The Shrek team was utterly stunned. They could never have imagined that the powerful Title Douluo who sought to eliminate them would be acquainted with Chen Xuan. What was their relationship? Was Chen Xuan aligned with their enemies, or was he originally part of those forces?
Lordiala was equally shocked. Could this young man be one of their own, perhaps a hidden ally embedded in the Heaven Dou Empire, gaining trust to aid the Spirit Hall from within? A shiver of relief ran through him, grateful that he hadn't done anything rash toward this young man before.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong gazed curiously at Chen Xuan, both anxious and doubtful. They hoped he wasn't too deeply entangled with these people and certainly not an ally of theirs.
"Old Chen, what's your connection to him?" Dai Mubai demanded loudly.
Chen Xuan ignored the question, instead asking Chrysanthemum Douluo if he could let Xiao Wu go.
"Chen lad, who is this young girl to you, that you're so concerned about her?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, intrigued.
Earlier, Chen Xuan had deliberately avoided revealing their connection when Chrysanthemum Douluo arrived. But now, he had stepped forward for this girl, sparking further curiosity.
The Shrek team stood silent, watching the exchange, even Tang San daring not to make a move, as Xiao Wu's life rested in their hands.
Chen Xuan remained silent, unsure how to answer. A friend? Classmate? The answer likely wouldn't satisfy the other.
"Chen lad, don't worry," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, eyes filled with longing. "I've spent my life searching for the Yearning Heartbroken Red. Today, I merely wish to see it up close."
His voice was sharp and grating, his tone refined yet chilling.
Chen Xuan nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Chrysanthemum Senior."
As he finished, he prepared to reach for Xiao Wu, knowing that once he touched her, the advantage would be his.
"Not so fast," Chrysanthemum Douluo interrupted, gripping his wrist and turning toward Xiao Wu with hopeful eyes. "If I had the Yearning Heartbroken Red, I could reach that level as well. Young lady, may I see it?"
His gaze was reverent, and though he could have taken it by force, he showed no sign of doing so.
Chen Xuan sighed inwardly; this was exactly what he feared. If the Yearning Heartbroken Red didn't recognize Chrysanthemum Douluo as its owner, Xiao Wu's spirit beast nature would be exposed.
Tang San also noticed the potential danger, his hand hiding a poison needle, ready to strike at the slightest threat. He had only one chance and couldn't afford to miss.
Xiao Wu, unable to refuse the intense gaze of the Title Douluo, reluctantly agreed. She reached into her clothing and produced a vibrant, blood-red flower that shimmered with golden-red hues.
Simultaneously, a faint aura that didn't belong to a human emanated from her.
"Hm?" Lordiala, a level 89 Contra, immediately detected the abnormality.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, however, was entranced by the Yearning Heartbroken Red, captivated by its beauty. Everything else faded away as he lost himself in the allure of the flower, oblivious to his surroundings.
Chen Xuan signaled Xiao Wu urgently to put the flower away before Chrysanthemum Douluo regained his senses.
Tang San broke into a cold sweat, his body tensed as he watched Chrysanthemum Douluo's every move.
Not fully understanding Chen Xuan's gesture, Xiao Wu nonetheless tucked the flower away.
Chrysanthemum Douluo snapped out of his trance, still lost in admiration. "Indeed, a supreme treasure among immortals. I apologize for any offense to your dignity." He then bowed deeply toward Xiao Wu with utmost respect, surprising everyone present.
Chen Xuan let out a sigh of relief. Chrysanthemum Douluo had been so captivated that he'd failed to notice the anomaly.
Although the Shrek team didn't fully understand what had just transpired, the fact that Xiao Wu was safe was all that mattered.
Lordiala cast a suspicious gaze at Xiao Wu, recalling the strange aura that had briefly appeared but had since faded.
Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed, feeling a sense of regret. Despite a lifetime of searching, he hadn't obtained the Yearning Heartbroken Red. Yet, seeing its beauty up close, he had no regrets.
"Lordiala, you may handle the others as you wish, but this young girl and this young man are not to be touched. After all these years, a legendary immortal herb has chosen a master. I am willing to protect her always," Chrysanthemum Douluo declared, his eyes brimming with devotion.
The Yearning Heartbroken Red could only recognize the purest love, without a hint of impurity. Seeing how much Chen Xuan cared for this girl, Chrysanthemum Douluo surmised they were likely a pair.
Tang San watched him with a bemused look, finding Chrysanthemum Douluo's understanding of the legendary flower somewhat naive.
Lordiala, on the other hand, was growing frustrated. First, he'd been thwarted by Dragon Duke and Snake Granny, then blown away by Chrysanthemum Douluo, and now finally had the chance to act.
"Enough talk! Who's coming to die first?" he shouted, golden spirit power surging from his body, forming a massive golden bird.
The Shrek team braced themselves, with Dai Mubai prepared to fight to the death.
"Um… Chrysanthemum Senior, could you hold off for a moment?" Just as the clash seemed inevitable, Chen Xuan spoke up.
Lordiala immediately halted, wary of another mishap with Chrysanthemum Douluo.
"Chen lad, do you still have something to say?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, looking at him curiously.
Chen Xuan glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, then at Dai Mubai, before saying, "These people are my companions. Could you let them go?"
The Shrek team looked at Chen Xuan, astonished. Was he actually pleading for them?
Ma Hongjun and Oscar were moved, grateful for his intervention, as they had little experience with such powerful enemies and were thoroughly intimidated.
Dai Mubai stood there in shock, finding it hard to believe that the man who'd once competed for his fiancée would now speak up for him.
Tyron scoffed, unimpressed, unwilling to show any gratitude. He was a warrior who preferred to die on the battlefield than to surrender.
"This is a serious matter, Chen lad. Don't overstep." Chrysanthemum Douluo declined Chen Xuan's request.
Chen Xuan wasn't disappointed; it was what he'd expected. But at least he had tried.
If he had only asked for Zhu Zhuqing's safety, Chrysanthemum Douluo might have agreed, but that would draw unwanted attention, and Zhu Zhuqing likely wouldn't appreciate it.
"Chen lad, I've spoken to His Holiness about you. The Pope is very impressed with you, and when you arrive at Spirit City, you can bring your girlfriend to join the Spirit Hall."
Chen Xuan's expression shifted, hearing Chrysanthemum Douluo's voice in his mind, realizing that the Douluo had mistakenly assumed Xiao Wu was his girlfriend.
"Lordiala, proceed. Kill them all," Chrysanthemum Douluo commanded, growing impatient with the delay.
"You dare!"
Just as Lordiala prepared to strike, a commanding voice echoed from the sky.
Simultaneously, a dark ripple distorted the air before the Shrek team, and a man with black hair and black armor stepped forward.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression darkened. "It's you, Bone Rong."
"Grandpa Bone!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy upon seeing the familiar figure.
"Rongrong, apologies for my delay," a warm voice replied.
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