The Soul Master Tournament had entered its final phase.Teams that had advanced from their respective regions were now heading to the Fontaine Empire for the finals.
At the same time, many soul master factions and even various empires and kingdoms sought to probe the strength of the mysterious Fontaine Empire—
How strong must they be, to have crippled the mighty Star Luo Empire in less than a year?
As such, each participating team began their journey to Fontaine.
Blue Tyrant Academy
The Blue Tyrant team, as one of the favored teams, drew much attention.
However, unlike others, they hadn't immediately left for Fontaine.
Because of that—they got to witness a good show.
On the training grounds, Zhu Zhuqing was quietly practicing with others, her usual cold and composed self.
Nearby were Meng Yiran and Shui Yue'er.Their relationship with Zhu Zhuqing had grown strained—to the point of open hostility.
The reason?Dan Heng.
Meng Yiran felt Zhu Zhuqing had made an idiotic choice:
Rejecting a divine inheritance just because her teacher said so?Wasn't that the height of stupidity?
If Zhu Zhuqing hadn't stopped her from confronting Dan Heng directly, Meng Yiran would've already told him off.
Blind filial piety!
"Zhu Zhuqing, someone's here to see you—"
A teacher stood at the door and called out loudly.
Everyone's attention turned to her.
Although Zhu Zhuqing rarely interacted with others, she had long become the subject of fascination—Crowned as Blue Tyrant Academy's belle.
Even though Xiao Wu was just as beautiful, Zhu Zhuqing was bigger. That alone made her stand out.
Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly—
Who could be looking for her?
A few girls followed her out of curiosity.
Naturally, all the boys' eyes trailed after them.
At the entrance stood a thin, pale man, with messy stubble and dull, lifeless eyes.
"You are…?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, puzzled.
She didn't recognize him at all.
Neither did any of the other girls.
Only Zhu Zhuyun felt an odd sense of familiarity.
"Don't remember me? That's fine…"The man let out a bitter sigh and smiled weakly.
Without the divine aura, his appearance and voice had changed drastically.
Now that he had lost his divine power, looking at Zhu Zhuqing again only convinced him further—
He'd made the right choice.Passing the Speed Godhood to her would let it truly shine!
Zhu Zhuqing looked at him calmly and asked:
"Do you need something?"
"Yes. I came to give you something… and to say… I'm sorry."
The man spoke slowly.
Zhu Zhuqing frowned, confused.
Shui Yue'er asked curiously:
"You should at least say who you are, right? Otherwise, it's just weird. Why are you apologizing to Zhuqing?"
The other girls all nodded.
Zhu Zhuyun, however, bit her lip. That familiar feeling… she suddenly remembered who he was—
The God of Speed!!!
Could this plain-looking man really be that exalted god?
No. Impossible…
How could a god fall so low—To the point of apologizing to a mortal?
The God of Speed gave a bitter smile and shook his head:
"My identity… doesn't matter.Just know I made mistakes, and I owe an apology.Here—this is a gift of repentance."
As he spoke, he pulled out a light purple jade bracelet from his robes.
This was his divine seat—Stripped by Dan Heng and condensed into a physical object.
Pure and flawless—it looked like a beautifully carved gemstone.
Zhu Zhuqing eyed the bracelet and furrowed her brow, not taking it immediately.
The God of Speed thought for a moment, then smiled:
"Do what you think is right.You have a very good teacher…"
With that, he gently placed the bracelet in her hand and turned to leave.
His back hunched slightly—a picture of defeat.
Zhu Zhuqing looked down at the bracelet.The moment she touched it, a strange resonance surged through her.
It felt like—
This was always meant to be hers.
It was the Speed Godhood.
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly understood—This was her teacher's arrangement.It was because of Dan Heng that she had received this divine seat!
She couldn't help but smile faintly.
Was this… a gift from Teacher?
"Zhuqing, do you remember who he is? That bracelet is seriously beautiful!"Shui Yue'er stared enviously.
She had plenty of jewelry, but nothing compared to this.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head.
"Let's go back to training."
She didn't explain—just turned and walked back to the field.
The boys who had been sneaking glances had no choice but to look away again.
"Zhuqing really is a training maniac…"
Shui Yue'er muttered, then followed.
It's one thing for a genius to work hard…But when someone more talented than you works even harder—That's terrifying.
Training alongside Zhu Zhuqing, they had all felt the pressure of excellence.
Zhu Zhuyun, however, remained frozen in place, unable to move.
Watching Zhu Zhuqing's changing expression—
She was now absolutely certain—
That man was the God of Speed!
A mighty god… reduced to that sorry figure…
Why?
The answer was obvious.
Back when he had grown furious and tried to unleash divine punishment—He had suddenly become terrified and fled in a panic.
It was as if something even stronger had locked onto him.
If you stripped away the aura of divinity, perhaps all his behavior would make sense…
But why Zhu Zhuqing?
Why her?
Why does Zhu Zhuqing get everything?
While I, her sister, can only look on in envy…
"Zhu Zhuyun, what's wrong? Let's go back to training,"Meng Yiran tugged at her, puzzled.
"…Mm."
Zhu Zhuyun responded absentmindedly and followed.
Elsewhere – In the Library
Tang Yuehua came by.
As Zhu Zhuqing's etiquette instructor, she had every reason to visit and discuss her student's progress.
A true aristocrat—Even without elaborate dress or jewelry, her grace shone through every gesture as she picked up a scroll.
Boys and girls alike turned to admire her—
The admiration of beauty was universal.
"Zhuqing is doing very well. She's serious and insightful—Truly worthy of her noble bloodline."
Tang Yuehua began with praise.
Dan Heng was unsurprised.Taking Zhu Zhuqing as a disciple had indeed been effortless.
"However… there is one issue."
Tang Yuehua sighed.
Dan Heng looked at her, confused.
What problem could Zhu Zhuqing possibly have?
"Her… figure is too prominent.The formal dresses—when she wears them…"
Tang Yuehua trailed off awkwardly.
"…"
Dan Heng's expression turned slightly helpless.
Why bring that up with me?
"She doesn't need to perform. The goal isn't to master etiquette or music, But to calm her mind—to let go of thoughts of killing."
Dan Heng explained simply.
Tang Yuehua's eyes lit up in realization.
"Ah—I see."
Indeed, Mr. Dan Heng was clearly no ordinary person.
She had suspected as much—Maybe he was… a god.
"Mr. Dan Heng… I heard Zhuqing offended the God of Speed.Will there be retaliation?"
Tang Yuehua asked hesitantly.
Dan Heng shook his head.
"It's fine. No need to worry."
"If you say so, I'm relieved."
Tang Yuehua smiled and nodded, now certain:
Mr. Dan Heng is at least more powerful than the God of Speed.
They chatted a bit more before she excused herself, smiling.
In her heart, only one thought remained:
I must cling to Mr. Dan Heng's thigh tightly!
Evening
Everyone returned home.
Meng Yiran no longer needed to stay with Dan Heng's household—The Dragon-Serpent couple had returned.
Meng Shu, her father, pulled her aside with a smile.
"Yiran, how did you get along with Mr. Dan Heng's family?"
Meng Yiran pouted.
The moment she thought of her time there, all her joy vanished.
The whole household was filled with women—And every single one of them was prettier than her!
Every day felt like a blow to her self-esteem.
It wasn't that they were mean—but it wasn't exactly pleasant either.
Bi Ji was gentle and kind, but impossible to grow close to.Zi Ji… better left unmentioned. That woman should be drowned in a pig cage.
And the Zhu sisters?
Their… assets made her uncomfortable just by existing.
Zhu Zhuyun was always aloof and arrogant—impossible to befriend.
Zhu Zhuqing… a stubborn girl blinded by loyalty and filial piety.
Just thinking of her situation made Meng Yiran's liver ache with frustration.
And her teacher—Dan Heng, the one who "led her into this pit"—Well, he only made her lose more and more respect.
Everything she believed in felt… shattered.
She honestly didn't understand—
Why does everyone like Dan Heng so much?
"Maybe you all just like well-read scholars like Mr. Dan Heng,but…"
Meng Yiran gently shook her head. At this point, she really wasn't that interested anymore.
Grandpa Meng Shu (Dragon Duke) listened to her complaints, and his face grew increasingly grim.
He stopped in his tracks, and his old face turned completely red.
He glared at Meng Yiran, eyes wide and furious.
"You… you little brat! You mean to tell me that not only did you fail to build a good relationship with Mr. Dan Heng, you actually…!"
Meng Yiran was startled, immediately hiding behind her grandma Granny Snake, Chao Tianxiang, shrinking her head in fear.
"G-Grandpa, what are you doing?!"
Granny Snake gently patted Meng Shu's back and said helplessly:
"Calm down. Don't scare the child."
"How can I not be angry?! This little brat—
Thinks she has better judgment than me?!
Better than that sly fox Ning Fengzhi?!
She even dares to look down on Mr. Dan Heng...
What did I tell her before she left?!
She's not even as good as that Shui Yue'er!"
Meng Shu was absolutely furious.
Meng Yiran started crying, covering her face and fleeing the room.
But Meng Shu was still not done venting.
"This little brat!"
He had thought she'd go build rapport with Mr. Dan Heng.
Turned out she went there just to make enemies!
With Meng Yiran's behavior, did she think Dan Heng wouldn't notice her attitude?
Meanwhile, at Dan Heng's house
No one showed much reaction to Meng Yiran leaving.
The dinner table was still lively.
Zhu Zhuyun kept sneaking glances at Dan Heng.Ever since that terrifying realization, her hands were trembling so badly she could barely hold her chopsticks.
She finally understood—
Why Mr. Dan Heng hadn't allowed Zhu Zhuqing into the Sea God Tower.
If Mr. Dan Heng wanted, he could just give her a divine seat outright!
Then… had he already noticed her own past attitudes?
Would he kick her out of the house?
Surely he wouldn't… kill her, right?
The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.
She stole another glance—only to suddenly find a face mere inches from hers.
It was Zi Ji—her face practically pressed up against hers.
Zi Ji leaned over and blocked her view.
"!!"
Zhu Zhuyun nearly choked from the scare.
Zi Ji patted her on the back and whispered:
"Don't keep looking. That's my brother-in-law."
"..."
Zhu Zhuyun nodded quickly, not daring to say a word.
She had once thought Dan Heng was just a Titled Douluo,but now she knew—
He's a god!!!
"Zi Ji, stop messing around.""We're all going to the Fontaine Empire soon—you're coming too,"said Gu Yuena calmly.
"What?!"
Zi Ji froze, swallowed hard, and her face turned pale.
Why are we suddenly going to the Fontaine Empire?!
Back when she was the Empress of Fontaine,she had issued many absurd policies…
If Gu Yuena found out about her "accomplishments," saw through her petty schemes—wouldn't she be skinned alive?
"Uh… Sis, why don't you all go ahead? Someone has to stay behind, right?Bi Ji can't handle everything— I'll hold down the fort."
Cold sweat was now forming on Zi Ji's back as she made her excuse.
Gu Yuena narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you panicking?"
"W-Who's panicking? I'm not! Why would I panic? I just want to be useful to the family…"
Zi Ji wiped her forehead, which was now damp with sweat.
"No. You're coming too. You'll be in charge of looking after Longlong."
Gu Yuena's tone allowed no argument.
Zi Ji forced a laugh and sighed:
"Fine… No choice then.I definitely wouldn't trust Bi Ji with Longlong anyway…"
"..."Bi Ji shook her head slightly. There was no dealing with Zi Ji's shamelessness.
"Teacher, I… I'm level 53 now."
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke softly.Her eyes were lowered, and her rice bowl had long been emptied—not a single grain left.
"Mm…"
Dan Heng nodded slightly, showing no particular emotion.
Meanwhile, in the capital of the Fontaine Empire
All the ferocious beasts had gathered once more.
"How far along are your God Trials?" asked Di Tian in a deep voice.
Thanks to Dan Heng's guidance, each of them had received a Divine Trial.
If they passed all the trials, they could obtain a godhood.
"I'm on the fifth trial…"Chi Wang looked embarrassed. After all this time, he had only passed one.
"I'm on the sixth," Yao Ling said with a smile.
Ten Thousand Beast King scratched his head:
"Fourth trial…"
Finally, all eyes turned to Xiong Jun.
Xiong Jun rolled his eyes.
"What are you looking at me for? I'm way behind you lot. I'm still on the second trial!"
"But I've figured it out. Why rack my brains? The Lord and Brother-in-law are coming soon, right? I'll just ask Brother-in-law directly!"
He said this with complete confidence.
Di Tian's face turned dark.
"What about your pride?"
"Pride? What use is that? Honestly, you guys should stop working so hard too. Just wait for Brother-in-law to show up!"
Xiong Jun snorted.
"Useless!"
Di Tian was so angry he stormed off in a huff.
(End of Chapter)