Inside the room, as Ma Xiaotao displayed her strength, the attitudes of Princess Xu Jiujiu and Vina's party became much more reserved, especially the two Titled Douluo.
The red-robed woman was a regular Douluo with average strength, so she was not a concern. However, the blue-robed woman could feel a strong threat from Ma Xiaotao, even though she was a newly advanced Titled Douluo.
Ma Xiaotao had long been a focal point of their various major powers. After all, as a disciple of Shrek Academy's Dean Yan Shaozhe, and possessing the Ultimate Fire Spirit, she was destined to be one of Shrek Academy's future decision-makers. How could such a person not be on their radar?
The blue-robed woman's apprehension towards Ma Xiaotao was very clear. After all, she was a Titled Douluo with an Ultimate Spirit. Even as a newcomer, she could rival a Super Douluo of her 95th rank. Moreover, Ma Xiaotao's Spirit greatly countered hers. If they were to fight, she wasn't confident of winning.
After Zhu Ziyang broke the deadlock, Princess Xu Jiujiu and Vina finally managed to force smiles onto their faces. They spoke up, saying:
"Grandma Manyi!"
"Elder Muxing!"
Upon hearing their princesses' words, the two Titled Douluo also took the hint, each stepping back and taking a seat.
"Ziyang, please forgive me. Grandma Manyi is my protector, and she was a bit agitated just now. I apologize," Princess Xu Jiujiu said with an apologetic expression.
"Haha, it's nothing," Zhu Ziyang chuckled, as information about Manyi flashed through his mind.
Nebula Douluo Manyi, a Level 93 control system Titled Douluo, with a Nebula Fan Spirit. She is a revered figure in the Star Luo Empire's imperial family and a long-established powerhouse.
"Ziyang, may I call you that?" Vina also asked. She knew how to build rapport, and seeing Princess Xu Jiujiu's address to Zhu Ziyang, she followed suit.
"Of course," Zhu Ziyang replied, his expression unchanged and still full of smiles, nodding.
"Thank you!" Vina let out a sigh of relief, then said, "Elder Muxing was a bit agitated just now. I apologize to you all on her behalf. Please forgive us."
The blue-robed Titled Douluo, Elder Muxing, heard Vina's words. Her expression shifted slightly, and her lips moved, but she ultimately remained silent.
"Haha, there's no need to be so concerned. We are not petty people," Zhu Ziyang said with a smile, as information about Elder Muxing also appeared in his mind.
Snow Demon Douluo Muxing, a Level 95 attack system Super Douluo, with a Snow Demon Flower Spirit. She is the Great Elder of the Snow Demon Sect and a revered figure in the Tianhun Empire's imperial family, also a long-established powerhouse.
Since Snow Demon Douluo Muxing has been mentioned, it's worth discussing the Snow Demon Sect.
The Snow Demon Sect is the Tianhun Empire's guardian Sect, having an extraordinary relationship with the Tianhun imperial family, the Wei family. This can be seen from the Spirits of both sides: the Wei family's inherited Spirit is the Snow Lotus, while the Snow Demon Sect's signature Spirit is the Snow Demon Flower.
The Snow Lotus and Snow Demon Flower are a symbiotic Spirit Beast combination. The Snow Lotus possesses powerful healing abilities and vitality, while the Snow Demon Flower has terrifying offensive power.
Since the Tianhun Empire's independence, the Snow Demon Sect has appeared on the continent simultaneously, establishing itself as a powerful Sect with a certain foundation. The Tianhun Empire's seeded team for this competition is the Snow Demon Sect team, and Vina is one of its members.
However, according to intelligence from Tian Yuan Pavilion, the Snow Demon Sect is not as simple as it appears on the surface. It is highly likely to be a front for the Body Sect.
"Thank you!" Vina said, her face beaming with joy and gratitude.
"Haha, the misunderstanding is resolved, that's truly wonderful!" Princess Xu Jiujiu let out a hearty laugh and said, "So, can we discuss the main business now?"
"Yes, yes, let's talk business!" Vina also echoed with a smile, "I apologize for delaying so much time!"
"Haha! Of course!" Zhu Ziyang chuckled, a scornful smile gradually appearing on his face, and his tone suddenly turned cold as he said, "However, since this matter is of great importance, let the old folks behind you come out. You are not qualified to sit and negotiate with me!"
"Ah?" Zhu Ziyang's words instantly froze the smiles on Princess Xu Jiujiu and Vina's faces. Both looked at Zhu Ziyang somewhat stiffly, completely bewildered.
This time, Nebula Douluo and Snow Demon Douluo were very well-behaved and made no unusual moves. Of course, they were very angry, but with Ma Xiaotao present, they could no longer use their senior status to pressure others.
However, Snow Demon Douluo Muxing still couldn't help but speak, "Young man, aren't you going a bit too far? Even if you are a prodigy of Shrek Academy, our Vina is also a princess of a nation. Her status is no less than yours, so why is she not qualified?"
"Haha!" Zhu Ziyang leaned back casually against the sofa, picked up the tea Ma Xiaotao had brewed for him, took a small sip, and then softly said, "Both Princesses are my friends. In private, of course, we can sit together. However, I am now speaking to you as the Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy's Tian Yuan Pavilion. Therefore, you are not qualified to sit with me. Do you understand?"
"!"
Zhu Ziyang's voice was like a clap of thunder. Although very gentle, it instantly made Princess Xu Jiujiu, Vina, Nebula Douluo, and Snow Demon Douluo involuntarily stand up.
They all looked at Zhu Ziyang in disbelief, somewhat unable to trust their ears. But seeing Zhu Ziyang's composed demeanor and Ma Xiaotao's unwavering smile, they felt that Zhu Ziyang wasn't lying to them.
Indeed, how could such a thing be used to deceive people? This meant that Shrek Academy's power had now fallen into the hands of a twenty-year-old young man. Had the old folks of Shrek Academy gone mad?
Suddenly, Princess Xu Jiujiu's body trembled, and her pupils contracted sharply. She then stammered, "C-could it be... Z-Ziyang, you... you've achieved the Douluo realm?"
When Mu En fell, Princess Xu Jiujiu was also in Shrek Academy, so she knew Mu En's last words and understood what Zhu Ziyang becoming the Pavilion Master of Tian Yuan Pavilion meant. A twenty-year-old Titled Douluo? No, a twenty-year-old Titled Douluo with dual ultimate Spirits!
"Haha!" Zhu Ziyang didn't answer, but his expression had already given Princess Xu Jiujiu the answer.
Princess Xu Jiujiu swayed slightly, fortunately caught by Nebula Douluo Manyi in time, otherwise she would have fallen. Her voice trembling, she said, "I understand! Grandma Manyi, let's go first!"
Princess Xu Jiujiu turned and left the Shrek Academy team's suite without hesitation, leaving the three Tianhun Empire individuals to their confusion.
But Vina quickly reacted. She forced a smile and said to Zhu Ziyang, "Ziyang, forgive our rudeness! We'll be leaving first. We will relay your demands exactly as they are."
The three of Vina also left.
In the suite's living room, only Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao remained. They immediately became relaxed. Ma Xiaotao directly sat on Zhu Ziyang's lap, her jade arms wrapped around his neck.
A flicker of disdain passed through Zhu Ziyang's eyes, and he sneered, "Heh! How interesting. To want to lead Shrek Academy, truly ignorant and fearless!"
"Ziyang, when do you think they'll come back?" Ma Xiaotao asked, her breath like orchids.
"I guess they'll be back by tonight at the latest," Zhu Ziyang said with a light chuckle, his eyes twinkling.
"Are you that certain?" Ma Xiaotao's beautiful eyes showed a mischievous glint as she said, "Then let's make a bet? If they don't come tonight, then I want you to..."
The beauty's red lips pressed against Zhu Ziyang's ear, whispering softly.
"And if they do come?" Zhu Ziyang's eyes immediately sparkled with a strange brilliance as he listened to Ma Xiaotao's whispers, then his voice became unnaturally excited as he asked.
"If they don't come, then, I'll fulfill your wish!" Ma Xiaotao's pretty face flushed with shyness, her gaze instinctively falling to her chest, and she answered in an extremely small voice. This posture was a complete change from her usual domineering style.
"You promise?" Zhu Ziyang grew even more excited, he said.
"Mm!" Ma Xiaotao nodded shyly.
Their flirtation didn't last long, because Jiang Nannan, Qian Lingyi, and Fifth Huan'er, who had gone out to explore Mingdu, returned. With them were Tang Ya, Bei Bei, Huo Yuhao, and the rest of the Tang Sect members.
"Zhu Ziyang, we have a big business deal to discuss!" Tang Ya exclaimed as soon as she entered the room, her loud voice making everyone else roll their eyes.