Chapter 76

「Jun Wuchen！」

Xiao Yuan's originally calm face turned solemn again; his soul power had been mostly consumed by Yan.

The Phoenix Cocoon Inheritance he just received raised his soul power level by ten ranks directly; Xiao Yuan's soul power level is now also fifteen, the same as Yan's! But his soul power quality is much higher than Yan's.

Xiao Yuan originally thought that with his current strength he could easily handle Jun Wuchen, which is why he angrily jumped out, wanting to vindicate himself! Snatch Hu Liena back.

But when he actually faced Jun Wuchen, he realized he couldn't do it; even Yan could stop him now, let alone this monster Jun Wuchen!

Damn! This guy's oppressive presence is so strong! Xiao Yuan couldn't help feeling a bit envious—what man wouldn't want to be like Jun Wuchen, a close-combat soul master whose every punch lands flesh?

Just for his future, Xiao Yuan forced himself to suppress his excitement and first practice swordsmanship; the sword is actually quite cool, but Xiao Yuan doesn't look cool wielding it—he doesn't know any sword techniques, his specialty is just blindly hacking, and he's turned the perfectly good Crouching Sword into a magic sword.

Jun Wuchen ignored Xiao Yuan, instead first looking at Yan, giving a slight nod as if looking at a satisfactory junior: "Not bad, Yan."

Yan's mouth corner was really harder to suppress than Ak—this was praise from the aloof Jun Wuchen! His face bore a hint of blush, yet he huffed arrogantly: "Hmph, it's not that I lost; once I fully master the circulation of qi and blood power, I'll definitely win it back!"

Xie Yue gave Yan's shoulder an encouraging pat, feeling both happy for his friend and inevitably a bit downcast—now even Yan had far surpassed him; could it be that Xie Yue is really just an ordinary person? His longing for power grew stronger, and he also really wanted a second form!

Hu Liena also gave Xie Yue's arm a comforting pinch; she, who usually doesn't care about anything, could feel her brother's disappointment. Actually, it's not just Xie Yue alone—even Hu Liena herself finds it a bit hard to bear. What's going on! Now, besides her and her brother, everyone else has a second form! Even Yan and Xiao Yuan have transformed now! The gap in their strength is like a chasm—could it be that her and Xie Yue's innate ninth-level talent is fake? We're clearly true geniuses! With the addition of Yue Zhengling, who just joined today, the bottom of the six-person small team is actually her Hu Liena and brother Xie Yue! Right! Where's my Ah Ling? Jun Wuchen has come back! Why is my Ah Ling missing! Hu Liena's gaze swept across the hall looking for Yue Zhengling's figure; she's feeling a bit hurt and lost, so she needs Ah Ling to comfort her well.

「Jun Wuchen! You actually dare to ignore me! I'm talking to you! 」

Xiao Yuan's face looked grim; Jun Wuchen this bastard, actually looking down on him like that! Jun Wuchen finally gave him a cold glance, the icy gaze making Xiao Yuan feel a chill, but Xiao Yuan stubbornly suppressed his retreat, he insisted on saving face, couldn't be looked down on by this guy! Jun Wuchen just relies on a good martial soul, being strong only early on; with my growth rate, why should I fear him! The most important thing now is to show my worth to the Spirit Hall! He knows that the four of Jun Wuchen's cultivation resources are more than double those of an ordinary class member—this is the Spirit Hall's investment in talent, and I'm sure they've all already met Bibi Dong.

Then Xiao Yuan doesn't need to pretend to be a pig; pretending to be a pig in the Spirit Hall really makes you a pig—having fewer resources will make you fall behind a step; twin martial souls should be exposed when they need to be, and he wants to become a new tiger like Jun Wuchen!

Xiao Yuan seemed to be picking a fight because he couldn't take the anger, but in fact he was also trying to show off his talent; the incident from today has been over for a while, the academy's higher-ups have probably already arrived, just hiding in the dark; from today on, his cultivation resources won't be any worse than those of the four Jun Wuchen.

「You took Hu Liena out on a date today—don't you have anything to explain to me! 」

Jun Wuchen calmly looked at the flame-burning Crouching Sword in Xiao Yuan's hand, his eyes showing no waver; what about twin martial souls? Besides Yue Zhengling, even without a crown, no peer his age could be his opponent! Xiao Yuan is the same—just having one martial soul, he also believes he can overwhelm Jun Wuchen in the future.

「Explanation? I, Jun Wuchen, conduct myself as I please—why need to explain to others! 」

The girls went even crazier hearing this—on the Douluo Continent, the strong are revered, and they just love this kind of domineering man.

「Wuhu—overflowing with domineering aura! 」

「Love it to death—this is exactly the feeling! 」

「When it comes to showing off, it's gotta be Jun Wuchen! Spirit Hall Academy's king of pretense! 」

Damn it, Xiao Yuan couldn't hold back at the spot—Jun Wuchen this bastard! At this time he's still pretending; if you don't show off, you'll die! Just based on Xiao Yuan's current strength, if he really went into battle, he'd only get beaten by Jun Wuchen; his Crouching Sword still needs time to grow. "Jun Wuchen! You only show up after my soul power is exhausted! Stop pretending to be a strongman there—do you dare to make a three-year pact with me? Three years later, we'll fight on the Spirit Hall Academy's arena!"

「Whoever loses has to leave Hu Liena! 」

Jun Wuchen's face was icy on the surface, but inwardly he was cursing, Xiao Yuan this bastard actually took himself for Nalan Yanran, even putting on the Flame Emperor act—do you have exotic fire, you damn pretender? Not acceptable! Can't let him have thirty years east of the river; we need to find a way to interrupt him! Does Xiao Yuan's pretense really think he's a Flame Emperor template just because his surname is Xiao? Are you worthy? Though Xiao Yan has many beautiful confidantes, he's not a sycophant—how ruthless is Xiao Yan when he strikes women? His big feet stomp Feng Qing'er—can this dead sycophant Xiao Yuan do that?

Jun Wuchen fell silent for a moment—how should he interrupt Xiao Yuan? Should he just say 'you're too weak, unworthy to be my opponent' and reject him outright? That probably wouldn't work, since Xiao Yuan had just defeated Yan in front of everyone; claiming others are weak would surely not be believed.

Or use the exclusive lines of the light novel Asha West male protagonist—Hu Liena is an independent individual; I wouldn't use Hu Liena as a bet to boost her favor? The problem is he's not interested in Hu Liena either, and this line doesn't fit his arrogant, cool, flashy persona. To Jun Wuchen, his persona matters far more than Hu Liena; coming to this new world, unlike Qian Renxue who single-mindedly follows the Dao, he truly just wants to show off— in a sense, he and Qian Renxue are really the same kind of person.

「What's up, Jun Wuchen! You scared? This is what they call the academy's strongest? That's it! Or are you just afraid of losing to me! 」

Just as Xiao Yuan was wildly mocking Jun Wuchen, Hu Liena suddenly let out a surprised scream.

「Ah Ling! Over here! Over here! 」

Everyone's gaze instantly turned to the female lead of this incident, Miss Hu Liena.

She excitedly waved her hand toward a direction in the hall, jumping up and down as if she had seen her own legendary hero.

Everyone quickly looked in the direction Hu Liena was waving; there in that corner stood two students—one was a prominent figure of the fourth year, Bai Cheng, the class leader of Year 1 Class 4, who had just been beaten up by Jun Wuchen that morning, now frantically scribbling something in his notebook with a pen.

As for the other one—goodness, what a handsome man! How could there be such a good-looking person in the world! I've never seen him in the academy before.

Bai Cheng looked left and right under everyone's gaze, clueless, not seeing any third person—then, like offering a treasure, he handed over his recorded pick-up lines to Yue Zhengling.

「Brother, quickly look at what I've noted—you better memorize it soon! After memorizing, remember to return it to me; I'll need these for picking up girls later! See how good I am to you—I'll share the good stuff first! 」

After being soundly defeated by Jun Wuchen today, Bai Cheng reflected deeply—picking up girls can't be too rushed; Jun Wuchen is quite popular in the academy, so he decided to first learn a bit of Jun Wuchen's words and deeds, wanting to fight magic with magic! Bai Cheng turned his head, somewhat entranced, looking at Hu Liena's smiling face.

"But who is Hu Liena calling? There's no one else here besides us two? It's really enviable; I also really want a cute girlfriend!"

Le Zhengling flipped through Bai Cheng's notes, which he remembered were quite serious; he wrote down everything Jun martial soul and Xiao Yuan said, and the narration even marked when each line should be spoken.

"Oh, she's calling me."

Bai Cheng sighed: "Indeed, how could an innate ninth‑level prodigy have anything to do with us?"

After a moment he finally reacted.

"Ah?" Bai Cheng jerked his head back.

"You! You actually know Hu Liena?"

Le Zhengling calmly nodded.

"Holy shit, buddy, you're so awesome—why didn't you say so earlier!"

Bai Cheng and everyone were dumbfounded, looking at Le Zhengling's face, he actually didn't know who to be jealous of for a moment.

Hu Liena is especially arrogant; aside from those five in her little clique, no one in the Martial Soul Institute can get close to her—didn't you see he got beaten this morning?

This is also why Xiao Yuan had been ostracized at school before—he was the weakest, yet he could hang out with Hu Liena.

But from now on no one will dare gossip anymore—Xiao Yuan is now a genius soul master with twin martial souls, his combat power is also incredibly strong; indeed, anyone who can hang out with Hu Liena is no ordinary person.

"You didn't even ask me?"

Le Zhengling wore an innocent expression.

"I am Bai Cheng! Martial soul Swallow‑tailed Swift! I'm nine years old, a level‑17 agility‑attack battle soul master! May I know what to call you, brother?"

"Le Zhengling, martial soul Holy Angel, six years old, level‑19 strong‑attack battle soul master, nice to meet you, Bai Cheng."

Le Zhengling returned the notes and patted Bai Cheng on the shoulder.

"Thanks for the notes and sharing the info, but I don't need to memorize those lines anymore—my friend is calling me, I'll go ahead; let's chat again next time."

Only Bai Cheng remained, holding the notes, silently watching Le Zhengling's retreating back.

Six years old, level nineteen—his soul power level even exceeds Jun martial soul's, and he still has an angel martial soul; my goodness, today we've basically run into an incognito visit by a high‑ranking disciple of the Spirit Hall.

He quietly lifted the notebook he was holding in his arms; the notebook seemed to have a pleasant fragrance, which he rather liked. Seeing Le Zhengling approach, Hu Liena immediately rushed over, wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him behind Jun martial soul.

Hu Liena kept muttering under her breath; upon seeing Le Zhengling again she became much more excited, and the low spirits she'd felt because of Xiao Yuan also lifted.

A Ling! Why did you hide in the corner? In a moment I'll have my brother take you to find the dormitory; we have theory class every day at nine—let's go to class together tomorrow!

Le Zhengling nodded; she also wanted to thoroughly understand the campus environment so she could obtain Xiao Yuan's specific details without changing her expression.

Xiao Yuan turned red with anger the moment he saw Hu Liena hugging Le Zhengling; he looked at Jun martial soul in disbelief.

You… Jun martial soul, Hu Liena is currently hugging this pretty boy! And you're just standing there watching!

Jun martial soul glanced at Xiao Yuan with disdain, then turned sideways and nodded at Le Zhengling.

Although Xiao Yuan is also a transmigrator like him, his mind is full of Hu Liena, a total simp; Jun martial soul truly looks down on him, it's just that their pursuits differ—Xiao Yuan likes women, while he likes to show off.

His name is Le Zhengling, one of the members I recruited; from now on he will be the team's vice-captain, and A Ling's opinion will henceforth be mine.

Although I am the core of this team, I have never stopped members from having private contact; Hu Liena liking A Ling is her own business—when would I ever need to intervene?

Xiao Yuan stared, a bit surprised; it turned out Jun martial soul really doesn't like Hu Liena.

If that's the case, then move out of my way!

Since it wasn't Jun martial soul competing with him, Xiao Yuan became frenzied again; his eyes turned slightly red as he coldly stared at Le Zhengling.

He's just a cannon fodder who never appeared in the original work! His face isn't bad, and I don't need to wait three years—I can beat him down right now!

Kid, dare you fight me in a soul duel? The loser must leave Hu Liena!

Hu Liena flew into a rage, not even calling her brother: 'Xiao Yuan! What do you take me for! I'm laying it out right now—even if A Ling loses, I will absolutely not leave him! I just like A Ling!'

Xiao Yuan's face fell: 'You! Nana! Don't be obstinate anymore! Have you forgotten our initial promise, our love between us?'

His heart was also quite hurt; it turned out Hu Liena's earlier promise of forever being together was fake! 'I really did say I hoped we could stay together forever, but that doesn't necessarily mean love—can't familial bonds last forever either?'

Qian Renxue couldn't hold back here, she burst out laughing—this Xiao Yuan is a lolicon; Hu Liena is only how old now, and he's still playing the nurturing game, too bad the plan failed later due to their huge innate soul power gap.

What does a six-year-old know about love? Qian Renxue still thinks Hu Liena just likes her face—what kind of love is that? I never expected Xiao Yuan to deceive a little girl and end up deceiving himself.

This Xiao Yuan is even more outrageous than Tang San—although Tang San also played the nurturing game, it was only through subtle, long-term interaction that he got together with Xiao Wu; you, a transmigrator, are actually talking about love with a six-year-old girl—disgusting.

Xiao Yuan stared coldly: 'What are you laughing at?'

Le Zhengling didn't say why she was laughing: 'Are you challenging me?'

A challenge? Hah, Le Zhengling! You're the challenger!

Jun martial soul's face turned strange: 'Xiao Yuan, A Ling will henceforth be our team's vice-captain; we've gotten along for so long, you should know my character well— the weak have no qualifications to join us.'

Even though Xiao Yuan is a transmigrator, Jun martial soul still regards him as a comrade; Xiao Yuan is also a member of this team, but previously his strength was too weak, making it impossible for him to participate in soul duels.

He couldn't let Xiao Yuan alone drag down the team's cultivation progress, so he left him be; moreover, as fellow transmigrators, Xiao Yuan's pride perhaps didn't need his management—and sure enough, Xiao Yuan quickly caught up.

But now, as captain, he has the duty to remind his teammates that vice-captain Le Zhengling is very strong.

Xiao Yuan's face darkened—just who is this Le Zhengling, that even Jun martial soul, that monster, holds him in such high esteem? Does the talent and strength he's showing now still not qualify him to be vice-captain? Wait… Le Zheng? The Holy Angel clan!

Xiao Yuan carefully examined Le Zhengling, who wore simple white pants and a white top, had golden hair and purple eyes, his exquisite features not seeming human, his whole bearing exuding a noble aura.

Damn it, what does this person even look like? No wonder Hu Liena, that dead looks-obsessed dog, is going crazy, desperately clinging.

Xiao Yuan cautiously announced his name: 'Xiao Yuan, martial soul Subduing Sword and Golden Bear, rank fifteen strong attack system battle soul master.'

'Le Zhengling, martial soul Holy Angel, rank nineteen strong attack system battle soul master.'

Xiao Yuan looked astonished: 'What? Rank nineteen? How old are you?'

Jun martial soul said, 'He's six years old this year; A Ling is someone I brought back from Soul City today, his strength is great—even I would lose badly if I didn't go all out.'

Xiao Yuan eyed Le Zhengling warily; not knowing Jun martial soul's crowned form, he only felt Jun martial soul had a screw loose—could his rank eighteen suppress this person?

What's wrong? Are you scared? Want to fight me?

A pink light flickered in Le Zhengling's eyes, looking quite extraordinary; this Xiao Yuan was indeed unusual—just now, a spiritual power fluctuation in the sword-shaped soul mark on his left hand was probing him, only to be shattered by Qian Renxue's spiritual strike.

After she obtained the external eye-attached soul bone, she could use her eyes as a medium to launch spiritual power attacks; that consciousness was purely suicidal, just putting on an act—do you really think she's a nineteenth-rank soul master? When she's unhappy she'll flip the table on the spot; she's merely hanging around the transmigrators, pretending to be a naive newcomer to reap benefits.

Xiao Yuan fiercely gripped the back of his right hand with his left; the Subduing Sword on his left hand directly reverted from its flashy phoenix transformation back to its original plain appearance.

What's going on? Xiao Yuan stared in astonishment at the sword in his hand, a weak female voice full of resentment, like 'hate iron for not becoming steel', reached his ears.

【Xiao Yuan, do not clash with this girl! She possesses an extremely powerful spiritual power, undoubtedly a protective mechanism left by her family, at the level of a Titled Douluo's spiritual power; I was just injured by it, and only after I recover will your Subduing Sword be able to continue its phoenix transformation.】

【It's all because your cultivation is insufficient; the phoenix transformation actually needs me to lead, so hurry up and train—don't waste your thoughts on trivial matters, quickly achieve the phoenix transformation on your own, that's the top priority!】

Xiao Yuan paid no heed to Jin Huang'er's urging him to train; it was merely a sword-shaped incarnation—he was the sword master! Instead, Xiao Yuan became more interested in the girl she mentioned.

【A girl? Jin Huang'er sis, are you mistaken? Where is there any girl?】

【Fool, the child before you is cross-dressing as a boy—have you ever seen such a handsome man?】

Xiao Yuan's formerly grim face instantly brightened; he carefully scrutinized Le Zhengling—'A girl! Well, it's fine, men's clothing already looks this good; if she wore women's clothes, how beautiful would she be! Isn't Le Zhengling just my Wang Dong'er? Buddy, I'm in luck now—I must have a Huo Yuhao‑style belle delivered to my door! I must win her over! Xiao Yuan instantly felt like he was basking in spring breeze, a gentle smile on his face.

'It's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding! No fighting—I'm really sorry, Le Zheng brother, it's my fault; you must have just arrived at the academy today—let me give you a tour? Consider it my apology.'

Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes; it seems that consciousness told Xiao Yuan her gender—this was also her intention, not revealing her gender, how to also draw in Ye Feng; she hasn't forgotten Ye Feng's system, only the more fiercely these three transmigrators fight, the more things get exposed—she is the informant Qian Renxue! But this Xiao Yuan is really easy to read, his expression changes so fast, seeing a woman he can't move forward—looks like a handy tool to exploit.

'No need—I don't want a coward leading the way! Jun martial soul, you show me the way.'

Le Zhengling pulled her arm out of Hu Liena's embrace, arrogantly lifted her chin, her exquisite face full of disdain; she deliberately acted in front of Xiao Yuan as if she favored Jun martial soul even more.

Fight, fight! Beat the dogbrains out of him! Hehe!

Jun martial soul nodded, telling Hu Liena this lovesick fool to hurry back to the dormitory and stop messing around; he then took Le Zhengling, Xie Yue and Yan, making way through the crowd of onlookers into the male dormitory, leaving only Xiao Yuan standing there, his face alternating between green and red as he was overcome.

Jun martial soul! Wait for me! Hu Liena, you're competing with me! Le Zhengling, you're competing with me too! Whoever tries to take the person I've set my sights on, I will certainly not let you off!

Give me those votes, brothers! ()

(End of chapter)