"It's only proper!"
Having discerned the subtext in Emperor Xue Ye's words, Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment and nodded.
Although the effects of the seven-man unified soul skill fusion technique weren't bad, the overall cultivation talent of Canghui Academy's seven members wasn't exceptional. Even with significant nurturing, their future potential was limited.
Even with the fusion technique in hand, their lackluster foundation would likely only pose a threat to weaker Title Douluos or perhaps just Soul Douluos.
Such a level of strength wasn't indispensable for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. It was acceptable to give Emperor Xue Ye this favor.
Seeing Emperor Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi ignore him, acting as if the seven members of Canghui Academy had already been claimed by the Tian Dou Empire, Salas beside them couldn't help but frown deeply.
"Lord Salas, do you have a different opinion on this matter?"
Noticing Salas's displeased expression, Ning Fengzhi smiled and asked.
No sooner had Ning Fengzhi finished speaking than Chen Xin's unfriendly gaze landed on Salas.
Salas: "..."
"Hehe~, Patriarch Ning is joking."
Salas's face shifted from gloomy to cheerful, revealing an awkward smile.
"That's good then!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded satisfactorily.
Why did Patriarch Ning bring one of the Bone and Sword Douluos when traveling?
Firstly, it was for personal safety, and secondly, it was to intimidate opponents with differing stances.
On the arena platform.
After the match result was announced, Chu Chengzhou instructed Xiao Qing to release the seven members of Canghui Academy and even kindly provided healing services.
Unlike in the original storyline where they suffered mental backlash and became idiots, the fusion technique of Canghui Academy's team was interrupted before it could be fully unleashed, resulting in only ordinary martial soul backlash.
If not for the fact that the backlash involved the spiritual plane, Xiao Qing's healing soul skill alone could have completely cured them.
It could be said that in this match, Chu Chengzhou perfectly embodied the excellent sportsmanship of "friendship first, competition second."
Canghui Team: You bastard, you stretched us out painfully and publicly hung us on trees—how is this "friendship first"?
"Scoundrel, I finally got a chance to play, why did you finish so quickly?"
After leaving the arena, Ning Rongrong pouted, clearly dissatisfied.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing and Tai Long also looked at Chu Chengzhou with a melancholic expression.
Chu Chengzhou rolled his eyes and said, "Didn't you see the commotion earlier? Canghui Academy must have been holding back a big move, either a Spirit Fusion Technique or a soul skill fusion technique.
Gem-type martial souls are often support or control types. Clearly, what they were using wasn't an support fusion technique—it was most likely a mental-type fusion technique. Given my strong mental power, I didn't want any casualties on the field."
"I see now!"
Ning Rongrong suddenly understood.
"Understanding nothing! Didn't I tell you not to call me scoundrel?"
Chu Chengzhou reached out and pinched her cheek.
"What else should I call you besides scoundrel?"
Ning Rongrong slapped away Chu Chengzhou's hand irritably.
"How about calling me Brother Chengzhou?"
Smacking his lips, Chu Chengzhou suggested.
"Bleh~ Big scoundrel, keep dreaming!"
Sticking out her tongue at Chu Chengzhou, Ning Rongrong clung to Zhu Zhuqing's arm.
"Let go of Zhu Zhuqing!"
Chu Chengzhou hurried forward to stop them, not to separate their arms but to add his own hand to the intertwined arms.
Zhu Zhuqing: "..."
In the afternoon, Chu Chengzhou was training with three girls in the simulated training field.
Suddenly, a student came to inform them that an envoy from the Star Luo Empire had arrived. Principal Liu Erlong asked him, the victim, along with Zhu Zhuqing, to go to the academy's reception room.
Upon hearing that she was included, Zhu Zhuqing's pretty face instantly turned pale.
The arrival of the Star Luo Empire envoy at the academy indicated that the empire had chosen to take responsibility for the assassination incident that occurred some time ago.
Given the typically domineering nature of the Star Luo Empire, such an uncharacteristic acceptance of responsibility made Zhu Zhuqing suspect that the empire had been caught in a vulnerable spot. This vulnerability was likely related to Dai Mubai being in Tian Dou.
Once a soft spot has been exploited once, it absolutely cannot happen again.
This meant that the royal family would definitely bring Dai Mubai back to the Star Luo Empire. Now that the imperial envoy was summoning her as well, could it be that the royal family intended to take her back too?
"Zhu Zhuqing, don't worry, we're good friends. I won't let you return to that den of horrors!"
Seeing the pale-faced big cat, Chu Chengzhou hurriedly stepped forward to hold her hand and comfort her.
Looking down at Chu Chengzhou's firm grip on her hand, Zhu Zhuqing felt a bit shy and tried to pull away. Unfortunately, his hand was like a vice, giving her no opportunity to escape.
Realizing she couldn't break free, Zhu Zhuqing glanced at her little sister Xiao Wu shyly, her pallid face visibly turning red.
"Brother, where do you think you're putting your hands?"
Seeing this, Xiao Wu was furious and immediately pulled Chu Chengzhou away.
Your big sister Xiao Wu is still here! You just held hands, and if Xiao Wu weren't here, would you two have kissed?
"Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing is our good friend. Since Dai Mubai is so detestable, shouldn't we help Zhu Zhuqing?"
Chu Chengzhou said with a serious expression.
"We should help Zhu Zhuqing, but not by taking advantage of her!"
Xiao Wu initially wanted to say, "But not by replacing Dai Mubai," but reconsidered and softened her wording slightly.
"Cough, well, I was just worried and acted rashly, not intentionally."
Chu Chengzhou said sheepishly.
"If it wasn't intentional, then it must be intentional, right?"
Ning Rongrong interjected disdainfully.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
"Well, Director Liu is waiting for us. I'll go ahead with Zhu Zhuqing!"
Feeling awkward, Chu Chengzhou quickly pulled Zhu Zhuqing away.
They ran all the way to the entrance of the academy's reception room.
"Big Brother Chu, can you let go of me now?"
Lowering her head, Zhu Zhuqing said shyly.
"Huh? Am I still holding on? Sorry, sorry~ Let's go in!"
Pretending to be foolish, Chu Chengzhou finally released the soft, slender hand.
Pushing open the door to the reception room, Chu Chengzhou found quite a few people inside.
Besides Liu Erlong, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Dai Mubai, there were also Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, Xue Qinghe, and a tall, thin unfamiliar middle-aged man.
"You've arrived just in time, Chu lad. This is the envoy from the Star Luo Empire."
After exchanging greetings, Liu Erlong pointed to the tall, thin middle-aged man.
"So, you are the envoy sent by the Star Luo Empire to apologize?"
Eyeing the Star Luo envoy, Chu Chengzhou said indifferently.
"My name is Luxe, serving humbly as the foreign minister of the Star Luo Empire.
Young Master Chu, the assassins who harmed you some time ago were indeed internal rebels of the empire, not the official will of the empire.
However, the assassins originated from our Star Luo Empire, and His Majesty feels deeply apologetic. He has ordered me to come and offer our apologies, hoping you can understand."
Luxe said with a smile.
Whether the emperor himself had sent the assassins, Luxe didn't know—it might be true, or it might not.
But none of this concerned him. His mission in Tian Dou was to compensate Lan Ba Academy and apologize to the victim, Chu Chengzhou, and to bring back the third prince, Dai Mubai, and Miss Zhu back to the Star Luo Empire.
Hearing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
This was probably not done by the Star Luo Empire. The fact that they admitted responsibility so readily was inconsistent with the Star Luo Empire's usual style. Could they be hiding something sinister?
However, Chu Chengzhou wasn't bothered. Unless the Dai family didn't care about losing face, confrontation was inevitable sooner or later. Hiding sinister intentions wouldn't matter; after enduring for a few years, who would triumph in the end was uncertain.
"I see. As I thought, how could the esteemed Star Luo Empire commit such underhanded deeds? It was all the work of rebels! Lord Luxe, I accept the apology of the Star Luo Empire. As for compensating the academy for its losses, you can discuss that with Director Liu."
Chu Chengzhou appeared as if he had already forgiven them.
"In that case, thank you very much, Young Master Chu."
Luxe smiled and nodded.
"Your Highness, Patriarch Ning, with this matter resolved, I shall not linger in Tian Dou City. I will set off today to return to the Star Luo Empire and report to His Majesty."
Luxe bowed to Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi.
"Mm."
Both nodded, showing no intention of keeping him longer.
"Prince Dai and Miss Zhu, His Majesty has commanded you both to return to the Star Luo Empire with me!"
Luxe looked at Zhu Zhuqing.
Though lacking specific intelligence, Luxe could tell that the relationship between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing seemed strained?
Of course, none of this mattered to him. A small piece of gossip in his heart was enough; there was no need to voice it.
"Hold on a moment!"
As soon as Luxe finished speaking, Chu Chengzhou spoke up.
Taking the big cat back to the Star Luo Empire? Absolutely not! If she returns to the Star Luo Empire, how am I supposed to reel in this big cat that's almost within reach into my fish pond?
"Oh? Does Young Master Chu have any questions?"
Luxe looked at Chu Chengzhou.
"This is the Soul Master Tournament. Both Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing are key members of our Lan Ba Academy team. If you take them back to the Star Luo Empire, wouldn't that affect the strength of our Lan Ba Academy team?"
Chu Chengzhou said with righteous indignation.
"Young Master Chu, Prince Dai and Miss Zhu belong to the Star Luo Empire, and this is His Majesty's command. Their temporary withdrawal from the tournament is unavoidable. We hope for your understanding."
"Then take Dai Mubai, but Zhu Zhuqing absolutely cannot go!"
Chu Chengzhou shook his head.
"Why not?" Luxe frowned.
"Lord Luxe, perhaps you don't know, but for this Soul Master Tournament, I lent Zhu Zhuqing a rare treasure to enhance her strength.
A year and a half ago, Zhu Zhuqing was only a Level 27 Soul Grandmaster, but now she is a Level 43 Soul Ancestor. Aside from her own efforts, it's all thanks to the treasure I lent her.
As the saying goes, repaying debts is the natural order of things. If you insist on taking her back to the Star Luo Empire, it's not impossible, but please compensate me with the treasure she consumed!"
Chu Chengzhou stated firmly and without hesitation.
"Hiss~"
At this moment, a sharp intake of breath sounded from the side.
Turning his head, Chu Chengzhou saw that the source of the sound was Qian Renxue.
A 16-level difference in soul power in just a year and a half—even accounting for the addition of two soul rings—was astonishing. Even someone born with 20 levels of innate soul power like Qian Renxue was shocked, highlighting the immense value of the treasure Chu Chengzhou mentioned.
"Young Master Chu, may I ask what kind of treasure it is?"
Luxe was also taken aback. After collecting himself, he quickly inquired.
"This is confidential information and cannot be disclosed. Moreover, that treasure is extremely rare. Even if I told you, the Star Luo Empire wouldn't be able to find it. Just compensate me with something of similar effect!"
Grabbing a chair from the side, Chu Chengzhou sat down with a thud.
The Star Luo Empire naturally couldn't produce anything like the Narcissus Jade Bone. If they couldn't come up with something of comparable effect, then Miss Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't be going anywhere.
And forget about whether the Star Luo Empire had treasures equivalent to spirit herbs—even if they did, they wouldn't hand them over! Why give away something so valuable when they could keep it for themselves?
"Young Master Chu, this matter is of great importance. I must report it to His Majesty. Subsequent issues will be handled by personnel the Emperor sends. For now, I'll take Prince Dai and Miss Zhu back to the Star Luo Empire."
Luxe, unable to produce the treasure in question, decided to stall for time.
"Lord Luxe, do you know who he is?" Chu Chengzhou pointed at Xue Qinghe.
"I do."
Luxe nodded.
"And them?" Chu Chengzhou pointed at Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin nearby.
"I know them too."
Luxe nodded again.
Bang—
"Perhaps you don't know, but Prince Xue is my elder brother, Patriarch Ning is my uncle, and Lord Chen is my grandpa. If the Star Luo Empire doesn't compensate me for my loss, not even your emperor can take Zhu Zhuqing away!"
Chu Chengzhou slammed the table and pointed directly at Luxe's nose without hesitation.
Xue Qinghe, Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin: "..."
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing looked at Chu Chengzhou with eyes seemingly full of stars.
Hearing this, Luxe's expression immediately darkened.
"If I insist on taking her?"
Luxe said gravely.
"Then allow me to remind you and Prince Dai to tread carefully. The road from Tian Dou City to Star Luo City is long. Walk the night path too often, and you might just encounter a ghost!"
Chu Chengzhou said meaningfully.
A threat—a blatant threat!
"What do you mean?"
Luxe narrowed his eyes.
"The continent is vast, with plenty of deep mountains and old forests~"
Chu Chengzhou answered evasively.
"Just you?"
A flicker of disdain passed through Luxe's eyes.
Though his own strength wasn't great, his presence in Tian Dou represented the Star Luo Empire, and the emperor had arranged for an Soul Douluo to ensure the delegation's safety.
Within Tian Dou territory, as long as neither the Tian Dou Empire, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, nor the Spirit Hall intended to act against him, who could possibly harm him?
"I happen to be on good terms with a certain titled Douluo skilled in poison techniques."
Chu Chengzhou said calmly.
Luxe: "..."
A titled Douluo skilled in poison? What a guy—you might as well have named Dugu Bo outright!
"Enough, Lord Luxe. Please take your country's third prince and leave!
As for Zhu Zhuqing, as my younger brother said, unless you can produce a treasure of equivalent value, she will temporarily remain in Tian Dou."
At this moment, Qian Renxue spoke up.
Regardless of whether she stood from the perspective of the Spirit Hall or the Tian Dou Empire, the Star Luo Empire was her enemy. Now, Zhu Zhuqing, at 14 years old, had already reached the Level 43 Soul Ancestor rank, clearly having the potential to become a Title Douluo. If she were taken back to the Star Luo Empire, it would be tantamount to aiding the enemy—an outcome that was absolutely unacceptable!
"Indeed, Lord Luxe. Such a rare treasure in the world certainly cannot benefit your Star Luo Empire easily."
Ning Fengzhi chimed in support.
Ning Fengzhi had been following Chu Chengzhou's intelligence closely. He knew that Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai didn't get along well, and he could tell that Zhu Zhuqing didn't want to return to the Star Luo Empire.
If Zhu Zhuqing stayed in Tian Dou and didn't return to the Star Luo Empire, the only ones who could protect her, aside from the Spirit Hall, were the Tian Dou Empire and his own Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Given his daughter's close friendship with Zhu Zhuqing, Zhu Zhuqing staying in Tian Dou would likely join his sect.
If Zhu Zhuqing were just an ordinary genius, Ning Fengzhi might have considered the implications of offending the Star Luo Empire. But given Zhu Zhuqing's exhibited talent, she was destined to become a formidable Title Douluo.
In that case, Ning Fengzhi wouldn't bother considering the consequences of offending the Star Luo Empire.
With the Sword and Bone Douluo guarding the sect and numerous high-level soul masters of seven or eight rings, the only way the Star Luo Empire could pose a substantial threat to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would be to send an army to surround their mountain stronghold.
But the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was located just outside Tian Dou City. Were the Star Luo Empire to send an army, the Tian Dou Empire would never allow it.
Moreover, Zhu Zhuqing was merely the nominal fiancée of a prince who had lost in the struggle for the throne. Would the Star Luo Empire dare to launch a large-scale war against the Tian Dou Empire while the Spirit Hall watched hungrily?
Absolutely not!
For the sake of a future Title Douluo, deepening the grudge with the Star Luo Empire was, in Ning Fengzhi's view, no big deal.
Besides, his future son-in-law was right—debts must be repaid; it's the natural order. Taking Zhu Zhuqing back wasn't impossible, but the Star Luo Empire needed to compensate with a treasure of equivalent value first.
Can't pay? Then sorry, you can forget about taking her.
Though Chu Chengzhou hadn't explicitly stated that the treasure was a spirit herb, combining the circumstances involving his dear daughter, Ning Fengzhi could easily guess.
In the evening, under a sky filled with stars, Chu Chengzhou was watching the stars with Zhu Zhuqing on the rooftop of the faculty dormitory building.
Envoy Luxe had already left in the afternoon, taking Dai Mubai with him.
Had there been only Chu Chengzhou present today, Luxe might have resorted to force to take Zhu Zhuqing, and others might not have been able to intervene.
After all, Zhu Zhuqing was indeed the second young lady of the Star Luo Empire's Phantom Cat family and the nominal fiancée of the Star Luo royal family.
But with Chu Chengzhou's reasoning and the strong opposition from Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi, Luxe, unable to provide the treasure, was powerless to take Zhu Zhuqing back to the Star Luo Empire.
Of course, Chu Chengzhou was well aware that since Zhu Zhuqing hadn't returned to the Star Luo Empire, assassins sent by the royal family would likely appear on the road from Star Luo City to Tian Dou City soon.
However, Chu Chengzhou wasn't worried. Even if the Star Luo royal family had a Title Douluo, they wouldn't dare act lightly unless it was a matter of national importance. Otherwise, if the news leaked, the Spirit Hall wouldn't miss the chance to weaken their opponent. At most, they'd send a Soul Douluo.
Though he couldn't defeat a Soul Douluo, lasting a few moves wasn't a problem. Moreover, there were many experts in Tian Dou City, making it difficult for assassins to strike.
Furthermore, if the Star Luo Empire dared to cause trouble repeatedly in Tian Dou City, the Tian Dou Empire wouldn't handle it as lightly as this time. Otherwise, how would the Tian Dou Empire preserve its dignity?
The consequences would be more than the Star Luo Empire could bear.
In Tian Dou City, Chu Chengzhou had no fear of assassins sent by the Star Luo Empire.
As for outside the city?
If I can't provoke you, can't I avoid you? Without a Title Douluo by my side, I'll simply stay inside the city!
Hmm~ If I call on the Sword Bone Douluo, perhaps I can lure someone out?
"Big Brother Chu, thank you so much for today!"
Zhu Zhuqing, with a faint smile on her lips, expressed her gratitude sincerely.
Taking a major step toward escaping her predetermined fate, it seemed the big cat was in a good mood?
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou's face revealed a sly smile. "Since you're thanking me, Zhu Zhuqing, how do you plan to repay me?
By the way, after a hero saves a beauty, there are usually two outcomes.
One is that the hero isn't handsome enough, and the beauty has no choice but to repay him by becoming his servant for life.
But if the hero is handsome, the beauty will offer herself in marriage. I wonder which method you'll choose to repay me?"
Verbal thanks were unnecessary—why not something more tangible?
Zhu Zhuqing: "..."
Was this the legendary repayment by coercion?
Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes and said, "I heard from Rongrong that you're shameless. Looks like she wasn't wrong!"
"Nonsense, this is slander and defamation! Watch me teach her a lesson!"
Enraged, Chu Chengzhou muttered, "You, Ning Rongrong, dare to slander me like this? Take this!"
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou impulsively took Zhu Zhuqing's small hand and said, "Zhu Zhuqing, you're so close to Xiao Wu and Rongrong. How about becoming their lifelong third sister?"
Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily stunned, then blushed.
Xiao Wu and Rongrong's lifelong third sister? Wasn't this essentially… Brother Chu's… no, Scoundrel Chu's confession?
"Zhu Zhuqing, just agree to me!"
Pressing his luck, Chu Chengzhou extended his mischievous hand again, tentatively touching the girl's shoulder, intending to pull her into his embrace.
Instantly, Zhu Zhuqing trembled and hastily slapped away Chu Chengzhou's wandering hand. She stood up and quickly ran downstairs, leaving behind a single sentence echoing on the rooftop: "You should settle things with Xiao Wu and Rongrong first!"
Gently inhaling the lingering scent of youth on his fingers, Chu Chengzhou smiled.
The Great Operation to Win Over Zhu Zhuqing seemed to have succeeded?
Adding another fish to the pond, the next target—should it be the angelic young lady or the little fox…
"Tsk, Chu Chengzhou, you really shouldn't! Having three girls isn't enough, and you're still eyeing others!"
Reflecting inwardly, Chu Chengzhou began to scold himself.
Chu Chengzhou: I am guilty, I repent... but I just can't help wanting to give all the beautiful girls on the continent a warm home!
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