongrong's cultivation.
A true win–win!
But once Ning Rongrong learned that Dugu Feng was already at rank forty-one… she couldn't keep shopping.
"Rongrong, you're the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Losing confidence now?" Dugu Feng teased.
Ning Rongrong shot him a glare. "We're the same age! I only just obtained my third ring. Even if I'm an auxiliary-type and cultivate slower, this gap is way too big!"
Her composure faltered.
In truth, she'd already improved by more than three levels compared to the original timeline.
Back in the spirit combat phase, she had only been rank twenty-seven.
Spurred on by Dugu Feng since the age of six, Ning Rongrong had put in far more effort.
Her rank had risen quickly.
But compared to Dugu Feng, the gap was still huge.
By afternoon, Ning Rongrong left, she needed to cultivate!
She, Ning Rongrong, would make her name known to the world by strength alone.
After she left, Dugu Feng returned to the Great Spirit Arena.
The resolution meeting of the Six Great Clans had already begun.
This time there were no vacant quotas—only confirmation of existing shares—and with no meddling from Spirit Hall,
Dugu Feng guessed it would be mere formality!
At least it wouldn't be so tense.
The next day, the spirit battles began.
Among the Six Great Clans, Zhu Zhuyun's first match shocked the entire arena.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple—four spirit rings. A Soul Ancestor's cultivation was normal enough.
But upon closer look, her rank had already reached forty-nine.
Six years ago she'd only been thirty-seven. So twelve levels gained in six years?
Most crucial was Zhu Zhuyun's age. Just over twenty, and already at forty-nine. Her talent rivaled Yan of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation.
At such a cultivation pace, barring mishap, she would surely become a Titled Douluo.
That the Zhu Clan produced such a genius—It truly stunned everyone.
Right after came Dugu Feng's appearance, equally eye-catching, because his bracket, like Zhu Zhuyun's, was of the Soul Ancestor tier.
Which meant Dugu Feng was also a Soul Ancestor!!!
Yet he was only thirteen; six years ago he'd been a mere Spirit Master at rank sixteen.
Six years later, already a Soul Ancestor...
At least twenty-four levels in six years. That was truly terrifying!
Everyone was curious: what exact level was his Soul level?
But in the first bout, facing a Dai Clan spirit master, Dugu Feng didn't even reveal his rings. With finger force alone he pressured the opponent off the stage.
For the next three days straight, Dugu Feng won with ease, never exposing his rings.
This left the other five clans itching with curiosity, eager for the final match to start.
They refused to believe he could keep winning without using his rings. Because his last opponent was Zhu Zhuyun.
She too had four straight wins.
The clash promised to be needle against awl.
Night.
Top floor of the Great Spirit Arena, a luxurious suite.
Zhu Zhuyun was lying with her younger sister Zhu Zhuqing, chatting.
The two reclined together, silhouettes lithe and sinuous, exuding endless temptation.
With a decisive battle ahead, Zhu Zhuqing had taken leave to watch her sister fight.
"Elder sister, after Dai Mubai arrived in Suotuo City, he's been haunting brothels without a care for his status as a prince. His behavior disgusts me," Zhu Zhuqing said coldly.
Zhu Zhuyun lazily wrapped an arm around her sister, chuckling. "Why bother about him? He's just an ordinary prince. Your rank is almost catching up to his. In the future he won't even dare lift his head before you! Chase whoever you like."
Zhu Zhuyun's skin was fair, cheeks tinged rosy.
As she spoke, her expression sparkled, her tone brimmed with confidence.
"There's no one I like. I'd rather spend twenty-four hours a day cultivating!" Zhu Zhuqing swatted her sister.
"Exactly—cultivate hard. If we sisters both reach Titled Douluo, we'll never have to look at anyone's face again. So what if it's the Dai Clan?
They're urging me to marry the Crown Prince early. I gave them just one line: after we win the Spirit Master Tournament, then I'll marry!"
Zhu Zhuyun's face was proud.
As her rank climbed, she had become the strongest genius of the the Star Luo Empire's young generation.
Her fame soared.
Even the Dai Clan didn't dare force her too much.
Nobles of Star Luo City vied to befriend the Zhu Clan; countless senior spirit masters treated her with courtesy.
"Dugu Feng defeated Yan—he's Heaven Dou Empire's most talented spirit master. Once I defeat Dugu Feng, I'll be the most talented young spirit master on the entire continent!"
Ambition flickered in Zhu Zhuyun's eyes.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing grew uneasy.
Living in the Heaven Dou Empire, she knew better than anyone how renowned Dugu Feng was.
Not to mention that in her last match with him, she'd lost completely.
Dugu Feng had left an indelible impression.
She couldn't bear to discourage her sister.
After a brief hesitation, she said, "Sister, Dugu Feng crossed a major realm to defeat Yan. Now he's already a Soul Ancestor. Please don't act rashly. His poison is terrifying!"
"Oh? Zhuqing, you don't believe in your elder sister? I'll teach you a lesson, then.
Come, let sister check your body!"
Zhu Zhuyun pounced, hands roving.
"Wow, Zhuqing, unbelievable—you're almost catching up to me…"
"Out with it—how did these grow!"
"Eek—mercy, sister!"
"Take this!"
Laughter and playful shrieks drifted from the room.
The next day.
Before a spacious battle stage.
Dugu Feng cast a strange glance at Zhu Zhuyun, who was about to step onto the platform—And at Zhu Zhuqing watching from below.
The suites were close by, and Zhu Zhuyun carried two beads within her.
Last night's scuffling and chatter had reached him clearly.
The images kept replaying in his head.
So the cool-faced Zhu Zhuqing… was fiery at heart!
Those scenes had tormented Dugu Feng all night.
He would repay the favor today.
So he vowed darkly.
He strode steadily onto the stage. Below, members of the Six Great Clans packed the arena, all awaiting this clash of prodigies.
One was the strongest genius of the Heaven Dou Empire; the other, the strongest of the Star Luo Empire.
Who was truly more gifted?
Zhu Zhuyun stood at the far end, clad in tight, practical garb that outlined her voluptuous figure to perfection.
Dugu Feng keenly noticed the sharp gleam flickering in her palms, and a faint veil of black mist coiling around her form.
Nearly one meter ninety tall, Zhu Zhuyun's long legs radiated wild power, as if she'd pounce like lightning the next instant.
"Zhu Zhuyun, martial spirit: Hell Civet. Rank forty-nine Battle Spirit Master—please advise!"
Her voice was sultry, tinged with allure.
"Make your move, Zhu Zhuyun. You only get one shot," Dugu Feng said coolly.
Anger flashed in her eyes. To skip even the formalities—such contempt!
"Today, I'll avenge my sister!"
With a cold snort, Zhu Zhuyun moved to strike.