Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
On the sect's verdant lawn, a massive picnic spread unfolded.
Under Ning Tian's personal direction, male and female disciples gathered for a feast—welcoming both official and reserve members of their upcoming Soul Tournament team.
Nearby, a campfire crackled. The meat of some unknown soul beast sizzled slowly over the flames.
"Easy on the seasoning—go lighter!" Qin Lan scolded as Dugu Xin liberally sprinkled spices onto the roasting meat. "Too much will drown out the ingredient's natural flavor."
"Fine."
Dugu Xin shot the "unrefined philistine" a glance and quietly tucked his spice blend away.
This mix took rare medicinal herbs to craft—I'd hate to waste it.
"Hey," Qin Lan poked at the fire, bored. "When are the boss and the others coming back? The tournament's starting soon, and they haven't even joined our team drills yet."
Nearby, Huang Chutian scratched his head as he chopped firewood. "Honestly… with Class Rep's current strength, does he even need team training? He could probably solo the whole opposing team."
"What nonsense," Qin Lan rolled her eyes. "This tournament gathers the greatest geniuses from all four empires. The competition dwarfs past years. One person—even the boss—can't carry it alone. We need the whole team…"
"You just want to show off in front of the boss," Gao Ming—who'd been silent until now—suddenly interjected.
Qin Lan's eye twitched.
Why do you have to voice the obvious truth?!
On the picnic blanket nearby, Ning Tian and the girls arranged the remaining food—having overheard every word from the boys.
"Miss," Wu Feng leaned in, curious, "you didn't tell them Swordy's cultivation level?"
Having switched to calling Chen Junting "Swordy" the moment they returned to the sect, Wu Feng's nickname stuck—much to Ning Tian's resigned amusement. Facing Wu Feng's question and the Lan Sisters' eager stares (plus Xiao Xiao's muffled giggle), Ning Tian smirked playfully.
"Of course not."
"Miss, what's Class Rep's exact rank?" the Lan Sisters chorused—only for Ning Tian to deflect. She gestured toward Xiao Xiao. "She was at the academy and knows. Why don't you ask her?"
"Xiao Xiao?" ×2
"Huh? Me?" Xiao Xiao blinked, about to answer—
But the boys' side erupted in commotion.
A Void Gate was slowly opening behind them.
"Show off? What exactly do you plan to show me?"
A teasing voice cut through the air.
The familiar tone startled Qin Lan. The boys whirled around—
And there, stepping from a spatial rift in midair, was a tall, lean figure. Behind him followed two others: one towering and imposing, the other lithe and balanced.
"Boss!" ×?
"Junting! Yuhao—you're back!"
"Class Rep, welcome back! Oh—and Yuhao, Brother Gu—welcome too!"
Dugu Xin and the others dropped what they were doing to greet the trio. The girls, led by Ning Tian, rushed over to welcome them as well.
"Brother Junting—was everything resolved?" Ning Tian asked softly.
"Mostly," Chen Junting smiled, scanning the group—then locking eyes with Qin Lan. "So… you can all show me your progress, right, Qin Lan?"
"Haha…" Qin Lan laughed nervously.
A bad feeling… I've got a really bad feeling…
…
Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect – Grand Battle Arena
Chen Junting sat cross-legged atop a massive stone pillar, eyes closed. He assessed his body while mentally cataloging his combat capabilities.
His physical and spiritual strength matched Title Douluo standards. His soul power's quality equaled theirs; with the Spirit-Concentrating Array and environmental suppression during battle, even his quantity rivaled ordinary Title Douluos.
Combined with Snow Empress's soul ring granting his True Body, his Ultimate Metal attribute made him fearless against any Title Douluo below Level 95.
He figured he'd serve as team captain in name only—actually fighting would be like using a missile to catch fish. Pointless.
He'd only intervene if they faced Long Aotian of the Body Sect or those Holy Spirit Cult monsters.
As for his teammates? With Gu Tianchen (also a Soul Saint) as their anchor, Dugu Xin's group could unleash their full potential.
Satisfied, Chen Junting opened his eyes.
Just then—
"Hmm? They're here."
Sensing movement, he turned toward the arena's entrance. Figures filed in—one or two lagging behind, clearly reluctant.
Especially Qin Lan.
He remembered yesterday's words all too well.
"You think we should draw straws for who goes first?"
"Don't be dumb—you insisted on showing off to the boss, so you're up first."
"Hey! I never said that!"
After much bickering, Qin Lan snapped, pointing at Gao Ming: "He's the one who said it for me!"
"I just voiced what you were thinking," Gao Ming deadpanned.
"Enough!" Dugu Xin cut in firmly. "It's just guidance—not scary."
Ning Tian and Gu Tianchen—who'd stayed out of the squabble—simply smiled and walked into the arena first.
Seeing Qin Lan's unrepentant look, Chen Junting sighed. "I only set up this sparring session because I haven't seen your progress in ages. We need to prepare for the tournament. Is that really so frightening?"
In truth, this session targeted everyone except Gu Tianchen, Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Huo Yuhao.
Hearing this, Qin Lan's eye twitched. Under his mask, he muttered: "Yes, it is."
Clearly, his time at Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had turned him into a comedic, eccentric recluse.
Chen Junting shook his head, ignoring the coward. "As captain, I should fight alongside you. But my cultivation has advanced far beyond expectations—I'll likely stay off the field. You'll be the main force."
Silence fell.
They'd anticipated this.
They didn't know his exact strength—but casually defeating Soul Emperors seemed trivial. (Wu Feng and Huo Yuhao had "accidentally" confirmed as much.)
This tournament would be their stage.
"I'm excited!" Xiao Xiao whispered to the Lan Sisters, eyes sparkling—earning instant agreement.
Chen Junting heard her. His gaze fell on Xiao Xiao.
"If you're so eager… why not ladies first? What do you say, Xiao Xiao?"
"Me?!" Xiao Xiao shivered, recalling Chen Junting's godlike display at the Sea God Fated Blind Date Festival. Despite her hidden breakthroughs—enough to defeat Soul Saints as a Soul King—she doubted she'd survive one of his sword strokes.
She shot a desperate look at the Lan Sisters—only to find one studying the clouds, the other examining the ground.
You two fake friends!
(╥﹏╥)
"Wait!"
Qin Lan's heart lurched at Xiao Xiao's pitifully cute expression. Gritting his teeth, he stepped forward with martyr-like resolve. "No girl should go first—I'll take it!"
The group froze, staring at him like he'd grown a second head.
…Are you feeling okay, kid?
Even Chen Junting—perched on the pillar—looked baffled. It's just sparring, not a death sentence! Why the dramatics?
Still, he appreciated Qin Lan's courage. Rising smoothly, he cracked his knuckles with a sharp pop.
"Good spirit."
He leapt down—landing lightly on the arena floor—and faced Qin Lan.
"If you're ready… come up."
"To everyone else: wait your turn below."
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