Zhu Zhuqing sensed Meng Yiran's counterattack, her eyes flashing coldly as the speed and force behind her strikes intensified!
Her Nether Hundred Claws clashed violently against Meng Yiran's Tongue's Blade in midair, the impact sending sparks flying and shockwaves rippling outward.
The deafening clashes reverberated through the arena, drawing the audience's rapt attention.
The spectators watched, enthralled, as the two beauties battled fiercely. Gasps and exclamations erupted intermittently as the duel unfolded.
From the private booth, Fu Ye couldn't help but marvel at Zhu Zhuqing's reflexes and agility.
'This is Zhu Zhuqing for you.'
He hadn't even given her any soul bones to accelerate her growth, yet in just over a month, her combat awareness and soul power had improved dramatically.
Truthfully, Zhu Zhuqing's innate talent wasn't exceptional, but the resources here were unparalleled—soul beast meat replenished her soul power with every meal, and top-tier cultivation techniques doubled her training efficiency.
It was worth remembering that in the original timeline, Zhu Zhuqing was a cultivation maniac, the most diligent among the Seven Shrek Monsters. Given such ideal conditions, her rapid progress was hardly surprising.
The battle soon escalated into a white-hot frenzy, both fighters unleashing their full strength.
Yet Fu Ye could already see the outcome—Zhu Zhuqing's victory was inevitable.
Sure enough, at the critical moment, Zhu Zhuqing sidestepped Meng Yiran's charged Tongue's Blade with a swift pivot. The first soul ring behind her flared instantly.
"First Spirit Skill: Nether Rush Stab!"
A ghostly figure materialized before Meng Yiran, leaving her no room to retaliate. She was like a fish on a chopping board—utterly defenseless.
"Referee! We surrender! Stop her!"
A panicked, aged voice rang out, but it was too late. Zhu Zhuqing's attack was already upon Meng Yiran.
Just as the crowd tensed, bracing for a bloodstained arena—silence.
"I won."
Zhu Zhuqing's razor-sharp claws halted midair, while Meng Yiran collapsed to the ground, drained, as if she had just stared death in the face.
An elderly woman instantly appeared beside the fallen girl, checking her injuries.
The referee, snapping out of his daze, looked at Zhu Zhuqing with newfound admiration.
"I declare the Nether Spirit Cat contestant the winner of this match!"
The audience erupted in cheers, but Zhu Zhuqing paid them no mind. Her soul power was completely depleted—only sheer willpower kept her standing.
Her steps faltered as she exited the ring, her exhaustion evident. Some sharp-eyed spectators even began leaping from the stands, eager to approach the victorious beauty—
Only for a golden-clad young man to appear beside her in a flash.
"Little girl, you did well."
Naturally, it was Fu Ye, the ever-modest gentleman, seizing the moment to be chivalrous.
Hearing his voice, Zhu Zhuqing managed a faint smile.
'Brother Fu Ye came for me… and he praised me!'
"Mm."
She nodded weakly, her legs giving out.
"Let me carry you back. Using soul skills in rapid succession must've drained your soul power."
With that, Fu Ye lifted her effortlessly in a flawless princess carry.
Cradled in his arms, Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed—whether from exhaustion or shyness was unclear—but she made no move to resist.
The young nobles who had just descended from the stands glared at Fu Ye with undisguised envy. In response, Fu Ye let a sliver of sword intent lash at their eardrums.
"Pfft!"
"Pfft!"
Blood sprayed as the would-be suitors collapsed in the passageway, clutching their ears.
Fu Ye spared them no further thought.
"That's enough for today. Later, I'll take you to absorb your third spirit ring."
Though Zhu Zhuqing could barely keep her eyes open, she still mustered a reply.
"Mm."
Meanwhile, in Luxury Booth No. 2—
"Wow!!! Sister Zhuqing is so lucky! She got Brother Fu Ye's princess hug!"
(òωó)
"Sister, I want one too!"
"No! I'll exhaust myself in battle just like Sister Zhuqing and get carried by Brother Fu Ye!"
o(≧口≦)o
When Fu Ye returned with Zhu Zhuqing in his arms, he found all the girls—except Xue Wu and Xiao Wu, who were already his women—staring at him with hopeful eyes.
("▔□▔)
In truth, truly gifted soul masters were rare. Most competitors here were ordinary fighters seeking money. Prodigies like Shui Bing'er, capable of challenging higher ranks, were few even in the imperial capital.
What puzzled Fu Ye was why these girls always pretended to be weak after their matches, feigning exhaustion so he'd carry them back.
Shui Bing'er's opponent: "She must be sick! I was just a nobody, yet she hit me with the Ice Phoenix! And then acted frail afterward!"
Yu Hairou's opponent: "Your ice spears are free?! You nearly shattered my martial soul, and now you're playing the delicate flower?!"
Other opponents: "This is bullying… but we dare not complain."
After the matches, before they could even leave the Great Spirit Arena, they encountered Zhu Zhuqing's first opponent—Meng Yiran.
Though Zhu Zhuqing wore a mask, Meng Yiran recognized her instantly.
"Thank you for showing mercy earlier. Otherwise, I would've…"
Meng Yiran bowed deeply.
"Thank you."
That evening, Fu Ye took Xiao Wu and the Tianshui team to Tian xiang Hotel, the most luxurious inn in Heaven Dou City.
Originally, he'd planned to bring them to Juxiang Pavilion, but the group was too large. Instead, he splurged on a dozen top-floor suites at Tian xiang Hotel, renting them for a full year.
Naturally, Fu Ye—the righteous gentleman—also took up residence there.
…
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