The atmosphere in the exclusive lounge of the Tianxing Team at the Suotuo Great Soul Arena was somewhat stifling.
Ning Rongrong sat on the soft sofa, holding a steaming cup of Calming Tea in both hands. Her small mouth was pouted high, and her originally lively eyes were now filled with frustration and unwillingness. Her luxurious sky-blue team uniform was stained with a bit of dust, but she was otherwise uninjured; she was merely pale from excessive consumption of soul power.
"Ugh! It's so infuriating!" She suddenly slammed her cup onto the coffee table with a crisp clatter, drawing glances from the other team members. "It was just a tiny bit! If my Soul Chasing Crossbow had been a tenth of a second faster, or if my Flowing Light Steps could have dodged that final strike of his, we would have won!"
The more she thought about it, the more depressed she became. She balled her small hands into fists and punched her own thigh in frustration. "It's all my fault for only focusing on researching Soul Tools and Martial Soul amplification! I've had too little training in close-quarters combat! My reactions are always a beat slow! That Tang San, his soul power was almost bottomed out, yet his movements were still so tricky! It's really... too shameful for our Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
That's right, it was the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, not the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The path of alchemy promoted by Yu Yunyao had allowed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to reap the benefits.
The Sublimation Pill was also one of Yu Yunyao's masterpieces. Initially, Yu Yunyao had modeled it after the medicinal effects of the Immortal Herbs Aromatic Silk Beauty and Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid. Using over a dozen precious spiritual materials—some millennium-aged and others ten-thousand-year-aged—she balanced them as monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy, miraculously combining various medicinal effects that were originally unrelated and completing their sublimation. One furnace produced five pills.
In Yu Yunyao's original concept, the Sublimation Pill could assist in the evolution of the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit; after multiple doses, it could theoretically evolve into the Sacred Heart Immortal Begonia, though the results did not reach expectations.
Although it had a slight effect on the evolution of the Nine Heart Begonia, the impact was minimal. As for using quantity to force the result, while the materials for refining the Sublimation Pill were not as rare as Immortal Herbs, they were still extremely precious spiritual materials and could not be treated like candy—that would be too wasteful. After all, while the Sublimation Pill could not evolve the Nine Heart Begonia, it was quite easy to evolve a Seven Heart Begonia into a Nine Heart Begonia.
Although the strongest healing-type Martial Soul was no longer the Nine Heart Begonia, and the curse that only two people could exist with the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit at any given time had been broken after Ye Zhilan's Martial Soul evolution, this did not mean the number of Nine Heart Begonia spirits was high. Nowadays, in the Ye Family, the number of Nine Heart Begonia soul masters could be counted on one hand. Five Sublimation Pills, excluding the one Yu Yunyao used for experimental purposes, meant four Nine Heart Begonia soul masters.
However, some of the main ingredients for the Sublimation Pill were extremely rare due to their narrow range of use, and it was only through the help of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect that they could be gathered. It just so happened that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect leader, Ning Zhiyuan, was stepping down and passing the position to his son, Ning Fengzhi.
Thus, Yu Yunyao made the executive decision to offer one Sublimation Pill as a joint congratulatory gift from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Ye Family for the inauguration of the new Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect leader.
It was also because of this Sublimation Pill that the new leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, successfully broke the shackles of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, achieving the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. He became the first Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master in the history of the Douluo Continent and later became the first Soul Douluo among the descendants of the Ning family.
This drove the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into a frenzy, frantically collecting the medicinal materials needed for the Sublimation Pill, hoping to request that Yu Yunyao refine a few more furnaces for them.
However, some of the medicinal materials for refining the Sublimation Pill were indeed extremely rare, and Yu Yunyao could not spend the effort to specifically force the growth of the required herbs just for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Even with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect exhausting the entire sect's resources, they could only find three sets of materials in a short time, so Yu Yunyao refined another fifteen Sublimation Pills. After keeping six of them as a service fee, Yu Yunyao handed the remaining nine to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
However, the use of the Sublimation Pill also had a success rate; generally, the higher the innate soul power of a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master, the greater the chance of successful Martial Soul evolution. According to estimates, only those with an innate soul power of level seven or higher would have a significant chance of evolving their Martial Soul upon taking the Sublimation Pill, ensuring the precious pill was not wasted.
Such geniuses were few and far between in the same generation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. In the end, including Ning Fengzhi, there were only three Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters. But this was enough for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to rename itself the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and these three took in many wives and concubines, striving to pass down the bloodline of the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
However, most of their offspring only possessed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Yet, according to the internal deductions of the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, when they reached the peak of the Soul Sage realm, if they had sufficient understanding of their own Martial Soul and a relatively deep foundation, they would have the opportunity to make their Martial Soul evolve a second time into the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Ning Rongrong, however, was the only soul master in this second generation to have awakened the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul from birth, and she possessed an unprecedented innate full soul power, leading Ning Fengzhi to designate her as the Young Sect Master immediately.
As the Young Sect Master of the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and an Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master with innate full soul power, she had been burdened with high expectations since childhood.
Her father, Ning Fengzhi, viewed her as the future hope of the sect, hoping she could break her limits and achieve the legendary Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Following the team out for training this time and nearly losing to an obscure Shrek Academy was something the proud and arrogant Ning Rongrong simply could not accept.
"Alright, Rongrong, don't blame yourself." The team leader, Meng Yiran, walked over to her side and sat down, patting her shoulder with a gentle tone. She was a few years older than Ning Rongrong and acted like a big sister.
"That Tang San from Shrek is indeed a monster. Twin Martial Souls, plus an External Soul Bone, and that desperate fighting style—anyone would get a headache facing him. It's your first time using a Soul Tool in actual combat; you've already done quite well."
Lei Dong, of the Agility Attack System, also leaned in and grinned. "Exactly! Vice-captain, your Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda amplification was a huge help! If it weren't for your speed and soul power buffs, I would have been driven crazy by that Xiao Wu's Instantaneous Movement. Plus, that hand crossbow of yours was pretty cool; we almost turned the tables!"
Song Qing, of the Control System, pushed up his glasses and analyzed calmly, "The opponent used a typical Power Attack core strategy. That Tang San's explosive power far exceeds his peers; his tactic was to rely on individual ability to tear open our defensive line.
We lost because we were unprepared for his 'trade-off' tactic. However, this also exposed our problems: when facing the impact of extreme individual ability, our team coordination and resilience need to be strengthened. Rongrong's use of Soul Tools is a new direction worth exploring for defense and crowd control, rather than just for attack."
The other three team members also offered words of comfort. Although they did not come from major families, they were not lacking in character or talent to be selected for the Tianxing Team. They understood the background and potential of their little vice-captain and admired her courage to engage in close-quarters combat despite being a support-type soul master.
Listening to the sincere comfort of her teammates, the frustration in Ning Rongrong's heart dissipated quite a bit. Although she was naturally a bit proud and mischievous, she was not unreasonable.
Growing up in an environment filled with geniuses like the sect and Tianxing Academy, she had seen too many brilliant peers, such as the cool Yu Tianquan and that dazzling, sun-like sister Qian Renxue from Martial Soul Hall.
She knew the principle that there is always someone better, but her strong competitive spirit made it hard to accept the "draw" result for a moment.
"I know, I know!" Ning Rongrong waved her hand, picked up her teacup again, and sipped it, returning to her usual self. "They just got lucky this time! Next time we meet, I'll definitely research new Soul Tools specifically to counter that Tang San and see how he jumps around then!" She waved her small fist, as if she had already seen the scene of victory.
Meng Yiran was amused by her. "Alright, then we'll be counting on the vice-captain's new equipment. But the most urgent task is to summarize the lessons learned this time. Shrek Academy... is not simple. That Tang San's Twin Martial Souls, especially that Dragon Martial Soul, are of an extremely high grade; they likely have an extraordinary origin."
At the mention of Tang San's Crimson Gold Dragon Martial Soul, the lounge fell silent for a moment. They were all geniuses from top-tier academies with extraordinary insight, so they naturally felt the terror of that Martial Soul. Lei Dong smacked his lips. "It's truly frightening. That Dragon Might is more overbearing than many top-tier beast Martial Souls I've seen. I really don't know how it mutated. If the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan weren't so strict with their family traditions, I would have suspected he might be of the Yu Family bloodline."
Ning Rongrong tilted her head and thought for a moment, sighing, "The heroes of the world are indeed as numerous as the crossing carp; one cannot look down on the people of the world. Sister Yiran, that Tang San's talent is probably top-tier among the younger generation, right?"
Meng Yiran pondered for a moment and said seriously, "Twin Martial Souls are one in ten thousand, and the quality of his second Martial Soul is so high, plus the External Soul Bone... in terms of potential, he is definitely in the top tier.
Looking at the world today, among the younger generation, I'm afraid only Miss Qian Renxue from Martial Soul Hall and our academy's 'little ancestor' Yu Tianquan can firmly suppress him in terms of talent."
Qian Renxue, a twenty-year-old Soul Sage with a Six-winged Angel Martial Soul, was already a legendary figure among the younger generation. Yu Tianquan, with a Silver Dragon Martial Soul and an earth-shattering background, was a Soul Grand Master at eight and dared to challenge senior Soul Ancestors in his second year; his current strength was even more unfathomable. These two were recognized as the ceiling of the younger generation.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong blinked her large eyes. Instead of being discouraged, she ignited an even stronger fighting spirit. "Sister Qian Renxue and Brother Tianquan are amazing, but this Tang San isn't bad either! This just shows that our generation is full of geniuses! The future All-Continent Tournament will definitely be even more exciting! We have to work twice as hard!"
Watching her regain her vitality, Meng Yiran, Lei Dong, and the others exchanged smiles. This was Ning Rongrong; although she could be a bit willful at times, she never lacked courage or ambition.
Just then, the door to the lounge was pushed open, and a scorching, powerful aura surged in.
Two women entered. The leader was tall and curvaceous, wearing a fiery red tight-fitting outfit that outlined breathtaking curves. She was beautiful, but her eyes carried an unbridled wildness, and her long fiery red hair looked like burning flames.
It was the current team leader of the Tianxing Team, Yu Yunliu! An eighty-eighth-level Power Attack System Soul Douluo with a Fire Dragon Martial Soul! She was the daughter of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's third master, Yu Luomian. Her personality was fiery and straightforward. Because her Martial Soul had mutated into a Red Dragon, it was slightly different from the mainstream of the sect, but she was highly talented and deeply appreciated by the sect's elders.
"Everyone here? Looks like you weren't beaten into the ground!" Yu Yunliu's voice was hearty. Her gaze swept over the group and lingered slightly on Ning Rongrong, the corner of her mouth curling into a smile. "Little Rongrong, I heard you almost took them out with a Soul Tool? Not bad, you've made progress!"
Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue. "Aunt Liu, don't tease me; it was still a draw in the end."
"So what if it's a draw? The opponent used all their trump cards, and you managed to fight to a draw under those circumstances—that's acceptable." Yu Yunliu waved her hand and then said sternly, "This is a good lesson. Remember this: soul master battles change in an instant. Never underestimate any opponent. Especially those who seem unremarkable but are hiding their true strength!"
The team members replied in unison, "Yes, Teacher!"
Yu Yunliu nodded with satisfaction and stepped aside, revealing another figure following behind her.
This was a young girl who looked to be about the same age as Ning Rongrong, around twelve or thirteen. She wore a simple black training suit, her posture was upright, and her appearance was extremely outstanding. Her skin was as white as snow, and her features were as exquisite as if they had been carved.
But the most striking thing was her temperament—cold! A kind of innate coldness, like a deep pool in a secluded valley under the moonlight, calm and undisturbed.
Her eyes were clear and calm, yet carried a trace of imperceptible vigilance and aloofness, much like a spirit cat prowling through the shadows.
"Let me introduce her to everyone," Teacher Yu patted the black-haired girl on the shoulder, her tone tinged with a hint of pride, "This is a promising talent I just 'picked up' in Suotuo City, Zhu Zhuqing. Twelve years old, a level 38 Agility Attack System Soul Elder, with the Hell Spirit Cat as her Martial Soul."
Hell Spirit Cat? A ripple of movement stirred in everyone's hearts. This was considered one of the top-tier agility-type beast Martial Souls, renowned for its speed, stealth, and unpredictable attacks.
Teacher Yu continued, "Zhuqing has great talent and a good temperament, so I intend to bring her back to the academy. If she passes the assessment, she will likely become your new teammate in the future. Get to know each other." The seed team of Tianxing Academy did not consist of only seven people; there were often several substitutes standing by at all times.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward and bowed slightly to the group, her movements fluid and elegant, her voice cold yet pleasant, "Zhu Zhuqing, greetings to you all."
Her gaze swept calmly over everyone in the lounge, lingering briefly on Ning Rongrong's Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and Meng Yiran's Dragon Snake Scepter. A flicker of surprise seemed to cross her eyes, but it quickly returned to a state of unruffled stillness.
Ning Rongrong curiously sized up this icy new friend and took the initiative to greet her with a smile, "Hello there, Zhu Zhuqing! I'm Ning Rongrong, Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the vice-captain of the team. Please take care of me in the future!" She was naturally enthusiastic and very interested in this new classmate with such a unique temperament.
Meng Yiran also nodded in a friendly manner, "Meng Yiran, captain, Dragon Snake Scepter. Welcome."
Lei Dong grinned, "Lei Dong, Lightning Leopard. Welcome to the team."
Song Qing adjusted his glasses and said concisely, "Song Qing, Sky Blue Vine."
The other three team members also introduced themselves one after another.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression seemed to soften slightly as she nodded again, "Thank you. I look forward to your guidance." Having said that, she stood quietly by Teacher Yu's side and said nothing more, as if the bustle around her had nothing to do with her.
Teacher Yu seemed to have anticipated Zhu Zhuqing's cold nature and smiled without minding, saying to the team members, "Alright, don't just stand there. Pack up; we are preparing to return to the academy. This practical combat exposed quite a few problems—everyone is to write a detailed summary report for me when we get back!"
"Yes! Teacher Yu!" the group replied in unison.
Everyone began to pack their things, preparing to leave.
As Ning Rongrong organized the parts of her Soul Tool, she couldn't help but sneak a few more glances at Zhu Zhuqing.
This newcomer had a sense of mystery about her that filled Ning Rongrong with curiosity.
She secretly decided that once they returned, she would definitely have to "dig" into the story of this ice-cold beauty who might become her future teammate.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, she stood quietly by the window, her gaze cast toward the bustling night view of Suotuo City outside. Her eyes were deep, and it was impossible to tell what she was thinking.
The Tianxing Team's trip to Suotuo City ended in a grueling draw, but what they gained was far more than a single victory.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan