Chapter 42: The Ten-Day Agreement

Chapter 42: The Ten-Day Agreement

At that moment, a voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Brother Nantian, your timely intervention today, I will remember it in my heart, and I will repay it in the future." Dai Yao expressed his gratitude to the surrounding civilian soul masters, then turned to Ye Nantian with a thankful smile.

For Ye Nantian to intervene on his behalf was already a great favor. But this was ultimately a matter between him and Dai Yaming; he had to stand up and handle it himself.

Seeing Dai Yaming's darkened expression, Dai Yao showed no intention of backing down, and the conflict between them seemed irreconcilable. "Your Highness, things have escalated to this point, and it doesn't look good," he said. "This is a matter between the two of us. There's no need for others to interfere."

Dai Yaming glanced around at the tense situation, feeling some trouble, but he didn't show it. He still maintained his dignified composure and spoke calmly, "What do you want?"

"Ten days from now, a duel to settle this once and for all. How about it?" Dai Yao's voice rang with resolve.

His enemies weren't only the second prince, but also the even more dangerous first prince. But the current situation didn't allow him to keep enduring. He had to remove Dai Yaming as a stumbling block.

Ye Nantian furrowed his brow, feeling that Dai Yao was underestimating the situation.

The reason Dai Yao had beaten the Fatty was due to the unexpected dark energy. Ye Nantian could see through the dark energy, but with Dai Yaming's experience, he wouldn't fall for it.

Moreover, Dai Yaming had not only reached level 29 of his soul power, but he also possessed a soul bone, and his Beast Martial Soul was one of the best. He was, without a doubt, the strongest among the Grand Soul Masters.

And Dai Yaming already knew about Dai Yao's dark energy and would be prepared.

While Dai Yao's victory over Fatty was surprising, Ye Nantian saw no hope for him against Dai Yaming.

It wasn't just Ye Nantian; the other soul masters also thought Dai Yao was being reckless. Civilian soul masters, out of respect for Ye Nantian, didn't speak out, but many of the noble soul masters openly mocked him.

"Does he think defeating that foul-mouthed Fatty means he can defeat the second prince?"

"Such arrogance!" they scoffed.

Dai Yaming's expression remained calm as his eyes remained fixed on Dai Yao, a hint of concern in his heart.

He knew Dai Yao was asking for these ten days to obtain a soul ring. By then, he would have to face Dai Yao, now a Grand Soul Master.

After a long silence, Dai Yaming spoke slowly, "What if I refuse?"

Dai Yao sneered and taunted, "Weren't you the one who sent people to call for a duel every day? Now that I challenge you, are you too scared to accept?"

Dai Yaming could bear this challenge, but the noble soul masters around him could not.

A level-one soul master speaking so arrogantly before a Grand Soul Master was simply a slap in the face. Nobles cared deeply about their pride, and now they were all riled up.

Forming a faction has its pros and cons: while it allows for the gathering of many forces, it also means that the second prince's dignity wasn't just his own, but that of his faction as well.

If a soul master far stronger than Dai Yaming were to provoke him, choosing to ignore it would be understandable. But a weaker one challenging him—he had no choice but to respond.

He gritted his teeth, staring coldly at Dai Yao. "Fine! Ten days from now, we'll settle this."

...

After everyone left, Ye Nantian found Dai Yao.

"So, you're planning to obtain your second soul ring in these ten days?" Ye Nantian asked.

Dai Yao nodded.

Ye Nantian shook his head slightly and sighed. "Do you really think that after becoming a Grand Soul Master, you'll have a chance of winning? You're underestimating Dai Yaming."

"Even if you get your second soul ring, he's still seven or eight levels stronger than you. You have no advantage in soul power."

"Plus, he has a soul bone. From what I know, though his soul bone is only about three thousand years old, its soul skill is extremely powerful—almost more powerful than his second soul skill."

Ye Nantian's words sank Dai Yao's heart into despair.

No matter how he analyzed it, there seemed to be no chance of victory.

His only hope lay in his second soul ring.

In other words, his second soul ring had to surpass its limits, possibly even reaching over a thousand years old, to give him the boost he needed to bridge the gap.

Dai Yao felt bitter in his heart.

He then cupped his hands to Ye Nantian and said, "Thank you for your advice, Brother Nantian, but I still think I have a chance to win."

Ye Nantian was surprised to see Dai Yao so calm, unaffected by his words. He wondered, "This kid seems confident he can beat Dai Yaming. Could it be he has some secret move?"

"Well, since you're confident, I won't say more. I hope you succeed in your duel," Ye Nantian said, turning to leave.

As Dai Yao watched Ye Nantian walk away, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. If he succeeded in the future, he would surely repay Ye Nantian's kindness today.

As he walked through the forest, it didn't take long for him to return to his training area.

Zhu Zhuqing, who had been injured, had already been sent back by Feng Wutong.

Opening the door, two beautiful faces looked up at him.

Zhu Zhuqing, weakly lying on the bed, showed a joyful expression when she saw Dai Yao at the door.

Feng Wutong handed him some medicine and gestured with her chin. "Since you're back, take care of Zhuqing."

The door closed with a creak, and Dai Yao walked to the bed, holding Zhu Zhuqing's hand that lay outside the blanket. With a soft expression, he asked, "Feeling any better?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly.

Dai Yao, feeling guilty, said, "I'm sorry. If it weren't for me…"

A slender finger placed itself on his lips, silencing his words.

Zhu Zhuqing gently stroked his cheek, her usually cold face showing rare tenderness. "It's not your fault. This is our fate."

"Ten days from now, I will duel Dai Yaming. I will avenge you," Dai Yao promised solemnly.

Zhu Zhuqing's face immediately showed concern as she struggled to sit up. Her voice was anxious as she said, "You don't have to do this for me. Can the duel be canceled?"

"This is already known throughout the academy. It can't be canceled."

"Then let's run! We'll leave tonight," Zhu Zhuqing urged, trying to sit up and pack her things.

But Dai Yao stopped her, reassuring her, "Don't worry. I have a good chance of winning."

Seeing that Dai Yao was determined, Zhu Zhuqing stopped struggling. She lay back on the bed and softly said, "I believe you. Our fates are tied together. If you die, I won't live alone."

Dai Yao's heart trembled, and goosebumps rose all over his body.

What started as a way to keep Zhu Zhuqing by his side was now making him waver. Her sincere feelings were affecting him deeply, even making him reconsider his resolve to remain detached.

"No, I have to stay true to my path as a bad boy," he gritted his teeth, forcing himself not to succumb to her emotions.

Trying to divert his attention, he summoned a purple lotus flower in his hand.

Zhu Zhuqing immediately fixed her gaze on the lotus. She felt an intense longing emanating from it.

(End of Chapter)

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