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Chapter 101 The Shrek Seven Devils Reassembled
The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the assessment site a blood red. Dai Mubai stood in the center of the site, his long golden hair dancing wildly in the evening wind.
Suppressed rage burned in his sinister eyes, and three spirit rings flickered restlessly around his body.
"Next!" His deep voice was tinged with obvious irritation as he glanced at the candidates queuing on the sidelines.
A thin boy walked forward timidly, his legs visibly trembling.
He was about to introduce himself when Dai Mubai impatiently launched an attack.
"White Tiger Blazing Light Wave!"
A blinding golden light burst forth from Dai Mubai's mouth. The boy was blasted several meters away before he could even unleash his martial spirit, crashing heavily to the ground with a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
"Trash." Dai Mubai looked coldly at the fallen examinee, his eyes full of contempt. "You couldn't even withstand a single blow? You dare to come to Shrek Academy?"
On the sidelines, Zhao Wuji sat on a worn-out wooden chair, his thick arms crossed over his chest.
Seeing this, he let out a deafening laugh: "Hahaha, look at these trash! They dare to participate in Shrek Academy's assessment without any strength, they have no self-awareness at all!"
His mocking gaze swept over the other examinees on the sidelines. "With this much skill, you're not even qualified to warm up Dai Mubai!"
The subsequent assessment turned into a one-sided beating.
Dai Mubai vented all his frustration on the examinees, injuring and forcing five of them to leave the examination hall.
Some had broken arms, some had bruises on their chests, and the most serious one even had three ribs broken.
The remaining candidates on the sidelines dared not speak out in anger, and could only lower their heads, clench their fists, and silently endure this humiliation.
Many of them had traveled long distances from remote areas, yet they were deemed useless without even having the chance to showcase themselves.
Just as the atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense, a thin figure hurriedly arrived at the assessment site.
Yu Xiaogang frowned as he surveyed the situation on the field.
"Enough!" he shouted sternly. "The academy must gather seven people this year."
He turned to Zhao Wuji, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Lower the assessment standards!"
Zhao Wuji pursed his lips and nodded reluctantly: "Alright, the dean said he'll listen to you."
The last candidate, Yang Jian, dragged the heavy tower shield forward.
He was a stocky young man with dark skin and an honest expression on his face.
A soul power of level 25 is indeed not enough by Shrek Academy's standards, and the martial soul, Xuanjia Dunshan, is also unremarkable.
"Begin!" Zhao Wuji announced impatiently, casually lighting an incense stick.
Although Dai Mubai was still angry, he noticeably restrained his actions under Yu Xiaogang's stern gaze.
His White Tiger Blazing Light Wave struck Yang Jian's tower shield, only causing Yang Jian to stagger backward, instead of directly blasting his opponent away as before.
"Hold on!" Yang Jian gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead.
His legs were trembling violently, and sweat was streaming down his face, but his eyes were unusually determined.
As the incense stick burned out, Yang Jian finally couldn't hold on any longer, knelt on one knee, and his martial spirit automatically retracted.
He was breathing heavily, his face as pale as paper.
"Time's up!" Zhao Wuji announced reluctantly, looking at the burnt-out incense. "Passed."
Yu Xiaogang frowned as he sized up Yang Jian: "This kind of aptitude..."
He shook his head, his voice filled with obvious disappointment, "Oh well, it's better than nothing."
Dai Mubai snorted coldly and turned to leave.
His evil eyes still burned with lingering anger, but at least the academy had managed to gather seven people.
...
The night was as dark as ink. In a secluded corner of Shrek Academy, Zhu Zhuqing sat alone on the bluestone steps.
The moonlight poured down like water, gilding her cool face with a layer of silvery glow.
Her slender fingers, imbued with a faint spiritual energy, gently stroked the abrasions on her arm, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
"Is this the strength of Shrek Academy?" She sneered inwardly, recalling Xiao Wu's hostile gaze and Tang San's aggressive attitude during the day.
What disappointed her even more was Dai Mubai, the man who should have been her fiancé, who acted like a frivolous and dissolute street thug.
"Chu Xinghe is right, this place is indeed unbearable."
Thinking of the boy who reached out his hand to her in the Star Dou Great Forest, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered slightly.
That genius who reached the Soul Master level at the age of 12 was worlds apart from the people in front of him.
She subconsciously touched the hidden weapon pouch at her waist, where the healing medicine Chu Xinghe had given her was still hidden.
"If I were at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy now..." This thought was abruptly cut off by her.
Having chosen this path, there's no room for regret.
At the very least, she wanted to see for herself whether Dai Mubai was truly beyond redemption.
Not far away, under a large tree, Dai Mubai leaned against the rough trunk, his sinister eyes fixed on Zhu Zhuqing's back.
Under the moonlight, her slender figure was particularly eye-catching.
"I never imagined that the little girl from back then would grow up like this." He sighed inwardly, his tongue unconsciously licking his lips.
The image of that stubborn little girl from three years ago overlapped with the cold and beautiful young woman before him, stirring up an indescribable restlessness in his heart.
"As long as you're at Shrek Academy, I'll have plenty of opportunities to get close to you." His slender fingers stroked the jade pendant at his waist, a token of the Star Luo royal family. "Since you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, don't blame me for being impolite."
Dai Mubai's eyes gradually turned dangerous.
He recalled Zhu Zhuqing's disregard for him during the day, and a surge of anger welled up in his chest.
"What are you pretending to be so high and mighty for? Sooner or later you'll be begging me on your knees." This thought made him smirk.
But then, he thought of Zhu Zhuqing's strength and talent, and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.
"Level 27, 12 years old… she is indeed worthy of me, Dai Mubai."
Inside the girls' dormitory, Xiao Wu sat angrily on the edge of her bed, her pink scorpion braid swinging back and forth with her angry movements.
"Third Brother, that woman is so annoying!" She pouted, her ruby-like eyes filled with grievance. "She's just a freshman, how dare she be so arrogant!"
Tang San sat beside her, wiping a bone-piercing needle in his hand.
Upon hearing Xiao Wu's words, he paused slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
She gently comforted her, "Don't be angry, there will be plenty of opportunities to teach her a lesson later."
"But…" Xiao Wu bit her lip unwillingly, "Boss Dai seems to treat her very specially."
This realization made her feel even more uncomfortable.
As the only female student at Shrek Academy, she was used to being the center of attention, and now the sudden appearance of a girl who was even more outstanding than her was hard for her to accept.
Tang San's eyes darkened.
He had long noticed Dai Mubai's unusual attention to the girl in black, which was indeed quite unusual.
"Don't worry." He put the Bone-Piercing Nail into the Twenty-Four Bridges Under the Moonlit Night, and gently patted Xiao Wu's shoulder. "In my heart, there will always only be you, Xiao Wu."
Xiao Wu's face flushed slightly, but then she seemed to remember something and asked, "Then what about her strength..."
"Level 27 is nothing." Tang San interrupted her, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Even without using hidden weapons, I can easily defeat her."
In the corner of the dormitory, Yang Jian was curled up on a simple bed, his rough hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white from the force.
The humiliating scene from the daytime assessment was still vivid in his mind: Dai Mubai's contemptuous gaze, Zhao Wuji's mocking laughter, and Yu Xiaogang's words, "This kind of talent..."
"I must become stronger." He vowed in his heart, his voice sounding particularly firm in the empty room.
"I can't let people look down on me anymore."
Thinking of his ordinary Xuanjia Shield Martial Soul, a trace of unwillingness flashed in Yang Jian's eyes, but then his fighting spirit was ignited again, "Even if my talent is not as good as others, I will work harder than them."
He rolled out of bed, tiptoed into the yard, and began practicing the most basic defensive stance over and over again.
Under the moonlight, his figure appeared exceptionally lonely, yet full of determination.
As night deepened, everyone in every corner of Shrek Academy was lost in their own thoughts.
Zhu Zhuqing finally got up and returned to her dormitory. As she passed a corner, she paused slightly.
Her keen intuition told her that someone was watching her from the shadows.
But she didn't turn around; a cold smile appeared on her lips as she continued walking forward.
Dai Mubai, hidden in the shadows, narrowed his eyes, watching the figure gradually disappear into the distance.
"There's no escaping it," he thought to himself. "Now that I'm at Shrek Academy, I'm my prey."
He turned and left, his long golden hair fluttering in the night wind, his evil eyes gleaming with a determined light.
Meanwhile, in the girls' dormitory, Xiao Wu, perched on the windowsill, saw Zhu Zhuqing returning.
"Hmph." She snorted in dissatisfaction, "Pretentious."
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Chapter 102 Golden Soul Team
Three months later.
On the main arena of the Barak City Great Soul Arena, the dazzling soul-guiding lights illuminated the entire arena as if it were daytime.
The host's booming voice echoed throughout the venue through the megaphone: "Royal Fighting Team defeats Rocket Team and advances to the Gold Fighting Soul realm!"
A deafening cheer erupted instantly, and the audience erupted in applause.
In the audience, the Soul Masters' discussions rose and fell.
A middle-aged Soul Master pointed at Chu Xinghe on the stage and said to his companion, "See that black-haired boy? His fourth Soul Ring is actually ten thousand years old!"
"Reaching the Soul Master level at the age of twelve, that talent is terrifying." His companion echoed, his eyes gleaming with envy. "No wonder the Heaven Dou Royal Academy appointed him as captain."
A female Soul Master in the front row stared intently at the stage: "That little girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is no simpleton either; her amplification is too precise."
Chu Xinghe took the Golden Fighting Spirit Badge from the staff and held it high above his head.
At this moment, the entire stadium erupted in enthusiastic cheers once again.
Dugu Yan quietly nudged his arm and whispered, "You scoundrel, don't get too cocky."
But her eyes were full of pride.
Ye Lingling stood on the other side, quietly watching Chu Xinghe's profile, her smile deepening.
...
In the team's rest area, Yun Wuyai's face was filled with excitement: "Brothers, did you see my last move, 'Star Thrust'? That shot went straight through the opponent's defense!"
Yu Feng was leaning against the window looking at the scenery. Hearing this, he didn't even look up: "Come on, if the captain hadn't used his dragon breath to suppress that Soul Master on the other side, you wouldn't even have had a chance to get close."
He deliberately dragged out his words, "And you're still so smug about that?"
"Hey, hey, what are you saying?" Yun Wuyai retorted, unconvinced. "I just perfectly seized the opportunity!"
Oslo jumped up from the sofa, rubbing his shoulder exaggeratedly: "Perfect? That shot of yours almost hit me! If I hadn't dodged it quickly..."
He suddenly lowered his voice, mimicking Ye Lingling's tone, "Excuse me, please lie down, I'll treat you~"
"Hahaha!" Yu Feng slapped his thigh and laughed out loud, "You imitated it quite well!"
In the corner, Ye Lingling's ears turned slightly red as she whispered, "I... I would never say that."
Chu Xinghe leaned back lazily on the sofa, and upon hearing this, he smiled and pinched Ye Lingling's cheek: "Our Lingling speaks much more gently than this."
He opened his mouth, and Ye Lingling immediately understood, feeding him the peeled grapes.
"Tsk, you scoundrel." Dugu Yan leaned on his shoulder. "You've gotten cocky just because you became a member of the Gold Soul Team?"
She suddenly reached out and pinched Chu Xinghe's face, "Don't forget who blocked that sneak attack for you."
"Ouch! Ouch! Sister Yan, have mercy!" Chu Xinghe pleaded dramatically, but couldn't resist teasing, "Isn't it because you're here? I knew you'd protect me~"
Dugu Yan snorted and released her grip, but a slight smile played on her lips: "Don't give me that. However..."
She suddenly leaned closer, her red eyes flashing with a dangerous light. "If you dare to get grape juice on my clothes, you're dead."
Seeing this, Ye Lingling quickly handed over a handkerchief: "Xinghe, wipe your hands..."
"Lingling is still the most considerate." Chu Xinghe winked at her, then turned to Dugu Yan with a grin, "Sister Yan, look how gentle Lingling is, why don't you learn from her?"
"Hmm?" Dugu Yan narrowed her eyes, the phantom of the Azure Flood Dragon Martial Soul appearing and disappearing behind her.
"I was wrong, I was wrong!" Chu Xinghe immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Sister Yan Yan is the best in the world!"
On the other side, Yun Wuyai was still arguing with Yu Feng: "My move was clearly crucial! Captain, don't you think?"
Chu Xinghe didn't even turn his head: "Oh right, you guys are all great."
The obviously perfunctory tone made Dugu Yan chuckle.
Oslo suddenly lowered his voice: "By the way, did you guys see the way that female Soul Master on the other side looked at the captain?"
He winked and said, "Another one's fallen for our captain!"
"Are you looking for death?!" Dugu Yan shot him a glare, scaring Oslo into immediately hiding behind Yu Feng.
Chu Xinghe sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation: "You guys..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ye Lingling handed him another grape, and he immediately beamed with joy, "Lingling is the best."
Dugu Yan snorted coldly, but said nothing more. She simply played with a strand of Chu Xinghe's black hair, her red lips slightly pursed.
Shi Mo slumped onto the leather sofa, looked up at the crystal chandelier on the ceiling, and let out an exaggerated sigh: "Captain, your cultivation speed is too heaven-defying! You leveled up again in three months, and you're already level 43?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Mo raised his head, his honest face filled with disbelief: "It took me a full six months to go from level 36 to 37. With your speed, calling you a monster would be an understatement."
He counted on his thick fingers, "At this rate, wouldn't I be able to break through to Soul King in another two years?"
A cold snort came from the corner.
Yu Tianheng leaned against a pillar with his arms crossed: "It was just good luck."
Although her tone was disdainful, she couldn't help but feel envious of Chu Xinghe's cultivation speed.
Chu Xinghe leaned back lazily on the sofa, and chuckled lightly upon hearing this: "I was just lucky. After absorbing the spirit ring of the Blazing Fire Dragon Lizard last time, my spirit power increased faster than expected."
"Stop pretending!" Dugu Yan suddenly reached out and pinched his cheek, her long purple hair cascading down his shoulders like a waterfall.
She narrowed her emerald eyes, the oppressive aura of her Azure Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul faintly visible. "Tell me honestly, did you steal some of the immortal herbs from Grandpa's herb garden again? I remember there are still a few thousand-year-old snow ginsengs there..."
Ye Lingling gently tugged at Dugu Yan's sleeve with her slender fingers, her voice as soft as a spring breeze: "Sister Yan, don't pinch him..."
"Lingling still cares about me the most." Chu Xinghe winked at Ye Lingling, who shyly lowered her head, a faint blush rising on her fair cheeks.
Dugu Yan snorted coldly, but tightened her grip: "You scoundrel, how dare you flirt with Lingling in front of me again?"
Her purple hair moved without wind, swaying gently behind her.
"Ouch! Ouch! Sister Yan Yan, have mercy!" Chu Xinghe cried out dramatically, but didn't forget to joke, "I'm just telling the truth, Lingling is indeed the gentlest..."
Just then, the wooden door to the lounge was pushed open, and Qin Ming walked in holding a sheepskin map: "Everyone's here? Perfect time to announce the next part of the itinerary."
He unfolded the map, his long, slender fingers pointing to a point marked with vermilion. "Tomorrow we'll set off for Soto City. The Great Arena there is of a high standard, perfect for honing teamwork."
"That's wonderful!" Yun Wuyai slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. "I've heard that there are a lot of beautiful women in Soto City! And the Rose Hotel there is especially famous; it's said that even the bed sheets are covered with rose petals..."
Yu Feng rolled his eyes: "Is that all you're capable of? We're going to a competition, not a blind date."
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Chapter 103 Reencounter with Zhu Zhuqing
Chu Xinghe paused slightly when he heard the words "Soto City," and the image of Zhu Zhuqing's aloof figure involuntarily appeared in his mind.
The girl in black who walked towards Shrek Academy without looking back when they parted ways in the Star Dou Great Forest.
He thought to himself, "I wonder how she's doing at Shrek... With her stubborn personality, she probably won't bow down to anyone, right?"
The thought flashed through his mind, but Chu Xinghe quickly came back to his senses, only to find that Dugu Yan was staring at him with an inquiring gaze, her long purple hair gleaming with a captivating luster under the light.
"What's wrong?" he asked casually, taking the teacup Ye Lingling handed him.
"It's nothing." Dugu Yan narrowed her emerald eyes, but did not press for further questions.
She turned to Qin Ming, her long purple hair swaying gently with her movements. "How long will this trip take?"
"It should take about half a month." Qin Ming looked around at everyone, his eyes sharp. "Everyone, please get yourself together tonight. We'll set off for Soto City tomorrow."
Chu Xinghe toyed with the teacup in his hand, the celadon porcelain swirling between his slender fingers, without saying a word.
But those who know him well can see that his eyes have become more profound, like a bottomless pool.
"Alright, everyone go and get ready." Qin Ming clapped his hands. "Remember, the focus this time is on honing teamwork. Especially you offensive types, don't always think about fighting alone."
Everyone responded enthusiastically.
The Stone Graphite and Stone Mill brothers began discussing a new defensive formation, their Xuanwu Turtle spirit phantoms appearing and disappearing behind them. Meanwhile, Yu Feng and Oslo argued about who was faster, the phantoms of the Wind Chime Bird and the Ghost Leopard flashing and intertwining in the rest area.
Yun Wuyai was still rambling on about the beauties of Soto City when he was immediately silenced by a sharp look from Dugu Yan.
Chu Xinghe looked out the window, and a feather-shaped cloud drifted by in the direction of Soto City, its color shimmering with a brilliant golden-red hue under the setting sun.
"What are you thinking about?" Dugu Yan suddenly leaned closer, her long purple hair brushing against his cheek, carrying a faint fragrance.
Chu Xinghe snapped out of his reverie and flashed his signature roguish grin: "I'm thinking... what local specialties should I buy for Sister Yan Yan when we go to Soto City this time?"
"Don't give me that!" Dugu Yan pinched his high nose bridge, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips. "If you dare to sneak out and pick up girls, I'll make the Jade Phosphorous Dragon bite you."
Ye Lingling whispered from the side, "Sister Yan Yan, Xinghe wouldn't..."
Looking at the two beauties beside him, Chu Xinghe felt a warm current surge in his heart.
However, Zhu Zhuqing's magnanimity was indeed unforgettable for him.
...
Three days later, the Royal Fighting Team arrived in Soto City, and Yun Wuyai excitedly suggested that they stay at the Rose Hotel, a hotel with a couples theme.
Inside the lobby of the Rose Hotel in Soto City, the Royal Fighting Team was checking in.
Yun Wuyai excitedly looked around at the suggestive decor and winked, saying, "Captain, this place is perfect for us! I heard the couples' suites here are especially famous."
Upon hearing this, Chu Xinghe's lips curled into a mischievous smile, his gaze shifting between Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling: "In that case, how about the three of us share a room?"
He deliberately dragged out the tone, a sly glint in his eyes.
Dugu Yan immediately pulled Ye Lingling behind her: "Dream on!"
She widened her emerald eyes and said, "You'll have a room to yourself, and Lingling and I will share."
Ye Lingling's fair cheeks flushed instantly, and she lowered her head, fiddling with the hem of her clothes. She stole a glance at Chu Xinghe, then quickly looked away.
Rose patterns and heart-shaped decorations are visible everywhere in the hotel lobby, and the ambiguous pink lighting reflects on everyone's faces.
The receptionist gave a knowing smile and handed Chu Xinghe a key: "Sir, we have arranged a deluxe single room for you. The view is excellent."
Chu Xinghe took the room key and sighed with feigned regret: "What a pity, I wanted to exchange more cultivation insights with you all."
Dugu Yan snorted coldly, her long purple hair swaying gently with her movements: "Don't give me that. Last time you said you wanted to 'exchange cultivation techniques,' and then..."
She suddenly stopped talking, her ears turning slightly red.
Ye Lingling lowered her head even further, her slender fingers tightly gripping the hem of her clothes.
Although the three had a close relationship and often acted intimately, they never crossed the final line.
Dugu Yan insisted that Chu Xinghe was still too young and worried that his indulgence in matters of love and sex would affect his cultivation.
Whenever things got too intense, she would call a halt in time, and the gentle Ye Lingling would always comply with her decision.
"Alright, everyone go and rest." Qin Ming appeared at the right time, interrupting the awkward topic. "You need to register at the Great Soul Arena first thing tomorrow morning, don't be late."
Everyone responded and dispersed with their room keys.
Chu Xinghe watched Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling walk away, shrugged helplessly, and turned to walk towards his room.
The walls of the corridor were covered with oil paintings featuring roses, and a faint scent of perfume filled the air.
...
After confirming their rooms, the Royal Fighting Team members were free to move around.
Inside the clothing store, Dugu Yan held up a dark blue robe to Chu Xinghe, saying, "This one suits you better; it makes you look more composed."
Ye Lingling gently shook her head and handed over a black outfit: "I think this one is better..."
Her voice was soft, yet carried a hint of determination: "For the sake of fighting."
Just as Chu Xinghe was about to speak, the shop door was suddenly pushed open.
He turned his head and saw Zhu Zhuqing walk in with a cold face, followed by a blond man.
When their eyes met, Zhu Zhuqing's cool eyes visibly brightened.
"It's her…" Chu Xinghe's heart skipped a beat.
The scene of parting in the Starry Sky Forest three months ago flashed before my eyes. Back then, Zhu Zhuqing was the same, stubbornly choosing her own path.
"What are you looking at?" Dugu Yan keenly noticed Chu Xinghe's unusual behavior and followed his gaze.
Zhu Zhuqing's heart was in turmoil at this moment.
She never expected to meet Chu Xinghe here, let alone under these circumstances.
Her gaze swept over the two girls beside Chu Xinghe, and she pursed her lips.
One was flamboyant, the other gentle and tender; both stood so close to him…
"Zhu Qing?" Dai Mubai noticed her pause, followed her gaze, and his face immediately darkened.
"Someone I know?" Dai Mubai's voice was somewhat cold.
Zhu Zhuqing did not answer.
She looked at Chu Xinghe, then at her fiancé beside her who only thought about how to take advantage of her all day long, and a bitter feeling welled up in her heart.
Why is there such a big difference between two geniuses?
Chu Xinghe noticed the complex emotions in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes and also saw the unfriendly gaze of the blond man beside her.
He immediately recognized the other person from those distinctive double pupils.
"This is troublesome..." Chu Xinghe thought to himself with a bitter smile.
He could feel Dugu Yan's probing gaze and Ye Lingling's uneasy look.
Chu Xinghe took a deep breath and walked towards Zhu Zhuqing: "Zhuqing, it's been a long time."
He tried to make his voice sound natural, "How are things at Shrek?"
Zhu Zhuqing's fingers tightened slightly.
She longed to tell him about her disappointment and struggles over the past three months, but in the end she simply said, "Thank you for your concern, I'm fine."
Before she finished speaking, she had already turned and walked outside.
"Zhu Qing!" Dai Mubai grabbed her wrist, his voice filled with jealousy and anger, "Who is that person?"
Zhu Zhuqing coldly shook off his hand: "It's none of your business."
She hurried away from the shop, her eyes uncontrollably reddening.
Inside the store, Dugu Yan crossed her arms and said, "Aren't you going to explain?"
Ye Lingling gently tugged at Chu Xinghe's sleeve: "Xinghe, she looks very sad..."
Chu Xinghe sighed: "He's just a friend I met in the Star Dou Great Forest."
He looked outside the store, where Zhu Zhuqing's figure had already disappeared into the crowd. "She chose Shrek Academy, and I respect her decision."
"Really?" Dugu Yan narrowed her eyes. "Then why did her eyes well up with tears when she saw you?"
Dai Mubai chased after her out of the shop, but Zhu Zhuqing was nowhere to be found.
He slammed his fist on the wall in anger: "Damn it!"
That dark-haired boy clearly had two women with him, so why did Zhu Zhuqing look at him like that?
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Chapter 104 A Frank Encounter with Dugu Yan
At noon, in a private room of an upscale restaurant in Soto.
Dugu Yan put down her teacup and asked directly, "What is your relationship with Zhu Zhuqing?"
Chu Xinghe paused slightly as he picked up some food.
He had expected this day to come, but he still felt a little nervous when he actually faced it.
"I ran into her by chance while hunting for spirit rings in the Star Dou Great Forest." He tried to keep his tone calm. "She was on her way to Shrek Academy at the time."
"That's it?" Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "The way she looked at you didn't seem like a simple 'chance encounter'."
Ye Lingling lowered her head, gently stirring the bowl with her chopsticks, but didn't actually pick up anything.
She glanced up at Chu Xinghe, a hint of unease in her eyes.
Chu Xinghe put down his chopsticks and sighed, "I admit, she is indeed... very special."
He carefully chose his words, "He ventured into the Star Dou Great Forest alone, and although he could have chosen a better Soul Master Academy, he insisted on his decision. I simply admire that perseverance."
Dugu Yan suddenly chuckled softly: "You've fallen for me."
This is not a question, but a statement.
Chu Xinghe instinctively wanted to deny it, but he was defeated by Dugu Yan's all-knowing gaze.
He turned to look out the window; the streets of Soto were bustling with pedestrians.
"Maybe," he finally admitted, "but I know my limits."
"If the conditions are right," Dugu Yan said unexpectedly, "let's bring her to Tiandou Academy."
"What?" Chu Xinghe turned around abruptly, almost knocking over the soup bowl in front of him. "I really didn't mean that!"
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes: "Your ears always turn red when you lie."
She reached out and pinched Chu Xinghe's earlobe. "If you keep pretending, I won't help you anymore."
Ye Lingling finally spoke softly, "She... looks very sad."
The sound was so soft it was almost inaudible, but the other two people in the private room heard it clearly.
Chu Xinghe was startled.
He didn't expect Ye Lingling to say that, and he certainly didn't expect Dugu Yan to have this attitude.
Chu Xinghe reached out and grasped their hands: "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
"Stop being so mushy!" Dugu Yan pinched him, but her eyes were full of laughter. "Remember, Lingling and I were the first ones here."
Ye Lingling nodded, her voice still soft yet firm: "And it can't interfere with cultivation."
Looking at the two people in front of him, Chu Xinghe felt a warm current surge in his heart.
He knew they were serious, and their tolerance and understanding moved him but also made him feel guilty.
"I promise," he said solemnly, "but it's too early to say that now; she has her own path to walk."
Dugu Yan gave a light snort and picked up her chopsticks again: "Let's eat, the food is getting cold."
The conversation ended there, but Chu Xinghe knew that this matter was far from over.
He recalled Zhu Zhuqing's reddened eyes when she left, and felt a pang of pain in his heart.
How did that stubborn girl fare at Shrek Academy?
The thought wouldn't leave his mind.
...
That evening, in the Rose Hotel room, the dim yellow light illuminated two delicate faces.
Dugu Yan sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers unconsciously stroking the embroidered patterns on the bed sheet.
"Lingling," she suddenly spoke, her voice a few decibels lower than usual, "There's something I've wanted to ask you for a long time."
Ye Lingling was sitting in front of her dressing table combing her long hair when she heard this and turned around: "What is it?"
Dugu Yan took a deep breath and looked straight into Ye Lingling's eyes: "Are you ready to completely surrender yourself to Xinghe?"
With a "thud," the wooden comb slipped from Ye Lingling's hand.
Her cheeks flushed instantly, and even the tips of her ears turned red and hot.
"Sister Yanyan!" She hurriedly bent down to pick up the comb, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible, "Why are you suddenly... asking this..."
Dugu Yan got up and walked to Ye Lingling, squatted down and held her slightly trembling hands.
"Look at me, Lingling." She rarely used such a serious tone. "You know how outstanding Xinghe is, right?"
Ye Lingling nodded gently, but her eyes darted away, avoiding Dugu Yan's gaze.
"Before, there was Ning Rongrong from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and today there's that girl on the street named Zhu Zhuqing." Dugu Yan's voice was soft, but every word was clear. "In the future, even more women will be attracted to him. We need to occupy an even more important place in his heart."
Ye Lingling bit her lower lip, her fingers gripping the hem of her clothes tightly: "But... wouldn't this be too..."
"Too proactive?" Dugu Yan picked up on her words, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "How could I not want to wait for him to take the initiative? But that guy has the desire but not the courage. He clearly wants it, but he always has too many concerns."
She lifted Ye Lingling's chin, forcing her to look at her: "I'll go see him tonight, and it'll be your turn tomorrow night. We need to make him understand that we are not only his partners, but also his women."
Ye Lingling's eyelashes trembled slightly, her eyes brimming with tears: "I...I'm a little scared..."
"What are you afraid of?" Dugu Yan's voice suddenly softened. "Afraid he won't accept you? Or afraid you won't do a good job?"
"Yes, we have them all…" Ye Lingling's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
Dugu Yan gently hugged her: "Silly girl, didn't you see the way he looks at you every time? That idiot is already head over heels for you."
Ye Lingling's face turned even redder, and she buried her head in Dugu Yan's shoulder: "Then... Sister Yan, you go first... I... I'll go tomorrow..."
Dugu Yan released his embrace, looking at the extremely shy girl before him. A hint of determination flashed in his eyes, but a gentle smile remained on his lips: "Alright, it's settled then. However..."
She suddenly winked mischievously, "Want me to teach you a few moves?"
"Sister Yan Yan!" Ye Lingling was so embarrassed she almost jumped up, covering her burning cheeks with her hands.
Dugu Yan stood up laughing: "Just kidding! Our Lingling is so cute, she doesn't even need to do anything to make that idiot fall head over heels for her."
She walked to the window, moonlight shining on her profile: "Remember, no matter how many women are around him in the future, we will always be the two most special."
Ye Lingling finally raised her head, the shyness in her eyes gradually replaced by determination: "Yes, I will try my best."
Dugu Yan turned to Ye Lingling with a bright smile, her purple hair tracing an elegant arc as she turned: "This is the Ye Lingling I know."
She winked playfully, "Alright, I'm off to 'hunt,' wish me luck!"
Before Ye Lingling could respond, Dugu Yan had already waved his hand and pushed the door open and left with a flourish.
The sound of the door closing softly was particularly clear in the quiet room, leaving Ye Lingling sitting alone on the edge of the bed, her blush lingering like the sunset.
Meanwhile, in a luxury suite at the other end of the Rose Hotel, Chu Xinghe was sitting alone in an armchair by the window.
Long, slender fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the wooden armrest, producing a rhythmic, soft sound.
His deep gaze fell upon the dazzling lights of Soto outside the window, but his thoughts had already drifted back to the girl in black he had encountered on the shopping street during the day.
"Zhu Zhuqing..." he murmured to himself, "Should I find an opportunity to talk to her?"
Suddenly, the sound of the door being gently pushed open interrupted his thoughts.
Chu Xinghe turned his head and saw Dugu Yan standing at the door, her long purple hair draped over her shoulders, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on her.
"Sister Yanyan?" Chu Xinghe quickly stood up, thinking she was still angry about what happened during the day. "I can explain what happened today..."
Dugu Yan did not answer.
She closed the door behind her, walked quickly to Chu Xinghe, and kissed him directly in his astonished gaze.
The kiss was forceful and undeniably assertive, yet it also carried a hint of trembling nervousness.
Chu Xinghe froze briefly, but quickly recovered, wrapping his arms around Dugu Yan's slender waist and passionately responding to the sudden kiss.
He could feel the girl in his arms' heart pounding, but her movements were unusually firm.
The candlelight cast flickering shadows on the wall, and the two people's clothes were scattered on the floor.
Dugu Yan pushed Chu Xinghe down onto the bed, leaned down and whispered in his ear, her warm breath brushing against his earlobe: "Remember, I will always be the first."
These words were like a spark, igniting all of Chu Xinghe's restraint.
He rolled over and pinned Dugu Yan beneath him, his fingers running through her soft purple hair: "You always have been..."
Moonlight filtered through the gauze curtains, witnessing this tender night.
Dugu Yan's fingernails left faint red marks on Chu Xinghe's back, while Chu Xinghe branded her fair skin with a series of passionate kisses.
Two young bodies intertwined in the candlelight, as if trying to merge into each other's very bones.
As the passion gradually subsided, Dugu Yan leaned against Chu Xinghe's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.
Her fingers traced circles on his firm chest, and she suddenly asked softly, "Do you regret it?"
Chu Xinghe lowered his head and kissed the top of her head: "How could that be?"
His voice was a little hoarse from the passion he had just been in. "I just didn't expect you to be so proactive."
Dugu Yan snorted: "If we wait for you, this blockhead, to finally see the light, it'll probably be until the Soul Master Competition is over."
She raised her head, her emerald eyes looking directly at Chu Xinghe. "Now you should understand my feelings, right?"
Chu Xinghe tightened his arms around her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead: "I've always understood. It's just..."
He paused for a moment, then said, "I'm worried it might affect your cultivation."
"Fool." Dugu Yan poked his chest. "With you by our side, we will only become stronger."
Outside the window, the clock tower of Soto chimed at midnight.
Chu Xinghe gazed at Dugu Yan, who was gradually falling asleep in his arms, and gently stroked her long hair.
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#105
Chapter 105 The Night Belongs to Ye Lingling
The next day, in the preparation area of the Soto Arena.
Qin Mingzhan announced today's starting lineup: "The starting lineup against the Mad Warriors team is: Yu Tianheng, Zhao Tiezhu, Yu Feng, Aosi Luo, Ning Rongrong, Shi Mo, and Shi Mo."
Yun Wuyai suddenly jumped up from his seat: "Why do I have to sit on the sidelines? This is not fair!"
Yu Feng casually picked at his ear and glanced at him sideways: "You know you got a complaint because you poked your opponent too hard last time? He's still lying in the medical room right now."
"That's because they're too weak!" Yun Wuyai retorted, but his voice was noticeably weaker.
In the stands, Chu Xinghe, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling sat side by side. Hearing this conversation, the three exchanged a knowing smile, their eyes revealing a tacit understanding.
Dugu Yan quietly squeezed Chu Xinghe's hand, and the latter returned a gentle look.
On the Soul Battle Stage, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shone brightly, its seven-colored halo enveloping the entire arena.
"The seven treasures are named: first, strength; second, speed!"
With her clear voice, six beams of light landed precisely on her teammates.
Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex roared to the sky, unleashing a torrent of violent lightning that swept across the entire battlefield. The Graphite and Millstone brothers' Xuanwu Turtle martial souls worked in perfect harmony, constructing an unbreakable defensive barrier. Yu Feng and Oslo moved across the battlefield with the agility of two ghostly figures.
"Is this the strength of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy?" A gasp of surprise erupted from the audience.
The members of the Berserker Team were forced into retreat by the Royal Fighting Team's fluid teamwork, and were completely unable to mount an effective counterattack.
Within ten minutes, the outcome was decided. The referee loudly proclaimed, "Royal Fighting Team wins!"
The entire venue erupted in cheers, which were deafening.
Yu Tianheng withdrew his martial spirit, a hint of arrogance on his face. Ning Rongrong wiped the sweat from her brow, a satisfied smile on her face. The Shi brothers, as always, remained composed, silently retreating to the sidelines.
From the stands, Chu Xinghe nodded slightly: "Well played."
Dugu Yan leaned on his shoulder and lazily commented, "Barely passing."
Ye Lingling quietly watched her teammates on the field, her eyes filled with satisfaction.
...
Night fell.
In her room at the Rose Hotel, Dugu Yan was combing her long purple hair in front of the mirror.
Through the mirror, she saw Ye Lingling sitting on the edge of the bed, straightening the already perfectly smooth skirt for the tenth time.
"Aren't you ready yet?" Dugu Yan put down the comb, turned around and asked.
Ye Lingling's fingers twisted together: "I...I still think it's too sudden..."
Dugu Yan knelt down in front of her and held her cold hand: "Didn't we agree on this last night?"
Her emerald eyes stared directly at Ye Lingling. "That guy is definitely waiting in the room."
"But..." Ye Lingling's voice trailed off, "What if he doesn't like it..."
"Silly Lingling." Dugu Yan pinched her cheek. "Have you forgotten how he pestered you for treatment after every training session?"
She got up and took a light purple nightgown from the closet. "Put this on. I picked it out especially for you."
Ye Lingling took the nightgown, her fingers trembling slightly: "Sister Yanyan, I'm scared..."
Dugu Yan suddenly became serious and cupped Ye Lingling's face in her hands: "Look at me. Are you willing to be his woman?"
Ye Lingling's eyelashes trembled slightly, but she finally nodded firmly.
"Then go ahead." Dugu Yan smiled with satisfaction and straightened her collar. "Remember, no matter what happens, I'll be there for you."
Ye Lingling took a deep breath and finally stood up and walked towards the door.
Just as she grasped the doorknob, Dugu Yan suddenly called out to her, "Wait."
She took a small bottle from the bedside table and lightly sprayed it on Ye Lingling's wrist: "This is my special perfume, very light, but long-lasting."
Ye Lingling's face instantly turned bright red: "Sister Yanyan!"
"Go ahead, go ahead," Dugu Yan said with a smile, pushing her out the door. "Good luck."
The door closed behind her, and Ye Lingling stood in the corridor, her heart pounding.
She lowered her head and smelled the faint fragrance on her wrist, finally mustering up her courage to walk towards Chu Xinghe's room.
Standing in front of Chu Xinghe's room, Ye Lingling's fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her skirt.
She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, her chest rising and falling gently with her breath.
"Should I...should I knock?" she murmured to herself, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.
Just as his fingertips were about to touch the door panel, he pulled them back as if he had been electrocuted.
Just then, the door suddenly opened.
Chu Xinghe leaned against the door frame, a gentle smile on his lips: "I saw you walking back and forth in the corridor three times from the window."
Ye Lingling's face instantly flushed crimson, even the tips of her ears turning pink: "I...I just..."
"Come in." Chu Xinghe took her cold little hand in his. "Your hands are so cold, have you been standing outside for a long time?"
Ye Lingling lowered her head and let him lead her into the room. Her fingers trembled slightly in his palm, like a frightened little bird.
Chu Xinghe gently closed the door, turned around and embraced Ye Lingling, his movements gentle and restrained, as if afraid of disturbing her: "Sister Yanyan told me everything."
He noticed the delicate body in his arms suddenly tense up, her fingertips unconsciously gripping his clothes.
He chuckled softly, his palm stroking her back soothingly, his voice extremely gentle: "Don't be nervous, let's just be like usual, okay?"
Ye Lingling buried her face in his chest, her breathing slightly rapid, her voice barely audible: "I...I'm not very good at it..."
"Look at me." Chu Xinghe cupped her face in his hands, gently stroking her flushed cheeks with his thumb, his eyes filled with a tender smile. "Do you remember the first time we met at the academy? You were like this too, with your head down, not daring to look at me."
Ye Lingling's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she finally raised her eyelids, her watery eyes reflecting his features: "Back then... you praised my healing skills as very powerful."
"Yes." He chuckled, his knuckles brushing against her reddened earlobe. "Back then, you were very aloof and completely ignored me."
Ye Lingling pursed her lips, but the corners of her lips couldn't help but curve into a slight smile.
This little joke made her tense shoulders relax slightly, and her fingers unconsciously gripped his sleeve.
She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, raised her hand, and gently touched his cheek with her fingertips: "I... have always admired Sister Yan's courage."
Chu Xinghe took her hand, lowered his head and kissed her palm, his warm breath brushing against her skin: "But you also have a gentleness that she can't match."
He led her slowly to the bedside, deliberately slowing each step to give her enough time to back down. Ye Lingling's face was flushed red, her breathing slightly erratic, but she never pulled her hand away.
"Are you scared?" he asked softly, his hand gently stroking her shoulder.
Ye Lingling bit her lower lip and nodded honestly: "A little."
She paused, then raised her head, her eyes clear and firm, "But..."
Ye Lingling took a deep breath, her voice soft yet clear: "I want to be yours."
This sentence was like flipping a switch.
Chu Xinghe could no longer restrain himself and lowered his head to kiss her soft lips.
Ye Lingling was initially at a loss, but gradually relaxed her tense shoulders under his gentle guidance.
As her clothes fell slightly, she unconsciously put her hands in front of her.
Chu Xinghe gently grasped her wrist, his gaze as soft as moonlight: "Very beautiful."
The gauze curtains swayed gently, and Ye Lingling suddenly frowned, her fingertips unconsciously tightening around the brocade quilt.
Chu Xinghe stopped immediately and placed a light kiss on her eyelashes: "No rush, let's take it slow."
As the candlelight flickered, the initial awkwardness gradually transformed into tacit understanding.
When the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped, Ye Lingling buried her face in his neck, her ear tips still flushed with a faint blush.
Chu Xinghe stroked her cascading black hair: "Are you alright?"
She nodded gently in his arms, a shy yet happy smile on her lips: "Mmm...very good."
Chu Xinghe hugged her tighter and kissed her forehead: "You and Sister Yanyan are my most precious treasures."
Ye Lingling snuggled closer to him, like a contented cat: "I...I will try my best to do better..."
"Silly girl," Chu Xinghe chuckled, "Just be yourself."
The moonlight outside the window fell silently, casting a soft silver glow on the two people embracing each other.
This night is destined to become a precious memory for them.
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