Two Women Compete, Setting Off for the Star Dou Forest

Ever since the date for the trip to the Star Dou Forest was set, the group had once again plunged into an intense state of cultivation.

Dugu Bo lay lazily on a bamboo chair, eyes half-closed, letting the sunlight spill over his body.

Ever since Ye Ruilin began using Ultimate Fire to purge the toxins from his body every other day, the bone-chilling cold within him had gradually begun to dissipate.

Although he was naturally inclined toward the cold, he had started to crave this warm, cozy sensation, as if even his bones had been softened by the sun.

In the training grounds, Ye Ruilin was guiding Ma Hongjun on how to control his flames.

"That's not it. Again."

Ye Ruilin's expression was stern, his gaze fixed like a torch on Ma Hongjun's movements.

Ma Hongjun wiped the sweat from his forehead, offering no complaints as he reconcentrated his soul power, circulating his Ultimate Fire according to the method Ye Ruilin had taught him.

Ever since he had Ye Ruilin's guidance, his practical combat ability had improved by leaps and bounds; although his Soul Power Level hadn't seen a significant increase, his combat effectiveness was no longer what it used to be.

Just then, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan appeared at the same time.

Ning Rongrong carried a food box, her smile sweet.

"Brother Ye, I brought you some snacks!"

She walked straight toward Ye Ruilin, looking at him with a beaming smile.

Dugu Yan held an ancient book, her expression indifferent.

"Ye Ruilin, you should find this book on fire-attribute soul skills interesting."

The young girl's gaze was calm, yet she showed no intention of pulling back the hand holding the book.

Ye Ruilin was stunned for a moment, and before he could speak, Ma Hongjun had already crowded over.

He immediately chuckled.

"Snacks? A book? Boss, which one do you want?"

That cheeky look of his instantly made Ning Rongrong feel somewhat annoyed.

Ning Rongrong glared at Ma Hongjun.

"Ma Hongjun, if you don't speak, no one will mistake you for a mute!"

She then turned her head back to look at Ye Ruilin.

"Brother Ye, I made these snacks specifically for you."

Her tone carried a hint of grievance.

Dugu Yan smiled slightly.

"Sister Rongrong, cultivation is the priority; the snacks can be eaten later."

Ning Rongrong refused to back down.

"Sister Yanyan, Brother Ye has been training for so long, he should take a break."

Within a few short exchanges, the two began to lock horns.

Then, their gazes turned simultaneously toward Ye Ruilin.

In the distance, Dugu Bo hadn't expected his granddaughter to be so proactive.

Seeing this scene, he burst into laughter.

"Not bad, not bad. Go for it, Yanyan, strive to win this lad over as soon as possible."

Ma Hongjun covered his mouth and let out a low chuckle, then hid to the side to watch the show.

Ye Ruilin helplessly rubbed his forehead.

He didn't understand why Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan had suddenly started clashing.

He spoke hesitantly.

"How about... both?"

Ma Hongjun snickered from the side.

"Boss, you're really caught between a rock and a hard place now!"

Ye Ruilin glared at him.

"One more word, and your training for today will be doubled!"

Ma Hongjun immediately shut his mouth and obediently retreated to the side once more.

Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan exchanged a glance, then simultaneously shoved their items into Ye Ruilin's hands.

"You choose first!"

Ye Ruilin: "..."

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi's study.

Ning Fengzhi rubbed his temples, his tone filled with helplessness.

"The Ye Family kid is only going to obtain his second soul ring, why are you following him?"

Ning Rongrong hugged Ning Fengzhi's arm and acted spoiled.

"Dad, just say yes! I want to stay by Brother Ye's side."

Ning Fengzhi sighed, attempting to persuade her.

"Rongrong, your martial soul has already evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda; the most important thing now is to seize the time to cultivate."

"Besides, it's not like Ye Ruilin isn't coming back, why must you follow him?"

Ning Rongrong pouted, refusing to give in.

"I don't care, I'm going!"

Ning Fengzhi felt helpless and tried a different approach.

"Rongrong, listen to Dad and stay in the sect to cultivate properly. When Ye Ruilin returns, your strength will surely make him look at you with new eyes."

Ning Rongrong frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, but still shook her head.

"No! Ma Hongjun and Dugu Yan are both going this time. If I don't go, Brother Ye will definitely get closer to them."

Ning Fengzhi wanted to persuade her further, but Bone Douluo Gu Rong interrupted with a laugh.

"Fengzhi, since this girl wants to go, just let her go."

"At worst, I'll accompany her on a trip to the Star Dou Forest."

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up; she ran to Gu Rong's side and hooked his arm.

"Grandpa Bone, you're the best!"

"Uncle Gu, you really spoil her too much."

Ning Fengzhi gave a bitter smile and finally nodded.

"Fine, but you cannot forget your cultivation while you're there."

"You are the hope of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect now."

Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue, a brilliant smile appearing on her face.

"I know, Dad!"

When Ye Ruilin and the others set off, they unexpectedly saw the figures of Ning Rongrong and Bone Douluo.

"Senior, Rongrong, what is this?"

Ye Ruilin looked at Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong in surprise.

"Brother Ye, I'm going to the Star Dou Forest too, and Grandpa Bone is accompanying us."

Ning Rongrong ran up and said with a beaming smile.

A trace of surprise also flashed across Dugu Yan's calm face nearby.

They didn't have anything important to do on this trip to the Star Dou Forest.

It was mainly to help Ye Ruilin obtain his second soul ring.

Since Dugu Bo was protecting Ye Ruilin personally, he naturally had to go along.

But he hadn't expected the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and a Titled Douluo to join in the fun.

"Boss, isn't this going to be lively?"

Ma Hongjun stood behind Ye Ruilin, chuckling.

During this period, the two young girls seemed to be competing with each other, both openly and secretly.

If they were all going together, the journey would likely be quite lively.

Ye Ruilin felt a headache coming on.

He looked toward Bone Douluo.

Unexpectedly, Bone Douluo simply waved his hand, his tone calm.

"Since Rongrong insists on following you, I naturally have to accompany her."

He acted completely indifferent to the situation.

Ye Ruilin took a deep breath, then gave a bitter smile.

"Since that's the case, let's go together."

He looked completely resigned to his fate.

Seeing that Ye Ruilin had agreed, Ning Rongrong ran toward the carriage with an excited expression.

With the addition of the two, there was one more carriage in the convoy.

Dugu Bo walked to his granddaughter Dugu Yan's side with a smile.

"Yanyan, although the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is coming along, Grandpa believes in you."

"You will certainly be able to win this boy over!"

Dugu Yan shot Dugu Bo an annoyed, bashful glance.

"Grandfather, it isn't what you think."

"That day, it just so happened that the ancient text was suitable for him, that's all."

Dugu Yan's eyes flickered, her face flushing slightly red.

Dugu Bo instantly wore the expression of someone who had seen it all before, patting his granddaughter on the shoulder with a knowing look.

"Grandfather understands."

"My granddaughter has no other intentions; it just so happened that the book was quite suitable for that boy, that's all."

Having said that, he walked toward the carriage with a chuckle.

Watching her grandfather's shoulders shake with laughter, Dugu Yan stomped her foot in irritation.

She glanced back at Ye Ruilin, who was currently speaking with Ma Hongjun, then hurried toward Dugu Bo and ducked into the carriage.