Word Count: 2,871 Words
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Morning sunlight filtered through the window, spilling over the two figures in a soft golden glow.
Ning Tian propped herself up, her delicate body as flawless and translucent as mutton-fat jade. She gazed at the handsome face beside her; memories of the previous night's bliss flooded back, and she couldn't resist leaning down to plant gentle, raindrop-like kisses across his features.
Feeling those feather-light pecks, Ling Bai slowly opened his eyes and pulled the girl's slender waist into his embrace. Her narrow frame fit perfectly within his grasp, and their lips met. What began as tender morning affection gradually deepened into something more passionate. Her soft sighs filled the room as his hands traced familiar paths along her curves, and she responded with equal fervor. Their bodies naturally fell into that familiar rhythm once more.
An hour later, Ning Tian was utterly spent, unable to move even a finger. Ling Bai took pity on her state and finally called a ceasefire.
"So tired..."
Ning Tian murmured, pouting in a rare complaint. She truly was worn out. Support-type Spirit Masters were naturally delicate, lacking the physical robustness of their assault-type counterparts. Moreover, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a gem-type tool Martial Spirit that offered virtually no physical enhancement.
If Ling Bai hadn't been gentle with her, she might have shattered by now.
He chuckled and pinched her delicate nose. "Rest for today. What would you like for breakfast? I'll go buy it."
"Let's have Xiao Feng join us for dinner tonight. I'll probably be asleep until then," Ning Tian said languidly.
Ling Bai smiled and nodded. He rolled over, reached for his Storage Spirit Guidance Device, and a silver-white carving knife appeared in his hand.
A cool, piercing aura immediately filled the room. Ning Tian's gaze was drawn to the blade, and she found herself unable to look away.
"A carving knife... with such a powerful aura. It must be from the Carving Knife Leaderboard.
Completely silver-white, so light and pure... Can this be Heaven's Moon, the second-ranked blade on the Leaderboard?"
"Heaven's Moon for a heavenly woman. It belongs to you."
Ling Bai's voice was warm as he guided Ning Tian's fair hand to hold the blade.
Heaven's Moon was cool and smooth to the touch, like holding a piece of jade that had frozen into ice. Ning Tian adored it, unable to let it go. She suddenly recalled the legends surrounding Heaven's Moon—a blade named and bestowed in the name of deep, unwavering love.
"Thank you, Bai-ge!"
If her stamina bar hadn't been completely depleted, she would have dragged Ling Bai off for a second round right then and there.
Zhongli Wu was a pure Spirit Master and didn't understand carving knives, but in the heart of a Spirit Guidance Master, a top-tier carving knife was even more important than a 100,000-year spirit bone. It could add special effects to every future creation, and the higher the grade of the knife, the more formidable those effects would be.
Heaven's Moon's rank as second on the Carving Knife Leaderboard spoke volumes of its power. Ling Bai's gift fit Ning Tian's heart perfectly; girls were made of sugar, and romance only made them sweeter.
Ning Tian admired the exquisite craftsmanship of Heaven's Moon, her sapphire-blue eyes sparkling like stars. "Heaven's Moon is a treasure of the Sun Moon Imperial Family. Bai-ge, you're incredible! How did you ever get your hands on this?"
No man could resist such praise, and Ling Bai was no exception. A smile tugged at his lips.
"Let's just say I used a few tricks. It's best not to let anyone see this, especially anyone from the Sun Moon Empire."
"Mm!"
Ning Tian always crafted her Spirit Guidance Devices in an independent space. With Ling Bai's reminder, she would certainly never risk exposing Heaven's Moon.
After some playful banter, Ning Tian finally dozed off, hugging the precious knife tightly.
By noon, Ling Bai pushed open the wooden door, stretched with a great yawn, and lifted his face to bask in the sun's warmth. The spirit power in his body suddenly surged.
Spirit power breakthrough, Rank 80.
He barely had time to savor the feeling before a fiery red blur shot out, grabbing him and dragging him toward the small grove beside the cabin.
Wu Feng's eyes were bloodshot. She seized Ling Bai's collar and shook him furiously:
"You bastard! Ning Tian was already hoarse, and you still wouldn't let her go!"
She had eavesdropped all night and morning, not missing a single word.
"She seemed to enjoy every moment of it. Didn't you hear?"
Ling Bai brushed her hands off and smoothed his wrinkled clothes.
"Hmph! You don't know how to treat a fair lady at all! How could a support-type like Ning Tian endure that kind of devastation from you!"
Wu Feng fumed, her face full of indignation on Ning Tian's behalf.
"Alright, alright, I'll be more careful next time."
Ling Bai replied, half-serious. "Anyway, after a whole night of, uh, effort, it's the perfect time for you to head to Shrek City and buy us dinner."
"I'm going to stab you to death!!!"
Wu Feng exploded instantly. He was really treating her like a maid! She immediately transformed into a rabid mastiff, lunging at him with snapping jaws.
"You're insulting me! I demand compensation!"
She growled, clamping down on Ling Bai's finger. Her tone was unyielding, making it clear she wouldn't let go until he gave her what she wanted.
"I give up."
Ling Bai sighed helplessly. "Drop the terrible acting. If you want something, just say it."
Wu Feng immediately released his finger with a giggle, her true intentions laid bare:
"I want to taste Ning Tian's flavor..."
"...You really have no shame, do you?"
Ling Bai was dumbfounded. He knew Wu Feng had been waiting outside but hadn't paid it any mind. After all, she was his woman. He just hadn't realized her obsession with Ning Tian ran this deep.
"You two were in there doing this and that while I went crazy outside!"
Wu Feng's words were firm. The man she liked and the woman she liked were deeply in love, and her heart had filled with a kind of morbid satisfaction. Countless times she had wanted to kick down the door, wrap an arm around each of them, and hiss~ in delight.
"And I saw everything! You didn't even shower this morning!"
Wu Feng began circling Ling Bai like a hunting hound, her nose twitching as she sniffed at him from various angles. The intimate scents of both him and Ning Tian mingled together, creating an intoxicating blend that made her eyes grow increasingly hazy.
She dropped to her knees, lifting her enchanting face upward. As she leaned closer with obvious intent, Ling Bai's hand suddenly tangled in her hair, holding her back.
"Don't be like that. It's kind of scary."
Wu Feng pouted but obediently stood, still savoring the lingering fragrance.
Ling Bai's expression twisted in a complicated grimace. He used to handle Wu Feng easily. Now that her true nature had been laid bare, he suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. His women didn't seem very safe.
"So you get to enjoy the bliss of multiple partners, but I'm not allowed to have one of you in each arm?"
Wu Feng rolled her eyes at him. Though she had only gotten a hint of what she wanted, she was already deeply satisfied. Eventually, she would achieve the SSS-rank accomplishment: Bai on the left, Tian on the right!
The fake winner: Ling Bai.
The real winner: Wu Feng!
After composing herself, Wu Feng reported as if claiming credit:
"The night before the Sea God Festival, I met a girl!"
"And?"
"She looks almost exactly like you!"
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Ling Bai froze for a heartbeat, then waved dismissively. He had inherited the Angel and Rakshasa divine bloodlines; in a sense, he was the child jointly nurtured by Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. He was a unique existence on the entire Douluo Continent.
It was ridiculous. How could anyone look like him?
'Wait, that's not right...' An icy prickle ran down his spine.
This time, this place!
There actually could be one!
Damn it, she turned into me!
"Believe me, she really looks like you," Wu Feng said with utter conviction. "We bumped into each other on the street and her veil fell off. I ended up with it!"
She pulled out a veil and pointed to the two small golden words embroidered on it. "Her name is Ling Qiuxi. You two have similar faces and the same surname. I refuse to believe there isn't a blood relation!
Weren't you found by the Clan Head and Uncle Xie in Jialing City? Maybe Ling Qiuxi is your sister or something.
I bet one of your parents is a descendant of the angels. Your name spread after the last tournament. When Ling Qiuxi heard about a Seraphim appearing, with a matching surname and age, she must have traveled thousands of miles to Shrek City to find her family!"
Ling Bai's vision went dark. Good grief, the plot is writing itself!
Wu Feng saw his expression twist as if he had just swallowed a fly and assumed he was an abandoned child who hated his blood relatives by association. She cupped his face between her hands and comforted him earnestly:
"It's okay. I'll go with you to meet Ling Qiuxi and ask her face-to-face why your parents abandoned you!
If they were being chased by enemies and were forced to leave you behind, that's somewhat understandable. You can decide whether to accept her based on the situation.
But if they gave birth to you and didn't raise you, and now they have the gall to ask you to acknowledge your ancestry, I'll beat that Ling Qiuxi up for you first to vent your anger!"
Wu Feng threw a few sharp punches in the air with little 'he-ha' sounds as she shadowboxed. Ling Bai put a hand to his forehead.
Bibi Dong had certified him as a common foundling. The bond of being raised was far greater than that of birth, which perfectly severed any ties to his parents in this life. He had been raised in the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan by Ning Fengya and Ning Fengyu, and the love he had received was second to none.
Ling Bai already had a very good idea of Ling Qiuxi's identity. He played along with Wu Feng's theory:
"She knows I'm at Shrek Academy. To get close to me, she'll probably participate in the Inner Courtyard examination. Let's go take a look."
The entrance examination for the Inner Courtyard was held in the Outer Courtyard. Only those who passed could enter.
Ling Bai and Wu Feng crossed Sea God Lake and arrived at the Outer Courtyard. Verdant trees cast lush shadows, and gentle beams of light filtered through to illuminate their faces.
Their red uniforms, the symbol of Inner Courtyard students, attracted many gazes. The Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival had just concluded, and the tale of the 'six-way competition' was still hot gossip. The students instantly recognized them, and gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd.
"It's the Seraphim senior from the Sea God Festival!"
"He looks even better up close!"
"Hey, the person next to him isn't Senior Sister Ning Tian, the one he chose for a hundred years of harmony!"
"My God, no wonder he's called Shrek's number one scumbag..."
"So handsome! I wonder when he'll play with my feelings..."
"Dream on, you little minx. How can you compare to any of those six senior sisters?"
"I know more positions!"
"What nonsense are you all spouting!"
A middle-aged female teacher snapped, her face dark. Morals were truly declining. These twelve- and thirteen-year-old girls were supposed to be focused on cultivation, not fantasizing about climbing into the beds of Inner Courtyard seniors!
Gazing at Ling Bai and Wu Feng strolling brazenly, a cross-shaped vein throbbed on the female teacher's temple. This blatant violation of Shrek's monogamy principle infuriated her.
However, Outer Courtyard teachers had no authority over Inner Courtyard students. She had watched the festival the previous night and had seen those seven dazzling spirit rings, including two 100,000-year rings. She knew all too well that if she angered Ling Bai, one slap from him could send her into the wall so hard she couldn't be pried out.
She decisively shifted her target to drilling the Outer Courtyard students instead:
"Everyone, run a hundred laps around the field!"
"Running laps again? We run laps every day..."
"Less complaining! It's academy tradition!"
On their way, Ling Bai and Wu Feng learned from an administrative teacher that the Inner Courtyard examination had just ended. All the successful candidates were heading to the Martial Spirit Department Dean's office, where Yan Shaozhe himself would present them with their new uniforms and badges.
The door to the dean's office was ajar, and Ling Bai could faintly hear Yan Shaozhe's voice coming from inside.
"Ling Qiuxi, where are you from? Do you have any brothers or sisters at home?
Ah, no, I'm not prying into your family registry...
Everyone else left already. Since you're an external student, I just have a few extra questions. Do you have any powerful backers? A teacher?
None at all, really? Then Ling... never mind, let's continue!
Have you heard of the Taotie Douluo, Elder Xuan? A Rank 97 Titled Douluo, the Master of Shrek's Sea God Pavilion!
He's getting on in years but still has no direct disciple to inherit his skills. Isn't that a terrible pity!
What? 'Serves him right?' Little miss, don't be so sharp-tongued. There's only one reason Elder Xuan hasn't found a disciple: his standards are too high!
Your talent is not bad, and Shrek Academy needs someone just like you. I'll give you an opportunity: take Elder Xuan as your Teacher!
Huh? 'He's not worthy?'
How could the Taotie Douluo, the Sea God Pavilion Master, not be worthy?!"
Outside the door, Wu Feng couldn't hold it in anymore. She covered her mouth, cackling with laughter. She had only met Ling Qiuxi once, but that venomous tongue was definitely to her liking.
The corners of Ling Bai's mouth also curved upward. After a great effort to suppress his own laughter, he reached out and knocked on the door.
"Enter!"
Yan Shaozhe barked.
The two pushed the door open. Upon seeing Ling Bai, Yan Shaozhe's face went pale, then sank into utter despair.
It's over. My 'act first, report later' plan to snatch Ling Qiuxi has failed spectacularly...
At the same time, Ling Bai saw Ling Qiuxi. Her simple white dress was pure and elegant, yet it exuded a nobility that stood proud against the heavens. This was not the transient nobility of the mortal world, but rather an aura blessed by destiny itself. It was ancient and timeless.
Their auras were worlds apart, but their features were astonishingly similar—ninety percent the same, nearly a mirror image.
In Ling Bai's eyes, however, Ling Qiuxi actually resembled Qian Renxue more; after all, they were both women, and the flow of their expressions would always differ from his.
Wu Feng was also sizing them up. She hadn't seen Qian Renxue at the tournament finals, so she could only compare the two before her. The biggest difference she could see was that Ling Bai's chest was as flat as a runway, while Ling Qiuxi's profile was a mountain range with prominent peaks.
Even compared to herself, Ling Qiuxi's talent was in no way inferior; it was frighteningly strong.
Ling Qiuxi looked at Ling Bai, an almost imperceptible flicker of strange emotion in her eyes, and said coldly:
"Dean Yan, I will not be taking a Teacher."
Then her slender fingers brushed a strand of golden hair from her forehead. She walked toward Ling Bai until they stood face to face. Their eyes met, and her voice echoed slowly through the office:
"Who are you? And why do you look like me?"
Her voice was as pleasant as expected, imbued with a cool clarity that was hard to resist. The three people present, however, had vastly different reactions.
Wu Feng was disappointed. This wasn't the tearful family reunion she had imagined!
Yan Shaozhe was ecstatic. Perhaps Shrek still had a chance with her!
Ling Bai was stunned. The audacity of accusing him first...
"Good question. Although we haven't met before, we might be older brother and little sister."
Ling Bai said, deciding he still needed to maintain a cover. He established the premise of a sibling relationship, believing that the tacit understanding between them was strong enough for her to catch his meaning.
Before Ling Qiuxi could speak, Yan Shaozhe glanced down at the student's information file and interjected, "Xiao Ling, 'older brother and little sister' doesn't seem right. Her bone age is nineteen. She's two years older than you."
Ling Bai froze.
Oh, great. Now I've become the little brother!