Chen Xuan observed carefully. Although Zhu Zhuqing had refused, her gaze lingered on the soul bone for quite some time.
A 10,000-year soul bone was rare, and a 20,000-year one was even rarer, especially one that perfectly matched an agility-type soul master—an invaluable treasure.
Although the Zhu family was wealthy, finding such a soul bone that suited Zhu Zhuqing would be no easy task. Moreover, based on the attitude of the head of the Zhu family, it wouldn't matter if she was their daughter—they wouldn't offer her even a 1,000-year soul bone, let alone a 10,000-year one.
"No matter how precious something is, if it doesn't find the right person, it's worthless. I made a promise, so please, accept it," Chen Xuan said.
This time, Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, caught in hesitation.
Chen Xuan pressed on, "Zhuqing, in your opinion, with your current strength and Dai Mubai's, what are your chances of winning against those two?"
Zhu Zhuqing's body trembled slightly as she looked at Chen Xuan, shocked.
Finally, she made her decision and accepted the 10,000-year soul bone, which was glowing green.
As Chen Xuan had said, she needed this soul bone—it perfectly matched her attributes, and there couldn't be a more suitable one. More importantly, with the combined strength of her and Dai Mubai, they had less than a 30% chance of defeating Davis and her sister in the future.
The outcome of that future match would determine her and Dai Mubai's destinies. If they won, the right to inherit the Star Luo Empire would fall to Dai Mubai. If they lost, they would be plunged into the abyss.
After handing over the soul bone, Chen Xuan spoke solemnly, "Zhuqing, if possible, try to absorb this soul bone as soon as you can. While a 10,000-year soul bone is a treasure, it can also bring disaster. The longer you wait, the greater the risks... I don't want anything to happen to you."
"I don't want anything to happen to you..." Those final words rang especially loud in Zhu Zhuqing's ears.
Her heart was stirred, and a warm feeling spread through her chest, making her eyes unexpectedly wet.
This man was also an agility-type soul master, so the soul bone was just as suitable for him. Didn't it matter to him? Why was he giving it away? He hadn't even absorbed a soul bone himself.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes brimmed with tears. Her heart was deeply moved. No one had ever been this kind to her. No one had ever made such a selfless sacrifice for her, willingly giving up something so precious.
"Why... why are you being so kind to me?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice trembled as she looked at Chen Xuan, her gaze softening with warmth, no longer cold.
"Don't tell me it's because of a promised gift. I don't believe that."
This comment left Chen Xuan speechless, immediately stopping him in his tracks.
Soul bones were priceless treasures for soul masters, but to him, their value wasn't so significant. He couldn't absorb soul bones, so he figured it was best to give them away.
Chen Xuan thought for a moment but realized that no one would believe the truth. For a while, he had no idea how to explain himself.
He ran through several excuses in his mind—because they were partners, or because she was pretty and kind—but none seemed believable.
"I don't know," Chen Xuan finally admitted, after struggling to find a reasonable answer.
Zhu Zhuqing's beautiful eyes were like torches, piercing through him, as she stared intently at his face, clearly not believing him.
The eyes are the windows to the soul, and she could tell that Chen Xuan was lying. His hesitation showed he was wrestling with something internally.
Of all the women—Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Jiangzhu, and the many girls at the academy—he was only kind to her. It was too obvious.
Zhu Zhuqing was smart and no longer a little girl. She could easily see through this kind of lie and had already roughly guessed Chen Xuan's feelings. However, she chose not to break through this unspoken barrier between them.
Even though she didn't understand why Chen Xuan liked her but didn't want to confess, she had no intention of unraveling this complicated relationship.
Zhu Zhuqing's stirred emotions settled down, and her expression returned to normal. She knew her fate was something she could not resist. Some things were destined to be beyond reach.
Unless Chen Xuan became strong enough to oppose the Star Luo royal family and change her destiny, taking her away from that place.
"Chen Xuan, thank you for everything you've done for me. You're truly a good person. But unfortunately, we are destined..." Zhu Zhuqing's expression darkened, filled with sorrow.
"I'm getting friend-zoned again?" Chen Xuan's eyes twitched wildly, with a large question mark in his mind. Those last few words stung.
Zhu Zhuqing turned her back to Chen Xuan. Leaving one final message, she walked into Shrek Academy.
"Get some rest, and stay safe on your way back."
Chen Xuan was left bewildered, a big question mark still hanging over his head. Something felt off—no, very off. When had this cold and distant ice queen become so down-to-earth and said something so casual?
By now, Zhu Zhuqing had disappeared into the distance. Even though Chen Xuan wanted to ask her for clarity, he could only give up.
In the end, Chen Xuan also left, returning to his own lodging.
The Next Day
A month had passed, and the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Promotion Tournament was finally being held today.
During this period, after countless days and nights, the academy teams had undoubtedly become even stronger.
In Heaven Dou City, at the Promotion Tournament Venue
As the sun shone brightly, all the participating contestants gathered at the competition site.
The arena was massive, equivalent to seven or eight football fields, with thirty-meter-high walls surrounding it, creating an enclosed space.
Outside, 800 knights stood guard, securing the area and ensuring the safety of the contestants.
The Promotion Tournament was completely different from the preliminary rounds. The battles were held in closed arenas, with no audience present—not even nobles or merchants were allowed to spectate. Teams that hadn't advanced were also prohibited from entering, making the atmosphere extremely strict.
There was no opening ceremony for the Promotion Tournament, reducing unnecessary formalities and making the scene relatively quiet compared to the excitement of the preliminaries.
At the same time, representatives from the five vassal states and duchies of the Heaven Dou Empire arrived to watch the tournament.
The soul masters selected through the Promotion Tournament were undoubtedly the elites among elites, possessing great potential. These smaller nations had a deep thirst for talent and urgently needed strong soul masters to defend their territories.
Tents were set up across the area, ready for the academy teams to move in.
A general named Roxen led the Shrek Seven Devils and their backup team to Shrek's designated camp.
This time, in addition to Flender, Liu Erlong, and Yu Xiaogang, Teacher Qin Ming also came along, acting as the students' support.
Chen Xuan yawned as he followed at the back of the group. Jiangzhu walked beside him, while Zhu Zhuqing was at the front with the two sisters.
"Xiao Wu, have you gained weight? Your belly looks a bit rounder," Ning Rongrong asked curiously, as if she'd noticed something surprising.
"That's strange. I remember you haven't been eating much lately. How could you have gained weight?"
As a young girl, Ning Rongrong was particularly sensitive about her figure. She had witnessed the petite Xiao Wu developing a little belly.
Tang San, who had sharp hearing, turned his head. Xiao Wu was wearing a crop top, so her fair, soft skin was exposed for all to see.
Xiao Wu's body stiffened, and her face suddenly tensed up, as she avoided meeting her brother's eyes.
Tang San took a quick glance and then smiled brightly, saying, "Xiao Wu, maybe it's time for you to go on a diet. You've definitely gained some weight."
Ning Rongrong pouted and scolded him, "Brother San, how can you say that? Don't you know girls are sensitive about their figures? Be careful, or you won't find a girlfriend!"
Tang San let out an awkward laugh, then turned around and continued walking.
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