Chapter 34: The Source of Zhu Zhuqing's Confidence

"Click."

Xue Qinghe walked forward slowly and bowed respectfully, saying, "Father."

Xue Ye turned his head slightly to glance at Xue Qinghe, then immediately shifted his gaze back to Nian Yun, who stood in the arena.

"With such strength, if nurtured with patience, he could perhaps contribute to the rise of our Heaven Dou Empire."

"For someone to possess such power, I fear he could only have emerged from the Spirit Hall." The skepticism voiced by Xue Xing nearby made the atmosphere turn peculiar.

"Uncle, please rest assured. This person is absolutely not affiliated with the Spirit Hall. I have already investigated his background thoroughly; furthermore, his parents serve in the military."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ye grew interested. "Since he is the child of military personnel, why have I never heard of such a high-ranking talent?"

"Father, it is precisely because of them that I took the liberty of keeping him hidden. If Uncle still has any doubts, you are welcome to investigate further in the future."

Xue Xing wanted to add something, but was stopped by Xue Ye.

"Since our Heaven Dou Empire possesses such an individual, we must pay extra attention to his cultivation. As for the Spirit Hall, we must remain vigilant."

"Understood."

In the arena, due to Nian Yun’s careful control, Ye Lingling had suffered relatively little damage, making her the only one among the seven members of the Royal Team capable of standing steadily.

Nian Yun walked slowly toward Ye Lingling, who was filled with terror, her lips trembling slightly.

"Apologies, it is over. Help them recover."

Leaving behind a smile, Nian Yun departed the arena with a calm demeanor.

In the afternoon, Nian Yun returned to the Royal Academy’s lounge.

"Bang—"

As soon as he pushed the door open, the way everyone looked at him had changed significantly, shifting from their initial contempt to resentment.

"Let us reintroduce ourselves. My name is Yun Nian."

There was a moment of silence.

"Yu Tianheng."

Encouraged by Yu Tianheng, the other six finally spoke up.

After a long silence, Yu Tianheng stood up and unpinned a badge from his chest.

"Tianheng, what are you doing?" Seeing this, Dugu Yan could not sit still and rose to her feet quickly.

"Yun Nian’s strength is enough to qualify him as the captain of our team. Say no more."

Seeing the color in Yu Tianheng's eyes had changed, Nian Yun did not decline and accepted it with one hand.

"Everyone, there is no need to be tense. Although our recent duel caused you to lose some prestige, do not forget that we represent the face of the Heaven Dou Academy. Your defeat just now can only be considered an internal sparring match; if it had occurred outside, the nature of the matter would be different. I hope you all understand."

Nian Yun’s sincerity was soon understood by everyone, save for one.

—

Shrek

In the following period, the relationship between the eight of them became very subtle.

Ning Rongrong was always clinging to Nian Yun, and Zhu Zhuqing’s smiles were reserved only for him. Dai Mubai, meanwhile, was training with resentful determination.

Nian Yun did not target Xiao Wu.

Soon, Oscar reached level thirty-one, and the group prepared to head to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for a soul ring.

Led by Zhao Wuji, the nine of them set off toward the Star Dou Great Forest.

"I assume none of you have been to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt soul beasts before. It is not like other forests, so please do not wander off."

As Dai Mubai spoke, things remained as they usually were: Nian Yun and Zhu Zhuqing were chatting, while Ning Rongrong busied herself by trying to eavesdrop and squeeze in between them.

Without further delay, the group hurried toward the great forest.

A day later, they arrived at the Star Dou Great Forest by noon.

Due to Zhao Wuji’s strict arrangement, Ning Rongrong followed him with a sullen expression, and seeing Nian Yun and Zhu Zhuqing lingering at the back only made her jealousy grow stronger.

Xiao Wu skipped through the woods, feeling as if she had returned home.

"Zhuqing, why aren't you afraid at all?" Xiao Wu looked curiously at the pair.

"Ah? Why would I be afraid?"

Hearing this, Xiao Wu felt as if she had found a kindred spirit and linked arms with Zhu Zhuqing.

With Tang San and Dai Mubai clearing the path, the group entered the center of the forest in an orderly fashion.

Xiao Wu, who had been excited just moments ago, now lacked energy and leaned listlessly against Zhu Zhuqing.

Tang San was about to step forward to check on her, but Nian Yun got there first.

He casually took a carrot from his pocket. "Xiao Wu, here, eat this. You should recover faster."

"Tha—thank you." Looking at the pristine, fragrant carrot, Xiao Wu looked at Nian Yun with some confusion, but before she could look closer, Nian Yun had already walked away.

After taking a bite of the carrot, Xiao Wu’s eyes brightened instantly, and her face beamed with a smile.

Seeing that Xiao Wu looked even more radiant than before, Tang San naturally did not step in to interfere, though a strange feeling stirred within him.

As soon as Nian Yun sat down, Ning Rongrong popped out from behind him. "Hey, Nian Yun, were you scared?"

"Ah, would you like to try that again?" Nian Yun scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Nian Yun, why do you even have carrots on you? I'm hungry too." Ning Rongrong looked at Nian Yun with a resentful expression.

"Alright, alright, I have something for you." As he spoke, Nian Yun reached into his pocket and produced an apple.

Taking the apple, Ning Rongrong shifted her gaze to his pocket and, catching him off guard, lunged at him.

"How did you fit an apple in this pocket? Is there anything else in there?"

Feeling Ning Rongrong fumbling around on his lap, Nian Yun hurriedly tried to stop her.

In the distance, Oscar and Ma Hongjun watched the scene of the two flirting with each other.

"Young people are certainly full of vitality," Zhao Wuji remarked, observing the surroundings with a knowing smile.

Suddenly, Nian Yun, still playfully struggling with Ning Rongrong, locked his gaze on a specific spot.

Noticing Nian Yun had gone still, Ning Rongrong asked, "What is it, Nian Yun?"

At that moment, Zhao Wuji and Tang San also looked in that direction.

Nian Yun quickly scooped Ning Rongrong up in a princess carry and placed her behind him for protection.

Seeing Nian Yun’s actions, Zhu Zhuqing rose to her feet immediately.

Zhao Wuji’s expression turned grave as he shouted, "Get up! Something is approaching!"

"Rustle."

The sound grew closer.

Though he knew what it was, Nian Yun gave Zhu Zhuqing a signal.

Understanding the intent, Zhu Zhuqing leaped quickly and climbed a large tree nearby.

"It’s a Cockscomb Serpent!"

Hearing this, Zhao Wuji excitedly congratulated Oscar. "Everyone, get ready! Follow behind me!"

"It's here!" Zhu Zhuqing's voice rang out again.

"First Soul Skill: Nether Thrust!"

Before Zhao Wuji could give the order, Zhu Zhuqing had already charged forward.

Dai Mubai, equally concerned, followed right behind her.

The Cockscomb Serpent reacted quickly; seeing the ambush, even while moving at high speed, it swerved its head in an instant, its tail whipping out.

"Bang—crack—"

Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai were sent flying, but Zhu Zhuqing suffered no damage, as she was already covered by a layer of rock shield, whereas Dai Mubai appeared to be heavily injured.

That rock shield immediately caught Xiao Wu’s attention. She turned to look at Nian Yun, who had his "Jade Screen" prepared in his left hand for some time.