"Yan Yan, that's basically how it all happened."
After leaving the Soto Great Spirit Arena, Ye Yu walked along a quiet street outside the arena with Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu.
Having explained most of what had happened between him and Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Yu let out a sigh and said helplessly, "If I had a choice, I really wouldn't want it to be this way. But at the time… there was nothing else I could do."
As for why he'd left the team, Ye Yu had already told Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling before he left—it was to seek a breakthrough.
According to Ye Yu's account, after leaving Sunset City, he traveled to Soto City while searching for insight and happened to run into Ning Rongrong. Since he didn't see anyone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan with her, he assumed she had snuck out on her own.
Given his long-standing relationship with the clan, it only made sense for him to look after her.
While doing so, he unexpectedly encountered Yu Xiaogang—the same man he'd disliked back in Nuoding City. Ye Yu used the opportunity to drag Yu Xiaogang into the spotlight and draw some public scorn.
Later, by a series of coincidences, he provided some training guidance to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, which also helped him discover a path toward breakthrough. He cultivated at Shrek Academy and eventually achieved it.
Originally, he was planning to leave right after. But Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, grateful for his help, insisted on treating him to a meal in Soto City.
On the way back to the academy, they ran into the perverted trio who were trying to assault them, and Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing accidentally fell victim to Bu Le's aphrodisiac powder.
He really had no choice.
After hearing all of this, Dugu Yan's heroic and beautiful expression tightened slightly. Her jade hands curled into fists, and her emerald eyes flickered with mixed emotions.
What could she even say?
She couldn't very well tell Ye Yu not to save Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, could she?
But that didn't stop her from being furious.
The big, juicy radish she'd been saving for years—something she was only just preparing to finally enjoy—had been stolen by two little wild cats before she'd even gotten a bite!
It was infuriating!
"Sister Yan… I'm sorry."
"I shouldn't have said those things earlier."
"It's just that Brother Ye Yu saved my life, and he even helped me evolve my Martial Soul. I really couldn't help it…"
At that moment, Ning Rongrong's noble and delicate face, paired with her sky-blue eyes full of guilt, looked particularly pitiful as she apologized to Dugu Yan.
This was a perfect demonstration of what it meant to be a classic little green tea girl.
Originally, based on Ye Yu's plan, he was going to first introduce Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu to Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and Qin Ming.
Then, after returning to the hotel that evening, he would explain the situation between him and the other two girls to Dugu Yan directly.
At that time, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing would apologize, express their willingness to "stay humble," and firmly state that they wouldn't give up on Ye Yu.
Dugu Yan might get a little angry, but Ye Yu was sure that in the end—she would accept it.
After all, this was the Douluo Continent, an ancient world where three wives and four concubines were considered normal.
For Spirit Masters, bearing children wasn't just about affection—it was also about compatibility in Martial Souls and high spirit power to ensure gifted offspring.
If two Spirit Masters were close in power and background, then naturally a monogamous relationship might emerge.
But this didn't change the fact that the social norm was polygamy.
Forget others—even Ning Fengzhi and Emperor Xue Ye didn't have just one wife.
Shui Bing'er's father had at least two, since Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er were half-sisters.
And most importantly, Ye Yu was no longer some powerless son-in-law clinging to the Dugu family. He had already become a Dragon King among son-in-laws—more than capable of biting back.
Now it was the Dugu family that needed to hold tightly onto Ye Yu's leg.
Still, Ye Yu never forgot how far he'd come, or who helped him get here.
His girlfriend Dugu Yan, and her grandfather Dugu Bo, had provided tremendous support.
Without the immortal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he never could've made it this far.
As someone who always repaid kindness, Ye Yu kept their help etched in his heart.
To him, Dugu Yan was still the most important woman.
But…
Now that he had already taken in Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, there was no letting go.
Letting them go now would be the same as cheating on himself.
So be it. If he was going to be a scumbag, then let him be a scumbag.
After all, as a transmigrator, Ye Yu had always dreamed of a crystal palace.
Watching Ning Rongrong's expression—so pitiful and apologetic—Ye Yu couldn't help but feel speechless.
The green tea aura was just too strong.
"It's fine. I understand."
"After all, this just shows how grateful and sincere you are, doesn't it, Sister Rongrong?"
But in the face of Ning Rongrong's green tea act, Dugu Yan simply responded with a poised smile. She didn't get mad at all—instead, she praised her.
Displaying the full bearing of the main wife, she completely suppressed Ning Rongrong.
Yes, she was upset.
Yes, she was hurt.
But angry?
Not really.
Because Ye Yu was simply too exceptional.
For a long time now, Dugu Yan had felt the pressure—wondering whether she was really good enough for him.
She'd also worried that he might one day stop loving her.
And the most important thing…
Dugu Yan had already sensed the feelings her close friend Ye Lingling held for Ye Yu.
After all, Ye Lingling had known him first.
Dugu Yan often felt guilty, wondering if she'd stolen something that should've been Ye Lingling's to begin with.
Even though love wasn't supposed to be about who came first…
Dugu Yan had always truly considered Ye Lingling her closest friend.
There were times she even thought about suggesting to Lingling that the two of them become Ye Yu's wives together.
But her possessive nature had kept her from making the suggestion.
Now, though… there was no time to hesitate.
Two seductive fox spirits had already come knocking.
As the saying goes: two fists can't block four hands.
She had to bring Ye Lingling in too—to face this head-on together.
Seeing that Dugu Yan didn't get angry, at least not outwardly, a trace of disappointment flashed through Ning Rongrong's eyes.
If Dugu Yan had lost her temper, it would've shown she was easier to provoke.
She and her sister Zhu Zhuqing might have had a real chance to replace her in Ye Yu's heart.
But now?
It seemed this Dugu Yan wasn't going to be so easy to deal with.
Still, no matter what—Ning Rongrong wasn't backing down.
She was the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. She had never been inferior to anyone.
Even if you're Ye Yu's official girlfriend, Dugu Yan—
I, Ning Rongrong, will definitely crush you one day.
Ning Rongrong clenched her tiny fists and swore inwardly.
Seeing that his girlfriend wasn't angry—at least not on the surface—Ye Yu finally let out a breath of relief.
Smiling, he said, "Yan Yan, Lingling—if you're not joining the team battle tonight, then let's head back to the hotel first."
"I've got a gift I want to give you both."