Chapter 31: Feng Xiaotian's Challenge
The shout halted everyone—Shui Bing'er and Mu Ci mid-conversation, Huo Wu about to step forward. All eyes turned toward the source.
Feng Xiaotian, captain of the Kamikaze Team, trailing the Blazing Academy team, had issued the challenge.
Mu Ci noted the emotions in Feng Xiaotian's eyes and glanced at Huo Wu approaching him, understanding dawning. Feng Xiaotian saw him as a romantic rival. But matters of the heart were unpredictable, and if Huo Wu had feelings for him, Mu Ci wouldn't let her go to another.
Admitting his own fickleness, Mu Ci didn't want to miss out on either Shui Bing'er or Huo Wu if possible.
Huo Wu reached him, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, because of me, you…"
Mu Ci smiled, cutting her off. "It's fine, this isn't your fault. Don't feel guilty. I came here to spar with Tiandou's geniuses, and the Kamikaze Team is one of the challenges."
Turning to Feng Xiaotian, he called out, "I accept your challenge, but I hope this fight stays pure, free of other motives."
His face grew serious. "Some things—people, feelings—aren't chips to be gambled with."
Such matters, used as stakes, disrespected everyone involved.
Feng Xiaotian, initially thrilled by Mu Ci's acceptance, faltered at his words, a helpless look crossing his face as he realized his misstep.
After a moment of silence, he reignited his fighting spirit, eyes bright. "Alright!"
Huo Wu, listening, felt a new emotion stir as she looked at Mu Ci.
Shui Yue'er whispered to Shui Bing'er, "Sister, if you don't act fast, your brother-in-law will be stolen by Blazing Academy."
Shui Bing'er remained silent, her gaze fixed on Mu Ci's back, but her delicate hand quietly pinched Shui Yue'er's waist.
Seeing Feng Xiaotian's understanding, Mu Ci's stern expression softened into a smile. He gestured toward the distant fighting arena in the square. "Brother Feng, shall we head to the arena?"
Though the exchange meeting hadn't officially started, Tiandou Royal Academy's preparations were impeccable. Funded by the empire, its wealth rivaled only Xingluo Royal Academy. Even the Spirit Hall's academy lacked such financial backing, constrained by its lack of tax revenue and numerous expenses.
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In the reception room, Xue Qinghe sat at the head, bored as deans pestered Mu Changsheng about his Titled Douluo breakthrough.
A waiter approached, whispering about the duel between Mu Ci and Feng Xiaotian. Xue Qinghe's eyes lit up with interest.
Intelligence on Mu Ci's cultivation was scarce—his level, soul rings, and skills largely unknown, save for his first soul skill, noted for exceptional healing, just below the Ye family's Nine-Star Begonia.
This duel offered a chance to assess Mu Ci's potential as a future ally. The exchange meeting's purpose, beyond Emperor Xue Ye's directive to recruit talent for the empire, was to win over Mu Ci and Mu Changsheng. Securing Mu Ci would align two Titled Douluo—Mu Changsheng and Ling Yuan—with her, a move sure to irk her mother.
Smiling, Xue Qinghe stood. "Deans, are you bored sitting here? A waiter just informed me that two young geniuses are about to duel outside. Shall we watch?"
The deans perked up. Exchange meetings were for showcasing young talent, and Xue Qinghe's personal invitation suggested something special.
Meng Shenji asked, "Who are these geniuses that prompted Your Highness to mention them?"
Xue Qinghe glanced at Mu Changsheng, smiling. "It's His Majesty Changsheng's grandson, Mu Ci, and Feng Xiaotian from Kamikaze Academy. Both have mutated martial souls. Shall we go?"
The deans grew excited. Mu Ci, grandson of a new Titled Douluo, and Feng Xiaotian, a renowned genius with innate full soul power, promised an intriguing match.
Feng Nu, Kamikaze Academy's dean and Feng Xiaotian's grandfather, frowned. "Your Highness, there's a significant age gap between them. What's the reason for this duel?"
The five- or six-year difference, combined with their lack of prior acquaintance, puzzled him. He knew his grandson wasn't one to bully others.
Xue Qinghe, unsure of the details, glanced at the waiter, who quickly recounted the situation.
Frowning slightly, Xue Qinghe coughed and said to Feng Nu, "Dean Feng, it's mainly related to Captain Huo Wu of Blazing Academy. You can ask her for details."
At the mention of Huo Wu, the room erupted in knowing laughter. Huo Lie, Blazing Academy's dean and Huo Wu's grandfather, a towering figure like a human Tyrannosaurus, laughed hardest, nearly doubling over.
Feng Nu, frowning, shot Mu Changsheng a look.
Mu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Why look at me? I don't meddle in the kids' affairs. Let's go see."
Standing, he gestured for Xue Qinghe to join him.
With the only Titled Douluo present leading the way, the deans, joking among themselves, followed.
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[end of the chapter]