Douluo Dalu: Beginning with Signing in with Yan Lingji

Chapter 188: Zhao Ming, Peerless

Seeing Zhao Ming's gentle treatment of his daughter, Zhu Zihao nodded with satisfaction. From the look in Zhao Ming's eyes, he could tell that Zhao Ming genuinely cared for Zhuqing, far more than Dai Mubai ever could. With such a powerful and talented young man who was sincere to Zhuqing and whom she also liked, this was nothing short of a match made in heaven.

As for Dai Mubai, compared to Zhao Ming, he was nothing more than trash.

He had always been worried about Zhuqing being with Dai Mubai because Dai Mubai's level of cultivation meant only a path of suffering for Zhuqing. But now that Zhao Ming was in the picture, Dai Mubai could be cast aside.

"Let's consider today's events a misunderstanding and pretend they never happened."

"Since you are Zhuqing's father, you are my elder. How about I call you Uncle Zhu from now on?" Zhao Ming smiled, looking at Zhu Zihao with a hint of friendliness. Despite everything, Zhu Zihao was still Zhuqing's father. Zhao Ming knew that Zhu Zhuqing had deep affection for her family. In such a situation, he couldn't afford to let their relationship become strained.

He didn't want to make his precious Zhuqing sad because of him. Zhuqing was so beautiful; how could he bear to see her unhappy?

Moreover, Zhu Zihao's actions stemmed from a desire to protect Zhuqing. After all, it would be absurd for any man to simply walk in and claim such a beautiful girl like Zhuqing. She was a treasure, and only someone like him deserved her.

"Of course. From now on, just call me Uncle Zhu. I can rest easy knowing that Zhuqing is in your hands," Zhu Zihao said with a broad smile, clearly pleased with Zhao Ming.

A man with such strong talent, who was also so humble, must have a good character.

"Hello, I'm Zhuqing's older sister, Zhu Zhuyun." Zhu Zhuyun approached with a faint fragrance, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity as she extended her delicate hand toward Zhao Ming.

Standing before him was Zhu Zhuyun, with a slender, perfect figure and a faint, pleasant scent.

As Zhu Zhuqing's elder sister, Zhu Zhuyun was also incredibly beautiful. Both sisters had stunning faces, but Zhu Zhuyun's figure was even more exceptional.

Zhao Ming couldn't help but feel pity for such a beautiful woman being paired with someone like Davis. She deserved better.

A girl like Zhu Zhuyun deserved a good match. Davis, who was likely no different from Dai Mubai, didn't deserve her.

However, despite Zhu Zhuyun's beauty, Zhao Ming had no inappropriate thoughts about her. After all, she was Zhuqing's sister. In such a situation, how could he possibly have any improper thoughts?

"My name is Zhao Ming," Zhao Ming said with a bright smile as he extended his hand to shake Zhu Zhuyun's soft one. He only held it briefly before letting go, mindful that Zhuqing was present.

Zhao Ming's respectful gesture left a favorable impression on Zhu Zhuyun. If it had been any other man, they might have tried to take advantage of the situation and hold her hand longer, but Zhao Ming didn't. This act spoke volumes about his character, proving that he was worthy of her sister.

"By the way, how old are you? You don't seem to be older than twenty," Zhu Zhuyun asked with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

Zhao Ming was incredibly powerful, even surpassing her father's strength. If he were under twenty and possessed such power, it would be astonishing. Of course, it was also possible that he simply looked young and was actually older. If he was already thirty, that would still be remarkable. Achieving such power by thirty would make him a rare talent on the continent.

Even if he were a bit older than Zhuqing, it wouldn't be a problem. Soul masters lived long lives on the Douluo Continent, so a slight age difference didn't matter.

Zhu Zihao also watched Zhao Ming curiously, eager to know his age. He wanted to understand just how extraordinary Zhao Ming's talent truly was.

Zhao Ming paused, a look of surprise freezing his warm smile.

Did he really look that old?

Seeing Zhao Ming's expression, Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zihao assumed that he wasn't as young as they had hoped.

Feeling awkward, Zhu Zhuyun smiled apologetically. "Even if you're already thirty, with your abilities, you're still an incredibly rare talent."

"Pfft," Zhu Zhuqing giggled at her sister and father's expressions, finding their misunderstanding amusing.

"Sister, Zhao Ming is even younger than you. He's not thirty at all."

"What?" Zhu Zhuyun exclaimed in shock. She was nineteen, seven years older than Zhu Zhuqing, yet Zhao Ming was younger than her?

"Of course. Zhao Ming and I are the same age—twelve." Zhu Zhuqing smiled radiantly, holding onto Zhao Ming's arm. She felt a surge of happiness. Her man was extraordinary, a once-in-a-lifetime hero.

"What?" Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zihao gasped simultaneously, their eyes filled with disbelief. They had speculated about Zhao Ming's age after he demonstrated his power—whether he might be twenty or even thirty.

But twelve? Such a possibility had never crossed their minds.

A talent like this—did it truly exist in the world?

"Twelve years old, a Soul Emperor? Or..." Zhu Zihao took a deep breath as he stared at Zhao Ming. His view of Zhao Ming had changed yet again.

Such a prodigy—if it meant securing his daughter's future, he wouldn't hesitate to offer Zhao Ming the hand of any other beautiful girl from the Zhu family as well. If it meant solidifying this alliance, why not?

A person like this was destined to become a dominant force on the continent.

"Uncle, you're giving me too much credit. Even if I trained non-stop, I couldn't reach the level of a Soul Emperor. I'm only at the fortieth rank right now," Zhao Ming replied with a modest smile. After absorbing the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's right arm bone, he had broken through to rank thirty-nine. Over the past month, he had gained one more rank, reaching rank forty.

Saying this, Zhao Ming placed his hand on the blue crystal in front of him. Instantly, the crystal glowed, displaying Zhao Ming's rank as forty.

"Forty?" Zhu Zihao observed the reading carefully and nodded seriously. Twelve years old and already at rank forty—such a talent was indeed extraordinary, but not beyond belief.

After all, he had initially thought Zhao Ming's power exceeded that of a Soul Emperor.

"But, Zhao Ming, it seemed your strength just now..." Zhu Zihao hesitated.

"Father, Zhao Ming's spirit power might only be at rank forty, but his strength is comparable to that of a Soul Emperor. He defeated Teacher Li Yusong of our academy when he was only in his thirties," Zhu Zhuqing said proudly.

"Li Yusong? The one with the Dragon-patterned Staff?" Zhu Zihao's eyebrows shot up in surprise. The Dragon-patterned Staff was a high-level weapon martial soul, and Zhu Zihao knew of its owner. Li Yusong was of a similar age and power level to himself, so he was well aware of his abilities.

"Yes," Zhu Zhuqing confirmed with a nod.

Zhu Zihao's eyes flickered. If Zhao Ming's strength was enough to defeat Li Yusong, he could definitely defeat him as well.

At twelve years old, with such power and abilities, he was indeed one of a kind.

Thinking that such a young man would become his son-in-law, Zhu Zihao couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.

Once Zhao Ming grew stronger, the Zhu family would benefit from his protection.

At that point, how powerful would the Zhu family become? Even the Tang Clan of the Clear Sky Sect might have to show them respect.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.