The union between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was a success. From this day forward, Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan were officially betrothed.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had been celebrating back-to-back joyous occasions. This feast could be described as a joyous event for both hosts and guests—though, of course, with some exceptions.
For example, Ghost Douluo, who left in a hurry without even finishing his meal, or Huyan Zhen of the Elephant Armored Clan, whose face remained twisted with frustration throughout the event.
The alliance of two of the Upper Three Sects left Huyan Zhen wondering when his Elephant Armored Clan would ever get their chance to stand out.
...
Three days later, outside Seven Treasure City, Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan gazed at each other as if they were parting forever.
"Tianheng, take care on your journey. I will be waiting for your return," Dugu Yan said softly.
"Mm, Yan'er, no matter where I am, I'll always be thinking of you," Yu Tianheng replied, holding Dugu Yan's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
The single people standing nearby couldn't help but roll their eyes. Wasn't Yu Tianheng just going home for a while? Did they need to act so melodramatic?
Oslo couldn't hold it in and finally said, "Didn't we agree to regroup at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy in three days? Do you two need to act like this? It's just three days! Aren't you tired of it? And don't forget, there are six single people here watching!"
"You wouldn't understand, single dog," Yu Tianheng replied with a smirk. "Also, who said there are six single people here? Don't you know that the Shi brothers already have a fiance for a long time?"
Yu Tianheng's father had told him that shocking piece of news. He had been just as surprised when he first heard it, given how the two brothers were known for being the most simple-minded and honest members of their group.
Oslo looked at the two brothers in disbelief. They had all agreed to be single together, hadn't they? Of course, Yu Tianheng was an exception since he and Dugu Yan had been flirting for years. But the two brothers, who seemed the most innocent, had secretly beaten everyone else to the punch?
The older brother, Shi Mo, scratched his head awkwardly. "Heh, well, it was arranged by our family. Our Xuanwu Turtle martial soul is unique. At a certain age, we have to go through a special ritual with the opposite sex to awaken our bloodline further."
"But my brother and I didn't abandon the girls after the ritual! We've already agreed to marry them after we graduate, and both of them are living well at my home," Shi Mo quickly added to avoid any misunderstandings.
Tianlin nodded in understanding. It turned out their bloodline awakening was similar to that of Xu Sanshi from later generations. Unfortunately, the Shi brothers' bloodline wasn't as potent. Even after the ritual, their martial souls only strengthened slightly and didn't evolve into true divine Xuanwu Turtles.
Otherwise, their Emperor Team would have gained two divine-level martial souls.
"Even the Shi brothers have fiancées now. Yufeng, Xiao Tian, Gu Ran, I guess it's just the four of us left," Oslo said dejectedly.
"Speak for yourself. Don't include my Sword Brother in this," Ning Rongrong suddenly appeared out of nowhere, clinging to Tianlin's arm and glaring fiercely at Oslo.
"Well, I'm still single, but at least I've got my eyes on someone," Gu Ran said shyly, glancing at Ye Lingling.
Seeing Tianlin and Gu Ran each with a girl by their side, Oslo realized he had miscalculated again. There was no way these talented and good-looking guys were single.
Oslo turned to his last hope. "Yu Feng…"
"Don't touch me. I have a girlfriend," Yu Feng replied coldly. Despite his usual quiet demeanor, he was secretly the most flirtatious. Tianlin had caught him sneaking out with a pretty senior sister on several occasions.
Yu Feng had been the first of them to find a girlfriend.
Oh, right—there was also Teacher Qin. Oslo had heard that Qin Ming was planning to take Zhou Yan back to Shrek Academy during these three days to visit Zhao Wuji and Flender.
Qin Ming was an orphan, so the two heads of Shrek Academy were like family to him. This visit was essentially Zhou Yan meeting the parents. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before Qin Ming would be welcoming a little wolf pup into his life.
"Sigh, Oslo, my condolences," Tianlin patted Oslo on the shoulder before turning back toward Seven Treasure City.
The others also gave Oslo a look of pity. After all this, the only clown left was him.
...
Meanwhile, Ghost Douluo and his group had already returned to Spirit City. At this moment, the Golden Generation trio and Ghost Douluo were kneeling inside the grand hall, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Bibi Dong had finished listening to their report. She didn't say a word but kept tapping her fingers on the armrest of her throne. The hand gripping the Pope's staff seemed as though it might crush the staff entirely.
Those familiar with her knew this quiet demeanor meant Bibi Dong was already furious beyond measure.
"Good. Very good. Excellent, even! My Spirit Hall's elder Ghost Douluo, along with the Golden Generation, was outwitted by a nine-year-old child. Not only did your plan to sow discord fail, but you even lost a ten-thousand-year soul bone," Bibi Dong finally spoke, her tone icy.
"Teacher, this is all my fault. Elder Ghost wanted to refuse the bet, but I insisted on using the soul bone as a wager. I thought Tianli was just bluffing. If you must punish someone, punish me!" Hu Liena pleaded, bowing her head.
"Do you think you alone can bear the weight of this failure?"
"Your mistake wasn't in accepting the challenge—it was in losing. Facing a team of one Soul Grandmaster and two Soul Elders, the three of you, Soul Ancestors, were completely defeated. You've brought shame to Spirit Hall!" Bibi Dong's cold voice echoed.
The trio kept their heads lowered, too afraid to speak. Bibi Dong continued, "Do you know why you lost? Let me tell you—arrogance."
"First, Hu Liena. You attacked recklessly with a spiritual assault, only to be countered by someone with stronger spiritual power. You lost your combat ability at the very start."
"Next, Yan. You were reckless and overconfident. Instead of using your strongest fourth soul skill, you tried to toy with your opponent using weaker techniques, leading to your soul power being sealed."
"Lastly, Xie Yue. Hu Liena and Yan were countered by Tianlin, so their losses are understandable. But you? You were the one most capable of defeating him, yet you still let him lead you around by the nose."
As her voice grew colder, Bibi Dong stood, releasing her immense aura. The pressure of a Titled Douluo bore down on the three, forcing them to hunch over.
"Your Holiness, this can't all be blamed on them. That Tianlin is too formidable and cunning. Even I was tricked by him," Ghost Douluo interjected.
"Yes, who would have thought a nine-year-old child could be so terrifying? Anyone else in our position would likely have ended up the same."
Bibi Dong glanced at them and sneered. "Oh? So, are you all saying you've accepted defeat and don't plan to seek revenge against that Tianlin?"
"Of course not, Teacher! I swear, next time, I'll defeat him!" Hu Liena declared resolutely, meeting Bibi Dong's gaze despite the immense pressure.
Finally, Bibi Dong sat back down, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. At least she had heard one thing she liked today. Hu Liena's unyielding determination reminded her of herself.
PS: In the manhua, they change the origin of Yu Feng to a girl disguised as a boy and member of the Speed Clan. Also she was Ma Hongjun's love interest.