2 chapters will be uploaded on daily basis i.e. 14 Chapters will be uploaded every week apart from the bonus chapters.
1 Bonus Chapter will be uploaded for every 50 Power Stones or 1000 Collections.
All interested readers can read advanced chapters on: Free Members of Patreon can read 10 Chapters ahead of Webnovel for FREE.
[email protected]/Kingdom_Of_Ink
×××××××××××××××
The night was as dark as ink, with a bright moon hanging in the sky. Feng Xiao finished his day's cultivation and, as usual, stepped into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Ni Tai Training Field under the starlight.
When he pushed open the familiar door of the training room, he saw a familiar figure already seated inside—Qian Renxue, dressed in a plain white robe, glowing with a lustrous sheen in the moonlight, like a jade sculpture.
Feng Xiao's pupils contracted slightly, and he calmly closed the door.
"Your Highness is busy with myriad affairs; if you stay in the academy for too long…" Before he could finish, Qian Renxue calmly interrupted him: "Don't bother." With that, she closed her eyes, and a faint golden aura emanated from her.
Looking at the figure already in meditation, Feng Xiao shook his head and smiled wryly. However, since Qian Renxue was here, it was a good thing for him, so Feng Xiao also entered a state of cultivation.
Days passed, and since the day Feng Xiao was kicked off the carriage, Qian Renxue, though she came daily, always remained silent. This elusive attitude, however, made a warning bell ring in Feng Xiao's heart—since he was already tied to Spirit Hall, if he couldn't mend his relationship with Qian Renxue, then...
The next evening, Feng Xiao took out his Innate Eight Trigrams Plate, his fingertips tracing the trigrams.
"Wood generates fire, so I should look for a place where Li and Zhen intersect…" he murmured to himself, finally finding a special training room in the northeast corner of the academy.
This place had a unique terrain; ancient trees towered outside the window, yet inside, due to the materials used, it inherently possessed a fiery yang energy, making it the perfect treasure trove for their joint cultivation.
Soon, Feng Xiao gently knocked on the door of the familiar training room and, as expected, saw Qian Renxue already seated inside. Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting a silver glow on her cold, clear silhouette.
Seeing Feng Xiao enter, Qian Renxue didn't even lift her eyelids. Just as she was about to circulate her spirit power, she heard the young man's gentle voice: "Your Highness, this disciple has found a more suitable place for cultivation in the Ni Tai Training Field. Would you care to take a look?"
Qian Renxue then lifted her eyes, a faint, unreadable smile playing on her lips: "Oh? Feng Yao actually has such ability?" Her fingertip lightly tapped the table, "This princess remembers someone once saying they were most accustomed to this training room."
Feng Xiao's ears felt slightly warm, and he lightly coughed: "That was then, this is now. At that time, I didn't know Your Highness's identity." He met Qian Renxue's scrutinizing gaze and said frankly: "Interactions between people are inherently a process of mutual understanding."
Qian Renxue rose, her robes stirring a faint fragrance: "Lead the way." These two short words made Feng Xiao secretly relieved.
The newly found training room was hidden deep within the corridor; upon pushing the door open, a warm aura immediately enveloped them. Feng Xiao led Qian Renxue to the center of the room, pointing to the floor made of special materials: "This place is most suitable for Your Highness's cultivation." With that, he sat cross-legged three steps away, forming a perfect yin-yang balance with Qian Renxue.
Moonlight, like water, quietly flowed within the training room. Qian Renxue seemed to be in a good mood today, a faint, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips: "The Elite Competition of Advanced Soul Master Academies of the Entire Continent is approaching. I hear Spirit Hall Academy has three Spirit Kings this year." Her fingertip lightly tapped her knee, "Does the Huang Dou Battle Team have a chance of winning?"
Feng Xiao, seated in the Zhen position, looked up at her words: "Before the finals, all members of the team should be able to advance to Spirit Ancestor." He paused, a hint of fighting spirit flashing in his eyes, "As for victory or defeat… one must fight to know."
Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed slightly, and that figure that had been a thorn in her side flashed through her mind: "What if this princess demands that you must win?" Her voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable resolve.
"Then I will naturally do my utmost," Feng Xiao replied with a cupped-hand salute, his expression composed.
Qian Renxue suddenly leaned forward, her gentle face casting a shallow shadow: "Aren't you going to ask why?"
Feng Xiao met her gaze, his smile gentle: "Everyone has secrets. When Your Highness is willing to speak of it, perhaps like that sacred oath, when the time comes, I will naturally know. Some things, forcing them is not beautiful."
Qian Renxue naturally understood the deeper meaning in Feng Xiao's words. Her lips curved slightly, and with a soft hum, she closed her eyes. A faint golden aura emanated from her, swirling like gauze in the moonlight.
Seeing this, Feng Xiao smiled knowingly and likewise immersed himself in cultivation.
As her spirit power circulated, Qian Renxue keenly detected something unusual—a significant increase in efficiency. Her internal spirit power flowed even more smoothly than usual, as if every wisp of energy in the world was noticeably easier to absorb.
She was secretly astonished: "The Ni Tai Training Field, to accommodate various Spirit Masters, has always been a mix of multi-attribute precious materials. Even a Titled Douluo would find it difficult to find a completely suitable cultivation spot within this chaotic energy field."
She quietly opened her eyes, looking at the serene face of the young man opposite her, her confusion deepening: "How exactly did he…"
This unanswered question, as cultivation deepened, eventually turned into a wisp of smoke, dissipating into the increasingly rich spirit power fluctuations.
At dawn, Feng Xiao slowly awoke from his meditation. When he opened his eyes, his breath hitched—what lay before him was no longer Xue Qinghe's gentle, jade-like facade, but Qian Renxue's true face. Although this was not the first time Feng Xiao had seen her, he still found it incredibly stunning.
Morning light streamed through the window lattice, casting a brilliant halo on her flowing golden hair. The girl's delicate profile, in the interplay of light and shadow, was as flawless as a goddess's sculpture, her long eyelashes casting shallow shadows on her cheeks, trembling gently with each breath. Feng Xiao unconsciously held his breath, afraid to disturb this painting in the morning light.
"What are you looking at?" Qian Renxue's cold voice suddenly rang out, clear as ice hitting jade, exceptionally distinct in the quiet training room.
Both of them froze simultaneously. Qian Renxue seemed to sense something, and a brilliant golden light burst forth from her. When the light faded, the gentle, jade-like "Xue Qinghe" was seated as before.
Feng Xiao subconsciously touched the tip of his nose, a fleeting hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. That glimpse of breathtaking beauty, however, had already become indelible in his heart, making him inexplicably look forward to tomorrow's morning light.
"Nothing…"
Qian Renxue caught his subtle gesture of concealment, and the corners of her lips unconsciously lifted slightly. Just as Feng Xiao was pondering what to say, he saw her gaze gradually turn dangerous—a cold glint flowed within those golden eyes, like a sharp blade poised to strike.
A chill ran down Feng Xiao's spine, and he immediately stood up and cupped his hands: "I still have to cultivate, so I'll take my leave first." Before he finished speaking, he had already retreated to the door.
Only after that flustered figure disappeared at the end of the corridor did the sharp coldness in Qian Renxue's eyes gradually fade, replaced by a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
Escaping the training field, Feng Xiao let out a long sigh of relief, muttering softly: "It's not like I looked for too long…" The morning breeze swept past, but it couldn't disperse the strange flutter in his heart.
When Feng Xiao stepped into the training ground as usual, he immediately noticed something unusual—the Huang Dou Battle Team, who usually started their morning training early, were now standing in neat formation. Seeing him arrive, everyone's gaze simultaneously turned towards him.
"This is…?" Feng Xiao looked around at everyone, puzzled.
Sun Buyu smiled and stepped forward: "We are discussing the candidate for an important task, and it seems everyone agrees it must be you."
"Task?" Feng Xiao raised an eyebrow, looking at the mentor.
Dugu Yan walked closer with elegant steps, a cunning gleam in her purple eyes: "The Elite Competition of Advanced Soul Master Academies of the Entire Continent is imminent. Although we have the privilege of being directly promoted to the finals, Teacher Sun believes…" She deliberately paused, "that someone needs to gather intelligence on potential opponents. After much thought, this important responsibility is best entrusted to you."
"Exactly!" Yu Feng squeezed closer, winking, "Who told you to be our captain and the core of the control system? Besides," he meaningfully glanced at Feng Xiao's record of never participating in team training.
Feng Xiao smiled knowingly: "Since that's the case, I accept this task. You all focus on training and strive to perform well in front of His Majesty and the Crown Prince…"
"The opening ceremony of the competition is in five days," Sun Buyu patted his shoulder. "You can move freely then."
Yu Feng suddenly lowered his voice: "Remember to introduce me to a few pretty female Spirit Masters then…" Before he could finish, he sheepishly shrank his neck under Dugu Yan's dangerous gaze.
Feng Xiao couldn't help but chuckle at Yu Feng's deflated look. He straightened his collar and said seriously: "Since that's the case, I'll go cultivate first."
Watching Feng Xiao's departing back, Yu Feng touched his chin thoughtfully: "Seeing how readily Little Feng agreed, do you think… the captain might be using this as an excuse for a date?"
Oslo gave Yu Feng a scornful look and said nothing.
"Yu Feng!" Dugu Yan's spirit power instantly erupted, "For today's combat training, I'll personally spar with you!"
Yu Feng's wails immediately echoed across the training ground, while Feng Xiao had already sat down in his usual spot for playing the zither, beginning his daily training.
Five days later, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire welcomed a highly anticipated event—the opening ceremony of the Elite Competition of Advanced Soul Master Academies of the Entire Continent, Heaven Dou Division. The ancient city seemed to have come alive overnight, from imperial nobles to common citizens, everyone's attention was focused on this pinnacle event of the Spirit Master's world.
Before the first ray of morning sunlight had even pierced the clouds, the area outside the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena was already packed with people. This colossal venue, transformed over a month, perfectly integrated the previously scattered spirit arena grounds, creating a magnificent stadium capable of holding eighty thousand spectators. The meticulously designed VIP area on the north side shimmered in the morning light, awaiting the arrival of royal family members and various distinguished guests.
Tickets for the opening ceremony had sold out a month ago. Even so, countless enthusiastic spectators had gathered outside the venue at dawn. They weren't there to grab seats—each ticket had a unique number—but rather to catch a glimpse of the participating Spirit Masters.
Youthful maidens holding bouquets were particularly noticeable in the crowd. Young Spirit Masters capable of representing advanced Spirit Master academies were all exceptional talents, one in a million. These young prodigies, no older than twenty-five, naturally became the ideal partners for love-struck maidens. Even the nobles in the VIP section had arrived early outside the venue, unwilling to miss any opportunity to recruit talent.
Feng Xiao adjusted his collar and slowly moved towards the entrance with the crowd. His gaze keenly swept through the throng, suddenly stopping before a VIP passage—there, Xue Qinghe was conversing with several royal family members, wearing an elegant smile.
"It's really lively…" Feng Xiao murmured softly to himself, his fingertips unconsciously caressing "Fuxi" in his arms. He deliberately chose a corner seat in the VIP section that allowed him to see the entire venue clearly but was not easily noticed.
With a loud horn blast, the opening ceremony officially began. The Imperial Knight Corps' honor guard marched in with neat steps, their silver armor glinting in the sunlight. Following them, the teams from the participating academies entered one by one, and the stands erupted in cheers.
Feng Xiao's gaze shifted from Xue Qinghe, and he happened to meet Tang San's eyes, who was at the very front of the Shrek Academy team entering the arena. In that instant, a sharp glint flashed in both their eyes.
Tang San's Purple Demon Eye glowed with a faint purple aura, his gaze piercing through the crowd like an arrow, directly at Feng Xiao. Feng Xiao didn't dodge, a faint smile playing on his lips, and he slightly nodded towards Tang San's direction, his demeanor exuding a calm and unhurried grace.
"Little San, what are you looking at?" Xiao Wu followed Tang San's gaze, a hint of confusion flashing in her ruby-like eyes.
At the same time, among the Shrek team entering, Yu Tianheng suddenly paused. He abruptly turned his head to look at the VIP section, and his gaze collided with Feng Xiao's in mid-air, as if invisible spirit power was clashing intensely.
Emotions surged in the eyes of the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—that former teammate, now appearing here in such a manner. Feng Xiao elegantly raised a gilded teacup; the amber tea within shimmered in the sunlight. He saluted Yu Tianheng from afar, his eyes holding a few layers of intriguing meaning.
"Tianheng?" Dai Mubai keenly noticed the abnormality and followed Yu Tianheng's gaze, just in time to see Feng Xiao's profile as he sipped his tea. That young man in a moon-white robe appeared exceptionally aloof amidst the noisy venue.
Yu Tianheng retracted his gaze, his knuckles unconsciously tightening: "It's nothing." He took a deep breath, his voice low and firm: "Right now, focusing on the competition is what matters."
The Shrek Academy team stood out noticeably in the crowd.
Oscar lowered his head, using his body to shield Ning Rongrong's view as much as possible. Not just him, but everyone in the Shrek team, except for a few radiant girls, wished they could bury their faces in their chests. The "unique" school uniforms they wore were currently receiving the entire venue's "attention."
These "battle robes," meticulously designed by Dean Flender, used a peculiar color between yellow and green—as Dai Mubai put it, "freshly pulled out, new shit-green." A Shrek emblem, almost covering the entire front, was printed on the chest, a glaring emerald green. The most dreadful part was the row of bright red characters on the back: "Seeking Sponsorship GG," with a smaller line below: "For GG cooperation, please contact Flender, Dean of Shrek Academy."
Initially, the Shrek Seven Devils collectively protested against these "battle robes," but they were defeated by Flender's "tyranny." The final compromise reached was: one-third of the GG income would go to the team members. Thinking of the academy's tight financial situation, Tang San and the others could only grit their teeth and accept it.
"Look, what kind of students are those? Did they just crawl out of a cesspit?"
"Hahahaha, the green monster on their chest is so comical!"
"They're even advertising GG? Are they here to compete or to perform?"
Amidst the waves of laughter and mockery, Tang San was the first to pull out his mask from the Great Spirit Arena. The Shrek Seven Devils followed suit, while the four newly joined members, Tai Long and the others, could only cover their faces with their hands, wishing they could find a hole to crawl into.
Flender, walking at the very front, held his head high, looking as if he "didn't know these people behind him." Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong also tacitly quickened their pace, the inconspicuous small badge on their lapels shimmering subtly in the sunlight.
"Is this what Grandmaster meant by mental fortitude training?" Ma Hongjun said with a long face, "This is clearly training our thick skin!"
Tang San looked at the crowded venue, experiencing for the first time what it meant to be "tired of living"—at this moment, he would rather face a Spirit King team than be a "display item" here.
Looking at the Shrek group, Feng Xiao's lips curved into a slight smile: "The show is about to begin."