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"I think you haven't done anything wrong."
Just as Xiao Xiao was pouring out her pent-up frustration, a gentle voice from behind interrupted her.
Startled, Xiao Xiao quickly wiped the tears from her eyes and spun around, her face instantly betraying the fear and unease she'd been trying to hide.
About seven meters behind her stood two figures.
But once she recognized they weren't academy teachers—just fellow Shrek freshmen in white uniforms—and especially once she saw that one of them was Chen Junting from that morning's match, much of her panic melted away.
Ning Tian wore a warm, inviting smile, hands clasped behind her back. She radiated a clever charm that was both endearing and approachable. Behind her, Chen Junting stood like an unsheathed blade—quiet, restrained, yet exuding an undeniable sense of security.
Xiao Xiao's tension eased further.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to intrude," she murmured, still shaken. "I'll just go."
She wasn't in the mood for conversation.
But before she could move, Ning Tian gently took her arm.
"You're Xiao Xiao, right? I'm Ning Tian—Heir of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I came here specifically to find you."
Sensing Xiao Xiao's fragile state, Ning Tian cut straight to the point, revealing her identity without hesitation.
The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!?
Xiao Xiao froze. She'd been ready to flee, but now her feet seemed rooted to the ground.
After all, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was legendary—its name known across the continent.
She stole a glance at Ning Tian, then asked in a small voice, head bowed, "What… what do you need from me?"
She wasn't being shy—she just didn't want them to see her in such a vulnerable, tear-streaked state. Especially not these two peers… one of whom had just defeated her in battle.
Ning Tian's eyes flickered toward Chen Junting. He understood instantly.
In a few swift motions, he vanished from sight.
This was a moment for girls to speak privately—no place for him.
Perched on a tree branch, gazing toward the distant Sea God Island, Chen Junting fell into deep thought. He was puzzling over how Xiao Xiao could already wield both of her martial souls simultaneously at this stage.
Was it her profound understanding of her souls?
Or perhaps her twin souls interfered with each other very little?
One thing seemed certain:
Their compatibility had to be exceptionally high.
Meanwhile, Wu Feng had already reached the faculty office and found Teacher Mujin.
"Hahahaha—!"
Mujin laughed heartily as she scanned the list of the Top 16 teams. She felt utterly vindicated—every class was represented… except Class One.
Not a single team from Class One had made it.
The thought that she'd finally won her bet with Zhou Yi—and after all these years, finally stood above her—washed away decades of accumulated resentment.
But just as her laughter peaked—
"Bang!"
The office door burst open, accompanied by Wu Feng's urgent cry:
"Teacher, something's wrong!"
Wu Feng froze the moment she saw Mujin laughing so freely. She suddenly realized she might have terrible timing.
Yet remembering Ning Tian's instructions, she hesitated.
"I'm perfectly fine," Mujin said with a teasing scold, sensing Wu Feng's genuine distress. She softened the awkwardness with a chuckle, gestured for her to sit, and only then asked, "What's happened?"
But the moment she heard the details—
"Slam!"
"That lunatic Zhou Yi has lost her mind!"
Mujin shot to her feet—then paused. On second thought… this was Zhou Yi. Of course she'd do something like this.
"Heh… good. Let her go mad. But this time is different from her usual antics. I'd love to see how she plans to expel a student with twin martial souls!"
Her eyes narrowed with cold amusement. She turned sharply to Wu Feng.
"Take me to Xiao Xiao."
Zhou Yi… this time, you're either dead—or you'll lose your skin!
…
"Thank you, Ning Tian. I'm not sad anymore."
Whatever private words passed between the two girls remained a mystery. But when Chen Junting reappeared before them, Xiao Xiao's face showed no trace of tears—only faintly reddened eyes.
All better?
Chen Junting shot Ning Tian a questioning glance.
She gave a subtle nod in reply.
Seizing the moment, Ning Tian's expression softened with concern. "Xiao Xiao… if Zhou Yi really does expel you from Shrek Academy… what will you do?"
Xiao Xiao's eyes dimmed, but she forced a smile.
"Well… if it really happens, there's nothing I can do. I'm an only child anyway—guess I'll just go home and inherit the family estate."
"And give up your dream just like that?"
Xiao Xiao fell silent. To her, becoming a powerful Title Douluo required resources—and without Shrek's backing, where else could she go?
From their long talk, Ning Tian had already glimpsed Xiao Xiao's inner turmoil. With a light laugh, she grew suddenly serious:
"Xiao Xiao… if I invited you to join the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect right now—would you accept?"
"Join… the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Xiao Xiao blinked, murmuring the words as if in a daze.
Only now did she recall—Ning Tian had mentioned she was the sect's heir. But during their conversation, Ning Tian's warmth had made her forget that imposing title entirely.
"Yes," Ning Tian said with a reassuring smile. "With your talent, our sect will invest everything in you. Don't worry about resources or treatment—we're the wealthiest sect in the world. None of that will be an issue."
Xiao Xiao's heart stirred.
And then Chen Junting delivered the final, decisive blow.
"When we fought, I noticed your Three Lives Soul-Sealing Cauldron leans toward offense and defense, while your Nine Phoenix Flute excels in support and control. Am I right?"
He held her gaze. When she nodded, he continued:
"Our sect has an Elder—a Level 95 Title Douluo whose martial soul is the Heavenly Star Furnace. Though he walks the defensive path, his power is formidable in attack as well. With your talent, you might not only receive his personal guidance—you could even become his disciple. And as for your second soul… where else in this world can a support soul master receive better training than from the foremost support sect, whose legacy spans ten thousand years?"
"I'll do it!" Xiao Xiao declared without hesitation. "I'll join the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!"
Few soul masters could refuse such an offer.
Becoming strong required resources—but even more crucial were the right training methods and a proper mentor to guide you, so you wouldn't waste years wandering down dead ends.
And so, as a simple-hearted girl faced with an opportunity too grand to ignore—and yet perfectly within reach—Xiao Xiao said yes.
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