Huge welcome and thank you to our new Patron: Kazahana!
I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
------------------------------------------------------
In the end, under the combined pressure of Dai Chengfeng and Hu Liena, the registrar—though still worried—had no choice but to reluctantly pick up the form and begin registering them.
After tremblingly jotting down their names, ranks, and spirits, he habitually asked when he reached the section for team names:
"Please give your three-person team a name."
"A name?"
Hu Liena's delicate chin tilted slightly upward as she responded without hesitation: "What's there to think about? It's obviously still called 'The Fox and the Big Tiger Team'! It highlights the core and fits our identities."
This was the name she had used with Dai Chengfeng in their duo combination back then. At that time, Dai Chengfeng hadn't cared much—but now…
Zhu Zhuqing wasn't pleased.
After all, this team name didn't mention her spirit or existence at all.
Thus, Zhu Zhuqing, who had been quietly standing aside, subtly furrowed her cold brows.
She raised her head, looking at Hu Liena with an obvious expression of disapproval. Her voice was soft yet crystal clear: "Your fox represents you, and the big tiger refers to Chengfeng. But what about me?"
"In my opinion, 'Netherworld White Tiger Squad' would be more appropriate."
Zhu Zhuqing wasn't someone to be trifled with either. Her suggestion deliberately ignored Hu Liena's spirit and existence entirely.
Hu Liena narrowed her beautiful eyes and immediately turned to Zhu Zhuqing: "Hey! Little kitty, how is your name better than mine? What kind of attention do you think it'll attract?"
"And why are you ignoring me?"
Zhu Zhuqing didn't back down, calmly meeting her gaze: "Your name is flashy but superficial. Mine has more presence."
"And your spirit only provides support and confusion effects. Ultimately, it's not as direct as my strong offense and agility attack. Your role in the team is the least significant, so ignoring you isn't a problem."
"Hmph!"
Hu Liena sneered, crossing her arms and pressing her chest forward to create a perfect curve.
"I don't deny the importance of strong attacks, but agility attacks?"
"Ignorant!"
"Spirit interference and control are far more important than you. If I perform well, I'm the key to victory!"
"Naive! Without speed and lethal attacks, your control is just for show!"
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Hu Liena's upper body and retorted without backing down, crossing her own arms: "And another thing—don't think you're the only one with… big breasts and no brains!"
"Hmm?"
Hu Liena stared at Zhu Zhuqing. "Little kitty, are you saying I'm brainless because you're jealous, right?"
"Jealous? Hmph…"
"…"
In an instant, the two women were once again fiercely arguing over the team name, the tension thickening around the registration counter.
The registrar trembled, too afraid to raise his head or dare to urge them on.
Though he didn't recognize Dai Chengfeng or Zhu Zhuqing, he wasn't stupid. He knew that anyone bold enough to argue with Hu Liena—the personal disciple of Pope Bibi Dong—wasn't someone he could afford to provoke.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng simply stood by, watching silently without any sign of tension or worry. Instead, a playful smirk lingered on his lips.
He even seemed to enjoy watching Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing trade barbs back and forth.
A name? To Dai Chengfeng, it was just a label—he didn't care.
But he found great amusement in seeing these two proud, stubborn, and determined young women refuse to yield to each other.
This rivalry was far more entertaining than a stagnant, lifeless team.
And…
Without communication, true barriers would remain unbreakable.
Therefore, Dai Chengfeng simply stood there with his arms crossed, making no move to mediate or decide. His demeanor clearly showed he was enjoying the spectacle.
After a long while…
Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing continued to argue over the team name, unable to reach a resolution.
Finally…
Seeing that Dai Chengfeng showed no intention of intervening and instead wore a look of pure amusement, both women couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration.
Almost simultaneously—as if by telepathy—they stopped talking, turned away from each other, and directed their gazes toward Dai Chengfeng.
One pair of eyes carried seductive charm, the other icy sharpness…
"Dai Chengfeng!"
Hu Liena spoke first, her tone tinged with annoyance at being laughed at. "Say something already!"
Though Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, her gaze conveyed the same question—whose side are you on?
Seeing that both women had tacitly handed the "final decision" to him after their argument, the smile on Dai Chengfeng's face deepened further.
He uncrossed his arms, cleared his throat, and let his gaze drift between the two women before speaking slowly: "One wants 'fox,' the other wants 'Netherworld'… Hmm, it's simple really."
He paused, noting the flicker of curiosity and anticipation in their eyes, and directly announced the name: "Let's call it the 'Netherworld Fox Team'".
"As for my White Tiger, it doesn't need to be included. I believe that in the future… no one will forget that I'm part of this team!"
"How's that sound?"
With that, Dai Chengfeng looked at the two women, smiling as he awaited their response.
Hu Liena hesitated briefly, pondering the name: "Netherworld Fox Team?"
"'Netherworld' is hers, 'Fox' is mine…"
Though it seemed her spirit wasn't placed at the forefront, which left Hu Liena with a slight sense of dissatisfaction, the word 'Fox' were prominently featured. More importantly, this name clearly merged both of their suggestions, leaving neither side at a disadvantage.
"Hmph, it's acceptable. Much better than someone else's uncreative name."
She shot Zhu Zhuqing a glance, her tone still dissatisfied but essentially conceding.
A faint, almost imperceptible flicker passed through Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.
The inclusion of "Netherworld" satisfied her, and though the combination of "Netherworld Fox" was somewhat unusual, it did acknowledge Hu Liena's role.
She gave a slight nod, succinctly replying: "Acceptable."
With consensus finally reached, the two women simultaneously turned to the registrar and urged in unison: "That's the name! Hurry up!"
"Yes, yes, yes…"
The registrar, feeling as if he'd been granted reprieve, hastily wrote down "Netherworld Fox Team" on the form. Inwardly, he muttered that these three teenagers each had an overwhelming presence.
Once the paperwork was completed, the trio received the token representing their team.
Hu Liena, impatient to get started, tugged on Dai Chengfeng's sleeve and pulled him toward the arena: "Hurry up! I want to see who's lucky enough to become the first opponent of our Netherworld Fox!"
Zhu Zhuqing followed closely behind, her icy eyes burning with fighting spirit.
She too was curious—what kind of "whetstone" would they encounter in this unprecedented three-person team at the Great Spirit Arena of Spirit City?
Not long after the three left, a group of excited young male voices echoed from the entrance:
"Haha! Finally, it's our turn to show off! Let the bumpkins of Spirit City see the might of the Tian Dou Imperial Academy!"
"With Captain Tianheng's strength, we're sure to make a name for ourselves!"
"Yeah, yeah! And I heard the golden generation of the Spirit Hall is also active in the dueling arena? I hope we run into them. Then we'll see… who's truly the golden elite!"
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)