**CHAPTER 11: BAI XIUXIU AND...**
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"...Bai Xiuxiu."
Tianlong froze for a moment upon hearing that name. A small wave of surprise ran down his spine.
That name was not unfamiliar to him. Bai Xiuxiu... the Princess of the Demon Spirit Great White Shark clan, the Heiress of the Ice Abyss Dragon lineage, and the future partner of Tang Xuanyu—the protagonist of Soul Land IV.
"So that's it..." he thought. "This world is definitely not the original timeline of Douluo Dalu I... and that's very, very concerning."
He remained silent for a moment, suppressing any expression that might reveal his agitation. He couldn't—and shouldn't—show that he recognized that name. Not yet.
"It's a beautiful name," he said finally, with a light, relaxed smile. "If it's not too much trouble... could you tell me how you ended up in that cage?"
Bai Xiuxiu hesitated for a second, sizing him up with a wary gaze. But there was something about Tianlong that inspired trust. After a brief sigh, she nodded slightly.
"I arrived in this city a few days ago with a friend. We were traveling, looking for a safe city where we could enroll in a primary academy. But... we got separated. And while I was searching for her, I was ambushed by a group of bandits."
Her voice trembled slightly, but she didn't look away. "I fought. I tried to escape. But they were too strong, and they knocked me out and ended up selling me to the auction house."
Tianlong listened in silence, his golden eyes fixed on her. After a brief pause, he asked:
"Those bandits... was their leader a Soul Ancestor? A huge guy, dressed in black, with a Black Bear martial soul?"
Bai Xiuxiu's eyes widened. "Yes... he was the leader. Do you know them?"
"Knew," he replied calmly. "We ran into them last night, on the road leading to the city. They tried to do to me what they did to you..."
He shrugged, his lips curving into a calm smile.
"They're all dead now."
She blinked, surprised.
"You... killed them? By yourself?"
"Yeah. I'm pretty strong."
"Hmph. Liar. You're my age; how could you defeat all of them?"
She crossed her arms and pouted, narrowing her eyes in skepticism.
Tianlong grinned wider. "Don't believe me? Then see for yourself."
With a fluid hand gesture, he summoned his martial soul. Behind him, the majestic figure of the Divine Dragon of Creation appeared, its scales gleaming in pure white with silvery hues. Beneath his feet, two purple rings pulsed with radiant light.
Bai Xiuxiu gasped.
The moment that martial soul appeared, a strange sensation coursed through her body—warm, vibrant, as if something inside her had been touched. Her spiritual energy seemed to surge suddenly, multiplying.
"How... how do you have two purple rings? One for the first and another for the second... isn't that impossible?"
Tianlong placed a finger to his lips, making a shushing gesture. "Hehe... it's a secret."
"Hmph... meanie."
She turned her face slightly, but couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips.
"Anyway... thank you for taking care of them," she said, her eyes more serious now. "I swear, sooner or later, I would've avenged myself."
"So, what now?" asked Tianlong, crossing his arms. "Got anywhere to go?"
"I was thinking of heading to the capital... or maybe some bigger city where I could enroll in an academy. You know... we spirit beasts, if we want to evolve and adapt to the human world, need to stay close to them. It's the only way for our aura to better assimilate with theirs—and thus strengthen our cultivation."
"That's why I thought about going to a primary academy, a place where there'd be no threats to me and where I could learn about the human world."
Tianlong nodded thoughtfully.
"Yeah, that makes sense... But it's also dangerous. Bigger cities have Titled Douluos, even if only occasionally. Ever heard of Dugu Bo? The Poison Douluo? His granddaughter studies at the primary academy of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. If he showed up and noticed your identity..."
Bai Xiuxiu's face paled.
"Poison... Douluo? I... had no idea..."
She bit her lip, clearly uneasy. Tianlong stepped closer, his voice now softer:
"If you want... you can come with me."
She looked at him, surprised.
"With you?"
"I'm from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. One of the three great sects of the continent. We have a primary academy within the clan. It's safe. There... there are powerful people. But no one will harm spirit beasts like us."
Bai Xiuxiu's eyes widened.
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan...?"
"Yeah, I'm from that clan, and the man who helped save you is my uncle and one of the clan's elders... He's also a Titled Douluo."
Yu Leihao gave a slight nod. "If you decide to come, you'll be safe with us."
"He's right... He might look grumpy, but he's a good guy," said Tianlong, laughing. "A bit... weird, maybe."
"Watch your mouth, brat," grumbled Leihao, though he couldn't suppress a smile.
Bai Xiuxiu let out a soft giggle. For the first time, she seemed to relax a little.
"Want to see something cool?"
Tianlong summoned, with a glow on his forehead, two small spiritual figures. Floating beside him appeared Xiao Bao, the silver-eyed fox, and Kongkong, the white octopus with a sleepy expression.
Bai Xiuxiu's eyes widened again. She instantly felt the dense, imposing aura emanating from the two.
"They... they're hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts?!"
"Yes, our clan currently has five 100,000-year-old spirit beasts. Including the three of us, there's also my half-sister and my mother, who is the protector of the clan. She is a powerful spirit beast over 300,000 years old."
"With my mother in the clan, no one would ever dare harm you," said Tianlong with a smile.
She covered her mouth, astonished.
"So in your clan... humans and spirit beasts coexist?"
Tianlong nodded. "More or less. Not everyone in the clan knows about it, just the Titled Douluos, and now you too."
Bai Xiuxiu fell silent. Her gaze drifted for a moment—confusion, surprise, hope. She was processing everything. And perhaps... considering the offer.
But before she could say anything—
"Go with him where?"
The voice cut through the air like a blade.
Cold. Arrogant. And feminine.
The three turned toward the alley's entrance, where a new figure approached, enveloped in a faint icy aura.
A girl emerged from the shadows, walking with determined steps. She was the same age as Bai Xiuxiu, with white hair tied with a blue ribbon and eyes of the same deep, icy blue. Her face bore a fierce expression, one that didn't accept simple answers.
Upon seeing her, Bai Xiuxiu's eyes widened in relief.
"Mengqin!"
She ran to the newcomer and hugged her tightly. The other hesitated for a second but soon returned the embrace with a tense sigh.
"Where were you?!" asked Lan Mengqin, still holding the hug tightly. "I looked for you all day! And now I find you in an alley with... two complete strangers?"
Her eyes narrowed as she glared at Tianlong and Leihao, sizing them up coldly.
"What's going on here?"
Bai Xiuxiu held her friend's hand tightly and then began to recount everything that had happened to her over the past few days.
She spoke about the moment she was ambushed by bandits, then fighting them, only to be defeated and captured. She was later sold by them to someone from the auction house, who planned to display and sell her because of her beautiful appearance. Just as the guards were about to take her into the auction house—
"These two showed up and got me out of the cage before it was too late," she said, finishing the story and casting a grateful glance at TianLong and Yu Leihao.
Lan Mengqin slowly turned to Tianlong and Leihao, her eyes still slightly wary. For a moment, silence hung in the air.
"So... you're the ones who saved her?" she asked, her voice more restrained.
"Yeah... We arrived in the city a few hours ago and saw a group of mercenaries carrying her in a cage, so we quickly decided to help her," replied Tianlong calmly.
Mengqin looked at Xiuxiu, who nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with gratitude.
The girl's icy aura softened. She let out a long sigh and, with a slight gesture, bowed her head in respect.
"Thank you... for helping my friend."
"No big deal... By the way, I didn't get a chance to introduce myself. My name is Yu Tianlong. And this is my uncle, Yu Leihao," said Tianlong with a slight smile.
"Hmm," murmured Leihao, arms crossed, but with a subtle nod.
Lan Mengqin narrowed her eyes, studying Tianlong for a few more seconds, until her expression lost its chill and became merely cautious.
"So... this is the friend you mentioned earlier?" asked Tianlong, turning his gaze to Bai Xiuxiu.
"Yes, this is my friend Lan Mengqin," replied the girl, a smile on her face.
"Good... now that things are calmer, Xiuxiu, I wanted to reinforce what I said earlier. The offer still stands. If you want, you can come with me to my clan's academy."
Lan Mengqin immediately turned her eyes to her friend. "Offer? What offer?"
Bai Xiuxiu hesitated for a moment. She looked at Tianlong, then at Mengqin. "He... invited me to go with them. To study at the primary academy of his clan."
Mengqin frowned, her suspicion growing. "His clan? And why would a stranger invite you like that, out of nowhere?"
Tianlong crossed his arms, leaning against the alley wall with a light, honest smile. "As you know... Bai Xiuxiu isn't an ordinary person."
Lan Mengqin stared at him. "What do you mean?"
"She's like me, a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast."
Shock crossed Mengqin's face like a blade.
"What?"
Bai Xiuxiu blushed instantly. Her eyes widened, and she looked away, clearly uncomfortable. "I... I was going to tell you. I just didn't know how."
"Xiuxiu... you... you really are...?" Lan Mengqin stepped closer, lightly touching her friend's shoulder.
Tianlong raised his hands in a gesture of apology. "Sorry for speaking out. I thought she'd already told you."
Bai Xiuxiu nodded slowly. "Yes, it's true. I'm a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast. I transformed into a human some time ago... but I swear I'm not dangerous, Mengqin. I'm sorry, I swear I was going to tell you someday, it's just that..."
"You weren't sure if you could trust me, were you?" said Lan Mengqin, slightly sad.
"That's... I'm sorry," said Bai Xiuxiu, her eyes teary.
Mengqin sighed, a sad smile curving her lips. "I understand. Hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts are legends. They say a hundred-thousand-year ring makes someone almost invincible. It must be heavy to carry that secret."
Bai Xiuxiu looked up, surprised. "You... you're not mad?"
Mengqin shook her head, squeezing her friend's shoulder. "No, Xiuxiu. I just want you to trust me. We're friends, aren't we?"
Tianlong watched, a glint of respect in his eyes. "You've got a great friend, Xiuxiu. And the invitation isn't just for you. If Mengqin wants, she can come too."
Mengqin raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Me? Why?"
Tianlong smiled, pointing at her. "Because you're her friend. Bai Xiuxiu might feel a bit lonely at first in a place where she doesn't know anyone... And also for another reason... Something tells me that besides being beautiful, you must be very strong too. Our clan values talent, especially those with beast-type martial souls."
Mengqin huffed, but a faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her curiosity. "Trying to flatter me, kid? It won't be that easy."
Tianlong laughed, his golden eyes sparkling with amusement. He spread his arms, carefree. "Haha... I wasn't lying, I'm serious."
Mengqin narrowed her eyes, turning her gaze to him. The alley breeze stirred her snow-white hair, and her posture stiffened. "Xiuxiu told me something earlier... She said she was captured by bandits. That they were all spirit masters. And the leader was a Soul Ancestor, rank 40."
Mengqin crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "She said *you* killed them all. Alone. But, seriously, that's hard to believe. If you want us to trust you and your clan, be honest. Don't lie like that, or it'll be hard to accept an offer from a liar."
Tianlong smiled, unfazed. "It's not a lie. It was me."
Mengqin scoffed, incredulous. "You? A kid our age. Killed twenty spirit masters, including a rank 40?"
Tianlong looked at Yu Leihao, who was leaning against the alley wall, watching silently. "Uncle Leihao, back me up here."
Leihao looked at him, not expecting to be called into the conversation. "Yes, it's true, he's not lying. Xiao Long is the greatest genius of our clan. He's already at rank 20 at just six years old, so he could naturally take on an ordinary Soul Ancestor like that bandit."
"You... Liar? You're really at rank 20, but you're our age," said Mengqin in shock, unable to believe it, as she and Bai Xiuxiu were the same age as Tianlong and far from reaching rank 20.
Mengqin was currently at rank 13, and Bai Xiuxiu was at rank 12.
Such a level at just six years old was already considered supreme talent in that world, and it also meant both were born with full innate soul power.
"He's telling the truth; he really is above rank 20," said Bai Xiuxiu, confirming it, as she had seen his two rings a few minutes ago, which clearly showed he was speaking the truth.
"Xiuxiu, you've got a lot to learn... You can't trust..." Mengqin started, but she was quickly interrupted by something Tianlong did.
He swiftly summoned his Divine Dragon of Creation martial soul, making his two purple rings appear beneath his feet as well.
"This... is... impossible," she said, unable to believe it even as she saw it.
"How... How do you have two purple rings? Isn't that impossible?" she asked, shocked and surprised, turning to Tianlong.
"It was easy, I just did... Hehe, it's a secret," he said, pretending to explain before making a shushing gesture with his hand, just as he had with Bai Xiuxiu.
"You big meanie," she said, pouting as well.
"Hahaha," Tianlong and Bai Xiuxiu laughed simultaneously at Mengqin's expression.
"Now do you believe me?" said Tianlong.
"Hmm... Sorry for not believing you," she said, lowering her head in apology.
Tianlong shrugged, a confident smile on his face.
"No problem, I know it was hard to believe, but if you want even more proof, how about a test?" He pointed at Mengqin and Xiuxiu. "You two against me. A fight to gauge my strength. And to show I wasn't lying."
Mengqin tilted her head, intrigued and curious. "A fight? Seriously?"
Tianlong winked, his tone teasing. "To keep it fair, I won't even use my martial soul. Just my techniques. What do you think?"
Xiuxiu hesitated, her sky-blue eyes filled with concern. "Tianlong, you don't need to do this, we already..."
Mengqin quickly cut her off, smiling with a competitive glint in her eyes. "Sure, we accept... I'd really like to see how strong you are."
Tianlong chuckled softly. "Great, I'd also like to test your strength."
Lan Mengqin was a genius in her own right. Since childhood, she had never lost to anyone her age. Until she met Bai Xiuxiu, her rival and friend. Their fights always ended in heated draws, and that's how their friendship was born. In the heat of battle and mutual respect.
But today, she had finally met an opponent her age with soul rings unlike anything she'd ever seen. So today, she was truly curious to see how strong he was and how great her inferiority to him might be.
Xiuxiu sighed, giving in. "Alright... I'm in too. But no overdoing it, okay?"
Tianlong nodded, pointing outside the alley. "This place is too cramped. Let's find an open space. Vast Sea City must have a training field somewhere."
Mengqin crossed her arms, already walking. "I hope you're as good as you talk, kid."
Leihao approached Tianlong, whispering. "Xiao Long, you're really a show-off... I didn't know you were this bad, I didn't know you liked beating up little girls like that," said Leihao, making a funny gesture to mock Tianlong.
He obviously knew that even without using his martial soul, Tianlong could easily defeat both girls, which is why he decided to tease him.
Tianlong smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Tch... I'm just curious to see how strong they are, and also, with this, they might end up joining our clan."
A few minutes later.
They arrived at an empty lot on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by rocks and sparse trees. The full moon illuminated the space, perfect for a fight. Mengqin and Xiuxiu took their positions, their spiritual auras beginning to pulse. Tianlong stood in the center, fists relaxed, a confident smile on his lips.
"Ready?" he asked, his golden eyes sparkling.
Mengqin laughed, summoning her martial soul. "Don't cry later saying it was unfair."
Behind her, an ethereal figure appeared, unlike any common martial soul. It was a woman with snow-white skin, dressed in a shimmering blue outfit, a crown of sparkling crystals on her head.
The Heavenly Snow Woman.
The spirit of the strongest spirit beast from the Far North, emanating an icy aura that instantly lowered the temperature in the area.
Beside her, Bai Xiuxiu also summoned her martial soul, a Demon Great White Shark, massive and floating around her as if swimming in the air.
Leihao, positioned as the referee, raised his hand. "Everyone ready... Begin!"
Mengqin acted quickly:
1st Spiritual Skill: Blizzard Tornado
She floated, rising into the air. The temperature plummeted, and snowflakes began to fall, swirling into a fierce tornado around her.
"Take this!" she shouted, directing the blizzard at Tianlong.
Xiuxiu moved in sync, invoking her:
1st Spiritual Skill: Ice Control
With a gesture, she created a sharp ice spear, launching it at Tianlong. The air crackled as she manipulated the element, forming ice spikes that emerged from the ground.
Tianlong smiled, remaining relaxed. He activated Observation Haki, glimpsing two seconds into the future. With fluid movements, he dodged the tornado, the snowflakes grazing his tunic.
The ice spear came, but he spun, evading it with Shunpo and reappearing meters away.
"Fast!" exclaimed Mengqin, surprised. She intensified the tornado, the snow cutting like blades.
Xiuxiu frowned, focused. She shaped the ice into a wave, trying to freeze Tianlong's feet:
"You won't escape that easily!"
Tianlong laughed, leaping to avoid the ice. He kept his promise—no martial soul, just his techniques.
"You're good, but you need to be faster!"
Mengqin huffed, irritated. "Don't underestimate us!"
She glanced at Xiuxiu, a silent understanding passing between them. Their auras aligned, ice and snow beginning to merge. Mengqin's tornado gained Xiuxiu's ice fragments, becoming a deadly storm that tore up the ground.
Tianlong raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Now we're talking!"
He stopped merely dodging and shifted to attack mode. With Armament Haki, he coated his hands but used only open palms, avoiding punches. He charged through the tornado, striking Xiuxiu's ice spear with his hand, shattering it.
Mengqin tried to trap him with the blizzard, but Tianlong used Shunpo, appearing behind her. With a light tap on her shoulder, he threw her off balance.
"Almost got me!"
Xiuxiu rushed forward, creating an ice barrier. Tianlong spun, striking the barrier with his palm, cracking it effortlessly. He moved like a specter, always one step ahead.
On the sidelines, Yuanzhen, the Patriarch, arrived, crossing his arms. He frowned, seeing Tianlong facing two girls. "Leihao, what the hell is going on? Why is Xiao Long beating up two little girls?"
Leihao swallowed hard, gesturing nervously. "Patriarch, it's not what it looks like! They're friends... or almost. Xiuxiu was captured by those bandits and sold to the auction house, and Xiao Long saved her. Then he invited both of them to our clan, but Mengqin doubted his strength. So... it turned into this, basically," said Leihao, then recounting the whole story to the Patriarch.
Yuanzhen narrowed his eyes. "And he's fighting without his martial soul?"
Leihao nodded, sweating. "Yeah... he said it was to keep it fair."
Yuanzhen snorted, but a glint of pride passed through his eyes. "That kid..."
Meanwhile, the fight was in full swing. Mengqin and Xiuxiu intensified their attacks, the ice and snow storm covering the terrain.
Tianlong dodged with the Eight Inner Gates, the third gate amplifying his speed. He struck with his palms, disarming the girls without hurting them.
But their energies began to wane. Mengqin was panting, the tornado weakening. Xiuxiu stumbled, her ice spear falling. Tianlong saw his chance. He used the full power of the third gate, causing his green aura around him to surge dramatically.
Then, in a blur, he charged, raising his fists as if to punch both their heads.
Mengqin and Xiuxiu froze, eyes wide. But at the last second, Tianlong stopped, giving only a flick to each of their foreheads.
The two staggered, falling to the ground, dazed. The terrain fell silent, the snow settling.
Tianlong laughed, extending his hands to help them up. "You're amazing. Seriously. That ice and snow fusion? Genius."
Mengqin rubbed her forehead, huffing. "You... stopped on purpose, didn't you?"
Xiuxiu blushed, accepting his hand. "You're way too strong, Tianlong."
Tianlong smiled. "Hmm... You're strong too, strong enough for our clan. What do you think of the offer now?"
Mengqin looked at Xiuxiu, a slow smile forming. "Alright, kid. We'll accept. Your primary academy sounds... interesting. And if we can get as strong as you, that'd be great."
Xiuxiu nodded, her eyes shining. "Me too. I want to get stronger."
"I'm glad to hear that... I can promise you'll get stronger there than anywhere else, but..." He winked, teasingly.
"Surpass me? That'll be harder."
The two pouted, Mengqin crossing her arms. "We'll see, you cocky jerk!"
Yuanzhen and Leihao approached. The Patriarch crossed his arms, glaring at Tianlong sternly and saying,
"Xiao Long, what's this about beating up little girls? And almost starting a war with the auction house to save this girl?"
Tianlong scratched the back of his neck, laughing nervously. "Sorry, Patriarch... but it was worth it, right?"
Yuanzhen sighed but gave a discreet thumbs-up. "For saving Xiuxiu and bringing two geniuses to the clan? You're forgiven. But don't do it again... Or at least warn me next time."
He turned to Mengqin and Xiuxiu, his voice softening. "Welcome, girls. I'm Yu Yuanzhen, the current Patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Leihao told me everything that happened... Don't worry, Xiuxiu, in the clan, I promise no one will harm you, and I also promise that our clan's primary academy is one of the best in the world."
Xiuxiu smiled, relieved. "Thank you, sir."
Mengqin raised an eyebrow but nodded.
Leihao shook his head, murmuring. "Well... Time to head back to the clan, then."
The day passed, the night bringing the bustle of Vast Sea City. The next morning, five figures boarded the carriage: Yuanzhen, Leihao, Tianlong, Mengqin, and Xiuxiu. The driver cracked the reins, and the group set off toward the clan, leaving the port city behind.
....