The afternoon was bright and clear, with a gentle, pleasant breeze.
As usual, Fu Ye led the girls of Tianshui Academy to the arena for their matches. Although yesterday's events were far from pleasant, the girls felt secure knowing that both Brother Fu Ye and Sister Xiao Wu were there to protect them.
"Brother Fu Ye, are we starting team battles today?" Shui Bing'er asked, glancing at the team battle token Fu Ye had just registered.
"Mhm. Not just team battles. I've also signed you up for 2v2 matches. From now on, you'll each have four fights a day: two 1v1s, one 2v2, and a 7-person team battle."
The Great Spirit Arena limited 1v1 matches to twice per person per day to manage gambling risks and prevent fixed matches. Shui Yue'er pouted, but her mood brightened when she realized this meant more opportunities for Brother Fu Ye to give them a "princess carry" off the stage.
"Heehee! Sister, I want to be in a pair with you!" Yue'er cheered. "Wu Ling, how about we team up?" Ning Rongrong asked, momentarily forgetting that Wu Ling was already a Spirit Elder.
Fu Ye patted Rongrong's head. "Rongrong, I've paired you with Zhuqing for this one. I have other plans for Wu Ling."
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. As a Support Spirit Master who hadn't reached the Spirit Elder level yet, she had been under Fu Ye's "strict orders" to focus on cultivation. While Zhuqing had arrived at a similar level, her insane work ethic had pushed her to Spirit Elder status much faster.
"Mhm! Brother Fu Ye, Rongrong is already Rank 29! I'll keep working hard!"
In just two months, she had broken through three ranks—a speed unheard of even within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Just as Fu Ye gathered the registration plates, a tall figure appeared before them.
"Kid, come with—"
The man didn't even finish his sentence before he heard a voice that made his heart skip a beat.
"Dugu Bo? You old geezer, you're still alive?"
"Eh? Fu Ye! I mean... Your Excellency Fu Ye! How... that's impossible!" Dugu Bo's mind went blank. He never expected that the person Prince Xue Xing wanted him to "handle" was his own savior!
"Looking at your face, I'd guess someone hired you to kidnap or kill me," Fu Ye said, seeing right through the old man. Dugu Bo usually spent his time tending to plants; he wouldn't come looking for trouble with Fu Ye unless he had no choice.
"I... well..." Dugu Bo fell silent, his face turning red with anger—not at Fu Ye, but at Xue Xing for putting him in this position.
"Xiao Wu, take care of the team today. I have some private business to settle with this old man."
Xiao Wu gave Fu Ye a tight bear hug and, in a rogue-like fashion, gave his backside a playful pat. Fu Ye leaned into her ear, whispering: "Come to my room again tonight."
Xiao Wu blushed. Before, she wouldn't have been afraid, but now Fu Ye had that "magical" ability to turn one hour into twenty-four. Spending a whole night like that... her legs felt weak just thinking about it.
"Tell me, was it that old fart Xue Xing who sent you?" Fu Ye asked as he and Dugu Bo walked toward the palace.
"Mhm. It was Xue Xing's idea, but ultimately authorized by Emperor Xue Ye." Dugu Bo felt helpless. Xue Xing had saved his life once, and Dugu Bo valued his debts and reputation above all else. But Fu Ye had saved both him and his daughter from the poison.
"Hehe, a bunch of decadent, corrupt nobles. They dared to move against my students; a simple death is too good for them."
Fu Ye had zero affection for the Heaven Dou Empire and their tyrannical ways. If they moved against his girls today, they'd try to cut him down tomorrow. He didn't like killing, but that didn't mean he wouldn't do it.
"Dugu Bo, when I start killing later, just stand aside and don't move. Otherwise, I'll cut you down too."
Fu Ye looked back at him. He hoped the old man would be sensible. Even at Rank 94, Dugu Bo wouldn't survive a single strike from him.
"Ahem... of course."