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As the sun began to set in the west, evening approached.
On the western side of Suotuo City, after strolling through several streets and buying many beautiful clothes and tasty snacks, Xiao Wu and her companions finally decided to wrap up their shopping trip.
"Zhuqing, cheer up. Don't be so gloomy. Here, have some candied haws."
Seeing her new friend's lack of interest in shopping, Xiao Wu extended a stick of candied haws toward Zhu Zhuqing's mouth.
"That's right, Zhuqing. Let me tell you—if that Dai Mubai is unreliable, just focus on yourself. Even the current Pope of the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, is a woman, and she still became Pope!"
Ning Rongrong chimed in with words of comfort.
In the world of Douluo Continent, there was no rule saying women couldn't take charge. As long as one had talent and strength, they could carve out their own path.
Blinking, Zhu Zhuqing's expression shifted slightly. She leaned forward and bit into a haw from the stick Xiao Wu held out.
What Ning Rongrong said wasn't wrong—her talent wasn't bad either. Now that she was in the Kingdom of Balak under the Tian Dou Empire, as long as she worked hard at cultivation, she might still be able to take control of her destiny someday.
But this thought only flickered briefly in her mind. After all, the Star Luo Imperial Family's power was far too great for her to challenge alone.
Moreover, although she'd only met Dai Mubai a few times, and years had passed since then, his appearance had changed significantly. While she couldn't confirm his identity just by looking at him, the golden hair characteristic of the White Tiger family, his uniquely eerie eyes, and the faintly complementary aura between them—it was definitely Dai Mubai!
She had only heard about Dai Mubai's promiscuous escapades before but hadn't seen it with her own eyes. So, she still harbored some hope for him.
"Huh? Xiao Wu, what's that building over there? It looks pretty nice from afar."
Suddenly, Ning Rongrong let out a soft exclamation and pointed to a red, rose-shaped structure in the distance, asking Xiao Wu.
Following the direction of her finger, Xiao Wu blushed slightly and hesitated to explain.
"Eh? Is it some kind of special building?"
Seeing Xiao Wu's change in demeanor, Ning Rongrong grew curious.
"Rongrong, that's the Rose Hotel."
"The Rose Hotel?"
Ning Rongrong blinked. Just a hotel? Why blush?
Uh… Could it be that kind of hotel?
"Xiao Wu, hurry up and tell me—how many times have you and Senior Chu been there?"
Realizing the key point, Ning Rongrong's inner gossip fiend ignited fiercely.
At first, she had assumed Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu were actual siblings since cases of martial soul differences among real siblings weren't unheard of on the continent.
However, after some careful probing, Ning Rongrong discovered that these two were actually lovers pretending to be siblings!
"What are you talking about, Rongrong?! My brother and I are still young!"
Xiao Wu immediately understood and glared at Ning Rongrong with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
Though she told others she was 17, according to human age calculations, she was only 12! How could she possibly do such things?
"Still young? Tsk tsk, Xiao Wu, you're already 17—you're not that young anymore~!"
After giving Xiao Wu's well-developed figure an up-and-down once-over, Ning Rongrong playfully pinched her chest like a mischievous rogue.
"You little pervert, take this!"
Ambushed, Xiao Wu retaliated by tickling Ning Rongrong mercilessly.
Watching the two girls roughhousing, a faint smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's otherwise icy face.
If only she weren't bound by that engagement, she could have fun like Xiao Wu and Rongrong too.
The roughhousing soon stopped—they were, after all, on a busy street in Suotuo City, and causing a scene wouldn't reflect well.
But as the trio passed by the entrance of the Rose Hotel, Xiao Wu suddenly halted.
"What's wrong?"
Ning Rongrong asked the now-stationary Xiao Wu beside her.
"Dai Mubai."
Xiao Wu pointed to three figures walking toward them—a tall blond youth accompanied by two strikingly dressed women who looked around 17 or 18, with tall figures and attractive appearances.
Instantly, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing turned their gaze ahead.
In the distance, a tall, golden-haired young man approached. But that wasn't the main point—the real focus was how he had one arm wrapped around each of the two identical twins.
In an instant, Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists tightly, her already cold expression visibly darkening even further.
Though she had only met Dai Mubai a few times, and years had passed, making it difficult to identify him solely by appearance, the distinct golden hair of the White Tiger family, his uniquely eerie eyes, and the faintly complementary aura between them left no doubt—it was definitely Dai Mubai!
While she had previously only heard rumors of Dai Mubai's exploits, having not witnessed them herself, she still clung to a shred of hope for him.
But now, seeing Dai Mubai with his arms around a pair of glamorous twins—and seemingly heading to the Rose Hotel—what more needed to be said?
Three years ago, after Dai Mubai fled Star Luo City, she, his betrothed fiancée, endured endless ridicule from others. She had fought hard to escape numerous ambushes, thinking to find Dai Mubai at Shrek Academy so they could work together to resist their predetermined fate.
And yet, here he was, indulging in debauchery and laziness, content to waste away his final "good times."
It was all a mistake—in the end, it was all a mistake!
For a moment, sorrow welled up within Zhu Zhuqing, and she felt her life go entirely gray.
If Dai Mubai chose to give up, how could she, alone, stand against Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun?
After all, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun weren't lacking in talent either. Though Zhu Zhuqing's talent was slightly better, the age gap remained insurmountable. Forget about their combined Ghostly White Tiger technique—even fighting them one-on-one, she didn't stand a chance.
'Even if I die, I'll die fighting against my fate!'
Looking up at the crimson sunset clouds painted across the sky, Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists tightly and silently vowed.
Born into a noble family, Zhu Zhuqing had grown accustomed to powerful men having multiple women—or even women having multiple men. She harbored resentment, sure, but she wouldn't say anything; after all, this was common among nobility.
But other noble children played around because they had the means and resources to do so.
What about you, Dai Mubai? You're a prince whose evaluation period is fast approaching. If you fail, the best outcome will be having your soul power revoked, barely surviving, or even losing your life. Yet here you are, neglecting your training and chasing women instead?
Being unfaithful was a mistake—but only a minor one. Giving up entirely and waiting for death? That was the gravest error of all!
"Zhuqing, this scumbag isn't worth your time. Forget about him!
Why don't you join my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the future? Even if the Star Luo Empire has long arms, they wouldn't dare reach into our sect!"
Seeing her new friend's sorrowful expression, Ning Rongrong offered words of comfort.
True, the Star Luo Empire was powerful, but the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't weak either!
In fact, whether the Star Luo Empire had anyone as strong as her Sword Grandpa or Bone Grandpa was still uncertain!
Moreover, the enmity between the two empires ran deep due to past conflicts. Protecting Zhu Zhuqing would simply add another mark to an already blood-soaked ledger.
Under normal circumstances, the sect wouldn't intervene. But as the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, her father and two grandpas doted on her and would surely agree to this small request!
Besides, Zhu Zhuqing's talent wasn't bad either. At just 12 years old, she was already a Level 27 soul master. Even if she didn't achieve the rank of Title Douluo, becoming an eighth-rank Soul Douluo and serving as a sect elder would be a certainty.
Glancing at Dai Mubai, who was whispering sweet nothings to the twins, and then at her new friend Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu didn't bother comforting her verbally. Instead, she took action.
Xiao Wu wasn't good with words, but she had strong fists—and she could vent her sister's frustration for her!
With lightning speed, Xiao Wu darted forward and appeared in front of Dai Mubai and the twins in the blink of an eye.
"Huh? Xiao Wu? What do you want?"
Seeing Xiao Wu suddenly appear, along with her unfriendly gaze, Dai Mubai felt utterly baffled. When had he offended her?
"What do you mean 'what'? Hmph~! You two, step aside—I don't want any innocent bystanders getting hurt!"
After speaking to the twins in Dai Mubai's arms, Xiao Wu's pink soul power flared, and her Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul activated. Four soul rings—two yellow, one purple, and one black—materialized around her.
That's right—with her body-refining techniques, Xiao Wu had independently condensed a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring. Though it barely reached the ten-thousand-year threshold, it was still something even ordinary five-ring Soul Kings might not possess.
"Xiao Wu, you and Chu Chengzhou need to stop pushing your luck with me!"
Seeing Xiao Wu's intention to fight, Dai Mubai's expression darkened. He waved his hand, signaling for the twins to step aside.
He had figured it out—this Xiao Wu and Chu Chengzhou were both troublemakers. They attacked him without reason, purely out of dislike. How despicable!
Last time it was Chu Chengzhou, and now it was Xiao Wu.
"Pushing my luck? Well, guess what—I'm going to bully you today. What of it? Second soul skill, Charm!"
Instantly, the second soul ring on Xiao Wu's body lit up, and a flash of pink light appeared in her eyes. Dai Mubai, who had been preparing to release his martial soul, immediately froze in a daze.
"Bam—!"
In the next moment, Xiao Wu darted forward, her right fist forming a seal, and slammed it directly into Dai Mubai's left eye socket.
"Bam bam bam bam bam—!"
Then, a flurry of punches rained down, so fast that they created visible afterimages.
Dai Mubai, subjected to relentless punches to his face, was quickly beaten into a swollen mess.
"Hmph~!"
Seeing Dai Mubai's head swell beyond recognition, Xiao Wu snorted, retracted her fists, and called out, "Let's go!"
With a wave, Xiao Wu led Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing toward the southern city gate.
"Tch~!"
As they passed by Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong shot him a disdainful glare and muttered under her breath.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, she had already regained her composure. With a calm expression, she glanced at Dai Mubai and then moved on without further attention.
"Master Dai, are you alright?"
After the trio left, the tearful twins helped Dai Mubai, who had been thoroughly beaten, to his feet.
Grimacing, Dai Mubai didn't speak. Pushing open his swollen eyelids, he stared wide-eyed at the retreating backs of Xiao Wu and the others, especially the figure of the girl in black-purple leather.
Who was she? Why did her aura feel so familiar, and why did he inexplicably sense a complementary connection?
---
The next morning, at Shrek Academy.
Inside the cafeteria, Chu Chengzhou, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing were eating breakfast.
Suddenly, Dai Mubai walked into the cafeteria.
Although he had been beaten up by Xiao Wu the previous evening, he had sought treatment from a healing-type soul master in Suotuo City and, after a night's recovery, showed no signs of injury.
Upon entering, Dai Mubai paused in surprise.
Aside from Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu, there were two unfamiliar girls in the cafeteria—one of whom was the girl who had given him a strange feeling the day before.
Were these new students at the academy this year?
Glancing up, Chu Chengzhou and the others ignored him completely.
Unbothered by being ignored, Dai Mubai strode directly toward Zhu Zhuqing.
"Hello, my name is Dai Mubai, also a student at Shrek Academy. Have you noticed that our auras are similar, and we seem to have a complementary connection?"
Dai Mubai flashed what he thought was a charming smile at Zhu Zhuqing.
When two soul masters shared similar auras and a complementary connection, it was often a sign of the potential to form a Soul Fusion Skill—a highly coveted ability among soul masters.
A Soul Fusion Skill, no matter how weak, could allow two soul masters below level 90 to fight at a higher tier.
This curvaceous girl with a beautiful face seemed like a prime candidate for a girlfriend. Dai Mubai intended to win her over.
The continent was vast. If he hid in a remote corner of the Tian Dou Empire and trained for a few decades, armed with a new Soul Fusion Skill, even if his older brother Dai Weisi became the Emperor of Star Luo, there would be nothing they could do to him.
As for his fiancée back in Star Luo City, whom he barely knew? He didn't care about her at all.
Seeing Dai Mubai approach, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered with disdain before she continued eating her breakfast without paying him any mind.
"So what?" Ning Rongrong interjected, setting down her spoon with an amused look.
"This means we likely have the potential to form a Soul Fusion Skill! A Soul Fusion Skill is something every soul master dreams of!"
Dai Mubai, suppressing his excitement, continued addressing Zhu Zhuqing.
"Hold on~. Dai Mubai, Soul Fusion Skills require either siblinghood or a romantic relationship.
Aren't you a prince of the Star Luo Empire? According to your royal family's rules, shouldn't you already be engaged? Since you're already betrothed, are you trying to seduce another woman?"
Chu Chengzhou sneered, subtly digging a deep hole for Dai Mubai to fall into.
The question was—would Dai Mubai take the bait?
And once he fell into the pit, it would be hard to climb back out!
Hearing this, Dai Mubai's expression shifted. After a brief silence, he spoke: "That engagement was arranged by my family. I've hardly met the second young miss of the Zhu family. We have no real connection. Young miss, may I ask your name?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou inwardly burst into laughter, though he kept his expression neutral.
No real connection? Dai Mubai, with those words, you've truly severed all ties with Big Cat!
"Heh~, such a convenient excuse! Dai Mubai, my name is Zhu Zhuqing, and I am precisely the second young miss of the Zhu family you claim to have no connection with!"
With a self-deprecating tone, Zhu Zhuqing stated flatly.
"!!! You're Zhuqing?"
Instantly, Dai Mubai's eyes widened in disbelief. This curvaceous girl was his fiancée from Star Luo City? No wonder he sensed the potential for a Soul Fusion Skill.
Zhu Zhuqing gave Dai Mubai a cold glance and said nothing more.
Since you claim we have no connection, then who am I to you?
"Zhuqing, let me explain!"
Dai Mubai panicked. How could he have anticipated that his fiancée from Star Luo City would track him down to Shrek Academy?
"Ugh, can't you leave us alone? Can't we eat breakfast in peace? You dirty frog dreaming of swan meat—get lost!"
Ning Rongrong slammed her spoon onto the table and scolded Dai Mubai.
She had no goodwill toward Dai Mubai to begin with, and now, hearing him dismiss his fiancée as having "no connection," she despised him even more.
"And who are you?"
Insulted, Dai Mubai's temper flared.
"Hmph~, I can't be bothered to tell you my name! Get lost already—go somewhere cool and stop ruining our appetites."
Waving her hand dismissively, Ning Rongrong signaled for Dai Mubai to leave.
"You—!"
Enraged, Dai Mubai wanted to teach this foul-mouthed brat a lesson but refrained, considering the timing inappropriate.
"Sister Xiao Wu, look—he's bullying me~!"
Seeing Dai Mubai's threatening demeanor, Ning Rongrong quickly sidled up to Xiao Wu, feigning victimhood in a low voice.
Bang—!
Protected by her big sister, Xiao Wu slammed her palm on the table and shouted at Dai Mubai: "Dai Mubai, what are you glaring at? Either shut up, finish your meal, and leave, or skip breakfast and get out right now!"
Instantly, Dai Mubai's anger cooled like water splashed on a fire.
"Hmph~!"
With a cold snort, Dai Mubai turned and walked out of the cafeteria.
There was no choice—when the enemy was stronger, submission was inevitable.
The greatest benefit of possessing great strength was that when you could win an argument, you could reason with others. And when you couldn't, you could use your overwhelming power to make others regard you as the truth!
"Sister Xiao Wu is awesome!"
Watching Dai Mubai slink out of the cafeteria, Ning Rongrong gave Xiao Wu a thumbs-up.
"That's right! Zhuqing, just ignore that trash from now on."
Proudly tilting her head, Xiao Wu addressed Zhu Zhuqing.
"Mm."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
If Dai Mubai had shown signs of repentance and started working hard, she might have forgiven him.
But after uttering those words—"no connection"—there was no way Zhu Zhuqing would ever forgive him.
Indeed, apart from a marriage contract, she and Dai Mubai truly had no connection.
Their paths diverged, and they would part ways forever. You indulge in your decadence, and I'll continue cultivating my soul power!
---
Clang clang clang clang clang—
Not long after the bell rang, the seven students of Shrek Academy gathered on the training ground.
Soon, Principal Flender appeared, stopping in front of the group. His gaze swept over Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, lingering on Ning Rongrong for a few extra seconds.
Adjusting his glasses, Flender spoke slowly: "This year has been excellent—we've gained two new prodigies! On behalf of Shrek Academy, I welcome you.
Later, each of you will pay one hundred gold coins to Teacher Li, who handles finances.
Xiao Wu, we have two new female students. Make sure to explain the academy's rules to them, then everyone can return to rest and recover to their best condition.
Same as always, we'll hold evening classes today!
Oscar, you and Ning Rongrong stay behind. Everyone else can leave!"
Glancing at Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai left. Even the proud "Young Master Dai" wouldn't press his luck with someone who clearly wanted nothing to do with him.
Ma Hongjun didn't linger either, quickly disappearing from sight.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing stayed behind, curious about what Flender wanted with Ning Rongrong.
As for Chu Chengzhou, since Xiao Wu hadn't left, he stayed too, his eyes betraying a hint of anticipation.
But it wasn't time for Flender to train the little devil yet, so the show wouldn't happen just yet.
Seeing that Chu Chengzhou and the others hadn't left, Flender didn't mind. Addressing Oscar and Ning Rongrong, he said: "Everyone has their own cultivation methods. Different martial souls require different approaches.
Therefore, what the academy teaches you isn't how to cultivate your martial soul, but how to use it effectively—to survive and assist your allies in future battles."
Flender's lengthy speech bored Oscar, who simply lowered his head and rolled his eyes. However, Ning Rongrong nodded earnestly in agreement.
Flender continued: "Both of you are auxiliary-type soul masters—one enhances attributes, while the other provides soul-powered food.
Soul masters like you, whether on the battlefield or in daily life, need the protection of companions. Otherwise, survival becomes nearly impossible.
Oscar, tell me—how does an auxiliary-type soul master ensure their survival on the battlefield?"
"Stay as far behind friendly forces as possible, using terrain and structures to avoid danger and staying clear of high-risk areas," Oscar replied without hesitation.
Flender nodded. "Correct, very good! But there's one thing you didn't mention. For an auxiliary-type soul master, the ability to retreat is essential. An auxiliary-type soul master who doesn't know how to flee isn't a good soul master.
And what does fleeing require? Stamina.
Although soul masters have enhanced physical capabilities due to their soul power, the enemies you may face could be battle-type soul masters.
Therefore, auxiliary-type soul masters must also train their stamina. In critical moments, taking one extra step could mean the difference between life and death!"
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