After leaving Blue Tyrant Academy, the Shrek group rented a courtyard to train and prepare for the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.
At this moment, the Will of the World and the Will of Life swept across the sky above them.
Everyone instinctively paused their movements and looked up at the sky, deep in thought.
Especially Tang San—he clutched his chest.
For some unknown reason, it felt like he had just lost something very important.
And it would never be whole again.
"What… was that?"
Flender turned to Yu Xiaogang and asked, "Xiaogang, can you tell what that was?"
Yu Xiaogang lightly shook his head and let out a cold laugh. He replied with a rhetorical question:
"Why ask me now? Flender, weren't you full of doubts about me before?"
Flender scratched his head and gave an awkward smile:
"Xiaogang, don't hold grudges like that. If I didn't believe in you, why would I have left Blue Tyrant Academy for your sake?"
Yu Xiaogang snorted. If Blue Tyrant Academy were still under Liu Erlong's management, would you really have left so willingly?
"I don't know either. But that thing just now—whatever it was—it had to be power from a higher realm. It's at least far beyond us. Let's continue training. This time, we must prove ourselves at the Soul Master Tournament!"
Yu Xiaogang clenched his fists and looked at the Shrek members, determination on his face.
Whether he could regain his clan's approval…
And wash away the shame he carried…
Depended entirely on the Shrek team!
Ma Hongjun chuckled, "Before, just getting into the top eight would've been great. But now that we've all received divine assessment rewards, there's no way we're weaker than others. At the very least, we've got to surpass the Blue Tyrant team!"
"I heard some of their core members couldn't even enter the Sea God Tower. That's just pitiful."
"Shows they're not that talented after all. Back then they just bullied us because we were younger—but now we're not the same people anymore."
"..."
Everyone in the Shrek team was filled with confidence.
Even without using immortal herbs, their talents were already among the best.
Apart from Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu, the rest of the Blue Tyrant team couldn't compare.
Now, with the Sea God Tower enhancing their strength, the gap had widened even further.
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly, but added, "Even so, don't underestimate them—especially Zhu Zhuqing. Her talent… even I've never heard of such a thing before. It's completely unprecedented."
Zhao Wuji, serving as their sparring partner, chuckled, "So what? I heard that girl didn't even enter the Sea God Tower. She's doing it all on her own. No matter how strong she is, she can't solo our entire Shrek team like before, right?"
"Exactly!"
Dai Mubai nodded emphatically. "Also, Master, I want to introduce a new teammate to our Shrek team…"
Everyone looked toward Dai Mubai curiously.
He clapped his hands, and soon footsteps approached. The door opened—and in walked a blond young man who looked very similar to Dai Mubai, only older.
Davis!!!
The moment they saw this person—
The Shrek members had only one thought: Victory is in the bag!
In the Spirit Hall…
Inside a training room—
Three figures stood by the window, gazing outside.
They were the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall: Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan. Among this year's tournament participants, their soul power was likely the highest.
While none of them had reached Soul King level yet, they were close.
Hu Liena had already reached level 59!
This was largely due to the Sea God Tower's benefits.
"Nana, how about we go out and take a look? I feel like there's some kind of treasure nearby…"Yan suggested with enthusiasm.
Xie Yue glanced at Hu Liena, a gentle smile on his face.
Hu Liena shook her head, resting her chin on her hand. A faintly worried expression appeared on her fair face.
"What treasure? Even if there were something, how could it possibly end up in our hands? There are so many Titled Douluo in Heaven Dou City right now."
"I'm more worried about Teacher. She's been gone for so long. She hasn't come back. I don't know if she's ascended to godhood… where she is… or what she's doing now."
She sighed softly. Although she and Bibi Dong weren't related by blood, as master and disciple, their bond was closer than Bibi Dong's bond with Qian Renxue.
Yan scratched his head and said with a grin, "Nana, you're overthinking. The Pope is practically a god. She's the strongest being on the Douluo Continent—there's no way anything bad could happen."
"When we win the Soul Master Tournament, maybe the Pope will be so pleased she'll show up again."
He said it as if it were obvious.
If they didn't win the tournament, now that would be a real problem.
Hu Liena rolled her eyes. "You think we've got this in the bag? Don't forget the Blue Tyrant team…"
"Who cares about those commoner soul masters?"
Yan dismissed it casually.
Hu Liena sneered, but didn't continue arguing.
Still, when she thought of Zhu Zhuqing, a trace of unease lingered in her heart. Could they really beat her?
Meanwhile, the Soul Master Tournament preparations were progressing steadily.
The Great Spirit Arena had been chosen as the venue.
But in Dan Heng's household, the tournament wasn't seen as anything major.
To them, it was more like a diversion.
After all, something much more important—and joyful—had happened at home: two new little members had arrived!
Especially when Zi Ji came back—she was clearly upset.
She'd finally managed to shake off Bibi Dong.
She couldn't beat her in a fight, nor out-argue her—Zi Ji was practically fuming with frustration!
The moment she returned home, she smelled something new.
As soon as she entered, she lifted her head, wrinkled her nose, and sniffed the air.
"Something's off! Something's off!"
"What is this smell?"
Zi Ji furrowed her brow. Though the two scents were well-hidden, they carried an innate pressure—something powerful, at the level of life itself.
In the courtyard, only Meng Yiran was tidying up. Seeing Zi Ji's strange behavior, she asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"
Zi Ji waved her off. "Don't talk. I'm smelling something weird! There are two strange scents! They weren't here before… it smells like… sweet milk!"
Meng Yiran tilted her head, staring at her in confusion.
New guests at the house? Why not just ask? Why the sniffing?
Zi Ji licked her lips and got closer to Meng Yiran. She took a deep whiff right in front of her chest.
Meng Yiran jumped back, hugging her chest. "What—what are you doing?!"
Zi Ji pointed at her in surprise. "You've started producing milk?"
"???"
Meng Yiran's face went dark. She was still a maiden! How could she be lactating?
"There's a strong scent on you! Tell me—what is it? Is it something edible?!"
Zi Ji wiped her mouth, visibly excited.
Meng Yiran froze, then suddenly remembered—she had held the two babies not long ago. Their scent must have lingered on her.
Zi Ji's nose was terrifyingly sharp.
She even sniffed that out?
"Hand it over! How dare you hide something delicious—no, someone! Let me see! I won't let you hurt anyone in this house!"
Zi Ji declared righteously.
But her throat kept gulping—clearly, she was dying to taste something.
"...I… I…" Meng Yiran was startled by her intensity and took a step back.
Zi Ji pressed forward relentlessly. Her devouring instinct was flaring up intensely.
Those two little babies—not even considering their bloodline—just the life energy absorbed from the Tree of Life's leaves would be enough to make any soul beast insanely jealous!
"Hand them over! Or don't blame me for what happens next…"
Zi Ji grinned, eyes glowing red.
Meng Yiran stared at her, truly frightened now, and kept retreating.
"D-Don't be like this…"
At the doorway, a figure appeared.
Bi Ji walked out holding a baby.
She was carrying Long Long, who was currently asleep, still sucking on his own thumb—utterly adorable.
"Zi Ji…?" Bi Ji called softly.
Zi Ji turned her head and looked at Bi Ji, then her gaze instantly dropped to Long Long—and her mouth fell open in shock.
For a moment, she was completely stunned.
But there was no doubt about it: the intoxicating scent she'd been so obsessed with was coming from Long Long!
"Zi Ji, sis gave birth…"Bi Ji explained in a low voice.
"!!!" Zi Ji immediately wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth at lightning speed.
Then, in the spiritual realm, she gave herself two hard slaps.
How could she have been thinking about eating the lord's child?!
She was utterly disgraceful!
Thank goodness she hadn't said anything out loud.
If the Lord had heard her earlier thoughts, she probably wouldn't be allowed to set foot in the house ever again.
Just thinking about it—
Sweat began pouring from Zi Ji's body. She wiped her forehead, and it was like she had just washed her face.
But the more she wiped, the more sweat came. It just wouldn't stop!
Bi Ji looked at her in confusion and walked forward with concern, asking, "Zi Ji, are you okay? You're sweating so much—are you hurt?"
"No, no, no… I'm just too happy—I've got a nephew now!"Zi Ji gave a sheepish laugh.
In Bi Ji's arms, Long Long noticed Zi Ji's awkward expression and giggled out loud.
Zi Ji looked at Long Long in surprise. "He… he's not afraid of me?"
Soul beasts—especially dragons, the leaders of all creatures—were extremely sensitive to auras.
There was no way he couldn't tell that she was a mature, powerful Dragon King.
And yet… he laughed at her?
"Why would he be afraid of you?" Bi Ji asked with even more confusion.
This is the child of my sister and brother-in-law, she thought. He probably carries the two strongest bloodlines in the world. Why would he fear a 'low-grade dragon' like you?
Zi Ji could read the meaning in Bi Ji's eyes.
Her face turned red with embarrassment and anger. "You…!"
But with the "little ancestor" in Bi Ji's arms, she didn't dare actually do anything—she could only express her attitude with words.
Bi Ji, feeling a bit guilty, said, "Zi Ji, why don't you hold him? He smells so nice and feels so warm and cuddly…"
"What nonsense! You act like holding a baby is addictive! I'm not like you—I don't get all emotional like that!"Zi Ji lifted her head proudly as she spoke.
If not for the sweat soaking her clothes and making them cling to her body, she might have looked a little more dignified.
But Bi Ji didn't give her a chance to refuse—she directly placed Long Long into Zi Ji's arms.
Zi Ji hurriedly caught him, afraid he'd fall.
If Long Long hit the ground, her head would probably be next!
"Bi Ji, you—you—!"
The next day.
Early morning.
Zi Ji ran out of the courtyard carrying Long Long.
She weaved through the streets and entered an inn.
It was the one she had rented for Bibi Dong—a sort of peace offering after being "bullied."
Bang!!!
Zi Ji kicked open the door. It slammed into the wall, breaking the lock.
Inside, Bibi Dong walked out from the bedroom, her face cold.
"Zi Ji! Don't think I'll endlessly tolerate your rudeness!"
Zi Ji stood tall and proud, looking completely different from her messy state the day before. She was fresh and radiant as she held Long Long up in front of Bibi Dong and said:
"So what?! Today I'm letting you see our precious little nephew—consider it an honor! Have you ever seen anything like this? Smells sweet, doesn't he? Mwah!"
Zi Ji gave Long Long a loud kiss on the cheek.
His face was like a giant marshmallow—soft and bouncy.
Bibi Dong stood frozen, staring blankly at Long Long.
"He looks… so much like…"
Seeing Bibi Dong in this daze, Zi Ji grew alert and frowned. "What are you talking about? Don't even think about laying a hand on my precious nephew!"
Bibi Dong suddenly flashed forward, appearing right in front of Zi Ji.
Zi Ji was startled and instinctively clutched Long Long tightly to her chest. She suddenly felt a pang of regret.
She wasn't as strong as Bibi Dong.
If Bibi Dong wanted to hurt Long Long, Zi Ji wouldn't be able to stop her—and she'd become a sinner for life.
"Let me hold him—I just… like him a lot…"Bibi Dong's eyes turned red, full of tenderness.
Zi Ji frowned. From Bibi Dong, she truly didn't feel any malice.
"…Then be gentle."
Bibi Dong gently took Long Long into her arms.
Long Long wasn't shy at all—he reached out and grabbed a lock of Bibi Dong's hair.
His bright, clear eyes were like polished gems.
"Good child… you look so much like your father… I'm sure you'll grow into a great man like him…"Bibi Dong said with a smile.
"Of course! My precious nephew will be even more amazing than his dad!"Zi Ji huffed proudly.
She grabbed Long Long's tiny hand, her eyes full of affection.
She couldn't help thinking—If only I could have such a cute baby too…
But her lord would never agree to that.
Sigh…
"Can I be his godmother?" Bibi Dong suddenly asked.
"!!!"
Zi Ji's eyes widened as she snapped back to reality and shouted in frustration, "What kind of joke is that?! Why should you be his godmother?"
"Give the baby back!"
She hurriedly took Long Long back and warned, "Don't get any ideas! I might not be able to beat you, but there's a protective seal left on Long Long by his parents. If you try to hurt him, you'll be cursed for sure!"
Bibi Dong froze for a moment and quickly waved her hands in denial:
"How could I hurt him? I love him already—I'm serious. I really do want to be his godmother…"
Bibi Dong looked a little hurt. The moment she held Long Long, a certain memory in her heart had been awakened.
She had the sudden urge to cry.
But she didn't dare think too deeply—because if she did, all those buried memories would come flooding back.
"No way! Long Long doesn't need a godmother—he just needs his mother, and then me, his auntie!"Zi Ji said angrily and turned to run.
Now that she had shown him off, she wasn't about to let this love-crazed woman keep eyeing her precious nephew!
(End of Chapter)