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Chapter 8: The Undercurrents of Heaven Dou
The city walls of Heaven Dou City were more than twice as high as those of Notting City.
Zhu Zhuqing looked up at the massive stones, which shimmered with a bluish-gray luster under the sunlight, as a complex surge of emotion rose in her heart. Half a month ago, she was still being hunted like a stray dog in the forests on the outskirts of this very city; half a month later, she was actually entering the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy as a "student."
Mo Bai walked three paces ahead of her, his pace neither hurried nor slow. He had changed into a plain, moon-white long robe with a simple dark belt tied around his waist, looking like an ordinary scholar. But Zhu Zhuqing knew what kind of power was hidden beneath those clothes—and what kind of hands they possessed.
In the past half month, those hands had almost completely reshaped her understanding of her own body.
Xiao Wu skipped along at Mo Bai's side, occasionally turning back to smile at Zhu Zhuqing. Her smile was sweet, but Zhu Zhuqing always felt there was something else mixed into that sweetness. It was like the faint, cloying fragrance on her body—if smelled for too long, it made one dizzy and caused the heart to race. Xiao Wu's fourteen-year-old body had grown even more alluring — slender yet curvaceous, with long toned legs, a narrow waist, perky breasts, and soft rabbit ears that occasionally peeked from her dark hair.
"Teacher, is the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy very big?" Xiao Wu tugged at Mo Bai's sleeve.
"Mhm," Mo Bai responded, his gaze sweeping over the buildings on both sides of the street. His "Stealth" domain was active at all times, enveloping the three of them. Pedestrians on the street would subconsciously avoid the direction they were in, yet they couldn't say why.
"Then will we see many powerful people?"
"Yes."
"Then—"
"Be quiet." Mo Bai interrupted her and stopped his pace.
They had already arrived before the academy's main gate. Two heavy black iron doors stood open, and the lintel above was carved with the emblem of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family—the spreading wings of a Snow Eagle. The guards wore stiff uniforms with long swords at their waists, and their soul power fluctuations indicated they were at the Great Soul Master level.
Mo Bai did not go forward directly but instead turned into a secluded side alley. Zhu Zhuqing followed him in and saw him take out three silver badges from his soul tool.
"Pin them to your left chest." He distributed the badges to the two of them. "Temporary passes for the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I had someone arrange them."
The badges were exquisitely crafted, with tiny soul tool runes carved on the back. Zhu Zhuqing pinned hers as instructed; the cold metal pressed against her chest, making her inexplicably recall the finger Mo Bai had pressed against her forehead that night. The badge rested right above her full, firm breasts, which had grown noticeably larger and rounder in the past half month under Mo Bai's "teaching," straining slightly against her clothes and drawing unintended attention.
"Once inside, speak less and watch more." Mo Bai looked at the two of them, especially Zhu Zhuqing. "Your identities are my distant nieces who have come to Heaven Dou Academy to study out of admiration. Xiao Wu is Rank 35, and Zhu Zhuqing is Rank 29—this level is enough to attract attention without being too conspicuous."
Zhu Zhuqing pursed her lips. Rank 29. Half a month ago, she was still Rank 26. The efficiency of that "teaching" was terrifyingly high, and... terrifyingly shameful.
"If someone provokes you, Xiao Wu will take action," Mo Bai continued. "Zhu Zhuqing, you watch. Your combat style still needs polishing."
"Yes," Zhu Zhuqing answered in a low voice.
"Alright." Mo Bai straightened his collar, and that flat, emotionless expression returned to his face. "Let's go."
The interior of the academy was even larger than Zhu Zhuqing had imagined.
The broad stone-paved road was lined with neat Snow Maple trees, and beneath the shade were students in small groups. They wore uniform white school attire with blue borders, with different colored grade badges pinned to their chests. When they saw Mo Bai's group of three, many cast curious glances—a strange man bringing two exceptionally beautiful girls was indeed an eye-catching combination.
Mo Bai looked straight ahead and walked directly toward the main teaching building. It was a five-story white building with a high-soaring dome, its outer walls covered in lush green vines. An old man with gray hair stood at the entrance, wearing a deep blue robe with a golden teacher's badge pinned to his chest.
"You three are?" the old man spoke, his voice gentle but his eyes sharp.
"Mo Bai." Mo Bai nodded slightly. "I have an appointment with Education Board Member Meng Shenji."
The old man's eyes flashed as he looked Mo Bai up and down, then glanced at Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing behind him. "Please wait a moment."
He turned and entered the building. Zhu Zhuqing took the opportunity to observe her surroundings. She could feel many gazes falling on her—curious, evaluative, and some even frivolous. She instinctively straightened her back, her cat ears twitching slightly amidst her hair. Her sleek black ponytail swayed, and her enlarged, full breasts rose and fell with each nervous breath, the tight uniform accentuating their round, heavy shape on her otherwise lithe, athletic frame.
"Relax." Mo Bai's voice suddenly rang out in her mind.
Zhu Zhuqing was startled and turned to look at him. Mo Bai's lips didn't move, but the voice had indeed come from him—drilling directly into her brain.
"It's sound transmission," Xiao Wu leaned into her ear and whispered. "Teacher's little trick. Don't be nervous, you'll get used to it."
Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists. Yet another ability she could not understand.xs