Night fell, and a full moon hung high in the sky.
Even though darkness had settled over Suotuo City, its streets remained brightly lit and bustling with life. In a city of this scale, nightlife flourished, often lasting well past midnight.
After learning that Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling had arrived with the Emperor Team, Ye Yu brought Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu to the Suotuo Great Spirit Arena early to wait for them.
Time passed quickly.
Half an hour later, under the silver glow of the moon, Ye Yu finally spotted them entering the arena through one of the gates. Leading the way was Qin Ming, with Yu Tianheng, Shi Mo, and Shi Mo following behind. At the rear were Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, chatting casually as they walked in.
"Yan Yan! Lingling!"
Seeing them, a bright smile spread across Ye Yu's handsome face. He waved and called out while walking toward them quickly.
"Ah Yu!"
"Ye Yu!"
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling both cried out in surprise and joy. Without hesitation, they rushed toward him.
"Ah Yu!"
Wearing a flowing purple evening gown, Dugu Yan looked elegant and radiant. Her violet hair cascaded down her back, and her emerald-green eyes shone with longing. Without pause, she threw herself into Ye Yu's arms, her slender hands wrapping around his neck tightly.
"It's been three months… I missed you so much!"
She buried her face against his neck, her voice soft with affection.
"I missed you too, Yan Yan," Ye Yu murmured, holding her close. "You've been on my mind constantly…"
Thinking of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, guilt pricked at his heart. Still, he held Dugu Yan gently and whispered sweet nothings into her ear, making her beam with happiness.
"You're so good at this," she said with a playful pout, eyes full of delight.
Off to the side, Ye Lingling watched the two embrace. Her deep blue eyes, partly hidden beneath her long bangs, shimmered with envy as she stood silently by.
But soon, her gaze shifted past them — to Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu, who stood behind Ye Yu.
Xiao Wu's expression was fairly neutral.
But Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing… the looks they gave her made Ye Lingling feel something strange — something tense and subtly challenging.
"Lingling!"
After letting go of Dugu Yan, Ye Yu turned to Ye Lingling.
In the past, he never would have dared show affection toward Lingling in front of Dugu Yan.
But after everything with Rongrong and Zhuqing, he'd come to terms with it — and stopped hiding.
Smiling warmly, he opened his arms.
"It's been a while. Want a hug?"
"Mhm!"
A flash of emotion crossed Ye Lingling's eyes, and she immediately stepped forward and embraced him.
Though because of Dugu Yan's presence, she only held on for a brief moment before reluctantly letting go.
Watching the two hug, Dugu Yan's expression twitched slightly. For a moment, she felt as though a green light was flashing above her head — metaphorically speaking.
But she quickly shook her head inwardly.
Don't overthink. Ye Yu and Lingling are close friends. She even met him before I did. It's been months since they saw each other. A short hug doesn't mean anything. Ye Yu did it openly — that's a sign of honesty, not betrayal.
She quietly convinced herself.
"Ye Yu, have you finished your business?"
Qin Ming stepped forward with Yu Tianheng, Shi Mo, and the others, smiling as he spoke.
"All done," Ye Yu replied with a small nod. "From now on, I'll be staying with the Emperor Team and returning to the Royal Academy with everyone."
"Oh, and there are a few people I'd like you, Yan Yan, and Teacher Qin to meet."
"I think two of them might be great additions to our team — as alternates."
"Rongrong, Zhuqing, Xiao Wu!"
At Ye Yu's call, the three girls stepped forward.
"This is Ning Rongrong, from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Her Martial Soul is the evolved Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a support-type Spirit Master. She's currently a Level 35 Spirit Elder."
"This is Zhu Zhuqing. Her Martial Soul is the Dark Devil Hell Tiger — she's an agility-attack type with strong offensive power. She's at Level 38 Spirit Elder."
"And this is Xiao Wu. Her Martial Soul is the Soft Bone Rabbit, and she's a Level 31 Spirit Elder."
Ye Yu introduced each of them with a smile.
"Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?!"
Ye Lingling couldn't help but cry out in disbelief.
"What's wrong, Lingling?"
Dugu Yan looked at her, puzzled.
"You don't know?" Ye Lingling took a deep breath, her voice calm but serious.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has always had a fatal flaw — just like our Nine-Hearted Begonia Martial Soul."
"Spirit Masters of that line can never break past the Spirit Sage rank."
"That's why, in the Spirit Master world, the Nine-Hearted Begonia is often considered just as strong in support capability as the Seven Treasure Pagoda."
"But because only two people can have the Nine-Hearted Begonia Martial Soul at a time, our family could never form a clan — only a lineage."
"However, there's a legend that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can evolve."
"Long ago, a Spirit Master of the clan evolved their Martial Soul — it became the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. That person shattered the Pagoda's ceiling and eventually reached Titled Douluo."
"I always thought it was just a story… but the Nine Treasure Pagoda really exists!"
"Sis Lingling, you really know a lot about my clan!"
Ning Rongrong smiled, her delicate, noble face lighting up with pride.
"That's right! I, Ning Rongrong, am the first Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit Master to appear in the clan in generations!"
She placed her hands on her hips proudly and pushed her chest out, radiating confidence.
"And it's all thanks to Brother Ye Yu!"
As she spoke, she wrapped herself around Ye Yu's arm. Her refined face and gem-like eyes were filled with affection and admiration as she gazed at him.
Dugu Yan's expression froze.
That look — all soft glances and shining eyes — pierced her like a dagger.
So… Ning Rongrong really didn't listen to anything I said before.
Ye Yu, sensing her mood, gave her a helpless smile and leaned over to whisper:
"Yan Yan, I'll explain everything later."
He turned back to Qin Ming. "Teacher Qin, I assume you'll still be participating in the team matches tonight?"
"In the meantime, I'm going to take the girls out for a bit."
With that, Ye Yu led Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu out of the arena.
Watching them leave, Qin Ming could only shake his head with a laugh.
Yu Tianheng, however, clenched his fists, his eyes dark with frustration.
This Ye Yu already hit the jackpot by winning over Dugu Yan…
And now he was charming other girls too?
What a two-timing bastard!
If it were me, Yu Tianheng thought, I would've stayed loyal to one woman for life!
After all, our Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan… produces the deepest lovers!
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin