Chapter 36: Ecstatic Dai Mubai
Tang San placed the ten Gold Soul Coins he had already prepared into the wooden box, then extended his hand.
The elder placed his hand on Tang San's and squeezed it, suddenly letting out a soft "Huh?". Then, as if in disbelief, he squeezed Tang San's hand a few more times, his expression turning strange. Looking up at Tang San, he asked, "Have you practiced some kind of soul skill on your hands?"
The elder squeezed applicants' hands primarily to determine their true age through the bones in their palms; this couldn't be faked. However, Tang San's hand was extremely pliable when squeezed, making it impossible to clearly feel the condition of his bones.
Tang San nodded and said, "Yes."
The elder frowned and said, "Lift your calf."
Tang San did as told, lifting his calf and placing it on the desk. The elder squeezed his calf a few times through his pants, and Tang San immediately felt a wave of soreness and numbness.
The elder nodded at him and said, "Good muscle development. Your bone age is suitable. Alright, release your Martial Soul."
Tang San circulated the soul power in his body, and a plant with golden patterns grew from his palm. At the same time, two yellow and one purple soul ring appeared around him.
The elder was first astonished that Tang San had become a Soul Venerate at such a young age. Then, looking at the plant in his hand, he asked strangely, "What kind of Martial Soul is this? It looks like Blue Silver Grass... But how is that possible? Can Blue Silver Grass be cultivated this quickly?"
Tang San thought to himself, *This is Blue Silver Grass, but it's the Emperor of all Blue Silver Grass!* Outwardly, however, he followed Tang Hao's instructions and explained, "Teacher, my Martial Soul just looks like Blue Silver Grass. It's actually a Martial Soul called Golden Pattern Grass."
"So that's how it is."
The elder nodded in realization and said with a smile, "That explains it. How could a mere trash Martial Soul like Blue Silver Grass be cultivated so quickly? So it's a different Martial Soul. Alright, you've passed. Mubai, you can take him inside."
Dai Mubai nodded, then waved at Tang San before turning and walking inside. Tang San naturally followed closely behind.
Soon, it was Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong's turn in the line.
Zhu Zhuqing first put in ten Gold Soul Coins, then extended her other hand. The elder squeezed it a few times, then nodded and said, "Twelve years old, your age is acceptable. Show me your Martial Soul and soul rings."
Zhu Zhuqing wasted no words, directly using her Martial Soul Avatar. Cat ears sprouted on her head, her eyes became heterochromatic, and two soul rings appeared around her!
Just then, Dai Mubai, who had just taken Tang San inside, froze when he saw Zhu Zhuqing. Feeling the innate connection and compatibility between their Martial Souls, he was absolutely certain that the girl before him was his fiancée, Zhu Zhuqing.
But... hadn't she become the disciple of a Limit Douluo? Why was she so weak now? Could it be that she hadn't become a disciple yet?
Dai Mubai immediately thought of this possibility and was overjoyed. Originally, after seeing in the previous future video that his fiancée, a woman whose destiny was tied to his, had been lucky enough to become a Limit Douluo's disciple, his heart had filled with intense jealousy!
This meant Zhu Zhuqing had escaped the shackles of her clan's fate and could choose her own path. He, on the other hand, was still struggling in the quagmire of that same destiny. When the time came, the best-case scenario for him, the loser, was to have his cultivation crippled and be raised like a pig for the rest of his life.
As for winning?
Dai Mubai had never even considered it. His elder brother was much older than him, and they were worlds apart in terms of strength, connections, and everything else.
This so-called duel.
From the very beginning, everyone knew it was just a formality.
And he was destined to be the stepping stone, the loser whose defeat would only serve to highlight his imperial brother's wisdom and might.
Under such circumstances, who wouldn't despair?
So Dai Mubai fled.
He had abandoned his fiancée and fled, a complete coward.
He came to this remote, backwater corner of the Heaven Dou Empire, spending his days in debauchery, doing whatever he pleased, just to taste freedom before he died. At least then, his life wouldn't have been a total waste.
But now, Zhu Zhuqing's appearance gave Dai Mubai a glimmer of hope!
Because in that future video, this fiancée of his had become the disciple of a Limit Douluo!
That was a powerful backer!
If he could use this to also become a disciple of the Limit Douluo... then victory in the future duel against his brother would no longer be impossible.
And even if he lost, as long as he had a Limit Douluo backing him, the Star Luo Imperial Family would have to show some deference. They wouldn't cripple his cultivation and imprison him to be raised like a pig. That alone would be enough.
At this thought, Dai Mubai's gaze toward Zhu Zhuqing began to sparkle!
Sensing Dai Mubai's intense gaze, Zhu Zhuqing frowned in discomfort and silently withdrew her Martial Soul and soul rings.
The elder said, "Mm, you've passed. Follow him inside."
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing, merely stepping aside to let Ning Rongrong, who was behind her, come forward for the test. She remained in place, clearly intending to wait for Ning Rongrong so they could go in together.
After putting in ten Gold Soul Coins, Ning Rongrong extended her hand. The elder squeezed it, nodded, and said, "Age is acceptable. Release your Martial Soul."
Then, amidst a dazzling, colorful light, a seven-storied pagoda appeared in Ning Rongrong's hand.
The elder looked at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in surprise, frowning as he asked, "Do your family members know you're here?"
People from Great Clans and Great Sects don't just join any academy casually. Therefore, to avoid any trouble, the elder asked in advance.
Ning Rongrong simply smiled at his words and didn't answer, only asking, "Excuse me, have I passed the initial test?" Her voice was sweet and pleasant, lacking a certain heroic edge, but it had a softness to it that could make one's bones feel weak.
Seeing that she had dodged his question, the elder seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally waving his hand at Dai Mubai. "Take her inside with the others."
And so, the two girls followed Dai Mubai into the academy.
Along the way, Dai Mubai frequently looked back at Zhu Zhuqing, clearly wanting to strike up a conversation. However, he was always driven back by her icy gaze. He could only give up for now. In any case, once they were in the academy, he'd have plenty of opportunities to mend their relationship!
The three of them walked into the village together. All they could see were wooden buildings. To put it nicely, the architecture was simple and rustic. To put it bluntly, it was dilapidated!
Ning Rongrong, a little princess who had never known a day of hardship, couldn't help but frown at the sight of these buildings, though she didn't say anything. She just patiently followed behind him.
(end of chapter)