Word Count: 3,029 Words
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Shrek Academy, Sea God Island.
Bright sunlight filtered through gaps in the foliage as Ling Bai slowly emerged from Ma Xiaotao's room, one hand unconsciously pressed against his lower back after a night of hard labor.
Eight rounds in one night would leave even an iron man with an aching waist!
He glanced at the gaping hole burned through the roof by phoenix flames, and his mind inevitably drifted back to last night's open-air battle beneath the night sky.
True warriors never complained about their environment. The missing roof had done nothing to dampen their enthusiasm. Ma Xiaotao's residence was secluded to begin with; the only nearby building was the wooden cabin Ling Bai had once lived in himself, now empty of Inner Courtyard students.
Without using spirit power, relying purely on natural vocalization, Ma Xiaotao could have screamed herself hoarse and no one would have come.
By the time they were done, she felt as if her body might fall apart, and her throat was completely raw. But a promise was a promise, and not a single round could be skipped.
Clang, clang, clang…
The noise overhead made a pair of golden-red phoenix eyes crack open to a narrow slit. Ma Xiaotao groggily watched Ling Bai up on the roof repairing the damage, and realizing he wasn't planning to continue her torment, she relaxed and sank back into deep slumber.
This guy had always been difficult to handle, but now his physique had grown several times stronger along with his cultivation. Last night, she had truly felt she might die, tossed about like a small boat in a raging tide.
She couldn't help but grumble inwardly. If even an Ultimate Fire Spirit Douluo is left in such a state, how is little support-type Ning Tian supposed to survive?
Once he finished the repairs, Ling Bai wandered alone along the shore of Sea God Lake, quietly contemplating the current situation.
The Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament was still roughly two months away, and Shrek had already recruited nearly everyone there was to recruit. After all, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan possessed the only Limit Douluo among the original three empires; their draw for Spirit Masters was immense.
The Inner Courtyard students were steadily completing their graduation assessments. Once the last one returned, they could set off together.
"Well now, who might this be, walking all alone? Not feeling lonely?"
The wind whispered through the leaves and light ripples stirred the lake as a woman approached from the distance. Ink-black hair drifted about her shoulders in the breeze, her face wreathed in a warm, graceful smile.
She had a high, delicate nose and willow-leaf brows; her face was fair and exquisitely carved. Most captivating were her jet-black eyes, like cold stars flecked with emerald. They shimmered like autumn water, their shifting brilliance sending a faint tug through the heart with every glance.
"Then might I have the honor of inviting Elder Sister to admire the lake scenery with me?"
Ling Bai extended his hand toward Han Ruoruo.
"I'm afraid not."
The corners of Han Ruoruo's rosy lips lifted into a teasing smile. "Last night's phoenix cry was magnificently domineering. The entire Sea God Island felt the blazing pressure of the king of birds.
You rushed straight to her door the moment you returned. Why not continue seeking her company? After all, the two of you are the perfect match. What am I, your Elder Sister, compared to that?"
Ling Bai chuckled. "Why do I detect the faint scent of jealousy?"
"That's right, I'm jealous."
Han Ruoruo admitted it openly. Her dark eyes remained clear and bright, and the light flowing within them seemed to declare a single thought:
Who says an Elder Sister can't be jealous!
"Is that so…"
Ling Bai watched her with amusement, seeing the fair lobes of her ears slowly flush red against her raven hair.
"Jealousy should be neutralized with sweetness. And as it happens, I just had something sweet."
Han Ruoruo blinked, not quite catching his meaning, until a hand slipped behind her head. Her long lashes trembled once in a sudden flutter.
A tingling sensation rose from her lips, sparking a feeling she had never experienced before. Her mind grew hazy, thoughts sinking as the clarity in her eyes turned soft and unfocused.
The surroundings fell eerily quiet, so quiet that even the flutter of a bird's wings could be heard with crystalline clarity. Tender green leaves swayed gently overhead while flowers bloomed in vibrant profusion, as if silently sharing tales of sweetness.
After a long, lingering moment, their lips parted.
Brilliant gold met lacquer black as their gazes locked, breaths mingling, though hers came a little heavier. In matters of romance, Ling Bai was undoubtedly her senior, a master at igniting and stoking desire. That first-kiss experience left her both overwhelmed and faintly unsatisfied.
"This Elder Sister… has fallen completely into your hands."
Warm breath misted lightly across her brows as the tip of Han Ruoruo's nose flushed red. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, radiating a gentle warmth.
"Elder Sister shouldn't even think about running."
Ling Bai's tone was half-serious, half-playful. "Are you truly not returning to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan with me this time?"
"I'm not."
Han Ruoruo stepped forward of her own accord and brushed a soft kiss across his lips, her fragrant breath caressing his face. "Junior Sister Ning Tian has already tacitly accepted the existence of other women. We can't make things too difficult for her. It's better that we remain apart and keep the peace for everyone."
Ling Bai nodded slightly. Her reasoning was sound. Then she tapped him lightly on the head, her jade-like hand landing neither too hard nor too soft, her expression a blend of affection and mild reprimand. "Besides, you've gone too far this time!
Snatching away so many Inner and Outer Courtyard students has practically hollowed out Shrek's younger generation.
Dean Yan intends to have Elder Xuan establish Xiaotao as the Sea God Pavilion Master's successor two generations ahead. By doing this, aren't you essentially stealing away her entire future cohort?
Xiaotao may be fiery and impatient, but she's meticulous beneath the surface. She's a smart girl. She might not show it on her face, but she's definitely feeling lost inside. If I stay at Shrek, I can comfort her and prevent any rift from forming between you two that could be seized upon by people with ulterior motives."
The damp sea breeze brushed Ling Bai's cheek, and a warm feeling spread quietly through his chest. Of course he could see Ma Xiaotao's hidden grievance. That was precisely why he had given her the complete 100,000-year Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. Otherwise, just the Phoenix Flame Marrow, equivalent to Blazing Rubber, would have been enough.
He simply hadn't expected Han Ruoruo to willingly stay behind to comfort Ma Xiaotao. In matters of love, they were rivals. Wasn't that just as much of a sacrifice for Han Ruoruo?
"Elder Sister…"
He had only just begun when a slender finger pressed against his lips. Those deep black eyes curved into an enchanting crescent:
"You and I have no need for words like 'thank you.' Since I've chosen you, my whole heart naturally considers what's best for you."
In her eyes, Ling Bai saw his own reflection.
He suddenly realized that Han Ruoruo possessed a rare ability: she could smooth out all the sharp, raw edges of emotion in the world, turning them warm and gentle.
His fingers brushed across his Storage Spirit Guidance Device, and a sturdy stalk of black bamboo appeared before her. Its stem shone like black jade, as if carefully carved by the years. Each leaf was a vivid, dripping green, like a meticulously cut piece of emerald. Sunlight dappled its surface, cloaking it in a veil of mysterious light and shadow.
"My recent absence was spent searching for immortal herbs suited to all of you."
Ling Bai looked out toward the great statues of the original Shrek Seven Monsters in the Outer Courtyard. "Treasures like these should only exist in the heavens; how many times can mortals hope to encounter them? The original Shrek Seven Monsters ultimately ascended to the Divine Realm in no small part thanks to immortal herbs.
This is Black Jade Divine Bamboo, a 100,000-year immortal herb perfectly matched to your Dazzling Golden Rope. Absorbing it will greatly strengthen the rope, adding unyielding hardness to its inherent flexibility."
"Black Jade Divine Bamboo…"
The bamboo stood straight and uncompromising, much like Han Ruoruo herself—soft on the outside, steel within. She took one look and immediately liked it, happily accepting the gift as joy flooded her chest.
Now she understood why Ma Xiaotao's Martial Spirit had evolved again last night. She must have fused with an immortal herb Ling Bai had given her.
Black Jade Divine Bamboo was only the beginning. Another flash of light, and a dark green spirit bone appeared before her eyes.
It was a skull, its surface etched with web-like dark green patterns that pulsed with powerful spiritual fluctuations.
A 100,000-year Soul Devouring Spider Emperor Skull Spirit Bone!
Ling Bai's Storage Spirit Guidance Device currently held three 100,000-year skull bones: the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor's from the Star Dou Forest, the Cyclops's from the Holy Spirit Cult's treasury, and the darkness-attribute skull dropped by Feng Ling.
Among the three, the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor's was undoubtedly the finest. He had already given Han Ruoruo a Golden Thread Heavenly Snake left arm bone, but this 100,000-year skull was a true imperial treasure.
Han Ruoruo involuntarily took half a step back when she sensed the terrifying residual aura clinging to the skull. At the same time, she was deeply shaken by Ling Bai's extravagance. A 100,000-year immortal herb and a 100,000-year spirit bone… either one alone was something most people could only dream of. Yet he had casually handed them both to her.
"Elder Sister, since I've chosen you, I'll naturally help you climb step by step to the summit. No thanks allowed, and no refusal permitted."
"So domineering."
Han Ruoruo chided softly as the spirit bone was pressed into her arms. Though she scolded his high-handedness, her heart overflowed with warmth.
Relationships required nurturing, and sweet words and gifts were part of that process. The value and suitability of a gift often represented the care invested, and Ling Bai's two gifts clearly expressed how important she was to him.
Han Ruoruo felt a wave of emotion. With world-shaking talent and impossibly superior conditions, Ling Bai held every advantage on a continent where strength reigned supreme. If he so much as crooked a finger, countless women would rush forward to confess their love.
What was truly frightening was how skillful his methods were. As long as he was willing to put in the effort, Han Ruoruo believed no woman could withstand that kind of sustained pursuit.
She herself was a living example. Once you had seen the great ocean, a small stream could no longer satisfy. Compared to him, the rest of the world's men all seemed inferior by more than just a notch. She would rather be one among many than choose someone clearly worse.
"No wonder the others like you so much," Han Ruoruo sighed.
"Does Elder Sister like me too?"
"I do."
"Since when?"
Han Ruoruo's smile bloomed like a flower, but she didn't answer. Perhaps it had been the stunning first impression, or the afternoon sunlight spilling into the library, or that silhouette that had stood unyieldingly before her in the Star Dou Forest…
There were too many reasons to fall for someone, like scattered pieces of candy dissolving one by one into water. Then one day you lift the cup, take an absentminded sip, and realize that your mouth is full of sweetness.
Only when she looked at him again did she suddenly understand: So, it turns out I like him.
Ling Bai watched her smile and couldn't help smiling along with her.
His affection for her hadn't appeared out of nowhere. With each conversation, each interaction, he had come to deeply appreciate the mature, gentle charm she carried. Being with her felt like soaking in warm water; he found himself wanting to tell her more and more, about anything and everything, whether joy or sorrow.
Graceful poise, tender heart.
A gentle haven becomes a hero's grave. The ancients had not lied.
…
Over the following days, Ling Bai spent most of his time with Han Ruoruo and Ma Xiaotao. He knew that the next time they met might be long delayed. Only when Ling Luochen, Chen Zifeng, and the other Inner Courtyard students completed their graduation assessments did his days in Shrek City officially come to an end.
Return to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!
As they left Shrek City, everyone's reactions differed. Ling Qiuxi, for instance, had not a shred of attachment to the academy and couldn't wait to be away from it.
Ling Bai, Ning Tian, and Wu Feng took things in stride. They had never truly belonged to Shrek Academy; returning to their clan was always in their future. The Inner Courtyard students who had studied there for more than a decade, however, inevitably felt reluctant to part ways. That was only human nature, and Ling Bai understood.
The journey passed peacefully, their great entourage sweeping grandly toward Nine Treasure City.
…
At the center of Nine Treasure City, within the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Ning Fengyu was huffing and puffing as she scrubbed the floor. Once she was satisfied that every inch sparkled, she rose to her feet, her big, bright eyes blinking rapidly. She tiptoed over to Ning Fengya's desk with a fawning smile plastered across her face:
"Sister, it's all clean."
Ning Fengya lifted her gaze, gave the floor a cursory glance, and replied in an indifferent tone, "Barely passable. Go trim the back garden. Also, the spirit water-changing device for the Spirit Tide Sea Turtle pond is broken. You fix it.
And bring me a cup of tea in an hour. Flame Spirit Warm Emerald, eight-tenths hot."
Crack, crack…
Ning Fengyu's fists clenched so tightly her knuckles popped. During her days here at the clan, she had become Ning Fengya's personal maid, faced with endless chores every single day. She wasn't allowed to use her Martial Spirit or spirit power. She was about ready to explode!
"Ning Fengya, that's enough! I'm not who I used to be!
I am the dignified Azure Emperor Douluo, not your slave! Even a clay figurine has three parts temper! I pro—"
Her tirade cut short the instant her gaze met Ning Fengya's expressionless face. The instinctive fear etched into her bloodline shrieked a warning, and she abruptly changed direction mid-sentence:
"—bably should mention that your lips look a little dry lately! Flame Spirit Warm Emerald is too heating. You should drink Starry Clear Chrysanthemum instead. Much better for clearing internal fire!"
Ning Fengya paused. "Is that so? How thoughtful of you."
"Hehehe, good Sister, my dear, impossibly beautiful Sister, I always listen to you! Why don't you let me go back to Mingdu? Linglong Pavilion really can't do without me!"
Ning Fengyu's flattery was shamelessly over the top, but the only response she got was an icy rebuff.
"Stay put. You're not going anywhere."
"Wuwuwu…"
Ning Fengyu wanted to cry but had no tears. She was used to throwing her weight around in Mingdu; in this oppressive home, she could hardly breathe!
"Aunt Ya, we're back!"
"Xiao Bai!"
The sight of the figure in the doorway transformed Ning Fengyu's expression into that of someone seeing their savior.
"What are you yelling for? Get back to work."
"Oh…"
Ning Fengyu's face fell as she trudged miserably off toward the back garden.
"Fengyu has been spoiled since childhood. Without me watching her, she became even more lawless and lost any trace of the graceful bearing a noble lady ought to have. I have to straighten her out."
Ning Fengya rubbed her aching neck and then looked at Ling Bai. "So you've finally deigned to come home?"
"Aunt Ya, I didn't come back alone."
Ling Bai smiled. "Outstanding students from Shrek Academy came with me. They're all classmates and friends of mine, Xiao Tian's, and Xiao Feng's. They're already in the clan's meeting hall."
"Perfect timing. A few of your friends arrived a few days ago as well."
A faint smile touched Ning Fengya's lips. "Xie Qin, bring those children to the meeting hall."
"On it!"
Shadow Dragon Douluo Xie Qin's voice echoed from within her shadow.
…
In the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's meeting hall, the Shrek contingent had already gathered. Servants carried in the latest teas and fruits, arranging them before the assembled geniuses.
When Ling Bai and Ning Fengya entered, Na Na, who by now had completely adopted the role of their maid, hurried forward to serve them tea.
"Idol, I missed you so much!"
A heartbeat later, an exuberant voice burst into the hall as Shadow Dragon Douluo led three more people inside.
Ji Juechen, Jing Ziyan, and…
Yu Mengdi!
The moment she caught sight of Ling Bai, Yu Mengdi nearly rushed straight in for a long-awaited reunion hug. Then something seemed to occur to her. She suddenly let out a shout, stomped her feet in righteous indignation, and marched furiously toward someone else instead.
"What do you think you're doing?!
Yes, you!"
Na Na blinked in confusion, staring at the woman who had suddenly appeared inches from her. She pointed at the teapot in her own hands and answered blankly, "Serving tea to Master?"
"Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!"
Yu Mengdi ground her teeth, looking as though she had suffered some enormous injustice.
"Is this work you should be doing?!"
She snatched the teapot from Na Na's hands, cheeks puffed up in indignation:
"Our Angel Legion has been serving the Seraphim for ten thousand years!
You go sit down. I'll pour the tea!"
Na Na stared at her now-empty hands, the corner of her mouth twitching uncontrollably.
Seriously, sister? Even being a maid is a competitive position these days?!