"Brother Xue!"
Without hesitation, Chu Chengzhou called out directly.
"Dear brother, take your seat quickly. Someone, bring the dishes!"
Seeing that Chu Chengzhou was easygoing, Qian Renxue nodded in satisfaction. After guiding him to his seat, she turned and called out to the waiter outside the private room.
"Qinghe, Young Chu, you're both young people. Exchange ideas and get to know each other well."
Ning Fengzhi smiled as he spoke.
With that, Ning Fengzhi took the main seat, Gu Rong sat on the right, Qian Renxue on the left, and Chu Chengzhou next to Qian Renxue.
"It's only natural! Dear brother, may I ask if you have any elders at home?"
Qian Renxue asked Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou had just entered her line of sight, and Qian Renxue knew very little about him.
"Alas~ Unlike Brother Xue, I lost both my parents at a young age and was raised by my grandparents."
Chu Chengzhou sighed and shook his head regretfully.
To be honest, Chu Chengzhou's greatest regret was that his parents had passed away too early.
If they were still alive, even if their talent wasn't great, with the many immortal herbs from the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, he could have sent them straight to becoming Title Douluos.
And perhaps, if he achieved the status of Supreme God King in the future, arranging two divine positions wouldn't be impossible.
Of course, compared to Qian Renxue, Chu Chengzhou felt he wasn't too pitiful.
Although he had lost both parents, at least his mother wasn't his father's killer.
Having one's mother as their father's killer—wasn't that an even greater blow than losing both parents?
"I've misspoken. Please forgive me, dear brother."
Not expecting to touch on a painful subject, Qian Renxue felt embarrassed and quickly apologized.
But hearing Chu Chengzhou speak like this, she couldn't help but think of her own parents, and then of her mother Bibi Dong's hateful and cold gaze.
That woman Bibi Dong was truly terrible—the worst woman in the world!
"It's fine—it's been over ten years."
Chu Chengzhou waved it off.
The past was gone, and one must look forward. What he needed to do wasn't wallow in past grief but follow his father's aspirations, slightly modified—marry a few beautiful wives, have many children, and create the most powerful family in the universe of Douluo.
After chatting for a while, there was a knock at the door. Moments later, two waiters pushed a cart of food into the private room.
"Dear brother, we've hit it off immediately. Let's drink a few rounds today."
With the food and drinks ready, Qian Renxue said to Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou's martial soul was very interesting, and being a Level 48 Soul Ancestor at the age of nineteen showed remarkable talent—not inferior to Hu Liena, whom that bad woman placed great hopes in. Moreover, since Chu Chengzhou was close to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and might even become Ning Fengzhi's future son-in-law, it was worth her while to win him over.
Chu Chengzhou had never drunk alcohol in his life, but now that the moment had come, he couldn't back down.
Besides, it would be rude to refuse a meal and drinks offered by Angel Miss.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—at the Tian Dou Spirit Hall.
In a magnificent hall, Salas tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought about an assassination plan.
At this moment, three figures entered the hall—one tall and burly, two tall and slim—all exuding extraordinary presence.
"Cang Xiong, Han Bing, Lie Yan, greetings, Bishop."
The burly Cang Xiong gave a slight bow, while Han Bing and Lie Yan respectfully bowed deeply.
From their demeanor, it was clear that their strengths varied.
Indeed, Han Bing and Lie Yan were Soul Sages, while Cang Xiong was a Soul Douluo. Though not on the same level as Salas, who was both a Platinum Bishop and the Master of the Tian Dou Spirit Hall, Cang Xiong's strength meant the gap wasn't too wide.
"Mm. You are all powerful warriors secretly cultivated by our Tian Dou Spirit Hall. I've summoned you here for a task."
Salas nodded seriously.
"Please give your orders, Master of the Hall!"
"There is a student at Lan Ba Academy named Chu Chengzhou. He is close to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and has immense potential. In the future, he is highly likely to become a major threat to our Spirit Hall. It is necessary to eliminate him preemptively. The three of you will handle this—I'll have the Spirit Hall provide intelligence support.
Before tonight, if you can find an opportunity where the target is alone, Cang Xiong, don't act. Leave the task to Han Bing and Lie Yan.
If no such opportunity arises, the three of you will infiltrate Lan Ba Academy under cover of night. Lan Ba Academy only has three Soul Sages—they definitely can't stop you.
Once you succeed, leave Tian Dou City immediately. Wait until the commotion dies down before returning... No, return directly to Spirit City!"
Initially, Salas intended to let them return to the Tian Dou Spirit Hall after the commotion subsided, but reconsidering to avoid exposure, he decided to send them straight back to Spirit City.
After all, the three of them were all above Level 70 experts, including one Soul Douluo. If things went wrong and they were caught by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it would be a painful loss for him.
As for sending expendable soul masters to carry out the assassination?
In Salas's view, for something that couldn't be brought to light, a single, decisive strike was essential.
Otherwise, if the assigned operatives weren't strong enough to complete the mission and aroused suspicion from the target and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the next attempt wouldn't be so easy.
Leaving the Tian Dou Grand Hotel, Chu Chengzhou headed toward Lan Ba Academy.
A pleasant lunch ended with mutual enjoyment. As they parted ways, a slightly tipsy Qian Renxue even gave him a token symbolizing her private identity and invited him to visit the palace when he had time.
'Could it be that she's taken a liking to me?'
Chu Chengzhou thought somewhat narcissistically.
Shaking his head, Chu Chengzhou temporarily set aside the matter.
One of life's three great illusions—that was something to avoid.
Besides, while accepting an invitation from Angel Miss was fine, actively seeking her out wasn't necessary.
Flirting with a beautiful angel was acceptable—but if the angel was Xue Qinghe, then it was unnecessary.
Moreover, in Chu Chengzhou's view, courting Qian Renxue wasn't particularly difficult—in fact, it was easier than with Big Cat. There was no need to actively seek her out.
For someone like Qian Renxue, proud and competitive, defeating her a few times, combined with decent looks, was basically all it took.
In the original storyline, she even admired Tang San, the son of her father's murderer, and fell hopelessly in love with him. Even without the "stupidity aura," Chu Chengzhou figured he should be fine, right?
The Tian Dou Grand Hotel wasn't far from Lan Ba Academy, and soon, Chu Chengzhou returned to the campus.
Just as Chu Chengzhou entered the academy gates, three figures appeared in the distant streets near Lan Ba Academy.
"Hmph!"
Watching Chu Chengzhou's retreating figure in the distance, the leading Cang Xiong let out a regretful snort.
Upon receiving Salas's assignment, the three had immediately begun their operation.
However, figuring out where Chu Chengzhou had gone would take some time—even the Tian Dou Spirit Hall didn't know immediately.
After all, Chu Chengzhou had left the arena with Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong—no one dared to tail a Title Douluo.
When Chu Chengzhou left the Tian Dou Grand Hotel and returned to Lan Ba Academy, his whereabouts were exposed.
Upon receiving the news, Cang Xiong and the others rushed over, but unfortunately, they were too late.
It was still broad daylight—storming Lan Ba Academy to kill someone would cause too much commotion.
Moreover, according to intelligence, Bone Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect hadn't yet left Tian Dou City. Even if they succeeded regardless, their chances of escaping were slim.
Perhaps in Salas's view, sacrificing an Soul Douluo and two Soul Sages to eliminate a future threat to the Spirit Hall wasn't unacceptable.
But for Cang Xiong and the others, if possible, they certainly didn't want to risk their lives for this.
As the saying goes, "On dark nights with howling winds, it's perfect for killing and arson." Late at night, three black-clad figures stealthily infiltrated Lan Ba Academy through the forest.
After nightfall, though Lan Ba Academy had teachers on duty, their strength was insufficient to stop determined intruders.
Meanwhile, inside the dormitory, Chu Chengzhou and Ning Rongrong, immersed in a VR game titled The Unspoken Story of the Nurse and VIP Clients, concluded another intense session and exited the simulation.
Feeling the mischievous hand lingering on her behind, Ning Rongrong blushed and pinched Chu Chengzhou's waist.
"Rongrong, shall we go again?"
Licking his lips, reminiscing about the pleasure of VR, Chu Chengzhou suggested.
"Tsk, you shameless man! It's late—I need to go back."
Ning Rongrong firmly rejected the suggestion, pushing Chu Chengzhou away. She stood up and tidied her disheveled clothes.
Her messy attire? Naturally, it was Chu Chengzhou's doing.
While playing games in VR, the real-life nurse was entirely at his disposal.
"Alright!"
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou nodded regretfully.
But there was plenty of time ahead. Since the little devil was already in his harem, there was no need to rush.
Honestly, Chu Chengzhou felt his mastery of illusion techniques was truly excellent. Not only did it bring joy, but it also didn't harm the body.
Subsequently, Chu Chengzhou got off the bed, preparing to escort Ning Rongrong back.
"Hmm?"
However, as Chu Chengzhou opened the door, he inadvertently caught sight of three suspicious black-clad figures hurrying toward them in the distance.
Seeing the three black-clad figures in the distance, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but pause.
What was this situation? Were thieves sneaking into the academy?
Immediately, Chu Chengzhou's expression changed.
The three black-clad figures emanated formidable soul power. Two of them were only slightly weaker than Flender and Zhao Wuji, while one was far stronger.
'Two Soul Sages and one Soul Douluo?'
Though Chu Chengzhou couldn't pinpoint their exact soul power levels, he could sense their general rank.
Without hesitation, Chu Chengzhou materialized his True Spirit Flag martial soul. His third soul ring lit up, and Xiao Hong, the Fire Phoenix summon, instantly manifested in the air outside the dormitory corridor.
Then, Chu Chengzhou wrapped his arm around Ning Rongrong's waist, lightly tapped his toes, and swiftly leapt onto Xiao Hong's back with her.
Late at night, these three suspicious guests dressed in black and possessing such formidable strength were clearly not up to any good—they were likely here to cause trouble.
For now, setting everything else aside, the priority was to have Xiao Hong carry them high into the sky, ensuring an unbeatable position.
Of course, this advantage depended on the assumption that the Soul Douluo's martial soul wasn't a flying-type.
"Who are you?!"
Letting Xiao Hong ascend into the sky, Chu Chengzhou summoned his Flowing Gold Soul-Severing Bow and Titanium Armor-Piercing Arrow, glaring at the three black-clad figures.
The Flowing Gold Soul-Severing Bow, forged from refined Spirit Gold, replaced his previous fire-attribute Yang Chasing Sun Bow. Paired with metallic soul power, the Titanium Armor-Piercing Arrows were even more potent than before.
"Hmm? Has the intel leaked?"
Dressed in black, watching Chu Chengzhou's smooth operations, Cang Xiong paused in surprise.
He never expected that before they could locate Chu Chengzhou and strike, their presence had already been detected.
At this moment, Cang Xiong couldn't help but suspect that the Spirit Hall's plan had been leaked—how could such a coincidence exist otherwise?
"Go!"
Cang Xiong didn't have time to dwell on it and signaled to the nearby Han Bing and Lie Yan.
His martial soul was the Golden Rampage Bear, which lacked flight capabilities. With Chu Chengzhou flying so high, even as an Soul Douluo, he was powerless.
Fortunately, Salas had considered that both Liu Erlong and Flender at Lan Ba Academy could fly and were quite strong. Additionally, for convenience in escaping afterward, he assigned Han Bing and Lie Yan, both flying-type Soul Sages, as assistants.
"Crimson Flame Bird, possess!"
"Ice Sparrow, possess!"
The two black-clad flying Soul Sages activated their martial souls, their soul rings glowing as they flapped their wings and ascended into the air.
"How dare you trespass in my academy?! Sixth soul skill, Explosive Dragon Strike!"
Suddenly, a fierce shout rang out. A crimson figure shot like a meteor toward the barely airborne "Han Bing," unleashing a massive fiery dragon fist projection.
"Fourth soul skill, Blade Tempest!"
Flender descended from above, his fourth soul ring flashing as ten orange-gold razor-sharp blades shot toward "Lie Yan."
Simultaneously, Zhao Wuji, embodying his Strong Golden Bear martial soul, leapt down from the dormitory building like a cannonball, landing far in front of Cang Xiong.
Earlier, when Chu Chengzhou summoned Xiao Hong, Liu Erlong and others residing in the same dormitory building had sensed the soul power fluctuations. However, since it was the dead of night and everyone had been asleep, they were momentarily delayed.
Facing Liu Erlong and Flender's attacks, "Han Bing" and "Lie Yan" relied on their defensive soul skills to endure. While "Lie Yan" managed to withstand Flender's fourth soul skill, "Han Bing" faced Liu Erlong's sixth soul skill. His defensive soul skill shattered, and he was struck down by Liu Erlong's punch, sustaining minor injuries.
Still, as fellow Soul Sages, and with defensive soul skills mitigating much of the attack, "Han Bing" hadn't suffered severe damage.
"Hmph~ You two, go after the target! Lan Ba Academy, see whom you can save!"
Cang Xiong snorted, instructing "Han Bing" and "Lie Yan." Then, his Golden Rampage Bear martial soul activated, and eight soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black—lit up as he charged toward the student dormitory building.
Both "Han Bing" and "Lie Yan" were newly minted Soul Sages. Liu Erlong and Flender could fly and were quite strong. If they focused on protecting Chu Chengzhou and restraining Han Bing and Lie Yan, it was possible that Chu Chengzhou, with his flight capability, could escape.
But military strategy dictated attacking the enemy's vital point.
Chu Chengzhou was Liu Erlong and Flender's student, but so were the other students of Lan Ba Academy. Cang Xiong didn't believe that if he stormed into the dormitory and started killing, Liu Erlong and Flender would ignore the situation and focus solely on restraining Han Bing and Lie Yan to protect Chu Chengzhou.
As for Zhao Wuji? Like himself, Zhao Wuji had a bear-type martial soul and couldn't fly. Moreover, as a Soul Sage, Zhao Wuji couldn't stop him.
"You dare!"
Sure enough, seeing the Soul Douluo Cang Xiong charge toward the dormitory, knowing Zhao Wuji couldn't stop him, Liu Erlong and Flender immediately panicked. They abandoned their fight with Han Bing and Lie Yan and rushed to intercept Cang Xiong.
Their decision stemmed from their awareness of Chu Chengzhou's true strength. Otherwise, if Chu Chengzhou couldn't hold his own, they wouldn't dare abandon their fight with Han Bing and Lie Yan.
After all, Ning Rongrong was with Chu Chengzhou! If anything happened to the young mistress of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect within the academy, they'd have no way to explain it to Lord Ning.
Without Liu Erlong and Flender's restraint, Han Bing and Lie Yan immediately flapped their wings and flew toward Chu Chengzhou, who hadn't strayed far from the battlefield.
They knew their purpose for sneaking into Lan Ba Academy late at night wasn't to fight Liu Erlong and the others but to kill Chu Chengzhou. All actions must prioritize this goal above all else.
'Chu scumbag, you better make me proud!'
Seeing the incoming fiery and icy flying Soul Sages, Ning Rongrong, seated on Xiao Hong's back behind Chu Chengzhou, became worried and gripped Xiao Hong's phoenix feathers tightly.
"Don't worry, they're just two Soul Sages who haven't activated their spirit true bodies."
Sensing Ning Rongrong's tension, Chu Chengzhou telepathically reassured her.
Watching the two flying Soul Sages rapidly ascend, one ahead of the other, Chu Chengzhou's second soul ring lit up. A miniature version of Little Bai condensed, and her innate soul skill, Blessing, activated. A surge of white light radiated, instantly boosting Chu Chengzhou's attributes—including his mental strength—by 50%.
Then, Chu Chengzhou narrowed his eyes, golden light flickering in his hands as he drew the Flowing Gold Soul-Severing Bow and aimed at the closer Crimson Flame Bird Soul Sage.
Focusing on the Crimson Flame Bird Soul Sage, Chu Chengzhou silently calculated the maximum effective range of his illusion technique.
"Now!"
Murmuring internally, Chu Chengzhou unleashed his illusion technique and released his arrow.
Instantly, formless and intangible mental energy surged across the distance, invading "Lie Yan's" consciousness.
Comparing their mental strengths, Chu Chengzhou's mental power, amplified by 50%, surpassed that of "Lie Yan," whose soul power had just reached the Soul Sage level.
In an instant, "Lie Yan" felt his vision blur, and his consciousness plunged into an unknown space.
The next moment, a streak of golden light flashed. A Titanium Armor-Piercing Arrow infused with metallic soul power shot forth, striking "Lie Yan" squarely in the head.
Boom—
"Lie Yan's" head exploded like a burst watermelon, scattering blood, brain matter, and bone fragments in midair.
Immediately, the gruesome sight of his companion's death startled "Han Bing," flying behind "Lie Yan."
But before "Han Bing" could react further, he felt a powerful mental force invade his mind. His vision spun violently, and moments later, his consciousness sank into eternal darkness.
"Hmph, this is the cost of underestimating an archer!"
Looking at the two headless corpses of the Soul Sages plummeting to the ground, Chu Chengzhou, who had fired the second Titanium Armor-Piercing Arrow with a speed unseen in fifteen years, inwardly scoffed.
Within seconds, he had consecutively shot the heads off two Soul Sages. Chu Chengzhou was very satisfied with his performance.
Of course, he knew that his success wasn't solely due to his own sharp tactics but also because the two Soul Sages had underestimated him, a four-ring Soul Elder, and grown careless.
Had they activated their spirit true bodies beforehand, the outcome... Well, they'd still die, but perhaps not as quickly.
After all, he had consumed the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot, granting him immunity to ice, fire, and poison—specifically countering ice, fire, and poison-based soul masters.
"Big scumbag, this is why I chose you—you're truly impressive!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou consecutively slay two Soul Sages, Ning Rongrong immediately beamed and praised him.
Under normal circumstances, Chu Chengzhou would have discussed in detail just how impressive he was.
But now, he had no time to indulge in Ning Rongrong's praise. He immediately turned his attention to the battlefield below.
Seeing that the Golden Rampage Bear Soul Douluo below had been restrained by Liu Erlong and the others, and that Xiao Wu and Big Cat were leading the awakened students away from the battlefield, Chu Chengzhou breathed a sigh of relief.
However, upon noticing the mangled remains of several students near the dormitory, Chu Chengzhou's expression darkened.
Without hesitation, he instructed Xiao Hong to descend far from the battlefield.
"Rongrong, stay far away with Xiao Wu and the others."
Chu Chengzhou instructed Ning Rongrong.
"Mm-hmm, that big dumb bear looks really strong. Be careful!"
Nodding, Ning Rongrong reminded him as she disembarked from Xiao Hong's back.
"Hmph, that big dumb bear dares to kill in our academy? Then he isn't leaving tonight!"
Snorting coldly, Chu Chengzhou's fourth soul ring lit up, summoning Big Bear, the Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear summon. After having Little Bai bless Big Bear, he immediately instructed Xiao Hong to ascend once more.
Liu Erlong, Flender, and Zhao Wuji weren't newly minted Soul Sages. Even if they weren't among the strongest in the seven-ring tier, their strength was top-tier. With Shao Xin, a food-type Soul Sage, providing soul-restoring food, their combined strength rivaled that of the Golden Rampage Bear Soul Douluo.
At this moment, both sides were evenly matched. With Chu Chengzhou, the sniper, launching surprise attacks, and Big Bear's assistance, considering the opponent's martial soul had traces of Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear bloodline, Big Bear's presence would suppress the Golden Rampage Bear Soul Douluo's abilities. Capturing or killing all three intruders tonight wouldn't be difficult.
In truth, the only reason Big Bear's suppression wasn't overwhelming was his age—only over twenty thousand years. Excluding combat power, the difference in rank between the two was significant, and thus the bloodline suppression wasn't ideal. Otherwise, Big Bear simply standing there would've caused the Golden Rampage Bear Soul Douluo to crumble instantly.
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