Bone Douluo was startled. "Level Nine Innate Soul Power? There's a high chance he could cultivate to become a Titled Douluo!"
"As long as he doesn't perish prematurely, reaching Titled Douluo is highly probable. But given his Dugu Family lineage..." Ning Fengzhi wore a peculiar smile.
Bone Douluo looked exasperated. "Dugu Bo's son, Dugu Xin, is already dead. The mortality rate in their family is far too high. We absolutely cannot let Rongrong be with Dugu Feng! Fengzhi, why don't you seem the least bit concerned? At his age, Dugu Feng is already incredibly strong, his Soul Skills are impressive, and he carries an icy, murderous aura—all of which are highly attractive to Rongrong."
As soon as he finished speaking, footsteps approached, and Sword Douluo, dressed in white robes, entered.
"Haha, you old bone, since when did you understand matters of the heart?" Sword Douluo mocked without hesitation.
"You sword maniac, don't tell me you don't care about Rongrong either!" Bone Douluo retorted just as sharply.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head and stood up. "Uncle Bone, you're too close to the situation. We've raised Rongrong as the future heir of our sect. Have faith in our upbringing—Rongrong is far more outstanding and wiser than any of my sons. She'll handle her relationship with Dugu Feng appropriately. Besides, staying close to a genius like him will only accelerate her own progress!"
Bone Douluo remained unconvinced, still looking like a protective father afraid of losing his precious daughter. "I'm keeping an eye on them no matter what," he insisted stubbornly.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled and let the matter drop. As for Dugu Feng's future, he was genuinely curious—could the young man defy the Dugu Family's cursed fate and rise to greatness? After all, the growth of the Dugu Family's strength would only bolster the power of the Heaven Dou Empire, something he welcomed.
"Eleven years old already!" Dugu Feng sighed. Seven months had passed since his return from Slaughter City, and he had now advanced to the highest grade in the Elementary Soul Master Academy. In another year, he would enroll in the Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy. His Soul Power Level had also reached the peak of Rank 29, just one step away from Rank 30.
During this period, he had quietly cultivated at the academy, though now with an unexpected companion—Ning Rongrong. With remarkable perseverance, she trained alongside him daily, raising her own Soul Power Level by two ranks to Rank 24. Dugu Feng was satisfied with his progress. At this rate, he would likely break through to Rank 30 and absorb his third Spirit Ring within a month. The thought filled him with motivation.
One day, as Dugu Feng was heading to class, Ning Rongrong intercepted him. "Come with me! I'll take you to watch something fun!" she said mysteriously, pulling him toward the mountains. Dugu Feng had no choice but to follow.
"Today, the Royal Advanced Academy is hosting a Soul Duel. It's going to be exciting!" Seeing his reluctance, Ning Rongrong quickly added, "It's not just any duel—it's about your cousin! Her rumored boyfriend has declared that after winning first place, he'll publicly confess his feelings to her!"
Over the past months, the two had spent considerable time together, and Ning Rongrong had discovered that beneath Dugu Feng's cold exterior, he wasn't so hard to get along with. Their relationship had grown much closer.
"A Soul Duel? What's so interesting about that? At most, it's just a fight between Soul Experts," Dugu Feng said skeptically.
"Of course we're not going just for the duel! It's about your cousin Dugu Yan—her so-called admirer has already announced he'll publicly proclaim his feelings for her if he wins first place!"
The entire academy knew about this matter, and everyone was playing along with Yu Tianheng's act. Only your cousin remains in the dark!"
Dugu Feng showed no surprise upon hearing this.
Since returning to the academy, he'd already learned about Yu Tianheng's incompetence. The guy had been pursuing Dugu Yan even before Dugu Feng left for the Soul Duel in Suotuo City, yet still hadn't succeeded.
Perhaps this public confession finally moved Dugu Yan.
While speaking, Ning Rongrong stole a couple of glances at Dugu Feng.
Unfortunately, Dugu Feng showed no reaction whatsoever.
Ning Rongrong secretly fumed—was she really so lacking in appeal?
After all this time together, Dugu Feng remained completely unresponsive, like a block of wood.
Look at Yu Tianheng, daring to mobilize the entire academy as witnesses.
If Dugu Feng dared to do the same... would she agree?
Ning Rongrong's thoughts were in turmoil.
For the first time, she began doubting her own charm.
On their way, Dugu Feng noticed they weren't the only ones going to watch—many other students were heading up the mountain too.
The Elementary Soul Master Academy was at the foot of the mountain, while the advanced academy was halfway up.
Soon, they arrived at the advanced academy's Soul Duel Arena.
The scene was spectacular—crowds surrounded the Soul Duel Stage below.
To the north of the stage was the spectator stand, where Feng Ling and Feng Li had already arrived early and claimed the central seats.
"Thanks, brothers!" Dugu Feng smiled at them.
Then, without ceremony, he sat down with Ning Rongrong.
The Feng brothers greeted them warmly before moving aside. After all this time, their hearts had completely shattered.
They no longer held any illusions.
Maintaining good relations with Ning Rongrong had become their greatest hope.
Winning the heart of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's princess was now beyond reach.
Consequently, they bore no hostility toward Dugu Feng either.
As heirs of the Wind Sword Sect, they weren't complete fools.
The Dugu Family's intimidating annihilation of the Elephant Armor Sect demonstrated real power.
The Wind Sword Sect lacked such strength—when you're weak, you yield.
Moreover, Dugu Feng's talent far surpassed theirs, making friendship seem the wiser course.
Wasn't that the whole point of attending school anyway?
Did anyone really come to the academy just to train? They could do that at home.
"Boss, Brother Dugu, over there are Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan's team for the competition.
Besides Yu Tianheng, the strongest are the Shi brothers with their Black Tortoise Martial Souls. They'll likely be Yu Tianheng's main competition for the championship.
But honestly, there's no suspense—Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul is inherently powerful, and his Soul Power Level is higher than theirs!"
Following Feng Ling's gaze, Dugu Feng spotted Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and several others at the front of the stands—all with distinctive features.
These must be Shi Mo, Shi Mo, Yu Feng, and Oslo.
Future members of the Heaven Dou Royal Team.
Yu Tianheng wore tight blue attire, his tall frame and reasonably handsome features accentuated by the excitement visible in his eyes.
The guy was certainly persistent in pursuing Dugu Yan.
Dugu Feng then observed Dugu Yan. Like Ning Rongrong, she had short hair, though hers was deep purple with striking green irises.
The deep-seated toxins she'd carried since birth were evident, though the Cultivated Serpent Lineage rarely chose highly venomous Spirit Beasts for hunts, using this method to delay the poison's progression.
As a result, Dugu Yan not only avoided succumbing to the poison, but the signs of her poisoning instead gave her an eerie allure.
In terms of beauty, Dugu Yan couldn't compare to Ning Rongrong's peerless looks.
Yet her somewhat icy temperament and unique appearance stirred a desire to conquer in others.
How could he obtain the Immortal Herb? The sight of Dugu Yan made Dugu Feng think of the Immortal Herb.
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