Inside the room, following Ma Xiaotao's display of power, the attitudes of Xu Jiujiu and Wei Na's entourage became far more cautious—especially the two Titled Douluos.
The red-robed woman was only an ordinary Titled Douluo, not particularly strong. The blue-robed woman, however, could clearly sense a profound threat from Ma Xiaotao—even though the latter had only recently advanced to Titled Douluo.
Ma Xiaotao had long been a focus of attention for the major powers. After all, as the disciple of Shrek Academy's Dean Yan Shaozhe and a wielder of an Ultimate Fire martial soul, she was fated to be one of Shrek's future leaders. How could such a figure escape their scrutiny?
The blue-robed woman was visibly wary—Ma Xiaotao, with her Ultimate Martial Soul and title, was easily on par with a 95th-ranked Super Douluo like herself. What's more, Ma Xiaotao's martial soul directly countered hers. If it came to a fight, she wasn't confident of winning.
After Zhu Ziyang diffused the tension, Xu Jiujiu and Wei Na managed a forced smile. Each called out to their respective Titled Douluos:
"Granny Manyi."
"Elder Muxing."
The two Titled Douluos, hearing their princesses, also seized the chance to back down. They each took a step back and sat down.
"Ziyang, please forgive Granny Manyi. She was a little overzealous just now. Apologies," Xu Jiujiu said with an apologetic expression.
"Haha, it's fine," Zhu Ziyang replied with a smile, though information about Manyi floated through his mind.
Nebula Douluo Manyi, Rank 93 Control-Type Titled Douluo. Martial Soul: Nebula Fan. An enshrined elder of the Star Luo Imperial Family and a long-established powerhouse.
"Ziyang, may I call you that?" Wei Na asked, knowing how to build rapport. Seeing Xu Jiujiu use the name casually, she followed suit.
"Of course," Zhu Ziyang replied with the same calm smile.
"Thank you!" Wei Na visibly relaxed. "Elder Muxing got a bit carried away earlier. I apologize on her behalf."
Elder Muxing's expression shifted slightly upon hearing Wei Na's words. Her lips moved, but she said nothing in the end.
"Haha, no need to be so formal. We're not that petty," Zhu Ziyang smiled again, recalling Muxing's identity.
Snow Demon Douluo Muxing, Rank 95 Power Attack-Type Super Douluo. Martial Soul: Snow Demon Flower. Grand Elder of the Snow Demon Sect and an enshrined elder of the Heaven Soul Imperial Family—a renowned veteran powerhouse.
Since she had been mentioned, the Snow Demon Sect deserved some explanation.
The Snow Demon Sect was the guardian sect of the Heaven Soul Empire, with unusually close ties to the royal Wei family. Their martial souls made that relationship clear: the Wei family's inherited martial soul was the Snow Lotus, while the Snow Demon Sect's iconic soul was the Snow Demon Flower.
The Snow Lotus and Snow Demon Flower formed a symbiotic beast pair. The Snow Lotus provided powerful healing and vitality, while the Snow Demon Flower wielded terrifying offensive power.
Since the Heaven Soul Empire's founding, the Snow Demon Sect had existed in tandem with it. It was a deeply rooted sect with considerable strength. The seed team sent to this tournament by the Heaven Soul Empire was the Snow Demon Sect's team—and Wei Na was one of its members.
However, intelligence from the Tianyuan Pavilion hinted that the Snow Demon Sect might not be what it appeared. It was likely a front for the Body Sect.
"Thank you!" Wei Na said gratefully.
"Haha, I'm glad we cleared that up," Xu Jiujiu said with a hearty smile. "Now, may we talk business?"
"Yes, let's talk business," Wei Na echoed with a smile. "Sorry for taking so long."
"Hehe, of course." Zhu Ziyang smiled—but then his expression turned cold as he added, "However, since this is such an important matter, why don't you call out the old fogies hiding behind you? You're not qualified to negotiate with me."
"Ah?" Xu Jiujiu and Wei Na's smiles froze. They stared at Zhu Ziyang, confused.
This time, neither Nebula Douluo nor Snow Demon Douluo reacted. They were clearly furious, but with Ma Xiaotao in the room, they dared not exert their seniority.
Yet Elder Muxing couldn't hold back. "You've gone too far, boy. Even if you're Shrek Academy's golden child, Wei Na is still a princess. Her status isn't inferior to yours. How is she not qualified?"
"Hmph." Zhu Ziyang lounged back against the sofa, calmly sipping the tea Ma Xiaotao had brewed for him. He said slowly, "Both Your Highnesses are my friends. In private, of course we can sit together. But right now, I speak to you as the Tianyuan Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy. And in that capacity—you are not qualified to sit with me. Understand?"
"!"
Zhu Ziyang's words were soft, yet they hit like thunder. Xu Jiujiu, Wei Na, Nebula Douluo, and Snow Demon Douluo all stood up involuntarily, stunned.
They stared at him, struggling to believe their ears. But looking at his composed expression, and Ma Xiaotao's serene smile, they knew he wasn't lying.
This wasn't something you could lie about.
Which meant that the authority of Shrek Academy now rested in the hands of a twenty-year-old youth. Had those old fellows at Shrek gone mad?
Suddenly, Xu Jiujiu's body trembled. Her pupils contracted as she stammered, "C-Could it be… Ziyang… you've become a Titled Douluo?"
She had been present in Shrek Academy when Mu En passed away and knew his final wishes. If Zhu Ziyang had inherited the Pavilion Master role, it meant—he was a Titled Douluo. No—he was a Titled Douluo with Dual Ultimate Martial Souls at just twenty!
Zhu Ziyang didn't answer. But his expression said everything.
Xu Jiujiu's legs gave way. Nebula Douluo Manyi quickly caught her. In a shaky voice, Xu Jiujiu said, "I understand. Granny Manyi, let's go!"
Without hesitation, she turned and left Shrek's suite, leaving the three from the Heaven Soul Empire momentarily stunned.
Wei Na recovered quickly. She forced a smile and said, "Ziyang, forgive our offense. We'll deliver your message exactly as requested."
She and her companions also took their leave.
With everyone gone, only Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao remained. Their relaxed demeanor returned instantly. Ma Xiaotao sat on Zhu Ziyang's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Zhu Ziyang's eyes gleamed with disdain. He sneered, "Hah! How amusing. Wanting to lead Shrek Academy? Ignorant fools."
"Ziyang, when do you think they'll return?" Ma Xiaotao whispered softly, her breath warm against his ear.
"My guess—by tonight at the latest," Zhu Ziyang replied with a chuckle, his eyes glittering.
"Are you so sure?" Ma Xiaotao's beautiful eyes twinkled mischievously. "Then let's make a bet. If they don't come tonight, I want you to…"
Her red lips pressed close to his ear, whispering something suggestive.
"And if they do?" Zhu Ziyang's eyes lit up with excitement as he asked eagerly.
"If they do… then I'll grant your wish," Ma Xiaotao said, a blush spreading across her cheeks. Her gaze shyly dropped to her chest. Her bashful demeanor was a far cry from her usual fiery boldness.
"You better keep your word," Zhu Ziyang grinned even more.
"Mm!" Ma Xiaotao nodded shyly.
Their flirtation didn't last long, as Jiang Nannan, Qian Lingyi, and Diwu Huan'er returned from sightseeing. With them came Tang Ya, Beibei, Huo Yuhao, and the rest of the Tang Sect members.
"Zhu Ziyang! We've got a major deal to discuss!" Tang Ya yelled the moment she walked in, loud enough to make everyone roll their eyes.
Currently in Dunhuang—prepping for desert camping!
(End of Chapter)
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