Xu Jiujiu buried her head deep in Lu Jingming's embrace, her arms gently wrapped around his waist. Her voice carried an unmistakable sense of attachment and reluctance as she softly asked, "Xiao Ming, are you really leaving tomorrow?"
With the change in their relationship, Xu Jiujiu's way of addressing Lu Jingming had also become much more intimate.
"No choice, really. Since the Soul Master Tournament is set to be held in Haiyuan City, there are many things I have to go back and prepare. If I mess it up, I'd really let you down."
Lu Jingming gently stroked her golden hair. Holding a beauty in his arms, Lu Jingming couldn't help but get a little handsy.
Xu Jiujiu looked up, her eyes shimmering. She was never the clingy type, and she certainly wouldn't hold Lu Jingming back because of her feelings.
After a moment's hesitation, she bit her lip lightly, a blush creeping up her cheeks, and whispered, "If that's the case, I won't keep you. But... tonight, that thing you talked about before, I'll agree to it."
"Really, Sister Jiujiu? You're the best!"
Upon hearing her words, Lu Jingming's eyes lit up instantly. Excited, he picked Xu Jiujiu up and spun her around, making her squeal in mock protest.
He then leaned forward and kissed those intoxicating red lips again, their passionate breaths entwining.
In the distance, Starcloud Douluo Yi Man appeared quietly. Seeing the lovers' affectionate display, a gratified smile appeared on her face.
She quietly spread her spiritual power, keeping watch for them so they wouldn't be disturbed by anyone indiscreet.
…
That night, Lu Jingming experienced a completely different kind of charm from Xu Jiujiao compared to Zhang Lexuan. As they embraced passionately, their lips meeting in a fiery kiss, he could sense the allure of royalty emanating from her very being.
Xu Jiujiu's status as a princess, her innate nobility, and unique aura, all the more stirred one's desires. Her delicate hands trembled slightly as she reached for the fastenings of his robes, her inexperience evident but endearing. Lu Jingming guided her gently, his own excitement building as her fingers brushed against his bare skin.
With tender care, he disrobed her, marveling at the silken smoothness of her ivory skin. He trailed kisses down her neck, eliciting soft gasps of pleasure. Xu Jiujiu's eyes widened as his lips traveled lower, her breath catching as he lavished attention on her breasts.
As their passion built, Lu Jingming's control snapped.
With a growl, he rolled them over, positioning himself above her. Xu Jiujiu's chest heaved, her pert breasts rising and falling rapidly as she gazed up at him with lust-darkened eyes. He entered her slowly, mindful of her virginal status, feeling her tight heat envelop him inch by torturous inch.
Xu Jiujiu gasped, her back arching off the bed as her nails dug crescents into his muscular back. "Ahh! X-Xiao Ming~!" she cried out, her body trembling as she adjusted to the new sensation of fullness. A single tear of discomfort slid down her flushed cheek, quickly kissed away by Lu Jingming's tender lips.
"Shh, it's alright," he soothed, remaining still inside her. "The pain will pass, I promise."
True to his word, as the moments ticked by, Xu Jiujiu's whimpers of discomfort transformed into mewls of pleasure. She rolled her hips experimentally, drawing a groan from Lu Jingming.
They moved together, finding their rhythm as the night wore on. The room filled with the sounds of their lovemaking - skin slapping against skin, breathy moans, and whispered endearments. Xu Jiujiu's legs wrapped around Lu Jingming's waist, pulling him deeper as she lost herself in the throes of newfound ecstasy.
"Oh! Oh gods!" she cried out, her inner walls clenching around him as her first climax washed over her. Lu Jingming growled, burying his face in the crook of her neck as he followed her over the edge, spilling himself deep inside her trembling body.
….
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the curtains, painting the room with gentle golden hues. In the soft embrace of dawn, Lu Jingming and Xu Jiujiao lay entwined beneath the covers, warmth and comfort lingering between them.
As she gradually awoke, Xu Jiujiao stirred in his arms, her golden hair splayed across the pillow. The memory of the previous night's tenderness lingered in the air, sweet and intoxicating. She shifted slightly, feeling the familiar strength of his embrace, and shyly buried her face against his chest.
Sensing her movement, Lu Jingming tightened his hold, a playful smile curving his lips. He lowered his head to kiss her forehead, his hand gently tracing the curve of her waist. Their eyes met, full of affection and reluctant to part.
In that quiet, golden-lit cocoon, desire rekindled with a glance and a whisper. Neither was in a hurry to leave the bed; they clung together, kisses deepening, hands wandering. The world outside faded away, leaving only the soft sighs and murmurs of the two lovers, lost in each other once more.
It was only after another round of lingering intimacy—drawn out and tender—that they finally parted, breathless and blushing, reluctant to rise. By the time they dressed, the sun was already high in the sky.
Even though Lu Jingming spent the night in the princess's boudoir, Xu Jiawei didn't show the slightest dissatisfaction. When he saw Lu Jingming again, his smile was even gentler and his attitude warmer.
Chang Li had helped Skyhawk Douluo break through, revealing her 98th-level cultivation by accident, which further solidified Xu Jiawei's thoughts.
The progress in the relationship between Lu Jingming and Xu Jiujiu made him feel a great weight lifted. Over the years, the Sun-Moon Empire had been coveting them, Star Crown Sect was declining, the White Tiger Duke's line was rising again—so many problems had left him exhausted.
Now, with Haiyuan City's clear stance, he could finally breathe a little easier.
As for whether Lu Jingming coveted the throne, Xu Jiawei thought: if he does, so be it.
The Star Crown line was running out of heirs, leaving only him and two princesses. In all of the Star Luo Empire, who could have no ambitions?
If the Star Crown line were stronger, supporting a female emperor might work. But times had changed, and now things could only go with the flow.
Moreover, Xu Jiujiu and Lu Jingming were truly in love. If they had children, supporting this royal bloodline to inherit the throne—why not?
In the eyes of these long-standing powers of the Douluo Continent, the inheritance of bloodline and martial soul mattered far more than the surname.
Lu Jingming bid farewell to the reluctant Xu Jiujiu and set out with Changli, heading toward Haiyuan City.
Although Changli had been in seclusion assisting Skyhawk Douluo's breakthrough, she keenly noticed the subtle change in Lu Jingming and Xu Jiujiu's relationship.
The ambiguous tension between them had vanished, replaced by lovers' intimacy and openness.
With a teasing smile, she asked, "What's wrong, can't bear to leave?"
Lu Jingming admitted frankly, without any embarrassment: "Not really, Sister Changli, don't forget, we can meet in the simulated universe whenever we want."
Changli folded her arms, supporting her cheek with one hand, and pressed on with interest: "You took down that princess so quickly. When are you planning to take in my disciple Jinhsi too?"
Lu Jingming smiled bitterly: "Sister Changli, who encourages someone to chase after their own disciple?"
Changli laughed softly, her eyes full of mischief: "I'm becoming more and more curious about you all. I wonder who'll be next?"
Lu Jingming quirked his lips, half-joking: "Who knows, maybe the next one is you."
Changli narrowed her eyes, her fingertips sparking as the temperature around them rose sharply: "Oh? Are you sure you can handle me?"
Lu Jingming didn't back down, full of confidence: "Sooner or later!"
Changli reached out, gently lifting Lu Jingming's chin, leaned into his ear, and whispered: "Then I'll be waiting to see, little guy."
Lu Jingming seized the moment. While Changli was distracted, he turned his head suddenly and kissed her bright red lips. His boldness caught her off guard, and as their lips met, he deepened the kiss, his tongue darting out to tease her lower lip. Changli's lips parted in surprise, allowing Lu Jingming to slip his tongue into her mouth.
Their tongues danced together in a passionate tangle, the heat between them rivaling Changli's fiery abilities. Lu Jingming explored every corner of her mouth, savoring her taste - a mix of cinnamon and something uniquely Changli. He pulled her closer, one hand tangling in her hair as he poured all his desire into the kiss.
Surprise flashed in Changli's eyes—she hadn't expected him to be so bold. For a moment, she forgot to resist, letting him have his way. Her body betrayed her, responding to his passionate assault as she found herself kissing him back with equal fervor.
Yet when Lu Jingming tried to go further, his hand sliding down to caress her waist, Changli instantly regained her senses. Her figure turned into a streak of fire, retreating rapidly. When she reformed, she had put distance between them.
"Thanks for the treat, Sister Changli." Lu Jingming licked his lips, a provocative smile on his face. The taste of her lingered, making his heart race.
Changli touched her lips, but instead of being angry, her smile became even more dazzling: "Interesting. You're gutsy. Consider that your reward for now—next time it won't be so easy."
Lu Jingming shrugged. He knew he only dared to push his luck because of Changli's affection for him.
If it were another unfamiliar female Titled Douluo, he wouldn't dare, not even with ten times the courage.
Of course, he wouldn't act out of line toward strangers anyway.
Though that ambiguous scene had just unfolded, they quickly returned to normal, interacting as freely as before.
Lu Jingming also knew that truly conquering Changli was not something that could be done overnight; this big sister was not so easily won.
…
Haiyuan City.
Haiyuan City was now abuzz with preparations for the upcoming All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament.
Civilians, nobles, and merchants in the city all worked energetically, cooperating enthusiastically with every task.
After all, anyone still in Haiyuan City at this point was someone who understood the times. They all knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
With the tournament being held here, everyone could get a share of the benefits.
As soon as Lu Jingming returned to Haiyuan City, he made a grand gesture, spending hundreds of millions of golden soul coins like water.
Keqing instantly received orders to supervise the construction of an enormous arena that could hold hundreds of thousands of spectators.
At the same time, all of the Golden Guards were mobilized to recruit civilians and form a dedicated city guard to maintain order. Given the tournament's popularity, even conservative estimates predicted over a million visitors would flood Haiyuan City.
Relying solely on the Golden Guards and the old city guard was like a drop in the ocean.
Though the Golden Guards were strong, they couldn't be everywhere, so expanding the city guard to at least ten thousand was urgent.
Elsewhere, construction was booming. Brand-new hotels, inns, and restaurants sprang up everywhere, all to welcome the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.
With a year left before the opening, Haiyuan City's advanced soul tool technology made finishing preparations more than feasible.
Despite the city's busy state, Lu Jingming lived leisurely.
By day, he was at St. Freya Academy, listening to Robin singing, feeding Firefly, joking with March Seven, sparring with Gu Yue, discussing Castorice's new novel, or helping Jinhsi make soup dumplings in the kitchen.
At night, he'd crawl into Zhang Lexuan's bed, fall asleep hugging soft warmth—living the life of a hands-off boss, plain and simple.
…
Lu Jingming playfully teased the little fox in his arms. Without his supply of Power of Reality, the fox would never know when she could return to her elegant, cunning, and sly Yae Miko form.
But Power of Reality was always scarce, and Lu Jingming found the fox form of Yae Miko even more lively and cute, so he never let her change back.
In this form, the little fox was carefree, either playing everywhere or happily receiving offerings, savoring her favorite fried tofu.
Now, the little fox was not only the darling of St. Freya Academy, but also the mascot of Haiyuan City.
Many shops even made fox statues, placing them in the most prominent spots as their treasure.
Wherever the fox went, she was showered with delicious offerings—her days couldn't be more relaxed.
A Leisurely Afternoon.
One lazy afternoon, Lu Jingming was half-lying on a soft sofa, idly flipping through Castorice's latest novel. Sunlight filtered through thin curtains, adding a touch of indolence to the peaceful scene.
Suddenly, Lu Jingming's relaxed brow twitched as if he sensed something.
He'd received a message from the simulated universe—someone had randomly encountered his data avatar.
This wasn't rare for Lu Jingming. With so many soul masters using the simulated universe, even with its vast data pool, the chance of coming across his avatar wasn't low.
If he was interested, he'd log in to fight personally; if not, he'd leave it to the data avatar.
This time, at first, he hadn't planned to care. Fighting in the simulated universe wasn't as fun as reading Castorice's novels.
But when he looked closer, he realized the message wasn't from his own world's simulated universe—but from a simulated universe in another parallel world.
Lu Jingming couldn't help but marvel at how advanced Herta's technology had become—it could even transmit simulated universe data across dimensions.
This level of tech truly lived up to her genius name.
Lu Jingming had always been interested in that parallel world anchored by Cosmic Juggernaut Inverted Horizons. Now that an opportunity was here, he wouldn't miss it.
Though his real body couldn't enter that world, he could interact indirectly through the simulated universe—which was quite attractive to him.
….
Parallel World: Douluo Continent
In the parallel Douluo Continent, Barak Kingdom's Suoto City basked in golden twilight.
At a remote village, Shrek Academy was filled with a solemn atmosphere.
A middle-aged man with a buzz cut stood on the training ground, his face stiff but his eyes full of hope as he looked at the seven young students before him.
This man was Yu Xiaogang, known as the Grandmaster of the soul master world for proposing the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls.
"You've all performed excellently lately,"
Yu Xiaogang's deep voice echoed across the grounds. "Now, it's time to test the results of your training."
He turned his gaze to the delicate, pink-haired girl among the seven. "Rongrong, bring it out."
Ning Rongrong stepped out gracefully, her fair hand brushing her storage soul tool and revealing seven uniquely shaped simulated universe login devices.
The devices glowed faintly, clearly extraordinary.
With some pride, Ning Rongrong handed them to Tang San and the others. "These are a rare type of soul tool that lets you enter an illusionary world. Even in our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, there aren't many."
Her words were full of pride. The simulated universe login devices had become a hot commodity across all of Douluo, with countless powers seeking them. The fact that she could take out seven at once showed the clan's strength and her favored status.
"An illusionary world?" Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others looked puzzled, examining the soul tool in their hands.
They'd been focused on Yu Xiaogang's devil training and knew little of outside events.
Dai Mubai, being older and more informed, explained patiently.
As he explained, Tang San and the others gradually gained a basic understanding of the simulated universe.
When they heard that defeating opponents could earn rich rewards, everyone's eyes lit up.
Since joining Shrek Academy, under Yu Xiaogang's guidance and the teachers' influence, they all believed they were the best of their peers—true monsters.
In their minds, this so-called illusionary world was a treasure trove made just for them.
"So what are we waiting for? Teach us how to use it!" Ma Hongjun, always impatient, couldn't wait to charge into the simulated universe and sweep up all the prizes.
Xiao Wu echoed, her lively eyes sparkling with excitement.
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