"I don't think you did anything wrong."
The voice, gentle yet clear, broke through Xiao Xiao's sobs.
Startled, she hurriedly wiped her tears and turned around, panic flickering in her eyes — until she saw who it was.
Two figures stood a short distance away, maybe seven meters.
But not teachers. Not Zhou Yi.
Just two fellow Shrek freshmen in white uniforms.
One was Chen Junting — the same Chen Junting who had defeated her so decisively earlier. His presence alone made her stiffen, but the warmth in Ning Tian's smile softened her anxiety.
Ning Tian stood with her hands behind her back, looking approachable and friendly. Beside her, Chen Junting was like an unsheathed blade — calm but sharp, radiating quiet strength.
Xiao Xiao's tension eased, just a little.
"Sorry," she said, lowering her eyes. "I didn't mean to trouble you."
She turned to leave, not wanting to linger in her embarrassed state. But Ning Tian gently reached out and held her arm.
"You're Xiao Xiao, right? I'm Ning Tian, heir of the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect. I came here to find you."
Straight to the point. She revealed her identity immediately, knowing it would matter.
Xiao Xiao froze.
The Nine Treasures Glazed Sect?
Her heart skipped. She had intended to walk away no matter what, but those words rooted her to the spot.
Everyone knew the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect.
Swallowing hard, she glanced at Ning Tian from the corner of her eye.
"What… do you want to talk about?"
Her voice was timid, her head lowered. Not out of shyness, but to hide her tear-streaked face. She didn't want to appear weak — especially not in front of them.
Ning Tian's gaze flicked to Chen Junting, who immediately understood.
With a quiet nod, he stepped back and disappeared into the trees, giving them space.
Leaning against a branch, Chen Junting let his eyes drift toward Sea God Island in the distance. His mind wasn't idle. He was still thinking about Xiao Xiao's twin martial spirits.
Was it her understanding of martial spirits? Or just a rare compatibility? Either way, her two spirits clearly didn't interfere with each other much. The synergy was real.
—
Meanwhile, at the office, Wu Feng had found Mu Jin.
Mu Jin, holding the list of the top 16, was in a very good mood.
Nearly every class had advanced a team. Except Class One.
Class One — Zhou Yi's class — had been wiped out.
Mu Jin's lips curled into a satisfied smile. Years of frustration seemed to melt away in that moment. After all, she had finally stepped over her old rival.
But just as she was basking in victory—
Bang!
The door slammed open.
"Teacher, it's bad!" Wu Feng's anxious voice filled the room.
Mu Jin's smile faltered. But seeing Wu Feng's hesitation, she forced a laugh to break the tension.
"Come in. Speak."
Wu Feng quickly delivered Ning Tian's message, careful not to exaggerate or expose her source.
Mu Jin's expression darkened with every word.
Pa!
Her palm slammed the desk.
"Zhou Yi's lost her mind!"
The words burst out of her, though, thinking of Zhou Yi, she couldn't say she was surprised.
A cold smile touched her lips. "But this time, it's different from your usual stunts, Zhou Yi. Let's see how you plan to explain expelling a student with twin martial spirits."
She shot to her feet.
"Wu Feng, take me to Xiao Xiao. Now."
Zhou Yi, if you're not careful, you'll be the one skinned alive this time.
—
"I feel better now, Ning Tian. Thank you."
No one knew what Ning Tian had said, but by the time Chen Junting returned, Xiao Xiao's tears were gone — save for the redness in her eyes.
Chen Junting raised a brow, silently asking if things were on track.
Ning Tian gave a small nod.
Seizing the moment, she asked, "Xiao Xiao, if Zhou Yi really expels you, what will you do?"
Darkness flickered across Xiao Xiao's face, but she forced a smile.
"I'll go home. I'm the only child in my family. If it comes to it… I'll inherit the family business."
"So you're giving up on your dream?"
Xiao Xiao fell silent.
Deep down, she knew: to become a Title Douluo, she needed resources. Shrek was the best place for that. If she lost Shrek, where could she go?
Ning Tian read her hesitation like an open book. Her smile faded, her tone turned serious.
"Xiao Xiao," she said, steady and clear, "if I invite you to join the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect, would you accept?"
Xiao Xiao blinked, caught off guard.
She'd nearly forgotten Ning Tian's identity. During their conversation, Ning Tian had been warm, approachable — not at all like the heir of one of the most powerful sects.
"Join… the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect?" she repeated softly.
"Yes," Ning Tian confirmed, smiling. "With your talent, our sect will support you fully. You won't need to worry about resources, guidance, or your future. The Nine Treasures Glazed Sect is the richest in the world — we'll give you everything you need."
Xiao Xiao's heart stirred.
And then Chen Junting spoke, sealing the deal.
"During our fight," he said, "I saw it clearly. Your Three Lives Soul-Suppressing Cauldron focuses on attack and defense. Your Nine Phoenixes Flute controls and supports. Correct?"
Xiao Xiao nodded.
Chen Junting's eyes sharpened.
"Our sect's Grand Elder is a level-95 Titled Douluo with the Starry Sky Furnace as his martial soul — defense and attack, perfectly balanced. With your talent, you'd likely earn his personal guidance. And for your auxiliary spirit…" His voice deepened. "No one trains support better than the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect."
Xiao Xiao's breath quickened.
No soul master could refuse such an offer. Talent was nothing without resources, without a path. And here, before her, was a future — clear and bright.
Her answer came quickly.
"I'll join the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect!"
—
(End of Chapter)
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