"Yu Tianheng?"
Dugu Bo narrowed his sharp eyes as his granddaughter recounted the events of the past two months.
Dugu Yan crossed her arms with a snort. "Yes! That arrogant fool thought he could vent his anger on Xiao Tian behind your back. Since he couldn't touch him directly, he tried to target Sister Xiao Wu and Zhuqing instead. But Xiao Wu isn't someone who suffers losses meekly—she smashed him with her Explosive Killing Eight-Section Throw until he turned into a laughingstock!"
She smirked. "I couldn't stand watching his antics anymore. So I visited the three Education Committee elders one after another, and politely explained the situation. Of course, I borrowed your name, Grandpa… and a bit of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's reputation. Hehe. The result? They expelled Yu Tianheng outright. He slunk away with his tail tucked between his legs."
The Poison Douluo rubbed his chin, green eyes glittering coldly. Two months ago, he might have been concerned. Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was a Super Douluo, after all. But now? His lips curled faintly. He himself had broken through to rank ninety-six. Unless Yu Yuanzhen wanted his clan wiped clean by poison, he wouldn't dare challenge him.
"Serves him right," Dugu Bo chuckled darkly. "Where did he crawl off to? Back to his clan, or Thunder Academy?"
Dugu Yan shook her head. "Neither. He went to visit his uncle. Oh, and guess what? Shortly after you left, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and their whole Shrek group came to Tiandou City. They're at Lanba Academy. But…" She grinned slyly. "It's not called Lanba Academy anymore. They renamed it Shrek Academy. Flender is dean, and Liu Erlong is vice-dean now."
Dugu Bo blinked, then slapped his forehead. "Hah. I actually forgot Erlong ran a school in this city. No wonder." His eyes narrowed again. "That means Shrek Academy will almost certainly join the Soul Master Competition next year."
At the Royal Academy
On the other side of Tiandou, Xiao Tian was guiding Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong through the grounds after they had finished absorbing their pills.
Along the way, he gathered more information. Not only had Yu Xiaogang and Flender arrived, but indeed Yu Tianheng had already left in disgrace.
"Hmph," Xiao Tian muttered with a faint smile, "lucky for him. If he'd still been here when I returned, I would've ended his arrogance permanently."
"Brother, don't be angry," Xiao Wu chirped, tugging his sleeve. "That idiot tried to posture in front of me, but I taught him a lesson myself. He didn't even get to dodge my combo. It was almost too easy. Like hitting a soft training dummy." She giggled proudly.
Xiao Tian's eyes softened. Good. She held her own.
Just then Ning Rongrong piped up, her tone mischievous. "Oh, Xiao Tian, I almost forgot to tell you! Tiandou Royal Academy welcomed a new food department teacher. You'll never guess who!"
Xiao Tian tilted his head, already guessing. "…Shao Xin, isn't it?"
Her smile widened as she winked playfully. "Correct. Teacher Shao must have finally run out of patience with what Flender and Yu Xiaogang were doing. So he came here quietly. Now he's officially a member of my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. And he's a Food-type Soul Saint—Father welcomed him personally! With our protection, Flender and that bunch wouldn't dare lay a hand on him anymore."
Xiao Tian nodded with a faint smile. "Good. He deserves better."
Stretching slightly, he added, "Alright. Take the next few days to rest and recover. I'll speak with the old monster and bring you out for soul rings soon."
"Perfect timing," Ning Rongrong laughed. "I wanted to return to the sect anyway to tell Father and my two grandfathers the good news. They won't believe what's happened."
Xiao Tian originally offered to accompany her, but she lightly pressed his arm down, shaking her head. "You've just come back after two months. Rest. It's not far, and I'll bring guards. Besides…" Her smile dimmed, her heart swelling with secret plans. "…I have something important to discuss with Father privately."
While outwardly cheerful, inwardly Ning Rongrong was already forming a resolve. You've given me so much, Xiao Tian. Too much. I won't let myself just take and take. I have to give something back—something worthy.
In her heart she reviewed her treasures. The two most precious things she carried were not jewels or herbs, but secrets of her clan: Distraction Control and Ring Fusion.
Distraction Control—the ability to divide one's focus into multiple streams, casting multiple buffs or techniques simultaneously. In her sect, it was a core inheritance technique. But to a sword cultivator like Xiao Tian, whose control required mental precision and multitasking, it would be invaluable. His sword domain would elevate to untold mastery.
And Ring Fusion—her innate secret, comprehended upon awakening. To merge the powers of multiple soul rings into one skill, unleashing an attack exponentially greater than any usual ring ability. A technique not as destructive as Ring Explosion, but more controlled, safer, yet nearly as potent.
Yes… these things. Father will agree. After all, Xiao Tian gave me the Nine Treasures Pagoda. With his character, Father would gladly build ties closer.
Her heartbeat sped. She couldn't wait for the day she could pass these gifts into Xiao Tian's hands.
Nightfall
The academy grounds were quiet by the time Xiao Tian returned to his own quarters. But just as he settled down for rest—
Knock, knock, knock.
He opened the door.
There stood Xiao Wu, her braid swaying, her eyes shy, almost bashful.
"Xiao Wu?" Xiao Tian tilted his head. "It's late. What's wrong?"
Her voice was soft, a little trembling. "Brother… we haven't been alone together for so long. Come with me. Let's sit outside a while… under the night breeze."
He blinked. Then his chest warmed. He had indeed spent so much time absorbed in cultivation, planning, battles, guiding others, and even joking with Dugu Bo. Alone time with her, his closest one, had been far too rare. "Alright."
They walked together under the starlight, finally settling beneath a giant tree. The night wind whispered gently through the branches.
Xiao Wu leaned against him, her eyes reflecting the moon. "Brother… the Soul Master Competition will start in a year. If we advance to the finals, we'll go to Spirit City. And there, we'll meet Bibi Dong."
Her voice quivered. "Do you think she'll let me see Mother then? I still remember, when I was small… I hid in the grass while she stood near. She didn't kill me. She could've—she should've noticed me, but she didn't. At the time, I thought she murdered Mother. But later… doubts rose. As you said… it doesn't fit."
Xiao Tian stroked her braid gently, fingers soothing the tremors. "Don't worry. If Bibi Dong tries to harm you, I'll stand in the way—even if she's the Pope herself, or the entire Spirit Hall behind her. Nothing will stop me." His voice firmed into promise. "One way or another, I'll help you find Mother again."
Xiao Wu's eyes glistened. She sniffled, leaning closer into him, then slowly reached into her robes. From her bosom, she pulled a small, finely carved comb.
She pressed it into his palm, her voice a whisper. "Brother… please comb my hair."
The night around them quieted, holding its breath.
In that moment, there was only Xiao Wu—eyes shining soft and vulnerable, heart offered completely into his hands.
--
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