The Big Cat

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Oscar spoke up for Dai Mubai, his voice filled with indignation. "This is so unfair. And that Zhu Zhuqing, she's no good at all. She abandoned you and ran off with Ning Tian. She's nothing but a vain, cowardly woman."

Ma Hongjun suddenly understood. "No wonder you flipped out when Ning Tian said he liked Zhu Zhuqing."

Dai Mubai smiled bitterly. "I've already turned 18, and Dai Weisi is six years older than me. In less than a year, I'll be forced to duel him and Zhu Zhuyun alone. This All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition was supposed to be a chance for me and that wretch Zhu Zhuqing, but..."

Oscar scoffed. "What's there to regret? Without Zhu Zhuqing, you've still got us. With the Third Brother here, can't we still beat the Star Luo Royal Academy?"

At this, Xiao Wu couldn't hold back any longer. She retorted sharply, "I've never heard of a eunuch becoming emperor."

Her words stunned the Shrek team. Then, realization dawned, and they covered their mouths, faces red, barely stifling laughter.

Of course! How could they forget? Dai Mubai was a eunuch, and a thoroughly castrated one at that. His chances of inheriting the throne were gone.

Dai Mubai, still reliant on Tang San's father for protection, didn't blame Xiao Wu. Instead, he shot the others a fierce glare before turning to Tang San. "Third Brother, from now on, my life is in your and Uncle Tang's hands. Wherever you tell me to go, I'll go."

Tang San extended his right hand, looking at Dai Mubai with a faint smile. "We're comrades and brothers. I won't let anything happen to you. From now on, you can train with me and Xiao Wu. No one will be able to harm you."

"Alright." Dai Mubai nodded heavily and placed his hand on Tang San's.

"Third Brother, count me in too."

Next was Oscar, who placed his right hand on Dai Mubai's. The three of them shared what they thought was a heroic smile.

Then they looked at Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu?"

Whether it was an illusion or not, Xiao Wu seemed even more beautiful than a few days ago. Her skin glowed, and she exuded a mature aura she hadn't had before.

But Xiao Wu ignored them completely.

Tang San assumed she didn't want to touch Dai Mubai and Oscar's hands and didn't think much of it.

He turned to Ma Hongjun. "Fatty, what are your plans after the Soul Master Competition?"

This was tantamount to inviting Ma Hongjun to join them in training.

The fatty, worried about retaliation for bad mouthing Ning Tian, gritted his teeth and decided to go all in. He extended his chubby hand and agreed, "I... I'll train with you guys too."

Tang San smiled with satisfaction. The fatty's martial soul was of decent quality, and if they could solve his evil fire problem, he had great potential. Once he grew stronger, he'd be a valuable asset in destroying the Spirit Hall.

While Tang San was pleased with recruiting Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun as his underlings, an unexpected group arrived at the New Heaven Dou Battle Team's rest area.

Led by Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, it was the Star Luo Royal Academy team.

Dai Weisi was essentially an older version of Dai Mubai, minus the double pupils and with a bell-like accessory.

But Zhu Zhuyun deserved a proper introduction. She had a tall, voluptuous figure even more striking than Little Cat's, with smooth skin. Her every step caused her proud assets to bounce, as if she were carrying two landmines.

She immediately caught Ning Tian's attention, making him wish he could eliminate Dai Weisi.

Her gaze swept over Zhu Zhuqing, who was still holding Ning Tian's hand, and she frowned slightly. With a mocking tone, she said, "Zhuqing, I never thought you'd abandon Dai Mubai for someone else's arms, especially such a handsome young man. It seems you've given up. Well, with that irresponsible playboy, all he could offer you was disappointment and helplessness. But the ancestral rules can't be broken. After the competition, you should come back with me."

Faced with the provocation, Zhu Zhuqing didn't get angry. Instead, a rare, gentle smile appeared on her face. She glanced at Ning Tian and said, "Sister, I should thank you. Thank you for showing mercy time and time again. If not for that, I wouldn't have been able to leave the Star Luo Empire alive, nor would I have met Ning Tian."

Her words left Zhu Zhuyun stunned. She abandoned her usual harshness toward Zhu Zhuqing and looked at her and Ning Tian with a complicated expression. Hesitantly, she said, "Since you already know, why are you here? Wouldn't it be better to live a peaceful life in anonymity?"

Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly. "Some things need to be faced head-on."

At this moment, Ning Tian spoke up. "Sister-in-law, I should thank you too. If not for you, I wouldn't have met Zhuqing. And here's some good news: Dai Mubai has turned himself into a eunuch in the brothels. You don't have to worry about anyone competing with you anymore."

Dai Weisi was both shocked and delighted. "That playboy became a eunuch?"

Though he never saw Dai Mubai as a threat, he was still the only one who could challenge his claim to the Star Luo Empire's throne. Hearing that Dai Mubai had not only lost his fiancee but also become a eunuch filled him with joy.

Ning Tian replied calmly, "Almost every team from the Heaven Dou Empire knows about it."

Dai Weisi took a deep breath. "Kid, I suppose it's because you stole Zhuqing from him that he fell so low. Honestly, I should thank you. But Zhuqing is still a member of the Star Luo Empire, and this concerns the royal family's dignity. So, I advise you not to invite trouble. Otherwise, there will be no place for you on the Douluo Continent."

Ning Tian's gaze was steady. "You seem to have misunderstood two things. First, Dai Mubai ruined himself before Zhuqing and I got together. We only found out after we became a couple. His becoming a eunuch was purely due to his own excesses."

"Second, I'm a count of the Heaven Dou Empire and a sworn brother to the current crown prince. The Star Luo Empire alone can't cover the entire Douluo Continent."

Dai Weisi glared at Ning Tian in anger. "Do you really think the Heaven Dou Empire can protect you?"

Ning Tian straightened his back. "You're welcome to try. I would protect Zhu Zhuqing with my life if I have to."

As he spoke, everyone, including the New Heaven Dou Battle Team, looked at Ning Tian with newfound respect.

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