Chapter 183: Setting Out and Finding a Stray
Six years had passed in the blink of an eye.
In the dim light of a dense forest, a lithe figure in tight leather clothing darted through the trees with grace and agility. It was a young girl, with strikingly mature features that belied her age. She was none other than Zhu Zhuqing, one of the more mature prodigies among her Douluo peers.
Ever since her martial soul had awakened, the warmth of her family's care had vanished, making the six year old Zhu Zhuqing realize that life as the Duke's daughter was far from blissful. Her innate soul power had only reached level seven not particularly impressive. Nevertheless, rather than give in to the family's oppressive expectations, Zhu Zhuqing had trained diligently year after year, despite her youth.
"Miss Zhu, stop resisting and come back with us," shouted a man behind her, irritation creeping into his voice. The group of pursuers was all Soul Elders, but not one of them specialized in agility, leaving them unable to catch up as Zhu Zhuqing pressed forward.
With a grim expression, she continued fleeing, knowing that the prince's faction's harassment had only grown worse over the years. Even her training sessions were often interrupted, and now she had only reached Rank 27. Focusing on her breathing, Zhu Zhuqing knew she couldn't risk speaking or looking back, lest her rhythm falter and her pace slow. Though she was racing into the unknown, she could only grit her teeth and run forward.
Yet as she charged ahead, her gaze shifted from determination to despair as she saw someone waiting for her up ahead. There, standing with a smirk and watching her struggle, was none other than her elder sister.
"Sister!?"
Her meticulously planned escape had been thwarted almost as soon as it began. The cold resolve in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes was now shadowed with dread; she knew that if she were captured now, she would likely never have another chance to flee. A wave of resentment filled her heart as she thought of her cowardly fiancé, Dai Mubai, who had fled to a life of freedom while she suffered the consequences of their engagement.
"Ah, the eldest Miss has arrived," one of the pursuing Soul Elders sneered. "It looks like there's no more hope for you, Second Miss." His words ignited Zhu Zhuqing's resolve anew she was determined to escape from the future being forced upon her.
"First Soul Skill: Nether Thrust!"
Usually used to boost the force of her claws, Zhu Zhuqing poured all her soul power into speed, using the technique to enhance her movement as she slipped past Zhu Zhuyun.
However, Zhu Zhuyun, watching with a smirk, wasn't quick to give chase. Instead, a hint of satisfaction flickered across her face before she, too, darted after her sister. Both sisters moved at breakneck speeds, leaving their pursuers far behind.
"Damn it, they've disappeared already?" the leader of the group muttered, stunned by the sisters' speed. Frustrated, he knew they had botched their mission and would be reprimanded when they returned.
Unseen by all, a figure hovered above, watching the events unfold with interest. It was none other than Ye Wen. Having tired of his routine at Tianxing Academy, he decided to see how events were playing out for the Duke's daughters.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuyun continued to harry her sister, but her attacks seemed oddly restrained, as if intentionally letting Zhu Zhuqing maintain her lead.
Pathetic acting, Ye Wen mused, but then Zhu Zhuqing, with her limited experience, probably hasn't noticed that her sister is holding back. After all, the fact that Zhu Zhuqing had managed to evade a group of Soul Elders without agility specialization was impressive. But against Zhu Zhuyun, a Soul Master of Rank 30, Zhu Zhuqing's speed was insufficient.
Before Zhu Zhuqing could gain much distance, another group blocked her path. Her sister's startled gaze betrayed her surprise, as the family's original plan had been for Zhu Zhuqing to escape once she reached this point.
"Please return, ladies; this way is closed," a figure from the new group announced. The speaker was a Soul Emperor from Crown Prince Davis's personal guard.
Desperation filled Zhu Zhuqing's gaze as she looked around. The constant pursuit and her sister's interference had drained her strength. She couldn't see a way out of this.
Watching from above, Ye Wen shook his head in exasperation. This chase is more of a melodrama. He wondered how Zhu Zhuqing, at only Rank 27 in the original story, had made it to the Balak Kingdom unscathed. But before he could speculate further, a blast of fire erupted nearby, aimed directly at the Soul Emperor blocking Zhu Zhuqing's path.
"Run, Second Miss!" the newcomer, an elderly Soul Emperor with fire based abilities, shouted.
How many more people are going to show up? Ye Wen thought with amusement. This feels like a nesting doll of surprises. Still, seeing Zhu Zhuqing caught in such a predicament, he figured it was time to act.
An overwhelming pressure suddenly filled the clearing. Every soul master present collapsed to their knees, faces contorted in terror.
"Soul power suppression? It must be a Titled Douluo or stronger!" gasped the leader of the group.
Only Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun were left standing, looking around in confusion. Ye Wen emerged from a flickering shadow, chuckling lightly.
"Well, ladies, you've certainly put on quite the show. The Duke's second daughter fleeing from her family, pursued by Soul Masters… a classic story."
Turning his gaze toward Zhu Zhuyun, he continued, "Now, Miss Zhu Zhuyun, would you kindly identify which of these people are under Davis's orders?"
Zhu Zhuyun was stunned. Although she hadn't initially understood why everyone had suddenly collapsed, Ye Wen's mere presence exuded power, and it dawned on her that this man was a terrifyingly strong cultivator.
Could he be… a Titled Douluo?
Though she'd encountered powerful soul masters before, even the Star Luo royal family had limited access to individuals of such immense strength.
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