At that moment.
In his room at the inn, Xiong Shaoqing was about to undress and go to bed when a system notification as sweet as celestial music suddenly exploded in his mind.
[Ding! Bibi Dong has been detected experiencing extreme rage, frenzied shame, and twisted, overwhelming jealousy. Her emotional fluctuations have broken through the threshold!] [System Feedback Mechanism jackpot! A vast quantity of utterly pure Soul Power is flooding in!] [Host's Soul Power has broken through its barrier!] [Current Soul Power: thirty-third rank!]
Xiong Shaoqing could no longer contain himself. He plunged headfirst into the soft quilt, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
Thirty-third rank!
Dong'er's jealousy was fiercer than a Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in the Star Dou Great Forest. Delivering an entire rank of Soul Power from afar-she was practically the strongest walking experience pack in all of Douluo.
He rolled over comfortably, taking stock of his current combat strength.
With those three ranks strengthening his foundation, plus the enhancement from his third Soul Ring, the gap between him and Tang San had narrowed considerably again.
The keen light in Xiong Shaoqing's eyes remained subdued. His head was perfectly clear. That venomous snake Tang San was probably around rank thirty-eight or thirty-nine now, and he still held those Tang Sect Hidden Weapons that were all but impossible to guard against. He had plenty of lifesaving trump cards.
Chapter 60: Stirring into action
Although he could not crush Tang San one-sidedly right now, the Archaic Heaven-Shaking Bear's ability to fight above its rank meant that, should they face off, he absolutely had the confidence to clash with him head-on and put up a fight.
Even if he could not seriously injure him, he had more than enough strength to get away unscathed.
Several days later, in the dean's office at Shrek Academy.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun stood in a neat row before Flender's desk.
Wearing a modest smile, Tang San respectfully requested leave, explaining that they wanted to gain practical combat experience at Suotuo City's Great Soul Arena.
"Training at the Great Soul Arena? That's a good thing. Actual combat is the best way to test the results of your cultivation." Flender pushed up the crystal glasses on his nose, a hint of approval flashing through his eyes.
Then he stroked his chin and suggested, "But since you're going there to train, why not invite Oscar and Ning Rongrong too? You could form a five-person group and work on your teamwork."
Dai Mubai's and Ma Hongjun's hearts lurched at those words. They inwardly cursed their bad luck.
Tang San's expression did not change. He bowed slightly. "Dean, your considerations are naturally the most thorough. It's just that the three of us still need to improve our coordination. I was thinking we could start with three-person team battles and progress step by step."
"Once we've gotten the hang of coordinating as a trio and established a core, we can bring Oscar and Ning Rongrong along for five-person team battles. That way, they won't end up fumbling around blindly with us in the ring. What do you think?"
His words sounded thoroughly high-minded and left no openings. They demonstrated not only a steady, methodical approach to learning but also an overarching concern for his fellow students.
After listening, Flender nodded in full agreement. "Sound reasoning, neither arrogant nor impatient. Little San, you really are quick-witted. All right, we'll do as you say. Your leave is approved."
The three thanked him, then turned and left the dean's office.
As they walked down the academy's dirt path, the gentle, composed smile gradually faded from Tang San's face, and he could not help sneering inwardly.
Bring Oscar and Ning Rongrong?
What a joke.
Tang San thought contemptuously, I'm hardly close to that sausage seller Oscar. If he runs back to tattle to the teachers when we go hard on Xiong Shaoqing in the arena, won't he ruin everything?
As for Ning Rongrong, she's nothing but a spoiled, willful young lady pampered by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
So what if she has the world's best support Martial Soul?
With that haughty attitude and overwhelming sense of superiority, she'll only drag us down and ruin things once she starts throwing unreasonable tantrums.
In this world, only Xiao Wu is the cutest and most understanding.
A woman like Ning Rongrong falls far short of Xiao Wu.
Walking beside him, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun discreetly exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with admiration.
"Brother San, you really think fast." Ma Hongjun lowered his voice and gave him a thumbs-up.
Of course they did not want to bring Oscar and Ning Rongrong.
Besides taking care of business in the arena, they had private plans for this trip to Suotuo City that they could not tell anyone about.
Ma Hongjun had long since lost control of the Evil Fire inside him. Holding it in had left his entire face glowing red.
Dai Mubai, meanwhile, had lust on the brain. Just thinking about those twin sisters in Suotuo City's red-light district, their bodies as supple as if they had no bones, made him burn all over. He wished he could fly there immediately and enjoy himself.
Tang San caught every trace of their lewd anticipation and their involuntary swallowing.
Back in the boys' dormitory, Tang San shut the door.
Watching Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun eagerly rubbing their hands together, the disgust in Tang San's heart almost became something tangible that spewed out of him.
What a pair of utterly filthy animals ruled by their lower bodies.
Tang San sat on his bed with his eyes lowered, furiously criticizing them inwardly. Dai Mubai was a prince, and Ma Hongjun was no slouch in strength either, yet their minds held nothing but those vulgar pleasures.
Indulging their carnal desires like this, stinking all over-they're simply nauseating.
Even as he criticized them, a powerful sense of superiority could not help rising within Tang San.
I'm a disciple of the Tang Sect, pure as ice and jade, guarding my chastity like precious jade.
I've preserved my purity to this day, never sullied by those commonplace painted women.
Only an exquisitely beautiful, pure, flawless girl like Xiao Wu deserves my devotion and my body.
These two animals rolling in the mire and thinking with their lower halves will never understand such noble, pure feelings.
Although he had inwardly debased these two "brothers" as worse than dogs and felt dirty even breathing the same air as them, when Tang San raised his head, his face once again wore a refined, caring smile brimming with loyalty.
"Mubai, Fatty, let's discuss business first." Tang San poured two cups of tea and handed them over, his tone turning serious. "Our primary target on this trip to Suotuo City is Xiong Shaoqing."
Dai Mubai accepted his cup. His expression instantly darkened, and his clenched fists cracked.
Whenever he thought of his fiancée Zhu Zhuqing spending time with that pretty boy, he felt as though his head were covered in cuckold's green. He wished he could tear Xiong Shaoqing apart right now.
"Little San, tell us. How are we doing this?" Dai Mubai asked through gritted teeth.
A vicious gleam flashed through Tang San's eyes as he analyzed coldly, "Since Xiong Shaoqing established the Heaven-Shaking Phantom Team there, he probably competes at the Great Soul Arena every day."
"Once we arrive, we'll immediately register a three-person team, time it right, then challenge them directly and intercept them."
"In the ring, blades have no eyes." An exceptionally cruel sneer curled Tang San's lips. "As long as we coordinate properly, we'll smash that so-called genius halo of his before everyone's eyes."
"We'll grind him beneath our feet and expose his true colors in front of Xiao Wu and Sister-in-law Zhuqing."
Tang San deliberately emphasized "Sister-in-law Zhuqing" as he continued his coaxing. "Women are often blinded by a few sweet words. But no woman likes a loser, a weakling, a spineless coward who gets beaten senseless in the ring."
"As long as we beat him into a dead dog up there, Xiao Wu and Sister-in-law Zhuqing will surely come to their senses, see that he's only strong on the outside and hollow within, and obediently come back around."
Every word struck Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun right in the heart.
"Good. Well said!" Dai Mubai slapped his thigh hard, a fierce light blazing in his eyes. "We'll cripple him right there in the ring. I'll let Zhuqing see with her own eyes who's the true fierce tiger of Star Luo and who's the useless pretty boy who can't even fight back!"
"Exactly! We have to teach him a lesson and show him what Shrek can do!" Ma Hongjun waved his chubby fist too, brimming with fighting spirit.
Seeing that he had successfully stoked their fury, Tang San raised his cup and took a light sip, concealing the smug, sinister curve of his lips.
Very good, Xiong Shaoqing. Let's see how you turn things around at the Great Soul Arena this time.
Your life and Xiao Wu-I'm taking them both!
Chapter 61: Autumn in a parting heart
Meanwhile, in Suotuo City.
Thanks to the Nine-Leaf Snow Lotus Blood-Coagulating Frost Qian Renxue had given him, combined with the formidable recovery ability of a rank-thirty Soul Elder, the superficial wound on Xiong Shaoqing's right arm had scabbed over and peeled off overnight, without leaving so much as a white mark.
That afternoon, the wind was bitterly cold.
Xiong Shaoqing led Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and "Xue Qinghe," who shamelessly insisted on sticking to him, into Hanmo Publishing House, the largest bookshop in Suotuo City.
"Oh, Mr. Xiong, you've finally come!" The moment Boss Qian saw Xiong Shaoqing, he grinned from ear to ear and hurriedly presented a heavy brocade pouch with both hands. "This is your share of the recent profits from Chinese Paladin. Two thousand Gold Soul Coins in total."
"Did you bring the rest of your manuscript? The readers outside are practically trampling our threshold flat!"
Xiong Shaoqing accepted the pouch full of Gold Soul Coins without expression and casually slapped a thick stack of manuscript pages onto the table. "That settles it."
After leaving the bookshop with that substantial income, Xiong Shaoqing naturally would not stint on the beauties at his side.
Though winter in Suotuo City was bitterly cold, an elegant retreat called Cold Fragrance Courtyard stood in the southern part of the city.
Fed by geothermal hot springs, its grounds boasted not only exquisite red plum blossoms blooming proudly amid the snow, but also the winter pastime most popular among the nobles of the Douluo Continent: brewing tea around a stove.
The four settled into a partially open heated pavilion overlooking the plum grove.
On a small red-clay stove, a purple-clay teapot bubbled and steamed, filling the air with the fragrance of tea.
Several plump winter chestnuts and sweet, tender mandarins roasted on the wire rack beside the stove.
Outside lay the cold, quiet plum grove, where snow fell soundlessly. Inside came the faint crackling of burning charcoal. The atmosphere was tranquil and tinged with intimacy.
Xiong Shaoqing still wore that cold, proud look that warned strangers away as he leisurely turned the chestnuts on the rack.
Xiao Wu propped her chin in her hands, her large eyes darting between the charcoal fire and Xiong Shaoqing's face.
Zhu Zhuqing quietly helped replenish and pour the tea, her cool features softening considerably in the curling steam.
Sitting opposite him, Qian Renxue held a warm teacup, but her gaze wandered. An indissoluble trace of sorrow and reluctance occasionally flitted through her beautiful golden eyes.
She truly did not want to leave.
Over these past two days at Xiong Shaoqing's side, she had experienced that heart-stopping embrace at Star-Moon Lake, witnessed his domineering strength and protectiveness as he fought a Vajra Ape above his rank, and heard those restrained yet deeply affectionate private thoughts in his heart.
The heart Qian Renxue had kept frozen for more than twenty years had long since melted completely.
But she could not remain this "Young Master Xue," sightseeing at leisure, forever.
The man-eating political whirlpool of Heaven Dou City, along with countless affairs of state and schemes, awaited her.
Those younger imperial brothers eyeing the crown prince's position like hungry tigers would never let her get away with staying out of the capital too long.
"Brother Xiong." Qian Renxue took a deep breath and set down her teacup, trying to sound like a carefree wanderer. "I've lingered out here for several days, and many mundane duties still tie me to the capital. I'll be setting off for Heaven Dou City first thing tomorrow morning."
At those words, Xiao Wu's and Zhu Zhuqing's hands paused as they peeled chestnuts, and both cast reluctant looks her way.
Xiong Shaoqing's hand also paused briefly over the chestnuts.
He raised his eyes and looked steadily at Qian Renxue with those deep, icy black eyes. Then he picked up the tongs and placed a chestnut onto the porcelain dish before her. Roasted until its shell had split slightly, it revealed golden flesh.
"No banquet under heaven lasts forever." Xiong Shaoqing's voice was as cold as ice, without the slightest intention of asking her to stay. "Since you have important matters to attend to, Young Master Xue, you should return early. The mountains are high, the rivers long, and the roads of the world stretch far."
Those words could hardly have been more heartless.
In reality, however, the lecherous soul inside Xiong Shaoqing was gleefully rubbing its hands together.
Tsk, tsk. Look at those plaintive little eyes. Look at her wanting to speak, then holding back.
Xue'er clearly can't bear to leave me. She's fallen completely.
Besides, that wildly jumping Admiration Value and Soul Power feedback on the system panel don't lie.
She's going back to her undercover work tomorrow. If I don't give her a soul-piercing dose of letting go to reel her in now, when will I?
Xiong Shaoqing lifted his teacup and gently blew aside the leaves floating on its surface. With a thought, he immediately summoned the Destiny Diary in his mind.
He knew perfectly well that, when working the diary at a time like this, he absolutely could not beg her to stay like a resentful wife, much less turn it into Mary Sue melodrama.
He had to portray the ultimate restraint of a world-weary man who understood her difficulties, who wanted to force her to stay yet had to let her go.
[In the end, this stove of charcoal in Suotuo City still cannot keep someone who must leave.]
[Just now, as we brewed tea at Cold Fragrance Courtyard, I saw the sorrow lingering between her brows and guessed that she had to return.]
[No banquet under heaven lasts forever. That polite platitude used to fend others off sounded unexpectedly grating and pierced my heart when it came stiffly from my own mouth.]
[With my temper in my previous life, to hell with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, to hell with Spirit Hall's grand plans. I would have forced her to stay at my side. Whoever dared stand in my way, I would have cut down with a single stroke.]
[But now, reason holds my hand down in a death grip. She has her own battlefield. That deep palace in Heaven Dou is like a man-eating cavern of ice. Wearing the skin of 'Xue Qinghe,' she makes every move with care in that whirlpool where daylight never reaches.]
[How could I destroy the painstaking plans she has spent years laying for the sake of my own selfish desires?]
[Yet watching her force a smile and say goodbye when her eyes are so full of reluctance, I find that this freshly boiled, finest-quality Red-Mud Tea tastes of nothing but bitterness.]
[For now, I will keep today's warm charcoal fire and these peeled winter chestnuts for Xue'er. When I ascend to the summit once more and sweep away all the wind, frost, and schemes in her path, I will bring her back openly and honorably, so she can finish this cup of tea in peace.]
The golden words slowly took shape in the three women's minds, carrying a suffocating steadiness and deep affection.
Inside the heated pavilion, the air seemed to freeze in an instant.
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