The Soto Grand Hotel, presidential suite on the top floor.
Two hours had passed since the competition ended, but the legend of the World Burial Team still echoed through the night sky above Suotuo City.
Yu Tianyu had just finished showering. Wearing a loose bathrobe and holding a glass of red wine, he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing down at the city lights.
Dugu Yan lounged on the sofa like a lazy, beautiful snake, twirling a lock of Yu Tianyu's hair in her hand. Ye Lingling sat quietly nearby, reading a medical text. Every now and then, she looked up at Yu Tianyu with a tender gaze.
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone tapped lightly on the door.
The sound was faint, betraying the hesitation and unease of the person outside.
"Coming."
A knowing smile tugged at the corner of Yu Tianyu's mouth.
"Yan Yan, get the door. Our new teammates have arrived."
Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, amusement flashing in her green eyes. "So soon? Looks like that Shrek dump really was somewhere they couldn't stand for even another minute."
She rose and walked over to open the door with a seductive sway.
Standing outside were Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, their luggage on their backs and complicated expressions on their faces.
Both had changed out of their Shrek uniforms. Ning Rongrong wore a pale blue dress, while Zhu Zhuqing was still dressed in her figure-hugging black leather outfit.
Seeing the stunning, imposing Dugu Yan at the door, the two girls instinctively took half a step back.
"Well, if it isn't the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the second young lady of the Star Luo Empire."
Leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, Dugu Yan looked the two of them up and down without restraint. "What brings you to our place in the middle of the night instead of getting some sleep? Have you... finally made up your minds?"
"I..."
Ning Rongrong was, after all, a young lady. Dugu Yan's appraising gaze made her uncomfortable, and she was just about to retort.
"Let them in."
Yu Tianyu's calm but unquestionable voice came from inside.
Dugu Yan immediately dropped her confrontational stance and stepped aside, even gesturing for them to enter. The speed of her change in attitude was astonishing.
"Come on in, girls. We're family now."
The sight made Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's hearts tighten.
Dugu Yan, who usually did whatever she pleased, actually obeyed Yu Tianyu so completely? Just how much control did this man have?
As the two girls entered the room, they felt a comfort they hadn't experienced in a long time.
There was none of the damp, moldy smell of Shrek. Only a faint fragrance and luxurious carpets greeted them.
Yu Tianyu sat in the main seat on the sofa. He set down his wineglass and pointed to the seats opposite him.
"Sit."
There were no pleasantries or small talk.
"Since you've come, you've already made your choice."
Yu Tianyu's gaze swept over them. "I'm not one to beat around the bush. I'll make one thing clear from the start."
"If you enter my door, you belong to me."
"Shrek's way of saying 'only monsters can survive' is bullshit as far as I'm concerned. I have only one rule here—absolute loyalty."
"I can give you the best resources, the strongest cultivation techniques, and even the chance to change your destinies. But if you ever betray me..."
Yu Tianyu tapped his finger lightly on the table, producing a crisp sound.
"I'll destroy you with my own hands, along with the families behind you."
It was domineering.
Almost cold-blooded.
Strangely, though, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing both felt more at ease upon hearing it.
Compared with Flender's hypocritical talk of benevolence and morality while sending people to their deaths, Yu Tianyu's blunt exchange of power for loyalty made them feel safer.
"I understand."
Zhu Zhuqing spoke first, her gaze resolute. "As long as I can grow stronger and escape that man's shadow, my life is yours."
"Me too!"
Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth and looked at Yu Tianyu. "As long as you keep your promise and evolve my Martial Soul... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be your strongest ally from now on! I... I'll listen to you too!"
"Good."
Yu Tianyu nodded in satisfaction.
He turned his wrist, and a flash of light appeared.
An exquisite jade box materialized on the table.
The air in the room instantly grew fresher as a rich tulip fragrance spread through it. Just breathing it in lifted their spirits and quickened the circulation of their Soul Power.
Ning Rongrong stared fixedly at the box. Her breathing grew ragged, and her heart pounded like a drum.
It smelled like... hope!
Click.
The jade box opened.
A strange Immortal Herb lay quietly inside.
It smelled strongly of tulips. Its flower was a rich, golden hue, noble and elegant, and its petals looked as though they had been carved from the finest jewels. A golden mist shimmered faintly around it.
Even someone who knew nothing about medicine could tell at a glance that it was extraordinary.
"Is this... the Aromatic Silk Beauty?"
Ning Rongrong reached out a trembling hand, wanting to touch it but not daring to, afraid it was all just a dream.
"That's right."
Yu Tianyu introduced it casually. "This flower is one of the richest and most precious Immortal Herbs. It absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, the light of the Sun and Moon. It has a property known as 'noble elegance,' and it can remedy all kinds of... innate deficiencies."
"Its medicinal power is enough to make up for the two missing levels of foundation in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
As he spoke, Yu Tianyu pushed the jade box in front of Ning Rongrong.
"There's a particular way to take it."
Yu Tianyu looked at her delicate face, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You need to gently draw in the essence from the flower's stamen, letting it slowly enter your body, then chew the petals. Remember: clear your mind, and hold the Origin and guard the One."
"Eat it now."
Ning Rongrong took a deep breath and lifted the golden tulip with both hands.
She looked at Yu Tianyu.
The young man remained as composed as ever, as though what he had just given her were not a priceless Immortal Herb, but an ordinary cabbage.
"Thank you..."
Ning Rongrong's eyes reddened, and she whispered her thanks.
Then she closed her eyes, leaned toward the flower, parted her red lips, and gently took the golden stamen into her mouth.
For a moment, the movement carried an indescribable intimacy and reverence.
As the essence entered her body—
Boom!
Ning Rongrong felt as if she had swallowed a sun.
A warm, mellow, and boundless energy surged down her throat and rushed through every part of her body.
"Mm..."
She let out a soft moan, her body trembling uncontrollably.
There was no pain.
Instead, it was a warmth and comfort like returning to the womb. Every cell in her body seemed to rejoice, while every meridian was bathed in golden radiance.
"Sit cross-legged and circulate your Soul Power!" Yu Tianyu's voice boomed through her mind like thunder.
Ning Rongrong hurriedly sat cross-legged on the carpet and formed a seal with her hands.
Hum!
Brilliant seven-colored light burst from her body.
The exquisite Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul appeared above her head of its own accord.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.
The pagoda, which had originally had only seven levels, was now wrapped in a dense golden light.
Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing held their breath, staring fixedly at the pagoda.
Time passed second by second.
The aura around Ning Rongrong grew stronger and stronger. Her Soul Power, which had been at level twenty-six as a Soul Grandmaster, began to surge wildly!
Twenty-seven... twenty-eight... twenty-nine... thirty!
It still hadn't stopped!
The medicinal power was still surging!
Just then—
Crack!
A sound like an eggshell breaking rang out.
Under everyone's gaze, a new level slowly emerged at the top of the pagoda wrapped in golden light!
The eighth level!
"It really... it really worked?!" Dugu Yan covered her mouth. She had heard Yu Tianyu talk about it, but seeing it with her own eyes was still shocking.
But that wasn't the end.
As the last trace of the Aromatic Silk Beauty's medicinal power was absorbed—
Rumble!
Another tremor shook the room.
Radiance gathered above the eighth level.
A majestic, sacred spire wreathed in a nine-colored glow finally broke through!
The ninth level!
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!
In that moment, the entire room was illuminated by nine-colored light. Ning Rongrong looked like a goddess descended to the mortal world, her whole body radiating an aura of nobility and untouchable dignity.
After a long while—
The light faded.
Ning Rongrong slowly opened her eyes.
Her eyes had been brown, but now a faint golden sheen flowed through them, making them appear deeper and more captivating.
She felt the surging Soul Power within her—her level had risen directly to around thirty-six, though she would need to hunt for a Spirit Ring before it could be fully manifested. She also felt an unprecedented sense of completeness in her Martial Soul.
"Nine levels... It really has nine levels..."
Two streams of tears slid down Ning Rongrong's cheeks.
Only she knew what these two new levels meant for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
They were hope of breaking the curse! They were her father's lifelong dream!
"Why are you crying?"
Yu Tianyu handed her a tissue with a smile. "You've gotten prettier. Keep crying and you'll end up looking like a little kitten."
Ning Rongrong looked up at the handsome young man in front of her.
It was him.
He had pulled her out of that hopeless place called Shrek.
He had casually given her an Immortal Herb powerful enough to drive even Titled Douluo mad.
And he had made her family's thousand-year dream come true.
An emotion unlike any she had ever felt before erupted in Ning Rongrong's heart like a volcano. It was gratitude, admiration, dependence, and... affection.
"Tianyu..."
Ning Rongrong suddenly stood and threw herself into Yu Tianyu's arms without a second thought.
"Thank you... Thank you so much..."
She held tightly around Yu Tianyu's waist, burying her face against his chest as her tears dampened his bathrobe.
"It's fine. This is no big deal."
Yu Tianyu gently patted her back, feeling the softness of the girl's delicate body and the faint fragrance of her innocence.
Suddenly—
Ning Rongrong lifted her head.
Her tear-streaked face flushed with a shy yet determined blush.
She rose onto her tiptoes.
Under the astonished gazes of Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing—
Bathed in the lingering glow of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—
She voluntarily pressed her soft, warm red lips against Yu Tianyu's.
It was a kiss that tasted of both salt—the tears—and sweetness—the lingering fragrance of the tulip.
Innocent, yet passionate.
At last, their lips parted.
Ning Rongrong's face was bright red as she ducked behind Ye Lingling, unable to look at anyone.
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes and said sourly, "Well, look at you. You've barely arrived and you're already learned how to launch a sneak attack. Looks like I'll have to keep an eye on you from now on."
Although she said that, she wasn't actually angry. After all, having the support of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda would be an enormous boost to Yu Tianyu's future ambitions.
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing, who had been standing in the corner, looked rather dejected.
She watched Ning Rongrong transform completely, then watched her interact so intimately with Yu Tianyu.
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her gaze to her own hands.
She was still a Level 27 Soul Grandmaster, still burdened by the heavy fate of her family.
"Do you think I'm being unfair?"
Yu Tianyu's voice suddenly sounded beside her.
Zhu Zhuqing jumped in surprise. When she looked up, she found that Yu Tianyu had appeared in front of her without her noticing.
"N-no... I don't." Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head in a fluster. "Rongrong is an auxiliary-type Soul Master. Her becoming stronger is important for the team. I... I'll work hard and rely on myself."
"Fool."
Yu Tianyu reached out and took her hands, roughened by years of cultivation, especially at the fingertips.
"I've prepared a gift for you, too."
"But it isn't a medicinal herb."
Yu Tianyu gazed into her cool, dark eyes. "The Hell Spirit Cat follows a path of extreme speed, agility, and explosive power. Any improvement from medicine is ultimately an external aid."
"What I'm going to teach you is a movement technique called 'Flash Step: Night Guy,' along with the 'Shadow Kill Art,' which complements your Nether attribute."
"And also..."
Yu Tianyu's fingers brushed lightly over her collarbone, traced beneath her tight leather outfit, and his tone turned a little more suggestive.
"This technique requires special guidance. While you cultivate, I'll have to use my Soul Power to open several hidden meridians in your back."
"The process might be a little... intimate."
"Are you willing?"
Zhu Zhuqing's face turned bright red in an instant, all the way to her ears.
Opening hidden meridians? Intimate contact?
Of course she knew what that meant.
But looking at the powerful man before her, she thought of Dai Mubai with his arms around those twin sisters.
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath and clasped Yu Tianyu's hand in return.
"I'm willing."
Her voice was quiet, but utterly resolute.
"Even if it means... giving myself to you, I'm willing."
"As long as you can make me stronger."
Yu Tianyu smiled.
He put an arm around Zhu Zhuqing's impossibly slender waist and drew her close.
"Don't worry. Stay by my side."
"One day, I'll put you on the throne of the Star Luo Emperor, looking down on the family that treated you as an Abandoned Disciple."
"As for Dai Mubai..."
"Next time we meet, I'll let you break his legs with your own hands."
That night.
The presidential suite at the Soto Grand Hotel was filled with romantic warmth. (They hadn't gone all the way yet, but their feelings had grown warmer in a hurry.)
The Imperial Fighting Team was officially renamed the "World Burial" Team.
Captain: Yu Tianyu (attack/control, Dragon Slayer Mage + Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon). Vice-captain: Dugu Yan (control, Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor). Members: Ye Lingling (support, Nine Heart Begonia). Ning Rongrong (support, Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda). Zhu Zhuqing (agility attack, Hell Spirit Cat). And the original members Yu Feng, Osler, and the Shi Brothers (who had now been relegated to the second team or become reserve starters).
This team's lineup could already be called the most luxurious and fearsome on the entire continent.
Two top-tier support Soul Masters, two top-tier attackers, and a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo, backing them.
"Tomorrow morning, we set out."
Yu Tianyu stood by the window, watching the first pale light spread across the horizon.
"Our destination—the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
"That so-called Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament..."
"I'm taking the championship."
"And Shrek..."
A cold glint flashed in Yu Tianyu's eyes.
"Let them rot slowly in the mire of Suotuo City."
Before you continue