"That's how it should be!"
Hearing the hidden implication in Emperor Xue Ye's words, Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment and then nodded.
While the effect of the Seven-in-One Soul Skill Fusion Technique wasn't bad, the overall cultivation talent of the seven members of the Canghui Team wasn't impressive. Even with heavy investment, their future achievements would be quite limited.
Even if they had a soul skill fusion technique, due to their weak foundations, at best they might pose a threat to a weaker Titled Douluo. More likely, they could only handle an Eight-Ring Soul Douluo.
Such a level of strength wasn't something the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect desperately needed. Doing Emperor Xue Ye a favor was acceptable.
Seeing that Emperor Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi had ignored him and were speaking as if the seven from Canghui Academy had already joined the Heaven Dou Empire, Salas's expression darkened.
"Lord Salas, do you have a different opinion on this matter?"
Noticing Salas's increasingly sour face, Ning Fengzhi smiled and asked.
The moment Ning Fengzhi finished speaking, Chen Xin (Sword Douluo)'s unfriendly gaze fell on Salas.
Salas: "…"
"Hehe~ Sect Master Ning jests."
Salas quickly changed his expression and forced an awkward smile.
"Good then."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in satisfaction.
Why does Sect Master Ning always bring Sword Douluo with him?
Firstly, for personal safety. Secondly, to intimidate those with opposing stances.
On the stage.
After the result of the match was announced, Chu Chengzhou had Xiao Qing release the seven members of the Canghui Team. He even considerately had her provide healing treatment.
Unlike in the original story where the fusion technique backfires mentally and leaves them brain-dead, here the Canghui Team's fusion technique was interrupted before it could be completed. It only caused normal martial spirit backlash.
If it weren't for the soul-level damage from the backlash, Xiao Qing's healing soul skill alone could've fully cured them.
One could say that in this match, Chu Chengzhou perfectly embodied the spirit of "friendship first, competition second."
Canghui Team: "You f***ing yanked us down so hard it hurts, then hung us on a tree in front of everyone—and you call this 'friendship first'?!"
"Scumbag! It was finally my turn to go on stage—why'd you end the match so fast?"
Off the stage, Ning Rongrong pouted in annoyance.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing and the other four gave Chu Chengzhou resentful looks as well.
Rolling his eyes, Chu Chengzhou said:"Didn't you see the aura earlier? The Canghui Team was clearly holding back a big move. Either a martial spirit fusion skill or a soul skill fusion technique.
And gem-type spirits are mostly auxiliary or control-based. What they were preparing clearly wasn't supportive. It was most likely a mental-type fusion skill.You all know I have strong spiritual power—I don't want to be responsible for any deaths on the field."
"Ohhh, I see!"
Ning Rongrong nodded in realization.
"See your head. And how many times do I have to tell you—stop calling me 'scumbag'!"
Chu Chengzhou pinched her cheek.
"Then what should I call you if not that?"
Ning Rongrong slapped his hand away in annoyance.
"How about 'Brother Chengzhou'?"
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou suggested.
"Bleh~ Scumbag. In your dreams!"
Sticking her tongue out, Ning Rongrong grabbed her bestie Zhu Zhuqing's arm.
"Let go of Zhuqing!"
Chu Chengzhou quickly rushed over—but instead of separating them, he added his own arm on top of theirs.
Zhu Zhuqing: "…"
Later that afternoon.
While training with the three girls in the mimicry training field, a student came over and said that an envoy from the Star Luo Empire had arrived. Dean Liu Erlong wanted Chu Chengzhou, as the victim, and Zhu Zhuqing to go to the academy's reception room.
Hearing she had to go too, Zhu Zhuqing's face turned pale.
The Star Luo envoy had already arrived, meaning the Empire had acknowledged the recent assassination incident.
Knowing how domineering the Star Luo Empire usually is, this uncharacteristic admission of fault made Zhu Zhuqing instantly realize they must've been cornered—most likely due to Dai Mubai's presence in the Heaven Dou Empire.
Being forced to admit fault once was one thing. They would never allow it to happen again.
Which meant the royal family would surely take Dai Mubai back. And now that they wanted her to come as well… could it be they intended to take her back too?
"Zhuqing, don't worry. We're good friends—I won't just stand by and watch you get dragged back into that hellhole!"
Seeing the pale-faced cat girl, Chu Chengzhou quickly stepped up and held her hand in comfort.
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head, slightly embarrassed, wanting to pull her hand away. But the guy's hand was like a steel clamp—there was no chance.
Unable to break free, she glanced nervously at her friend Xiao Wu. Her face visibly turned red.
"Brother! Where do you think you're putting your hand?!"
Furious, Xiao Wu immediately yanked Chu Chengzhou away.
Seriously?! Xiao Wu was standing right there, and he was already holding hands like that? If she hadn't been around, would they be kissing by now?
"Xiao Wu, Zhuqing is our good friend. Dai Mubai's such a jerk—we have to help her, right?"
Chu Chengzhou said with a serious face.
"We do have to help Zhuqing, but you can't take advantage of her while doing it!"
Xiao Wu originally wanted to say "not with this shady 'replace Dai Mubai' method," but softened her wording.
"Ahem… I was just overly concerned. Not on purpose."
Chu Chengzhou said awkwardly.
"So if it's not on purpose, you meant to do it?"
Ning Rongrong chimed in with a disdainful expression.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
"Alright, Dean Erlong is waiting for us. I'll go with Zhuqing now!"
Dodging the awkwardness, Chu Chengzhou quickly pulled Zhu Zhuqing along and left.
They didn't stop until they reached the academy's reception room.
"Senior Chu, can you let go now?"
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head, speaking shyly.
"Huh? I'm still holding on? Whoops—my bad, my bad~ Let's head in!"
Feigning ignorance, Chu Chengzhou finally released her soft, delicate hand.
Opening the door, Chu Chengzhou found the room quite full.
Aside from Liu Erlong, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Dai Mubai, there was also Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin (Sword Douluo), and Xue Qinghe—plus a tall, slim, unfamiliar middle-aged man.
"You're just in time, Chu. This is the envoy from the Star Luo Empire."
After exchanging greetings, Liu Erlong pointed to the unfamiliar man.
"You're the envoy sent to apologize on behalf of the Star Luo Empire?"
Chu Chengzhou cast a sideways glance at him and asked indifferently.
"I am Lux, Foreign Minister of the Star Luo Empire.
Young friend Chu, the recent assassination attempt on you was the act of internal rebels within the empire, not an intentional act by the imperial court.
However, the assassins were from Star Luo, and His Majesty the Emperor feels deeply remorseful. He ordered me to come here to formally apologize, and hopes you can forgive the matter."
Lux smiled pleasantly.
Whether or not the assassins were actually sent by the emperor, Lux didn't know. Maybe they were, maybe they weren't.
But that wasn't his concern. He came to the Heaven Dou Empire to offer reparations to Blue Tyrant Academy, apologize to the victim Chu Chengzhou, and bring back the third prince, Dai Mubai, as well as the Zhu family's second daughter.
Hearing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
This probably wasn't Star Luo's doing. Their sudden willingness to accept blame didn't match their usual style—were they up to something?
Still, he didn't care. Unless the Dai family didn't mind getting humiliated, they were bound to cross paths again eventually. Let them play dirty—he'd bide his time. When the day comes, who beats who… would be another story.
"I see. I thought so! A mighty empire like Star Luo wouldn't stoop to such underhanded tricks. So it was all the work of rebels! Lord Lux, I accept Star Luo Empire's apology. As for the academy's losses, you can discuss that with Dean Erlong."
Chu Chengzhou sat there with a look that screamed, "I've already forgiven you all."
"Since that's the case, thank you, Young Friend Chu."
Lux smiled and nodded.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Sect Master Ning, now that this matter is resolved, I won't linger in Tian Dou City any longer. I'll return to Xingluo today and report back to His Majesty."
Lux bowed respectfully toward Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi.
"Mm."
Both nodded slightly, showing no intention of urging him to stay.
"Third Prince, Miss Zhu, His Majesty has given the order. Please return to Xingluo with me."
Lux turned to look at Zhu Zhuqing.
Although he didn't have specific intelligence, he could tell that the relationship between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing wasn't going well.
Of course, that wasn't his concern. A bit of personal curiosity was fine, but it didn't need to be spoken aloud.
"Hold it~!"
Just as Lux finished speaking, Chu Chengzhou interrupted.
Take the big kitty back to Xingluo? No way! If she returns to Xingluo, how the hell is he supposed to lure this almost-in-the-bag big kitty into his own pond?
"Oh? Does Young Friend Chu have any objections?"
Lux looked at him.
"We're currently in the middle of the Soul Master Tournament. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing are both core members of my Blue Tyrant Academy team. If you take them away, won't that weaken our team's strength?"
Chu Chengzhou spoke righteously.
"Young Friend Chu, the Third Prince and Miss Zhu are citizens of my Xingluo Empire. Moreover, this is a royal order. Their withdrawal from the tournament is unavoidable—I hope you understand."
"Fine, take Dai Mubai. But Zhu Zhuqing? Absolutely not!"
Chu Chengzhou shook his head firmly.
Lux frowned. "Why?"
"Lord Lux, perhaps you're unaware. To help her prepare for this tournament, I lent Zhu Zhuqing a priceless treasure to boost her power.
A year and a half ago, she was only a level-27 Grand Soul Master. Now, she's a level-43 Soul Ancestor. Besides her hard work, the reason for such a huge leap is the treasure I lent her.
As the saying goes, debts must be repaid. If you want to take her back, then compensate me for the treasure she consumed!"
Chu Chengzhou spoke with conviction, showing no courtesy.
Hiss~
Gasps echoed around them.
Chu Chengzhou turned his head and saw that it was Qian Renxue who had reacted.
A 16-level power difference in just a year and a half—even accounting for two soul rings—was shockingly fast. Even Qian Renxue, who had been born with innate level-20 soul power, was stunned, showing how precious the treasure must have been.
"Young Friend Chu, may I ask what kind of treasure it was?"
Lux was equally shocked and quickly asked.
"That's classified. I can't disclose it. Plus, it's extremely rare. Even if I told you, your Xingluo Empire wouldn't find it. Just compensate me with something of similar effect."
Chu Chengzhou pulled over a chair and sat down casually.
Of course, the Xingluo Empire didn't have the Jade Bone of Narcissus, and if they couldn't produce something of similar potency, they could forget about taking her.
And let's be real—whether the Xingluo Empire had a treasure comparable to an immortal herb or not, even if they did, they'd never hand it over. Better to keep it for themselves!
"Young Friend Chu, this is a serious matter. I'll need to report back to His Majesty. He'll send someone to handle it. For now, I'll take the Third Prince and Miss Zhu back to Xingluo."
Lux had no way to produce such a treasure, so he planned to stall.
"Lord Lux, do you know who he is?"
Chu Chengzhou pointed at Xue Qinghe.
"Yes."
Lux nodded.
"What about them?"
Chu Chengzhou pointed to Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin.
"I know them as well."
Lux nodded again.
BANG!
"Then maybe you don't know—the Crown Prince is my big brother Xue. Sect Master Ning is my uncle. And Sword Douluo is my Grandpa Jian! If your Xingluo Empire doesn't compensate me for my loss, even if your emperor shows up, Zhu Zhuqing is not going anywhere!"
Chu Chengzhou slammed the table and pointed at Lux's nose, unrelenting.
Xue Qinghe, Ning Fengzhi, and Sword Douluo: "…"
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing looked at Chu Chengzhou, her eyes sparkling.
Upon hearing this, Lux's face darkened.
"And what if I insist on taking her?"
He asked coldly.
"Then I suggest you and Prince Dai watch your backs. The journey from Tian Dou to Xingluo is long—and people who walk dark roads often meet ghosts."
Chu Chengzhou said with a meaningful smirk.
A blatant threat!
"What do you mean by that?"
Lux narrowed his eyes.
"The continent is vast. There are deep mountains and forests everywhere~"
Chu Chengzhou said vaguely.
"You?"
Lux sneered.
Although he wasn't strong himself, he represented the Xingluo Empire, and the Emperor had sent a Contra-level escort to ensure his safety.
As long as Tian Dou Empire, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Spirit Hall didn't interfere, who could threaten him?
"I happen to be on good terms with a certain titled expert who's skilled in poison~"
Chu Chengzhou said lightly.
Lux: "…"
An expert skilled in poison? Damn, why not just name-drop Dugu Bo?
"Enough. Lord Lux, just take your Third Prince back to Xingluo.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, like my virtuous younger brother said, unless you bring out a treasure of equal value, she stays in Tian Dou."
Qian Renxue finally spoke.
Whether from the perspective of Spirit Hall or the Tian Dou Empire, Xingluo was her enemy. A 14-year-old already at level 43 with Titled Douluo potential—letting her return to Xingluo would be bolstering the enemy. Absolutely unacceptable.
"Indeed, Lord Lux, treasures that rare cannot be handed to your Xingluo Empire so easily."
Ning Fengzhi chimed in.
He had been monitoring Chu Chengzhou's group. He knew Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai weren't getting along, and that she didn't want to return.
If she stayed, she might join either Spirit Hall or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Given her talent, she was definitely worth offending the Xingluo Empire for. The risk was justified.
Besides, unless the Xingluo Empire launched a full military campaign, they couldn't do anything to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, which was based right outside Tian Dou City. And they wouldn't dare while Spirit Hall was watching.
So—no treasure, no Zhu Zhuqing.
Though Chu Chengzhou didn't spell it out, Ning Fengzhi could already tell the treasure in question was an immortal herb.
That night, under the stars atop the teachers' dormitory rooftop, Chu Chengzhou was stargazing with Zhu Zhuqing.
Lux had left earlier that afternoon with Dai Mubai.
If Chu Chengzhou had been alone, Lux might have tried to take Zhu Zhuqing by force. After all, she was the daughter of the Nether Civet Clan and the nominal fiancée of a royal prince.
But with support from Chu Chengzhou, Xue Qinghe, and Ning Fengzhi—and without the ability to produce an equivalent treasure—Lux had no choice but to leave her behind.
Of course, Chu Chengzhou knew this wouldn't be the end. The royal family of Xingluo would likely send assassins soon.
But he wasn't too worried. Even if Xingluo had Titled Douluo, they wouldn't move for non-military affairs. Spirit Hall would never let such a power imbalance go unpunished. The most he'd face would be Contra-level assassins.
And while he couldn't defeat one, he could at least hold his own briefly—and Tian Dou City was full of experts. Assassination wasn't easy.
Outside the city?
If he couldn't fight, he'd just hide. Without Titled Douluo backup, he'd simply avoid danger. And if he could lure a Sword Douluo or Bone Douluo out, maybe even use them as bait…
"Senior Chu, thank you for today."
Zhu Zhuqing smiled sincerely.
She had taken a big step toward escaping her predetermined fate—she seemed genuinely happy.
Hearing her, Chu Chengzhou smirked and said:
"If you're thanking me, Zhuqing, how are you planning to do it?
I recall there are usually two outcomes when a hero saves a beauty.
If the hero isn't handsome, the lady promises to repay him in the next life.
But if he is good-looking… she offers herself in marriage. So, Zhuqing, which method do you choose?"
No need for words—show him the real gratitude!
Zhu Zhuqing: "…"
So this was the infamous "saving someone just to collect the reward later"?
She rolled her eyes. "I heard Rongrong say you're shameless. She wasn't wrong!"
"Slander! Blasphemy! Just wait till I teach her a lesson!"
Chu Chengzhou feigned outrage. How dare Rongrong tarnish his reputation like that?
Suddenly, he grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's small hand and said, "Zhuqing, since you're so close with Xiao Wu and Rongrong, how about becoming their little sister for life?"
Zhu Zhuqing froze, then blushed deeply.
Little sister for life? Isn't that just a weird way of saying… he's confessing?
"Zhuqing, just say yes!"
Pushing his luck, Chu Chengzhou reached out again, trying to pull her into an embrace.
Zhu Zhuqing flinched, quickly smacked his hand away, and bolted down the stairs, leaving behind a parting shot:
"Handle Xiao Wu and Rongrong first!"
Smelling the faint scent she left behind, Chu Chengzhou smiled.
Operation "Conquer You Rong" seemed to be a success.
Another fish in the pond. Now then—should he go after Miss Angel next, or maybe that little fox…
Pah! Chu Chengzhou cursed himself.
"You damn perv, Chu Chengzhou! You already have three girls and you still want more?"
But then again…
"I just want to give the beautiful girls of this continent a warm home!"
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle