With the inter-year exchange match concluded, life at Shrek Academy settled back into its rhythm.
Day after day—classes, relentless training, deep meditation—the symphony of a disciple's life.
Fang Yang sat alone in his room, knees crossed, eyes shut.
Soul power flowed like a gentle stream around him—steady, serene.
Creak…
The door opened softly.
Though immersed in cultivation, Fang Yang sensed their presence.
His soul power calmed—ending his session.
Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan entered.
Gu Yue—cool, composed, eyes like still water, Xu Xiaoyan—bubbling with joy, eyes sparkling.
Xu Xiaoyan tiptoed to Fang Yang, grinning mischievously as he kept his eyes closed.
She covered his eyes with cool palms:
"Guess who?"
Her voice dropped low—but mirth betrayed her.
Fang Yang smiled, playing along:
"Hmm… must be my Xiaoyan!"
"Correct!" She leapt back, beaming.
Both held keys to Fang Yang's room—visiting freely—to discuss cultivation or simply share quiet moments.
Fang Yang opened his eyes, first meeting Gu Yue's faint smile, then turning to Xu Xiaoyan: "Something good happened? You're glowing."
"Hehe!" She nodded eagerly: "I hit Level 40!"
"Impressive—you're ahead of schedule," Fang Yang praised.
"Of course!" She puffed her chest: "I'm a Soul Ancestor now!"
"My Xiaoyan's amazing!" Fang Yang rose, taking her hands.
"Let's go to the Spirit Pagoda—choose your spirit soul!"
"Yes!" Xu Xiaoyan bounced, excitement blazing.
She'd achieved this through sheer talent—no faction backing.
Since her Spirit evolved from Starwheel Ice Scepter to Star Scepter, her cultivation accelerated—drawing power from celestial stars day and night.
"We should visit Teacher too," Gu Yue added softly, eyes glinting.
"Agreed," Fang Yang nodded, left hand clasping Gu Yue's, right holding Xu Xiaoyan's—three walking as one.
They left Shrek Academy, heading toward the Spirit Pagoda's headquarters—Heavenly Spirit Pagoda.
---
Heavenly Spirit Pagoda—Spirit Pagoda HQ!
"Whoa!" Xu Xiaoyan gasped, awestruck.
Her first time here—the colossal tower dwarfed legends.
Soul-guided light shimmered on its spire—majestic, enigmatic.
This was one of Douluo Continent's ultimate seats of power!
"Let's go in, Xiaoyan," Fang Yang said gently.
"Mm!" She nodded, anticipation dancing in her eyes.
They ascended white jade steps, passing the grand archway.
After registration, they entered the luminous marble hall—crystal chandeliers blazing like daylight.
Soul masters hurried past—soul force humming in the air.
Then—a handsome youth approached.
Tall, elegant, clad in white—handsome, yet eyes sharp with arrogance.
His presence reeked of entitlement—unsettling, suffocating.
Spotting Gu Yue, his eyes lit up.
He strode forward, smiling, pulling a bouquet of crimson roses from his ring:
"Gu Yue—long time no see!"
He bowed, offering the flowers: "A gift—please don't refuse."
Hope gleamed in his gaze.
Fang Yang's face darkened instantly.
No need to guess—this was Qiangu Zhangting:
Grandson of Pagoda Master Qiangu Dongfeng, main heir of the Qiangu Clan, born with full innate soul power—Limit Douluo potential.
Gu Yue's brow furrowed—voice glacial:
"Qiangu Zhangting—are you ill?"
Qiangu Zhangting's smile froze.
He knew she disliked him—but public humiliation? Unthinkable!
Yet—he was used to rejection.
From their first meeting, he'd been obsessed: Her flawless beauty, her icy, untouchable grace—unlike any woman he'd known.
Learning that she was Leng Yaozhu's disciple—a prodigy—only fueled his desire.
Her status, talent, lineage—perfect for a Qiangu heir!
He'd pursued her relentlessly—only to be rebuffed repeatedly.
His pride stung—but conquest burned hotter.
Worse—his grandfather Qiangu Dongfeng endorsed it:
"Qiangu Dongfeng courts Leng Yaozhu; Qiangu Zhangting courts Gu Yue."
With the Qian Clan's rise, the Qiangu Clan needed Phoenix (Leng) Clan's alliance.
Marrying Gu Yue would secure it—power for them both!
Ignoring her insult, Qiangu Zhangting pressed:
"Don't like roses? Name any flower—I'll buy it! Anything you want!"
Ahem.
Fang Yang cleared his throat.
Qiangu Zhangting finally noticed Fang Yang and Xu Xiaoyan—and saw their intertwined hands.
His face twisted—murder flashing in his eyes.
"Brat—who are you?! How dare you touch Gu Yue?!"
"Oh?"
Fang Yang remained calm—yet killing intent thickened the air.
"Brat—I'll give you one chance," Qiangu Zhangting sneered, soul power surging.
"Release my woman. Let me brand you with a spiritual mark."
His voice turned venomous:
"Refuse—and you won't leave Spirit Pagoda alive!"
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