Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

"Now's not the time to consume the immortal herb," Xiao Hong's voice rang in Ye Hao's mind.

"Could it be... that my rapid soul power growth has destabilized my foundation?" Ye Hao pondered.

"Exactly," Xiao Hong replied. "Your soul power growth is nothing short of meteoric. If you consume the herb now, your soul power could jump by at least five levels."

"However, rapid progress isn't always a blessing."

"What should I do then?" Ye Hao asked.

Xiao Hong continued, "I noticed something about that Tang San from Shrek Academy. That boy is hiding a lot—he has twin martial soul and a presence that rivals yours. I'm certain he's harboring some major secrets."

"For now, you should train within the Death God Temple. It has everything you need. Focus on stabilizing your foundation first, or you won't pass the first trial."

Ye Hao's eyes lit up. "Hong, can you tell me what the first trial is?"

Xiao Hong remained silent.

At the reception hall of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, after Shrek's group had been driven out, Prince Xue Xing left in a huff, cursing Shrek Academy all the way.

The three Education Committee members, disappointed and resigned, also left. They had hoped to strengthen the academy, but Qin Ming had recruited a group of misfits and criminals.

Despite Heaven Dou Royal Academy's grand scale, the quality of its students varied widely. Given the principles they adhered to, Meng Shenji and the others had no intention of compromising. Shrek's influence would have been detrimental to the academy's atmosphere.

At the academy's guest area, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged, their breathing steady. Under the effects of the Beautiful Silk Tulip and Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, their soul power skyrocketed.

Since neither had acquired their third soul ring, their soul power plateaued at level 30, with residual medicinal energy lingering in their bodies, waiting to be unlocked.

Zhu Zhuqing awoke first, feeling the transformative effects of the immortal herb. Her soul power had indeed reached level 30, and her body radiated vitality.

The Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone had significantly enhanced her, as evidenced by a soft "meow" that sounded sharper than before. Zhu Zhuqing marveled at how a seemingly simple herb could produce such miraculous effects.

"Zhu Zhuqing, how do you feel?"

Ning Fengzhi asked eagerly upon seeing her awaken. Bone Douluo, also curious about the herb's effects, leaned in to listen.

"My soul power has reached level 30," Zhu Zhuqing replied, her tone filled with gratitude. "Brother Hao's herbs truly live up to their reputation."

Moments later, Ning Rongrong began to glow with a radiant, seven-colored light, exuding a pleasant fragrance unique to the Beautiful Silk Tulip. Slowly, she opened her right hand.

"One, two, three... eight, nine!"

"Nine?! It's really nine!"

Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo could no longer contain their joy. Their eyes lit up as they saw Ning Rongrong's martial soul—the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.

Two yellow soul rings rotated steadily around the pagoda's gleaming, nine-tiered structure. After counting several times, they were certain—this was the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a legendary martial soul long thought impossible.

Ning Fengzhi clenched his fists, his eyes burning with hope. The appearance of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda signified a bright future for their sect.

"Father, Grandpa Bones, why are you looking at me like that?" Ning Rongrong asked, her voice trembling with emotion as she noticed their excitement.

Even Zhu Zhuqing cast a look of envy toward Ning Rongrong. The evolution of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda would dramatically change Ning Rongrong's future as a soul master.

"Rongrong, look at your martial soul!" Ning Fengzhi said, shaking her shoulders with excitement.

"Father, you're hurting me," Ning Rongrong said, wincing. As she stepped back to free herself, her eyes fell on the radiant pagoda.

"Nine… nine layers?" Ning Rongrong gasped, tears welling up.

"Father, is this truly... the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?"

Ning Fengzhi nodded, his smile filled with pride.

"Rongrong, you are the hope of the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."

Overwhelmed with joy, Ning Rongrong forgot her surroundings and dashed out of the room, only to bump into Ye Hao, who had just returned.

Under his bewildered gaze, Ning Rongrong opened her arms and ran toward him.

"!!!"

"Oh no!"

Ye Hao quickly activated the Death God's Heart: Abyssal Bind, freezing Ning Rongrong in place.

"Brother Hao, what are you doing?" Ning Rongrong pouted, looking as though she had suffered a great injustice.

Ye Hao's lips twitched. If he remembered correctly, her next move would have been to hug him—and then…

This scenario was too much for him to handle, especially with Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo watching. He could already imagine Bone Douluo exploding in rage and Ning Fengzhi questioning their relationship.

The consequences of such a misunderstanding were not worth the risk.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? What were you planning to do in front of so many people?" Ye Hao asked sternly.

"Rongrong, you're part of Heaven Dou Royal Academy now. A young lady must act with decorum."

Frustrated, Ning Rongrong struggled but remained bound by Ye Hao's ability. All she could do was glare at him.

The binding effect lasted for seven seconds before dissipating. Freed at last, Ning Rongrong stomped her feet furiously, venting her frustration.

All she wanted was to…

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