I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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When Chu Chengzhou returned to the Grand Spirit Arena, the second round of the preliminary matches that he had expected to have already begun in the morning had not yet officially started.
At this moment, the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands were silent. The solemn and dignified voice of Emperor Xue Ye, amplified through a sound-transmitting soul tool, reverberated across the entire arena.
"The All-Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, as well as the grand event for soul masters on the continent, was primarily organized to discover talented young soul masters from across the land.
However, last night, an utterly disgraceful incident occurred.
Some faction dared to send assassins who infiltrated Lan Ba Academy late at night to attack outstanding participating students. This is undoubtedly an insult to the tournament organizers and a blatant provocation against the empire's authority.
For such despicable behavior, the empire will pursue it to the very end.
Here, I, Emperor Xue Ye of the Tian Dou Empire, warn any dark schemers harboring malicious intentions on the continent—do not dare to provoke the empire. Otherwise, the Tian Dou Empire will make every individual and faction pay with blood!"
As he spoke, Emperor Xue Ye glanced at Salas beside him.
Pausing briefly, Emperor Xue Ye continued, "To prevent such vile acts from happening again, the empire will dispatch a team of ten royal advisors and a hundred soul masters above Level 60, along with twenty thousand Tian Dou Royal Knights, to patrol the entire city day and night. This ensures the smooth progress of the soul master tournament. All participating academies can rest assured and focus on the competition."
After delivering his warning, Emperor Xue Ye sat back down.
Then, the announcer's voice rang out: "The second round of the preliminary matches will now begin. Please have the ten academy teams scheduled to compete today enter the arena in an orderly manner."
Seeing that the ten competing teams on the five platforms did not include Lan Ba Academy's team, Chu Chengzhou headed to the rest area.
"Brother, you're back."
Seeing Chu Chengzhou return, Xiao Wu immediately went to greet him. However, after taking a few steps, she remembered that Chu Chengzhou had secretly gotten close to her close friend Ning Rongrong. With an angry look, she turned back and sat down stiffly.
"Cough, Xiao Wu, who are our opponents today?"
Although the results of the match had been determined yesterday through a draw, Chu Chengzhou hadn't paid attention to these details and genuinely didn't know who their next opponent would be.
"Hmph!"
Xiao Wu responded with a cold hum.
"How dare you call yourself the team captain and show no concern for the competition! Our opponent this time is Oakland Academy.
By the way, the lineup for our academy has already been arranged. You, as the captain, should just stay cool somewhere else!"
Liu Erlong glared at Chu Chengzhou, somewhat dissatisfied.
It wasn't clear whether she was upset that Chu Chengzhou was neglecting his duties or that he was a heartbreaker.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Without saying anything, Chu Chengzhou walked over, plopped down beside Xiao Wu, pulled her shoulder into his arms, and then dragged her consciousness into his illusionary realm.
"???"
Seeing Xiao Wu lose consciousness and sensing the mental fluctuations, Liu Erlong, Flender, and Zhao Wuji nearby looked puzzled.
In the illusionary realm:
"Why are you doing this?"
Xiao Wu slapped Chu Chengzhou discontentedly.
"Do it!"
Chu Chengzhou's words were brief. He knew that at this moment, words were powerless—it was time for action.
Xiao Wu: "..."
Half-resisting, half-yielding, the two began to enjoy themselves.
Outside, seeing her dear sister Xiao Wu's consciousness seemingly absent from reality, Ning Rongrong, who guessed what they were up to, couldn't help but blush.
This scoundrel truly lived up to his reputation—he didn't care about the setting and only did mischievous things!
"Rongrong, why is your face red?"
Seeing her little sister's flushed cheeks, Zhu Zhuqing, unaware of the situation, asked curiously.
"Uh, it's nothing!"
Ning Rongrong waved her hand. She certainly couldn't admit that someone nearby was doing something naughty.
Lan Ba Academy's match against Oakland Academy was scheduled for the second group.
Half an hour later, staff from the organizing committee arrived to lead the ten academy teams of the second group onto the field.
"Xiao Wu, wake up! It's time to go on stage!"
Unaware of the situation and thinking Xiao Wu was merely resting, Liu Erlong gently nudged her.
Since Chu Chengzhou had been absent earlier, some changes were made to Lan Ba Academy's lineup. Tai Long and the other four substitutes, along with Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing—who had been selected by the draw—were set to compete.
"Director Liu, Xiao Wu isn't feeling well. Let someone else take her place."
While diligently plowing away in the virtual realm, Chu Chengzhou diverted part of his consciousness to speak.
Today's opponent was Oakland Academy, one of the background teams in the soul master tournament. Their entire team didn't even have a single Soul Ancestor. Whether he or Xiao Wu participated didn't matter—it was a guaranteed win either way.
"Not feeling well?"
Hearing this, Liu Erlong paused momentarily.
"Alright, Dai Mubai, switch places with Xiao Wu."
Without much thought, Liu Erlong turned to Dai Mubai, who had been standing quietly like an invisible man.
Subsequently, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and Tai Long got up and followed two tournament staff members onto the field.
Just as the seven rose to leave, an unfamiliar middle-aged man also followed them.
This middle-aged man wasn't weak. Judging by the aura of soul power he exuded, Chu Chengzhou estimated he was likely a seven-ring Soul Sage.
"Director Liu, who was that middle-aged man earlier?"
After the suspected Soul Sage left, Chu Chengzhou asked Liu Erlong.
"He said he was sent by Emperor Xue Ye. Until last night's incident is resolved, he will remain with Dai Mubai."
Liu Erlong replied, somewhat speechless.
"Sent by Emperor Xue Ye?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou paused briefly but quickly understood the situation.
Lan Ba Academy had been attacked by 'assassins from the Star Luo Empire.' Whether or not the Star Luo Empire was responsible, given the domineering nature of the White Tiger family, they would never admit to it.
After all, if I refuse to acknowledge it, what can the Tian Dou Empire do? If you've got the guts, come and fight me!
That was indeed the original situation. But with Dai Mubai in the hands of Tian Dou, the situation changed.
If the Star Luo Empire refused to take responsibility, then don't blame the Tian Dou Empire for making an example of Dai Mubai, the third prince.
Perhaps Dai Mubai, as an ostracized and powerless prince, wasn't highly valued by the Star Luo imperial family. But he was still the biological son of the current emperor. Even if he was useless, the Star Luo Empire couldn't simply abandon him.
With Dai Mubai in hand, the Tian Dou Empire had leverage to ensure the Star Luo Empire wouldn't deny responsibility.
Not to mention, the losses suffered by Lan Ba Academy would definitely be compensated by the Star Luo Empire.
What if Emperor Dai Yutian of Star Luo was truly ruthless and refused to take responsibility?
No problem. The Tian Dou Empire could cover the losses of Lan Ba Academy and then gather a hundred or so young women to pair with Dai Mubai daily. In a few years, the Tian Dou Empire would gain a top-tier beast-type martial soul lineage. That deal wouldn't be bad!
Hmm... Perhaps for Dai Mubai, it might be better if his own father chose to stubbornly deny responsibility?
On the other side.
Seeing that Chu Chengzhou wasn't among the participants for Lan Ba Academy's match, Salas, seated in the first row of the VIP section, raised an eyebrow.
"Patriarch Ning, didn't Chu Chengzhou of Lan Ba Academy seem unharmed last night? Why isn't he participating?"
Salas addressed Ning Fengzhi, who had just arrived.
"Heh, Bishop Salas, it seems you're quite concerned about my nephew?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled as he spoke.
"As a member of the organizing committee for the soul master tournament, I naturally must care about the condition of the participating students."
Salas adopted a serious expression, pretending to be deeply concerned.
"Bishop Salas, what are your thoughts on last night's attack?"
Suddenly, Emperor Xue Ye, seated in the center, asked.
"I have already reported this to His Holiness the Pope. Our Spirit Hall will absolutely not tolerate the culprits behind the scenes."
Salas spoke with righteous indignation.
His demeanor gave the impression that he desperately wanted to drag the true culprit out and bring them to justice.
"That's good, Bishop Salas. Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will not allow similar incidents to happen again. Otherwise, we will take appropriate measures."
Ning Fengzhi narrowed his eyes and spoke calmly.
"If it happens again, watch your life!"
Chen Xin transmitted a message to Salas.
Though the Spirit Hall was powerful, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't its match. However, if the target was just Salas, with Chen Xin or Gu Rong acting as assassins, the Tian Dou Spirit Hall wouldn't stand a chance, and Salas would be finished.
Even if no evidence was found, Salas' death would be inconsequential.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect didn't want to completely break ties with the Spirit Hall, but the Spirit Hall similarly didn't want to sever relations with them either—unless Pope Bibi Dong of the Spirit Hall went mad.
Of course, all this was predicated on Salas continuing to tempt fate.
Hearing the threatening words in his ear, Salas' pupils contracted involuntarily.
"Sword Elder, what do you mean?"
Salas, black-faced and threatened, asked in a low voice.
"Salas, what are you talking about? Have I ever spoken to you?"
Chen Xin feigned ignorance, pretending he didn't understand.
"Hmph!"
Seeing Chen Xin play dumb, Salas let out a cold hum.
"Hmm? Salas, you're just a mere Platinum Bishop. How dare you act arrogantly before me? Didn't your Spirit Hall Pope teach you about respecting hierarchy?"
As he spoke, Chen Xin unleashed his Title Douluo-level soul power pressure, completely enveloping Salas.
I am a Title Douluo. Even Pope Bibi Dong herself treats me with respect. You're just a Platinum Bishop wrapped in the Spirit Hall's skin—how dare you consider yourself my equal?
Daring to give me a sour look—you clearly don't know why a Title Douluo is respectfully called 'Your Majesty' by the world!
Under the terrifying soul power pressure, Salas' face instantly turned livid. If not for Chen Xin holding back and the sturdy chair beneath him, Salas would have collapsed to the ground.
"Haha, Sword Uncle, please don't get angry. I'm sure Bishop Salas meant no harm."
Ning Fengzhi interjected with a smile.
"Patriarch Ning is right, Sword Elder. For my sake, if Bishop Salas apologizes to you, let this matter be settled, how's that?"
Emperor Xue Ye also added with a smile.
Both were 'cultured gentlemen' and couldn't handle rough work. While Chen Xin played the tough guy, it was their turn to play the peacemakers.
"Fine, I'll give Your Majesty this face."
Chen Xin nodded reluctantly, pretending to compromise.
"What do you think, Bishop Salas?"
Emperor Xue Ye looked at Salas, whose face was still livid.
Watching the coordinated performance of Emperor Xue Ye and the others, Salas, currently under immense pressure, felt his anger boiling with nowhere to vent.
If possible, he wished he could challenge Ning Fengzhi and Emperor Xue Ye to a noble one-on-one duel.
Why not Chen Xin?
Damn it! He's a Title Douluo—I, an eight-ring support-type Soul Douluo, can't possibly defeat him.
After a long pause, seeing that Salas hadn't responded, Chen Xin smacked his forehead, pretending to suddenly remember something.
"Look at me, I almost forgot. A mere eight-ring support soul master doesn't have the strength to speak under my pressure."
As he spoke, Chen Xin temporarily withdrew the soul power pressure he had exerted on Salas.
"You—!"
Once the soul power pressure dissipated and Salas regained control of his body, he pointed angrily at Chen Xin.
"Hmm?"
Seeing this, Chen Xin frowned, his gaze becoming increasingly dangerous.
Meeting Chen Xin's gaze, Salas felt a chill run down his spine. The feeling of having his life not in his own hands was unbearable, and he didn't want to experience it again.
Taking a deep breath and suppressing his anger, Salas lowered his head and said, "Elder Sword, I apologize for my earlier mistake. Please forgive me."
Chen Xin was right. He was only a Soul Douluo. Even as a Platinum Bishop and Master of the Tian Dou Spirit Hall, he was still inferior in rank to Chen Xin.
Because Chen Xin was not only the protective elder of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but also an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall.
One of the six patterns on the Pope's command represented Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword martial soul!
Whether an honorary elder or a direct elder, all Spirit Hall elders outranked him as a Platinum Bishop.
Salas addressing Chen Xin as "Elder Sword" instead of "Sword Elder" was also done to avoid embarrassing the Spirit Hall.
As a Platinum Bishop and Master of the Tian Dou Spirit Hall, Salas knew he could bow to Chen Xin, an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall, but he absolutely couldn't bow to Chen Xin as an elder of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Otherwise, even if he got through this, his superior, Bibi Dong, wouldn't tolerate such a spineless subordinate.
"Hmm, since you, Salas, sincerely apologized, I, as a magnanimous elder, will let you off this time and not hold it against you. Remember what I said!"
Finally, Chen Xin didn't forget to issue a warning to Salas.
On the battlefield.
As expected, Lan Ba Academy decisively defeated their opponent, Oakland Academy.
After all, Oakland Academy didn't even have a single Soul Ancestor. All seven of their competitors were Soul Elder, while Lan Ba Academy fielded three Soul Ancestors. Even without perfect coordination, there was no suspense in the outcome.
Honestly, facing three Soul Ancestors, the fact that Oakland Academy's team didn't directly surrender was already commendable.
After leaving the competition platform, Ma Hongjun and the others went to watch the subsequent matches, while Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing returned to the rest area.
When the two returned to the rest area, they coincidentally caught Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu concluding a happy session and exiting the illusionary realm.
"Huh? Where are Director Liu and the others? Is it our turn to compete?"
Seeing only the two girls in the rest area and no one else from the academy, Xiao Wu temporarily set aside her unhappiness and asked Chu Chengzhou.
"Uh, well, today's match is already over."
The cheers of the audience celebrating Lan Ba Academy's victory on the field had been loud enough for Chu Chengzhou to hear, even in the rest area.
Xiao Wu: "..."
"It's all your fault!"
Xiao Wu punched Chu Chengzhou angrily.
"Mm-hmm, it's all my fault! Xiao Wu, you and Rongrong are good sisters, and you're the older sister while Rongrong is the younger sister. Be a good big sister and get along well in the future!"
In front of Zhu Zhuqing's shocked gaze, Chu Chengzhou held Xiao Wu with one hand and the somewhat bewildered Ning Rongrong with the other, speaking earnestly.
Zhu Zhuqing: What's going on?
"Huh? Zhu Zhuqing, do you want to join too?"
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing staring blankly nearby, Chu Chengzhou, pushing his luck, tentatively asked.
Boom—
Before Zhu Zhuqing could respond, a right hook landed squarely on Chu Chengzhou's left eye socket, forming a symmetrical bruise with his previously swollen right eye.
At this moment, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but admire Chu Chengzhou. When it came to tempting fate, no one compared to this scoundrel!
Her dear sister Xiao Wu hadn't even fully accepted her as a second sister, and this scoundrel was already trying to find a third sister?
"Still mad? Xiao Wu, can we stop being angry?"
Chu Chengzhou reached out to touch Xiao Wu's rabbit ears.
"Seeing you makes me mad!"
Xiao Wu slapped Chu Chengzhou's hand away.
Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou wasn't annoyed. Gently cupping Xiao Wu's face with both hands, he leaned in and kissed her red lips.
Trying to resist but unable to push Chu Chengzhou away, Xiao Wu bit down hard in her fury, causing Chu Chengzhou's lips to bleed.
Though his lips were bitten by his angry girlfriend, Chu Chengzhou didn't mind and showed no intention of letting go.
Being bitten was nothing. As long as the two fish in the pond could coexist harmoniously, that was all that mattered.
After a long while, Xiao Wu, whose mouth was starting to feel numb, was finally released by Chu Chengzhou.
"Still mad?"
Licking the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, Chu Chengzhou asked.
"Hmph!"
Xiao Wu responded with another cold hum.
Xiao Wu, who had anticipated this to some extent, wasn't entirely opposed to Ning Rongrong as a sister. However, she knew she couldn't easily compromise. Otherwise, the number of sisters in the future would far exceed her imagination.
"Mwu mwu mwu"
The next second, Chu Chengzhou kissed her again.
Angry? Then I'll keep kissing until you're not angry anymore.
When fear eventually overcomes anger, this matter will be smoothed over and passively accepted.
After all, the Douluo Continent didn't practice monogamy. Men with multiple wives were common, though unlike Chu Chengzhou's case, most of those men's concubines were mere decorations.
Of course, there was another method: continuously engaging in joyful activities.
If Xiao Wu felt overwhelmed and physically incapable of handling it alone, she'd naturally stop caring about such matters.
But actual physical activity at this age was a bit premature; this approach was somewhat inappropriate.
Again and again, nearing noon, when the fourteen matches of the second round of preliminaries ended and the audience began to disperse, Xiao Wu was finally scared.
By this point, Xiao Wu's lips were noticeably swollen, her originally rosy cherry lips transformed into sausage lips by Chu Chengzhou's kisses.
During this time, Xiao Wu hadn't stopped resisting and struggling. Although her soul power level was a few ranks higher than Chu Chengzhou's and she had an additional fifth soul ring, her physical prowess still couldn't match Chu Chengzhou's. She was tightly held and had no chance of escape.
Of course, while Xiao Wu's lips became sausage-like, Chu Chengzhou didn't fare much better.
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou's lips were covered in bite marks, riddled with wounds from teeth.
"Still mad?"
Chu Chengzhou asked again.
"Nohh, nuht mad."
Xiao Wu frantically shook her head, mumbling incoherently. She was truly afraid of being kissed.
The two had officially been a couple for quite some time, but in Xiao Wu's view, all their previous kisses combined didn't add up to today's duration.
"So, is Rongrong your lifelong sister?"
Xiao Wu hesitated upon hearing this, but seeing Chu Chengzhou leaning in for another kiss, she quickly nodded like a pecking chicken.
"And can you two get along well in the future?"
Chu Chengzhou asked again.
Xiao Wu, still fearful, nodded.
"What about Zhu Zhuqing?"
Chu Chengzhou probed again.
"Goh die!"
What is called overstepping boundaries? This was it!
Enraged, Xiao Wu lifted her long leg clad in crystal high heels and kicked Chu Chengzhou straight into the wall of the rest area.
Boom—!
The sturdy wall of the rest area trembled, and Chu Chengzhou, imprinted on the wall in the shape of a '大,' slid down limply.
Ning Rongrong: "..."
Zhu Zhuqing blinked. Why does Senior Chu always mention me?
Could it be… that Senior Chu, who already juggles two relationships, is thinking about juggling three?
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