Chapter 160: Competing for Favor
"My introduction is complete, thank you." Du Qianjue elegantly bowed. Turning around, he stepped back, once again crossing space to return to his original position on the lotus leaf. This demonstration shocked many onlookers. The ability to manipulate space is rare, and Du Qianjue did it without any visible use of soul techniques, showing his mastery over spatial powers.
To the inner academy students, this wasn't particularly shocking. After all, they are just Soul Emperors and Soul Saints; even the strongest among them, Zhang Lexuan and Han Ruoruo, are only Soul Douluos and nowhere near the realm of spatial powers. However, the high-ranking officials on the ferry were once again astounded.
"He can manipulate space to teleport?" Xianlin'er exclaimed in surprise.
"I thought you would have noticed by now. His void walking is powered by spatial forces," Yan Shaozhe said with a resigned laugh.
"Yeah, only you would notice such things!" Xianlin'er glared at Yan Shaozhe.
Feeling guilty, Yan Shaozhe could only respond with a wry smile.
Back at his starting point, Du Qianjue's display ignited a fiery passion in the hearts of the Sea Goddesses. They were overwhelmed by the natural gift before them, having come to a matchmaking event only to encounter such a high-quality soul master. They had forgotten about Du Qianjue's earlier gentle gesture towards Xue Linglong and how Zhang Lexuan had not resisted when he took her hat. Or perhaps, they chose to ignore it.
Though they knew they couldn't compare to Zhang Lexuan, what if Du Qianjue favored them? Securing a future husband with the potential of a supreme Douluo and the support of the Body Sect was a tantalizing prospect.
Even if they were proud Shrek Academy students, no one would mind a stronger backing. However, some Sea Goddesses, realizing their own mismatch with Du Qianjue's stature, quelled their fantasies and decided to remain realistic, maintaining a balanced perspective.
Half of the Sea Goddesses resolved to choose Du Qianjue in the next round, including Ma Xiaotao. But Ma Xiaotao was not attracted to Du Qianjue's power or background—she, a direct disciple of Yan Shaozhe, held a status in Shrek similar to that of a young sect master. She wasn't as impressed by the Body Sect as other Sea Goddesses who came from influential families.
Ma Xiaotao was captivated by Du Qianjue's ultimate ice attribute, which could suppress the evil fire within her. If it helped her control her affliction, allowing her to cultivate normally without the evil fire clouding her judgment, why wouldn't she be moved?
Disappointed by not competing in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Competition because of her condition, Ma Xiaotao had never felt such a strong desire for the ultimate ice that Du Qianjue possessed.
As Han Ruoruo and Gong Yangmo watched the eager Sea Goddesses, they shook their heads helplessly. Delaying any longer might get them "killed" by the impatient stares.
"The introduction is over, now, dear Sea Goddesses, please prepare. After I count down, decide whether to keep the light on for Du Qianjue," Han Ruoruo announced quickly.
"Three, two, one! Make your choice!"
Instantly, three lights went out, extinguished by those Sea Goddesses who doubted their compatibility with Du Qianjue and chose to cut their losses decisively. This move could potentially make them more appealing in the eyes of other male contestants, allowing them to find a more suitable partner.
Seven more Sea Goddesses, after hesitating, also turned off their lights. They realized that even figures like Zhang Lexuan and Ma Xiaotao, whose lights remained on, were serious contenders. Feeling outmatched, they chose to bow out gracefully.
Zhang Lexuan glanced at Ma Xiaotao, hiding under her hat, and pursed her lips. She had been told by Yan Shaozhe to participate and select Du Qianjue, but now even his disciple Ma Xiaotao was involved.
For the first time, Zhang Lexuan felt a flicker of resentment towards Yan Shaozhe, a sentiment she herself did not fully recognize.
"In total, eight Sea Goddesses have left their lights on for Du Qianjue," Gong Yangmo announced loudly. "Now, Du Qianjue, please write down the number of the Sea Goddess you favor and bring it here to me."
Blinking in slight confusion, Du Qianjue looked towards the eight lit lights. He understood why Xue Linglong's light was on, but Zhang Lexuan's?
Why was her light still on? Was it because he had just taken her hat?
Shivering slightly, Du Qianjue glanced at Zhang Lexuan and saw only her calm, beautifully serene face. He then looked at the others—Ma Xiaotao, Ling Chen, and Wu Ming were also still interested.
With a wry smile, Du Qianjue quickly wrote down Xue Linglong's number and delivered the paper to Gong Yangmo.
After Du Qianjue, each male contestant introduced himself in turn. When it was Chen Zifeng's turn, Du Qianjue noticed his gaze fixed on Ling Chen.
"Good grief, Chen Zifeng has his sights set on Ling Chen?" he thought. This hadn't been clear in the original story.
But these matters were not Du Qianjue's concern; he was just there to watch the show.
End of Chapter