"What? How is that possible!" Na'er cried out in surprise, her beautiful, jewel-like purple eyes widening.
Although Zhou Yang's skills had surprised her during their earlier exchange, no matter how she thought about it, his cultivation should only have been on par with hers, evenly matched.
But hearing those words now, her heart went half cold.
She was only rank 27 herself.
Granted, her awakening had been delayed for a while as her teacher helped her look for a method, and she had also been slacking off. But as one half of the Silver Dragon King, she had inherited that higher perspective and understanding too. Whatever else one might say, she had once been a god.
She had been born with a golden spoon in her mouth.
She could safely say that nobody in this world understood cultivation better than she did, okay?
Even at her current level, she could count herself among this world's leading ranks.
And now someone had actually blown past her cultivation speed?
As though to prove and demonstrate it, Zhou Yang released his two Soul Rings, their yellow tinged faintly with purple, while rank-30 Soul Power swirled around him.
However much Na'er wanted to deny it, she could not change the fact that a gap had opened up between her and Zhou Yang.
The pride deep in her heart seemed to have been ignited by something as well, giving her a goal.
[This filled Na'er with determination.]
"I'll catch up to you, Big Brother Zhou Yang!" Na'er clenched her fist at Zhou Yang and spoke earnestly.
Her competitive spirit had been ignited. As the Silver Dragon King, she refused to be weaker than anyone else. She would catch up to Zhou Yang, and even surpass him!
A flicker of surprise crossed Yali's eyes when she saw Zhou Yang reveal his cultivation, but she smiled gently again. "I see. Rank 30 at such a young age-you really are exceptionally gifted. Don't let that talent go to waste."
She paused, then seemed to think of something and added, "In that case, I do have a suggestion."
"I know a few people at the Spirit Pagoda. I can help you find a good Spirit Soul."
"Also, judging by the look of you... I imagine you haven't found a place to stay here in Eastsea City yet?"
"There's still some time before school starts. We happen to have a little courtyard home in Eastsea. Why not stay with us for now? Usually, it's just Na'er and me there, and it gets a little lonely. More people would liven things up."
"You can stay until school starts. You'd be very welcome."
Zhou Yang froze, not expecting Yali to invite him to live with her so directly.
Were they that close?
He was also very surprised that this Shrek member from the original story had not recommended Shrek, nor did she seem to be at odds with the Spirit Pagoda.
Could it be... that she had never gone to Shrek?
Here in Eastsea City, he was staying at the hotel he had booked. Whenever he visited, he stayed there alone, which was indeed a little boring.
Meanwhile, Na'er was somewhat surprised as well. Did they often stay here? She could not help turning the gears in her head as she thought back.
Oh, it seemed they really did have such a place. It was just that Yali rarely brought her here, and usually maintained and tended that little courtyard with great care, as though treasuring it.
Since when had her teacher been so enthusiastic?
Na'er turned a somewhat peculiar gaze toward her teacher.
Zhou Yang's gaze moved back and forth between Yali and Na'er as he considered the pros and cons, and he soon made his decision.
Being alone was so boring. How could it compare to teasing a dummy (Na'er)?
Although Yali's sudden offer was somewhat strange, it could still be explained as an investment in a genius.
Most importantly, he wanted to see... just what sort of Douluo-sas tornado his butterfly wings had stirred up since he arrived in this world.
Yali's warmth and gentleness wove an invisible net that enveloped him. He sensed no malice and truly could not find a single reason to refuse.
After all, he bore no ill will toward Na'er or Yali. Although both were deeply influenced by their underlying code, Yali had always helped treat the common people in the slums. The good she had done was undeniable. Unfortunately, her future fate would place her high in an ivory tower, completely estranged from the people.
As for Na'er, wasn't her system processor basically devoted entirely to eating? How could she have any bad intentions? (Crossed out.)
In any case, if it involved Shrek later on, he would refuse. Surely the great Holy Spirit Douluo would not force him?
She was, after all, acknowledged throughout the continent as the gentlest and kindest Douluo.
Having thought it through, Zhou Yang gave a slight nod and accepted Yali's invitation.
When he agreed, a soft, lovely smile blossomed on Yali's gentle face, and a touch of moved tenderness surfaced in her eyes.
Yali took Na'er's hand with one hand, while her other took Zhou Yang's, without the slightest reservation, as naturally as breathing.
Zhou Yang's hand was somewhat cold, and the moment it touched Yali's warm palm, it was swallowed up completely.
Yali's tone was gentle, her expression soft, carrying an indescribable sense of warmth and familiarity.
What was with her? How could she get so hands-on so naturally!?
If I didn't know Yali's character settings, I'd think she was a copper-refining warlock.
With that motherly look, are you trying to become my mother?
Damn you, my only mothers are Momoka, Alice, Ruruka, and Kokkoro! You're getting way too familiar!
After a round of complaints in his mental theater, Zhou Yang soon adjusted to Yali's sudden overstepping. Just now, he had thought Yali was going to take his and Na'er's hands and bring them straight home, putting on a round of "Douluo people can fly."
Instead, Yali walked slowly, leading them along on a leisurely stroll. There was nothing he could do; for now, he could only let her hold his hand.
Clear moonlight spilled over the three of them, their silhouettes gradually lengthening across the pale ground. The sea breeze remained gentle, brushing lightly past their hair and the hems of their clothes. A faint saltiness left by evaporating seawater filled the air, like the sea's long, lingering breaths, leaving this tranquility undisturbed.
Everything was so harmonious and peaceful, if only Yali's attention had not kept drifting over to size Zhou Yang up...
Could the Holy Spirit Douluo really be an alchemist?
Far from Eastsea City's bustle, only the chirping of insects and the lingering sound of the sea breeze remained in their ears.
After walking quite a long way, Zhou Yang finally arrived at a small courtyard under Yali's guidance.
A wooden fence enclosed the little courtyard home. There were no elaborate decorations here, yet the owner's care showed in the smallest details.
Lush vegetation filled the courtyard, with Chinese roses and jasmine spreading over the walls, all neatly tended. Whenever the wind rose, the fresh scent of greenery mingled with the subtle fragrance of flowers and wafted toward them. The house looked old, but it was filled with the traces and warmth left by daily life, clearly a home that the years had tended gently for a long time.
It certainly matched Zhou Yang's image of Yali's temperament and status.
It was just that a kind of postmodern technological decoration was interspersed throughout the courtyard's buildings. Although it did not look out of place, it somehow carried an inexplicable sense of humor.
After feeling the material, he was surprised to discover that its sturdiness exceeded his imagination.
Even attacks from high-level Soul Masters probably could not do much damage to this courtyard, right?
Titled Douluos really were wealthy and lavish spenders.
The idea did have a different tune but the same fine result as the safe house in Zhou Yang's backup plan from before he awakened his Martial Soul.