Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Ning Rongrong, as the only daughter of Ning Fengzhi and the designated heir of the sect, naturally understood the meaning behind Yang Xiong's words.

"Little Bear, what do you mean by that? Is the sect not treating you well?"

Yang Xiong smiled. "Rongrong, let me ask you a question. If one day the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect faced a great calamity and needed to sacrifice your two grandfathers to survive, would you make that sacrifice?"

Ning Rongrong shook her head. "No, my Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa are incredibly strong. They won't encounter any danger."

Yang Xiong replied, "There's always someone stronger out there. Neither Sword Douluo nor Bone Douluo is the strongest in the world. You must understand that the most powerful force in the soul master world is the Spirit Hall. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect may be flourishing now, but don't forget—the Hao Tian Sect was once far more prosperous, yet it eventually declined."

Ning Rongrong grew a little agitated. "That won't happen! I've heard about the history of the Hao Tian Sect. The conflict arose because of the death of the previous Pope, Qian Xunji."

Yang Xiong chuckled. "Rongrong, the soul master world is a hundred times crueler than you imagine. Trading one Pope for the entire retreat of the Hao Tian Sect was a huge win for the Spirit Hall. That's why the Spirit Hall has grown so rapidly in recent years. And without the deterrent power of the 'number one sect under heaven,' the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has also flourished."

Ning Rongrong fell silent. No one had ever considered the matter from this perspective.

After pondering for a long time, Ning Rongrong finally spoke. "Little Bear, what did you mean earlier when you said you didn't want to be beneath anyone? Are you thinking of leaving the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Don't forget, I'm the next sect leader."

Yang Xiong drained his teacup before slowly replying, "Rongrong, let me ask you another question. In terms of strength, both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo are among the top experts of this era. With their abilities, they could receive treatment no less favorable than what they get at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. They could even establish their own sects if they wanted to. So why do they remain here? Their influence in the soul master world surpasses even that of Lord Ning."

"If I remember correctly, neither of them originally came from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, yet they've chosen to dedicate their lives to it."

Ning Rongrong quickly interjected, "My Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa love me so much—they'd never leave the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

"Besides, my father and Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa have been through life-and-death situations together. Their bond is beyond what you can imagine."

After this, both fell into silence for a moment.

After a long pause, Yang Xiong continued. "Rongrong, we've spent a lot of time together recently. I think I might actually be developing feelings for you."

Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed slightly. "Who asked for your affection? This young lady is talented, beautiful, and has plenty of admirers."

Yang Xiong couldn't help but swallow nervously. This little devil was too self-absorbed.

"Rongrong, I've been thinking lately about whether we should continue our relationship. You're the little princess of the sect and its future leader. I don't want to be just an ordinary disciple. I want to stand proudly before you, so I can truly have the qualifications to pursue you."

Ning Rongrong responded, "Then what did you mean earlier when you said you didn't want to be beneath anyone? Do you have some other plans?"

Yang Xiong shook his head. "Rongrong, I hope our relationship will be pure, free from any calculation, and equal."

"You and I both know that Lord Ning sent us to Shrek Academy with a purpose—to bring us closer and ensure that I, as your future protector, trust and safeguard you."

Ning Rongrong huffed. "This annoying father of mine—he really doesn't trust me enough."

After some thought, Ning Rongrong asked, "Little Bear, aren't you afraid to tell my father what you just told me?"

A faint smile appeared on Yang Xiong's face. "Rongrong, you're underestimating Lord Ning. In all of the Douluo Continent, no one matches his vision and wisdom. He would be delighted if I became stronger and brought more surprises to the sect. Otherwise, how do you think Lord Ning managed to elevate the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to such heights?"

As Ning Rongrong was still reflecting on Ning Fengzhi, Yang Xiong suddenly reached out and gently touched her cheek. "Rongrong, can you give me a chance—a chance to be your boyfriend?"

Ning Rongrong's cheeks turned slightly red. "Yang Xiong, I hope my boyfriend will be a man who stands tall and refuses to bow to anyone—a true hero of unmatched strength."

Looking at Ning Rongrong's adorable expression, Yang Xiong leaned in and kissed her. Their lips met in an instant, and Ning Rongrong froze in shock.

After what felt like an eternity, Ning Rongrong bit down hard on Yang Xiong's lips, pushed him away, and fled the room with her face flushed red.

Yang Xiong felt a sharp pain in the corner of his mouth as the little devil disappeared in a flash.

---

By evening, everyone gathered at the spirit arena. Ning Rongrong seemed to have vanished entirely that day, not even calling Yang Xiong to eat together as usual.

In the following days, apart from participating in soul battles together, Ning Rongrong began acting more like Zhu Zhuqing—cold and distant, giving off an untouchable vibe.

Over the next month, everyone actively participated in soul battles. All eight members of Shrek Academy earned their Silver Soul Fighter Medals.

Even Oscar and Ning Rongrong, as support-type soul masters, managed to earn points through two-on-two battles and seven-person team battles, securing their Silver Soul Fighter Medals.

In the seven-person team battles, regardless of who wasn't on the stage, the team maintained an undefeated record.

Yang Xiong was particularly busy in these battles, often taking on the role of a powerhouse attacker. Even against teams of Soul Elders, he remained unshaken. At times, he also served as an agile attacker or even a defensive soul master.

On the final day, after defeating a team called the Fierce Gods Squad, the entire team earned their Silver Soul Fighter Medal. Yu Xiaogang officially announced the end of the second phase of training.

After over a month of battles, no one's soul power had improved—except for Zhu Zhuqing, who advanced to level twenty-eight.

At this moment, everyone cheered. Even Ning Rongrong was ecstatic. As a support-type soul master, she was at a significant disadvantage on the battlefield, where a single misstep could lead to being targeted.

Whether in team battles or doubles, Yang Xiong had been especially protective of Ning Rongrong, rescuing her multiple times on the stage. However, Ning Rongrong remained proud, often dismissing his actions with disdain, leaving Yang Xiong feeling awkward.

Since that day, the two hadn't spent any time alone together. Everyone assumed the couple was having some sort of disagreement.

On the day of the final assessment, the two walked together for the first time in a while. Xiao Wu also joined them, keeping a wary eye on Yang Xiong, making him feel exasperated.

That night, there was another celebratory feast to mark the completion of the second phase of training.

Ning Rongrong seemed to have returned to her mischievous self, drinking glass after glass of alcohol. Her tolerance left the boys sweating in embarrassment.

When Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong clinked glasses, she flashed a smug smile. "Little Bear, since I'm in a good mood today, I'll forgive you."

Yang Xiong quickly replied, "Thank you, Rongrong. But one drink isn't enough—we need to drink more!"

Everyone cheered at this, and Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong continued to clink glasses, easing the earlier tension.

Oscar pulled Yang Xiong aside and whispered, "Brother Xiong, what did you do to offend this young lady? You two haven't spoken for a whole month, and now you're finally reconciled."

Yang Xiong smirked and draped his arm around Oscar's shoulder. "Xiao Ao, I've fought alongside you in so many soul battles. Shouldn't we drink a few more rounds?"

After several drinks, Oscar remarked, "Brother Xiong, your alcohol tolerance scares everyone. Who dares to drink with you?"

---

After the feast, everyone returned to the hotel. Both Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had booked luxurious suites on the top floor.

Once they reached the top floor, Yang Xiong led Ning Rongrong to a corner.

Under the influence of alcohol, Yang Xiong guided Ning Rongrong to the wall, pinning her gently against it.

"Rongrong, it's been a while. Your anger must have subsided by now. Can you accept being my girlfriend?"

Ning Rongrong, already slightly tipsy from drinking, had a faint blush on her face. She looked even more captivating.

"You said you didn't want to be beneath anyone, yet your soul power is still one level lower than mine."

Yang Xiong laughed. "Just one level? I'll catch up to you soon."

Ning Rongrong displayed a hint of pride. "Don't forget, I'm a cultivation prodigy. I'm working hard too. It won't be easy for you to surpass me."

Yang Xiong declared, "Let's not talk about soul power anymore. From today onward, you're my girlfriend. I won't let anyone bully you."

Ning Rongrong smirked. "With Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa protecting me, who could possibly harm me?"

Yang Xiong chuckled. "Rongrong, have you forgotten? During every match, you've hidden behind me. I've saved you countless times."

Ning Rongrong replied, "Considering how hard you've worked, I suppose I can reluctantly agree to be your girlfriend."

Yang Xiong's face lit up with joy as he embraced Ning Rongrong. Perhaps this was the first time in his past or present life that he held a girl, savoring her fragrance. He felt completely intoxicated.

---

As everyone celebrated the end of training, Yu Xiaogang and Flender appeared unusually serious.

Yu Xiaogang said, "The children have performed exceptionally well. Even I'm astonished by their performance in the spirit arena. Perhaps they really can create history."

"The head of the spirit arena approached me today, hoping we'd arrange a seven-person match for the Shrek Team. I think we should take this seriously."

Flender shook his head. "Xiaogang, you know how powerful our opponents are. Out of the eight members of Shrek, four are still Great Soul Masters, while the opposing team consists entirely of Soul Elders. Just looking at their martial souls reveals their exceptional nature. Moreover, all of them have optimal soul rings—clearly, they're no ordinary group."

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