Chapter 231: Unwanted Peach Blossoms and Uninvited Guests
"It's a pity that brother isn't here, otherwise I could congratulate him on becoming the fourth genius of the Sun-Moon Empire."
"Senior Sister Meng, please stop persecuting your nephew. I feel like he's already miserable enough."
"It was clearly you who persecuted my poor brother first. You should've seen how pitiful he looked, whimpering after you beat him."
"Alright, that's enough, you two." Jing Hongchen interrupted with a slight frown. "Since the soul ring and soul bone have been obtained, let's leave. After all, this isn't our Sun-Moon Empire's territory. It's not proper to linger too long."
At his words, the group quickly left the Far North. No sooner had they exited than the soul master responsible for monitoring the region immediately reported their movements.
"Your Majesty, the group from the Sun-Moon Empire has left the Far North. Judging by their route, the first major city they will pass through is Dragon City."
"Dragon City? Understood. You may withdraw. Inform the others to head there immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
...
In the most luxurious hotel in Dragon City, Jing Hongchen initially intended to pass through quickly and avoid trouble. However, Xiao Qiang insisted on staying. With little choice, the four of them took time to enjoy the city's scenery.
Watching Xiao Qiang remain calm and unhurried, Jing Hongchen couldn't help but voice his concern. "Are you sure this is wise? News of our location will eventually spread. The Three Kingdoms of Douluo might send people to encircle us."
"Don't worry, Teacher. For some reason, it seems they've known our whereabouts for a while already. In this situation, hiding won't help. It's a perfect opportunity to see if those who come to attack us can contribute a few soul bones."
"They've already discovered us?" Jing Hongchen was startled, but Xiao Qiang's calm demeanor made him pause. "What's your current strength?"
"Not far off from yours, Teacher. Mu Qingxue as well. Her explosive combat power is equal to a Super Douluo with Ultimate Fire. And she's only level 95."
"Considering her six black and three red soul rings, Ultimate Fire, and Angel Martial Soul, any one of those three traits would allow her to contend with a regular Super Douluo despite being a Title Douluo. That's why I brought her. Besides, I have a trump card."
"In that case, the three of us can fight head-on and even kill enemies… But Meng's strength…"
"She's fine. I've already tucked Senior Sister Meng safely into the storage-type soul tool. As long as we're careful during the battle, there's no problem."
Jing Hongchen nodded in relief. He had long since stopped doubting the words of this monstrously talented disciple. "Then I'm reassured. By the way, what's your current soul power level?"
"Eighty-five."
"Eighteen years old… level eighty-five… and your combat strength is comparable to mine…" Jing Hongchen silently walked away, regretting even asking.
Shortly after Jing Hongchen left, a girl around seventeen or eighteen years old walked up to Xiao Qiang.
"What is it?" Xiao Qiang glanced at the girl and sensed her soul power—just over level fifty. He didn't view her as a threat. With a gap of more than thirty levels, unless she was like him and cheated her way to power, she posed no danger. But the problem was—Xiao Qiang had cheated.
"I'm Nan Qiuqiu, young mistress of the Earth Dragon Sect. May I get to know you?"
"Ah?" Xiao Qiang was genuinely baffled by her sudden approach. Back in the Sun-Moon Empire, his background and ties to the Hongchen family meant no one dared casually approach him. Especially not with Meng Hongchen constantly watching.
But this was Dragon City, a remote location in the Douluo continent. Here, no one knew who Xiao Qiang was. Not everyone had watched the Continental High-level Soul Master Competition three years ago, and even if they had, they might not recognize him now. Nan Qiuqiu's situation mirrored how she had been tricked into joining the Tang Sect in the original timeline.
Unaware of Xiao Qiang's identity, Nan Qiuqiu naturally had no hesitation. When she saw a handsome young man, she walked up, just like she did with Wang Dong in the original series.
"Miss Nan Qiuqiu, I'd really rather not get acquainted—especially not now."
Nan Qiuqiu immediately caught on. "Not now? Are you being hunted?"
"More or less."
"That's no problem. I'm not afraid. Our Earth Dragon Sect is among the top sects in this nation. If anyone wants to hunt me, they'd better consider whether they're qualified."
With that, Nan Qiuqiu released her soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and one black. Her fifth ring was a ten-thousand-year one, signaling her noble status.
Just as Xiao Qiang confirmed she was indeed the Nan Qiuqiu from the original story and was about to politely refuse again, Mu Qingxue arrived—trailing a man more than two meters tall with the build of a human tank.
Mu Qingxue walked straight to Xiao Qiang and casually placed a hand on his shoulder. "If you want to get to know me, beat him first."
Xiao Qiang: "???"
He sent a mental message to Mu Qingxue, confused. What is going on?
"He wanted to court me. I wasn't interested, so I kicked him out. But he wouldn't give up and became even more persistent."
Xiao Qiang: "…" As expected of the Douluo Continent's romance capital—two unwanted admirers in one day?
"Yu Tianlong! If you dare hurt him, I'll never forgive you!" Nan Qiuqiu shouted.
Xiao Qiang didn't know who this newcomer was, but Nan Qiuqiu clearly did. The man was Yu Tianlong, heir of the Tianlong Sect.
Yu Tianlong glanced at Nan Qiuqiu but ignored her, his gaze fixed on Mu Qingxue.
"If I defeat him, can we get to know each other?" Yu Tianlong asked, excited. At eighteen and with level 54 soul power, he was confident in facing any peer.
"Sure," Mu Qingxue said calmly, "If you can beat him."
"Alright then, kid, do you dare fight me?"
Xiao Qiang: "…" Thanks. The last time I was this speechless… was the last time.
He was just about to reject the duel when—
Boom!
A sudden explosion ripped through the hotel courtyard.
The attack from Shrek had arrived.