Yu Xiaogang: Suspects His Age is Faked (Seeking Reads)

Zhu Zhuqing's heart tightened slightly. She knew the conditions were coming. She met his gaze without flinching, "I know. You saved my life. As long as it doesn't violate my principles and bottom line, you can command me to do anything."

This was the most solemn promise she could make as a Soul Master.

"Principles? Bottom line?" Lin Yi seemed to find it amusing. He looked down at her from above, his eyes carrying a hint of playfulness, "What right do you have to talk about these now?"

Zhu Zhuqing pursed her lips, not refuting. Indeed, for someone whose life was in another's hands, talking about such things seemed somewhat ridiculous.

Lin Yi looked at her enduring expression and suddenly had an impulse. With a touch of mockery, he said casually, "Since you say so... then fine. My condition is, from now on, you will stay by my side and be my maid. Serve tea, make the bed, and attend to me. The term... let's say three years."

He had said it casually, with a hint of testing and teasing.

In his opinion, given Zhu Zhuqing's cold and proud nature, and her previous sense of belonging to Shrek Academy, even with such a great debt of gratitude, she would never agree to such "humiliating" terms.

However, Zhu Zhuqing's reaction completely exceeded his expectations.

She merely paused for a moment, her long eyelashes fluttering as if she were processing his seemingly absurd request. A brief silence fell in the room, with only the sound of their shallow breaths audible.

A moment later, she raised her eyes and looked at Lin Yi calmly. There was no anger of humiliation or tears of grievance in her clear, cold eyes, only a sense of acceptance bordering on resignation, and a hint of... relief?

"Okay," she softly uttered the word, not loudly, but exceptionally clear and firm. "I agree. Three years as a maid to repay your life-saving grace."

This time, it was Lin Yi's turn to be stunned.

He looked closely at Zhu Zhuqing, trying to find even the slightest trace of reluctance or unwillingness on her face, but he failed.

Her eyes were as calm as a deep pool, as if agreeing to be a maid was no different from agreeing to have a meal together.

Had this woman's brain been damaged?

Or had experiencing near-death truly made her see everything differently? Trading away her dignity and freedom?

Lin Yi's mind raced with thoughts, but outwardly, he quickly regained his composed demeanor. He nodded, his tone still flat, "Remember your words. Starting tomorrow, fulfill your duties."

With that, he didn't linger and turned to leave the room.

The door closed softly, leaving Zhu Zhuqing alone in the room once more. She slowly closed her eyes, a faint, bitter curve appearing at the corner of her lips.

A maid?

Perhaps.

But compared to struggling within a seemingly warm team that chilled her to the bone at a critical moment, compared to the heavy and uncertain obsession of revenge, perhaps putting aside all pride and burdens for a while, simply living, and repaying a life-saving debt, was a different kind of release for her.

Most importantly, she didn't want to return to Shrek Academy for the finals...

Shrek Academy did not give up easily.

After Ning Rongrong brought back news of Zhu Zhuqing's uncertain attitude, the Golden Iron Triangle—Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong—along with core members Tang San and Dai Mubai, once again came to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's encampment.

This time, their attitude was much more conciliatory, but their objective remained clear.

Liu Erlong, being the most impatient, directly stated their purpose after meeting Meng Shenji, who was in charge of reception, "Chief Meng, we want to see that child Zhu Qing again. There are some things that must be clarified in person."

Meng Shenji, aware of the situation, did not obstruct them, merely sending someone to relay the message.

A moment later, Zhu Zhuqing, supported by Ye Lingling, slowly walked out.

Her complexion was still somewhat pale, but her movements were no longer hindered. However, upon seeing the Shrek group, a complex ripple passed through her clear, cold eyes before returning to calmness.

"Zhu Qing!" Dai Mubai exclaimed upon seeing her, stepping forward excitedly, his eyes filled with concern and anticipation, "Come back with us! What happened before... we are still your partners! We need you now."

Yu Xiaogang also adjusted his glasses, his tone heavy and sincere, "Zhu Qing, your injuries stemmed from the team's decisions. As your teacher, I cannot shirk responsibility.

I promise you, such a thing will never happen again. Shrek needs you."

Tang San looked at Zhu Zhuqing. Although he remained silent, his gaze clearly conveyed his desire for her return.

Facing the earnest gazes of her former companions and elders, Zhu Zhuqing's heart was not entirely unmoved.

The years they had spent together were real. But she slightly turned her head, her peripheral vision seeming to catch a calm yet unignorable gaze from somewhere behind her.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the ripples in her heart. Her gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Yu Xiaogang and Dai Mubai. Her voice was clear and distant, "Thank you all for your concern. My injuries are no longer serious. Lin Yi has the grace of saving and remaking my life. This debt is as heavy as a mountain. I have decided to stay by his side to repay this kindness. Shrek Academy... I will not return."

"Repay his kindness? How will you repay him? Stay by his side? Did he coerce you?!" Dai Mubai's emotions flared, his voice rising involuntarily, his gaze towards the space behind Zhu Zhuqing filled with anger.

"There was no coercion," Zhu Zhuqing interrupted him, her tone decisive. "This is my own choice. Repaying a life-saving debt with my person is only right and proper."

She did not specify the "maid" agreement, but the phrase "repaying with my person" was enough to make the Shrek group's imaginations run wild, fueling their anger.

"Lin Yi!! It must be you! What despicable means did you use!" Dai Mubai could no longer hold back, roaring at the empty space.

Tang San clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails digging into his palms. He looked at Zhu Zhuqing's resolute and unfamiliar profile, and then thought of Xiao Wu, whose whereabouts were still unknown. His hatred for Lin Yi reached its peak.

Yu Xiaogang's face turned terrifyingly grim. He stared intently at Zhu Zhuqing, as if trying to see through her, and finally, he gritted out from between his teeth, "Fine, I hope you don't regret your decision!"

The Shrek group, filled with resentment and disappointment, returned defeated once more.

After this incident, their resentment towards Lin Yi reached its zenith. Dai Mubai and Tang San, in particular, now viewed Lin Yi as an irreconcilable enemy.

Time flew by, and the half-month recess passed in the blink of an eye.

The semifinals of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament finally commenced amidst widespread anticipation. The atmosphere in Martial Soul City was unprecedentedly fervent, with representatives from all corners of the continent and powerful Soul Masters gathering there.

Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, accompanied by Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong, personally came to watch! Ning Fengzhi had broken through to level eighty-two, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's brilliance was contained, appearing even more profound.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin emerged from seclusion, his aura becoming even more ethereal and sharp. Although not explicitly announced, the faint pressure he exuded made those in the know realize that he had likely entered the terrifying realm of level ninety-seven!

Bone Douluo Gu Rong's aura was also powerful and imposing. The arrival of the three undoubtedly signaled the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's strong support for this tournament, especially for the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team!

The first semifinal match: Martial Soul Hall Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy.

The match was almost devoid of suspense. The Golden Generation of Martial Soul Hall Academy displayed overwhelming strength. The Martial Soul Fusion Skill "Demon Charm" utilized by Hu Liena and Xie Yue blanketed the entire arena, their crowd control capabilities nothing short of terrifying, while Yan's defense and offense were equally peerless. Star Luo Royal Academy fought with everything they had, yet failed to stir up even a ripple before being decisively and cleanly defeated.

Martial Soul Hall Academy was the first to advance to the finals!

Next came the main event that had captured everyone's attention today—Shrek Academy versus Heaven Dou Royal Academy!

The history and grievances between these two teams had long been the talk of the town.

On one side was the dark horse that had repeatedly created miracles, featuring Tang San, who possessed Twin Martial Souls and an External Soul Bone; on the other was the established powerhouse, bolstered by the mysterious and unpredictable Lin Yi, a disciple of Sword Douluo who had reportedly joined their ranks!

Amidst the mountain-shaking cheers of the crowd, the members of both teams stepped onto the central main stage.

On the Shrek Academy side, led by Tang San, were Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, Tailong (filling in for the injured Zhu Zhuqing), and a defensive substitute member.

Their eyes were sharp and their fighting spirit soared, especially those of Tang San and Dai Mubai, whose gazes locked like blades onto the figure in green robes standing calmly beside Yu Tianheng in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy lineup—Lin Yi!

Heaven Dou Royal Academy was led by Yu Tianheng as the nominal captain, with Dugu Yan, Shi Mo, Shi Mo, Osler, Yu Feng, and Ye Lingling all present.

And Lin Yi was indeed among them, standing toward the back of the formation, his aura restrained as if he were completely out of place amidst the surrounding clamor.

Just as the referee was about to announce the start of the match, Yu Xiaogang suddenly stepped forward. He bowed toward the center of the VIP seating area, where the Pope of Martial Soul Hall—Bibi Dong—sat wearing the Nine-Curved Purple Gold Crown, holding her scepter, her appearance breathtakingly beautiful yet infinitely majestic. His voice carried across the entire arena:

"Your Holiness the Pope! This Humble One, Yu Xiaogang, representing Shrek Academy, has a request!"

The eyes of the entire audience instantly focused on him.

Bibi Dong lifted her phoenix eyes slightly, her voice carrying a hint of unquestionable authority: "Speak."

Yu Xiaogang straightened his back, pointed a finger sharply at Lin Yi in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team, and declared loudly: "I suspect that the Heaven Dou Royal Academy contestant Lin Yi has falsified his age, violating the tournament regulations! I request that Your Holiness the Pope test his bone age publicly!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire arena erupted in an uproar!

Testing bone age! This was one of the most severe accusations in the Spirit Master Tournament! If the fraud were proven, the entire team would be disqualified!

Every gaze instantly turned toward the young man in green robes, whose expression remained calm.

In the VIP seats, Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly, while Chen Xin and Gu Rong's eyes turned cold. Meng Shenji and the others felt their hearts tighten.

Facing countless gazes filled with suspicion, curiosity, or schadenfreude, Lin Yi slowly raised his head to look at the peerlessly elegant Pope in the VIP seats, then glanced at the righteous-looking Yu Xiaogang and the cold-eyed Tang San.

The corners of his mouth seemed to curl into an imperceptible arc.

What was meant to come had finally arrived.