When she was suddenly called out, Ye Lingling froze on the spot. Her fair cheeks flushed crimson in an instant, the red spreading from her ears down to her neck.
"Yan Yan!"
Ye Lingling stomped her foot in embarrassment and annoyance. She had never expected Dugu Yan to say something so bold and blunt in front of them both, leaving her utterly flustered.
They had only known each other for a day and had said fewer than ten words to each other. She didn't even fully understand what kind of person he was. How could she make such a careless decision?
Wu Xing was also dumbfounded by Dugu Yan's sudden remark. He froze instinctively, forgetting how to react for a moment.
Even with his thick skin and strong nerves, he hadn't expected this girl to say something so explosive.
Dugu Yan didn't care that Ye Lingling was embarrassed and annoyed. She didn't know the inside story yet. Once she joined the Chat Group and learned Wu Xing's identity, she would only thank Dugu Yan.
"What do you think, Brother Wu Xing? Lingling is my very best friend. She's gentle, generous, and considerate. She'd make a wonderful girlfriend."
Dugu Yan recommended Ye Lingling without holding back. It was easy to see just how close the two girls were.
"If Lingling is willing, I have no problem with it."
Wu Xing had never been a paragon of virtue. Since he'd transmigrated, who was still playing at being a one-woman-only true-love warrior?
"Hehe, then it's settled!"
Dugu Yan clapped her hands, then hurriedly pushed Ye Lingling beside her toward the arm on Wu Xing's other side, all the while giving her best friend a meaningful look.
It was as if she were saying, What are you standing there for? Your best friend has done this much for you. Hurry up and seize your chance.
In a daze, Ye Lingling was pushed by her dear friend to Wu Xing's other side. Instinctively, she hooked her arm through his.
Only when she came to her senses did she realize what she'd done. She instantly became flustered, unable to decide whether to let go or hold on, and lowered her head as far as she could.
Naturally, passing students saw the scene. Their mouths fell open in disbelief.
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were the academy's two great beauties. Ye Lingling in particular was admired by many boys.
Now that they'd seen both goddesses fall into Wu Xing's arms, their hearts shattered into pieces.
But not one of them dared say a word, much less come looking for trouble. Yesterday's events were still etched in everyone's minds.
Feeling the gazes of all the students around her, Ye Lingling was so embarrassed and mortified that she wished the ground would open up and swallow her.
This was all so absurd. How had she somehow become Wu Xing's girlfriend in just a little while?
The air fell quiet for a moment.
Wu Xing, however, didn't care at all. With a girlfriend practically delivered to his doorstep, what was there for him to fuss about?
The three of them walked toward the academy cafeteria, one girl hanging from each of Wu Xing's arms.
Ye Lingling kept her head lowered the whole way, not daring to speak, her cheeks still flushed.
Dugu Yan, meanwhile, was all smiles, delighted. With her best friend joining them, she wouldn't have to fight this battle alone anymore.
After a quick lunch, the three left Heaven Dou Royal Academy together and headed for Heaven Dou City.
One of the grandest cities on the Douluo Continent, Heaven Dou City teemed with people and traffic. Its streets were broad and clean, with rows of shops on either side.
Compared with Nuoding City, it was countless times more prosperous; lively scenes could be found everywhere.
Knowing Wu Xing was visiting Heaven Dou City for the first time, Dugu Yan thoughtfully introduced the city's sights and famous places as they went.
Ye Lingling said nothing, but quietly kept her arm linked with his, showing no sign of letting go.
After a bout of inner turmoil, and with her best friend constantly cheering her on, she silently accepted the situation—and her new identity as Wu Xing's girlfriend.
They chatted and laughed along the way until, led by Dugu Yan, they arrived before a magnificent building: the Great Soul Arena of Heaven Dou City!
The entire arena rose in imposing grandeur. Its thick, sturdy walls were built from stacked blue-gray stone, and even from afar, the place gave off a fierce, blood-pumping aura.
They stepped into the arena's main hall. It was even more spacious inside, with crowds surging all around and a constant din of cheers and excited voices.
Even Wu Xing, who had been prepared for it, couldn't help but marvel at the bustle. No wonder this place was the most thrilling gathering spot for Soul Masters in the Douluo World.
"Brother Wu Xing, you haven't registered at a Soul Fighting Arena before, have you?"
Dugu Yan stopped and looked at Wu Xing.
Wu Xing shook his head and answered simply, "No."
He had only been on the Douluo Continent for five days, most of which he'd spent traveling in his motorhome. How could he have had time to bother with this?
"That won't do. One of the regular training exercises for our Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team is to come to the Great Soul Arena and compete. You can't take part without registering."
"Yan Yan will take you to register. It'll be done in no time."
As she spoke, Dugu Yan tugged him toward the arena's registration counter.
Wu Xing naturally didn't refuse. He was in the Douluo Continent now, so it only made sense to follow local customs.
With Dugu Yan personally handling everything, Wu Xing quickly registered his information and received a lowest-tier Iron Soul Badge that looked pretty shabby.
"Hehe, Brother Wu Xing, you've only got an Iron Soul Badge, while Yan Yan already has a Gold Soul Badge."
Dugu Yan proudly pulled out her Gold Soul Badge and waved it in front of Wu Xing.
Seeing her like this, Wu Xing couldn't help but laugh. "All right, our Yan Yan is the best."
Dugu Yan's eyes curved into crescent moons at the praise.
Once everything was taken care of, Dugu Yan also registered him for two-person teams, including one with Ye Lingling.
Wu Xing & Dugu Yan: Xing-Yan Return Date.
Wu Xing & Ye Lingling: Cold Wind Retains Xing.
Well, judging by the names of those two teams, it was obvious he hadn't come up with them. How could a grown man like him think up something so artsy? Clearly, they were the sort of names only girls would invent.
And that was exactly what had happened. When Wu Xing saw the team names, he could only think that his head was killing him. But neither Dugu Yan nor Ye Lingling wanted to change them, so he was helpless.
"Brother Wu Xing, each person can only take part in three Soul Fighting matches a day. I'll head to the waiting room first. If you're unsure about anything, ask Lingling."
After all the paperwork was finished, an announcement came over the speakers, asking competitor Dugu Yan to report to the Third Soul Arena Branch to prepare.
"Okay."
Wu Xing nodded and watched her leave, full of excitement.
As soon as Dugu Yan was gone, the atmosphere grew a little awkward, and most of the earlier warmth and cheer vanished.
With Dugu Yan there, Ye Lingling hadn't felt anything was wrong. But now that it was just the two of them, she felt as if she'd been shoved into something before she was ready.
"Um... Wu Xing, I'll take you to the spectator seats at the Third Soul Arena Branch. We can watch Yan Yan's solo match in a little while."
Ye Lingling's face turned faintly red, and her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
Seeing how shy and nervous Ye Lingling was, Wu Xing didn't tease her. Dugu Yan had practically pushed her onto him, so he should at least give her time to adjust. He nodded slightly.
At the same time, elsewhere.
Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu had just come out of the Fourth Soul Arena Branch. As they passed through the central hall, they heard the announcement call Dugu Yan's name.
All three were a little surprised. They exchanged glances, then immediately grew interested...
Before you continue