At this moment, Xiao Tianyang shook his head. "Teacher, you've been with me for so long. You should know me—if something like this really happens, I can't just stand by and watch."
"I reminded you deliberately because I was worried about your impulsiveness."
Miao Zhenshan didn't try to persuade him further. Instead, he said, "But you should also understand that as long as your identity remains hidden, they won't be overly wary of you—at least not until they completely turn against us."
"And given the talent you've displayed so far, the best move for them would be to recruit you, not eliminate you."
"What do you mean, Teacher?" Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Miao Zhenshan's eyes flickered as he replied calmly, "Just wait and see. You'll be surprised."
Xiao Tianyang understood the implication but didn't press further. He simply nodded. "Then I understand."
"Teacher, what are you two talking about?" Fei Xue pouted unhappily beside them. "This was supposed to be a meeting for all five of us, but it feels like the two of you are having a private conversation!"
"If you don't understand, you should ask. Keeping quiet won't help," Xiao Tianyang said, looking slightly exasperated.
"Hmph, it's not just me who doesn't get it!" Fei Xue declared confidently. "Second Senior Brother doesn't understand either!"
Zhou Cheng, suddenly dragged into the conversation, froze for a moment. But instead of refuting, he simply nodded in agreement.
Xiao Tianyang: "..."
No wonder these siblings got along so well—they shared the same temperament!
But Xiao Tianyang was left speechless. 'Not understanding yet still acting so confident… If only she actually knew what was going on.'
"Alright, let's focus on the main issue first." Miao Zhenshan cut in before things could derail further, his tone turning serious. "This third matter isn't assigned to all of you—just you, Tianyang."
"Me?" Xiao Tianyang pointed at himself.
Miao Zhenshan nodded. "I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you this time."
"Teacher, if you're not coming, who will make decisions for us at the Spirit Hall?" Fei Xue blurted out, her earlier confidence evaporating.
Originally, she had been so bold precisely because a Super Douluo stood behind her. But now that Miao Zhenshan wouldn't be there, how could she act without worry?
Xiao Tianyang, however, didn't dwell on it. Instead, he asked directly, "Is someone forcing you to stay, Teacher?"
"Two people, to be exact."
A flash of anger crossed Miao Zhenshan's eyes before he composed himself, his voice icy. "You know about those two Soul Emperors under twenty-five who recently joined Spirit Hall, right?"
Xiao Tianyang paused. "Are they from the barbarian tribe again?"
"Exactly. Spirit Hall hit the jackpot this time—they've taken in an entire barbarian tribe." Miao Zhenshan nodded. "Those two Soul Emperors are essentially hostages."
"On top of that, there are two Titled Douluo—both slightly weaker than me, but still formidable. They also possess a martial soul fusion skill that can restrain me for a considerable time."
Xiao Tianyang frowned. "But that shouldn't be enough to completely immobilize you, right?"
"They're not just challenging me—they're forcing me into a duel." Miao Zhenshan clenched his fists. "I wanted to refuse, but they invoked an old agreement to pressure me. I had no choice but to accept."
He looked up at Xiao Tianyang. "So, I'm sorry. You'll have to endure some hardship this time."
"It's fine. I've been wanting to test myself against a Titled Douluo anyway." Xiao Tianyang smiled faintly. "But I am curious—how did Bibi Dong win over this barbarian tribe?"
After a pause, he added, "Wasn't it said that barbarian culture clashes with outside ideologies? Other forces have tried contacting them before, but only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect ever received hospitality. Yet now, Spirit Hall—historically the most opposed to barbarian ways—has succeeded first..."
He chuckled dryly. "Unless there's a deeper transaction at play, this kind of relationship wouldn't exist."
"You seem to be implying something, kid." Miao Zhenshan studied him closely. "Do you know something?"
The corner of Xiao Tianyang's mouth lifted. "Teacher, do you know what lies beyond the Level 99 Ultimate Douluo?"
Miao Zhenshan stiffened, then abruptly stood. "You mean their deal involves… a God's inheritance?!"
"If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect couldn't offer it, then this is the only thing Spirit Hall could provide that would tempt them." Xiao Tianyang's gaze sharpened. "Otherwise, what do you think the barbarians lack most?"
Miao Zhenshan sat back down, deep in thought.
Resources? Impossible—their lands were rich in soul beasts and soul bones, and their cultivation methods differed from outsiders.
Wealth? They had no use for it.
Status? Meaningless. True power was their only measure of standing.
That left only one possibility…
After all, no one had broken past the level 99 barrier in years. Even Miao Zhenshan himself yearned for it.
His expression darkened. "So their challenge isn't just about restraining me from supporting Shrek Academy. It's a test."
He met Xiao Tianyang's eyes. "If they suspect our identities, this public challenge is a way to confirm it."
"Then, Teacher… should you go or not?" Xiao Tianyang asked.
"I won't answer that. Let Saber decide."
Xiao Tianyang lightly brushed the back of Saber's hand.
She shivered, her face flushing as she shot him an exasperated look.
Miao Zhenshan's expression soured. "Must you two flirt in front of an old bachelor?"
Saber's cheeks burned even redder, but she steadied herself. "My answer is—you must go. Accept the challenge decisively, and show no hesitation in battle."
"Why?" Fei Xue, ever the clueless one, piped up again.
"Because right now, Spirit Hall only suspects our identities—they haven't confirmed them." Saber smiled faintly. "And as Teacher said, before they fully turn against us, their priority is recruitment, not elimination."
"The challenge is a probe. If we go, it lessens the suspicion. If we refuse, even if we're innocent, they'll treat us as guilty."
"The consequences would be irreversible then."
…
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