#64ChallengeAI Model: moonshotai/kimi-k2-instruct-0905
Chapter Sixteen: An Invitation to Battle
Early the next morning, Zhao Liuyun set off for the Tiandou Royal Academy with Ye Lingling.
The Tiandou Royal Academy sits twenty li outside Heaven Dou City, embraced by mountains and water, its grounds vast beyond measure.
The entire mountain range belongs to it. At its foot lie a jade-green lake and a dense forest—its scale leaves Canghui Academy far behind.
Outsiders are normally barred, but these are hardly normal circumstances.
Zhao Liuyun was still young; the patrolling guards, seeing Ye Linglingleading him, assumed he was a student and dared not question him.
Once inside the mountain and truly near the campus, the place felt almost deserted.
Before them rose a long flight of white-marble steps, each carved with lifelike Spirit Beasts of every shape.
Climbing them, Zhao Liuyun sensed nothing special—only one word echoed in his mind: lavish.
Nobles have their pride; a royal academy must look worthy of its station.
Halfway up the steps the two reached a broad terrace of fortress-like buildings stretching in solemn grandeur.
The walls stood over five meters high, bright yellow, crowned with glazed tiles that shimmered softly in the morning light, exuding opulence at every turn.
All was quiet; few students were in sight—no doubt they were immersed in the academy's simulation zones, cultivating in seclusion.
As for the results… Zhao Liuyun had once tried meditating in the woods on a whim and gained next to nothing—no experience whatsoever.
The texts say once spirit power reaches rank thirty, one's sensitivity to matching worldly energy sharpens, and only then do simulation zones show real benefit.
Yet by the time he hit thirty, he'd already have access to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
What simulated haven could rival the miraculous creation of that well?
Only the Dragon King's divine force—raw power smashing through every obstacle!
"This is the main campus," Ye Lingling said softly, pointing at the complex. "The Elders' Offices and Reception Halls are inside."
"This way." Instead of entering, she turned onto a smaller side path.
"Not going in? Didn't Aunt Yun tell you to show me around?" Zhao Liuyun arched a brow, amusement in his tone.
Hidden behind black gauze, Ye Lingling's fair face warmed. She lifted her voice:
"I'm a Reserve Member of the Tiandou Royal Team—of course I should introduce you to my teammates first!"
Obvious agenda, huh~
"Oh—is that so?" Zhao Liuyun drawled.
Ye Lingling was aloof; even free of gloom she avoided the academy's insufferable nobles.
Yet as fellow team members, eating and training together, she was obviously closer to Dugu Yan, one of the only other girls in the squad.
So Zhao Liuyun asked point-blank, "Was it the Emerald Poison Majesty's granddaughter, Dugu Yan, who invited me?"
Her lie exposed!
"A-hem…" Ye Lingling's eyes flew open; she coughed repeatedly.
The sudden question left her breathless, cheeks blazing right to the tips of her ears.
"Heh." Zhao Liuyun chuckled and stopped teasing her.
The contrast between the once-lonely, cold Ye Lingling and the girl before him was adorable.
"No!" Realizing she'd overreacted, she forced calm. "Stop guessing; you'll see when we arrive."
Ye Lingling quickened her pace and hurried on.
A smile flashed across Zhao Liuyun's eyes as he followed.
The two stepped into a broad training glade amid the trees. Crisp air rushed at them; birdsong mingled with morning mist, refreshing the soul.
Ye Lingling arrived last; several figures were already warming up.
"Lingling!"
"Lingling's here."
They greeted her familiarly, but every gaze slid to the unfamiliar youth behind her.
Six pairs of eyes locked onto him; Zhao Liuyun showed no fear, laughing brightly:
"Greetings, everyone. I'm Zhao Liuyun, a friend of Lingling's. She invited me to broaden my horizons at the Tiandou Royal Academy."
Among them stood a youth with short black hair spiking like steel needles, face stiff—a zombie expression identical to Gang Zi's.
Though they'd never met, those unmistakable features told Zhao Liuyunat once: Yu Tianheng.
Yu Tianheng studied him and answered coolly, "Hello."
Beside him was a woman with deep-purple short hair, valiant yet bewitching, her green eyes glinting with exotic charm.
She was the inviter, observing Zhao Liuyun just as closely.
A cocky little kid.
"Lingling, aren't you going to introduce this little brother?" Dugu Yanasked briskly, pinching Ye Lingling's waist.
Ye Lingling pressed a hand to her chest, cheeks pink. "He already told you—Zhao Liuyun, my friend."
"That's hardly enough info." Dugu Yan narrowed her eyes, smile thoughtful.
She added softly,
"Lingling says you're the Ye Family's Reserve Guest Elder, a prodigy whose cultivation speed defies belief."
"Before all of you, I dare not claim that," Zhao Liuyun replied modestly.
"We've watched Lingling change—taking the initiative in training, stepping out of her gloom. It's heart-warming."
"Presumably, that change is thanks to you. On behalf of the Tiandou Royal Team, I thank you."
"No need; Lingling came to that realization herself."
Yet without his covert Hypnosis, how could Ye Lingling ever have changed?
With her cold, proud nature, she would never open her heart so easily.
Time alone would have worn her down—slowly, grudgingly.
"Still, it was under your guidance that she took the step."
"However…" Dugu Yan's tone cooled, a flicker of vigilance in her eyes,
"Lingling's heart is pure as an unopened lotus. As her big sister, I can't watch her be duped by some so-called genius."
"Yan-jie, he hasn't tricked me!" Ye Lingling protested, anxious to defend him.
Dugu Yan gently pressed a finger to her lips and signaled Oslo forward:
"Would you dare spar with one of our teammates? Show your strength before Lingling and see whether you live up to that boast: 'Titled Douluo is only the starting line.'"
The Ye Family is support system; I know the rules."
"I've the Patriarch's and lady's approval—I owe you no proof," Zhao Liuyun replied, expression cooling.
He could sense Dugu Yan's concern for Ye Lingling and wasn't truly angry.
Meeting her in person had achieved his goal; next he could visit the Dugu estate.
Yet—how could he not be furious?
Beneath her vigilance lay an inborn disdain she couldn't hide.
Dugu Yan had been pampered since childhood, her path smooth, accustomed to praise—arrogance had long since taken root.
She saw herself as the unrivaled chosen one, her vision narrow, judging others by her own small measure!
Zhao Liuyun had spoken only truth to Ye Lingling—when had he ever deceived her?
Without strength one plays the grandson; with strength still playing the grandson—what would be the point of cultivation?
Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng were intimate—her primal essence gone. The route of marrying into the Dugu line was closed.
Zhao Liuyun had no wish to become Cao the Usurper.
Since that path was barred, becoming Dugu Bo's disciple suited him just as well.
A spark of battle lust kindled. After so long in secluded training, it was time to stretch his muscles.
With that thought, Zhao Liuyun answered calmly, "Since you're asking for a beating, I'll oblige."
Dugu Yan laughed behind her sleeve, voice charming. "Big words, little brother."
"Oslo, give him a good fight!"
"Don't worry, Yanzi. I'll let Lingling's friend get a real taste of my power!" Oslo thumped his chest.
Black clothes, golden hair—his delicate face rivaled any girl's.
"Looking like this—are you even male?" Zhao Liuyun taunted. "No wonder you keep your hair short and wear men's clothes—your chest is flat as a board."
"Hmph~" Oslo chuckled, finger pointing skyward. "Friend, you've successfully pissed me off!"
You'd better pray you're strong enough."
Problematic ad?Report it hereCh. 64 / 6697%Ch. 64 / 6697%ContentsAbout this book