Chapter 130 – The Proud Zhu Zhuyun
Of course, the spirit pearl could also help Ning Rongrong cultivate.
It was a mutually beneficial gift.
But after learning that Dugu Feng's cultivation had already reached level forty-three, Ning Rongrong could no longer continue their leisurely walk.
"Rongrong, you're the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—don't tell me you've lost your confidence already!"
Dugu Feng teased her with a smirk.
Ning Rongrong glared at him. "We're the same age! I just got my third spirit ring. Even if I'm slower because of my support-type martial soul, this difference is way too big!"
She felt her composure crumble.
In truth, Ning Rongrong's progress was already much faster than in the original timeline—she had gained more than three levels ahead of schedule.
During this stage of team battles, she would normally have been only level twenty-seven.
But ever since meeting Dugu Feng at six years old, she had been working much harder under his influence, and her cultivation speed had drastically increased.
Still, compared to Dugu Feng, the gap felt vast.
By afternoon, she left to resume training.
She, Ning Rongrong, wanted to earn fame through her own strength.
After she departed, Dugu Feng returned to the Great Spirit Arena.
The council meeting of the Six Great Clans had begun.
This time there were no new openings—just confirmations of existing shares. With the Spirit Hall not interfering, the atmosphere was far less tense.
Dugu Feng suspected the session would simply be a formality.
At least there would be no drawn swords this time.
The next day, the spirit battles officially began.
The first match that stunned the entire audience belonged to Zhu Zhuyun.
Her four spirit rings—two yellow, two purple—were the mark of a Spirit Ancestor, which was normal enough, but her level shocked everyone—forty-nine.
Six years ago, she had been at level thirty-seven. A twelve-level increase in six years was astounding enough, but considering her age—barely past twenty—it was incomparable.
Her talent was on par with Yan of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation.
At such a pace, she was destined for the rank of Titled Douluo if she lived long enough.
For the Zhu Clan to produce such a genius was truly stunning.
Soon after, Dugu Feng entered the arena. All eyes focused on him, for he was fighting in the same division as Zhu Zhuyun—the Spirit Ancestor bracket.
This meant Dugu Feng, too, had reached the rank of Spirit Ancestor.
And he was only thirteen years old. Six years ago, he had been a mere Spirit Master at level sixteen.
Now, he had advanced at least twenty-four levels in six years—an utterly monstrous rate.
Everyone was curious how high his level actually was.
In his first fight, his opponent was a spirit master from the Dai Clan. Dugu Feng didn't even show his spirit rings; a single flick of finger force sent the opponent flying off the stage.
For three consecutive days, Dugu Feng won effortlessly, never revealing any of his rings.
Members of the other clans were itching with curiosity.
They could hardly wait for the final battle—surely he couldn't keep hiding his rings?
The final match pitted him against Zhu Zhuyun.
His opponent, too, had won four straight victories. Their clash was destined to be fierce—spear versus shield, pride against pride.
Later that night, in a luxurious room on the top floor of the Great Spirit Arena, Zhu Zhuyun and her sister Zhu Zhuqing lay together, chatting quietly.
Their elegant figures glimmered faintly under soft light, radiating a dangerous allure.
With an important duel ahead, Zhu Zhuqing had taken leave to see her sister's battle firsthand.
"Sister, Dai Mubai came to Soto City and immediately threw away his identity as a royal prince, spending his days in pleasure houses. Just thinking about him disgusts me," Zhu Zhuqing said coldly.
Zhu Zhuyun lazily wrapped an arm around her sister and laughed softly. "Why care? He's just an ordinary prince. You're already close to surpassing him in spirit power.
Soon, he won't even be able to lift his head before you. Just chase after whoever you want."
Zhu Zhuyun's pale face carried a rosy glow, her bright expression full of confidence.
"I don't like anyone. If I could, I'd spend twenty-four hours a day cultivating!"
Zhu Zhuqing playfully nudged her sister.
"Good! Keep training hard. If we both reach Titled Douluo someday, we won't need to bow to anyone—not even the Dai Clan.
They keep urging me to marry the crown prince soon. I told them I'll marry only after winning the next Continental Spirit Master Tournament!"
Zhu Zhuyun's tone brimmed with pride.
With her increasing power, she had become the strongest genius of the younger generation in the Star Luo Empire.
Her reputation had soared, and even the Dai Clan didn't dare push her too far.
Nobles in Star Luo City scrambled to befriend the Zhu family, and even senior spirit masters treated her with great respect.
"Dugu Feng defeated Yan—he's known as the greatest genius of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Once I defeat Dugu Feng, I'll be the greatest young spirit master on the entire continent!"
Ambition gleamed in Zhu Zhuyun's eyes.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't stay calm.
Living in the Heaven Dou Empire, she knew just how fearsome Dugu Feng's reputation was—especially since she herself had once been utterly defeated by him in battle.
The memory of that loss was still vivid.
She didn't have the heart to dampen her sister's excitement, but after a brief hesitation, she said softly, "Sister, Dugu Feng defeated Yan while crossing an entire major rank. He's already a Spirit Ancestor now.
You mustn't underestimate him—his poison techniques are terrifying."
"Oh, so little Zhuqing doesn't believe in her sister, hmm? Then you'll have to pay for that!"
Zhu Zhuyun laughed, pouncing playfully and grabbing at her sister's sides.
"Wow, Zhuqing, you're well-developed—almost catching up to me!
Come on, confess—how did you grow like this?"
"Haha, sister, mercy!"
"Take this, I'll show you mercy after another round!"
Their laughter and playful shouting filled the room deep into the night.
The next day, before a wide arena platform—
Dugu Feng cast a peculiar look toward Zhu Zhuyun, who was stepping onto the stage, and toward Zhu Zhuqing among the spectators below.
The suites of both sisters were near his own, and with the two spirit pearls he had planted, he had heard their conversation and playful struggle clearly.
The scene had left vivid images in his mind.
So the icy Zhu Zhuqing was fiery on the inside after all—what a revelation!
That imagery had tormented him all night.
Today, he swore, he would exact a little payback.
With that thought, Dugu Feng calmly stepped onto the stage. Below, members of all six clans had gathered to witness the battle of prodigies.
The greatest genius of the Heaven Dou Empire would face the greatest genius of the Star Luo Empire.
Who was truly superior?
Across from him stood Zhu Zhuyun, her tight battle outfit perfectly outlining her voluptuous frame.
Dugu Feng noticed a sharp glow flashing from her fingertips, while a faint black mist enveloped her form.
Standing nearly one meter ninety tall, her long legs radiated wild aggression and power—as if she might pounce like lightning at any moment.
"Zhu Zhuyun, martial soul: Nether Spirit Cat. Forty-ninth rank Battle Spirit Master—please enlighten me."
Her voice was soft and alluring, steeped in charm.
"Make your move, Zhu Zhuyun. You'll only have one chance."
Dugu Feng's voice was cool and detached.
Flames of anger flashed in Zhu Zhuyun's eyes. He didn't even bother observing the traditional courtesies before a duel—such arrogance was unbearable.
"Today, I'll avenge my sister's loss!" she snapped.
(END CHAPTER)
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