Chapter 220: Sword Douluo Chenxin
"Hm?" Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, who was focusing intently on Tang San, suddenly noticed that one of his petal blades had veered off its course. His brow furrowed in mild surprise.
The alteration was minute, barely perceptible to anyone else, yet for a Titled Douluo, even the smallest shifts were glaringly obvious. The Shrek members, their sightlines blocked, couldn't discern the source of the interference, but Yue Guan recognized it instantly.
That was Dai Yao's lightning.
His eyes narrowed as he noticed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda glowing in Ning Rongrong's hands. A chill crept into his gaze.
So it's someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan…Dai Yao, you've just handed me quite the dilemma.
Yue Guan knew of Dai Yao's close ties to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and they had long prepared for the time when Dai Yao's bond with them would gradually fade after he joined the Spirit Hall. But now, the hunt for soul masters was in full swing, and soon the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would be erased from the continent.
Dai Yao's intervention for Ning Rongrong—what stance will he take when the time comes to eliminate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Yue Guan's typically calm expression darkened as a glimmer of conflict flashed through his gaze. This matter needs to be presented to His Majesty. Dai Yao…you have such potential. Why get involved in this mess?
Swallowing his thoughts, he cast a meaningful glance at the boulder concealing Dai Yao, fully aware of his presence. For a Titled Douluo, detecting the subtle movements of someone like Dai Yao was effortless.
Turning his attention to Liu Erlong and Flender, who were valiantly attempting to block his attacks, Yue Guan's lips curled into a mocking smile. His tone dripped with disdain as he sneered, "A mutated Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon…still nothing special."
Liu Erlong and Flender were riddled with cuts, blood oozing from several wounds. They gasped for breath, their bodies trembling. Despite their efforts to activate their Martial Soul True Forms, they hadn't been able to withstand even a casual blow from Chrysanthemum Douluo. Liu Erlong ignored Yue Guan's taunt, suppressing her fury. If it weren't for the presence of the Shrek Seven, she would have charged at him recklessly.
She turned back to check on Ning Rongrong and called out worriedly, "Rongrong, are you okay?"
The Shrek Seven looked toward Ning Rongrong with concern etched on their faces.
"I… I'm fine…" Ning Rongrong gasped, her breathing ragged. Her pupils, dilated with residual terror, slowly returned to normal. Her mind was still reeling, but she managed to respond in a soft, trembling voice.
"Rongrong, come back here! Stand with us!" Tang San urged, his eyes locked on Yue Guan, dreading another attack.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's gaze drifted to his fingernails as he appraised his handiwork with mild amusement. To him, the Shrek team was no more than a mouse for the cat to toy with.
"Since you're all standing together, you can keep each other company on the Yellow Springs Road." His soul ring flared again, and thousands of razor-sharp petal blades filled the air, tearing through it with frightening speed.
Yue Guan's lips curved into a satisfied smile as his gaze lingered on Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong. He had no intention of harming Xiao Wu, who bore the Acacia Heartbroken Red, and he could spare Ning Rongrong as a gesture to Dai Yao. Consequently, not a single petal blade flew in their direction.
As the petals rained down like a deadly meteor shower, despair settled over the Shrek team. Liu Erlong and Flender, already gravely injured, were barely able to stand after Yue Guan's first strike, their strength drained.
Tang San clenched his fists, his face twisted in helpless frustration. Against a Titled Douluo, they didn't even have the right to resist.
Behind the boulder, Dai Yao's eyes narrowed. He felt lightning pulse in his palm, but as he noticed that none of the blades were directed at Ning Rongrong, he relaxed, allowing the electricity to dissipate.
Just as he settled in to observe, a strange sensation washed over him.
The world seemed to split, with the valley itself cleaved in two by a blade of clear light. The sounds around him faded, a profound silence filling the air. In that moment, he witnessed every petal of the Chrysanthemum Douluo's attack disintegrate into dust. A tall figure clad in white stood at the center of it all, gazing silently at Yue Guan. His presence alone created an overwhelming pressure.
It was as if the entire universe consisted of that one white-robed figure and the ghostly blue sword in his hand.
Dai Yao's eyes widened in shock. Sword Douluo Chenxin—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's peerless master and the continent's strongest attack-type soul master.
Though Dai Yao had sparred with him before, Chenxin had restrained himself to the point that Dai Yao had never felt the full force of his power. Now, seeing Chenxin in action, Dai Yao was struck with awe.
One slash—and the entire valley is split in two.
"Chenxin…" Yue Guan's voice wavered as he forced himself to remain calm, though a slight tremor betrayed his inner turmoil. "So, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is getting involved in this mess?"
In a flicker, a shadowy figure materialized beside Yue Guan. It was Ghost Douluo, another Titled Douluo. His nine soul rings glimmered as he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Chrysanthemum Douluo, ready to confront Chenxin.
"Chenxin, you know who we are and the price of offending us," Ghost Douluo said in a cool tone, his wary gaze fixed on Sword Douluo. "Consider this carefully—don't oppose us."
Chenxin met their gazes coldly. He did not respond with words. Instead, he angled his three-foot-long sword toward the pair, the blade's gleaming edge communicating his intent more clearly than words ever could.
"Do you not know that the three upper clans stand as one?" A graceful voice called from the distance, growing closer. By the time the words finished, another figure appeared. In his hands floated a resplendent Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, flanked by eight soul rings.
Though this man bore only eight rings, his presence was no less imposing than Chenxin's, and his appearance shocked Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo to the core.
"Nine Treasures… It's true. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has succeeded…" Yue Guan murmured, his eyes widening in disbelief.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was already the most potent auxiliary martial spirit in the soul master world, though with a restriction that limited it to the Soul Sage rank. Now, however, seeing the eight soul rings around the pagoda was undeniable proof that the limitation had been lifted, and Ning Fengzhi was well on his way to becoming a Titled Douluo-level auxiliary master.
Even at the Soul Sage rank, Ning Fengzhi had held the title of the strongest auxiliary-type master. But if he achieved Titled Douluo status? The mere thought was terrifying.
With Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo supporting him, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might very well rival any other clan on the continent.
Exchanging glances, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo read the shared alarm in each other's eyes.
"Today, we accept our loss. Ghost, let's go!"
Seeing Ning Fengzhi's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan didn't dare utter another threat. Instead, he signaled to Ghost Douluo, and the two of them swiftly faded from view, their black-clad forces retreating as silently as they had arrived. The invaders even took the time to retrieve their fallen comrades' bodies before melting away from the cliffs.
As soon as Sword Douluo appeared, Dai Yao had quietly retreated, making his way back to the Auckland Academy's carriage. With the attackers gone, the royal knights of the Heaven Dou Empire labored to clear away the huge boulders, opening a wide, unobstructed road.
Standing alongside Ning Fengzhi, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe directed the knights. Once the formation was restored, he ordered loudly, "Everyone, back to the carriages immediately. Let's move out of this gorge in case those attackers return for a second strike!"
Hearing this, the crowd felt a collective sense of relief. Reflecting on the terrifying scene just moments ago, many couldn't help but shudder—three Titled Douluo in a single canyon!
As the carriages pulled out of the canyon, Ning Fengzhi found time to check in on Tang San before approaching his daughter. Inside the carriage, Ning Rongrong stared out the window at the passing scenery, her thoughts swirling with confusion.
"What's on your mind, Rongrong?" Ning Fengzhi asked, noticing her distraction.
Startled from her reverie, Ning Rongrong shook her head softly. "Nothing, Dad. I'm fine."
"Oh, are you now?" he chuckled, giving her a gentle, knowing look. "Where did my clever little mischief-maker go? I want her back."
Seeing his daughter's prolonged silence, Ning Fengzhi sighed, and his gaze grew contemplative. "Rongrong, since the last time you saw the prince, it seems you've barely spoken to Dai Yao. Did something happen between you two?"
Ning Rongrong stiffened slightly. After a brief hesitation, she responded quietly, "Nothing much... I suppose the competition has been tiring. We just haven't had time."
With a slight smile, Ning Fengzhi brushed her hair back tenderly. "Silly girl, do you think your father can't tell what's in your heart? Let Dai Yao and Tang San handle things on their own. Taking sides will only make you feel torn."
He continued thoughtfully, "You're growing up now, almost as tall as me. You're beginning to experience the complexities of life, and in turn, your mind and heart will mature as well."
"As for matters of the heart, who's right or wrong? I can't tell you. All I can say is this—be true to yourself, and make your choices bravely. Even if you make mistakes or get hurt, you'll have no regrets in the future."
"Dad…"
Ning Rongrong looked up at him, murmuring with a hint of wonder.
"Alright, rest up well. We'll soon arrive at Spirit City, and you have a competition to prepare for. I'll be waiting for my clever little girl to return to me."
With a smile, Ning Fengzhi gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping out of the carriage, leaving the space quiet once more. The cool air slipped through the window, stirring Ning Rongrong's hair and thoughts alike. In her heart, she couldn't stop replaying the flash of purple lightning that had altered the deadly blade's path—a spark of hope in the dark.
"Why did he save me? Why, after I tried to draw that line between us…"
"Why does he have to be so kind, so impossibly caring?"
As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, the confusion and struggle in her gaze only deepened. Across the carriage, Oscar watched her stare out the window. Remembering her sacrifice to save him, he felt his heart ache.
Meanwhile, in another carriage, Sword Douluo Chenxin's normally calm demeanor was replaced with visible concern. "Fengzhi, how's Rongrong?"
Ning Fengzhi gave a gentle sigh. "Uncle Jian, if you're so worried, why don't you ask her yourself?"
"I just… don't understand. She's been withdrawn lately, so weighed down by her thoughts. I don't understand what these young people think or feel these days."
Sword Douluo had spent his entire life immersed in the way of the sword. Anything outside of that, he barely noticed.
"It was a narrow escape today," he said, his sword-like brows drawing together in a grim line. "If it hadn't been for Dai Yao's intervention, Rongrong would have…" His words trailed off, and his face showed an unusual tension, knowing full well the significance of Dai Yao's actions.
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned serious as well. "Yes, I owe Dai Yao a great debt of gratitude. He truly is a remarkable young man. It's unfortunate he won't be joining our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"The reason Rongrong has been so quiet around Dai Yao," he added, "is because he decided to join Spirit Hall. Given the inherent conflict between us, it left them unable to speak freely, which only made things harder for Rongrong."
Chenxin nodded solemnly. "These two are so young, and already the weight of our conflicts keeps them apart. It's Rongrong who suffers the most."
Spirit Hall grows more audacious by the day; I fear their power has reached a truly frightening level. Fortunately, with your Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, our strength has grown substantially as well. If Spirit Hall wishes to make a move, they'll need to be more cautious than ever."
As he mentioned the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Chenxin's eyes brightened with a sudden recollection. "Oh, Fengzhi, I heard from Old Bone that Dai Yao's presence has affected the martial souls of two women. Is that true?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, Uncle Jian. From what I've gathered, Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul was initially the Netherworld Spirit Cat, but it evolved into the Netherworld Ruler. Then there's Wu Tong—her real name is Feng Wu Tong, and she was a close friend of Dai Yao's at Star Luo Academy. Although her appearance has changed, all evidence points to her being the same person."
He went on, "Wu Tong's martial soul was originally the Fiery Bird, but after coming to the Heaven Dou Empire, it evolved into the Vermilion Bird. And let's not forget—she's currently serving as Dai Yao's retainer."
Uncle Jian, I'm sure you noticed their martial souls yourself. Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, often praised as the most powerful beast martial soul, is still somewhat inferior to these two women's souls."
"And the only factor they share is Dai Yao himself. What that implies, I believe you understand well."
Chenxin pondered this revelation, surprise flitting across his face. "Who would have thought such a miraculous transformation could exist in this world? Truly incredible…"
However, his expression then darkened, and his gaze held a hint of reproach as he looked at Ning Fengzhi. "But, Fengzhi, do you still have thoughts of using Rongrong to pursue this power of martial soul evolution through Dai Yao?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Uncle Jian, that was long ago. Dai Yao's actions today made one thing clear—within Spirit Hall, his loyalty will be viewed as questionable from now on. His path there is likely to be difficult."
"A boy who is willing to help us in such a way doesn't deserve to be exploited by us."
Chenxin smiled approvingly. "That's good. We should never use Rongrong's feelings as a tool for something so petty. She doesn't deserve to repeat your own regrets."
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