Ning Fengzhi (Seeking Collection, Seeking Follow-up Reads)

After disposing of Snake Lance and Porcupinefish Douluo, the pair left the room together, intending to check out the new generation sparring match hosted by the Emperor.

As for whether Yu Tianshuo would participate?

He had originally intended to, but he hadn't expected his own progress to be so rapid.

Now six—no, seven years old—it would truly be bullying to go and fight those of his own age.

Unless a Soul Douluo battle soul master showed up, there really wasn't much point in fighting.

And it couldn't be a beast-type martial soul either, otherwise, fighting Yu Tianshuo would be nothing more than pure humiliation.

Basically, the moment his Dragon Might was released, the battle would turn into a total steamroll; there wouldn't be any room for debate.

Thinking of this, he lost all interest in the upcoming sparring.

Qian Renxue noticed Yu Tianshuo's odd behavior. She brushed her finger against his palm, and when she caught his attention, she asked, "What's wrong? You look so listless."

As she spoke, Qian Renxue cast a look of concern toward Yu Tianshuo.

Looking at such an adorable Qian Renxue, Yu Tianshuo flashed a toothy grin, used his free hand to ruffle her hair, and said, "I'm fine. I just feel that if I were to join the sparring, it would be too much of a bully move, which makes me a bit uninterested."

He sighed again. Ever since he began absorbing the Dragon King for his second soul ring, his growth rate had skyrocketed. Now, he didn't even have anyone to spar with for practice. If this continued, he might suffer a great loss in the future due to a lack of combat experience.

However, just then, he seemed to think of something and stopped in his tracks.

Wait, isn't there a peerless powerhouse right by my side who wouldn't be completely suppressed by my Dragon Might? How could I have forgotten about him!

With that, he looked at Qian Renxue with burning eyes, which left her feeling puzzled by his sudden change.

But the moment Yu Tianshuo opened his mouth, it was impossible to keep a straight face.

"Xiaoxue, is your grandfather free lately? I want to ask him to guide me in combat."

As he spoke, he tugged on Qian Renxue's hand and shook it, pretending to act spoiled.

This gave Qian Renxue a chill, and she resisted the urge to punch the guy.

Qian Renxue pulled her hand away and said, "My grandfather is usually free. It's no problem for you to go learn combat techniques from him. I'll have Snake Lance send a message later."

Once that was settled, the two arrived at the high platform of the martial arts arena, reserved for the royal family.

By now, Qian Renxue had changed back into her Xue Qinghe disguise, and Yu Tianshuo had returned to his normal expression, no longer acting like a clown.

This was all because of the person standing before them: the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi.

Seeing the two walking over together, Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly, pushed up his glasses, and greeted them, "Good morning, Crown Prince, and young friend Tianshuo."

Yu Tianshuo and his companion returned the greeting, "Good morning, Sect Master Ning Fengzhi."

Neither side showed anything more. At this point, Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi weren't particularly close; they only knew each other's social status. In the original story, their master-disciple relationship would come later. For now, it was just a morning greeting between a crown prince and a sect master.

After the pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze to Yu Tianshuo. He had been waiting here specifically for him.

Ever since news spread yesterday of Yu Tianshuo using the power of a four-ring Soul Ancestor to kill an eight-ring Soul Douluo, the upper circles had been abuzz, all marveling at his terrifying strength.

He had come in person to win him over, or at least make a friend. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect loved befriending geniuses like this.

Thinking of this, Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "Young friend Tianshuo and the Crown Prince have such a wonderful relationship. I wonder if you two would do me the honor of sitting with me while watching the sparring?"

As he spoke, he wore that signature fake smile.

Yu Tianshuo and Qian Renxue didn't mind. Sitting there from the start wouldn't do, but stopping by mid-way to chat was no problem.

Qian Renxue stepped forward and said, "Of course, but it will have to be mid-way. After all, Sect Master Ning wouldn't want rumors of discord between the Crown Prince and the Emperor to appear tomorrow, would you?"

She also wore a well-crafted fake smile, her etiquette so perfect that no fault could be found.

Watching these two old foxes converse, Yu Tianshuo felt he was still too naive. Just by the vibe, he could tell these two were about to talk about something boring.

He simply echoed Qian Renxue's words, and after dismissing Ning Fengzhi, the two walked into the royal viewing area.

They sat down, and before long, Na'er and Dugu Yan came running over with a pitter-patter.

As she neared, Dugu Yan leaped and sat on Yu Tianshuo's lap. Na'er followed suit, jumping up to sit on his other leg.

Yu Tianshuo didn't say anything, merely teasing the two little ones on his lap.

Seeing this, Qian Renxue said with a hint of sourness, "You are really popular with them."

Yu Tianshuo caught the jealousy in her tone. He leaned down and whispered something into Yanyan's ear.

Dugu Yan then hopped off Yu Tianshuo's lap, ran over to Qian Renxue, and made a move to climb onto her.

Qian Renxue saw this and picked up Dugu Yan.

Held in her arms, Dugu Yan leaned into Qian Renxue's ear and whispered.

"Brother said he was afraid you'd be jealous, so he sent me to keep you company."

After saying this, she patted Qian Renxue on the shoulder and sighed with a feigned air of maturity.

Although she didn't know if that last gesture was taught by Yu Tianshuo, it still made Qian Renxue laugh.

She smiled, stroked Dugu Yan's head, and whispered back into her ear.

"How could I be jealous? Yanyan and Na'er are my absolute favorites; it's more likely your brother should be jealous of us."

As she said this, she cast a provocative glance at Yu Tianshuo, leaving him completely bewildered as he watched from the side.

The four of them laughed and played, a scene that brought a smile to Dugu Bo, who was sitting beside Emperor Xue Ye.

Yet, the moment he recalled Yanyan and Na'er running past him just now, he began to grit his teeth, secretly swearing to himself.

"When we get back, I must increase that brat's training. To think Yanyan and Na'er didn't even stop to chat with me for a moment—truly detestable."

Just as Dugu Bo was plotting how to increase Yu Tianshuo's training, Dugu Yuan on the other side was feeling the exact same way.

"Detestable Junior Brother, just you wait! Wuwuwu, my adorable Yanyan, she didn't even greet me when she walked by, wuwuwu..."

Yu Tianshuo had no idea what his master and senior brother were thinking or what was in store for him; he only knew that his two adorable younger sisters were very attached to him and loved him dearly.

After playing for a while longer, following the master of ceremonies' lengthy opening remarks and the Emperor's address, the Newcomer Grand Competition officially began!