Zhu Zhuqing saw Flender arrive at the square and ignored the silent Yu Xiaogang.
Turning to Flender, she said, "Dean, you are aware of my age. All the other students are older than me, so this duel isn't unfair to them. Of course, if the esteemed master wishes to extend the deadline, it's entirely up to you. I don't mind either way."
Flender thought for a moment, not giving an immediate answer. Instead, he looked at Yu Xiaogang beside him, prepared to delegate the decision to him.
After all, based on yesterday's conversation on the square, he had elevated Yu Xiaogang's status considerably. At a time like this, as the dean, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to speak too much, as it would undermine the other's authority.
Moreover, he had great trust in Yu Xiaogang's abilities.
In Flender's view, although Zhu Zhuqing was exceptionally talented and worked hard in her cultivation, she was still just a child. Challenging the invincible theoretical master Yu Xiaogang was too young of her.
But this was also a good thing.
He could tell that several students clearly admired Zhu Zhuqing.
As long as he could persuade her, it would be much easier for Yu Xiaogang to discipline these students in the future.
To be honest, Yu Xiaogang's cultivation strength was indeed a weakness.
Ultimately, this world spoke with fists.
Since the beginning, Yu Xiaogang, who had remained silent, stared at Zhu Zhuqing. His already stiff cheeks were now even more gloomy.
After a while, he nodded and said coldly, "Fine, if you're not convinced, let's wait for three more months to see. I hope that by then, after witnessing the progress of several of your peers, you won't regret today's decision!"
Zhu Zhuqing, however, just smirked, seeming indifferent.
The other onlookers nearby witnessed the turn of events and their moods changed slightly.
Although Tang San still felt some anger, upon hearing Zhu Zhuqing's words, he found her ridiculous.
Zhu Zhuqing's cultivation was indeed slightly higher than his, but that was only due to her superior background. Given some time, surpassing her was only a matter of time.
And to give up the opportunity to learn from his teacher was simply foolish.
Not to mention daring to let him use Tang Sect hidden weapons was simply asking for trouble.
Dai Mubai, on the other hand, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as there were no bigger conflicts, he didn't mind.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't care about the thoughts of the other students.
Her actions not only aimed to avoid wasting time in this backward training method but also served another important purpose.
To further establish her influence among the students of the academy.
After Yu Xiaogang appeared at the academy, Zhu Zhuqing keenly sensed this as a golden opportunity.
Flender's remarks yesterday, elevating Yu Xiaogang to such a high position, were not a bad thing. For her, it was a great opportunity.
As long as she climbed up on the other's prestige, it would undoubtedly be a shortcut for her.
Flender's authority was unshakeable.
Because he was a Soul Saint.
Including Zhao Wuji and other teachers, it was the same. Strength was everything.
But Yu Xiaogang was different; he was too weak.
Since Flender had given her this opportunity, she wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of it.
Those students had decent talent; Zhu Zhuqing didn't want to let go.
Dai Mubai was likely a lost cause, but Oscar and Ma Hongjun had decent talent. The former was a food system soul master with a full spirit power, and the latter, although his talent was average, had low intelligence, making him easy to control.
But she didn't consider targeting Tang San and Xiao Wu.
These two were either too deep-minded or completely enlightened by Tang San.
...
Mountains behind the Martial Soul Hall.
The famous Martial Soul Hall Academy was built on this vast mountain range spanning tens of thousands of miles.
Although it hadn't undergone extensive renovations like the royal academies of the two empires, the actual training effect was far superior to those top academies on the mainland.
The natural environment here was complex, with a variety of soul beasts, and the teachers in the academy were top-notch experts from the Martial Soul Hall.
It was because of this that every young soul master who could study in this academy was undoubtedly a top talent of their generation.
Placed in any advanced academy, they could easily take the lead.
But even for them, there was a mountain they couldn't surpass in their lifetime.
Seeing the stunning beauty in black clothes stepping into the team's resting room, all the team members couldn't help but feel a chill and thought it wasn't good.
These students were already accustomed to Qian Renxue's two different personas.
Not only them, but Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu also knew about it.
It was impossible to conceal.
Whether it was Bibi Dong or Qian Daoliu, they belonged to the top-tier powerhouses on the continent. Even if they didn't realize it immediately, they would naturally notice it over time.
But even if they knew, they didn't have any good solutions.
They had heard of this split personality situation, but they didn't know how to correct it.
Strictly speaking, both of Qian Renxue's personalities were their daughter and granddaughter.
It's just that compared to the one in black, Qian Renxue in white was much more normal.
Although she was still quite cold and indifferent, at least she belonged to the category of normal people.
But if it were the one in black clothes, her temperament was simply atrocious.
Not only was she capricious, but her methods were also ruthless and domineering, with almost no regard for consequences.
Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu didn't mind, but the team members suffered.
Every time the one in black appeared, if there was anything displeasing, they would experience half an hour of domain pressure.
The feeling of being shrouded in that eerie and harsh domain pressure for a long time was easier to collapse one's will than physical pain.
What made them most uncomfortable was that the one in black seemed to be appearing more and more frequently.
From rarely seen in the past to almost every time they saw her now, she was dressed like this.
Because of this, earlier, those team members who were originally attracted by her beauty and temperament now, upon seeing her, had almost no other thoughts besides awe.
"What are those expressions?"
After giving those silent students a glance, Qian Renxue looked at Hu Liena standing at the front and said lightly, "Liena, come out with me for a moment. As for the rest of you..."
She glanced around at the remaining people, focusing on the leaders, Xie Yue and Yan.
"With your current level, you won't be of any use in the competition. If you can't meet my requirements by the end of the year, you might as well leave the team now and not drag us down."
After speaking, she turned and walked out of the resting room.
Hu Liena, upon hearing this, stuck out her tongue at her brother Xie Yue before quickly following Qian Renxue out.
The others left in the room exchanged wry smiles.
"Get practicing, don't just stand there dumbly. Don't you think you haven't suffered enough from the lessons you've learned before?"
Xie Yue said calmly, then also walked out of the resting room, heading towards the training ground in the back mountains.
Although he couldn't help but feel puzzled, he didn't understand why Qian Renxue's requirements were so high.
Logically speaking, the strength of everyone present was already at the peak for their age group.
Could there be players in other academies who were as talented and powerful as her?
If it were in the past, Xie Yue wouldn't believe it no matter what.
But after getting to know Qian Renxue's strength and character, he couldn't help but feel that her temperament wouldn't exaggerate.
The captain never underestimated others, but she also never overestimated her opponents; no one was more proud than her.
In Xieyue's eyes, if there were truly no strong enemies, Qian Renxue would definitely not bother wasting words on them.
She might not even need her teammates; her strength alone could sweep through the other academy teams.
Just over twenty years old and already an advanced Soul Emperor, he hadn't even heard of such a person before.
"Have you made up your mind?"
On a hillside behind the Martial Soul Temple, Qian Renxue stood straight with her hands behind her back, showing a hint of impatience in her expression.
Hu Liena stood opposite her, her red dress fluttering, her figure perfect, exuding an invisible charm from head to toe.
Both of them were unparalleled beauties.
But one was fierce and dominant, while the other was gentle and enchanting. Standing together, they formed a strange harmony.
Unfortunately, this beautiful scene was unseen by anyone.
Upon hearing Qian Renxur's inquiry, Hu Liena's eyes showed a faint worry, and she whispered, "Sister, why do you insist on opposing the teacher? I can tell that the teacher cares about you."
Qian Renxue frowned and replied coldly, "I've been waiting for you for so long, and you say this to me?"
She took a few steps forward, patting Hu Liena's shoulder gently, her movements soft but her eyes as cold as an icy abyss.
"I see potential and hard work in you, which is why I'm giving you this opportunity. Bibi Dong can't teach you anything; following her would only waste your talent."
Qian Renxue said this with confidence.
Most of Bibi Dong's current strength could be attributed to her extraordinary talent.
In terms of knowledge and experience, she couldn't compare to Qian Renxue, who possessed memories from another world.
After all, she was Su Cheng's proud disciple.
The reason she valued Hu Liena was also because of her mental charm talent.
This type of martial soul was not common, and reaching Hu Liena's level of talent was rare.
In Qian Renxue's eyes, this girl was worth cultivating, and it would be a waste to leave her under Bibi Dong's tutelage.
Of course, it also had to do with Hu Liena's personality.
This child was obedient and listened to her almost unquestioningly.
Since she took over as the leader of the Martial Soul Temple Academy, despite the rigorous training that even the male students complained about, Hu Liena had silently persisted, which impressed her.
Plus, they got along relatively well in the simulated world, so she was willing to give her some opportunities.
But she didn't expect Hu Liena to be ungrateful.
"Hu Liena, let me be clear. Without my permission, just by Bibi Dong's appointment, you won't be able to sit on the position of the Martial Soul Temple Saint in the future."
However, to Qian Renxue's surprise, when Hu Liena heard her words, she gently shook her head.
"Do you think I can't do it?" Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed.
"Sister, I never thought about becoming the Martial Soul Temple Saint." Hu Liena looked at Qian Renxue earnestly. "I lost my parents at a young age, and to me, the teacher is like my mother. If she wants me to become the Saint, I will strive for it. But for me, these things are not important."
Qian Renxue frowned and fell silent.
After a moment, she turned and walked towards the direction of the Martial Soul City.
"Never mind," she waved her hand lightly. "In a while, I'll go to the Tian Dou Imperial City. You take care of yourself."
"Go to the Tian Dou Imperial City?" Hu Liena was stunned and hurriedly asked, "Why go to the Tian Dou Imperial City? What for?"
By now, she had already learned about Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue's mother-daughter relationship, as well as Qian Renxue's previous infiltration into the Tian Dou Imperial Family.
But she didn't expect that after returning to the Martial Soul City, Qian Renxue would prepare to go back.
Qian Renxue paused for a moment, then continued walking away.
"To see someone."
That momentary movement didn't escape Hu Liena's eyes, which had been fixed on her.
A surge of curiosity welled up in her heart. Who could make Qian Renxue so unforgettable?
"Sister, is the person you've been talking about before this one?" If it was truly an opponent, then that person's age must not be too old, otherwise, they wouldn't qualify to participate in the academy competition.
To Hu Liena, Qian Renxue was an extremely special existence.
She had lost her parents at a young age and relied on her brother Xieyue for survival, experiencing many hardships in her youth.
Although her talent was good, her spirit was far from resilient.
She admired strong individuals and longed for familial affection.
If Bibi Dong was like a mother figure to her, then Qian Renxue today was the kind of person she hoped to become in the future.
Dominant, powerful, emotionally impenetrable, and unconcerned about anyone's opinions.
Moreover, being able to infiltrate the Tian Dou Imperial Family for over ten years was something she could never achieve.
The key was that the other party wasn't much older than her.
For Hu Liena, Qian Renxue's appearance was like a guiding light in her life, pointing her in a direction.
If in the past, all her actions were aimed at fulfilling Bibi Dong's expectations and not disappointing her teacher, now, she also hoped to become a person like Qian Renxue.
"Don't worry about that." Qian Renxue kept walking, her voice reaching Hu Liena's ears before her figure gradually disappeared from view.
Walking alone in the Martial Soul Temple's rear mountains, Qian Renxue silently extended her palm.
A few blood-red spots stained a white flower silently floating on her fingertips, emitting a faint golden-red light.
It was the Heartbreak Red, disconnected from its root, the Heart broken Red, which she had successfully plucked.
Qian Renshu knew that if she were to consume it now, the medicinal power within it would be enough to promote her to a Soul Saint in a short period.
But whether to take it or not, she hesitated.
This time, she decided to go to the Tian Dou Imperial City precisely because of this.
She felt that her recent state was a bit off.
Despite the unfriendly environment of the Martial Soul City, filled with a strong sacred aura, her dominant attribute had strangely subdued, while she became more active, which puzzled her.