Chapter Text
As the final day of their diplomatic mission in the Tian Dou Empire approached, Chen Xin’s cold exterior was firmly in place. He spoke little, his words clipped and his expression unreadable. Gu Rong kept his distance, his eyes lingering on Chen Xin but never approaching, the space between them filled with unresolved tension.
Ning Fengzhi, ever perceptive, had begun to notice the shift. He watched the Sword Douluo with growing concern, his sharp gaze picking up on the subtle changes in Chen Xin’s demeanor. But there was little time to address it. The final negotiations with the Tian Dou Empire loomed, and the diplomatic mission would soon come to a close.
But before they could depart, Yue Guan approached Chen Xin in a secluded part of the palace, his expression unreadable.
“Sword Douluo,” Yue Guan said quietly, his voice carrying a weight that made Chen Xin’s hackles rise. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”
Chen Xin’s silver eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. “What is it, Yue Guan?” His voice was as cold as the steel he wielded.
Yue Guan offered a small, tight smile, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. “I have a proposition for you. You see, I’ve been at a standstill… My cultivation has reached a plateau, and I need help breaking through to level 95.”
Chen Xin’s gaze sharpened, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Yue Guan’s smile widened slightly, though it never reached his eyes. “I know what you are, Chen Xin. Your secret… your Omega nature. It would be unfortunate if such knowledge were to fall into the wrong hands, don’t you think?”
Chen Xin’s blood ran cold, his grip tightening on his sword. “Are you threatening me, Yue Guan?”
Yue Guan chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Not at all, my dear Sword Douluo. I’m simply offering you a choice. Help me, and your secret remains safe. Refuse… and, well, I can’t guarantee that everyone will remain as in the dark as they are now.”
Chen Xin’s mind raced, the weight of Yue Guan’s words pressing down on him. His heart pounded in his chest, but his face remained impassive, his expression cold and unreadable. He couldn’t speak to Gu Rong about this—not after everything that had happened. And yet, the thought of helping Yue Guan, filled him with dread.
“I’ll give you time to think about it,” Yue Guan said lightly, turning to leave. “But don’t take too long. The window of opportunity is small.”
As Yue Guan disappeared into the shadows, Chen Xin stood frozen, his mind spinning. What was he going to do?
Chen Xin and Gu Rong stepped off the carriage as they arrived back at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The tension between them was almost palpable, though neither said a word. Their expressions remained cold and composed, as was expected of the two strongest titled Douluos of the clan. Yet, anyone who truly knew them would sense that something was off—there was a distance, an unspoken rift that neither seemed willing to bridge.
As they entered the courtyard, Ning Rongrong rushed to greet them, her usual exuberance filling the air as she smiled brightly at her two mentors.
"Grandpa Sword! Grandpa Bone!" she called out, her voice full of excitement. Her steps were light as she approached, the joy of seeing her two protectors evident on her face.
Chen Xin’s icy gaze softened slightly as Ning Rongrong approached, though his stoic demeanor remained intact. Gu Rong, on the other hand, offered a small, warm smile, his easygoing nature shining through the heaviness he carried inside.
"Ning Rongrong," Chen Xin acknowledged, his tone composed but noticeably gentler than usual.
"You’re back!" she said, stopping in front of them and giving them both an enthusiastic smile. "I’ve missed you both. There’s so much I have to tell you!"
Gu Rong chuckled softly. "We haven’t been gone that long, Rongrong," he said, his voice light. But the tension in his shoulders didn’t fully ease. "But it’s good to see you’re still as energetic as ever."
Rongrong’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "You don’t understand, Grandpa Bone! So much has happened while you were away. Tang San, Master, and all the teachers at Shrek Academy—they’ve helped me improve so much! I’m not the same weak little Ning Rongrong anymore."
Chen Xin’s expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes. "You’ve improved?" he asked, his voice cool but curious.
Ning Rongrong beamed, nodding enthusiastically. "You won’t believe it until you see it!" she exclaimed. "Thanks to Tang San and the Shrek Seven Devils, I’ve become so much stronger. Let me show you!"
Without waiting for a response, Ning Rongrong summoned her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with a swift, practiced movement. The radiant tower gleamed brightly in the sunlight, the power of her martial soul filling the courtyard. "Watch this!"
She quickly unleashed the enhancements, sending out boosts to agility, strength, and defense with ease. The precision of her control was clear—each enhancement stronger, faster, and more refined than before. She moved gracefully, her power evident in every action as the energy of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shimmered in the air.
Chen Xin observed quietly, his sharp eyes assessing every movement, every sign of her progress. "Your control has improved significantly," he noted, his voice steady but carrying a hint of approval. "You’ve grown."
Gu Rong nodded in agreement, a proud smile on his face. "Looks like Shrek Academy has been good for you, Rongrong," he said warmly. "Tang San and the others must have pushed you hard."
Ning Rongrong nodded, her smile widening. "Tang San, Oscar, Dai Mubai, and the rest—they’ve all been amazing. We’ve trained so hard together. I’m stronger now because of them. And, oh! I’ve entered the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament with the Shrek Seven Devils!"
At this, both Chen Xin and Gu Rong looked at her with mild surprise.
"The tournament?" Chen Xin’s tone was sharp, his brow furrowing slightly. "That’s dangerous. Are you certain you’re ready?"
Ning Rongrong’s expression turned serious, her determination evident. "Yes. I’ve trained so much, Grandpa Sword. We all have. Tang San, especially, has helped me improve. He’s amazing! And with Master leading us, I know we can do this."
Gu Rong chuckled softly. "Always so sure of yourself," he teased gently, though his eyes held a trace of concern. "But if you believe you’re ready, then we’ll trust your judgment. Just… be careful."
Chen Xin remained silent for a moment, his cold eyes studying her closely. His mind was swirling with other concerns—Yue Guan’s threat, the unresolved tension with Gu Rong—but Ning Rongrong’s growth was clear. He couldn’t deny that she had come a long way.
"Very well," he said after a pause. "If you’ve made this decision, I’ll support it. But remember, the tournament is not just a test of strength—it’s a political arena. Be mindful of those around you."
Rongrong nodded firmly. "I understand. But with Tang San, I know we’ll be able to face anything."
Gu Rong smiled, though the weight of his own guilt and desire was still heavy on his shoulders. "You’ve come a long way, Rongrong. We’re proud of you.