Chapter 76: Girlfriend

After all, Ning Rongrong is Ning Fengzhi's only daughter and the sect's designated heir, so she naturally understands what Yang Xiong meant.

"Xiao Xiongzi, what exactly do you mean? Is the sect treating you poorly?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Rong Rong, I want to ask you a question—if one day the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect faces a great disaster and must sacrifice your two grandfathers to survive, would you sacrifice them?"

Ning Rongrong shook her head: "No, my Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandfather are powerful; they won't encounter danger."

Yang Xiong said: "There is always a higher heaven and a greater man; Senior Sword Douluo and Senior Bone Douluo are not the strongest in the world. You should understand that the strongest force in the entire Soul Master World is the Spirit Hall. Although the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is now powerful, don't forget that the Clear Sky Sect was many times stronger in the past, though it eventually declined."

Ning Rongrong, a little angry, said: "No, I've heard the history of the Clear Sky Sect; the conflict erupted because the former Pope Qian Xunji died."

Yang Xiong laughed: "Rong Rong, the Soul Master World is a hundred times more ruthless than you imagine. Exchanging a single Pope for the entire Clear Sky Sect's retreat made the Spirit Hall reap huge gains; otherwise, how could the Spirit Hall have developed so rapidly in recent years? With the Clear Sky Sect's deterrent as the Number One Sect Under Heaven gone, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect also advanced swiftly."

Ning Rongrong was stunned by this; no one had ever considered the issue from this angle.

But after thinking for a long time, Ning Rongrong finally spoke: "Xiao Xiongzi, what did you mean by not wanting to be beneath others? Do you intend to leave the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? You should know I am the next Sect Leader."

Yang Xiong drained his tea and then spoke slowly: "Rong Rong, let me ask you a question. In terms of strength, Senior Sword Douluo and Senior Bone Douluo are among today's top masters. With their power, they would receive treatment no worse than that of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect anywhere, and they could even establish their own sects. So why do they stay within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? In the Soul Master World's deterrent power, they are even stronger than Sect Leader Ning."

"If I recall correctly, they were not all born in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, yet they are willing to devote their lives to the sect."

Ning Rongrong hurriedly said: "Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandfather love me so much; they certainly won't leave the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

"Moreover, Father, Sword Grandpa, and Bone Grandfather have shared life and death; their bond is beyond what you can imagine."

After saying that, the two fell silent for a while.

After a long pause, Yang Xiong continued: "Rong Rong, we've been together a lot lately, and I realize I may have actually started to like you."

Ning Rongrong's face flushed slightly: "Who asked you to like me? I, a lady of outstanding talent and picture‑perfect beauty, have many admirers."

Yang Xiong couldn't help swallowing; this Little Demon Girl is a bit too narcissistic.

"Rong Rong, I've been pondering whether we can continue our relationship. You are the sect's Little Princess and its future heir. I don't want to be an ordinary disciple; I want to stand upright opposite you, so that I truly have the right to pursue you."

Ning Rongrong said: "Then what did you just say about not wanting to be beneath others? Do you have some other plan?"

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Rong Rong, I hope our relationship is pure, without any scheming, and equally balanced."

"You and I should both understand that Ning Zong Zhu deliberately arranged for us to study at Shrek Academy: one purpose is to match us, the other is for him to trust me more regarding you, the future Sect Leader, and of course, I also need to protect you."

Ning Rongrong hummed: "That Stinky Dad, how could he have so little confidence in me."

But after thinking for a while, Ning Rongrong said: "Xiao Xiongzi, aren't you afraid of telling my father what you just said?"

Yang Xiong showed a slight smile: "Rong Rong, you're underestimating Ning Zong Zhu. Across the Douluo Continent, no one matches his insight and wisdom. He actually hopes I'm stronger, hopes I bring more surprises to the sect; otherwise, why do you think the Sect Leader could make the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect flourish?"

Just as Ning Rongrong was still thinking about Ning Fengzhi, Yang Xiong suddenly brushed Ning Rongrong's cheek: "Rong Rong, could you give me a chance—a chance to be your boyfriend?"

Ning Rongrong's face tinged slightly red: "Yang Xiong, I also hope my boyfriend is a towering man, a hero who never bows beneath anyone."

Yang Xiong, seeing Ning Rongrong's cute demeanor, kissed her outright; their lips met in that instant, and Ning Rongrong seemed completely stunned.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Ning Rongrong bit down hard on Yang Xiong's lips, then shoved him away, and, her face flushed with shame, ran out of the room.

Yang Xiong felt a sharp pain at the corner of his mouth, and the Little Demon Girl vanished in a flash.

…

Soon it was night again, and everyone gathered in the Soul Fighting Arena. That day, Ning Rongrong seemed to have vanished entirely, and she didn't even invite Yang Xiong to eat as she usually did.

In the time that followed, besides participating together in Soul Fighting Competitions, Ning Rongrong seemed almost possessed by Zhu Zhuqing, becoming suddenly cold and giving off a "no strangers allowed" aura.

For the next full month, everyone actively took part in Soul Fighting Competitions, and all eight members of Shrek Eight earned Silver Soul Badges.

Even Oscar and Ning Rongrong, as auxiliaries, earned points through two‑versus‑two and seven‑person team Soul Fighting matches, and they too received Silver Soul Badges.

In the seven‑person Soul Fighting matches, regardless of who was absent, they essentially maintained an undefeated record.

Yang Xiong was quite busy in the seven‑person Soul Fighting matches, mainly serving as a strong‑attack player; even against Soul Elder teams he couldn't be pressured much, and at times he also acted as an Agility Attack System Spirit Master and even a Defense System Spirit Master.

On the final day, after the seven‑person team defeated a squad called the Fierce God Battle Team, the whole group finally earned a Silver Soul Badge, and Yu Xiaogang officially announced the end of the second‑stage training ground.

After more than a month of battles, virtually everyone's spirit power hadn't increased, except Zhu Zhuqing, who advanced one level and is now at level 28.

At this moment everyone erupted in cheers, even Ning Rongrong seemed extremely excited; after all, as an auxiliary Spirit Master, she is at a disadvantage when holding a stable position, and a moment's inattention can lead to being hit by the enemy.

Whether in team battles or duels, Yang Xiong has recently taken good care of Ning Rongrong, rescuing her on the arena multiple times, but Ning Rongrong remains very proud, sneering at his actions each time, leaving Yang Xiong extremely embarrassed.

Especially since that day, the two haven't been alone together, and everyone wonders what conflict this little couple is having.

When they completed the final assessment today, the two unusually walked together, but Xiao Wu also held Ning Rongrong's hand and stared at Yang Xiong with a wary expression, leaving Yang Xiong speechless.

That night there was another gathering, mainly to celebrate the completion of the second‑stage training.

Ning Rongrong seemed to revert to her witchy nature, drinking glass after glass, and her drinking capacity embarrassed several of the boys.

When Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong clinked glasses, Ning Rongrong's face showed a hint of pride again: "Xiao Xiongzi, I'm in a good mood today, so I won't argue with you."

Yang Xiong quickly replied: "Then thank you, Rong Rong. But one cup isn't enough; we need to drink a few more."

The others burst into cheers, and Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong kept clinking cups, as if easing the earlier awkwardness.

Meanwhile, Oscar, tugging at Yang Xiong, muttered: "Xiong Ge, how did you offend this young lady? You've been in a cold war for a month, and now you're finally reconciled."

Yang Xiong smiled, slinging his arm around Oscar's shoulder: "Xiao Ao, we've both joined so many Soul Fighting matches lately; shouldn't you have a few more drinks with me?"

After a few more drinks, Oscar said: "Xiong Ge, with your drinking capacity, who would dare to drink more with you?"

…

After eating and drinking their fill, everyone returned to the hotel, where Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had booked a top‑floor luxury suite.

When the two reached the top floor, Yang Xiong immediately pulled Ning Rongrong to a corner.

Fueled by the alcohol, Yang Xiong led Ning Rongrong to the corner and clasped her with both hands, pressing her against the wall.

"Rong Rong, it's been so long; you should have calmed down. Can you now accept being my girlfriend?"

After drinking today, Ning Rongrong's already slightly flushed face acquired a half‑drunk, even more enchanting appearance.

"Didn't you say you didn't want to be beneath others? Your spirit power is still one level lower than mine."

Yang Xiong laughed: "It's just a one‑level difference in spirit power; I should catch up to you soon."

Ning Rongrong's face showed a hint of pride: "Don't forget, I'm a cultivation prodigy. I'm also training hard now; surpassing me isn't that easy."

Yang Xiong said: "Forget spirit power; from today on, you're my girlfriend, and I won't let anyone bully you."

Ning Rongrong let out a hum from the corner of her mouth: "I have Sword Grandpa and Gu Yeye protecting me; who could bully me?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Rong Rong, haven't you forgotten? Every time at the Arena competition, you were always behind me; I've saved you many times."

Ning Rongrong said: "Considering how hard you try, I, the lady, will reluctantly agree to be your girlfriend."

Yang Xiong's face was full of joy; he directly embraced Ning Rongrong in his arms. Perhaps this was Yang Xiong's first time in his past and present lives to hold a girl, the first time feeling a girl's fragrance, and he seemed utterly intoxicated.

……

Just as everyone was celebrating the end of training, Yu Xiaogang and Flanders both looked extremely serious.

Yu Xiaogang said: "The kids performed very well; even I am amazed by their performance in the Soul Fighting Arena, perhaps they can truly make history."

"The person in charge of the Soul Fighting Arena approached me today, hoping I arrange a seven‑person match for the Shrek team; I think we should take it seriously."

Flanders shook his head: "Xiao Gang, you should understand the enemy's strength. Among the Shrek Eight, four are Great Soul Masters, and the opposing side fields an entire lineup of Soul Elders. Moreover, just from their martial souls you can see their extraordinariness, and all of them have the optimal Soul Ring configurations; clearly they have a formidable background."

(End of Chapter)