From the moment of enrollment, this marked the beginning of Dugu Feng's independent growth.
This Teacher Ge introduced himself—his name was Ge Ying.
Ge Ying then arranged accommodations for Dugu Feng: a private one-bedroom apartment, offering considerable freedom.
Next, he took Dugu Feng to familiarize himself with the training grounds, the Soul Duel Stage, and the Simulated Environment.
Finally, they arrived at the third floor of the academic building—the classroom for their grade.
As soon as they reached the third floor, Dugu Feng heard a familiar, chattering noise.
These were all six-year-old children, many of them pampered and spoiled, so few could settle down to cultivate seriously.
When they reached the classroom door, the commotion inside continued unabated. Ge Ying, long accustomed to such scenes, made no remark and simply led Dugu Feng inside.
With a quick glance, Dugu Feng identified the main culprit behind the chaos in the classroom.
It was a girl dressed in a white dress, her fair skin accentuated by the golden trimmings and crystal embroidery on her chest, giving her an air of elegance.
She sat right in the center of the classroom, surrounded by a crowd of little boys, each eagerly showing off their Martial Souls and Soul Skills.
Though they had just enrolled, some students had already obtained their first Spirit Rings.
Beside the girl stood a young boy with two golden locks near his temples, a slender face, and a somewhat handsome appearance.
He held a sky-blue light sword, brimming with enthusiasm: "My younger brother and I are already one-ring Soul Masters at level 11. Our first Soul Skill is Storm Sword—we can condense up to twelve sword energies to form a sword array against enemies. Rongrong, we'll protect you from now on!"
"I told you to call me Boss!" The girl in the white dress was none other than the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Rongrong, her expression slightly displeased.
"Boss, then my elder brother and I will be Second and Third Brother. We'll protect you from now on!" Another boy holding a light sword fawned obsequiously.
Dugu Feng couldn't help but wonder how such young children could make such complex expressions.
"Feng Ling, Feng Li, your Martial Souls are interesting, at least. But I'm not really interested in Storm Sword or whatever. What I do know is that the Wind Sword Sect's most impressive skill is Sword Flight. Whoever learns Sword Flight first gets to be Second Brother. Hurry up and practice—I want one of you to carry me around on a sword later!" Ning Rongrong's red lips curled slightly, her tone haughty, yet her eyes glinted with mischief.
The two boys exchanged glances, neither willing to back down, a competitive spark igniting between them.
Dugu Feng was startled—the Wind Sword Sect, one of the Lower Four Sects. Its disciples possessed the ability of Sword Flight, allowing them to fight mid-air. Rumor had it this sect had some connection with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's Sword Douluo.
These two bootlicking kids were actually from the Wind Sword Sect?
And Ning Rongrong—he hadn't expected to be in the same grade as her. He was surprised she would even attend school.
Truly a little demoness, already aiming to rule the school!
Ahem!
Ge Ying cleared his throat.
Ning Rongrong, sitting in the center of the classroom, reluctantly settled down.
Only then did the other little girls and boys quieten.
"Dugu Feng, choose a seat," Ge Ying said.
Preferring not to draw attention, Dugu Feng headed straight for the back.
"Stop right there, sit here!" Ning Rongrong commanded imperiously, pointing at the empty seat beside her.
Dugu Feng had naturally noticed the vacant spot, with both adjacent seats unoccupied - quite the domineering arrangement.
Yet he hadn't planned to approach.
Dugu Feng glanced over in surprise. What was this little demoness playing at?
"I'm from the Dugu Clan, with the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul specializing in poison. Are you certain you want me sitting there?" Dugu Feng maintained a calm expression, his tone laced with amusement.
At these words, several nearby classmates subtly shifted their positions.
Dugu Bo's attainment as a Titled Douluo had elevated the Dugu family's notorious reputation to new heights.
"Hmph! Others might fear you, but not me. As the current class leader, it's my duty to look after newcomers!" Ning Rongrong emphasized the words "look after" pointedly.
Seeing this, Dugu Feng casually took the seat.
As if I'd be intimidated by some little demoness. Let's see if my serpent doesn't startle you.
"Address me as Leader! The Leader holds the most honored position. Sitting beside me is a privilege!"
Feng Ling watched with visible envy. When enrolling, his family had repeatedly stressed the importance of currying favor with Ning Rongrong.
Despite constant flattery from him and his younger brother Feng Li, they hadn't even earned the right to sit beside her - relegated instead to the row behind.
That this newcomer Dugu Feng received a direct summons from Ning Rongrong filled him with jealousy.
Dugu Feng observed these two sycophants with amusement, thinking: No matter which world you're in, bootlickers always exist.
And they invariably end up with nothing.
Ning Rongrong's earlier behavior revealed she was no simple-minded rich girl.
Her simple challenge - that whoever mastered Sword Flight first would earn the right to carry her as second-in-command - had perfectly ignited the brothers' competitive spirit. The girl had cunning!
This somewhat altered his original impression of Ning Rongrong from the source material.
"I wasn't present for any leadership vote. She's your leader, not mine." Dugu Feng declared coolly, leaning back casually in his chair.
"Dugu Feng! My Soul Power reaches level twelve - highest in our class. They acknowledge me as leader not just because of my status!"
"My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul's support abilities are renowned throughout the land, capable of greatly enhancing any Soul Master's power. What qualifications do you have to refuse?"
Ning Rongrong proclaimed haughtily.
In her estimation, as fellow new students who'd recently awakened their Martial Souls, her level twelve Soul Power was unsurpassable.
"Apologies, but I'm at level thirteen." Though such comparisons felt rather juvenile, the satisfaction of public rebuttal was undeniable.
Ning Rongrong's confident demeanor faltered, her pretty face registering disbelief. "Impossible! How could you possibly cultivate faster than me?"
"There's always someone better, just as there are heavens beyond heavens. Want to prove your leadership? If you dare let this serpent slither across your hand twice, I'll acknowledge you as leader." Dugu Feng smiled, extending his right hand.
The palm-length Nine-Section Jadeite wound between his fingers with soft hisses, its crimson eyes challenging Ning Rongrong.
"Eek!" Ning Rongrong sprang up, retreating to another empty seat.
"You're horrible! Who carries around snakes?" she fumed, her sheltered upbringing having never exposed her to such repulsive creatures.
Dugu Feng mused inwardly: Actually, I brought two.
"Feng Ling, Feng Li, the two of you go challenge him in the Soul Duel Arena. Defeat him in the noble manner!" Ning Rongrong said with a cold expression.
Feng Ling and Feng Li exchanged glances, both looking somewhat hesitant.
Who in the Dugu family didn't know about poison?
That Dugu Feng with his arrogant demeanor, always carrying snakes around, and with a Soul Power level of thirteen—two levels higher than theirs. If they got poisoned, it would be extremely unpleasant.
"What are you afraid of? I'm a support Soul Master. I can enhance you!"
Dugu Feng was speechless. Ning Rongrong talked about noble methods, but what kind of duel involved enhancement from a support Soul Master? This little demon girl had no martial ethics.