"I'm busy. You should find someone else," Zhu Zhuqing declined politely.
She paused, as if considering something, and added, "In the last two days, I might need to participate in the competition, so I won't have time."
This time, her words were gentler, as she was concerned about hurting Chen Xuan's pride.
With only two days left in the preliminary rounds of the Soul Master Elite Competition, Zhu Zhuqing tried to avoid going out. The Master might arrange for her to compete, and if she wasn't available, it would be very troublesome.
"The only strong team from Tianshui Academy has already competed against Shrek today. The remaining two matches are against ordinary academies, so I don't think the lineup will change," Chen Xuan said, implying something.
His meaning was clear: there were no strong opponents in the remaining matches, and the lineup was unlikely to change, or for Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai to compete together.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression remained unchanged, but a trace of unusual emotion flickered in her eyes, clearly not as indifferent as she appeared.
Perhaps she had already suspected this earlier but didn't want to express it.
Chen Xuan rarely went to the competition area, but many young people on the streets were discussing Shrek Academy, especially Tang San, who was well-known across all the academies.
One must admit that in this regard, Yu Xiaogang was very successful, having turned his disciple Tang San into the most outstanding and well-known figure.
Without a martial soul fusion skill or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with another ten-thousand-year soul ring, Tang San was undoubtedly a dark horse in the preliminary rounds, the most remarkable one.
By now, Zhu Zhuqing had roughly understood the Master's plan, which clearly contained personal motives.
As a noble of the Star Luo Royal Family, she had seen too much intrigue and deception. Shrek was someone else's domain; she was just a student. Even if she guessed some truths, she had no reason to act upon them.
Zhu Zhuqing's demeanor was often cold and aloof, and many things wouldn't be pointed out like Chen Xuan did, nor would she clash with the Master or others.
Sometimes, she admired Chen Xuan. Despite his previous lack of strength, he dared to publicly humiliate the Master and directly challenge his theories. His courage was exceptional.
In Shrek Academy, the Master could be considered the highest authority. No one dared to refute or humiliate him, not even Flander had ever lost his temper with Yu Xiaogang.
If Chen Xuan knew Zhu Zhuqing thought this way, he would certainly protest. He had already restrained himself; otherwise, he would have given Yu Xiaogang a hard time.
"I'll think about it," Zhu Zhuqing conceded and decided to ponder it further.
Seeing an opportunity, Chen Xuan did not hide his intentions and expressed his stance.
"I have a soul bone that's very suitable for agility-type soul masters," he revealed.
Half a month ago, he had opened four items in a treasure chest, one of which was a ten-thousand-year soul bone.
This soul bone, the Wind Fire Leg Bone, was 25,000 years old and very rare, perfectly suited for agility-type soul masters.
Chen Xuan estimated that if this soul bone were put up for auction, it would fetch at least 200,000 gold soul coins, a rare find indeed.
He had no intention of selling it; he had no need to, with his current several hundred thousand gold soul coins sufficient for a lifetime of normal expenses.
"You want to give it to me?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, incredulous.
Chen Xuan nodded, not feeling any regret.
Zhu Zhuqing was stunned. Her eyes showed a flicker of unusual emotion, clearly moved.
Her expression was complex and hard to understand. Chen Xuan's behavior, offering such a valuable gift, seemed out of place given their mere partnership.
In the Star Luo Royal Family, a soul bone over 20,000 years old was indeed a highly valuable item.
The intention was clear: such an expensive gift was hard not to lead her to think there might be other motives.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes were bright and cold, staring at Chen Xuan as if trying to see through his thoughts.
Chen Xuan felt a bit uncomfortable under her gaze, but he thought to himself that he had done nothing wrong, so there was nothing to fear.
He did not avoid her gaze but instead met it head-on, unafraid.
On the academy's sports field, the two stared at each other for a long time.
"Alright, I accept," Zhu Zhuqing finally said, shifting her gaze away and agreeing to the offer.
A soul bone over 20,000 years old was perfect for agility-type soul masters, and even someone as aloof as she was could not help but be tempted.
With the soul bone's enhancement, her chances of winning against the Star Luo team in the future would be greater, as that battle's outcome would determine her future fate.
Chen Xuan smiled and extended his hand, saying, "Then thank you in advance."
"No, I should be the one thanking you," Zhu Zhuqing's voice was cold.
She hesitated slightly when facing Chen Xuan's extended hand, briefly touching it before quickly withdrawing.
Chen Xuan did not mind; he understood her cold demeanor.
"See you tomorrow, I'm leaving now," he said, giving her the time and place before turning to leave, waving goodbye.
Watching Chen Xuan's retreating figure, Zhu Zhuqing's expression was complex, her mind racing. Eventually, she couldn't help but call out to him.
"Chen Xuan, I have a fiancé."
Given the preciousness of the 20,000-year soul bone and its coincidental suitability for agility, the intention was too obvious for Zhu Zhuqing not to notice.
Having seen many men, she knew Chen Xuan was trying to pursue her by giving her the soul bone to help improve her soul power.
Realizing the soul bone might have cost him a great deal, Zhu Zhuqing was slightly touched, but she understood that regardless of her feelings for Chen Xuan, there could be no future.
She had been engaged since childhood, and this betrothal was a matter of fate, unchangeable.
"Chen Xuan, I have an engagement. You... should act accordingly." Zhu Zhuqing said this final line and left without looking back.
She knew Chen Xuan did not belong to the royal family and was not a noble. She hoped he could let go of any illusions; their relationship was impossible.
Zhu Zhuqing walked away without looking back, leaving Chen Xuan bewildered in the wind.
"What's going on?" He was dazed and confused, not understanding what had just happened.
Chen Xuan felt a bit frustrated; he had intended the soul bone as compensation, and it was misunderstood.
The other reason was that he didn't want to absorb the soul bone; even if it was ten thousand years old, it was of no use to him. He might as well give it away as a gift and gain a favor.
From his perspective, giving away the soul bone had no special meaning, just utilizing something he didn't need anymore.
Chen Xuan reconsidered from another perspective and gradually realized that such actions could indeed seem like an attempt to court someone.
"Forget it, I didn't have such intentions anyway." He shook his head, pushing the confusing thoughts out of his mind.
"I definitely can't undermine Tang San and then go after Dai Mubai," Chen Xuan thought it was unethical. He didn't want to become the kind of person he despised.
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