Sword Douluo had been stuck at level 96 for many years. If things had followed the original storyline, he would have needed to lose an arm before he had a chance to break through.
But now that he had witnessed a higher level of swordsmanship, his understanding of the sword had clearly improved. He only needed a little time before he could break through smoothly.
Ye Xuan withdrew his sword intent and congratulated him. "Congratulations, Senior Sword Douluo!"
"Young Master Ye, I can't accept you calling me 'senior.' If anyone is senior, it should be you." Sword Douluo spoke gravely.
On the path of cultivation, the one who had attained greater mastery came first.
He had been inspired by Ye Xuan. Calling him "senior" was nothing to be ashamed of.
"You're overstating things, Senior. Besides, I'm only ahead of you in swordsmanship. I've learned plenty from you about Martial Souls, too," Ye Xuan said.
"About Martial Souls? You mean when you and I were facing off?" Sword Douluo asked.
He had only thought Ye Xuan was observing something. He hadn't realized Ye Xuan had been paying attention to his Martial Soul.
"Exactly." Ye Xuan nodded.
"Young Master, you truly are a heaven-gifted genius. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I could never have believed there was someone like you in this world." Sword Douluo withdrew his Martial Soul, still marveling.
"It was just a fortunate coincidence."
Ye Xuan's crossing into this world really had been the greatest stroke of fortune.
"By the way, there's something I'd like to ask you about," Sword Douluo said.
"Go ahead, Senior."
"What do you know about that Xiao Wu at Shrek Academy?"
Though Sword Douluo hadn't said it outright, Ye Xuan immediately understood what he meant.
He had discovered that Xiao Wu was a Soul Beast.
"I do know a little. Did you discover that she's a Soul Beast?" Ye Xuan asked bluntly.
"You really do know. A Soul Beast transformed into a human—she must be a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast! I heard that the reason Spirit Hall hunted down Tang Hao back then was because his wife was a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. If the people from Spirit Hall learn that Xiao Wu has come among humans, I'm afraid she'll bring disaster upon Shrek Academy." Sword Douluo spoke gravely.
He had no particular designs on Xiao Wu. But if Spirit Hall found out, he was certain they would immediately send people to besiege Shrek Academy.
"It would indeed bring disaster, but I'll help. I'm confident I can resolve this crisis," Ye Xuan said assuredly.
"Oh? Do you have some particular idea in mind for Xiao Wu?" Sword Douluo asked curiously.
He didn't mean anything romantic by it.
Rather, he wondered if Ye Xuan intended to have Xiao Wu do something for him.
"I just think we met by fate, so I may as well help her out. Besides, Xiao Wu gets along well with Rongrong and Zhuqing at Shrek Academy. If Spirit Hall comes to capture her, I don't think Zhuqing and the others would be willing to let it happen. So it seems I have no choice but to step in and help," Ye Xuan said.
There was another reason in Ye Xuan's heart.
If Xiao Wu had been targeted early because his arrival had changed the timeline, then he really ought to help her.
After all, she had done nothing to offend him.
As long as someone wasn't his enemy, Ye Xuan was willing to forge a bit of goodwill with them.
"Would that girl Rongrong help?" Sword Douluo's expression turned grave at once. He had been thinking about what Ye Xuan would do and had forgotten about Ning Rongrong.
If Ning Rongrong got caught up in this, it would be no good for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
He thought for a moment, then asked seriously, "Young Master Ye, Spirit Hall has many powerful experts. The Pope and Grand Elder are both far stronger than I am. If you want to protect Xiao Wu, you'll at least be making an enemy of the Pope. How much do you know about the Pope?"
"Enough. I know the strength of Spirit Hall," Ye Xuan replied confidently.
Seeing Ye Xuan's utterly self-assured manner, Sword Douluo was filled with emotion.
What he saw wasn't confidence, but invincibility.
Only someone invincible could have such confidence.
"Young Master, let's head back. We shouldn't keep them waiting," Sword Douluo said.
"Sure." Ye Xuan nodded, and the two flew back to their lodgings at Shrek Academy.
After returning and exchanging a few brief greetings with everyone, Ye Xuan left with Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
Ye Xuan had originally planned to invite Ning Fengzhi along.
But Ning Fengzhi had already said what he needed to say to Ning Rongrong while Ye Xuan and Sword Douluo were sparring.
He didn't want people from Spirit Hall to notice them coming here, so he decided not to go over to Spirit Hall.
Still, Ye Xuan thought Spirit Hall would notice them even if they didn't go there.
There was no way its people wouldn't pay attention to the movements of an important figure like Ning Fengzhi.
After Ye Xuan and the others returned, Ning Fengzhi also took his leave of Sword Douluo.
Once they had left Shrek Academy, Ning Fengzhi asked curiously, "Uncle Jian, how did your sparring with Young Master Ye turn out?"
"I lost."
Sword Douluo's answer struck Ning Fengzhi like a bolt of thunder, bringing him to an abrupt halt.
He asked in disbelief, "Uncle Jian, are you serious? Young Master Ye is actually stronger than you?"
"Mm. His strength is unfathomable. I'm nowhere near his level. But I came here for the right reason. Though I lost, I gained some insight from Young Master Ye's sword. Once I return, I should be able to break through within three months." Sword Douluo made no effort to hide his delight.
"What? Uncle Jian, do you mean you're about to reach level 97?" Ning Fengzhi found it hard to believe, but he was even more excited.
After all, every bit stronger Sword Douluo became meant the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect grew stronger as well.
What's more, the gap between levels 96 and 97 was no ordinary one.
"Mm." Sword Douluo acknowledged it, then changed the subject and said seriously, "That girl Rongrong has stumbled upon an incredible opportunity by coming here. If she can receive Young Master Ye's guidance, her future achievements will surely be limitless."
"Uncle Jian, do you think Young Master Ye is really as young as he looks?" Ning Fengzhi asked curiously.
Anyone who knew Ye Xuan's strength would have wondered the same thing.
After all, could someone in their teens really have such power?
Unless they saw it with their own eyes, no one would believe it.
"I think so. Though I'm not as strong as Young Master Ye, I can say for certain from our fight that he's exactly as old as he appears. He said his strength came from a great opportunity he'd received. I don't know what that opportunity was, but I'm afraid it had something to do with the gods." Sword Douluo spoke gravely.
When Ye Xuan and the others returned, the people from Spirit Hall saw that he had brought back another beautiful young girl. They were curious, but none dared ask about it.
Once they reached the courtyard, Ye Xuan said to Ning Rongrong, "Go pick a room for yourself. Starting today, you'll train with Zhuqing."
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