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After Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo left, Yang Xiong finally let out a sigh of relief.
Unfortunately, he celebrated too soon. That night, while Yang Xiong was meditating, a figure suddenly appeared in his room—it was Sword Douluo. His expression was icy, clearly not here for anything good.
The next morning, during class, everyone looked at Yang Xiong with astonishment. He appeared extremely battered, limping slightly as he walked. His face was bruised and swollen, as if he had been thoroughly beaten.
However, this morning's training session included an additional person besides the teachers and students of Shrek Academy—a girl.
This girl was about 175 cm tall, significantly taller than Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu. Her figure was curvaceous, her appearance strikingly beautiful. Though she was stronger-built than Ning Rongrong, her attire gave her a mature, domineering aura.
Everyone found her presence strange. Normally, Shrek Academy trained with eight people—why was there an extra peer?
Ning Rongrong, however, was overjoyed. "Shuang shuang, how did you get here?"
The previously aloof girl softened upon seeing Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, I've come to study at Tian Dou Imperial Academy."
Flender cleared his throat. "This morning's assembly is to announce two pieces of news. First, I've communicated with the three Teaching Committee members. We are now officially designated as Team Two of Tian Dou Imperial Academy and named the 'Tian Dou Imperial Academy Shrek Team.' This means we will secure a spot in the junior division for the high-level soul master competition happening in a year and a half."
"You should all understand that your opponents will be formidable. Therefore, you must train diligently—no one is allowed to slack off."
Upon hearing this, everyone cheered. As soul masters, everyone wanted to showcase their abilities. The full name of the high-level soul master competition was the "All-Continent Elite High-Level Soul Master Competition," a grand event encompassing the entire Douluo Continent. Virtually all young elite soul masters participated, and excelling in it would earn recognition across the continent.
Flender continued, "Second, participating in the soul master competition requires seven main players and four substitutes. After our selection and recommendation, we've added a new substitute member. For you eight, the same applies. Normally, there are seven main spots—you must compete hard to secure your positions. If your strength falters, you could become substitutes."
Far from being discouraged, everyone became more motivated. All present were highly talented and worked hard, confident in their abilities.
Flender introduced the new girl. "Let me introduce our new substitute member. Her name is Qin Shuang. From now on, we'll train together. I hope we all get along well."
"Qin Shuang, please introduce yourself."
Since morning assembly, the boys had been staring intently at the newcomer. She was simply too beautiful, exuding a mature charm that was devastating to the young male students.
Qin Shuang stepped forward. "Hello, everyone. My name is Qin Shuang. I'm twelve years old, a Level 27 power-type battle soul master. My martial soul is the Mighty Golden Bear."
Aside from Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong, no one knew who Qin Shuang was.
In fact, Qin Shuang had grown up in the same class as Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong. She was the only student in the class with innate soul power at Level 7.
By graduation, Qin Shuang's soul power had already reached the peak of Level 25, making her the third-highest-ranked student after Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong.
Qin Shuang had lost both parents at a young age and was raised by the sect. She trained diligently, and at Yang Xiong's suggestion, Ning Fengzhi arranged for her to enter Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
Initially, Ning Fengzhi hadn't planned to send Qin Shuang to Tian Dou Imperial Academy. Talents cultivated by the sect were destined to become its pillars, so he had intended to place her in the Seven Treasures Academy.
Ultimately, after Yang Xiong's persuasion, Ning Fengzhi relented and personally approached Flender. Otherwise, Flender and the others wouldn't have agreed to add someone arbitrarily.
On the Douluo Continent, female soul masters were far fewer than males, and those with exceptional talent were especially precious. For the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect, the partners of direct disciples had to be battle soul masters. Clearly, Ning Fengzhi valued Qin Shuang greatly.
In reality, from the perspective of Flender and the other teachers, this soul master competition was merely an opportunity for the students to gain experience. Compared to true high-level soul master academy teams, the combat strength of Shrek Academy's group was decent but still relatively low in terms of soul power levels.
They were more focused on the next soul master competition. By then, everyone would be around twenty years old. With their current talent and diligent training, they should reach the Soul Ancestor level, and multiple Soul Kings might emerge.
Qin Shuang, being the same age as Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong, had the potential to become a Soul Ancestor by the next competition. This was one reason Flender and the others agreed to her inclusion.
Flender specifically arranged for Qin Shuang to duel Zhu Zhuqing. Although Qin Shuang ultimately lost, her performance was impressive.
The two were of similar age and fought fiercely back and forth for over ten minutes before Qin Shuang fell. It was clear her loss stemmed primarily from a lack of combat experience.
After morning training ended, Yang Xiong patted Oscar on the shoulder. "Oscar, I've done my part bringing her here—it took a lot of effort. Now it's up to you to make it work."
Oscar was ecstatic. "Big Brother Xiong, I won't let you down!"
Yang Xiong sighed inwardly. Qin Shuang, though classmates with Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong, was another anomaly in the class.
Though a girl, her personality was exceptionally strong. She was cold as frost, rarely interacting with anyone except Ning Rongrong. Many boys who showed interest in her had been beaten up.
Surprisingly, although Tian Dou Imperial Academy had arranged separate accommodations for Qin Shuang, she moved directly into Ning Rongrong's villa. Every time Yang Xiong tried to spend some intimate time with Ning Rongrong, Qin Shuang's fierce glare would interrupt them.
Yang Xiong was at a loss. He had planned carefully—how had he ended up digging his own pit?
After several days of pursuit, Oscar was thoroughly beaten by Qin Shuang and came to Yang Xiong to complain.
"Big Brother Xiong, isn't Qin Shuang a bit too difficult? Aside from a few girls, she doesn't interact with us boys at all. It seems she has no intention of finding a boyfriend."
Yang Xiong patted Oscar's shoulder. "Oscar, you're not young anymore. What kind of partner do you envision for your future?"
Oscar thought for a moment, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Big Brother Xiong, my standards aren't high—I just want someone pretty."
Yang Xiong promptly flicked Oscar's forehead. "Look at you, so shallow. I went through the trouble of bringing her here because I want you to commit sincerely. If you just want an ordinary girlfriend, there are plenty of beauties at Tian Dou Imperial Academy. I heard Ma Hongjun is almost hooking up with one."
"But think long-term. You're a food-type soul master. Your girlfriend or future partner should ideally be a battle soul master—someone very strong. Otherwise, whether you're adventuring or living life, at least someone can protect you."
"The most important point is that you should seek a partner who grows alongside you. Qin Shuang has innate soul power at Level 7, which speaks volumes about her talent. She could potentially reach Soul Sage or even Soul Douluo in the future. Surely, you don't want a partner who's far weaker than you."
Oscar hesitated before replying, "But yesterday when I talked to Qin Shuang, she said she wants a strong man—a boy who can surpass her."
Yang Xiong scrutinized Oscar and shook his head. "Oscar, it seems you need more training. Think about it—the stronger a girl is, the more she admires strength. If you want to pursue her, you must become stronger yourself."
Oscar was puzzled. "But I'm just a food-type soul master. I have no combat ability. How can I compare with her?"
A faint smile appeared on Yang Xiong's lips. "Actually, I have a method to give you combat ability, but it's too early for you right now. When you reach five or six rings, I'll tell you."
"For now, focus on training hard, increasing your soul power, and strengthening your body."
"Also, remember I have the self-created soul skill, the Rasengan. In theory, any soul master can use it. If you become strong enough in the future, I'll teach it to you."
Oscar was confused. "Big Brother Xiong, why not teach me the Rasengan now? Then I'd have combat ability."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "The Rasengan isn't simple. It involves many intricate details and requires significant spiritual power. Additionally, you must master other secret techniques first. Only when you reach Soul Ancestor level will I consider teaching it to you. Haven't you noticed that I haven't even taught Rongrong yet?"
Oscar: …
After Oscar left, Yang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head. He genuinely considered Oscar a friend; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths for him. Especially bringing Qin Shuang to Tian Dou Imperial Academy—it was clear that even Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were reluctant to part with her.
Among Shrek Academy's group, Yang Xiong was closest to Oscar. Regardless of the situation, Yang Xiong, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong often formed a small circle.
Oscar was not only talented but also quite intelligent. Many things clicked for him with just a hint. Most importantly, his personality was pleasant.
Yang Xiong's personality was strong, and he had his own considerations in everything he did. He wasn't particularly fond of socializing with others, whereas Oscar was more adaptable, making their personalities somewhat complementary.
When Ning Rongrong learned that Yang Xiong brought Qin Shuang over to introduce her to Oscar, the little devil nearly flipped the wall.
"You, Yang Xiong, dare to scheme against my best friend! Don't you know how strong-willed Shuang shuang is? You're pushing her into a pit of fire!"
Yang Xiong chuckled. "If Oscar weren't so outstanding, I wouldn't bother with this nonsense. What do you think of Oscar?"
Ning Rongrong pondered for a long time before responding. "Uncle Sausage is excellent in many ways, but he's just a food-type soul master. His soul skills and behavior are too lewd, especially the way he looks at pretty female students—it's creepy."
Yang Xiong pinched Ning Rongrong's ear. "You've known Oscar for so long. Don't you understand his character? In terms of talent, effort, and mindset, he surpasses many of the young disciples in the sect. Not to mention his looks—he's one of the rare handsome men among soul masters."
"Aren't you and Qin Shuang close friends? You should think more for her sake. There's a ninety percent chance Oscar will become a rare food-type Title Douluo in the future."
Ning Rongrong pouted. "You think too much. It feels unfair to Shuang shuang, like both Oscar and Shuang shuang have fallen into your trap."
Yang Xiong thought for a long time before sighing. "A trap? Perhaps this is the best choice for them."
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