Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 28: Duel

"This is going to be tricky."

This training ground wasn't just a conflict between noble and commoner; it was tied to Feng Wutong's life itself. Taking it meant putting her very survival at risk.

But Dai Yao wasn't the type to sacrifice himself out of noble ideals. If he couldn't secure this simulated environment, he'd fail to achieve his intended level of training and ultimately lose his chance in the royal succession struggle. Faced with a choice where only one could survive, Dai Yao would always choose himself.

He knocked again.

The door opened, and Feng Wutong appeared, her face showing clear irritation. "It's you again? I said it's not for sale!"

As she started to close the door, Dai Yao held it open and stated, "I'm claiming this place, whether you agree or not. Other nobles might not be able to pressure you here at Xingluo Royal Academy, but as the empire's Fourth Prince, I can. The academy is fully under royal control. If you step out of line, I could have you expelled."

"And if that's not enough, I'll find your family. Should any 'unpleasantness' happen, don't say I didn't warn you."

Feng Wutong's face turned red with anger, her eyes filling with tears as she glared at him. Her lips moved, but no words came out.

Before such power, she had no choice.

Losing her place at the academy would be worse than giving up her training ground, and Dai Yao's second threat terrified her even more—he hadn't threatened her directly but had instead gone after her family.

Choosing between herself and her family was a dilemma she never wanted to face. Giving up this place would be her death sentence, yet holding onto it would mean putting her family in danger.

She forced a bitter smile, looking at this young prince, seeing how ruthless nobility could be even at such a young age. Yet, as she looked at him more closely, a spark of realization crossed her mind.

Dai Yao was shorter and younger than her. If she was only nine, he had to be younger and likely just starting as a soul master, perhaps with a single soul ring.

Her eyes gleamed with a plan.

"How about we settle this in a soul master's way? If you can defeat me, I'll hand over this training ground," she proposed.

Dai Yao's excitement grew. Apart from his battle with Dai Mubai, he hadn't faced any other soul masters yet, and now someone was offering him a challenge—one he gladly accepted. He was curious to test his skills.

Dai Mubai was among the top soul masters, and luck played a large part in Dai Yao's victory over him. But fighting someone like Feng Wutong, a commoner with a standard level of power, would give him a clearer sense of his abilities.

If she wanted to settle it in a duel, pressing her further would make him look weak. Besides, he could sense Zhu Zhuqing's silent disapproval when he had threatened her.

"What's the matter—afraid?" Feng Wutong taunted.

Dai Yao smiled faintly. "Fine. Let's do it."

Zhang Xiaofan hurried over to Dai Yao, worried. "Your Highness, Feng Wutong is a thirteenth-level soul master. You've only just gained your first soul ring. Perhaps it's best to reconsider."

"Don't worry. If I lose, it's because I lack skill—it won't be your fault," Dai Yao reassured him.

The two of them made their way to a clearing by the pool, a perfect spot for a duel.

Feng Wutong shed her previously aggrieved look as she readied herself, her fiery red hair blazing with confidence. "Come on, then! I've always wanted to see the White Tiger Spirit of the Xingluo Royal Family up close."

Facing a powerful opponent was every soul master's dream.

"Spirit: Activate!"

As soon as she spoke, a flame-colored aura engulfed Feng Wutong, and her red hair ignited, lifting her into the air. Her arms transformed into wings, feathers sprouting, and a fine layer of down coated her cheeks. A faint yellow soul ring surrounded her as she hovered, ready for battle.

"Feng Wutong, Spirit: Blazing Firebird, Level Thirteen Soul Master. Let's see what you've got!"

Her spirit was a variant of her family's Firebird Spirit, although it wasn't as powerful as some of the rarest spirits. Even so, it was above average in strength.

Though Zhu Zhuqing had heard of Dai Yao's victory over the much stronger Dai Mubai, she hadn't seen it herself. As she watched him prepare for another fight, she found herself intrigued.

Dai Yao stood ready, calm and focused.

"Spirit: Activate!"

A burst of white light enveloped him, and a powerful aura surged around him. Feng Wutong and Zhang Xiaofan both felt a wave of pressure bearing down on them.

"This is the White Tiger Spirit?" Feng Wutong whispered, awestruck. "So powerful. But even so, I won't back down. I need this training ground more than you."

Zhang Xiaofan, on the other hand, couldn't handle the pressure. His own spirit was directly suppressed by the White Tiger, and he stumbled back, fear etched on his face.

When the light faded, Dai Yao's form reappeared.

"Dai Yao, Spirit: White Tiger, Level Eleven Soul Master. Please, show me what you've got." He bowed slightly in respect.

Feng Wutong felt a thrill of hope upon hearing his level. A two-level advantage could make a huge difference if she played her cards right.

But that dark yellow soul ring around Dai Yao made her uneasy.

To soul masters like Feng Wutong, a hundred-year soul ring was already an impressive feat, but Dai Yao's yellow ring was so deep in color it had likely reached the soul ring's upper limit.

"So this is what it's like for nobles," she thought bitterly. "They have people to help them get the best soul rings without even trying. I had to fight tooth and nail for my hundred-year ring, but he got that one effortlessly."

The unfairness of it all gnawed at her.

Little did she know the hardship and pain Dai Yao had endured to earn his soul ring.

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.