Douluo Dalu: The Path of Abyss

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When the system's notification faded, Ye Feng felt his body become significantly lighter, as if a weight had been lifted.

Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong, remembering Ye Feng's earlier words, steeled her resolve. No matter how hungry or exhausted she became, she would think of his voice echoing in her mind:

"Junior sister, you should lose weight."

The image of Zhu Zhuqing's and Xiao Wu's flawless figures further fueled her determination. Every time she felt her stamina waning, she clenched her fists and pushed forward.

"Senior brother, I must become as slender as them!" Ning Rongrong muttered to herself, clenching her hands into fists. She plucked a fruit from a roadside tree, took a few quick bites, and continued her run. By sheer willpower, she managed to complete the arduous task set by Flender. Her perseverance earned Flender's rare admiration.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Flender gathered Ye Feng, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Oscar, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun, leading them to Suotuo City's Great Spirit Arena.

"Dean, isn't it a bit early to send them here on their first day?" Dai Mubai asked cautiously.

Flender smiled faintly. "They're all monsters, aren't they? And monsters require monster-level training."

Curious, Xiao Wu asked, "What is the Great Spirit Arena, exactly?"

Dai Mubai replied, "It's a place where spirit masters compete using their martial spirits. Gamblers often come to bet on matches, but for us, it's the best venue to hone practical combat experience."

Xiao Wu frowned. "Isn't that just treating combat like entertainment? Like playing games with others' lives?"

"You're mistaken," Dai Mubai said with a serious expression. "Although I don't favor such places, the Great Spirit Arena provides an unparalleled opportunity for spirit masters. Its structure is fair, its systems are rigorous, and it operates independently of major factions. Most importantly, it's a rare equalizer."

Tang San raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Fair? Is there truly such a thing as fairness in this world?"

"In the arena," Dai Mubai explained, "even heirs of prominent clans must face life-or-death challenges. Rank and background mean little when the battle begins."

Ye Feng observed the group silently. His gaze naturally drifted to Zhu Zhuqing, who remained cold and aloof. She hadn't exchanged a single word with her fiancé, Dai Mubai, treating him like a stranger.

Oscar, meanwhile, had abandoned his earlier pursuit of Ning Rongrong, thanks to Ye Feng's intervention. Surprisingly, Oscar seemed unbothered. His feelings for Ning Rongrong hadn't run deep—they were sparked by her beauty, not genuine affection.

As Ye Feng's thoughts wandered, his curiosity got the better of him. His eyes fell on Zhu Zhuqing's cat tail.

Is that tail... real?

Lost in thought, Ye Feng's steps faltered. Accidentally, his foot landed on Zhu Zhuqing's tail.

"Meow!"

Zhu Zhuqing's ears perked up, and she turned sharply, her feline instincts kicking in. Her glare was sharp, and her vigilance was palpable.

Her sudden outcry drew the attention of the entire group. Flender, Dai Mubai, and the others followed her gaze, their eyes landing on Ye Feng.

"Ahem..." Ye Feng coughed awkwardly and quickly apologized. "Sorry, that was an accident."

Zhu Zhuqing studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. Without another word, she turned and resumed walking toward the Great Spirit Arena with the group.

Ye Feng, however, remained deep in thought.

When martial spirits awaken, some soul masters display physical traits related to their martial spirits, especially those with beast spirits. Xiao Wu, as a 100,000-year soul beast in human form, naturally retains her rabbit ears. There's no reproductive barrier between humans and soul beasts in Douluo Continent. Could it be that Zhu Zhuqing's Ghost Civet lineage stems from a spirit beast ancestor?

Upon reaching the Great Spirit Arena, Flender explained, "After registration, each participant receives an Iron Spirit Badge. Winning a match earns one point, while losing costs a point. Collect 100 points to upgrade to a Bronze Spirit Badge. Before graduation, I require each of you to obtain at least a Silver Spirit Badge."

"Yes, Dean!"

Ye Feng, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar answered in unison.

Ning Rongrong, however, hesitated. "Dean, do I also have to earn a Silver Spirit Badge?"

Flender nodded. "Of course."

"But I'm an auxiliary spirit master!" Ning Rongrong protested.

Smiling faintly, Flender replied, "The arena hosts one-on-one, two-on-two, and team battles. With eight of you here, you can pair up accordingly. As an auxiliary spirit master, your Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda can provide a crucial edge. Paired with a strong partner, even auxiliary spirit masters can shine."

Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled as she turned to Ye Feng. "Senior brother, will you pair up with me?"

"Ah?" Ye Feng blinked, startled by her unexpected request.

In the original timeline, Ning Rongrong had partnered with Zhu Zhuqing, forming the Seven Treasures Civet duo. Tang San and Xiao Wu had paired as the Three-Five duo, while Oscar and Dai Mubai formed another team. Ma Hongjun, having no partner, participated solo.

But now, with Ye Feng's interference altering the dynamics, Shrek Academy had eight members instead of seven.

Seeing Ye Feng hesitate, Ning Rongrong pressed further. "Is that... not okay?" She looked at him pitifully.

Flender intervened. "Rongrong, I recommend choosing a partner from Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, or Tang San instead of Ye Feng."

"Why?" Ning Rongrong asked, confused.

"Ye Feng is a Level 49 Spirit Ancestor. According to the arena's rules, pairing with him would mean competing against teams of similar strength, which would put both of you at a disadvantage. You're only a Level 21 Auxiliary Spirit Master. The gap is too large," Flender explained.

Ning Rongrong pouted but eventually nodded in understanding. Her gaze shifted between the others before settling on Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu, will you pair up with me?"

Xiao Wu, Ye Feng's god-sister, nodded after a moment of thought.

Ning Rongrong smiled. She felt that building a good relationship with Xiao Wu was important. Partnering with her in the Great Spirit Arena would be an excellent opportunity to deepen their bond.

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